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Title: Influences of decadal and multi-decadal oscillations on regional precipitation extremes and characteristics.
Creator: Pierce, Milla, Teegavarapu, Ramesh, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: Three major teleconnections, Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO), North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), in warm and cool phases, effect precipitation in Florida. The effects of the oscillation phases on the precipitation characteristics are analyzed by using long-term daily precipitation data, on different temporal (annual, monthly, and daily) and spatial scales, utilizing numerous indices, and techniques. Long-term extreme precipitation data for 9...
Show moreThree major teleconnections, Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO), North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), in warm and cool phases, effect precipitation in Florida. The effects of the oscillation phases on the precipitation characteristics are analyzed by using long-term daily precipitation data, on different temporal (annual, monthly, and daily) and spatial scales, utilizing numerous indices, and techniques. Long-term extreme precipitation data for 9 different durations is used to examine the effects of the oscillation phases on the rainfall extremes, by employing different parametric and non-parametric statistical tests, along with Depth-Duration- Frequency analysis. Results show that Florida will experience higher rainfall when AMO is in the warm phase, except in the panhandle and south Florida, while PDO cool phase is positively correlated with precipitation, except for the southern part of the peninsula.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA0004046
Subject Headings: Climatic change -- Environmental aspects, Climatic extremes, Hydrologic models, Hydrometeorology, Precipitation (Meteorology) -- Measurement
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Influences of Climate variability on Rainfall Extremes of Different Durations.
Creator: Metellus, Wilord, Teegavarapu, Ramesh, Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: The concept of Intensity Duration Frequency (IDF) relationship curve presents crucial design contribution for several decades under the assumption of a stationary climate, the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall nonetheless seemingly increase worldwide. Based on the research conducted in recent years, the greatest increases are likely to occur in short-duration storms lasting less than a day, potentially leading to an increase in the magnitude and frequency of flash floods. The trend...
Show moreThe concept of Intensity Duration Frequency (IDF) relationship curve presents crucial design contribution for several decades under the assumption of a stationary climate, the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall nonetheless seemingly increase worldwide. Based on the research conducted in recent years, the greatest increases are likely to occur in short-duration storms lasting less than a day, potentially leading to an increase in the magnitude and frequency of flash floods. The trend analysis of the precipitation influencing the climate variability and extreme rainfall in the state of Florida is conducted in this study. Since these local changes are potentially or directly related to the surrounding oceanic-atmospheric oscillations, the following oscillations are analyzed or highlighted in this study: Atlantic Multi-Decadal Oscillation (AMO), El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and Pacific Decadal Oscillations (PDO). Collected throughout the state of Florida, the precipitation data from rainfall gages are grouped and analyzed based on type of duration such as short-term duration or minute, in hourly and in daily period. To assess statistical associations based on the ranks of the data, the non-parametric tests Kendall’s tau and Spearman’s rho correlation coefficient are used to determine the orientation of the trend and ultimately utilize the testing results to determine the statistical significance of the analyzed data. The outcome of the latter confirms with confidence whether there is an increasing or decreasing trend in precipitation depth in the State of Florida. The main emphasis is on the influence of rainfall extremes of short-term duration over a period of about 50 years. Results from both Spearman and Mann-Kendall tests show that the greatest percentage of increase occurs during the short rainfall duration period. The result highlights a tendency of increasing trends in three different regions, two of which are more into the central and peninsula region of Florida and one in the continental region. Given its topography and the nature of its water surface such as the everglades and the Lake Okeechobee, Florida experience a wide range of weather patterns resulting in frequent flooding during wet season and drought in the dry season.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004787, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004787
Subject Headings: Climatic changes., Climate change mitigation., Ocean-atmosphere interaction., Rain and rainfall--Measurement., Rainfall probabilities., Rainfall intensity duration frequencies--Florida.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Influences of climate variability and change on precipitation characteristics and extremes.
Creator: Goly, Aneesh, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: This study focuses on two main broad areas of active research on climate: climate variability and climate change and their implications on regional precipitation characteristics. All the analysis is carried out for a climate change-sensitive region, the state of Florida, USA. The focus of the climate variability analysis is to evaluate the influence of individual and coupled phases (cool and warm) of Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO) and El Niäno southern oscillation (ENSO) on regional...
