ID: 57501
Title: Spatio-temporal variability in remotely sensed land surface temperature, and its relationship with physiographic variables in the Russian Altay mountains
Author: R Van De Kerchove, S Lhermitte, S Veraverbeke, R Goossens
Editor: F D van der Meer
Year: 2012
Publisher: Elsevier, Vol 20, February 2013
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation
Keywords: Land surface temperature (LST), Fast Fourier transform (FFT), Russian Altay Mountains, Spatio-temporal variability, physiographic predictors
Abstract: Spatio-temporal variability in energy fluxes at the earth ' s surface implies spatial and temporal changes in observed land surface temperatures (LST). These fluxes are largely determined by variation in meteorological conditions, surface cover and soil characteristics. Consequently, a change in these parameters will be reflected in a different temporal LST behavior which can be observed by remotely sensed time series. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to perform a quantitative analysis on the parameters that determine this variability in LST to estimate the impact of changes in these parameters on the surface thermal regime. The study was conducted in the Russian Altay Mountains, an area characterized by strong gradients in meteorological conditions and surface cover. Spatio-temporal variability in LST was assessed by applying the fast Fourier transform (FFT) on 8 year of MODIS Aqua LST time series, herein considering both day and nighttime series as well as the diurnal difference. This FFT method was chosen as it allows to discriminate significant periodics, and as such enables distinction between short-term weather components, and strong, climate related, periodic patterns. A quantitative analysis was based on multiple linear regression models between the calculated, significant Fourier components (i.e. the annual and average component) and five physiographic variables representing the regional variability in meteorological conditions and surface cover. Physiographic predictors were elevation, potential solar insolation, topographic convergence, vegetation cover and snow cover duration. Results illustrated the strong inverse relationship between averaged daytime and diurnal difference LST and snow duration, with a R2adj of 0.85 and 0.60, respectively. On the other hand, noctural LST showed a strong connection with elevation and the amount of vegetation cover. Amplitudes of the annual harmonic experienced both for daytime and for nighttime LST similar trends with the set of physiographic variables - with stronger relationships at night. As such, topgraphic convergence was found to be the principal single predictor which demonstrated the importance of severe temperature inversions in the region. Furthermore, limited contribution of the physiographic predictors to the observed variation in the annual signal of the diurnal difference was retrieved, although a significant phase divergence was noticed between the majority of the study region and the perennial snowfields. Hence, this study gives valuable insights into the complexity of the spatio-temporal variability in LST, which can be uksed in future studies to estimate the ecosystems ' response on chaning climatic conditions.
Location: TE 12, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57500
Title: Limnological Research in Libya
Author: M A Khan
Editor: Prof Brij Gopal
Year: 2010
Publisher: National Institute of Ecology, vol 36, No 2-3, September 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Development, Libya, limnology, present status, scope
Abstract: Apparent lack of interest in research on limnological aspects in Libya has restricted the scope of its development. Such a situation results from the almost non-existence of natural freshwater bodies. The recent creation of some man-made lakes and the Great Artificial River, a project considered by many as extraordinary human innovation, with substantial financial investment should, however, stimulate enthusiam for limnological research. The scientifically-oriented technological and theoretical impetus, multi-disciplinary seminars, environmental awareness among populace, establishment of research -cum-training centres and adequate financial support, hitherto grossly ignored, are vital ingredients to promote the scope of limnology in Libya. Ecological monitoring of Libyan inland water gains paramount importance for short and long-term environmental implications.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57499
Title: Conserving biodiversity in protected area of biodiversity hotspot in India: A case study
Author: Sunil Nautiyal and Rama Rao Nidamanuri
Editor: Prof Brij Gopal
Year: 2010
Publisher: National Institute of Ecology, vol 36, No 2-3, September 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Biodiversity hotspots, indigenous people, socio-economy, Nagarahole National Park, Remote Sensing , GIS, vegetatin dynamics, landscape change
