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Title: Fatigue modeling of composite ocean current turbine blade.
Creator: Akram, Mohammad Wasim, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: The success of harnessing energy from ocean current will require a reliable structural design of turbine blade that is used for energy extraction. In this study we are particularly focusing on the fatigue life of a 3m length ocean current turbine blade. The blade consists of sandwich construction having polymeric foam as core, and carbon/epoxy as face sheet. Repetitive loads (Fatigue) on the blade have been formulated from the randomness of the ocean current associated with turbulence and...
Show moreThe success of harnessing energy from ocean current will require a reliable structural design of turbine blade that is used for energy extraction. In this study we are particularly focusing on the fatigue life of a 3m length ocean current turbine blade. The blade consists of sandwich construction having polymeric foam as core, and carbon/epoxy as face sheet. Repetitive loads (Fatigue) on the blade have been formulated from the randomness of the ocean current associated with turbulence and also from velocity shear. These varying forces will cause a cyclic variation of bending and shear stresses subjecting to the blade to fatigue. Rainflow Counting algorithm has been used to count the number of cycles within a specific mean and amplitude that will act on the blade from random loading data. Finite Element code ANSYS has been used to develop an S-N diagram with a frequency of 1 Hz and loading ratio 0.1 Number of specific load cycles from Rainflow Counting in conjunction with S-N diagram from ANSYS has been utilized to calculate fatigue damage up to 30 years by Palmgren-Miner's linear hypothesis.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2867332
Subject Headings: Turbines, Blades, Materials, Fatigue, Marine turbines, Mathematical models, Structural dynamics, Composite materials, Mathematical models, Sandwich construction, Fatigue
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Phosphorus limitation in reef macroalgae of South Florida.
Creator: Kehler, Courtney., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Center for Environmental Studies
Abstract/Description: Nitrogen (N) has traditionally been regarded as the primary limiting nutrient to algal growth in marine coastal waters, but recent studies suggest that phosphorus (P) can be limiting in carbonate-rich environments. To better understand the importance of P. alkaline phosphatase activity (APA) was measured in reef macroalgae in seven counties of south Florida ; several significant trends emerged : 1) APA decreased geographically from the highest values in Dada>Monroe>Palm Beach>St. Lucie...
Show moreNitrogen (N) has traditionally been regarded as the primary limiting nutrient to algal growth in marine coastal waters, but recent studies suggest that phosphorus (P) can be limiting in carbonate-rich environments. To better understand the importance of P. alkaline phosphatase activity (APA) was measured in reef macroalgae in seven counties of south Florida ; several significant trends emerged : 1) APA decreased geographically from the highest values in Dada>Monroe>Palm Beach>St. Lucie>Broward>Martin>Lee counties 2) APA varied temporally with increasing nutrient-rich runoff in the wet season 3) APA varied due to taxonomic division Phaeophyta>Rhodophyta>Chlorophyta 4) Nutrient enrichment experiments demonstrated that increased N-enrichment enhanced P-limitation while increased P decreased P-limitation. These results suggest that high APA observed in carbonate-rich waters of Dade County and low APA in Broward County resulted from high nutrient inputs associated with anthropogenic nutrient pollution.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3358598
Subject Headings: Nitrogen, Environmental aspects, Coral reef ecology, Coral reef biology, Marine algae, Physiology, Algal communities, Physiology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The ascidian Styela plicata as a potential bioremediator of bacterial and algal contamination of marine estuarine waters.
Creator: Draughon, Lisa D., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The tunicate Styela plicata (Ascidiacea) was investigated for its potential use in bioremediation of bacteria and microalgae blooms from estuarine waters. Salinity tolerances, filtration rate, substrate selection, and effects on digested bacteria and ichthyofaunal communities were examined. If acclimated slowly, Styela can be placed in salinities as low as 24 parts per thousand (ppt) before increased fatalities result. An immediate decrease in salinity from 32 ppt to 20 ppt was not...