Show moreThis study focuses on two main broad areas of active research on climate: climate variability and climate change and their implications on regional precipitation characteristics. All the analysis is carried out for a climate change-sensitive region, the state of Florida, USA. The focus of the climate variability analysis is to evaluate the influence of individual and coupled phases (cool and warm) of Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO) and El Niäno southern oscillation (ENSO) on regional precipitation characteristics. The two oscillations in cool and warm phases modulate each other which have implications on flood control and water supply in the region. Extreme precipitation indices, temporal distribution of rainfall within extreme storm events, dry and wet spell transitions and antecedent conditions preceding extremes are evaluated. Kernel density estimates using Gaussian kernel for distribution-free comparative analysis and bootstrap sampling-based confidence intervals are used to compare warm and cool phases of different lengths. Depth-duration-frequency (DDF) curves are also developed using generalized extreme value (GEV) distributions characterizing the extremes. ... This study also introduces new approaches to optimally select the predictor variables which help in modeling regional precipitation and further provides a mechanism to select an optimum spatial resolution to downscale the precipitation projections. New methods for correcting the biases in monthly downscaled precipitation projections are proposed, developed and evaluated in this study. The methods include bias corrections in an optimization framework using various objective functions, hybrid methods based on universal function approximation and new variants.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3362383
Subject Headings: Climatic changes, Environmental aspects, Global temperature changes, Environmental aspects, Precipitation (Meteorology), Measurement, Bootstrap (Statistics)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Preparing Florida hard clam, Mercenaria mercenaria, culture for climate change.
Creator: Scarpa, John, Baker, S. M., Sturmer, Leslie N.
Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3352219
Subject Headings: Northern quahog, Mercenaria mercenaria, Climate change, Aquaculture, Clams--Florida, Temperature
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Assessment of Links between Sea Level Variations and Climate Variability and Change.
Creator: Schmidt, Alejandra R., Teegavarapu, Ramesh, Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: A comprehensive study is conducted to evaluate global sea levels for trends and variations due to climate change and variability by using non-parametric methods. Individual and coupled effects of inter-annual ENSO, decadal PDO, multi-decadal AMO, and quasi-decadal NAO on sea levels are evaluated. Combined influences of different phases (cool or warm) of PDO, AMO, and NAO influences and ENSO are also evaluated. The results from this study showed that sea level at 60% of the sites is increasing...
Show moreA comprehensive study is conducted to evaluate global sea levels for trends and variations due to climate change and variability by using non-parametric methods. Individual and coupled effects of inter-annual ENSO, decadal PDO, multi-decadal AMO, and quasi-decadal NAO on sea levels are evaluated. Combined influences of different phases (cool or warm) of PDO, AMO, and NAO influences and ENSO are also evaluated. The results from this study showed that sea level at 60% of the sites is increasing with time with all four oscillations impacting global sea levels. AMO warm phase individually and PDO warm combined with La-Niña phase contribute to higher sea levels throughout the world. Trends and variations in sea levels are noted to be spatially non-uniform. Understanding and quantifying climate variability influenced variations in sea levels and assessment of long-term trends enables protection of coastal regions of the world from sea level rise.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005936
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Climatic changes., Sea level., Sea level rise, Global.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Assessment of clilmate change impacts on streamflow trends using a water balance model.
Creator: Matthews, Kevin., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: Significant changes in climate and their impacts are now visible in various places around the globe and are expected to become more evident in the coming decades. For each increase in temperature, there are environmental and societal consequences. It has important implications for existing water resources systems as well as for future water resources planning and management. Water accounting (identifying, quantifying and reporting information of water flow in a system) is the first step...
Show moreSignificant changes in climate and their impacts are now visible in various places around the globe and are expected to become more evident in the coming decades. For each increase in temperature, there are environmental and societal consequences. It has important implications for existing water resources systems as well as for future water resources planning and management. Water accounting (identifying, quantifying and reporting information of water flow in a system) is the first step towards formulating productive and sustainable water management strategies in a region. Thus, water balance models could be an empowering tool for water resource managers to prepare for and mitigate the effects of climate change on their local hydrologic resources. This thesis offers an insight into how such a tool can be used to assess and predict future stream flow trends in an effort to mitigate or manage any potential effects.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3358599
Subject Headings: Climatic changes, Environmental aspects, Hydrology, Water resources development, Natural resources, Accounting
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Effects of a severe winter on invasive green iguanas (Iguana iguana).
