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Title: Development of a remote sensing technique for woody vegetation in Rotenberger Wildlife Management Area.
Creator: Franklin, Sarah., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission lacks a viable method for monitoring woody vegetation in expansive wetland communities, such as the Florida Everglades. This study used aerial photographs of Rotenberger Wildlife Management Area in southeastern Palm Beach County, Florida to develop techniques for remotely monitoring changes in woody vegetation. Imagery from 2006, 2008, and 2010 were classified into woody and non-woody categories using Adobe Photoshop's Magic Wand Tool....
Show moreThe Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission lacks a viable method for monitoring woody vegetation in expansive wetland communities, such as the Florida Everglades. This study used aerial photographs of Rotenberger Wildlife Management Area in southeastern Palm Beach County, Florida to develop techniques for remotely monitoring changes in woody vegetation. Imagery from 2006, 2008, and 2010 were classified into woody and non-woody categories using Adobe Photoshop's Magic Wand Tool. Selection was performed with a bias toward over classification, as project objectives required identifying as many trees as possible. Classified pixels in Time 1 within 4 feet (2 pixels) of classified pixels from Time 2 were considered the same canopy. Overall accuracy for the study was 98%.
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Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3175018
Subject Headings: Environmental monitoring, Remote sensing, Vegetation dynamics, Ecosystem management
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Distribution and Diversity of Benthic Foraminifera Within the Nearshore Ridge Complex off Pompano Beach, Broward County, Florida.
Creator: Hanley, Caitlin, Oleinik, Anton E., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: Benthic foraminifera are exceptional organisms with distinctive features that allow for interpretation of both past and present environmental conditions. Some benthic foraminifera are widely distributed while some are restricted to specific environments due to their way of life. Foraminiferal assemblages south of Biscayne Bay and north of Cape Canaveral have previously been investigated; however, a gap exists in data covering a transitional zone along the Florida coast between the tropical...
Show moreBenthic foraminifera are exceptional organisms with distinctive features that allow for interpretation of both past and present environmental conditions. Some benthic foraminifera are widely distributed while some are restricted to specific environments due to their way of life. Foraminiferal assemblages south of Biscayne Bay and north of Cape Canaveral have previously been investigated; however, a gap exists in data covering a transitional zone along the Florida coast between the tropical waters of the western Atlantic and the cooler coastal waters along the North American coast. The purpose of this study was to collect baseline data on the benthic foraminifera of the small marine environment off of Pompano Beach that falls within this zone. This environment has a very particular relict reef system that includes a near-shore ridge complex, the unique foraminiferal assemblage of which has not been documented. Thirteen rubble samples were collected from this near shore ridge complex between October 2013 and April 2015 from depths of 2.5m – 9m. Abundances and diversity indices were calculated, and multivariate analysis and SHEBI analysis carried out to summarize baseline data for the area. Substrate types and seasonal collections were compared with foraminiferal abundances to determine if benthic foraminifera diversity varied between the four substrate types found on the near-shore ridge and between wet and dry seasons in Florida. Results revealed a variation in abundances for both substrates and seasons with the dominant genera being Quinqueloculina, Laevipeneroplis, and Archaias. Multivariate analysis displayed dissimilarities between substrates colonized by corals and those that were uncolonized. Comparison of studies from surrounding areas revealed fewer, however similar, species and different dominant genera. Overall, this area has proven to be a different environment compared to surrounding coastal areas and merits further investigation.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004601
Subject Headings: Pompano Beach (Fla.)--Environmental aspects., Foraminifera--Ecology--Florida--Pompano Beach., Paleoecology--Florida--Pompano Beach., Coastal zone ecology--Florida--Pompano Beach., Coral reef ecology--Florida--Pompano Beach.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: DISTRIBUTION AND VARIATIBILITY OF ARSENIC IN GROUNDWATER AND SEDIMENTS ON A CLOSED GOLF COURSE IN SOUTH FLORIDA.
