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- Title
- MODELING GROUND ELEVATION OF LOUISIANA COASTAL WETLANDS AND ANALYZING RELATIVE SEA LEVEL RISE INUNDATION USING RSET-MH AND LIDAR MEASUREMENTS.
- Creator
- Liu, Jing, Zhang, Caiyun, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Geosciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
The Louisiana coastal ecosystem is experiencing increasing threats from human flood control construction, sea-level rise (SLR), and subsidence. Louisiana lost about 4,833 km2 of coastal wetlands from 1932 to 2016, and concern exists whether remaining wetlands will persist while facing the highest rate of relative sea-level rise (RSLR) in the world. Restoration aimed at rehabilitating the ongoing and future disturbances is currently underway through the implementation of the Coastal Wetlands...
Show moreThe Louisiana coastal ecosystem is experiencing increasing threats from human flood control construction, sea-level rise (SLR), and subsidence. Louisiana lost about 4,833 km2 of coastal wetlands from 1932 to 2016, and concern exists whether remaining wetlands will persist while facing the highest rate of relative sea-level rise (RSLR) in the world. Restoration aimed at rehabilitating the ongoing and future disturbances is currently underway through the implementation of the Coastal Wetlands Planning Protection and Restoration Act of 1990 (CWPPRA). To effectively monitor the progress of projects in CWPPRA, the Coastwide Reference Monitoring System (CRMS) was established in 2006. To date, more than a decade of valuable coastal, environmental, and ground elevation data have been collected and archived. This dataset offers a unique opportunity to evaluate the wetland ground elevation dynamics by linking the Rod Surface Elevation Table (RSET) measurements with environmental variables like water salinity and biophysical variables like canopy coverage. This dissertation research examined the effects of the environmental and biophysical variables on wetland terrain elevation by developing innovative machine learning based models to quantify the contribution of each factor using the CRMS collected dataset. Three modern machine learning algorithms, including Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Artificial Neural Network (ANN), were assessed and cross-compared with the commonly used Multiple Linear Regression (MLR). The results showed that RF had the best performance in modeling ground elevation with Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 10.8 cm and coefficient of coefficient (r) = 0.74. The top four factors contributing to ground elevation are the distance from monitoring station to closest water source, water salinity, water elevation, and dominant vegetation height.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2020
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013568
- Subject Headings
- Coastal zone management--Louisiana, Sea level rise, Inundations, Wetland restoration--Louisiana, Machine learning, Computer simulation, Algorithms.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Hurricane Irma Impact and Post-Storm Beach Morphology Evolution in Boca Raton, FL.
- Creator
- Hart, Richard M., III, Roberts Briggs, Tiffany, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Beach morphology changes naturally with seasonal and event-driven variability in the wave climate, as well as due to anthropogenic activities such as erosion mitigation efforts. In 2017, category four Hurricane Irma caused beach erosion and dune overwash in Boca Raton, FL. Immediate post-storm perigean spring tides coupled with typical winter high-wind conditions imposed a regime of spatially and temporally extended meteorologic and morphologic variability. This study evaluates the...
Show moreBeach morphology changes naturally with seasonal and event-driven variability in the wave climate, as well as due to anthropogenic activities such as erosion mitigation efforts. In 2017, category four Hurricane Irma caused beach erosion and dune overwash in Boca Raton, FL. Immediate post-storm perigean spring tides coupled with typical winter high-wind conditions imposed a regime of spatially and temporally extended meteorologic and morphologic variability. This study evaluates the morphologic evolution and post-storm recovery in the first year following Hurricane Irma. Time-series topographic surveys and surface sediment samples were collected. Patterns of accretion and erosion were evaluated with regionally measured water and wind levels. Recovery morphology was generally through berm-building, but lacked shoreline stability. Storm impact regime, mitigation structures, and sediment transport patterns drove the recovery. Total volume lost above the 0 m contour due to the storm was not fully recovered within the year, with a large volume measured in the south.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013213
- Subject Headings
- Hurricane Irma, 2017, Boca Raton (Fla.), Beach erosion
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- High Resolution Population Distribution Estimates for Improved Decision Making, With a Case Study of Sea-Level Rise Vulnerability in Boca Raton, Florida.
