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- Title
- WINTER FRESH VEGETABLE FARMING IN FLORIDA: ITS ACREAGE PATTERNS AND MARKETING FLOWS.
- Creator
- MCJUNKIN, JOYCE P., Florida Atlantic University, Schultz, Ronald R., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Florida is the major supplier of winter vegetables in the United States. This dominance is examined historically and geographically during the time span 1937-1974 to determine the reasons, causes, and extent of this dominance. The gravity model is used to analyze the significance of the major markets to the Florida supply and the significance of the Florida supply to the markets. Distance and size of the market were found to be strongly related to flows from Florida. The greater stability of...
Show moreFlorida is the major supplier of winter vegetables in the United States. This dominance is examined historically and geographically during the time span 1937-1974 to determine the reasons, causes, and extent of this dominance. The gravity model is used to analyze the significance of the major markets to the Florida supply and the significance of the Florida supply to the markets. Distance and size of the market were found to be strongly related to flows from Florida. The greater stability of the larger northeastern markets was considered in relation to several socioeconomic characteristics. Intra-state measures of market and physical losses, production totals, county acreages, and regional shifts of crop emphasis are examined geographically. It was found that Florida acreage totals increased over time as did relative production and that there was a southern production shift. Beans showed the greatest county stability and cucumbers the least.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1978
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13955
- Subject Headings
- Vegetables--Florida--Marketing
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- VISUAL RESOURCE ASSESSMENT: A COMPARISON OF TWO APPROACHES.
- Creator
- BERNSTEIN, ARLA GAIL., Florida Atlantic University, Schultz, Ronald R., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
- Abstract/Description
-
This thesis investigates and applies methods for evaluating the visual landscape for scenic and recreational purposes. Two specific approaches--the METLAND (quantitative) approach and the McHarg (qualitative) approach--are applied to a case study of two sites in Broward County, Florida. Data sources for the study include Florida Land Use and Cover Classification maps, the Vegetation Inventory for Broward County, and a survey of professional evaluators. Visual resource assessment of these...
Show moreThis thesis investigates and applies methods for evaluating the visual landscape for scenic and recreational purposes. Two specific approaches--the METLAND (quantitative) approach and the McHarg (qualitative) approach--are applied to a case study of two sites in Broward County, Florida. Data sources for the study include Florida Land Use and Cover Classification maps, the Vegetation Inventory for Broward County, and a survey of professional evaluators. Visual resource assessment of these sites is illustrated through a step by step process and should provide a basis for future assessment of additional sites. The McHarg approach is found to be more expeditious for small scale studies, while the METLAND approach is more efficient for multi-objective or regional analysis. Also, the METLAND quantitative approach increases the objectivity of assessment. The final chapter evaluates the two approaches used and provides recommendations for future research in the area of visual resource assessment.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1982
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/14104
- Subject Headings
- Landscape assessment
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Vegetation time series analysis of the Loxahatchee Slough, Palm Beach County, Florida: A GIS incorporating satellite imagery with black and white aerial photography.
- Creator
- Hohner, Susan Marie., Florida Atlantic University, Roberts, Charles, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
- Abstract/Description
-
The Loxahatchee Slough is the largest wilderness island refuge existing in Palm Beach County, Florida. Cultural impacts have altered the hydrology of the area. This study provides a database of historical and geographical information regarding the Slough. Aerial photography and satellite imagery from pre- and post-channelization dates are classified according to vegetation ecosystems. GIS analysis is used to compare these diverse data sets. Changes in hydroperiod are examined, using...
Show moreThe Loxahatchee Slough is the largest wilderness island refuge existing in Palm Beach County, Florida. Cultural impacts have altered the hydrology of the area. This study provides a database of historical and geographical information regarding the Slough. Aerial photography and satellite imagery from pre- and post-channelization dates are classified according to vegetation ecosystems. GIS analysis is used to compare these diverse data sets. Changes in hydroperiod are examined, using vegetation as an indicator. Results show a general trend toward dryer hydroperiod vegetation land cover. Since 1979, the Army Corps of Engineers has raised water levels back toward pre-channelization levels, in a portion of the study area known as the Historic Region. Results indicate a positive response, with a net increase of longer hydroperiod vegetation in this region since 1979.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1994
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15079
- Subject Headings
- Vegetation mapping--Florida--Palm Beach County, Plant communities--Remote sensing, Geographic information systems--Remote sensing, Aerial photography in geography--Florida--Palm Beach County, Swamp ecology--Florida--Palm Beach County
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- VEGETATION DYNAMICS AT DIFFERENT SPATIO-TEMPORAL SCALES IN FREQUENTLY BURNED MIXED CONIFER FORESTS, NORTHERN SIERRA NEVADA RANGE, CALIFORNIA.