Creator: Temple, Ryan J., Oleinik, Anton, Root, Tara, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Geosciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: The legacy of monosodium methanearsenate (MSMA) application to golf courses is often arsenic concentrations above the EPA’s maximum contaminant level of 10 μg/L for drinking water and the FDEP soil cleanup target level of 2.1 mg/kg for residential areas. These concentrations pose a health risk and must be remediated for residential development. The objective of this study was to determine how arsenic concentrations vary spatially at a closed golf course poised for residential development....
Show moreThe legacy of monosodium methanearsenate (MSMA) application to golf courses is often arsenic concentrations above the EPA’s maximum contaminant level of 10 μg/L for drinking water and the FDEP soil cleanup target level of 2.1 mg/kg for residential areas. These concentrations pose a health risk and must be remediated for residential development. The objective of this study was to determine how arsenic concentrations vary spatially at a closed golf course poised for residential development. Groundwater and sediment arsenic concentrations were quantified and the controls on arsenic (As) mobility were characterized. The presence of nitrates and iron-(hydr)oxides at the studied golf course largely influenced putting greens having the least As in groundwater whereas roughs contained the most.
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Date Issued: 2021
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013706
Subject Headings: Arsenic, Golf courses, Florida, South
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Domestic Water in Northern Trinidad: Access, Collection and Quality.
Creator: Lakhan, Siana, Fadiman, Maria, Root, Tara L., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: Trinidad is highly dependent on surface water as a source for domestic water supply. Due to lack of infrastructure some areas have limited access to potable/reliable source of water. Increases in industrialization and population are putting more pressure on water resources, exacerbating the problem. Part of this study looks at how, and from where people in different geographic regions in northern Trinidad collect and store water. Results indicate that urban areas rely on public water as a...
Show moreTrinidad is highly dependent on surface water as a source for domestic water supply. Due to lack of infrastructure some areas have limited access to potable/reliable source of water. Increases in industrialization and population are putting more pressure on water resources, exacerbating the problem. Part of this study looks at how, and from where people in different geographic regions in northern Trinidad collect and store water. Results indicate that urban areas rely on public water as a water source. The urban fringe relies on a public water supply as well as self-supplied sources. Rural regions depend solely on a selfsupply source. Also, I look at how nitrate and nitrite concentrations in drinking water vary with geographic location. Results indicate water quality varies with source and collection method. Further research is needed to confirm this.
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Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000785
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Emerging patterns of African refugee resettlement in the United States.
Creator: Wong, Madeleine., Florida Atlantic University, Kenzer, Martin S., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: Refugee movements comprise one of the major forms of international migration in the world today. These movements are precipitated by a variety of inextricably linked factors, which make the prevention of such movements difficult. The three recognized solutions to the global refugee crisis are repatriation, local integration, and third-country resettlement. This thesis focuses on the resettlement of African refugees in the United States. Ethiopians are the largest African group to settle in...
Show moreRefugee movements comprise one of the major forms of international migration in the world today. These movements are precipitated by a variety of inextricably linked factors, which make the prevention of such movements difficult. The three recognized solutions to the global refugee crisis are repatriation, local integration, and third-country resettlement. This thesis focuses on the resettlement of African refugees in the United States. Ethiopians are the largest African group to settle in the United States and they are more widely dispersed than all other African refugee groups in the United States. Their spatial distribution coincides with the regional distribution of refugee sponsors and voluntary agencies that help in the resettlement of refugees. Secondary migration of African refugees is a reflection of the availability of economic and educational opportunities, as well as the presence of a large ethnic community.
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Date Issued: 1995
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15168
Subject Headings: Refugees--Africa, Refugees--Government policy--United States, Africans--United States
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: EQUITY IN THE DELIVERY OF MEDICAL CARE IN SOUTHEAST FLORIDA.
Creator: MITCHEL, CLAIRE FURMAN., Florida Atlantic University, Schultz, Ronald R., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: This study gives an overview of medical care delivery in southeast Florida. Examination is made of the change in location of physicians over time and inequitability in distribution of medical care service. Conclusions are drawn about the reasons for inequitable distribution based on socioeconomic class and race.
Date Issued: 1974
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13668
Subject Headings: Medical care--Florida
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Establishing Spatiotemporal Linkages Between Hydrological and Soil Physical Characteristics and Vegetation on an Ecological Preserve: Boca Raton, FL.