- Creator
- Ziegler, Hannes Moritz, Xie, Zhixiao, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Planners and managers often rely on coarse population distribution data from the census for addressing various social, economic, and environmental problems. In the analysis of physical vulnerabilities to sea-level rise, census units such as blocks or block groups are coarse relative to the required decision-making application. This study explores the benefits offered from integrating image classification and dasymetric mapping at the household level to provide detailed small area population...
Show morePlanners and managers often rely on coarse population distribution data from the census for addressing various social, economic, and environmental problems. In the analysis of physical vulnerabilities to sea-level rise, census units such as blocks or block groups are coarse relative to the required decision-making application. This study explores the benefits offered from integrating image classification and dasymetric mapping at the household level to provide detailed small area population estimates at the scale of residential buildings. In a case study of Boca Raton, FL, a sea-level rise inundation grid based on mapping methods by NOAA is overlaid on the highly detailed population distribution data to identify vulnerable residences and estimate population displacement. The enhanced spatial detail offered through this method has the potential to better guide targeted strategies for future development, mitigation, and adaptation efforts.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004670
- Subject Headings
- City planning -- Remote sensing, Community development, Urban -- Florida -- Boca Raton, Geographic information systems, Population -- Geographic information systems -- Florida -- Boca Raton, egional planning -- Florida -- Boca Raton, Spatial analysis (Statistics), Urban geography -- Remote sensing
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- High Spatial Resolution Measurements Using Hydrogeophysical Methods Reveal the Presence of Hotspots forBbiogenic Gas Accumulation and Release in the Florida Everglades.
- Creator
- Bole, Troy, Comas, Xavier, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
- Abstract/Description
-
It is well known that biogenic gas emissions (mainly methane and carbon dioxide) vary both spatially and temporally in peatlands. While most studies have focused on northern systems, several recent studies in tropical and subtropical peatlands (like the Everglades) have revealed the presence of areas of increased gas accumulation and emissions, or hotspots, that may be related to physical and/or biogeochemical changes within the peat's matrix. However, these studies are often limited in terms...
Show moreIt is well known that biogenic gas emissions (mainly methane and carbon dioxide) vary both spatially and temporally in peatlands. While most studies have focused on northern systems, several recent studies in tropical and subtropical peatlands (like the Everglades) have revealed the presence of areas of increased gas accumulation and emissions, or hotspots, that may be related to physical and/or biogeochemical changes within the peat's matrix. However, these studies are often limited in terms of sampling volume and resolution or are based in laboratory studies that may not be totally representative of field conditions. In this study we investigate the spatial variability (both lateral and vertical) in gas accumulation and release at the field scale, over 10 m long transects at two locations in Water Conservation Area 1 of the Florida Everglades, using an array of hydrogeophysical methods. Resulting data infers the presence of hotspots with dimensions ranging from 1-2 m in width and approximately 0.5 m tall. These areas showed high variations in biogenic gas accumulation and release an order of magnitude higher than surrounding areas and occur seasonally as the highest gas releases were observed during Florida’s wet season. This study therefore has implications for better understanding the spatial and temporal variability of biogenic gas hotspots in peat soils, and how the matrix structure affects gas accumulation and release. This study shows the importance of considering the heterogenous nature of the peat's matrix when quantifying gas fluxes in the Everglades, and particularly when using methods with small sampling volumes like gas chambers.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013189
- Subject Headings
- Everglades (Fla. ), Biogenic gas, Peatlands, Measurement
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Mollusks of the late Pleistocene oèolitic facies of the Miami Limestone in the Miami-Dade County, South Florida.
- Creator
- D'Antonio, Heather M., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
- Abstract/Description
-
The oèolitic limestone that makes up the bedrock of Miami-Dade and parts of Broward County, Florida, is a relatively well studied formation, with poorly studied fossil content. No published systematic record of Pleistocene fossils in the Miami Limestone is available. Besides the basic knowledge of taxonomy and biodiversity of the mollusks, comparison with extant assemblages can yield important information about the biodiversity changes in southern Florida during the past ~130,000 years....