Show moreThe tunicate Styela plicata (Ascidiacea) was investigated for its potential use in bioremediation of bacteria and microalgae blooms from estuarine waters. Salinity tolerances, filtration rate, substrate selection, and effects on digested bacteria and ichthyofaunal communities were examined. If acclimated slowly, Styela can be placed in salinities as low as 24 parts per thousand (ppt) before increased fatalities result. An immediate decrease in salinity from 32 ppt to 20 ppt was not detrimental at short term exposure (four days). One average-sized (~40g) Styela, exposed to 105 and 106 bacteria or microalgae mL-1, can filter as much as 4.7 L hr-1 and 3.3 L hr-1, respectively. Individual tunicate filtration rates varied from hour to hour, independent of organism size, indicating that filtration rates for this species would be better reported on a population basis rather than on an individual weight or size basis. Bacterial viability in tunicate feces was assessed by ATP analysis. Bacteria were found to be non-viable after passage through the tunicate digestive tract. Filtration of eggs or larvae of recreationally or commercially important fish is of concern. The smallest eggs (~0.6mm) reported in the Indian River Lagoon belong to Cynoscion nebulosus (spotted seatrout) and Bairdiella chrysoura (silver perch). Over the course of two hours, 72.5% of 0.5 mm glass beads (simulated fish eggs) were initially retained, but many were later expelled by the tunicates. For 1.0 mm beads, 49.4% were initially retained and for 2.0 mm beads, 43.5% were initially retained. Neither the size of the oral siphon nor the size of the overall animal was correlated to bead retention. Substrate selection was investigated using the tunicate Phallusia nigra., Newly hatched larvae preferred settling on wood (53.7%), as compared to polyethylene (30.9%), high-density polyethylene (13.0%), and polyvinyl chloride (2.4%). Overall, results of this study indicate S. plicata is very effective at removing bacteria and microalgae from estuarine waters. However, further testing is warranted regarding the unwanted removal of fish eggs and larvae before utilization of S. plicata for bioremedial purposes.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/1927312
Subject Headings: Marine bioremediation, Estuarine ecology, Water quality management, Water quality biological assessment
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Toxicity and availability of copper and zinc to queen conch: implications for larval recruitment in the Florida Keys.
Creator: Garr, Amber L., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The presence of heavy metals and other pollutants is detrimental to marine ecosystems. The queen conch, once an important fisheries species in the Florida Keys, has not sufficiently recovered after a 25-year fishery closure. Research has shown high levels of copper and zinc in the gonads and digestive glands of adult conch found in the nearshore waters. Four sites relevant to queen conch larval recruitment were tested in 2010 for the presence of copper and zinc in the water, phytoplankton,...
Show moreThe presence of heavy metals and other pollutants is detrimental to marine ecosystems. The queen conch, once an important fisheries species in the Florida Keys, has not sufficiently recovered after a 25-year fishery closure. Research has shown high levels of copper and zinc in the gonads and digestive glands of adult conch found in the nearshore waters. Four sites relevant to queen conch larval recruitment were tested in 2010 for the presence of copper and zinc in the water, phytoplankton, sediment, and seagrass epiphytes over seven months. Both metals were detected in all sample types and no seasonal or geographical differences were detected. Surface water concentrations from the field were used to conduct acute and chronic toxicity tests on various ages of queen conch larvae and their phytoplankton food source. When zinc concentrations (0-40 (So(Bg/L) similar to those measured in situ were used, there was no significant impact on conch larval survival although some velar lobe de velopment was impaired. However, field concentrations of copper (0-15 (So(Bg/L), which often surpassed water quality standards, negatively impacted growth, survival, and development of the larvae. Chronic exposure to copper, through the water and food, disrupted the metamorphic success of competent larvae and decreased post-metamorphosis survival. Exposure to copper at later life stages increased mortality, suggesting that heavy metals have a negative effect on larval recruitment in localized areas of the Florida Keys. Structural equation modeling revealed that copper and zinc are moving through the systems differently and are best represented by two different models.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3342102
Subject Headings: Gastropoda, Habitat, Queen conch, Conservation, Marine invertebrates, Larvae, Trace elements, Environmental aspects
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Transport of seawater and its influence on the transverse tensile strength of unidirectional composite materials.
Creator: Fichera, Maryann, Carlsson, Leif A., Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: The objective of this research was to characterize the seawater transport and its effect on the transverse tensile strength of a carbon/vinylester composite. The moisture contents of neat vinylester and unidirectional carbon/vinylester composite panels immersed in seawater were monitored until saturation. A model for moisture up-take was developed based on superposition of Fickian diffusion, and Darcy’s law for capillary transport of water. Both the predicted and measured saturation times...