Creator: Leung, Tania, Root, Tara L., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: In recent decades, ecohydrology has received renewed attention because of the impacts of groundwater withdrawal on ecosystems. Growing population and urban expansion in Palm Beach County, FL. place pressure to eradicate natural areas, such as Florida scrub habitats, and increase groundwater withdrawal. This study presents preliminary results of soil and hydrological characterization of an ecological preserve surrounded by changing land use. Soil moisture and water levels were monitored to...
Show moreIn recent decades, ecohydrology has received renewed attention because of the impacts of groundwater withdrawal on ecosystems. Growing population and urban expansion in Palm Beach County, FL. place pressure to eradicate natural areas, such as Florida scrub habitats, and increase groundwater withdrawal. This study presents preliminary results of soil and hydrological characterization of an ecological preserve surrounded by changing land use. Soil moisture and water levels were monitored to assess the effects of precipitation as influenced by plants and soil analysis determined the suitability of current soil conditions for hosting native vegetation habitats. Hydrologic and soil conditions on the preserve fall within values expected for native Florida scrub habitats. Hydrologic response to precipitation varied due to factors including antecedent conditions and vegetation types. These results provide a better understanding of the interactions between soil proper ties, hydrologic cycle, and plants, and assist with establishing a baseline to monitor changes over time.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004516
Subject Headings: Ecosystem management, Environmental geography -- Florida -- Boca Raton, Hydrodynamics, Wetland conservation -- Florida -- Boca Raton
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Ethnobotany in the Kailash Sacred Landscape, Nepal: Implications for Conservation Through Interactions of Plants, People, Culture and Geography.
Creator: Kunwar, Ripu Mardhan, Fadiman, Maria, Cameron, Mary, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: Little is known about the vegetation, forests, useful plants and their patterns of use at the gradients of climate, geography and culture in Baitadi and Darchula districts, far western Nepal. The interactions among plants-people-places were analyzed using data from phyto-sociological studies, community interviews, and literature. Ecological sampling, participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and informal discussions were held between February and September 2017. We compared plant...
Show moreLittle is known about the vegetation, forests, useful plants and their patterns of use at the gradients of climate, geography and culture in Baitadi and Darchula districts, far western Nepal. The interactions among plants-people-places were analyzed using data from phyto-sociological studies, community interviews, and literature. Ecological sampling, participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and informal discussions were held between February and September 2017. We compared plant collection, use and management of two culturally distinct groups (Baitadi and Darchula), who inhabit different physiographic regions, yet share the same ecological landscape, environmental resources and livelihood challenges. We hypothesized that the salient (visible, apparent and accessible) plants and places are likely to be more frequently foraged than the non-salient ones. We also hypothesized that the elderly, native and traditional healers living in rural and remote physiographic conditions possess more diverse and detailed knowledge of plant use and conservation than young, non-native and non-healer people. A total of 18 forest types including eight from the study districts showed that the study area is rich in forests and plants. A total of 975 plant species including 82 new species records and 23 new use reports to Baitadi and Darchula districts were recorded. There were 305 (31%) useful plant species including 122 useful reported in the present study. The people of study area showed a large repertoire of knowledge that helps them execute different strategies of plant use suited to their environment and geography. The knowledge of plant use follows a pattern according to ecological conditions (availability) as well as the cultural significance (transhumance, settlement) of the landscape. However, the latter prevails. Predominate foraging by the agro-pastoral communities from the remote undisturbed forests for quality products and medicines in Darchula district was divergent from the collections from ruderal areas in Baitadi district by generalist collectors for ritual purposes. The extensive usage of plants for socio-economic reasons, livelihood and rituals indicates that the plants and culture are inseparable. Conservation measures with acknowledgement of human, cultural, geographical and environmental variables, are therefore encouraged for sustainable management of the natural resources and traditional knowledge of the Baitadi and Darchula districts.
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Date Issued: 2018
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013082
Subject Headings: Ethnobotany., Darchula (Nepal : District), Baitadī (Nepal : District), Kailash Sacred Landscape
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: EVALUATING UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM PHOTOGRAMMETRY FOR COASTAL FLORIDA EVERGLADES RESTORATION AND MANAGEMENT.