- Creator
- Paudel, Asha, Markwith, Scott H., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Geosciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
Mixed conifer forests in the Sierra Nevada, California, face threats from frequent highseverity fire associated with climate change and fuel accumulation leading to vegetation shifts at local and landscape scales. Under rapid climate change, a clear understanding of how vegetation responds to single and/or repeated wildfires is still lacking and needs to be investigated. Using field and satellite data, the effects of wildfire on vegetation dynamics were explored at the plot and landscape...
Show moreMixed conifer forests in the Sierra Nevada, California, face threats from frequent highseverity fire associated with climate change and fuel accumulation leading to vegetation shifts at local and landscape scales. Under rapid climate change, a clear understanding of how vegetation responds to single and/or repeated wildfires is still lacking and needs to be investigated. Using field and satellite data, the effects of wildfire on vegetation dynamics were explored at the plot and landscape levels in this dissertation project. Results from the field data suggest that management activities may be required in high-severity burned areas to restore dominance of mixed conifer forests and regain historical species composition in areas where live trees persist. Results from satellite data suggested that large shrub patches, created after mixed severity fire, fragment the homogenous mixed conifer dominated forest of the Sierra Nevada to create a more heterogeneous landscape, however the extent of diversity and fragmentation were dependent on fire severity and scales. Natural wildfires may restore landscape heterogeneity to conditions equivalent to the pre-Columbian era, but effects under the projected climate change scenario for 21st century remain uncertain. Mixed conifer dominated forests are predicted to be the dominant component of the Sierra Nevada landscape under historical fire probabilities and excluding higher probability of high-severity fire over the next 100 years.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013966
- Subject Headings
- Vegetation dynamics, Climate change, Fire ecology, Wildfires--Management
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Valuing the Invaluable: Piquant Georgia Low-Country Marsh Ecosystem Services.
- Creator
- Wood, Alyssa A., Polsky, Colin, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Coastal ecosystems, such as the salt marsh of the Georgia coast, have long been valued for decision-making purposes based on market-values of goods and services including: fishery landings, hedonic pricing of waterfront homes, and tourism dollars. These values do not show the full picture of services provided by these ecosystems. Using focus group discussions and key informant interviews I investigate socio-cultural values and benefits provided by salt marsh ecosystems in central coastal...
Show moreCoastal ecosystems, such as the salt marsh of the Georgia coast, have long been valued for decision-making purposes based on market-values of goods and services including: fishery landings, hedonic pricing of waterfront homes, and tourism dollars. These values do not show the full picture of services provided by these ecosystems. Using focus group discussions and key informant interviews I investigate socio-cultural values and benefits provided by salt marsh ecosystems in central coastal Georgia. Participants noted that through their experiences in marshes they developed a desire to be stewards. This desire, coupled with the industrial pollution, residential development, and sea-level rise threats in the area result in a need for cooperative conservation and thus better enforcement of existing regulations. This relational value persisted across geographic locations and sample populations. My results show the importance of utilizing diverse members of community to elicit qualitative value statements.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004993
- Subject Headings
- Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Salt marshes., Ecosystem services., Ecosystem services--Valuation.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- UTILITY-SCALE SOLAR ENERGY FACILITIES, FLORIDA PANTHER HABITAT CONNECTIVITY, AND DISPERSAL CORRIDORS.
- Creator
- Leskova, Olena V., Markwith, Scott, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Geosciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
The objective of this research was to study the impacts of large USSE facilities on wildlife movement corridors and habitat connectivity in Florida to identify important habitat patches and movement corridors significant for potential Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) dispersal, conservation, and recovery. Large carnivores (such as Florida panther) have often been examined as conservation umbrellas for large-scale connectivity planning due to their extensive spatial requirements (Beier et...
Show moreThe objective of this research was to study the impacts of large USSE facilities on wildlife movement corridors and habitat connectivity in Florida to identify important habitat patches and movement corridors significant for potential Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) dispersal, conservation, and recovery. Large carnivores (such as Florida panther) have often been examined as conservation umbrellas for large-scale connectivity planning due to their extensive spatial requirements (Beier et al., 2006, Thorne et al., 2006). In addition, Florida panther is relatively well-studied species that have been listed as endangered under the US Endangered Species Act for over 40 years, due to habitat fragmentation and reduction. Habitat suitability was compared before and after the installation of the USSE facilities using RandomForest model developed by Frakes and Knight (in prep). The connectivity study focused on comparing current density and effective resistance (resistance distance) before and after the installations of USSE facilities and was conducted using Circuitscape 4.0. The impacts on habitat connectivity were the most substantial in the areas where the USSE facilities were installed on or around wildlife corridors, near focal areas, and in large clusters. The study has identified important linkages and new pathways that animals may try to take in order to bypass the facilities. The study has also shown that installation of USSE facilities in areas not suitable as habitat for Florida panthers, but still permeable or semi-permeable (e.g., agricultural lands), can substantially impact connectivity between focal areas.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2020
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013500
- Subject Headings
- Florida panther, Puma concolor coryi, Habitat conservation, Solar energy--Environmental aspects, Solar energy--Florida
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) surveys and traditional methods to examine influences on loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) nest site selection.