Show moreThe oèolitic limestone that makes up the bedrock of Miami-Dade and parts of Broward County, Florida, is a relatively well studied formation, with poorly studied fossil content. No published systematic record of Pleistocene fossils in the Miami Limestone is available. Besides the basic knowledge of taxonomy and biodiversity of the mollusks, comparison with extant assemblages can yield important information about the biodiversity changes in southern Florida during the past ~130,000 years. Preliminary surveys of several localities, both previously described and new, within the Dade County yielded a record of diverse mollusks from over 28 families, 34 genera and 40 species. The preliminary findings of molluscan fossils have led to a new, unstudied and unpublished fossil locality with the second discovery of a possible Strombus costatus in the Miami Limestone. Miami Limestone fossils are being compared to recent South Florida mollusks indicating patterns of local diversification and extinction related to the minor changes in sea level and disappearance of certain habitats such as the rocky shore substrates that Cittarium pica once thrived on.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3342045
- Subject Headings
- Mollusks, Fossil, Limestone, Geology, Stratigraphic
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Multi-scale characterization of dissolution structures and porosity distribution in the upper part of the Biscayne aquifer using ground penetrating radar (GPR).
- Creator
- Mount, Gregory J., Comas, Xavier, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
- Abstract/Description
-
The karst Biscayne aquifer is characterized by a heterogeneous spatial arrangement of porosity, making hydrogeological characterization difficult. In this dissertation, I investigate the use of ground penetrating radar (GPR), for understanding the spatial distribution of porosity variability in the Miami Limestone presented as a compilation of studies where scale of measurement is progressively increased to account for varying dimensions of dissolution features. In Chapter 2, GPR in zero...
Show moreThe karst Biscayne aquifer is characterized by a heterogeneous spatial arrangement of porosity, making hydrogeological characterization difficult. In this dissertation, I investigate the use of ground penetrating radar (GPR), for understanding the spatial distribution of porosity variability in the Miami Limestone presented as a compilation of studies where scale of measurement is progressively increased to account for varying dimensions of dissolution features. In Chapter 2, GPR in zero offset acquisition mode is used to investigate the 2-D distribution of porosity and dielectric permittivity in a block of Miami Limestone at the laboratory scale (< 1.0 m). Petrophysical models based on fully saturated and unsaturated. water conditions are used to estimate porosity and solid dielectric permittivity of the limestone. Results show a good correspondence between analytical and GPR-based porosity estimates and show variability between 22.0-66.0 %. In Chapter 3, GPR in common offset and common midpoint acquisition mode are used to estimate bulk porosity of the unsaturated Miami Limestone at the field scale (10.0-100.0 m). Estimates of porosity are based on the assumption that the directly measured water table reflector is flat and that any deviation is attributed to changes in velocity due to porosity variability. Results show sharp changes in porosity ranging between 33.2-60.9 % attributed to dissolution areas. In Chapter 4, GPR in common offset mode is used to characterize porosity variability in the saturated Biscayne aquifer at 100-1000 m field scales. The presence of numerous diffraction hyperbolae are used to estimate electromagnetic wave velocity and asses both horizontal and vertical changes in porosity after application of a petrophysical model. Results show porosity variability between 23.0-41.0 % and confirm the presence of isolated areas that could serve as enhanced infiltration or recharge. This research allows for the identification and delineation areas of macroporosity areas at 0.01 m lateral resolution and shows variability of porosity at different scales, reaching 37.0 % within 1.3 m, associated with areas of enhanced dissolution. Such improved resolution of porosity estimates can benefit water management efforts and transport modelling and help to better understand small scale relationships between ground water and surface water interactions.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004143
- Subject Headings
- Ground penetrating radar, Limestone -- Florida -- Miami Dade County -- Analysis, Physical geology, Sedimentary basins -- Florida -- Biscayne Aquifer, Sedimentation analysis
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Spatial and Temporal Mapping of the Evolution of the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).
- Creator
- Rochelo, Mark, Roberts, Charles, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Urbanization is a fundamental reality in the developed and developing countries around the world creating large concentrations of the population centering on cities and urban centers. Cities can offer many opportunities for those residing there, including infrastructure, health services, rescue services and more. The living space density of cities allows for the opportunity of more effective and environmentally friendly housing, transportation and resources. Cities play a vital role in...