Creator: Durgan, Sara D., Zhang, Caiyun, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Geosciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: The Florida Everglades ecosystem is experiencing increasing threats from anthropogenic modification of water flow, spread of invasive species, sea level rise (SLR), and more frequent and/or intense hurricanes. Restoration efforts aimed at rehabilitating these ongoing and future disturbances are currently underway through the implementation of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). Efficacy of these restoration activities can be further improved with accurate and site-specific...
Show moreThe Florida Everglades ecosystem is experiencing increasing threats from anthropogenic modification of water flow, spread of invasive species, sea level rise (SLR), and more frequent and/or intense hurricanes. Restoration efforts aimed at rehabilitating these ongoing and future disturbances are currently underway through the implementation of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). Efficacy of these restoration activities can be further improved with accurate and site-specific information on the current state of the coastal wetland habitats. In order to produce such assessments, digital datasets of the appropriate accuracy and scale are needed. These datasets include orthoimagery to delineate wetland areas and map vegetation cover as well as accurate 3-dimensional (3-D) models to characterize hydrology, physiochemistry, and habitat vulnerability.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013501
Subject Headings: Everglades (Fla )--Environmental conditions--Remote sensing, Aerial photogrammetry, Wetland restoration--Florida--Everglades, Image analysis, Aerial photogrammetry--Data processing, Drone aircraft
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: EVALUATION OF LOCAL OFFSHORE SEDIMENTS FOR COASTAL RESTORATION PROJECTS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL, USA.
Creator: Palaparthi, Jyothirmayi, Briggs, Tiffany Roberts, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: Open-coast beach-dune environments are vulnerable to erosion, such as from storms or interruption of littoral drift. Although protected from event-driven wave energy, backbarrier shorelines are also susceptible to erosion, due to tidal currents and boat wakes. A common response to mitigate erosion is to place sediment and restore the environment. For placement on beaches, a significant effort has been made to identify offshore resources available; however, offshore resources have seldom been...
Show moreOpen-coast beach-dune environments are vulnerable to erosion, such as from storms or interruption of littoral drift. Although protected from event-driven wave energy, backbarrier shorelines are also susceptible to erosion, due to tidal currents and boat wakes. A common response to mitigate erosion is to place sediment and restore the environment. For placement on beaches, a significant effort has been made to identify offshore resources available; however, offshore resources have seldom been considered for dune or backbarrier shoreline restoration. This study evaluates the geotechnical sediment properties of offshore sediments in proven borrow areas for beach nourishment and reclassifies them for placement in dunes and along the backbarrier in Palm Beach County, Florida. Two different methods calculate volume of offshore resources available for dune or backbarrier projects, including numerical calculations and interpolation of volume through SURFER. Because existing proven borrow areas are delineated for beach nourishment, less volume of sediment available in these areas for other coastal environments. The results of this study suggest that identifying offshore sediment sources for lower-energy environments would not adversely impact sediment needed for beach nourishment. As coastal environments are increasingly threatened by climate change and sea level rise, sediment resources become scarcer, the need to efficiently and effectively use sediments will be of utmost importance for scientists, engineers, and managers in their efforts to protect coastal habitat and communities.
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Date Issued: 2019
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013337
Subject Headings: Sedimentation and deposition, Coastal erosion, Palm Beach County (Fla ), Sediments (Geology)--Analysis, Dunes, Coastal restoration
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Evaluation of shore protection measures applied to eroding beaches in Florida.
Creator: Esteves, Luciana Slomp, Florida Atlantic University, Finkl, Charles W., Department of Geosciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Evaluations of shore erosion and protection in Florida are constrained by time and space. This study characterizes about 95% of Florida's beaches based on the degree of urban development, direction and rates of shoreline change, presence of sensitive ecological communities, and distribution of sea defense works. The 22 coastal-county maps prepared for this study show that approximately 195 km (16%) of Florida's beaches are eroding and 283 km (23%) are protected by engineering works. About 72%...
