Airborne LiDAR and Terrestrial Laser Scanning Derived Vegetation Obstruction Factors for Visibility Models

Research presented here explores the feasibility of leveraging vegetation data derived from airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) for visibility modeling. Using LiDAR and TLS datasets of a lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) dominant ecosystem, tree canopy and trunk obstructions were isolated relevant to a discrete visibility beam in a short‐range line‐of‐sight model. Cumulative obstruction factors from vegetation were compared with reference visibility values from digital photographs along sightline paths. LiDAR‐derived tree factors were augmented with single‐scan TLS data for obstruction prediction. Good correlation between datasets was found up to 10 m from the terrestrial scanner, but fine scale visibility modeling was problematic at longer distances. Analysis of correlation and regression results reveal the influence of obstruction shadowing inherent to discrete LiDAR and TLS, potentially limiting the feasibility of modeling visibility over large areas with similar technology. However, the results support the potential for TLS‐derived subcanopy metrics for augmenting large amounts of aerial LiDAR data to significantly improve models of forest structure. Subtle LiDAR processing improvements, including more accurate tree delineation through higher point density aerial data, combined with better vegetation quantification processes for TLS data, will advance the feasibility and accuracy of data integration.     

Can fly-ash extend bentonite binder for iron ore agglomeration?

There is great incentive to reduce bentonite use in iron ore pelletization by improving its effectiveness. In order to make bentonite more effective, it is necessary to understand the actual binding mechanisms so that they can be properly taken advantage of. Bentonite use could also be reduced by replacing bentonite with even lower-cost binders, such as high-carbon fly-ash based binder (FBB). While FBBs can be used alone as binders, it was considered possible that mixtures of FBB and bentonite could exhibit superior binding properties. In this study, it was found that bentonite bonds by a physical mechanism, while FBB bonds by a chemical mechanism. These mechanisms were determined to be incompatible. Mixtures of the two binders resulted in reduced dry magnetite concentrate pellet compressive strengths below the industrially acceptable value of 22 N (5 lbf). Activators and accelerators, which were necessary components of the FBB, deactivated the bentonite. The compatibilities and mechanisms of the two binders are explained in this paper. The classical theory of the binding mechanism of bentonite binder is challenged by the bentonite fiber mechanism that was recently identified by the authors.     

Improved visibility calculations with tree trunk obstruction modeling from aerial LiDAR

Viewshed and line-of-sight are spatial analysis functions used in applications ranging from urban design to archaeology to hydrology. Vegetation data, a difficult variable to effectively emulate in computer models, is typically omitted from visibility calculations or unrealistically simulated. In visibility analyzes performed on a small scale, where calculation distances are a few hundred meters or less, ineffective incorporation of vegetation can lead to significant modeling error. Using an aerial LiDAR (light detection and ranging) data set of a lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) dominant ecosystem in Idaho, USA, tree obstruction metrics were derived and integrated into a short-range visibility model. A total of 15 visibility plots were set at a micro-scale level, with visibility modeled to a maximum of 50 m from an observation point. Digital photographs of a 1 m² target set at 5 m increments along three sightline paths for each visibility plot were used to establish control visibility values. Trunk obstructions, derived from mean vegetation height LiDAR data and processed through a series of tree structure algorithms, were factored into visibility calculations and compared to reference data. Results indicate the model calculated using trunk obstructions with LiDAR demonstrated a mean error of 8.8% underestimation of target visibility, while alternative methods using mean vegetation height and bare-earth models have an underestimation of 65.7% and overestimation of 31.1%, respectively.     

The putative impacts of the non‐native seaweed Sargassum muticum on native communities in tidepools of Southern California and investigation into the feasibility of local eradication

The ecological impacts of introduced seaweeds have been relatively understudied. Current research suggests that seaweed invasions often result in alterations of native marine communities and disruptions of normal ecosystem functioning, but the effects on native communities can vary among invasive seaweed species, among habitats and over small and large spatial scales. In this study, the impacts of Sargassum muticum, a non‐native brown alga introduced into southern California, USA, several decades ago, were examined by comparing community structure in rocky inter‐tidal pools with and without the seaweed. Sargassum muticum appeared to have little impact on the native community despite measures revealing changes in the abiotic conditions of pools, with S. muticum presence reducing light penetration and ameliorating pool temperature changes during low tides. In other regions and habitat types, S. muticum presence often, but not consistently, resulted in declines in macrophyte diversity and/or abundance and increases in faunal assemblages. The lack of effects of S. muticum in this study, combined with variable impacts by S. muticum and other invasive seaweeds worldwide, suggests that predicting the effects of introduced seaweeds is problematic and warrants further research. Regardless of the effects on native communities, there is often a desire to eradicate or control the spread of non‐native seaweeds. In this study, localized S. muticum eradication attempts, including manipulations of a native canopy and herbivorous urchins, proved unsuccessful as full recovery occurred in ~9 months. While eradication efforts conducted worldwide have resulted in mixed success, there is a trend that early detection and rapid response can increase success, highlighting a need for systematic monitoring and establishment of regional rapid response plans.