Geopolitical Implications of Critical Mineral Mining in the Lithium Triangle
Introduction
Background and Relevance
The Lithium Triangle sits in the Andean Plateau region of Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia. 60% of the world’s known lithium reserves are contained within a subterranean brine found beneath the regions high-altitude salt flats, known as salars.
The current energy transition has increased the market demand for lithium, which is the primary component of lithium-ion batteries, used in most electronic devices and in notably large quantities in electric vehicle batteries.
Ground Truth Under Fire: Evaluating Backpack SLAM LiDAR for Under-Canopy Topography and Military Trafficability
Handheld SLAM LiDAR enables organic terrain collection in GPS-denied environments. This study compares SLAM-derived DEMs against UAS airborne ground truth at two sites to evaluate accuracy and asses whether the magnitude of the error is acceptable for vehicle trafficability planning.
The Impacts of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid on Army Installations
Introduction
Threat
The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (Adelges tsugae, HWA) is an invasive insect native to East Asia which is now spreading across the Northeast affecting training areas and forests on military installations. HWA kills Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) within 4-10 years, by feeding on the nutrients at the base of the needles during the winter (NYS DEC). The Eastern Hemlock is a foundational tree species in the northeast United States that plays a crucial ecological role in supporting wildlife habitats (Biological Control of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid 2024)
Assessing Forest Health Across U.S. Army Installations Using Sentinel-2 Imagery
Introduction
Preparing soldiers for combat is the responsibility of the leaders within our United States Army. This requires realistic training locations to best simulate what soldiers can expect to see in combat. Forests are the life blood of that realistic setting. Our Army needs realistic, thriving forests to best simulate the conditions soldiers may meet in austere, forward deployed environments