Creator: Campbell, Ashley B., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The green iguana (Iguana iguana) is an herbivorous lizard native to South America and is invasive in south Florida. The severe weather in January 2010 negatively impacted many species and significantly reduced the green iguana population, specifically adult females and juveniles of both sexes. Fifteen adult iguanas from two locations in Palm Beach County were tagged and had blood drawn for blood chemistry and HPLC steroid hormone analysis. Individuals were tracked for home range/territory...
Show moreThe green iguana (Iguana iguana) is an herbivorous lizard native to South America and is invasive in south Florida. The severe weather in January 2010 negatively impacted many species and significantly reduced the green iguana population, specifically adult females and juveniles of both sexes. Fifteen adult iguanas from two locations in Palm Beach County were tagged and had blood drawn for blood chemistry and HPLC steroid hormone analysis. Individuals were tracked for home range/territory analysis and behavioral observations. Blood chemistry values of cold-stunned individuals showed abnormal values similar to those reported in cold-stunned sea turtles. Territoriality and breeding behaviors, including nesting and head-bob displays, decreased or ceased during the following months. Steroid hormone concentrations were detected by HPLC and were not consistent with results from RIA studies in the literature.
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Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3174507
Subject Headings: Weather, Environmental aspects, Adaptation (Biology), Climate changes, Environmental aspects, Conservation biology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Integrated modeling approach for enery alternatives and green house gas mitigation in the state of Florida.
Creator: Thakkar, Kuntal, Ghenai, Chaouki, Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: The objective of the research is to develop various green-house gas (GHG) mitigations scenarios in the energy demand and supply sectors for state of Florida through energy and environment modeling tool called LEAP (Long Range Energy Alternative Planning System Model) for 2010-2050. The GHG mitigation scenarios consist of various demand and supply side scenarios. One of the GHG mitigation scenarios is crafted by taking into account the available renewable resources potential for power...
Show moreThe objective of the research is to develop various green-house gas (GHG) mitigations scenarios in the energy demand and supply sectors for state of Florida through energy and environment modeling tool called LEAP (Long Range Energy Alternative Planning System Model) for 2010-2050. The GHG mitigation scenarios consist of various demand and supply side scenarios. One of the GHG mitigation scenarios is crafted by taking into account the available renewable resources potential for power generation in the state of Florida and then the comparison has been made for transformation sector and corresponding GHG emissions through this newly developed mitigation scenario versus Business As Usual and Florida State Policy scenario. Moreover two master mitigation scenarios (Electrification and Efficiency and Lifestyle) were crafted through combination of certain GHG mitigation scenarios. The energy demand and GHG emissions assessment is performed for both master mitigation scenarios versus business As Usual scenario for 2010 – 2050.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004166, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004166
Subject Headings: Climate change mitigation -- Florida, Greenhouse gas mitigation -- Florida, Renewable energy sources -- Florida, Ubiquitous computing
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Science Comprehension vs. Cultural Cognition as Predictors of Climate Change Risk Perception.
Creator: Steiner, Elyse A., Bryan, Valerie, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: This study identified factors that affect climate change risk perception in a community college class. The purpose of this research was to determine if students were more influenced by cultural cognition (political affiliation) or science comprehension. Students in an undergraduate level environmental science and biology class were evaluated, using an online survey, for science comprehension level, political affiliation and risk perception at the beginning and end of each course. Data were...
Show moreThis study identified factors that affect climate change risk perception in a community college class. The purpose of this research was to determine if students were more influenced by cultural cognition (political affiliation) or science comprehension. Students in an undergraduate level environmental science and biology class were evaluated, using an online survey, for science comprehension level, political affiliation and risk perception at the beginning and end of each course. Data were analyzed to determine improved scientific literacy and any variation in risk perception. The research found that science comprehension did not contribute significantly to increased risk perception and that political affiliation or political views had a more significant effect on risk perception.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004983, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004973
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Understanding science., Political affiliation., Climatic changes., Perception.
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: Using a Groundwater Influenced Sea Level Rise Model to Assess the Costs Due to Sea-Level Rise on a Coastal Community’s Stormwater Infrastructure Using Limited Groundwater Data.
Creator: Wood, Michael Burton Jr, Bloetscher, Frederick, Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: A confounding factor for sea level rise (SLR) is that it has a slow, steady creep, which provides a false sense for coastal communities. Stresses caused by SLR at today’s rate are more pronounced in southeastern Florida and as the rate of SLR accelerates, the exposure areas will increase to a point where nearly all the state’s coastal infrastructure will be challenged. The research was conducted to develop a method for measuring the impact of SLR on the City of West Palm Beach (City), assess...