Abstract: The hotspots are the world ' s most biologically rich areas hence recognized as important ecosystems not important only for the rich biodiversity but equally important for the human survival as these as the homes for more than 20% of the world ' s population. Inida got recognition of one of the mega-diversity countries of world as the country is home of the two important biodiversity hotspots: the Himalaya in north and the Western Ghats in the southern peninsula. Policy makers and decision takers have recognized the importance of biodiversity (flora and fauna) and this has resulted to segregate (in the form of protected area) the rich and diverse landscape for biodiversity conservation. An approach which leads towards conservation of biological diversity is good efforts but such approaches should deal with humans equally who are residing in biodiversity hotspots since time immemorial. In this endeavor, a study was conducted in Nagarahole National Park of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, in Karnataka. Our empirical studies reveal that banning all the human activities in this ecosystem including agriculture, animal husbandary has produced the results opposite to the approach ' multiple values ' of national park. To monitor the impact, existing policies have been tested from a economic and ecological view-point. Unfortunately, the local livelihoods (most of them belongs to indigenous tribes) in the area have received setbacks due to the implementation of the policies, though unintentionally. However, the ecological perspective is also not showing support for the approach and framework of the current policies in the hotspots. Satellite data showed that the temporal pattern of ecosystem processes has been changing. An integrated approach for ecosystem conservation and strengthening local institutions for sustainable ecosystem management in such areas is therefore supported by this study.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57498
Title: Microbial population and some soil enzyme activities in iron and chromite mine spoil
Author: Monalisa Rath, C S K Mishra and R C Mohanty
Editor: Prof Brij Gopal
Year: 2010
Publisher: National Institute of Ecology, vol 36, No 2-3, September 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Mine spoil, iron, chromite, bacteria, fungi, soil enzyme
Abstract: Open cast mining of iron and chromite ore cause extensive damage to the soil subsystem in mining areas in the state of Orissa, India. Large-scale mining produces huge quantity of mine spoil which is dumped near the quarries. This paper reports significantly lower number (P<0.01) of bacterial and fungal colonies in iron and chromite mine spoil in comparison to un-mined soil in rainy, winter and summer seasons. Activities of important soil enzymes such as invertase, amylase and cellulase in mine spoil in both the mines were significantly lower (p<0.01) than those in un-mined soil. Soil enzyme activities indicated significant positive correlation with the number of bacterial and fungal colonies in both mined and un-mined soil during all the seasons of study. Bacterial count, fungal count and enzyme activities indicated significant positive correlation with percent organic carbon irrespective of soil types.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57497
Title: Hydrogeological data evaluation and solid waste management at Al-Akeeder landfill site, Jorden: Assessing pollution risks
Author: Abu Rukah Y, Marc A Rosen and Habes Ghrefat
Editor: Prof Brij Gopal
Year: 2010
Publisher: National Institute of Ecology, vol 36, No 2-3, September 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Al-akeeder Landfill site, risk index, groundwater system, vulnerability
Abstract: Large quantities of waste from urban, municipal and industrial sectors are generated worldwide and disposed of in landfill sites. This can cause significant problems for groundwater as contamination can occur by infiltration recharge. The present research addresses a concern through an assessment of the pollution risk to the aquifer system at the Al-Akeeder site based on hydrogeological data and solid waste management. We consider the following risk elements: potential rates of waste input, leachate collection system, type of refuse, physical state of the refuse and its water content, monitoring system, disposal criteria and final cover. The environmental compatibility is estimated by applying an integrated method based on the depth of the water, which is the depth of the piezometric level relative to the ground surface (the SINTACS rating relative to this parameter decreases with increasing depth), the effective infiltration, the unsaturated zone attenuation capacity, the soil attenuation capacity, the hydrological characteristics of the aquifer system, the hydraulic conductivity range of the aquifer, and the hydrologic role of the topographic surface average slope. The intrinsic vulnerability of the aquifer system within and around the study area is at a medium level. We suggest remediation measures to overcome the risks in the study area.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57496
Title: Tree growth, biomass and productivity of wheat under five promising clones of Populus deltoides in Agrisilviculture system
Author: Alka Mishra, S L Swamy, S S Bargali and A K Singh
Editor: Prof Brij Gopal
Year: 2010
Publisher: National Institute of Ecology, vol 36, No 2-3, September 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Competition, poplar, root-shoot ratio, short rotation plantation, soil nutrients
