Browsing by Subject "tropics"
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Item Anvil characteristics as seen by C-POL during the Tropical Warm Pool International Cloud Experiment (TWP-ICE)(Texas A&M University, 2007-04-25) Frederick, Kaycee LorettaThe Tropical Pacific Warm Pool International Cloud Experiment (TWP-ICE) took place in Darwin, Australia in early 2006. C-band radar data from this experiment were used to characterize tropical anvil areal coverage, height, and thickness during the month-long field campaign. The morphology, evolution, and longevity of the anvil were analyzed as well as the relationship of the anvil to the rest of the precipitating system. In addition, idealized in-cloud radiative heating profiles were created based on the anvil observations. The anvil was separated into mixed (i.e., echo base below 6 km) and ice only categories. The experiment areal average coverage for both types of anvil was between 4-5% of the radar grid. Ice anvil thickness averaged 2.8 km and mixed anvil thickness averaged 6.7 km. No consistent diurnal signal was seen in the anvil, implying that the life cycle of the parent convection was of first order importance in determining the anvil height, thickness, and area. Areal peaks show that mixed anvil typically formed out of the stratiform region. Peak production in ice anvil usually followed the mixed anvil peak by 1-3 hr. Anvil typically lasted 4-10 hr after the initial convective rain area peak. The TWP-ICE experienced three distinct regimes: the active monsoon, dry monsoon, and break periods. During the entire experiment (except the active monsoon period) there was a strong negative correlation between ice anvil thickness and ice anvil height, a strong positive correlation between ice anvil area and thickness, and a greater variance in ice anvil bottom than ice anvil top. Anvil produced during the active regime had the most dramatic in-cloud radiative response with a maximum cooling of 0.45???? K day-1 at 12 km, a maximum heating of 3???? K day-1 at 9 km, and a secondary maximum heating of 1.2???? K day-1 at 5 km.Item Application of Remote Sensing Technology and Ecological Modeling of Forest Carbon Stocks in Mt. Apo Natural Park, Philippines(2015-01-23) Leal, Ligaya RubasThis dissertation work explored the application of remote sensing technology for the assessment of forest carbon storage in Mt. Apo Natural Park. Biomass estimation is traditionally conducted using destructive sampling with high levels of uncertainty. A more accurate and non-destructive method for assessment of biomass level is imperative to characterize remaining forest cover. This research study aimed to: 1) examine the vegetation profile and estimate species-specific biomass of Mt. Apo Natural Park, 2) develop an algorithm to assess biomass in plot-level using a terrestrial lidar system (TLS), and 3) generate landscape-level biomass estimates using interferometric synthetic aperture radar (IFSAR). This research endeavors to provide answers to these questions: 1) how the 3 tropical allometries compare in estimating field collected species-level biomass and carbon stocks in three management zones?, 2) what are the significant terrestrial laser scanning-derived metrics to assess plot-level biomass?, and 3) to what degree of uncertainty can IFSAR estimate biomass at the landscape level? Field data was gathered from 1382 trees, covering 52 local species during fieldwork in July and August 2013. Twenty-six plots (30 m x 30 m) were sampled on three management zones: multiple use, strict protection and restoration. Local insurgency problems restricted the research team from sampling additional plots. Destructive sampling was not permitted inside the protected area, thus requiring biomass to be estimated via the use of referenced biomass from 3 allometric equations by relating tree height, diameter-at-breast height, and wood specificity volume. A vegetation profile across the park was generated using a canopy height map (CHM). Results showed that resampled IFSAR products can be used to characterize biomass and carbon storage at the landscape level. This research has demonstrated the adoption of IPCC?s Tier 2, a combination of field and remote sensing data in the assessment of available biomass levels in a tropical forest. The maps created can assist in providing information for biomass and carbon level in MANP for monitoring, reporting and verification in compliance with REDD requirements. Furthermore, this study can provide helpful information regarding policy implications for reforestation and afforestation activities. Results showed that resampled IFSAR products can be used to characterize biomass and carbon storage at the landscape level. This research has demonstrated the adoption of IPCC?s Tier 2, a combination of field and remote sensing data in the assessment of available biomass levels in a tropical forest. The maps created can assist in providing information for biomass and carbon level in MANP for monitoring, reporting and verification in compliance with REDD requirements. Furthermore, this study can provide helpful information regarding policy implications for reforestation and afforestation activities.