Show moreUrbanization is a fundamental reality in the developed and developing countries around the world creating large concentrations of the population centering on cities and urban centers. Cities can offer many opportunities for those residing there, including infrastructure, health services, rescue services and more. The living space density of cities allows for the opportunity of more effective and environmentally friendly housing, transportation and resources. Cities play a vital role in generating economic production as entities by themselves and as a part of larger urban complex. The benefits can provide for extraordinary amount of people, but only if proper planning and consideration is undertaken. Global urbanization is a progressive evolution, unique in spatial location while consistent to an overall growth pattern and trend. Remotely sensing these patterns from the last forty years of space borne satellites to understand how urbanization has developed is important to understanding past growth as well as planning for the future. Imagery from the Landsat sensor program provides the temporal component, it was the first satellite launched in 1972, providing appropriate spatial resolution needed to cover a large metropolitan statistical area to monitor urban growth and change on a large scale. This research maps the urban spatial and population growth over the Miami – Fort Lauderdale – West Palm Beach Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) covering Miami- Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties in Southeast Florida from 1974 to 2010 using Landsat imagery. Supervised Maximum Likelihood classification was performed with a combination of spectral and textural training fields employed in ERDAS Image 2014 to classify the images into urban and non-urban areas. Dasymetric mapping of the classification results were combined with census tract data then created a coherent depiction of the Miami – Fort Lauderdale – West Palm Beach MSA. Static maps and animated files were created from the final datasets for enhanced visualizations and understanding of the MSA evolution from 60-meter resolution remotely sensed Landsat images. The simplified methodology will create a database for urban planning and population growth as well as future work in this area.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004904, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004904
- Subject Headings
- Geographic information systems., Sustainable urban development--Florida--Miami--Planning., Sustainable urban development--Florida--Fort Lauderdale--Planning., Sustainable urban development--Florida--West Palm Beach--Planning., Urbanization--Florida--Miami-Dade County., Urbanization--Florida--Broward County., Urbanization--Florida--Palm Beach County., Remote sensing., Spatial analysis (Statistics)
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Spatio-temporal modeling of seed dispersal and aquatic plant community restoration in the Kissimmee River floodplain.
- Creator
- Kennard, Stevee., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
- Abstract/Description
-
This study created an ecological spatial model, using a geographic information system, to visualize the influence of hydrochory on restoration of the three dominant wetland communities of broadleaf marsh, wetland shrub, and wet prairie across the floodplain of the Kissimmee River. Primary parameters incorporated into the model included floodplain hydrology, seed characteristics of buoyancy and dispersal rates, and species flood tolerance. S²rensen's similarity index, comparing spatial...
Show moreThis study created an ecological spatial model, using a geographic information system, to visualize the influence of hydrochory on restoration of the three dominant wetland communities of broadleaf marsh, wetland shrub, and wet prairie across the floodplain of the Kissimmee River. Primary parameters incorporated into the model included floodplain hydrology, seed characteristics of buoyancy and dispersal rates, and species flood tolerance. S²rensen's similarity index, comparing spatial agreement among model output and observed community data, resulted in values of BLM-BB = 0.10, BLM = 0.07, WS = 0.21, and WP = 0.36. The significant discrepancies between modeled and observed community spatial coverage indicated a need for incorporation of more stochastic variables of climatic disturbances, nutrient availability, and soil characteristics. More research on species flood tolerance across smaller spatial scales is also needed, and base data incorporated into the model should also be reliable and consistent if accuracy is to be achieved.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3360797
- Subject Headings
- Seeds, Dispersal, Floodplain ecology, Wetland restoration, Restoration ecology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Alternatives for Third World small farm development.
- Creator
- Johnson, Victoria., Florida Atlantic University, Lee, David R., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Conventional agricultural development models have sought to improve Third World agricultural productivity by replacing traditional subsistence systems with sophisticated high-external-input farming methods. This approach has not solved the food problem of Third World nations because small farmers have been unable to participate in the modernization process and because modern methods are not environmentally sustainable. Alternative low-external-input agriculture provides greater opportunities...
Show moreConventional agricultural development models have sought to improve Third World agricultural productivity by replacing traditional subsistence systems with sophisticated high-external-input farming methods. This approach has not solved the food problem of Third World nations because small farmers have been unable to participate in the modernization process and because modern methods are not environmentally sustainable. Alternative low-external-input agriculture provides greater opportunities for small farmer participation, offers more benefits to small farmers, and is environmentally sustainable over a longer period of time than conventional agriculture. Comparative analysis of conventional and alternative projects indicates that the alternative model is more successful in effecting agricultural development and is more likely to improve Third World food security.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1988
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/14479
- Subject Headings
- Farms, Small--Developing countries
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Alternative uses for urban landfill sites as illustrated by the city of Lake Worth, Florida.