Show moreEvaluations of shore erosion and protection in Florida are constrained by time and space. This study characterizes about 95% of Florida's beaches based on the degree of urban development, direction and rates of shoreline change, presence of sensitive ecological communities, and distribution of sea defense works. The 22 coastal-county maps prepared for this study show that approximately 195 km (16%) of Florida's beaches are eroding and 283 km (23%) are protected by engineering works. About 72% of eroded beaches are geographically associated with inlets. Sand management at inlets is crucial to improve erosion mitigation in Florida. Suggestions designed to enhance mitigation of beach erosion are based on comparative analyses of potential environmental impacts, costs, and limitations of shore protection works. Alternative technologies that use combined techniques (i.e. bed fluidization/jet-pumps, beach nourishment/dewatering systems, or detached breakwaters) are more efficient, less expensive, and less environmentally hazardous than conventional methods.
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Date Issued: 1997
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15473
Subject Headings: Beach erosion--Florida, Coast changes--Florida, Shore protection--Florida, Coastal zone management--Florida
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Event-driven Nearshore Sediment Transport and Morphodynamics of a Beach in Boca Raton, Florida.
Creator: Priddy, Michael S., Briggs, Tiffany Roberts, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Geosciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Tropical storms and mid-latitude cyclones are major drivers of coastal change and damage in coastal communities. Beaches act as a first line of defense against storms, as well as provide recreation, contribute to the economy, and serve as ecological habitat for coastal flora and fauna. Throughout the year, meteorological event-driven increases in wave energy result in higher amounts of sediment transport that cause rapid coastal zone morphology alterations and threaten these beach functions....
Show moreTropical storms and mid-latitude cyclones are major drivers of coastal change and damage in coastal communities. Beaches act as a first line of defense against storms, as well as provide recreation, contribute to the economy, and serve as ecological habitat for coastal flora and fauna. Throughout the year, meteorological event-driven increases in wave energy result in higher amounts of sediment transport that cause rapid coastal zone morphology alterations and threaten these beach functions. This study uses streamer traps to evaluate cohesionless sediment dynamics in the surf zone and storm-induced morphology change in Boca Raton, Florida. The quantitative and sedimentological characteristics of sediment collected in the bottom streamer trap bins was larger grains with a higher capture weight near the seabed compared to sediment captured in the middle and upper streamer trap bins during both the cold front and the tropical storm. A greater quantity of sediment was captured in transport due to the tropical storm compared to the cold front. Morphology change observed as a result of the cold front included berm erosion, swash zone and foreshore accretion, and erosion beyond the -1.0m contour elevation. Analysis of the morphology observed post-tropical storm included berm accretion, and swash zone and foreshore erosion that continued seaward to the end of the profile. Dean number calculations using pre-cold front sediments and wave parameters predicted erosion, and the post-cold front BMAP measurements confirmed this prediction. Dean number calculations using pre-tropical storm sediments and wave parameters predicted accretion and the post-tropical storm BMAP measurements invalidated this prediction at all capture locations, although above the 1.0m contour the berm did exhibit accretion. Results of this study aim to quantify granulometric differences in event-driven sediment transport in Boca Raton, FL for improved prediction capabilities. Given the current trajectory of climate change, sea-level rise, and increased storm intensity, better understanding the morphological impact of different classes of storms is necessary to ensure and improve coastal resiliency and management.
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Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014005
Subject Headings: Sediment transport, Boca Raton (Fla.), Geomorphology, Beaches
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: An examination of hurricane vulnerability of the U.S. northeast and mid-Atlantic region.
Creator: Prasad, Shivangi, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: Northeastern and mid-Atlantic United States are understudied from the perspective of hurricane vulnerability. In an attempt to fill this gap in research, this dissertation attempted to assess the hurricane vulnerability of the northeastern and mid- Atlantic United States through the construction of a Composite Hurricane Vulnerability Index (CHVI) for 184 counties extending from Maine to Virginia. The CHVI was computed by incorporating indicators of human vulnerability and physical exposure....