- Creator
- Manestar, Summer, Briggs, Tiffany Roberts, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Geosciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
This study examined the environmental and anthropogenic factors that may influence loggerhead sea turtle nest site selection and how these factors vary between successful nesting attempts and false crawls on a high-density sea turtle nesting beach in Boca Raton, Florida. Beach morphology, sand texture, and nests’ proximity to artificial structures were measured using a combination of drone-based photogrammetry, traditional surveys with Real Time Kinematic Global Positioning System (RTK GPS),...
Show moreThis study examined the environmental and anthropogenic factors that may influence loggerhead sea turtle nest site selection and how these factors vary between successful nesting attempts and false crawls on a high-density sea turtle nesting beach in Boca Raton, Florida. Beach morphology, sand texture, and nests’ proximity to artificial structures were measured using a combination of drone-based photogrammetry, traditional surveys with Real Time Kinematic Global Positioning System (RTK GPS), and sediment granulometry. Proximity to dune crossover stairs was significantly different between nests and false crawls, and the probability of a false crawl occurring decreased as proximity to dune crossover stairs increased. The results of this study will provide researchers with a new tool for nest monitoring and a better understanding of the microhabitat cues that may influence loggerhead sea turtle nest site selection and aid in guiding beach and sea turtle management decisions.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014184
- Subject Headings
- Loggerhead sea turtles, Drone aircraft, Sea turtles--Nests, Geomorphology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Using Low-Cost Multi-Depth Samplers to Characterize the Variability of Specific Conductance in Coastal South Florida Beaches.
- Creator
- Shaver, Kyle David, Root, Tara, Briggs, Tiffany Roberts, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Geosciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
A small body of saline rich water rests in the saturated zone between the foredune and the shoreline at certain beaches. This region is beneath the water table and the top of the fresher groundwater, known as the Upper Saline Plume (USP). The USP is significant because density driven flow and chemical fluxes between freshwater, rainwater, and seawater contribute to biogeochemical processes in the subterranean estuary (Duque et al. 2020). The occurrence of the USP has been observed along...
Show moreA small body of saline rich water rests in the saturated zone between the foredune and the shoreline at certain beaches. This region is beneath the water table and the top of the fresher groundwater, known as the Upper Saline Plume (USP). The USP is significant because density driven flow and chemical fluxes between freshwater, rainwater, and seawater contribute to biogeochemical processes in the subterranean estuary (Duque et al. 2020). The occurrence of the USP has been observed along beaches that have a moderate to gentle slope, fine to medium grain size, and higher wave energy. The goal of this study was to determine if conditions for the presence of USP are consistent throughout different coastal beaches in southeast Florida while mapping the groundwater salinity across the beach. To identify the existence and delimit the boundary interface of the USP in the southeastern coast of Florida, multi–depth samplers were designed, built, and deployed along cross-shore transects at Jupiter and Gulfstream Beaches in Palm Beach County, FL. Groundwater samples were extracted along the transects to measure specific conductance. Although this study did not confirm the existence of the USP in South Florida beaches, an intermediate zone of water that is in-between the specific conductance ranges of relatively freshwater and relatively salty water was identified. Furthermore, the size of this intermediate zone was corresponded with beach slope, showing larger intermediate zones for steeper slopes and vice versa. Finally, temporal changes in the location and morphology of this intermediate zone were also identified in relation to a distinct disturbance event (Hurricane Isaias) which resulted in elevated ocean water levels.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2020
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013625
- Subject Headings
- Beaches--Florida, Freshwater, Seawater, Water resources--Management
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Using Hydrogeophysical Methods for Investigating Carbon Dynamics in the Greater Everglades Watershed: Implications for the Spatial and Temporal Variability in Carbon Stocks and Biogenic Gas Fluxes.
- Creator
- McClellan, Matthew D., Comas, Xavier, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Peat soils store a large fraction of the global soil carbon (C) pool and comprise 95% of wetland C stocks. They also have the capability to produce and release significant amounts of greenhouse gasses (CO2, CH4) into the atmosphere. Most studies of wetland soil C and gas flux dynamics have been done in expansive peatlands in northern boreal and subarctic biomes. However, wetlands in temperate and tropical climates are vastly understudied despite accounting for more than 20% of the global...
