Author: digigod

Managed retreat – Wikipedia (Planned Retreat)

digigod

Tollesbury Managed Realignment site in Essex, the first large scale attempt at salt marsh restoration in the UK

In the context of coastal erosion, managed retreat (also managed realignment) allows an area that was not previously exposed to flooding by the sea to become flooded by removing coastal protection. This process is usually in low-lying estuarine areas and almost always involves flooding of land that has at some point in the past been claimed from the sea.

In the UK, managed retreat is often a response to sea level rise exacerbated by local subsidence of the land surface due to post-glacial isostatic rebound in the north.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Managed_retreat

Managed retreat of coastal communities: understanding responses to projected sea level rise: Journal of Environmental Planning and Management: Vol 55, No 4

digigod

Managed retreat of coastal communities: understanding responses to projected sea level rise

Managed retreat – the relocation of homes and infrastructure under threat from coastal flooding – is one of the few policy options available for coastal communities facing long-term risks from accelerated sea level rise. At present, little is known about how the Australian public perceives policy options to mitigate sea level rise risks. This paper explores a range of different decision-making criteria used to assess a managed retreat scheme. A metatheoretical social functionalist framework is used to make sense of personal concerns elicited from an online survey asking respondents to consider a managed retreat scheme. The framework proposes that people can act intuitively as scientists, economists, politicians, prosecutors and theologians, when considering a complex topic such as managed retreat policy. The research found that the survey respondents are more likely to consider the topic of managed retreat from multiple functional perspectives than from a single functional perspective. The type of social functionalist frameworks that people used to assess the Conditional Occupancy Rights scheme was found to be influenced by their perceptions of sea level rise risk. The findings have implications for public debates about the long-term risks of sea level rise and for engaging with the community about managed retreat policy options.

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09640568.2011.604193

Adaptation planning for sea level rise: a study of US coastal cities: Journal of Environmental Planning and Management: Vol 60, No 2

digigod

Adaptation planning for sea level rise: a study of US coastal cities

Sea level rise (SLR) is expected, even without greenhouse gas emissions. As SLR is inevitable, adapting to its impacts has received increasing attention, and local governments are the key actors in this emerging agenda. This study indicates that adaptation planning for SLR should be integrated into two local major planning mechanisms in the United States: the local comprehensive plans and hazard mitigation plans. By evaluating 36 plans from 15 US coastal cities that are considered at high risk and vulnerable to rising sea levels, the results demonstrate that SLR is widely identified, but the overall quality of the plans to address it requires significant improvement. A detailed table of selected plans’ characteristics is also provided as a lens on how localities tackle this challenging issue. The paper concludes with planning suggestions for coastal communities to better adapt to SLR.

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09640568.2016.1151771?src=recsys&journalCode=cjep20

Can California coastal managers plan for sea-level rise in a cost-effective way?: Journal of Environmental Planning and Management: Vol 59, No 1

digigod
Planned Retreat:  Can California coastal managers plan for sea-level rise in 
 
a cost-effective way?: Journal of Environmental Planning and Management: 
 
Vol 59, No 1

Los Angeles’s Venice Beach could lose $450 million in tourism revenue by 2100 with a 1.4 m SLR scenario while San Francisco’s Ocean Beach would lose $80 million, but the impacts to structures could total nearly $560 million at Ocean Beach compared to $50 million at Venice Beach.

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09640568.2014.985291?src=recsys&journalCode=cjep20

SCHRIEVER Air Force – Global Positioning System (GPS). . .

digigod

https://www.schriever.af.mil/GPS/

GPS at Schriever

 The Global Positioning System is the world’s only global utility.
GPS IIR (image courtesy of Lockheed-Martin) Operated by the dedicated men and women of the 2nd Space Operations Squadron at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado, GPS is also the world’s largest military satellite constellation. The 2nd SOPS has three missions: global navigation, time transfer and nuclear detection. Uses of GPS include precise timing for financial transactions, search and rescue, communications, farming, recreation and both military and commercial aviation.

GPS Operations Center

The Global Positioning System Operations Center provides a single center of excellence for user support and GPS constellation operations. The GPSOC, located at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado, provides Department of Defense and allied GPS users worldwide with anomaly reports and other information 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Military users who need to request information or report an anomaly or outage may contact the GPSOC using the phone number or e-mail address provided in the contact information below. Non-military users should contact the U.S. Coast Guard’s Navigation Center at 703-313-5900.

Basics of GPS

 

Mission

The Global Positioning System is a constellation of orbiting satellites that provides navigation data to military and civilian users all over the world. The system is operated and controlled by the 50th Space Wing, located at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo.

Features

GPS satellites orbit the earth every 12 hours, emitting continuous navigation signals. With the proper equipment, users can receive these signals to calculate time, location and velocity. The signals are so accurate, time can be figured to within a millionth of a second, velocity within a fraction of a mile per hour and location to within 100 feet. Receivers have been developed for use in spacecraft, aircraft, ships and land vehicles, precision munitions, as well as for hand carrying.