Show moreA confounding factor for sea level rise (SLR) is that it has a slow, steady creep, which provides a false sense for coastal communities. Stresses caused by SLR at today’s rate are more pronounced in southeastern Florida and as the rate of SLR accelerates, the exposure areas will increase to a point where nearly all the state’s coastal infrastructure will be challenged. The research was conducted to develop a method for measuring the impact of SLR on the City of West Palm Beach (City), assess its impact on the stormwater system, identify vulnerable areas in the City, provide an estimate of long-term costs of improvements, and provide a toolbox or strategies to employ at the appropriate time. The assessment was conducted by importing tidal, groundwater, topographic LiDAR and infrastructure improvements into geographic modeling software and performing analysis based on current data. The data revealed that over $400 million in current dollars might be needed to address stormwater issues arising from SLR before 2100.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004798, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004798
Subject Headings: Climatic changes., Coastal zone management., Ecosystem management., Sea level--Climatic factors--Florida--West Palm Beach., Water--Environmental aspects.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Distribution and abundance of micronekton and macrozooplankton in the NW Weddell Sea: relation to a spring ice-edge bloom.
Creator: Donnelly, Joseph, Sutton, Tracey T., Torres, Joseph J., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Date Issued: 2005
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/2796073
Subject Headings: Nekton --Antarctica --Weddell Sea, Zooplankton --Antarctica --Weddell Sea, Marine phytoplankton --Antarctica --Weddell Sea, Climatic changes --Congresses, Sea ice --Antarctica
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Climate change and the molecular ecology of arctic marine mammals.
Creator: O'Corry-Crowe, Gregory
Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/1055929
Subject Headings: Marine mammals --Arctic regions., Wildlife management --Arctic regions., Mammal populations --Arctic regions., Molecular ecology., Climatic changes --Arctic regions.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Tradable permits as a policy mechanism for greenhouse gas abatement.
Creator: Van Treese, Jeff., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description: This paper examines permit trading as an instrument for greenhouse gas emission abatement and suggests that a cap and trade scheme is the lowest-cost option for achieving this goal. The paper examines relevant examples of emission trading within the United States, including the Acid Rain Program contained within the 1990 Clean Air Act, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, and the Chicago Climate Exchange. I address the circumstances, constraints, and degree of success of such programs in...
Show moreThis paper examines permit trading as an instrument for greenhouse gas emission abatement and suggests that a cap and trade scheme is the lowest-cost option for achieving this goal. The paper examines relevant examples of emission trading within the United States, including the Acid Rain Program contained within the 1990 Clean Air Act, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, and the Chicago Climate Exchange. I address the circumstances, constraints, and degree of success of such programs in relation to the Kyoto Protocol as well as other possible permit schemes at the national level within the United States. I contrast tradable permits with other forms of environmental abatement policy including command and control regulation and taxation. Finally, I analyze the effect of several variables including population and GDP on emissions growth and draws conclusions on what extent those variables play on shaping a domestic greenhouse gas trading program.
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Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/40973
Subject Headings: Emissions trading, Greenhouse gases, Environmental aspects, Climatic changes, Government policy, Greenhouse effect, Atmospheric, Environmental policy
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Toward climate neutrality: greenhouse gas emissions inventory for Florida Atlantic University, 2005-2007.
Creator: Fannin, Sarah., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description: Colleges and universities across the U.S. are working to reduce their environmental impact. Florida Atlantic University (FAU) has joined this nationwide collegiate effort through President Frank Brogan's recent signing of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). For my thesis, I estimate greenhouse gas emissions at FAU from 2005-2007 through collecting and analyzing data from different university departments and inputting this information into the Clean Air-...
Show moreColleges and universities across the U.S. are working to reduce their environmental impact. Florida Atlantic University (FAU) has joined this nationwide collegiate effort through President Frank Brogan's recent signing of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). For my thesis, I estimate greenhouse gas emissions at FAU from 2005-2007 through collecting and analyzing data from different university departments and inputting this information into the Clean Air- Cool Planet Campus Carbon Calculator for further computations. This greenhouse gas emission inventory for FAU meets the ACUPCC requirements. Using this greenhouse gas emission baseline, a comprehensive plan can be produced to monitor progress toward creating a sustainable and climate neutral FAU.