Show moreNortheastern and mid-Atlantic United States are understudied from the perspective of hurricane vulnerability. In an attempt to fill this gap in research, this dissertation attempted to assess the hurricane vulnerability of the northeastern and mid- Atlantic United States through the construction of a Composite Hurricane Vulnerability Index (CHVI) for 184 counties extending from Maine to Virginia. The CHVI was computed by incorporating indicators of human vulnerability and physical exposure. Human vulnerability was derived from demographic, social and economic characteristics whereas physical exposure was based on attributes of the natural and built up environments. The spatial distribution of the CHVI and its component indices were examined and analyzed to meet the research goals, which were a) to develop indices of human vulnerability, physical exposure and composite hurricane vulnerability for all counties; b) to assess vulnerability distribution in terms of population size, metropolitan status (metropolitan versus non metropolitan counties) and location (coastal versus inland counties); c) to identify the specific underlying causes of vulnerability; d) to identify the significant clusters and outliers of high vulnerability; and e) to examine overlaps between high human vulnerability and high physical exposure in the region. Results indicated high overall vulnerability for counties that were metropolitan and / or coastal. Vulnerability clusters and intersections pointed towards high vulnerability in the major cities along the northeastern megalopolis, in the Hampton Roads section of Virginia and in parts of Delmarva Peninsula. Evidence of relationship of population size, metropolitan status and location with vulnerability levels provides a new perspective to vulnerability assessment.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3360969
Subject Headings: Hurricane protection, Regional planning, Emergency management, Natural disasters, Risk assessment, Geographic information systems
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Examining the relationship between urban green space and sustainable cities.
Creator: Bloise, Gillian., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: Urban green space plays a vital role in the stability of the environment. Green spaces are increasingly becoming an integral part of the efforts to promote sustainability because of the different areas of benefits they provide. Sustainable city ranking systems were used to identify the most sustainable urban extents within the US. Landsat TM 4-5 imagery and textural classification are used as techniques in identifying, classifying and analyzing urban green spaces within nineteen urban extents...
Show moreUrban green space plays a vital role in the stability of the environment. Green spaces are increasingly becoming an integral part of the efforts to promote sustainability because of the different areas of benefits they provide. Sustainable city ranking systems were used to identify the most sustainable urban extents within the US. Landsat TM 4-5 imagery and textural classification are used as techniques in identifying, classifying and analyzing urban green spaces within nineteen urban extents. Patch analyst was used to analyze the location, structure and fragmentation green spaces within each urban extent. The aim is to determine to what degree urban green spaces can be considered to be an integral part of the sustainability of sustainable urban extents across the US and ascertain whether or not more sustainable urban extents do have more urban green spaces. The results of the study have shown that urban extents that are ranked highly v on sustainable ranking systems do not necessarily have to have large proportion of green spaces. Results have also shown that urban extents that are ranked high on sustainable rankings will not necessarily be affected by increase in population or decrease in urban green space. Finally human modified green spaces have simple geometric shapes compared to natural unaltered green spaces that have more complex geometric shapes.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3360771
Subject Headings: City planning, Environmental aspects, Urbanization, Environmental aspects, Urban ecology (Sociology), Human ecology, Sustainable development, Urban beautification
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Examining the Relationships Between Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status and Drinking Water Quality: Identifying Inequities in Palm Beach County, Florida.
Creator: Weisner, Meagan L., Root, Tara L., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: Water treatment facilities across the United States are known for providing high-quality drinking water to their residents. However, differences in treatment methods, aging infrastructure, and outdated household plumbing may affect the quality of drinking water by the time it reaches the consumer’s tap. Palm Beach County, Florida, is an area with large socioeconomic contrasts where some families live in dilapidated structures and others reside in luxurious, gated communities. This research...