Show moreThe objective of this research was to characterize the seawater transport and its effect on the transverse tensile strength of a carbon/vinylester composite. The moisture contents of neat vinylester and unidirectional carbon/vinylester composite panels immersed in seawater were monitored until saturation. A model for moisture up-take was developed based on superposition of Fickian diffusion, and Darcy’s law for capillary transport of water. Both the predicted and measured saturation times increased with increasing panel size, however the diffusion model predicts much longer times while the capillary model predicts shorter time than observed experimentally. It was also found that the saturation moisture content decreased with increasing panel size. Testing of macroscopic and miniature composite transverse tensile specimens, and SEM failure inspection revealed more fiber/matrix debonding in the seawater saturated composite than the dry composite, consistent with a slightly reduced transverse tensile strength.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004368, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004368
Subject Headings: Composite materials -- Deterioration, Composite materials -- Effect of environment on, Engineering design, Marine engineering, Polymers -- Permeability, Polymetric composites -- Deterioration
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Analysis of nearshore turbidity plumes using passive multispectral archive satellite data: Interactions of tidal current and bathymetry in Broward County, Florida.
Creator: DaPrato, Gary Wayne., Florida Atlantic University, Finkl, Charles W.
Abstract/Description: The interaction of tidal currents and bathymetry in the nearshore environment is investigated as an essential component in the study of cross-shore turbidity plumes. Clay and silt-sized grains which comprise a minor portion of natural beaches and artificial fills are modulated through the water column by nearshore currents. Tidal jets and undertow currents are forcing factors in the expansion of circulation currents that carry fine-grained suspended sediments offshore in large mega-plumes....
Show moreThe interaction of tidal currents and bathymetry in the nearshore environment is investigated as an essential component in the study of cross-shore turbidity plumes. Clay and silt-sized grains which comprise a minor portion of natural beaches and artificial fills are modulated through the water column by nearshore currents. Tidal jets and undertow currents are forcing factors in the expansion of circulation currents that carry fine-grained suspended sediments offshore in large mega-plumes. Enhanced contextual coverages from satellite imagery delineating plume morphology show a strong relationship between bathymetry and tidal current. The forces exerted by tidal action and frictions resisting this movement are examined by incorporating techniques of image processing, modeling, and statistical analysis in a GIS database environment. This analysis examines an experimental anisotropic cost distance algorithm that is utilized in the modeling of turbidity plumes to better understand the dispersion of suspended sediments in coastal Broward County.
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Date Issued: 1995
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15154
Subject Headings: Remote sensing--Florida--Broward County, Coastal zone management--Florida--Broward County, Marine sediments--Florida, Turbidity currents
Format: Document (PDF)

$Sediment phosphorus fractionation in calcium carbonate sediments of northeastern Florida Bay$

Title: Sediment phosphorus fractionation in calcium carbonate sediments of northeastern Florida Bay.
Creator: Benz, Robert E., Jr., Florida Atlantic University, Koch, Marguerite
Abstract/Description: Different physiochemical processes control phosphorus storage in subtropical versus temperate estuaries; however, few studies are available on sediment phosphorus storage from the subtropics. In this study, solid-phase phosphorus pools of northeastern Florida Bay's sediments were examined by sequential chemical extractions, separating phosphorus into exchangeable, iron-bound, calcium-bound, and residual organic fractions. Calcium-bound phosphorus was the dominant fraction, accounting for...
Show moreDifferent physiochemical processes control phosphorus storage in subtropical versus temperate estuaries; however, few studies are available on sediment phosphorus storage from the subtropics. In this study, solid-phase phosphorus pools of northeastern Florida Bay's sediments were examined by sequential chemical extractions, separating phosphorus into exchangeable, iron-bound, calcium-bound, and residual organic fractions. Calcium-bound phosphorus was the dominant fraction, accounting for approximately 60% of the total phosphorus and 93% of the inorganic phosphorus. Residual organic phosphorus was the second dominant fraction, accounting for 37% of the total phosphorus. In contrast to calcium-bound and residual organic phosphorus, the concentration of iron-bound phosphorus was low, indicating a limited role of iron in long-term phosphorus storage. The fine-grained carbonate sediments of Florida Bay probably account for the large pool of calcium-bound phosphorus, while the proximity of the mangroves to the northeastern section of the Bay may account for the high residual organic pool of phosphorus.
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Date Issued: 2000
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15763
Subject Headings: Water--Phosphorus content, Marine sediments--Florida--Florida Bay, Calcium carbonate, Florida Bay (Fla )--Environmental conditions
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Modeling and simulation on the yard trailers deployment in the maritime container terminal.
