Changes between Version 85 and Version 86 of Status


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Timestamp:
Oct 15, 2015, 1:37:41 PM (8 years ago)
Author:
gaew
Comment:

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  • Status

    v85 v86  
    55Please contact Dr Gary Llewellyn (Science / operations coordinator) if you have any questions or concerns: gaew@nerc.ac.uk (01452 859945 or 07919 697851)
    66
    7 == ARSF Sit Rep 07.05.15 ==
     7== Sit Rep 29.09.15 ==
     8''On Sunday (27.09.15) we commenced support of HYMOSENS2. This EUFAR funded project is focused on the collection (and analysis) of hyperspectral data from rivers in the Ain / Rhȏne-Alps region (Eastern France). With much consultation with the research team in the field, after several delays due to French air traffic control, instrument problems and persistent cloud over the site (which led to one aborted survey) a two and a half hour survey was flown. However, only part of the area was covered (16 of 30 lines), the river water levels were unusually high and the later part of the survey was outside the desired two hours after solar noon. This later issue was relevant as the project required high quality spectral data and the flying altitude was very low which reduces the strength of the signal from the imaging spectrometers. Nevertheless, discussions with the research team identified a solution which was enacted a couple of days later (on the 29.05.15).''
     9
     10''On Monday good conditions in the Alps allowed support of ISOTHERM. This three and a half hour survey sought to collect data from several sites in the Alps surrounding Mont Blanc. The first site, Mer de Glace, was very turbulent but eventually all nine flight lines were collected. The flight crew discussed their concerns but evaluated the conditions to be borderline but definitely safe but collected the last line later in the flight, after the level of turbulence had lessened. The next site (Aiguilles Rouge was covered in cloud but were able to collect twelve lines of data from a third site (Argentiere) before cloud needing to refuel. Another five lines were collected after refuelling but by then cloud was beginning to claim the cover the sky and this survey was concluded after two hours. LiDAR, Fenix and digital photography were collected.''
     11 
     12''Today (29.05.15) we were able to return to allowed the HYMOSENS2 site and collected twenty three lines (including two repeats and a cross line) of LiDAR, Fenix (VNIR & SWIR), Owl (LWIR – not covered in the EUFAR agreement) and digital photography in two and a half hours of flying all within two hours of solar noon. These data were collected at just over 2300ft so a high illumination was essential to preserve the already low signal available from the altitude.''
     13 
     14''Tomorrow we plan to relocate to Toulouse but will check the Alps on route with a view of collecting more data from that area if conditions allow.''
     15
     16== Sit Rep 26.09.15 ==
     17''On Wednesday (23.09.15) we transited to Palma in preparation of supporting Med2hyCon, a EUFAR2 funded project in Mallorca. We arrived in Mallorca before the airport became busy over the weekend to improve our chances of access to the air space for aerial surveying. Unfortunately cloud cover prevented data collection on the 24.09.15 and had been present on preceding days. However, these conditions improved on Friday (25.09.15) and we were able to conduct a three and a half hour survey at two altitudes in a part of the island away from the main airport traffic under good conditions. These data included 27 flight lines of Fenix (VNIR & SWIR) data, LiDAR data & digital photography. These data will be used to investigate sediment movement, debris stability and vegetation health in this river catchment.''
     18
     19
     20''Our pilots tried to obtain permission from local air traffic control for access to some requested study areas close to the main arrival and departure tracks into Palma airport and had another attempt this morning (Saturday, 26.09.15). However, because the Mallorca airspace that serves Palma airport is very busy (handling more than 700 aircraft a day), permission to fly within the restricted areas has not been granted. Therefore we have re-deployed to Lyon in anticipation of supporting HYMOSENS2 tomorrow (Sunday, 27.09.15) and ISOTHERM the day after (Monday, 28.09.15) should the forecasted weather remain favourable. If conditions do not prove to be suitable we are poised to remain in Lyon for a few days to take advantage of any opportunities that should present themselves. However, once our work in the Lyon area (HYMOSEN2) are and the Swiss Alps (ISOTHERM) is complete we will proceed to Toulouse for support of the final project in this EUFAR2 campaign (AHSPECT).''
     21
     22== Sit Rep 07.05.15 ==
    823'' Following the replacement of the nose-wheel tires solved the problem and we were able to collect data from the EUFAR Holuhraun site late on the 4th of September. Cloud prevented completion of this project. However, on the following day (05.09.15) we returned and collected VNIR, SWIR and LWIR hyperspectral data (Fenix and Owl), LiDAR and digital photography. This completed this project. On the return flight we were able to collect LiDAR data on from three of the remaining four flight lines from the Hekla site.''
    924
    1025''The weather prospects for the following days (06.09.15) were very poor and we laid plans to depart to the UK but conscious of the changeable nature of the Icelandic weather we were able to delay and when conditions contrary to the forecast emerged at the study site were able to fully support both areas of interest with all instruments. Consequently data were collected in support of all the projects and the team (and aircraft) returned to Cambridge today (07.09.15). The return flight was approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes with a fuel stop at Prestwick part way.''
    1126
    12 == ARSF Sit rep 04.09.15 ==
     27== Sit rep 04.09.15 ==
    1328''On the Sunday (30.08.15) we were able to conduct a 2 hour survey over Hekla but the conditions were not good and the following day (31.08.15) the weather conditions did not allow any data to be collected. However, on Tuesday the 1st of September conditions improved. We conducted a 5 and a half hour survey over Hekla from early morning until early afternoon. Despite the Owl’s thermal calibration failing and heavy rain in parts the survey over this site is now substantively complete. The LiDAR coverage is good and we will endeavor to complete the last four lines if the weather and time allow. Flight data possibilities have been discussed fully with the PI and survey objectives have been matched to available weather opportunities.'' 
    1429
     
    1732''Unfortunately a problem with the aircraft became evident during take-off and landings. Minor investigations were made between the flights but these did not solve the problem which was judged potentially serious enough to require an engineer to attend to replace the nose-wheel tires. These were ordered from the UK, arrived yesterday (03.09.15) and should be fitted this morning. If this solves the problem we hope to return to Holuraun this afternoon (04.09.15). Nevertheless, the break in operations has been matched with bad weather over all our study sites but did allow us to property download and back-up data and allowed the Hekla field team to view the aircraft and instruments yesterday afternoon.''
    1833 
    19 == ARSF Sit rep 29.08.15 ==
     34== Sit rep 29.08.15 ==
    2035''After a series of delays, partially due to poor weather in Iceland, the aircraft deployed to Reykjavik on Thursday the 27th of August. This was to support an EAA Rannis grant for airborne data from Hekla and two EUFAR funded projects. Immediately prior to departure a BBSRC grant (to study ash die back) was supported but two other grant funded projects were not supported due to persistent bad weather in the UK but we hope to do so once we return from Iceland.
    2136Yesterday (28.08.15) we able to conduct our in-county preparations and today (29.08.15) we managed two surveys over Hekla with a combined flight time of almost 7 hours during which we completed approximately half the project (28 of 54 flight lines) including the challenging top of Hekla than is normally covered in cloud. LiDAR, digital photography, Fenix (VNIR and SWIR) data were collected as well as selected areas of Owl (LWIR).''