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Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/77664
Subject Headings: Greenhouse gases, Environmental aspects, Climate changes, Environmental aspects, Greenhouse effect, Atmospheric, Greenhouse gas mitigation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Assessment of Changes in Precipitation Data Characteristics due to Infilling by Spatially Interpolated Estimates.
Creator: Hachmi, Mohammad, Teegavarapu, Ramesh, Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: Spatial and temporal interpolation methods are commonly used methods for estimating missing precipitation rain gauge data based on values recorded at neighboring gauges. However, these interpolation methods have not been comprehensively checked for their ability to preserve time series characteristics. Assessing the preservation of time series characteristics helps achieving a threshold criteria of length of gaps in a data set that is acceptable to be filled. This study evaluates the efficacy...
Show moreSpatial and temporal interpolation methods are commonly used methods for estimating missing precipitation rain gauge data based on values recorded at neighboring gauges. However, these interpolation methods have not been comprehensively checked for their ability to preserve time series characteristics. Assessing the preservation of time series characteristics helps achieving a threshold criteria of length of gaps in a data set that is acceptable to be filled. This study evaluates the efficacy of optimal weighting interpolation for estimation of missing data in preserving time series characteristics. Rain gauges in the state of Kentucky are used as a case study. Several model performance measures are also evaluated to validate the filling model; followed by time series characteristics to evaluate the accuracy of estimation and preservation of precipitation data characteristics. This study resulted in a definition of region-specific threshold of the maximum length of gaps allowed in a data set at five percent.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004783, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004783
Subject Headings: Precipitation (Meteorology), Spatial analysis (Statistics), Geographic information systems--Mathematical models., Climatic changes--Environmental aspects., Functions of real variables.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Beach dynamics, beachfront development, and climate change: Interactions that impact sea turtle nesting beaches.
Creator: Bladow, Rachel A., Milton, Sarah L., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Climate change will expose sea turtle nests to higher temperatures and more storms; both may negatively impact sea turtle nest success. In this study, unhatched eggs were collected from the Boca Raton, Florida beach and developmental stage at embryonic death determined. Elevated nest temperatures increased embryonic mortality, and the most significant relationship was between mortality and the percent of time embryos were exposed to temperatures above 34°C. Loggerhead turtles exhibited higher...
Show moreClimate change will expose sea turtle nests to higher temperatures and more storms; both may negatively impact sea turtle nest success. In this study, unhatched eggs were collected from the Boca Raton, Florida beach and developmental stage at embryonic death determined. Elevated nest temperatures increased embryonic mortality, and the most significant relationship was between mortality and the percent of time embryos were exposed to temperatures above 34°C. Loggerhead turtles exhibited higher rates of mortality compared to green turtles at temperatures above 34°C. Only loggerhead nests were exposed to inundation, but embryonic mortality did not differ from noninundated nests. Beach profiles across the nesting season were also determined. A major storm altered the beach more in areas of coastal development; however, this was impacted by a nourishment project and the presence of a structured inlet. Future management strategies may need to protect sea turtle nests from extended periods at elevated temperatures.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005926
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Sea turtles--Ecology., Loggerhead turtle--Florida., Sea turtles--Nests., Climate change
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Letter from the inside: a conventional farmer’s daughter on the need for a new agriculture.
Creator: Anderson, Stephanie, Schmitt, Kate, Florida Atlantic University, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, Department of English
Abstract/Description: In “Letters from the Inside,” Stephanie Anderson presents a vision for sustainable, regenerative agriculture from the perspective of someone born and raised on a conventional cattle ranch. From Florida to New Mexico to the Dakotas, she traces the stories of farmers and ranchers who are already creating such an agriculture. She argues that producers, in tandem with consumers and government, hold the power to change what is currently an environmentally and socially destructive food system.
Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004342, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004342
Subject Headings: Agriculture--Environmental aspects, Agriculture--Economic aspects, Agriculture--Social aspects, Alternative agriculture, Sustainable agriculture, Climate change mitigation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Remote sensing of evapotranspiration using automated calibration: development and testing in the state of Florida.