Creator: Zhao, Yueqiong, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: In recent years, there has been an exponential increase in container volume shipment within intermodal transportation systems. Container terminals as part of the global port system represent important hubs within this intermodal transportation system. Thus, the need to improve the operational efficiency is the most important issue for container terminals from an economic standpoint. Moreover, intermodal transportation systems, ports and inland transport facilities should all be integrated...
Show moreIn recent years, there has been an exponential increase in container volume shipment within intermodal transportation systems. Container terminals as part of the global port system represent important hubs within this intermodal transportation system. Thus, the need to improve the operational efficiency is the most important issue for container terminals from an economic standpoint. Moreover, intermodal transportation systems, ports and inland transport facilities should all be integrated into one coordinated plan. More specifically, a method to schedule different types of handling equipment in an integrated way within a container terminal is a popular topic for researchers. However, not many researchers have addresses this topic in relationship to the simulation aspect which will test feasible solutions under real container terminal environment parameters. In order to increase the efficiency of operations, the development of mathematical models and algorithms is critical in finding the best feasible solution. The objective of this study is to evaluate the feasible solution to find the proper number of Yard Trailers (YTs) with the minimal cost for the container terminals. This study uses the Dynamic YTs operation's method as a background for modeling. A mathematical model with various constraints related to the integrated operations among the different types of handling equipment is formulated. This model takes into consideration both serving time of quay cranes and yard cranes, and cost reduction strategies by decreasing use of YTs with the specific objective of minimum total cost including utilization of YTs and vessel berthing. In addition, a heuristic algorithm combined with Monte Carlo Method and Brute-Force Search are employed. The early Stage Technique of Monte Carlo method is proposed to generate vast random numbers to replicate simulation for real cases., The Brute-Force Search is used for identifying all potential cases specific to the conditions of this study. Some preliminary numerical test results suggest that this method is good for use in conjunction with simulation of container terminal operation. The expected outcome of this research is a solution to obtain the proper number of YTs for transporting containers with a minimum cost; thus, improving the operational efficiency in a container terminal.
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Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3174315
Subject Headings: Marine terminals, Computer programs, Computer algorithms, Materials management, Warehouses, Management, Transportation engineering, Freight and freightage
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Aggressive Behaviors Of Adult Male Atlantic Spotted Dolphins (Stenella frontalis) During Intraspecific And Interspecific Aggressive Interactions.
Creator: Volker, Cassandra L., Herzing, Denise L., Hughes, Colin, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) and bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are two sympatric species resident to the Bahamas. The visibility of the Bahamian water provided a unique opportunity to study spotted dolphin communication during aggression. This study’s main focus was to decipher any similarities or differences in the behaviors used by spotted dolphins during interspecific and intraspecific aggression. Both similarities and differences were discovered. Biting,...
Show moreAtlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) and bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are two sympatric species resident to the Bahamas. The visibility of the Bahamian water provided a unique opportunity to study spotted dolphin communication during aggression. This study’s main focus was to decipher any similarities or differences in the behaviors used by spotted dolphins during interspecific and intraspecific aggression. Both similarities and differences were discovered. Biting, following, and chasing behavioral events were used more during interspecific aggression, while the display behavioral class was used more than the contact behavioral class during intrabut not interspecific aggression. This study showed that spotted dolphins use more energy intensive and risky behaviors when fighting interspecifically. This could result from having to fight and defend females from a larger species, trying to avoid sexual harassment from bottlenose males, or needing to use behaviors that are more overt and easily understood during interspecies communication.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004638, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004638
Subject Headings: Atlantic spotted dolphin--Bahamas., Aggressive behavior in animals., Social behavior in animals., Aquatic mammals--Behavior., Predation (Biology), Predatory marine animals--Ecology.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Characterization of symbiotic algae, genus Symbiodinium, in corals at St. Lucie reef, Florida.
Creator: Klepac, Courtney, Voss, Joshua, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The unique coral reef at St. Lucie Reef (Stuart, FL) persists despite environmental variability from extensive freshwater discharges, summer upwelling, and thermal instability. By examining the symbiotic zooxanthellae, or Symbiodinium, that reside in corals, we can gain insight to coral physiology impacted by local stressors. Two scleractinian corals, Montastraea cavernosa and Pseudodiploria clivosa were sampled over 1.5 years, including both wet and dry seasons. Zooxanthellae were isolated...