Show moreWater treatment facilities across the United States are known for providing high-quality drinking water to their residents. However, differences in treatment methods, aging infrastructure, and outdated household plumbing may affect the quality of drinking water by the time it reaches the consumer’s tap. Palm Beach County, Florida, is an area with large socioeconomic contrasts where some families live in dilapidated structures and others reside in luxurious, gated communities. This research highlights the variation of household water quality by determining metal concentrations in tap water samples in communities of different socioeconomic status. In addition, interviews were conducted with personnel from five different Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) in the study area to understand the relationship between customers and their water utility. Results indicate that effective communication strategies are needed to boost public trust and fill critical information gaps about the water treatment process. Ninety-six tap water samples were collected from households throughout eastern Palm Beach County and analyzed for different metals using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry. Surveys were also administered at the same households where tap water samples were collected. Residents were asked about their perceptions of tap water and social and economic questions regarding their household characteristics. A Socioeconomic Status (SES) index was created using Principal Components Analysis (PCA) to understand how perceptions of tap water quality and concentrations of metals in household tap water vary based on SES. Results provide evidence that those living in the lowest-ranking SES neighborhoods are the least satisfied with their tap water quality and consume less tap water than those living in higher SES neighborhoods. Water quality results highlighted large variations in concentrations of aluminum (Al) and thus, analyses focused specifically on how Al concentrations varied according to SES. Results from Ordinary Least Squares regression show that as socioeconomic status decreases, the concentration of Al in tap water increases. Six samples exceed the State of Florida’s Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level (SMCL) for Al, and five of those samples were found in the lowest-ranking SES neighborhoods (SES 1 and 2). The results of this research provide evidence that inequities in household water quality exist across eastern Palm Beach County, Florida.
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Date Issued: 2019
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013278
Subject Headings: Drinking water--Quality--Florida, Palm Beach County (Fla.), Socioeconomic status, Inequality
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Examining Unique Domestic Migration Processes and Relationships between Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties.
Creator: Power, Eric M., Xie, Zhixiao, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Geosciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: The Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) known as Miami Fort Lauderdale Pompano Beach consistently gains migrants from both the United States and abroad. However, despite the constant increase in population, the domestic out-migration for Miami-Dade County has consistently been more than the domestic in-migration. Recently a similar trend is occurring in Broward and Palm Beach Counties. The continual gain in population despite the domestic out-migration is mostly due to the large international...
Show moreThe Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) known as Miami Fort Lauderdale Pompano Beach consistently gains migrants from both the United States and abroad. However, despite the constant increase in population, the domestic out-migration for Miami-Dade County has consistently been more than the domestic in-migration. Recently a similar trend is occurring in Broward and Palm Beach Counties. The continual gain in population despite the domestic out-migration is mostly due to the large international in-migration for the region. Using data from the Internal Revenue Service, this paper discusses the migration of domestic populations and determines if possible new trends exist for this MSA. Furthermore, income data collected from the IRS was used to establish any possible relationship between migration and income.
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Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000828
Subject Headings: Metropolitan areas, Human beings--Migrations, Income, Miami-Dade County (Fla.), Broward County (Fla.), Palm Beach County (Fla.)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: EXPANDED CORAL-REEF DEVELOPMENT OFF SOUTHEAST FLORIDA DURING THE LATE HOLOCENE.
Creator: Modys, Alexander B., Oleinik, Anton E., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Geosciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Coral reefs around the globe have undergone widespread degradation due to a myriad of natural and anthropogenic stressors. Climate warming, in particular, has emerged as an especially pressing threat, reshaping not only the biodiversity of coral-reef ecosystems worldwide, but also undermining the vital ecosystem services they provide. Yet amidst this decline, there is growing evidence that many coral species are expanding their ranges poleward into historically cooler subtropical and...
Show moreCoral reefs around the globe have undergone widespread degradation due to a myriad of natural and anthropogenic stressors. Climate warming, in particular, has emerged as an especially pressing threat, reshaping not only the biodiversity of coral-reef ecosystems worldwide, but also undermining the vital ecosystem services they provide. Yet amidst this decline, there is growing evidence that many coral species are expanding their ranges poleward into historically cooler subtropical and temperate marine environments thereby establishing critical refugia in response to climate warming. However, understanding the long-term viability and potential of these emerging refugia under ongoing climate change remains an area of active research, constrained by the temporal limitations of modern ecological studies. In addressing these challenges, this dissertation explores insights from a newly discovered late Holocene record of coral community development off southeast Florida, shedding light on historical coral range expansions, and providing critical context for assessing the future response of reef-building coral communities to continued climate warming. Using a combination of high-precision uranium-thorium dating and detailed paleoecological analysis of well-preserved subfossil coral skeletons, we provide new evidence that diverse coral communities dominated by Acropora spp. expanded to the nearshore hardbottom habitats off northern Broward County during a period of warming in the subtropical western Atlantic between 3500 and 1800 years before present. However, despite this historical precedent of range expansion in response to regional warming, modern comparisons reveal a significant shift towards low diversity coral assemblages dominated by stress-tolerant coral taxa, suggesting that ongoing range expansions may be constrained by new challenges that were absent during the late Holocene. These findings underscore the need for comprehensive conservation strategies informed by historical baselines to navigate the complex dynamics of coral reefs in the face of climate change.
