Exploitation of Thermal Signals in Tidal Flat Environments

The overall goal is to identify and understand the physical processes that shape and change coastal environments. Emphasis is on the application of remotely sensed signals that can be compared with in situ observations and assimilated within predictive models. In tidal flat environments, the major goals are to detect geotechnical properties (e.g., sediment strength), morphologic features (e.g., channels), and related hydrodynamic events (e.g., plumes). OBJECTIVES The primary objective of these joint efforts is to develop thermal methods for improved monitoring and prediction of tidal flat environments. Specific objectives are to: • develop an integrated system for in situ and remote (infrared) measurements of thermal signals in the field, including airborne and fixed platforms, • test and apply the Lovell [1985] hypothesis for the porosity of sediment as a function of thermal conductivity (lead: Thomson), • refine methods to estimate inter-tidal bathymetry using sequential waterline detection (lead: Chickadel), and • explore inverse methods to optimize the assimilation of remote and in situ observations