Show moreThe unique coral reef at St. Lucie Reef (Stuart, FL) persists despite environmental variability from extensive freshwater discharges, summer upwelling, and thermal instability. By examining the symbiotic zooxanthellae, or Symbiodinium, that reside in corals, we can gain insight to coral physiology impacted by local stressors. Two scleractinian corals, Montastraea cavernosa and Pseudodiploria clivosa were sampled over 1.5 years, including both wet and dry seasons. Zooxanthellae were isolated and quantitatively characterized using standard measurements and molecular techniques. Both coral species varied in zooxanthellae biomass, where Pseudodiploria clivosa had Higher cell densities and chlorophyll concentrations than Montastraea cavernosa. Over time, these parameters varied, but were not significantly altered by fresh water discharge events. Symbiodinium diversity and abundance were identified by ITS2 region amplification and next-generation sequencing .Novel associations between Symbiodinium and each coral explained the observed physiological differences. The symbioses remained stable throughout and could indicate local adaptation for St. Lucie Reef corals.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004211
Subject Headings: Adaptation (Biology), Coral reef biology, Coral reef ecology, Marine chemical ecology, St. Lucie Reef (Stuart, Fla.) -- Environmental aspects, St. Lucie River Estuary (Fla.) -- Environmental aspects
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Comparing salinity models in Whitewater Bay using remote sensing.
Creator: Selch, Donna, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: This study compared models that used remote sensing to assess salinity in Whitewater Bay. The quantitative techniques in this research allow for a less costly and quicker assessment of salinity values. Field observations and Landsat 5 TM imagery from 2003-2006 were separated into wet and dry seasons and temporally matched. Interpolation models of Inverse Distance Weighting and Kriging were compared to empirical regression models (Ordinary Least Squares and Geographically Weighted Regression -...
Show moreThis study compared models that used remote sensing to assess salinity in Whitewater Bay. The quantitative techniques in this research allow for a less costly and quicker assessment of salinity values. Field observations and Landsat 5 TM imagery from 2003-2006 were separated into wet and dry seasons and temporally matched. Interpolation models of Inverse Distance Weighting and Kriging were compared to empirical regression models (Ordinary Least Squares and Geographically Weighted Regression - GWR) via their Root Mean Square Error. The results showed that salinity analysis is more accurate in the dry season compared with the wet season. Univariate and multivariate analysis of the Landsat bands revealed the best band combination for salinity analysis in this local area. GWR is the most conducive model for estimating salinity because field observations are not required for future predictions once the local formula is established with available satellite imagery.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3356015
Subject Headings: Water quality, Measurement, Marine ecology, Remote sensing, Electromagnetic interactions, Water-supply
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Environmental siting suitability analysis for commercial scale ocean renewable energy: a southeast Florida case study.
Creator: Mulcan, Amanda, Hanson, Howard P., Hindle, Tobin, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: This thesis aims to facilitate the siting and implementation of Florida Atlantic University Southeast National Marine Renewable Energy Center (FAU SNMREC) ocean current energy (OCE) projects offshore southeastern Florida through the analysis of benthic anchoring conditions. Specifically, a suitability analysis considering all presently available biologic and geologic datasets within the legal framework of OCE policy and regulation was done. OCE related literature sources were consulted to...
Show moreThis thesis aims to facilitate the siting and implementation of Florida Atlantic University Southeast National Marine Renewable Energy Center (FAU SNMREC) ocean current energy (OCE) projects offshore southeastern Florida through the analysis of benthic anchoring conditions. Specifically, a suitability analysis considering all presently available biologic and geologic datasets within the legal framework of OCE policy and regulation was done. OCE related literature sources were consulted to assign suitability levels to each dataset, ArcGIS interpolations generated seafloor substrate maps, and existing submarine cable pathways were considered for OCE power cables. The finalized suitability map highlights the eastern study area as most suitable for OCE siting due to its abundance of sand/sediment substrate, existing underwater cable route access, and minimal biologic presence. Higher resolution datasets are necessary to locate specific OCE development locales, better understand their benthic conditions, and minimize potentially negative OCE environmental impacts.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004220, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004220
Subject Headings: Marine resources development -- Case studies, Ocean energy resources -- Environmental aspects -- Case studies, Ocean wave power -- Case studies, Renewable energy sources -- Environmental aspects -- Case studies
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Interview with Dr. Jack Seitlin – ca. 2006.