Show morePeat soils store a large fraction of the global soil carbon (C) pool and comprise 95% of wetland C stocks. They also have the capability to produce and release significant amounts of greenhouse gasses (CO2, CH4) into the atmosphere. Most studies of wetland soil C and gas flux dynamics have been done in expansive peatlands in northern boreal and subarctic biomes. However, wetlands in temperate and tropical climates are vastly understudied despite accounting for more than 20% of the global peatland C stock and storing large amounts of biogenic gasses Although studies investigating greenhouse gas dynamics from peatlands have increased during the last decade, the spatial and temporal distribution of these gases still remains highly uncertain, mainly due to the limitations in terms of spatial and temporal resolution and invasive nature of most methods traditionally used. This thesis combines a series of field and laboratory studies at several sites in the Greater Everglades as examples to show the potential of hydrogeophysical methods to better understand: 1) the belowground C distribution and overall contribution to the global C stocks of certain wetlands (Chapter 2); and 2) the spatial and temporal variability in both C accumulation and releases from peat soil monoliths from several wetland sites in the Greater Everglades (Chapter 3 and 4). To estimate belowground C in the field, I used a combination of indirect non-invasive geophysical methods (GPR), aerial imagery, and direct measurements (coring) to estimate the contribution of subtropical depressional wetlands to the total C stock of pine flatwoods landscape at the Disney Wilderness Preserve (DWP, Orlando, FL). Three-dimensional (3D) GPR surveys were used to define the thickness of stratigraphic layers from the wetland surface to the mineral soil interface within depressional wetlands. Depth-profile cores in conjunction with C core analysis were utilized to visually confirm depths of each interface and estimate changes in soil C content with depth and were ultimately used to estimate total peat volume and C stock for each depressional wetland. Aerial photographs were used to develop a relationship between surface area and total wetland C stock, that were applied to estimate total landscape C stock of all depressional wetlands throughout the entire preserve. Additionally, low-frequency GPR surveys were conducted to image the stratigraphy underneath the peat basin of depressional wetlands to depict lithological controls on the formational processes of depressional wetlands at the DWP. Spatial and temporal variability in biogenic greenhouse gas (i.e. methane and carbon dioxide) production and release were investigated at the laboratory scale. Two 38 liter (0.5 m x 0.23 m x 0.3 m) peat monoliths from two different wetland ecosystems in central Florida (sawgrass peatland and a wet prairie) were compared in order to understand whether changes in matrix properties influence gas dynamics in a controlled environment (i.e. constant temperature). Gas content variability (i.e. build-up and release) within the peat matrix was estimated using a series of high frequency (1.2 GHz) GPR transects along each sample about three times a week. An array of gas traps (eight per sample) fitted with time-lapse cameras were also used in order to constrain GPR measurements and capture gas releases at 15-minute intervals. Gas chromatography was performed on gas samples extracted from the traps to determine CH4 and CO2 content. Also, at the lab scale, temporal variability in biogenic gas accumulation and release was investigated in a large 0.073 m3 peat monolith from the Blue Cypress Preserve in central Florida. An autonomous rail system was constructed in order to estimate gas content variability (i.e. build-up and release) within the peat matrix using a series of continuous GPR transects along the sample. This system ran virtually nonstop using high frequency (1.2 GHz) antennas. GPR measurements were again constrained with an array of gas traps (6) fitted with time-lapse cameras and gas chromatography. The aim of this study is to better constrain temporal scale, and better understand the heterogeneous nature (both in time and space) of gas releases from peat soils.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013238
- Subject Headings
- Greenhouse gases, Everglades (Fla.), Peatlands, Carbon, Bogenic gas
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Using geographic information systems to produce time area diagrams for the Clark Hydrograph Method.
- Creator
- Kohler, Michael Francis, Florida Atlantic University, Restrepo, Jorge I., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Methodologies in GIS are used to compute stream flows for a watershed in Northern California by implementing the Clark Hydrograph Method. GIS algorithms are used to produce time area diagrams with time of concentration formula. These methods are compared to a simulation in HEC-HMS with the dimensionless TAD equation and the ModClark Method. Each GIS method is used to estimate the hydrograph for a measured rainfall event. The accuracy of each of the methods is explored using the HEC objective...
Show moreMethodologies in GIS are used to compute stream flows for a watershed in Northern California by implementing the Clark Hydrograph Method. GIS algorithms are used to produce time area diagrams with time of concentration formula. These methods are compared to a simulation in HEC-HMS with the dimensionless TAD equation and the ModClark Method. Each GIS method is used to estimate the hydrograph for a measured rainfall event. The accuracy of each of the methods is explored using the HEC objective function, mean squared error, and other statistical measures of correlation. Advantages and limitations of the GIS methodologies are examined and topics of further study are suggested.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2001
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12769
- Subject Headings
- Geographic information systems, Hydrology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Use of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) in a Study on Beach Morphodynamics at Red Reef Beach, Boca Raton, Florida.
