Remote Sensing

Total Perceptible Water (TPW) is an important parameter in climatology and weather forecasting and is directly related to any climate process. There are three approaches to estimate this parameter i.e. using radiosonde, using GPS and calculating from satellite images where the first two are localized and the last one can give an instant view of TPW in a vast region. The algorithm used for the TPW calculation from MODIS images is related to the ratio of the reflectance in a water vapor absorbing channel and the reflectance in a non-absorbing channel. Due to strong horizontal variation in the surface reflectance in non-absorbing channels, the retrieved TPW varies strongly from one pixel to its neighboring pixels while it is believed that the horizontal gradient of TPW is very weak. To solve this problem, a damping coefficient was added to the non-absorbing channel reflectance. It is found that this coefficient differs for different surface covers. The current work presents a procedure for calculating these coefficients. The results of a comparison between modified TPW and those extracted from GPS data showed a R 2 of 0.81 whilst this was about 0.67 for non-modified MODIS TPW.

This paper presents the results of a geoarchaeological study of the ancient hydraulic structures in the Bozpar Valley and an analysis of their relationship with the standing monuments, especially the two palatial structures known as Kushk-e Ardashir and Zendan-i Soleyman. It presents a raison d’être for each identified structure regarding its hydraulic function and physical integration within the monumental landscape. Then, it suggests an interpretative pattern in their spatial relation to the mentioned monumental structures. The study area is a small and remote valley in the Zagros highlands in southern Iran. It borders the modern provinces of Fars and Bushehr and is historically associated with the Greater Fars region. The monumental structures in this area belong to the Sasanian architectural tradition. Here, their integrated hydraulic structures are investigated interdisciplinary via remote sensing. The analysis indicates different functions for the two monuments: a representative and official kushk and a [seasonal] leisure palace. Based on the nature and function of the integrated hydraulic structures, the former monument seems to relate to food production activities and the latter to currently unidentified activities other than daily life. The results of this study provide further evidence of integrated hydraulic structures in Late Antique Iran and shall trigger comparative studies from neighbouring regions in the future.