Abstract: Variations in growth and above- and below-ground biomass of five promising clones (G3, G48, 65/27, D121 adn S7C1) of Populus deltoides and their effect on productivity of wheat under agrisilviculture system were evaluated. Monoclonal plantations were established in a randomized block design with three replications. Diameter at breast height (dbh) and tree height were consistently higher in clone 65/27 and lowest in clone S7C1. Total biomass varied from 48.5 to 62.2 Mg ha-1 in 6-year old clones; it followed the orde 65/27 >D121>G48>G3>S7C1. Stem wood accounted for 60.4 - 68.9% of total biomass, followed by coarse roots (12.2 - 18.9%), brachnes (12.3-15%), leaves (3.02-6.9%) and fine roots (1.5-2.7%). Grain yield of wheat was highest (3.66 Mg ha-1) in sole crop and decreased by 15-30.3% under different clones. The straw yield also showed similar trend. The reduction of grain and straw yield of wheat in clones was in order: S7C1 < G3<D121< 65/27 < G48. Available N, P and K in the soil improved significantly after 6 years of poplar planting. N was highest under clone S7C1 adn lowest under clone G48, while P was lowest under clone 65/27 and higher under clone G3. K was higher in clone S7C1 and lower in clone 65/27. At 0-20 cm depth, N increased from 14.9 to 24.1%, P from 17.2 to 23.3% and K from 3.1 to 5.1% under different clones after 6 years of planning.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57495
Title: Population dynamics of Schima wallichii in an undisturbed vs a disturbed tropical forest stand of North-east India
Author: U K Sahoo and Lalfakawma
Editor: Prof Brij Gopal
Year: 2010
Publisher: National Institute of Ecology, vol 36, No 2-3, September 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Dispersal, fate of seed population, seed production, seedling recruitment, Schima wallichii
Abstract: Seed production, dispersal, fate of seeds, seedling recruitment, mortality and growth behavior of Schima wallichi (DC) Korth. Choicy were investigated during 2004-05 in an undisturbed and a disturbed tropica forest stand of North-East India. Five fruiting trees, each with different diameter at breast height, growing 100 m apart, were selected and concentric circles of 2.5 m radial increments were marked in both stands to study production, fate of seed population and seedling recruitment. Significant (P<0.01) differences were observed in mean seed yield per year between the stands and dbh class. More seeds disappeared during post-seed-fall period than during seed-fall period. Germination was lowest in the innermost circle as distance had remarkable effect (P<0.01). Seedling recruitment and relative shoot growth were higher (P<0.05) in the disturbed than the undisturbed stand in the first year. Controlled disturbance could be a favourable management tool for increased recruitment, survival and growth of Schima wallichi seedlings.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57494
Title: Biomass and net primary production in an Imperata grassland of Barak valley, Assam, Northeast India
Author: Ashim Das Astapati and Ashesh Kumar Das
Editor: Prof Brij Gopal
Year: 2010
Publisher: National Institute of Ecology, vol 36, No 2-3, September 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Burning, Imperata cylindrica, Rhizome biomass, Belowground biomass, belowground net production
Abstract: Present study was undertaken to estimate the seasonal variations in biomass, primary productivity and dry matter transfer in a successional grassland dominated by Imperata cylindrica at Dargakona, Barak Valley, northeast India. Monthly changes in live shoot biomass exhibited a uni-modal growth pattern during the study period. Live shoots biomass during September - October was: 606.96 to 840.88 g m-2 in burnt plot; 853.75 to 511.94 g m-2 in unburnt plot. Use of fire as grassland management tool stimulated significant accumulation of belowground biomass; found as maximum in burnt plots (1368.44 g m-2). Annual aboveground net production ranged from 653.26 to 877.96 g m-2 in burnt plot and 527.12 to 936.08 g m-2 in unburnt plot. The belowground net production was: 973.79 to 1326.65 g m-2 (burnt plot) and 764.47 to 981.34 g m-2 (unburnt plot). A greater accumulation of belowground biomass and faster recycling through decomposition was found as an adaptation to maintain the grassland ecosystem. The grassland system showed net accumulation of surplus dry matter as total organic matter input into the system was greater than the total output. Imperata grassland was found to be seral in nature, which is maintained under the indigenous management system of farming community.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57493
Title: Patterns and causes of predator - Human conflict in and around Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh, Northeastern India
Author: Surendra Varma, Ambika Aiyadurai, Narendra Babu and Vivek Menon
Editor: Prof Brij Gopal
Year: 2010
Publisher: National Institute of Ecology, vol 36, No 2-3, September 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Mithun, Carnivore-Human Conflict, Depredation, prey-predator interaction, Mitigation
Abstract: Mithun (Bos gaurus frontalis), a semi-domestic bovid is reported to be depredated regularly by predators particular the wild dogs (Cuon alpinus) and the villagers retaliate by killing the predators. The survey focused on the overall patterns and causes of the predator-human conflict. The result showed that the region has more predators (56%) than preys (44%). The encounter rate (3.43 km-1) and freqeuncy of occurrence of mithun signs (65%) were high compared to encounter rate (0.19 km-1) and frequency of occurrence (4%) of natural preys. Low encounter rates of wild prey or the lack of optimal prey species and the relatively high encounter rates of free ranging livestock were the causes for the conflict. The loss of mithun has a severe effect on the local community ' s (Nyishi) economy, culture and sentiments as it plays an integral role in their culture and tradition.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57492
