Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Remote Sensing Analysis Of Hydrological Functionality Of Playa Wetlands Using Landsat Tm/Etm+ Data, Benjamin F. Grover

Master's Theses

A playa wetland’s ability to retain moisture and water has the greatest influence on the ecological and hydrological functionality of the playa. In this project, Landsat TM/ETM+ satellite imagery was analyzed to determine whether it could be used to detect hydrological functionality of playa wetlands based on their temporal ability to retain soil moisture and water. The project consisted of a ground truth study in which soil moisture, water content, and vegetation data was gathered from the area and related to the satellite imagery pixel values. With this data, a maximum likelihood classifier was created using the mean pixel values …