Creator: Seitlin, Jack, Sherman, Dawn
Date Issued: 2006-02-11
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FADT78795
Subject Headings: Miami (Fla.), Pactific Theater of War, World War, 1939-1945, Marines, Great Depression, Racism, Anti-Semitism, Hurricanes -- Florida, Oral histories --Florida, Oral history
Format: Set of related objects

Title: Interview with Dr. Richard E. Yinger – ca. 2006.
Creator: Yinger, Richard E., Mavo, Patricia
Date Issued: 2006-02-03
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FADT72823
Subject Headings: World War, 1939-1945, Korean War, Vietnam War, United States Marine Corps, Palm Beach County, Oral histories --Florida, Oral history
Format: Set of related objects

Title: A generalized stochastic birth/death population model based on Indian RiverLagoon dolphins.
Creator: Stonger, Jon, Noonburg, Erik G., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: For over a decade, researchers at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI) have conducted surveys of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) population of Indian River Lagoon (IRL) in Florida. I have constructed a 4-stage population model using the statistical program R. The model is used to conduct a viability analysis by analyzing the relationship between birth, calf and adult survival rates. The power analysis compares survey frequency to expected confidence intervals in estimating...
Show moreFor over a decade, researchers at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI) have conducted surveys of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) population of Indian River Lagoon (IRL) in Florida. I have constructed a 4-stage population model using the statistical program R. The model is used to conduct a viability analysis by analyzing the relationship between birth, calf and adult survival rates. The power analysis compares survey frequency to expected confidence intervals in estimating abundance. The sensitivity analysis shows that the population is most sensitive to changes in adult survival, followed by birth rate and calf survival. The model shows a strong chance of viability over a 50 year time span. The population is vulnerable to long periods of decline if birth, calf or adult survival rates fall below certain thresholds. Overall, the model simulates the future impacts of demographic change, providing a tool for conservation efforts.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004163, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004163
Subject Headings: Animal populations -- Estimates, Bottlenose dolphin -- Florida -- Indian River Lagoon -- Geographical distribution, Indian River (Fla : Lagoon), Marine mammal populations -- Estimates -- Florida -- Mathematical models, Population biology, Stochastic processes
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Generating space-time hypotheses in complex social-ecological systems.
Creator: Forbes, Dolores J., Xie, Zhixiao, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: As ecosystems degrade globally, ecosystem services that support life are increasingly threatened. Indications of degradation are occurring in the Northern Indian River Lagoon (IRL) estuary in east central Florida. Factors associated with ecosystem degradation are complex, including climate and land use change. Ecosystem research needs identified by the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) include the need to: consider the social with the physical; account for dynamism and change; account for...
Show moreAs ecosystems degrade globally, ecosystem services that support life are increasingly threatened. Indications of degradation are occurring in the Northern Indian River Lagoon (IRL) estuary in east central Florida. Factors associated with ecosystem degradation are complex, including climate and land use change. Ecosystem research needs identified by the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) include the need to: consider the social with the physical; account for dynamism and change; account for complexity; address issues of scale; and focus on ecosystem structure and process. Ecosystems are complex, self-organizing, multi-equilibrial, non-linear, middle-number systems that exist in multiple stable states. Results found are relative to the observation and the frame of analysis, requiring multi-scaled analytical techniques. This study addresses the identified ecosystem research needs and the complexity of the associated factors given these additional constraints. Relativity is addressed through univariate analysis of dissolved oxygen as a measure of the general health of the Northern IRL. Multiple spatial levels are employed to associate social process scales with physical process scales as basin, sub-basins, and watersheds. Scan statistics return extreme value clusters in space-time. Wavelet transforms decompose time-scales of cyclical data using varying window sizes to locate change in process scales in space over time. Wavelet transform comparative methods cluster temporal process scales across space. Combined these methods describe the space-time structure of process scales in a complex ecosystem relative to the variable examined, where the highly localized results allow for connection to unexamined variables.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004284
Subject Headings: Environmental sciences -- Mathematical models, Indian River (Fla. : Lagoon) -- Environmental aspects, Marine ecosystem management -- Florida -- Indian River (Lagoon), Sustainable development, Wavelets (Mathematics)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Numerical Simulation of an Ocean Current Turbine Operating in a Wake Field.
