Publication Notices

Notifications of New Publications Released by ERDC

Contact Us

      

  

    866.362.3732

   601.634.2355

 

ERDC Library Catalog

Not finding what you are looking for? Search the ERDC Library Catalog

  • User Guidelines on Catchment Hydrological Modeling with Soil Thermal Dynamics in Gridded Surface Subsurface Hydrologic Analysis (GSSHA)

    Abstract: Climate warming is expected to degrade permafrost in many regions of the world. Degradation of permafrost has the potential to affect soil thermal, hydrological, and vegetation regimes. Projections of long-term effects of climate warming on high latitude ecosystems require a coupled representation of soil thermal state and hydrological dynamics. Such a coupled framework was developed to explicitly simulate the soil moisture effects of soil thermal conductivity and heat capacity and its effects on hydrological response. In the coupled framework, the Geophysical Institute Permafrost Laboratory (GIPL) model is coupled with the Gridded Surface Subsurface Hydrologic Analysis (GSSHA) model. The new permafrost heat transfer in GSSHA is computed with the GIPL scheme that simulates soil temperature dynamics and the depth of seasonal freezing and thawing by numerically solving a one-dimensional quasilinear heat equation with phase change. All the GIPL input and output parameters and the state variables are set up to be consistent with the GSSHA input-output format and grid distribution data input requirements. Test-case simulated results showed that freezing temperatures reduced soil storage capacity, thereby producing higher peak and lower base flow. The report details the functions and format of required input variables and cards, as a guideline, in GSSHA hydrothermal analysis of frozen soils in permafrost active areas.
  • Building Elevation in Mangrove Communities: Use of Regional Sediment Management to Increase Coastal Wetland Resilience to Sea-Level Rise

    Abstract: This Regional Sediment Management technical report outlines initial steps to implement a proof-of-concept physical model to develop demonstration scale evidence that supports managed wetland transgression through sediment augmentation via a thin-layer placement strategy. The proof-of-concept physical model will evaluate the ability of thin-layer placement to increase elevation and enhance recruitment within coastal scrub mangrove wetlands most vulnerable to sea-level rise. The investigation sought to identify feasible project locations, sediment sources that included beneficial use of dredged material opportunities, and environmentally acceptable construction techniques. Results of this initial step will be used to secure funding to permit, construct, implement, and monitor the proof-of-concept physical model. The results of this initiative will inform and direct management measure development for the ongoing Biscayne Bay Southeastern Everglades Restoration Project, the only coastal component of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan and the only component with an obligation to increase habitat resilience. Results are applicable to areas throughout the Gulf, Atlantic, and Pacific Coasts of the United States where direct preservation, enhancement, and restoration of mangrove and other coastal wetland communities will build coastal resiliency, reduce storm hazards damage, and create habitat for a variety of fish and wildlife species, particularly as sea levels rise.
  • The Madness behind the Method: Showing the Human Side of Developing a World-Class Institution

    Abstract: The 2022–2023 Leadership Development Program 2 (LDP2) team from the Information Technology Laboratory (ITL) created this document to explore the human side of ITL’s history through the viewpoints of former influential figures at the lab. These individuals played a crucial role in elevating the lab to its current prominent position. The dynamic nature of the document allows continuous addition of such stories, providing future generations with insight into the unwavering commitment of the pioneers who established ITL’s esteemed legacy. Each nar-rative sheds light on different aspects of the lab, including its people, diversity, and excellence. The document serves as both a tribute to the lab’s achievements and a wellspring of inspiration for aspiring leaders, showcasing the profound impact of dedication and teamwork. By cele-brating these stories, we are able to learn from those who came before us and cultivate an enhanced vision for the future.
  • Environmental DNA Sampling for At-Risk and Invasive Species Management on Military Ranges: Guidelines and Protocols for Installation Biologists and Land Managers

    Abstract: Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, or the detection of trace DNA shed by organisms into their environment, has the potential to transform Army capabilities for threatened and endangered species (TES) and invasive species management by providing a rapid, noninvasive, and cost-effective option for monitoring wildlife. Despite these benefits, eDNA analysis is underutilized on military installations as limited access to guidance materials, protocols, training opportunities, and support from eDNA scientists makes it difficult for installation biologists and military land managers to design and execute eDNA surveys, let alone identify management questions that may benefit from eDNA monitoring. Therefore, the aim of this resource is to increase awareness of the benefits and limitations of eDNA monitoring and provide eDNA study design guidelines and field sampling protocols for nonexperts to make this tool more accessible to installation biologists and land managers and help facilitate the adoption of eDNA-based approaches for wildlife management on military ranges.
  • Application of Limited-Field-Data Methods in Reservoir Volume Estimation: A Case Study