Creator: Evans, Aaron H., Obeysekera, Jayantha, Zhang, Caiyun, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: Thermal remote sensing is a powerful tool for measuring the spatial variability of evapotranspiration due to the cooling effect of vaporization. The residual method is a popular technique which calculates evapotranspiration by subtracting sensible heat from available energy. Estimating sensible heat requires aerodynamic surface temperature which is difficult to retrieve accurately. Methods such as SEBAL/METRIC correct for this problem by calibrating the relationship between sensible heat and...
Show moreThermal remote sensing is a powerful tool for measuring the spatial variability of evapotranspiration due to the cooling effect of vaporization. The residual method is a popular technique which calculates evapotranspiration by subtracting sensible heat from available energy. Estimating sensible heat requires aerodynamic surface temperature which is difficult to retrieve accurately. Methods such as SEBAL/METRIC correct for this problem by calibrating the relationship between sensible heat and retrieved surface temperature. Disadvantage of these calibrations are 1) user must manually identify extremely dry and wet pixels in image 2) each calibration is only applicable over limited spatial extent. Producing larger maps is operationally limited due to time required to manually calibrate multiple spatial extents over multiple days. This dissertation develops techniques which automatically detect dry and wet pixels. LANDSAT imagery is used because it resolves dry pixels. Calibrations using 1) only dry pixels and 2) including wet pixels are developed. Snapshots of retrieved evaporative fraction and actual evapotranspiration are compared to eddy covariance measurements for five study areas in Florida: 1) Big Cypress 2) Disney Wilderness 3) Everglades 4) near Gainesville, FL. 5) Kennedy Space Center. The sensitivity of evaporative fraction to temperature, available energy, roughness length and wind speed is tested. A technique for temporally interpolating evapotranspiration by fusing LANDSAT and MODIS is developed and tested. The automated algorithm is successful at detecting wet and dry pixels (if they exist). Including wet pixels in calibration and assuming constant atmospheric conductance significantly improved results for all but Big Cypress and Gainesville. Evaporative fraction is not very sensitive to instantaneous available energy but it is sensitive to temperature when wet pixels are included because temperature is required for estimating wet pixel evapotranspiration. Data fusion techniques only slightly outperformed linear interpolation. Eddy covariance comparison and temporal interpolation produced acceptable bias error for most cases suggesting automated calibration and interpolation could be used to predict monthly or annual ET. Maps demonstrating spatial patterns of evapotranspiration at field scale were successfully produced, but only for limited spatial extents. A framework has been established for producing larger maps by creating a mosaic of smaller individual maps.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004194, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004194
Subject Headings: Climatic changes, Environmental sciences -- Remote sensing, Evapotranspiration -- Measurement, Geographic information systems, Remote sensing -- Data processing, Spatial analysis (Mathematics)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Seagrass (Thalassia testudinum) Nutrient Recycling in Florida Bay, a Carbonate-Dominated Shallow Estuary.
Creator: Rosch, Kara Baca, Koch, Marguerite, Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) senescent leaf retention, as a measure of resorption, and the subsequent decay of senescent leaves, roots and rhizomes were examined for the dominant tropical seagrass species, Thalassia testudinum, across a nutrient gradient in Florida Bay. Leaf nutrient loss while still attached to the short shoot, from both resorption and decay, was highest at the nutrient-rich (88% P; 51% N) compared to nutrient-poor site ( 49% P; 25% N). High nutrient loss rates by...
Show moreNitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) senescent leaf retention, as a measure of resorption, and the subsequent decay of senescent leaves, roots and rhizomes were examined for the dominant tropical seagrass species, Thalassia testudinum, across a nutrient gradient in Florida Bay. Leaf nutrient loss while still attached to the short shoot, from both resorption and decay, was highest at the nutrient-rich (88% P; 51% N) compared to nutrient-poor site ( 49% P; 25% N). High nutrient loss rates by attached leaves (0.37-2.5 mg P and 6.5-34 mg N m^-2 d^-1) represented significant recycling (46-87% P and 17-48% N) oftotal estimated external nutrient loads to the bay. In contrast, senescent leaf, rhizome and root nutrient loss rates were > 1 00-fold lower than intact leaves. In tropical /subtropical estuaries dominated by T testudinum, seagrasses may be acting as nutrient pumps, translocating high porewater nutrients to the overlying waters and promoting phytoplankton blooms in the bay.
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Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000822
Subject Headings: Estuarine ecology--Florida--Florida Bay, Seagrasses--Florida--Florida Bay, Stream ecology--Methodology, Climatic changes
Format: Document (PDF)

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