FOSS4GNA 2023 | Open Science in NPS Monitoring White Sands with Pangeo+Landsat - Mark Isley

Summary:

- Mark Isley, a data manager and physical scientist, discusses the use of open science and open data in monitoring environmental conditions at White Sands National Park.

- The park is known for its unique geological features, including the largest gypsum dunefield in the world.

- Open data from Landsat and open tools from the Pangeo project have been instrumental in their monitoring efforts.

- Dust storms and erosion pose challenges to the park, impacting visitor experience and exposing fossil trackways.

- Remote sensing imagery, specifically using the near infrared and shortwave infrared bands, is used to assess the stability and integrity of the dunefield.

- Data analysis techniques, such as masking, edge detection, and watershed segmentation, are employed to separate the dunefield from the surrounding desert and analyze variations in soil moisture over time.

Highlights:

- 🏜️ Open science and open data are key in monitoring environmental conditions at White Sands National Park.

- 🌪️ Dust storms and erosion pose challenges to the park's ecosystem and visitor experience.

- 📸 Remote sensing imagery and data analysis techniques help assess the stability and integrity of the dunefield.