GPS provides 24-hour navigation services including:
· Extremely accurate, three-dimensional location information (latitude, longitude and altitude), velocity (speed and direction) and precise time
· A worldwide common grid that is easily converted to any local grid
· Passive all-weather operations
· Continuous real-time information
· Support to an unlimited number of users and areas
· Support to civilian users at a slightly less accurate level than cryptographically keyed users

The GPS constellation is designed and operated as a 24-satellite system, consisting of six orbital planes, with a minimum of four satellites per plane.

The Evolved Expendable Launch vehicle is used to launch GPS satellites from Cape Canaveral Air Station, Fla., into nearly 11,000-mile circular orbits. While circling the earth, the systems transmit signals on two different L-band frequencies. Their design life is 10 years for Block IIR/M (but many are lasting longer), 12 years for Block IIF, and 15 years for Block III.

Read more “SCHRIEVER Air Force – Global Positioning System (GPS). . .”

GPS a Weapon – Targeting People and More: Global Positioning System > Air Force Space Command > Display

digigod

https://www.afspc.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1012634/global-positioning-system/

Global Positioning System

Mission

The Global Positioning System is a constellation of orbiting satellites that provides navigation data to military and civilian users all over the world. The system is operated and controlled by the 50th Space Wing, located at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo.

Features

GPS satellites orbit the earth every 12 hours, emitting continuous navigation signals. With the proper equipment, users can receive these signals to calculate time, location and velocity. The signals are so accurate, time can be figured to within a millionth of a second, velocity within a fraction of a mile per hour and location to within 100 feet. Receivers have been developed for use in spacecraft, aircraft, ships and land vehicles, precision munitions, as well as for hand carrying.

GPS provides 24-hour navigation services including:
· Extremely accurate, three-dimensional location information (latitude, longitude and altitude), velocity (speed and direction) and precise time
· A worldwide common grid that is easily converted to any local grid
· Passive all-weather operations
· Continuous real-time information
· Support to an unlimited number of users and areas
· Support to civilian users at a slightly less accurate level than cryptographically keyed users

The GPS constellation is designed and operated as a 24-satellite system, consisting of six orbital planes, with a minimum of four satellites per plane.

The Evolved Expendable Launch vehicle is used to launch GPS satellites from Cape Canaveral Air Station, Fla., into nearly 11,000-mile circular orbits. While circling the earth, the systems transmit signals on two different L-band frequencies. Their design life is 10 years for Block IIR/M (but many are lasting longer), 12 years for Block IIF, and 15 years for Block III.

Background

The GPS Master Control Station, operated by the 50th Space Wing’s 2nd Space Operations Squadron (SOPS) at Schriever, is responsible for monitoring and controlling the GPS satellite constellation. The GPS-dedicated ground system consists of six USAF dedicated monitor stations and four dedicated ground antennas located around the world. The monitor stations use GPS receivers to passively track the navigation signals on all satellites. In 2007, GPS added 10 more shared monitor stations (part of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency — NGA network of monitor stations) increasing the overall accuracy of the system to all users. Information from the monitor stations is processed at the master control station and used to update the satellites’ navigation messages.

The master control station crew sends updated navigation information to GPS satellites through ground antennas using an S-band signal. The ground antennas are also used to transmit commands to satellites and to receive state-of-health data (telemetry).

The GPS Program Office is working to enhance many of the capabilities provided by the current satellites and user equipment. In April, 2014 the pre-operational broadcast of navigation messages began for additional civil signals (L2C and L5). Additionally, the next generation of GPS will provide increased signal accuracy and reliability, improved anti-jam capabilities, and a fully operational military code capability.  Applications such as mapping, aerial refueling and rendezvous, geodetic surveys, and search and rescue operations will benefit from these enhancements.

GPS capabilities were put to the test during the United States’ involvement in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Allied troops relied heavily on GPS to navigate the featureless Arabian Desert. During operations Enduring Freedom, Noble Eagle and Iraqi Freedom, GPS contributions increased significantly. During OIF, the GPS satellite constellation allowed the delivery of 5,500 GPS-guided Joint Direct Attack Munitions with pinpoint precision (to about 10 feet) and with minimal collateral damage. This was almost one-fourth of the total 29,199 bombs and missiles coalition forces released against Iraqi targets. GPS continues to fill a crucial role in air, ground and sea operations guiding countless service members and equipment to ensure they are on time and on target.

Air Force Space Command’s Space and Missile Systems Center at Los Angeles AFB, Calif., acts as the executive agent for the Department of Defense lead for acquiring GPS satellites and user equipment.

