| This dissertation presents the techniques developed, and the results obtained, from a study of a sequence of infrared images of Kilauea volcano, Hawaii. These data were acquired over the period of July 1991 to March 1994 at different spatial and spectral resolutions in the SWIR, MWIR, and thermal-IR.;Chapter 2 explores the techniques of SWIR sub-pixel thermal modeling of two Landsat TM scenes of the active flow field. Activity intensity and spatial distribution is measurably different in each scene. The total excess radiative energy budget indicates that the overall activity was unchanged. There is evidence that total flux is correlated with mass eruption rate, and flux density with emplacement chronology.;Chapter 3 presents the results from a nighttime airborne MWIR imaging spectrometer flight over Kilauea. A new dual-background atmospheric correction technique is developed and applied to these data. Multiple component radiative models are refined and fitting algorithms developed requiring no prior assumptions of model temperatures. There is also evidence of a sequence of cooling lava flows of different emplacement times. Subtle thermal features are easily mapped and characterized, but dynamic range constraints limit elevated radiant flux determinations.;Imaging spectrometer data collected with the SMIFTS instrument over Kilauea in the SWIR/MWIR under environmental conditions (day-time, low altitude, high spatial resolution, no surface flows and cessation of activity) unlike the other data sets is presented in Chapter 4. The only widespread hot area is the ocean entry point and associated littoral cones, built a few days before our flights. Over short measurement time scales (;Chapter 5 is a summary of the principal findings in terms of remote sensing methodologies and volcanologic implications. Model assumptions depend significantly on environmental and target conditions. Characterization of the thermal setting is critical to interpretation of these data. Nighttime data permit the use of shorter wavelengths, extending the useful thermal range. The number of two component pixels associated with lava tubes give a relative measure of the maturity of the tube system, independent of flux density. Recommendations for additional experiments and a "new" instrument are proposed. |