- Creator
- Camara dos Santos Porto, Sabrina, Briggs, Tiffany Roberts, Comas, Xavier, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
- Abstract/Description
-
The internal architecture of a beach system can provide clues into the processes involved in its formation, including depositional processes, and/or driving mechanisms (Billy et al., 2014). Several unique events such as cold fronts or Hurricane Irma caused conditions that resulted in erosion and accretion changes in Red Reef Beach - Boca Raton, throughout the year of 2017. Since the lateral extent of these changes is difficult to evaluate using traditional methods such as coring, a Ground...
Show moreThe internal architecture of a beach system can provide clues into the processes involved in its formation, including depositional processes, and/or driving mechanisms (Billy et al., 2014). Several unique events such as cold fronts or Hurricane Irma caused conditions that resulted in erosion and accretion changes in Red Reef Beach - Boca Raton, throughout the year of 2017. Since the lateral extent of these changes is difficult to evaluate using traditional methods such as coring, a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) was tested, which allows for a good lateral resolution (cm scale), to image the distribution and evolution of these sediments. The objectives of this study were to 1) explore the lateral variability in the internal architecture of sediments in Red Reef beach in Boca Raton (FL) using an array of ground penetrating radar (GPR) measurements constrained with coring and sediment analysis; 2) explore how dynamics of erosion and accretion induced by changes in wave activity and related to tide variation and storm events, may affect surface topography and the sedimentary internal architecture of beach deposits, using RTK GPS and GPR time-lapse measurements; 3) to explore changes in the lateral extent of the freshsaltwater interface along the beach profile in relation to tide variation and storm events. Reflectors identified in the GPR images showed some evidence of erosional and accretionary surfaces preserved in Red Reef beach. These measurements were repeated over time coinciding with certain events (such as Hurricane Irma) to explore their effects in terms of sediment erosion and accretion as reflected in changes in topography (using time-lapse GPS-RTK measurements), and changes in the internal sedimentary architecture (using time-lapse GPR measurements). The datasets collected also revealed the temporal evolution of the salt-freshwater interface, showing how the lateral extent of saltwater saturated sediment (inferred from areas of GPR signal attenuation along the profiles) evolved over time. This study shows the potential of GPR to provide information about beach sediment processes and dynamics at resolutions beyond traditional measurements (such as coring). It also shows the importance of combining methods that are complementary, such as the use of RTK GPS to explore changes in topography, and GPR that provides information on subsurface sedimentary architecture and the mechanism of change such as post-storm recovery. This study has implications for better understanding changes in coastal sedimentary deposits and processes, both at the subsurface, particularly after high-energy events, such as hurricanes, that result in rapid changes in erosion and/or accretion of sediments.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005947
- Subject Headings
- Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Beaches--Florida, Ground penetrating radar., Sediments (Geology)--Analysis.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- URBAN HEAT ISLAND DRIVING FORCES AND VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT: A STUDY OF SOUTHEAST FLORIDA.
- Creator
- Cresswell, Kevin J., Mitsova, Diana, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Geosciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
Urban heat islands present a significant public health threat for cities. A confluence of warming climate and increasing urbanization should exacerbate urban heat health risks since hotter temperatures result in heat-induced morbidity and mortality. Southeast Florida, the only region in the continental United States with a tropical climate, embodies these trends with a growing regional urban population and climbing heat index. Despite this growing threat, only a few studies have explored...
Show moreUrban heat islands present a significant public health threat for cities. A confluence of warming climate and increasing urbanization should exacerbate urban heat health risks since hotter temperatures result in heat-induced morbidity and mortality. Southeast Florida, the only region in the continental United States with a tropical climate, embodies these trends with a growing regional urban population and climbing heat index. Despite this growing threat, only a few studies have explored urban heat islands there, while urban heat vulnerability has been neglected as well. Thus, assessment of the contributing factors to increasing urban temperatures as well as identifying susceptible populations to UHI effects is imperative to mitigate environmental threats posed by heat islands. Analysis was first conducted to understand regional heat island geospatial characteristics and intensity then correlation analysis performed to understand the influence of meteorological variables. Furthermore, the influence of land use orchestration and surface characteristics (e.g., imperviousness) was analyzed using a spatial regression process. Additionally, a composite index blending dimensions of physical exposure, sensitivity (socioeconomic, health), and adaptive capacity was constructed to gauge vulnerability from hotter temperatures associated with UHIs. Principal Component Analysis weighting was used to group and weight variables then an assessment conducted evaluating composite performance compared to alternative models.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013891
- Subject Headings
- Urban heat island, Florida, Urban planning
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Understanding Variability of Biogenic Gas Fluxes from Peat Soils at High Temporal Resolution Using Capacitance Moisture Probes.