General Characteristics

Primary Function: Positioning, navigation, timing and velocity information worldwide
Primary Contractors: Block II/IIA, Rockwell International (Boeing North American); Block IIR, Lockheed Martin; Block IIR-M, Lockheed Martin; Block IIF, Boeing North American; Block III vehicles 1-10, Lockheed Martin
Power Plant: Block IIR/M solar panels generate 1040 watts; Block IIF panels generate 2450 watts; panels on Block III vehicles 1-10 generate 4,480 watts
Weight: Block IIR/M, 4,480 pounds (2,217 kilograms); Block IIF, 3,758 pounds (1,705 kilograms); Block III vehicles 1-10, 5,003 pounds (2,269 kilograms)
Height: Block IIR/M, 70 inches (1.7 meters); Block IIF, 98 inches (2.4 meters); Block III, 134 inches (3.4 meters)
Width: (includes wingspan) Block IIR/M, 449 inches (11.4 meters); Block IIF, approximately 116 feet (35.5 meters); Block III vehicles 1-10, 538 inches (13.7 meters)
Design life: Block IIR/M 7.5 years; Block IIF, 12 years; Block III, 15 years
Date of First Launch: 1978
Launch vehicle:  EELV and independent commercial providers
Date Constellation Operational: April 1995 (at full operational capacity)

Navigation Information Service
The U.S. Coast Guard operates and maintains the Navigation Information Service for civilian GPS users. It can be reached at 703-313-5900, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Point of Contact: Air Force Space Command, Public Affairs Office; 150 Vandenberg, Suite 1105; Peterson AFB, Colo. 80914-4500;
DSN 692-3731 or (719) 554-3731 (Current as of November 2016)

 

 

 

 

ROTHSCHILD: Adaptation to Climate Change: A Review of Challenges and Tradeoffs in Six Areas: Journal of the American Planning Association: Vol 76, No 4

digigod

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01944363.2010.502047?src=recsys&journalCode=rjpa20

Adaptation to Climate Change

Problem: Even if significant reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions are achieved, some amount of climate change appears to be inevitable. Local, regional, state, and federal planning and regulation should begin to address how to adapt to these changes.

Purpose: This article presents a policy synthesis of adaptation planning issues, using California as a case study. We examine the institutional and regulatory challenges and tradeoffs that climate change poses in six particularly vulnerable areas: water resources, electricity, coastal resources, air quality, public health, and ecosystem resources. We discuss obstacles to adaptation planning and successes overcoming these barriers, and suggest how planning can incorporate adaptation.

Methods: This article presents a policy synthesis of adaptation planning issues, drawing on our recent research on California’s experience and related literature. We summarize the results of six studies that draw on quantitative and qualitative information gathered through surveys, interviews, and literature review.

Results and conclusions: Planners should use forward-looking climate data that include higher water and air temperatures, sea-level rise, and increased numbers of extreme events like heat waves, floods, and wildfires when making decisions about future development, infrastructure investments, open-space protection, and disaster preparedness. Climate change will exacerbate conflicts between goals for economic development, habitat protection, and public safety, requiring stronger interagency coordination and new laws and regulations.

Takeaway for practice: Local and regional planners can help society adapt to a changing climate by using the best available science, deciding on goals and early actions, locating relevant partners, identifying and eliminating regulatory barriers, and encouraging the introduction of new state mandates and guidelines.

Research support: Partial support for this research was provided by Pacific Gas and Electric, The Nature Conservancy, and Next 10.

 

Harnessing Ocean Wave Energy to Generate Electricity – Grantee Research Project – US EPA (to Reduce Greenhouse gas Emissions)

digigod
EXCERPT:  
 
Harnessing wave energy can substantially reduce humanities emissions and harmful environmental impact. 
 
Wave energy is the only clean renewable that can reliably, realistically, and economically replace all current fuel 
 
sources used by the people of this planet. Our research balances many elements of people, prosperity, and the 
 
planet. Our WEHD will not require use of additional land resources to provide an emissions free energy source. 
 
All people will prosper from wave energy because it is globally available in sufficient quantity to power all human 
 
energy consumption for the foreseeable future. The project can reduce environmental impact beginning with the 
 
first commercial production model and grow toward a global shift in human energy use.

 

https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/index.cfm/fuseaction/display.highlight/abstract/8093/report/F

StingRay: Spy Devices Which Track Cellphones, Intercept Calls Found All Over D.C., Md., Va. – NBC4 Washington

digigod

https://www.nbcwashington.com/investigations/Potential-Spy-Devices-Which-Track-Cellphones-Intercept-Calls-Found-All-Over-DC-Md-Va-482970231.html

https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Potential-Spy-Devices-Which-Track-Phones-Found-All-Over-DMV_Washington-DC-483034021.html

Read more “StingRay: Spy Devices Which Track Cellphones, Intercept Calls Found All Over D.C., Md., Va. – NBC4 Washington”