Creator: Pyakurel, Parakram, VanZwieten, James H., Dhanak, Manhar R., Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: An Ocean Current Turbine (OCT) numerical simulation for creating, testing and tuning flight and power takeoff controllers, as well as for farm layout optimization is presented. This simulation utilizes a novel approach for analytically describing oceanic turbulence. This approach has been integrated into a previously developed turbine simulation that uses unsteady Blade Element Momentum theory. Using this, the dynamical response and power production of a single OCT operating in ambient...
Show moreAn Ocean Current Turbine (OCT) numerical simulation for creating, testing and tuning flight and power takeoff controllers, as well as for farm layout optimization is presented. This simulation utilizes a novel approach for analytically describing oceanic turbulence. This approach has been integrated into a previously developed turbine simulation that uses unsteady Blade Element Momentum theory. Using this, the dynamical response and power production of a single OCT operating in ambient turbulence is quantified. An approach for integrating wake effects into this single device numerical simulation is presented for predicting OCT performance within a farm. To accomplish this, far wake characteristics behind a turbine are numerically described using analytic expressions derived from wind turbine wake models. These expressions are tuned to match OCT wake characteristics calculated from CFD analyses and experimental data. Turbine wake is characterized in terms of increased turbulence intensities and decreased mean wake velocities. These parameters are calculated based on the performance of the upstream OCT and integrated into the environmental models used by downstream OCT. Simulation results are presented that quantify the effects of wakes on downstream turbine performance over a wide range of relative downstream and cross stream locations for both moored and bottom mounted turbine systems. This is done to enable the development and testing of flight and power takeoff controllers designed for maximizing energy production and reduce turbine loadings.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004737, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004737
Subject Headings: Turbulence--Mathematical models., Marine turbines--Mathematical models., Wind turbines--Aerodynamics--Mathematical models., Structural dynamics., Computational fluid dynamics., Fluid dynamic measurements., Atmospheric circulation.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The Role Of Disturbance In The Genotypic And Morphological Diversity Of Halodule Wrightii.
Creator: Tiling, Kathryn A., Proffitt, C. Edward, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Seagrasses are important foundation species in coastal ecosystems. Genetic diversity of seagrasses can influence a number of ecological factors including, but not limited to, disturbance resistance and resilience. Seagrasses in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida are considered to be highly disturbed due to frequent events, like algal blooms, that impair water quality, reducing available light for seagrass growth. Halodule wrightii is a dominant seagrass throughout the IRL, but its genetic...
Show moreSeagrasses are important foundation species in coastal ecosystems. Genetic diversity of seagrasses can influence a number of ecological factors including, but not limited to, disturbance resistance and resilience. Seagrasses in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida are considered to be highly disturbed due to frequent events, like algal blooms, that impair water quality, reducing available light for seagrass growth. Halodule wrightii is a dominant seagrass throughout the IRL, but its genetic diversity has only been quantified in a few Gulf of Mexico and Florida Bay populations and little is known about its potential ecological consequences. I quantified the genetic variation of H. wrightii using microsatellite markers in the southern IRL to determine: (i) how disturbance history influenced genetic diversity, (ii) if morphology of clones was, in part, genetically controlled and related to disturbance history, and (iii) if genotypes showed phenotypic plasticity in response to disturbances. In the IRL, H. wrightii populations exhibited moderate genetic diversity that varied with disturbance history. The disturbance history of a population was classified by the variance in the percent occurrence of H. wrightii over a 16-year period. Genotypic richness and clonal diversity of H. wrightii increased with increasing disturbance histories. Other genetic diversity measures (e.g., allelic richness, observed heterozygosity) did not change with disturbance history. These findings suggest that impacts to seagrass coverage over time can change the genotypic composition of populations. When different genotypes of H. wrightii were grown in a common garden, differences in leaf characteristics among genotypes provided evidence that morphological trait variation is, in part, explained by genetic variance. The disturbance history of genotypes did not directly affect morphological traits. However, significant genotype x site (within disturbance history) interactions found greater variation in shoot density and below ground traits of H. wrightii genotypes from sites of intermediate disturbance history. Traits of H. wrightii were shown to be phenotypically plastic. Significant genotype x environment interactions for shoot density and height demonstrated that genotypes responded differently by increasing, decreasing, and not changing sizes in response to light reduction. Genetic diversity of H. wrightii has strong implications for ecological function in coastal communities.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004661, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004661
Subject Headings: Indian River (Fla. : Lagoon) -- Enviornmental conditions, Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program (Fla.), Marine ecology -- Florida -- Indian River (Lagoon), Restoration ecology, Seagrasses -- Florida -- Indian River (Lagoon), Seagrasses -- Physiology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: An ecological study of photoautotrophs in Lake Worth.