- Creator
- Munzenrieder, Cali, Comas, Xavier, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Peatlands act as carbon sinks while representing major sources of biogenic gases such as methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2), two potent greenhouse gases. Gas production and release in these peats soils are also influenced by overall warm temperatures and water table fluctuations due to the naturally shallow water table in the Florida Everglades. Releases of biogenic gases from Florida Everglades peat soils are not well understood and the temporal distribution and dynamics are uncertain....
Show morePeatlands act as carbon sinks while representing major sources of biogenic gases such as methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2), two potent greenhouse gases. Gas production and release in these peats soils are also influenced by overall warm temperatures and water table fluctuations due to the naturally shallow water table in the Florida Everglades. Releases of biogenic gases from Florida Everglades peat soils are not well understood and the temporal distribution and dynamics are uncertain. The general objective of this work was geared towards a methodological approach which aimed to examine the feasibility of capacitance moisture probes to investigate biogenic gas dynamics in various Florida Everglades peat soils at high temporal resolution. This work has implications for establishing capacitance moisture probes as a method to monitor gas dynamics in peat soils at high temporal resolution and better understanding patterns of gas build-up and release from peat soils in the Everglades.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004700
- Subject Headings
- Everglades National Park (Fla.) -- Environmental conditions, Gas dynamics, Geographic information systems, Grassland ecology, Greenhouse gases, Wetland ecology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Three-dimensional geomodeling to identify spatial relations between lithostratigraphy and porosity in the karst carbonate biscayne aquifer, southeastern Florida.
- Creator
- Westcott, Richard, Root, Tara L., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
- Abstract/Description
-
In southeastern Florida, the majority of drinking water comes from the Biscayne aquifer. This aquifer is comprised of heterogeneous limestones, sandstones, sand, shell and clayey sand with zones of very high permeability. Visualizing the spatial variations in lithology, porosity and permeability of heterogeneous aquifers, like the Biscayne, can be difficult using traditional methods of investigation. Using the Roxar IRAP RMS software multi-layered 3D conceptual geomodels of the lithology,...
Show moreIn southeastern Florida, the majority of drinking water comes from the Biscayne aquifer. This aquifer is comprised of heterogeneous limestones, sandstones, sand, shell and clayey sand with zones of very high permeability. Visualizing the spatial variations in lithology, porosity and permeability of heterogeneous aquifers, like the Biscayne, can be difficult using traditional methods of investigation. Using the Roxar IRAP RMS software multi-layered 3D conceptual geomodels of the lithology, cyclostratigraphy and porosity were created in a portion of the Biscayne aquifer. The models were built using published data from borehole geophysical measurements, core samples, and thin sections. Spatial relations between lithology, cyclostratigraphy, porosity, and preferential flow zones were compared and contrasted to better understand how these geologic features were inter-related. The models show local areas of differing porosity within and cross-cutting different cycles and lithologies. Porosity in the Biscayne aquifer study area follows a hierarchy attributed to lithofacies with a pattern of increasing porosity for the high frequency cycles. This modeling improves understanding of the distribution and interconnectedness of preferential flow zones, and is thus an invaluable tool for future studies of groundwater flow and groundwater contamination in the Biscayne aquifer.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004337, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004337
- Subject Headings
- Biscayne Aquifer (Fla.), Geophysics -- Florida -- Miami Dade County, Groundwater flow -- Florida -- Miami Dade County -- Mathematical models, Hydrology, Karst -- Florida -- Miami Dade County, Porosity, Sedimentary basins -- Florida -- Biscayne Aquifer, Sedimentology -- Statistical methods, Soil permeability
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The Non-Random Selection of Medicinal Plants Theory: a Case Study of a Kichwa Community in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
- Creator
- Robles Arias, Daniela M., Fadiman, Maria, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
- Abstract/Description
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The non-random selection of medicinal plants theory, which states that phylogeny affects the selection of medicinal plants, was proposed by Daniel Moerman to indirectly prove that traditional medicinal systems are rational and based in part by the therapeutic efficacy of plants. The logic of this theory is that because members of a taxonomical group share similar characteristics, some groups will be more medicinal and will be over-used in pharmacopoeias, while other groups bereft of secondary...
