HR: 1330h
AN: OS52B-0912    [PDF]
TI: A Remote Sensing - GIS Based Approach to Monitor Morphodynamics of the Alaskan Arctic Coasts
AU: * Prakash, A
EM: prakash@gi.alaska.edu
AF: Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 903 Koykuk Dr., Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320 United States
AU: Kelley, J J
EM: ffjjk@uaf.edu
AF: Institute of Marine Science, University of Alaska Fairbanks, P.O. Box 7220, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7220 United States
AU: Naidu, S A
EM: ffsan@uaf.edu
AF: Institute of Marine Science, University of Alaska Fairbanks, P.O. Box 7220, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7220 United States
AU: Gens, R
EM: rgens@asf.alaska.edu
AF: Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 903 Koykuk Dr., Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320 United States
AB: The Alaskan Arctic coast is a dynamic region undergoing continuous spatial and temporal changes in morphology and sediment distribution. There is a complex interplay of natural processes, anthropogenic activities resulting in changes in morphology. Coastal erosion is particularly intense (1-10 m/year) due to thermoerosion, occasional storms and ice action. Understanding Arctic coastal processes is critical for effective environmental management. Considering the variable and unpredictable physical and climatic conditions, poor accessibility, high fieldwork costs in the Arctic, a remote sensing - GIS based approach to monitor the coast is envisioned as a feasible, cost effective and perhaps the only long-term viable strategy. For monitoring Arctic coastal processes, we review the potential use, capabilities and limitations of several operational satellite sensors such as AVHRR, SeaWiFS, SAR, MODIS, LANDSAT, ASTER and IKONOS, which have different spatial and temporal resolutions. The relevance of hyperspectral data is discussed. The value of using SAR imagery for studying ice cover and its influence on the Arctic coast is established. The importance of using high spatial resolution aerial photographs in conjunction with high spectral resolution satellite imagery is demonstrated via a pixel-based fusion product. We also propose the architecture of a Geographic Information System (GIS) for monitoring the Arctic coast. The architecture allows for the GIS to operate on two spatial scales (a) Small scale covering the entire Arctic coast and (b) Large scale allowing a `zoom in' on specific sites of interest. Data input comprises of remote sensing data, field observations and ancillary information on geology, geomorphology, bathymetry, and weather information. An open database structure allows for incorporating input on remote sensing data, processes and modeling results in the metadatabase. The architecture has a linkage with pre-existing models, such that our models are open for refinement and can be run using dynamic data exchange calls.
DE: 4275 Remote sensing and electromagnetic processes (0689)
DE: 4546 Nearshore processes
DE: 4558 Sediment transport
DE: 9315 Arctic region
SC: Ocean Sciences [OS]
MN: 2003 Fall Meeting