    Abstract: The conventional approach to estimating lake or reservoir water volumes hinges on field data collection; however, volume estimation methods are available that use little or no field data. Two such methods—the simplified V-A-h (volume-area-height) and the power function—were applied to a set of six anthropogenic reservoirs on the Fort Jackson, South Carolina, installation and checked against a validation data set. Additionally, seven interpolation methods were compared for differences in total volume estimation based on sonar data collected at each reservoir. The simplified V-A-h method overestimated reservoir volume more than each technique in the power function method, and the categorical technique underestimated the most reservoir volumes of all three techniques. Each method demonstrates high Vₑᵣᵣ variability among reservoirs, and Vₑᵣᵣ for the Power Function techniques applied here is consistent with that found in previous research in that it is near or less than 30%. Compared with Vₑᵣᵣ in other studies evaluating the simplified V-A-h method, Vₑᵣᵣ in this study was found to be 10%–20% higher.
  • Computationally Efficient Modeling of Lightweight Expeditionary Airfield Surfacing Systems at Large Length Scales

    Abstract: Expeditionary airfield matting systems are lightweight, portable surfaces that enable the rapid deployment of infrastructure to support aircraft operations. Individual matting components are assembled via interlocking joints to construct arrays that serve as temporary aircraft operating surfaces. The paper outlines the homogenization of the AM2 portable airfield matting system and its interlocking mechanisms to permit computationally efficient analyses toward understanding mechanisms that influence the global behavior of these arrays and underlying subgrade during aircraft maneuvers. An equivalent orthotropic two-dimensional continuum was developed from finite element analysis of a detailed three-dimensional model and its flexural behavior was validated against experimental data and solid finite element models. Interlocking joints were characterized using node-to-node connector elements based on subscale finite element studies. Both components were implemented into a full-scale model representative of a typical test section, and responses to static high tire pressure aircraft loads were analyzed over a soil foundation representing a California bearing ratio of 6%, yielding promising agreement with experimental data. Results of this study reveal an inherent coupling between load transfer, mat deflection, and near-surface subgrade stress with dependence on tire location, mat core shear flexibility, and joint stiffness.
  • Analysis of Vegetation as Terrain: The “How” and “Why” of US Army Doctrine

    Abstract: There is a significant knowledge gap for Army doctrine concerning civilian research scientists. A relatively small number of soldiers make the transition from warfighter to research and development at the basic and applied levels. That number is even less when considering former warfighters that have applied Army doctrine in an operational or advanced Army schooling environment. This special report is intended to focus solely on the Army’s current capabilities and doctrinally defined processes to analyze vegetation as an essential component of the natural terrain. The objective of this report is to review current Army doctrine related to analysis of the vegetated terrain; to explore currently leveraged tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs); and identify valuable geospatial resources as they apply to military planning. For ease to readers unfamiliar with US Army doctrine, much of the referenced material is directly presented herein as tables and figures throughout the document and appendices (e.g., data sources, product examples, and glossary).
  • Waterway Engineering Applications of Automatic Identification System Data along the Mississippi River and at Lock Structures

    Abstract: The USACE, St. Louis District, is responsible for maintaining navigation channels along with multiple lock and dam structures on the Mississippi River, a vital inland waterway that carries millions of tons of commodities every year. Understanding commercial vessel traffic patterns is fundamental to informing decisions about construction projects and to efforts to improve communication to mariners. Automatic Identification System (AIS) data provides time-stamped and geo-referenced vessel position reports for most commercial vessels operating in the District’s area of interest. This paper describes how AIS data has been successfully used by St. Louis District waterway managers to (1) prevent conflicts with the navigation industry by revealing active fleeting areas that were under consideration for the construction of river training structures; and (2) identify changes in vessel approaches to a lock structure under different river flow conditions, providing operational information that could be used in future navigation alerts to mariners. This paper concludes with a list of suggested best practices for waterways managers who want to start, or expand, their use of AIS data.
  • Hurdles to Beneficial Use of Dredged Material: Root Cause Analysis

    Purpose: This technical note (TN) summarizes high points of an internal review of US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) dredging and dredged material management practices, specifically beneficial use of dredged material (BUDM), that USACE manages from various navigation channels and ports around the nation.
  • Ecological Model to Evaluate Borrow Areas in the Lower Mississippi River

    Abstract: An aquatic analysis of constructing borrow areas adjacent to the main line levees in the Lower Mississippi River was conducted as part of an Environmental Impact Statement for upgrading the levee system. A Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) regression model based on field collections was developed to predict fish species richness as a function of the morphometry and water quality of borrow areas. The HSI score was multiplied by acres of borrow areas created during construction to obtain habitat units (HUs) for each alternative indicating a substantial gain of fishery habitat in the floodplain. Environmental features identified by the model to increase fish species richness and overall habitat heterogeneity include the shape of the pit (e.g., bowl-shaped with deep water rather than long rectangular with shallower water), the availability of littoral areas for fish spawning and rearing, using best management practices such as tree screens and bank stabilization to lower turbidity, adding islands, and creating sinuous shorelines. The project results in an overall gain in aquatic habitat by creating permanent or semi-permanent water bodies on the floodplain that our research indicates may be occupied by at least 75 species of fish contributing to the overall biodiversity of the lower Mississippi River.