Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #94554

Title: REMOTE SENSING APPLICATIONS TO RANGELANDS HEALTH AND AGRICULTURAL WATER SUPPLIES IN A CHANGING ENVIRONMENT

Author
item Rango, Albert

Submitted to: Proceedings of Conference on Land Satellite Information in the Next Decade
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/15/1998
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: None.

Technical Abstract: Remote sensing approaches have been used in both rangeland monitoring and snowpack monitoring for agricultural applications. In the rangeland applications, a variety of mutispectral remote sensors at various levels of observation have been used including ground, airborne, and satellite based instruments. This developmental work has been an integral part of large area remote sensing experiments with the objective being to come up with methods for assessing rangeland health as well as detecting patterns of rangeland vegetation change in response to atmospheric driving forces as well as management effects. The snowpack monitoring has reached the operational stage using visible satellite data. Snowmelt runoff models with remote sensing inputs can be used to forecast the water supply for irrigated agriculture as well as evaluate the future potential effects of climate change. Thus far, it is apparent that the changing climate will affect the amount, tinning, and patterns of snowmelt runoff so that irrigation management practices may change significantly. Funds may be required for new construction and repair of water supply reservoirs, diversion structures, and distribution systems.