Creator: Bolter, Keren P., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Abstract/Description: Little Lake Worth (LLW) (800 m x 200 m x 8« m) is an artificially deep, monomictic marine basin. Pigments and other water quality parameters (O2, pH, T, S, NO3 -. etc.) were utilized to characterize phototrophic communities and water quality. The water column is dominated by diatoms except in the hypolimnon during stratification events (late Summer) when strong anoxia and H2S favors abundant Chlorobium sulfur bacteria. Results indicate nitrate-enriched freshwater baseflow indicative of septic...
Show moreLittle Lake Worth (LLW) (800 m x 200 m x 8« m) is an artificially deep, monomictic marine basin. Pigments and other water quality parameters (O2, pH, T, S, NO3 -. etc.) were utilized to characterize phototrophic communities and water quality. The water column is dominated by diatoms except in the hypolimnon during stratification events (late Summer) when strong anoxia and H2S favors abundant Chlorobium sulfur bacteria. Results indicate nitrate-enriched freshwater baseflow indicative of septic tank seepage during the wet season. This also appears to lead to the accumulation of concentrated organic matter in the sediment. LLW is a potential threat to the health of the ecosystem and the humans using it recreationally. More research is required to verify the effectiveness of restoration options. The spatial and temporal distribution of Chlorobium (phaeovibiroides tent.) and their Bacteriochlorophyll-e homologues is described and compared to similar studies.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3151675
Subject Headings: Algae culture, Water quality, Biotic communities, Marine sediments
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Salinity Assessment, Change, and Impact on Plant Stress / Canopy Water Content (CWC) in Florida Bay using Remote Sensing and GIS.
Creator: Selch, Donna, Zhang, Caiyun, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: Human activities in the past century have caused a variety of environmental problems in South Florida. In 2000, Congress authorized the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), a $10.5-billion mission to restore the South Florida ecosystem. Environmental projects in CERP require salinity monitoring in Florida Bay to provide measures of the effects of restoration on the Everglades ecosystem. However current salinity monitoring cannot cover large areas and is costly, time-consuming,...
Show moreHuman activities in the past century have caused a variety of environmental problems in South Florida. In 2000, Congress authorized the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), a $10.5-billion mission to restore the South Florida ecosystem. Environmental projects in CERP require salinity monitoring in Florida Bay to provide measures of the effects of restoration on the Everglades ecosystem. However current salinity monitoring cannot cover large areas and is costly, time-consuming, and laborintensive. The purpose of this dissertation is to model salinity, detect salinity changes, and evaluate the impact of salinity in Florida Bay using remote sensing and geospatial information sciences (GIS) techniques. The specific objectives are to: 1) examine the capability of Landsat multispectral imagery for salinity modeling and monitoring; 2) detect salinity changes by building a series of salinity maps using archived Landsat images; and 3) assess the capability of spectroscopy techniques in characterizing plant stress / canopy water content (CWC) with varying salinity, sea level rise (SLR), and nutrient levels. Geographic weighted regression (GWR) models created using the first three imagery components with atmospheric and sun glint corrections proved to be more correlated (R^2 = 0.458) to salinity data versus ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models (R^2 = 0.158) and therefore GWR was the ideal regression model for continued Florida Bay salinity assessment. J. roemerianus was also examined to assess the coastal Everglades where salinity modeling is important to the water-land interface. Multivariate greenhouse studies determined the impact of nutrients to be inconsequential but increases in salinity and sea level rise both negatively affected J. roemerianus. Field spectroscopic data was then used to ascertain correlations between CWC and reflectance spectra using spectral indices and derivative analysis. It was determined that established spectral indices (max R^2 = 0.195) and continuum removal (max R^2= 0.331) were not significantly correlated to CWC but derivative analysis showed a higher correlation (R^2 = 0.515 using the first derivative at 948.5 nm). These models can be input into future imagery to predict the salinity of the South Florida water ecosystem.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004686, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004686
Subject Headings: Environmental management, Florida Bay (Fla.), Geographic information systems, Geospatial data, Marine ecology, Plant water relationships, Remote sensing, Salinity -- Florida -- Florida Bay -- Measurement
Format: Document (PDF)

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