- Creator
- Breese, Edgar Floyd., Florida Atlantic University, Schultz, Ronald R., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Today, many municipalities are confronted with a situation whereby their landfills are facing mandatory closure. The topic of post-closure uses for these sites is addressed in this paper through a review of other closed sites and an indepth analysis of the two study sites in Lake Worth, Florida. The review of converted sites indicates a strong preference of municipalities to transform these trash sites into recreational facilities. The indepth analysis of the two study sites involved an...
Show moreToday, many municipalities are confronted with a situation whereby their landfills are facing mandatory closure. The topic of post-closure uses for these sites is addressed in this paper through a review of other closed sites and an indepth analysis of the two study sites in Lake Worth, Florida. The review of converted sites indicates a strong preference of municipalities to transform these trash sites into recreational facilities. The indepth analysis of the two study sites involved an examination of the closure restrictions, inherent characteristics of landfills including the creation of methane gas, possible groundwater contamination and settlement of the waste, and inventory of surrounding land uses including history and current site conditions. This analysis concluded that a recreational conversion at both sites was not only feasible but the best use for the two sites resulting in the development of two conceptual plans for each location.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1988
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/14430
- Subject Headings
- Land use, Urban--Florida--Lake Worth, Sanitary landfills--Florida--Lake Worth
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Commercialization of high-resolution earth observation satellite remote sensing.
- Creator
- Jarica, Cornelia Christa, Florida Atlantic University, Tata, Robert J., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
- Abstract/Description
-
The imminent availability of high resolution satellite imagery is causing a paradigm shift in remote sensing. Detente brought about new policy directives in the U.S. and abroad, which opened up for civilian use former Earth observation spy technology down to one meter resolution, previously considered classified and strictly used by the intelligence communities for national security. This study describes a number of new ventures in the private sector which have been formed to launch...
Show moreThe imminent availability of high resolution satellite imagery is causing a paradigm shift in remote sensing. Detente brought about new policy directives in the U.S. and abroad, which opened up for civilian use former Earth observation spy technology down to one meter resolution, previously considered classified and strictly used by the intelligence communities for national security. This study describes a number of new ventures in the private sector which have been formed to launch commercial high resolution systems. The satellites' technical capabilities are analyzed, and application development options for the new imagery are discussed in detail. This new remote sensing data source is also seen within the framework of the larger GeoTechnology Industry to which it belongs, and the author proposes appropriate business strategies for successful commercialization.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1996
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15321
- Subject Headings
- Earth resources technology satellites, Remote sensing, Remote-sensing images, Geographic information systems
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Design considerations of a spatiotemporal GIS database for data exploration.
- Creator
- Donnelly, Janet D., Florida Atlantic University, Shaw, Shih-Lung, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
- Abstract/Description
-
The development of geographic information systems (GIS) has changed the way in which geographers are able to visualize and investigate spatial topics. Current research has now shown a need to incorporate the element of time into a GIS for the purpose of better understanding the processes that are related to change. This study investigates two methods of creating spatiotemporal databases, using the evolution of an airline route system as an example. Also discussed are the ways in which a user...
Show moreThe development of geographic information systems (GIS) has changed the way in which geographers are able to visualize and investigate spatial topics. Current research has now shown a need to incorporate the element of time into a GIS for the purpose of better understanding the processes that are related to change. This study investigates two methods of creating spatiotemporal databases, using the evolution of an airline route system as an example. Also discussed are the ways in which a user-friendly interface may be incorporated for easier data exploration.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1993
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/14966
- Subject Headings
- Space and time, Geographic information systems, Geography--Computer programs
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Content standards for digital geospatial metadata: A quality control tool for project management.
- Creator
- Parent, Elena A., Florida Atlantic University, Shaw, Shih-Lung, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Dissemination of geographic technologies to various application areas have resulted in people without adequate spatial background manipulating these technologies. This thesis will set forth a process for increasing the data quality in projects for anyone who implements these procedures. It includes documents that are designed on the basis of Metadata Content Standards to extract pertinent information. The process also implements the semi-autonomous work group for these projects. It brings...