Show moreThe non-random selection of medicinal plants theory, which states that phylogeny affects the selection of medicinal plants, was proposed by Daniel Moerman to indirectly prove that traditional medicinal systems are rational and based in part by the therapeutic efficacy of plants. The logic of this theory is that because members of a taxonomical group share similar characteristics, some groups will be more medicinal and will be over-used in pharmacopoeias, while other groups bereft of secondary metabolites and therapeutic potential will be under-used medicinally. To test this theory, Moerman linearly regressed the total number of medicinal plants per family against the total number of plants per family present in an area and examined residual values to find over-used and under-used medicinal plant families. The method has been praised for its simplicity. Nonetheless, shortcomings have been noted and criticized, inspiring researchers to propose new procedures to test for phylogenetic biases in pharmacopoeias. Negative Binomial regression and examination of studentized residuals, the method used in this investigation, ameliorates the original one with a few corrections, conserving the simplicity and solving for all the criticized flaws. Also, this study incorporated different sociodemographic factors to determine if the intracultural homogeneity of traditional knowledge affects the results of the non-random selection of medicinal plants theory analysis. By testing Moerman’s theory, which is one of Ethnobotany’s major theories, this investigation is in agreement with the call to have more hypothesis-driven research within a theoretical framework to continue to advance the Ethnobotany field.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013000
- Subject Headings
- Medicinal plants, Ethnobotany, Ecuador, Amazon River Region
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- THE MANTEÑO OF BOLA DE ORO: PAST HUMAN RESILIENCY TO CLIMATE CHANGE THROUGH REMOTE SENSING, EXCAVATION, AND CHRONOLOGICAL RECONSTRUCTION OF LANDSCAPE MODIFICATIONS.
- Creator
- Garzón-Oechsle, Andrés E., Johanson, Erik, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Geosciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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The term "collapse" has become a widely used term that oversimplifies the intricate histories of human-environment interactions. It has contributed to the belief that civilizations in the Americas and the tropics could not endure over time. However, the Manteño civilization of the Ecuadorian coast challenges this notion. Flourishing for a thousand years (ca. 650–1700 CE), the Manteños inhabited the neotropics at the gates of one of the world's most influential climatic forces, the El Niño...
Show moreThe term "collapse" has become a widely used term that oversimplifies the intricate histories of human-environment interactions. It has contributed to the belief that civilizations in the Americas and the tropics could not endure over time. However, the Manteño civilization of the Ecuadorian coast challenges this notion. Flourishing for a thousand years (ca. 650–1700 CE), the Manteños inhabited the neotropics at the gates of one of the world's most influential climatic forces, the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). To thrive, the Manteños needed to navigate the extremes of ENSO during the Medieval Climate Anomaly (MCA, ca. 950–1250 CE) and the Little Ice Age (LIA, ca. 1400–1700 CE) while capitalizing on ENSO's milder phases. This research uses change detection analysis of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) on Landsat satellite imagery under various ENSO conditions from 1986 to 2020 in southern Manabí, where the 16th-century Manteño territory of Salangome was situated. The findings indicate that the cloud forests found in the highest elevations of the Chongón-Colonche Mountains provide the most resilient environment in the region to adapt to a changing climate. Further investigations of the cloud forest of the Bola de Oro Mountain using Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAV) equipped with LiDAR, ground-truthing, and excavation uncovered a landscape shaped by the Manteños.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014225
- Subject Headings
- Climate change, Remote sensing, Archaeology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The geography of airfares: modeling market and spatial forces in the U.S. Airline Industry.
- Creator
- Cordoba, Hilton A., Ivy, Russell L., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
- Abstract/Description
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The deregulation of the airline industry created a myriad of changes in the U.S. air transport system that has both defended and sparked debate on the wisdom of such policy change for over three decades. One of the promises of deregulation from its proponents in the 1970s was increased competition that would lead to a reduction in fares for consumers. Historic data and literature has indeed shown this to be to the case as average airfares have trended downward especially over the last twenty...
Show moreThe deregulation of the airline industry created a myriad of changes in the U.S. air transport system that has both defended and sparked debate on the wisdom of such policy change for over three decades. One of the promises of deregulation from its proponents in the 1970s was increased competition that would lead to a reduction in fares for consumers. Historic data and literature has indeed shown this to be to the case as average airfares have trended downward especially over the last twenty years. Nonetheless, the industry has become much more complex since deregulation in terms of pricing to the point that very sophisticated yield management computer models are used to achieve an optimum balance between load factors and price. Consequently, this has in turn translated into a haphazard experience for most air travelers in the United States; for instance, the cost of a ticket is sometimes lower traveling from coast to coast than within a particular region of the U.S. and paid fares for the exact same trip can deviate dramatically, often based on variation in the date of purchase. Additionally, this has also resulted in a spatial pattern where certain regions throughout the country have enjoyed lower airfares more so than others. This research seeks to identify this regional disparity using a geographically weighted regression and spatial autoregressive models in a sample of 6,200 routes between 80 primary U.S. airports. The results from the global model showed that variables which measure competition (airlines), operating cost (flights, distance) and elasticity (layover time) proved to be statistically significant and had a positive relationship with airfare The GWR results indicated that while some factors like distance, and hub size, were statistically significant almost nationwide, other factors such as frequency, presence of low cost carriers, and numbers of airlines were only statistically significant at certain airports. Finally, the spatial regressions models indicate that the spatial autocorrelation found in U.S. airfares resemble the first order properties of spatial autocorrelation (i.e. spatial heterogeneity) and not the second order properties (i.e. spatial dependence).