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Date Issued: 2023
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014271
Subject Headings: Coral reefs and islands--Florida, Holocene Epoch, Climate change, Anthropogenic Effects
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: FLOATING ISLANDS--BIOGEOMORPHIC FEATURES OF HILLSBORO MARSH, NORTHEASTERNEVERGLADES, FLORIDA.
Creator: STONE, PETER ALAN., Florida Atlantic University, Craig, Alan K., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: Floating islands are common natural features in modern Hillsboro Marsh. Most floating islands: 1) occur as detached, free-floating batteries (raft-like peaty masses that rise from substrate), and 2) form in habitats containing abundant waterlilies. New batteries are quickly colonized by marsh, and often terrestrial, plants. Differences in species diversity and early succession occur between two ecologically different subareas. In one subarea many batteries succeed quickly to mixed graminoid...
Show moreFloating islands are common natural features in modern Hillsboro Marsh. Most floating islands: 1) occur as detached, free-floating batteries (raft-like peaty masses that rise from substrate), and 2) form in habitats containing abundant waterlilies. New batteries are quickly colonized by marsh, and often terrestrial, plants. Differences in species diversity and early succession occur between two ecologically different subareas. In one subarea many batteries succeed quickly to mixed graminoid-arborescent vegetation. Floating batteries form hydrologically unusual Everglades habitats and support some locally rare plants. Battery formation produces local topographic elevations and depressions. Apparent size-successional vegetational and landform continuumns seem to link batteries with small extant tree-islands. Radiometric evidence suggests presence of batteries in peat profiles of two tree-islands. Everglades floating islands most resemble others reported in southeastern United States and appear dissimilar morphologically and in mode of origin to those reported from elsewhere worldwide.
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Date Issued: 1978
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13940
Subject Headings: Islands--Florida--Everglades, Botany--Florida--Ecology, Everglades (Fla)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Florida since 1850: Shifting patterns of population growth.
Creator: Drapeau, Jeanne L., Florida Atlantic University, Schultz, Ronald R., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: Florida's population growth has been spatially and temporally uneven. Significant growth occurred in different regions of the state during certain periods of time. This differential growth was a result of specific socioeconomic conditions that varied both temporally and spatially. Florida was granted statehood 1845 and served as the southern extension of the plantation system. Growth was high in the northern regions of Florida during the antebellum years. After reconstruction, railroad...
Show moreFlorida's population growth has been spatially and temporally uneven. Significant growth occurred in different regions of the state during certain periods of time. This differential growth was a result of specific socioeconomic conditions that varied both temporally and spatially. Florida was granted statehood 1845 and served as the southern extension of the plantation system. Growth was high in the northern regions of Florida during the antebellum years. After reconstruction, railroad infrastructure was developed that connected the distant reaches of the state with each other and the rest of the country. This facilitated the growth of the central regions of the peninsula. The construction of roads and the popularity of the automobile brought settlers and land developers to the southern regions of Florida in the early twentieth century. After a growth slump during the Depression, activities of World War II once again stimulated growth in the state, especially in the southeastern peninsula. The recent phenomenon of elderly migration has shifted growth to the less populated areas of the southwestern peninsula.
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Date Issued: 1994
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15059
Subject Headings: Population, Cities and towns--Florida--Growth, Florida--Population, Migration, Internal--Florida, Florida--Population--Statistics
Format: Document (PDF)

FAU Theses and Dissertations (158)	+ -
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