Title: Land-use and landscape pattern changes in Holeta-Berga Watershed, Ethiopia
Author: Melakneh Gelet, K V Suryabhagavan and M Balakrishnan
Editor: Prof Brij Gopal
Year: 2010
Publisher: National Institute of Ecology, vol 36, No 2-3, September 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Land-cover changes, Forest degradation risk, GIS, landscape disturbance index, Remote Sensing, Spatio-temporal landscape modification
Abstract: A study on the land-use/land-cover pattern changes, spatio-temporal landscape modification, forest degradation risk and landscape disturbance index was made around the Holeta-Berga watershed in Ethiopia. The dynamics and pattern of changes for a period of 33 years (1973-2006) were analysed using GIS and Remote Sensing techniques. The total area of built-up and crop land increased from 4382.7 ha (4.35%) to 12198.02 (12.3%) and from 33144.3 ha (32.93%) to 62916.02 ha (62.51%), respectively, during this period. On the other hand, the extent of forest cover decreased at the rate fo 546.32 ha yr-1 from 22549.6 ha (22.4%) to 4521 ha (4.49%) and the extent of grassland decreased from 37416.5 ha ( 37. 17%) to 17437.2 ha (17.33%) during the same period. The landscape of the study area showed tranformation on composition. The mean patch size index of forest cover and grassland decreased from 10 ha to 1.11 ha and 17.4 ha to 0.87 ha, respectively. In relation to this, the landscape configuration change indicators such as the interpersion-juxtapostion index increased in crop land from 65.16% to 83.58% and decreased in grassland from 57.685 to 34.74%. Shape complexity of the study site also increased in each of the types of land-use/land-cover classes in terms of area weighted mean fractal dimension, except grassland. It is revealed that an extent of 981.05 ha of the study area is under high degradation risk and 8378.58 ha is under medium to high disturbance scales. Most of the land-use/land-cover conversions and landscape pattern changes are the results of unscientifically planned resource utilization and management programmes. It is important to understand the spatio-temporal changes of the landscape pattern and land-use/land-cover changes to implement reliable and sustainable land-use and development programmes.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57491
Title: Some aspects of soil and forest litter ecology in the Heron Wood reserved (Scotland)
Author: V Krivtsov, S J J Walker, R Watling, A Garside and H J Staines
Editor: Prof Brij Gopal
Year: 2010
Publisher: National Institute of Ecology, vol 36, No 2-3, September 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Fungi, Forest, soil, Leaf litter, Beech, Birch, grass, indirect effects statistical modelling
Abstract: Here we present the results of the monitoring data collected in 8 sampling plots (with different dominant vegetation - beech, birch, and a clearance covered by grass, mainly Holcus lanatus) in the Heron Wood reserve (Scotland) over an autumn period, characterised by intensive fungal fruiting. The data were analysed using Scheffe analysis of contrast, and ANOVA with Tukey ' s posthoc test, to infer differences in the overall ecosystems functioning attributable to the vegetation cover. The results suggest certain differences in the ecological functionig of beech-dominated and birch-dominated habitats. The correct understanding of the site-specific peculiarities of the ecologicla patterns is important for the improvement of biodiversity of woodland and forest ecosystems both in Scotland and worldwide.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57490
Title: Positional accuracy analysis of satellite imagery by circular statistics
Author: A Cuartero, A M Felicisimo, M E Polo, and P G Rodriguez
Editor: Russell G Congalton
Year: 2010
Publisher: ASPRS, Vol 76, No 11, November 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing
Keywords: Independent Check Lines (ICL), Independent Check Points (ICP)
Abstract: The proposed method in this paper uses circular statistics for the analysis of errors in the positional accuracy of geometric corrections satellite images using Independent Check Lines (ICL) instead of Independent Check Points (ICP). Circular statistics has been preferred because of the vectorial nature of the spatial error. A study case has been presented and discussed in detail. From the TERRA - ASTER images of Extremadura area (Spain), the Ground Control Point (GCP), ICP, and ICL data were acquired using differential GPS through field survey, and the planimetric positional accuracy was analyzed by both the conventional method (using ICP) and the proposed method (using ICL). Comparing conventional and proposed methods, the results indicated that modulus statistics are similar (e.g, RMSE of Geometric Correction 1 were 17.5 for the conventional method and 17.2 m for proposed method). But as additional results, azimuthal component statistics was calculated (e.g., mean directrion: 247.20 in Geometric Correction 1), and several tests were made which showed the error distribution are not uniform and normal.