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004188, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004188
- Subject Headings
- Aeronautics, Commercial -- Deregulation, Airlines -- Deregulation -- United States, Airlines -- Management, Airlines -- Rates, Airlines -- United States -- Cost of operation, Economic geography
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A survey, analysis, and evaluation of the nearshore reefs situated off Palm Beach County, Florida.
- Creator
- Vare, Carman Nicholas., Florida Atlantic University, Schultz, Ronald R., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
- Abstract/Description
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An underwater survey was performed between July 1987 and August 1990 focusing on the entire nearshore reef tract situated along the shoreline of Palm Beach County, Florida. Transects, aligned on Florida Department of Natural Resources survey monuments, commenced from the high water mark waterward to the 4 meter isobath. A total of 125 of the 228 transects were found to contain nearshore reefs. A matrix of reef characteristics was created based upon the value of six indices including reef...
Show moreAn underwater survey was performed between July 1987 and August 1990 focusing on the entire nearshore reef tract situated along the shoreline of Palm Beach County, Florida. Transects, aligned on Florida Department of Natural Resources survey monuments, commenced from the high water mark waterward to the 4 meter isobath. A total of 125 of the 228 transects were found to contain nearshore reefs. A matrix of reef characteristics was created based upon the value of six indices including reef width and profile, biodiversity, beach width, public access and an assessment of the historical permanence of the reef. This matrix, based on "z" scores, provided a means of comparing each nearshore reef transect station within the County. This evaluative scheme was used to develop recommendations for the protection and management of the nearshore reefs.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1991
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/14717
- Subject Headings
- Reefs--Florida, Bioherms--Florida
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A survey of the cruise ship industry, 1960-1990.
- Creator
- Wynen, Nancy H., Florida Atlantic University, Lee, David R., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
- Abstract/Description
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Cruises have existed as a unique travel experience since 1960, when air transportation overtook ships as the main mode of travel for tourists. In order to survive, shipping companies devoted their resources to the recreational market. This thesis studies that development and the relationship of cruise travel to traditional travel theory. The second part of the thesis is an analysis of the ports by world region visited by cruise ships. Changes in port popularity from 1960 to 1990 and the...
Show moreCruises have existed as a unique travel experience since 1960, when air transportation overtook ships as the main mode of travel for tourists. In order to survive, shipping companies devoted their resources to the recreational market. This thesis studies that development and the relationship of cruise travel to traditional travel theory. The second part of the thesis is an analysis of the ports by world region visited by cruise ships. Changes in port popularity from 1960 to 1990 and the attraction to the ship companies and travellers is studied.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1991
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/14710
- Subject Headings
- Cruise ships, Tourist trade
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A study of the instruction of Latin American geography in secondary schools in southeast Florida.
- Creator
- Peterson, Andrew Brian., Florida Atlantic University, Kenzer, Martin S., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
- Abstract/Description
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The instruction of Latin American topics in southeast Florida is crucial to the future of the region. Geographic education has traditionally suffered in the United States, and Florida is no exception. The demographics of southeast Florida are changing to reflect a greater proportion of Latin Americans. Social studies programs at the secondary level should reflect this change and treat Latin American groups fairly. Textbooks in use in the region are second best choices for Latin American...
Show moreThe instruction of Latin American topics in southeast Florida is crucial to the future of the region. Geographic education has traditionally suffered in the United States, and Florida is no exception. The demographics of southeast Florida are changing to reflect a greater proportion of Latin Americans. Social studies programs at the secondary level should reflect this change and treat Latin American groups fairly. Textbooks in use in the region are second best choices for Latin American topical coverage. Social studies educators in southeast Florida are aware of the growing importance of Latin America to the region, but in many cases are unable to enhance activities at their school. The coverage of Latin American instruction in southeast Florida is adequate for the moment, but must be enriched in the near future to augment cultural understanding between groups so that they may live agreeably together in an ethnically diverse environment.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1992
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/14813
- Subject Headings
- Latin America--Geography--Study and teaching--Florida, Geography--Study and teaching
- Format
- Document (PDF)