Watershed Models with Deep Learning

Unusual application of interest.

Deep learning improves stream discharge-based estimates of subsurface permeability, allowing scientists to create more accurate watershed models. Deep Learning Uses Stream Discharge to Estimate Watershed Subsurface Permeability

U.S. Department of Energy

September 26, 2022

Deep learning can calculate a watershed's subsurface permeability from stream discharge data more accurately than conventional methods. Scientists from the U.S. Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and Los Alamos National Laboratory taught deep neural networks (DNNs) to estimate subsurface permeability from stream discharge hydrographs. The researchers trained the DNNs to map relationships between soil and geologic layer permeabilities and simulated stream discharge acquired via an integrated surface-subsurface hydrologic watershed model; this returned more accurate permeability than inverse modeling. The networks then estimated the permeability of an actual watershed using observed stream discharge from the study site, accurately predicting stream flows. The enhanced parameter estimation promises to reduce uncertainty in predictive

Volcanic Tracking in an Open Air Lab

 Been monitoring global volcanic activity for some years.   Just loosely involved with monitoring the  La Palma volcanic event by looking at tracking data for current understanding and future predictions.   

Island Becomes Open-Air Lab for Tech-Savvy Volcanologists

Associated Press,  Aritz Parra; Emilio Morenatti,  December 2, 2021

Volcanologists are using cutting-edge technologies to study a rare volcanic eruption on La Palma, one of Spain's Canary Islands. The European Union's Copernicus satellite program generates high-resolution imagery and maps of La Palma to monitor quake-induced deformations, supporting near-real-time tracking of lava flows and ash accumulation. Spanish research vessels are studying the eruption's effects on the marine ecosystem as lava extends beyond the coast. Meanwhile, the Canary Islands' Involcan volcanology institute provides daily reports to guide La Palma civil protection authorities' decisions on whether to evacuate or issue lockdowns amid rising toxic gas levels, based on analyzing terabytes of data from automatic detectors at strategic sites, as well as samples collected in the field..... '

Full Overview/Article:   https://apnews.com/article/science-technology-business-africa-europe-8ff1918a898e8e0f32759b367ad58103

Building 3D Earth Models: Updated

For those with interest in the recent eruptions in Iceland and with interest  in Photogrammetry 3D models of the earth, here is a 3D model of the eruptions.   Still under development. First is a simplified Youtube Demo, then a more complete system.  We had done similar and simplified models at the time with forestry asset and access views.  Want to know how your physical geographic assets can be tracked?   These constructed with aircraft captured data.  Would like to see how this could be built and maintained by LIDAR.   This overall is a good intro to what can be done.   More to follow if there is interest.   

https://youtu.be/BBDhtWyjwxw

And here is the complete model by the Icelandic Institute of Natural History:   

https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/geldingadalir-volcanic-eruption-18042021-439e33653b8142e3b7039d15c2d8bae2

3D models of the eruption site at Geldingadalir created by the photogrammetry department of the Icelandic Institute of Natural History. The photographs are taken from an aircraft and processed in Agisoft Metashape. The models are developed in collaboration with the Civil Protection and Emergency Management of Iceland, The National Land Survey of Iceland and the University of Iceland. ....

Data acquired by Birgir Vilhelm Óskarsson,     Model generated by Nils Gies

Micrometeorites are Falling

Now for something completely different, from studies of mine long ago.   Did you know that there is a near continuous shower of space dust falling down on us?  Tiny cosmic meteorites.  And there are simple means of gathering some of these?  We used analytic methods to determine their nature and type.  Some of my earliest ML-style efforts.   Saw this repeated in a recent documentary:  Fireball by Werner Herzog.  Here supporting information.  The first more technical, the second a paywalled but more accessible NYT article.

https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/gsa/geology/article/45/2/119/195213/An-urban-collection-of-modern-day-large

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/10/science/space-dust-on-earth.html 

Beware of Giant Underwater Volcanoes and Seismic Hums

The planet is alive.

Geologists Discover Largest Underwater Volcano, Explain Weird Hum Heard Around the World   By Laura Geggel in Livescience

A strange seismic event off the coast of Africa has led scientists to a mighty finding: the discovery of the largest underwater volcanic eruption ever recorded.

The eruption also may explain a weird seismic event recorded in November 2018 just off the island of Mayotte, located between Madagascar and Mozambique in the Indian Ocean. Researchers described that event as a seismic hum that circled the world, but no one could figure out what sparked it. .... "