Location: TE 12, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57489
Title: Off-nadir viewing for reducing spectral mixture issues in citrus orchards
Author: Jan Stuckens, Ben Somers, Gene L Albrigo, Sebinasi Dzikiti, Willem W Verstraeten, Rony Swennen, Stephan Verreyne and Poi Coppin
Editor: Russell G Congalton
Year: 2010
Publisher: ASPRS, Vol 76, No 11, November 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing
Keywords: orchards, canopy, soil, weeds
Abstract: A modeling approach to determine optimal viewing angles that reduce the impact of signal mixtures in orchards was evaluated on citrus. Orchards statistics from high-resolution images in Florids and Western Cape province (South Africa) citrus producing areas show that pixel unmixing between adjacent fields can be avoided for pixel sizes below 10 to 15 m, while within fields mixing (canopy, soil and weeds) is inevitable with multi- and hyperspectral sensors. A virtual 3D environment was constructed in which off-nadir pointing simulations wre made for different field orientations. Spectral similarity based contribution indices were derived to find overflight times and viewing angles that reduce the impact of seasonality, soil and weeds. Although no single optimal view direction was found for all scenarios, optimal results in mature orchards were consistently obtained by early acquisitions and low oblique viewing perpendicular to or at a 450 angle with the raw orientation, opposite to the solar azimuth.
Location: TE 12, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57488
Title: Detection thresholds for rare, spectrally unique targets within semiarid rangelands
Author: Keith T Weber and Fang Chen
Editor: Russell G Congalton
Year: 2010
Publisher: ASPRS, Vol 76, No 11, November 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing
Keywords: QuickBird, Error matrices, Kappa Index of Agreement
Abstract: Many factors influence classification accuracy, and this study assessed detection thresholds for various sub-pixel targets using QuickBird multispectral imagery. Six iterations of maximum-likelihood classification were used to determine classification accuracy for 100 spectrally unique targets randomly placed over a semiarid rangeland site. Error matrices were calculated using independent validation sites and producer ' s. User ' s and overall accuracy, Kappa Index of Agreement, and transformed divergence were analyzed to compare the performance of each classification and determine detection thresholds. Results indicate a strong relationship between target size and classification accuracy (R2 = 0.94) as well as an increasingly prominent role played by training site selection as target size decreased. Strong spectral separability and good classification accuracies were achieved for targets >25 percent cover. Sub-pixel targets <25 percent in size were not detectable. This study highlights the effect of target size upon classification accuracy and has direct implications for invasive plant research and rare target detection.
Location: TE 12, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57487
Title: Improved subspace classification method for multispectral remote sensing image classification
Author: Hasi Bagan and Yoshiki Yamagata
Editor: Russell G Congalton
Year: 2010
Publisher: ASPRS, Vol 76, No 11, November 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing
Keywords: modified subspace classification method (MSCM), ASTER, support vector machine (SVM), maximum likelihood classification (MLC)
Abstract: This paper proposes a modified subspace classification method (MSCM) that integrates an extended multiple similarity method with the averaged learning subspace method to achieve improved land-cover classification performance. Furthermore, we developed an automatic parameter selection and optimization technique for MSCM to avoid time-consuming, laborious manual parameter tuning. Only three parameters need to be set, and their optimal values are easily determined by the automatic procedure. We carried out expierments with data of two multispectral images:Landsat TM Data for a semi-arid area in the Horquin sandy land, China, and ASTER data for the Kasumigaura Lake region, Japan, a high humidity, warm temperature zone. Accuracy assessment of the MSCM results in comparison with those of the support vector machine (SVM) and maximum likelihood classification (MLC) methods showed that the MSCM yielded better classification results. Therefore, the proposed MSCM shos promise as a tool for land-cover classification.
Location: TE 12, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None