Show moreDissemination of geographic technologies to various application areas have resulted in people without adequate spatial background manipulating these technologies. This thesis will set forth a process for increasing the data quality in projects for anyone who implements these procedures. It includes documents that are designed on the basis of Metadata Content Standards to extract pertinent information. The process also implements the semi-autonomous work group for these projects. It brings people of different strengths into one cohesive work unit while expanding the knowledge of each and allowing for dispersal of information in an efficient manner.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1996
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15251
- Subject Headings
- Digital mapping--Standards, Cartography--Automation--Standards
- 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.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000785
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Moving towards Societal Geographic Information Systems through the Internet: Data access alternatives.
- Creator
- Cottrell, David G., Florida Atlantic University, Shaw, Shih-Lung, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
- Abstract/Description
-
With the advent of Geographic Information Systems and Geographic Information Science (GIS) over the last 20 years, the field of Geography, mainly the applied sector, has gained increased recognition world wide. Along with this has come an increased ability and need for the sharing of geographic data. This thesis will investigate the various means currently available to facilitate data sharing, including the availability of geographic data distributed throughout the Internet. A number of World...
Show moreWith the advent of Geographic Information Systems and Geographic Information Science (GIS) over the last 20 years, the field of Geography, mainly the applied sector, has gained increased recognition world wide. Along with this has come an increased ability and need for the sharing of geographic data. This thesis will investigate the various means currently available to facilitate data sharing, including the availability of geographic data distributed throughout the Internet. A number of World Wide Web sites providing geographic data were chosen as a representative cross section of the current functionality available on the Internet. This document is intended to be used as a guide for more effective implementation of World Wide Web "GIS" sites and aid in conceptualizing the Internet as a Societal GIS.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1996
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15281
- Subject Headings
- Geographic information systems--Computer network resources, Cartography--Computer network resources, World Wide Web, Internet
- 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.
Show less - 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)
- Title
- THE FORMATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCHEMATA.
- Creator
- SCHMELZKOPF, KAREN FRANCES., Florida Atlantic University, Lee, David R., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Man lacks the cognitive capabilities by which to process all the complex and detailed information of the environment, yet is able to formulate a comprehensive notion of the environment. The present study hypothesized that a cognitive mechanism exists by which salient information is abstracted and stored in memory. Subjects were required to learn to discriminate among four sets of photographs of an urban street scene, taken from four different locations within an area of 150 square meters. An...
Show moreMan lacks the cognitive capabilities by which to process all the complex and detailed information of the environment, yet is able to formulate a comprehensive notion of the environment. The present study hypothesized that a cognitive mechanism exists by which salient information is abstracted and stored in memory. Subjects were required to learn to discriminate among four sets of photographs of an urban street scene, taken from four different locations within an area of 150 square meters. An identification test was administered either immediately or one week after acquisition, using photographs from the acquisition set and novel photographs taken from the same locations but at different camera orientations. The results indicated that subjects abstract a continuous schematic representation from discrete photographic samples of the total scene. These results suggest that man in a real-world situation remembers a general, schematic concept of the environment, rather than detailed, specific information.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1978
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13939
- Subject Headings
- Environmental psychology, Cognition
- 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
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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.
Show less - 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
- 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
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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.
Show less - 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
- AN INVESTIGATION OF SOCIAL WELL-BEING AND NET MIGRATION IN FLORIDA'S COUNTIES, 1960-70.
- Creator
- KRAYNICK, JOHN A., Florida Atlantic University, Schultz, Ronald R., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
- Abstract/Description
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The objective of this thesis was to understand and model social well-being, a way of measuring quality of life, in the counties of Florida. First, the concepts of social well-being were reviewed. Second, models of social well-being for 1960 and 1970 were proposed and developed through a factor analytic approach. Third, the patterns of social well-being were discussed and the change over the decade revealed. Fourth, these components of social well-being were evaluated as explanators of net...
Show moreThe objective of this thesis was to understand and model social well-being, a way of measuring quality of life, in the counties of Florida. First, the concepts of social well-being were reviewed. Second, models of social well-being for 1960 and 1970 were proposed and developed through a factor analytic approach. Third, the patterns of social well-being were discussed and the change over the decade revealed. Fourth, these components of social well-being were evaluated as explanators of net migration rates through multiple linear regression. Finally, the results were reviewed, compared to similar approaches, and fitted into an overall picture of social well-being analyses.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1977
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13870
- Subject Headings
- Social indicators--Florida, Quality of life--Florida, Migration, Internal--Florida, Florida--Social conditions
- Format
- Document (PDF)