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Title: Attitudes and perspectives about backyard food gardening: a case study in South Florida.
Creator: Zahina-Ramos, John G., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: As cities grew throughout the past century, the availability of locally grown food declined, mostly because urban expansion occurred at the expense of adjacent agricultural land. As a result, city dwellers turned to commercial food market systems that import food from distant production areas. Private greenspace, which is one of the largest land cover types in cities, offers the potential for substantial agricultural production. Because urban food production on private land, such as backyards...
Show moreAs cities grew throughout the past century, the availability of locally grown food declined, mostly because urban expansion occurred at the expense of adjacent agricultural land. As a result, city dwellers turned to commercial food market systems that import food from distant production areas. Private greenspace, which is one of the largest land cover types in cities, offers the potential for substantial agricultural production. Because urban food production on private land, such as backyards, requires the willing participation of landowners, resident's feelings about and experience with food growing are important to understand. The demographic groups that were most likely to food garden were those in long-term relationships, higher income brackets, those with college education and residents over 50 years old. Incentives and programs focused on producing more from existing gardens may be most appropriate for people in these demographic groups, while other groups will most require basic food growing information. Study participants highly valued intangible benefits of food gardening (e.g., relaxation, feelings of happiness and satisfaction), often more than the provision of food. Most barriers and problems with backyard food growing, such as a lack of space and the need for gardening information, were similar for those who food garden and those who do not. Results from this study indicate that traditional agricultural incentives and perspectives must be rethought if they are to be applied in urban settings. By creating incentives and initiatives that reflect the needs and challenges faced by urban growers, urban agriculture will become an integrated part of the community, improving food quantity and quality while enriching residents' lives.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3361258
Subject Headings: Backyard gardens, Food chains (Ecology), Garden ecology, Green movement, Sustainable development
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Analysis of Kissimmee River floodplain seed dispersal for vegetation community restoration.
Creator: Mezza, Garren., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Center for Environmental Studies
Abstract/Description: This research examined the influence of hydrochory (seed dispersal via water), anemochory (seed dispersal via wind), and zoochory (seed dispersal by animals) on the re-establishment of the important floodplain vegetation communities of the Kissimmee River floodplain. Fifty-eight seed species were identified from 19,849 and 43, 894 seeds trapped in hydrochory traps in sites north and south of Oak Creek, respectively. Seeds trapped by anemochory were measurable but were found to be far less...
Show moreThis research examined the influence of hydrochory (seed dispersal via water), anemochory (seed dispersal via wind), and zoochory (seed dispersal by animals) on the re-establishment of the important floodplain vegetation communities of the Kissimmee River floodplain. Fifty-eight seed species were identified from 19,849 and 43, 894 seeds trapped in hydrochory traps in sites north and south of Oak Creek, respectively. Seeds trapped by anemochory were measurable but were found to be far less important than hydrochory, while results showed no evidence of zoochory .... A number of interafting factors, e.g. hydrology, lack of remnants, seed phenology, etc. are limiting the dispersal of broadleaf marsh species north of Oak Creek, delaying range, expansion, and further community restoration.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3358754
Subject Headings: Seeds, Dispersal, Floodplain ecology, Wetland restoration
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Biogenic gas dynamics in peat soil blocks using ground penetrating radar: a comparative study in the laboratory between peat soils from the Everglades and from two northern peatlands in Minnesota and Maine.
Creator: Cabolova, Anastasija., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Physics
Abstract/Description: Peatlands cover a total area of approximately 3 million square kilometers and are one of the largest natural sources of atmospheric methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Most traditional methods used to estimate biogenic gas dynamics are invasive and provide little or no information about lateral distribution of gas. In contrast, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is an emerging technique for non-invasive investigation of gas dynamics in peat soils. This thesis establishes a direct comparison...
Show morePeatlands cover a total area of approximately 3 million square kilometers and are one of the largest natural sources of atmospheric methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Most traditional methods used to estimate biogenic gas dynamics are invasive and provide little or no information about lateral distribution of gas. In contrast, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is an emerging technique for non-invasive investigation of gas dynamics in peat soils. This thesis establishes a direct comparison between gas dynamics (i.e. build-up and release) of four different types of peat soil using GPR. Peat soil blocks were collected at peatlands with contrasting latitudes, including the Everglades, Maine and Minnesota. A unique two-antenna GPR setup was used to monitor biogenic gas buildup and ebullition events over a period of 4.5 months, constraining GPR data with surface deformation measurements and direct CH4 and CO2 concentration measurements. The effect of atmospheric pressure was also investigated. This study has implications for better understanding global gas dynamics and carbon cycling in peat soils and its role in climate change.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2974433
Subject Headings: Wetland ecology, Wetland ecology, Wetland ecology, Gas dynamics, Soil permeability, Ground penetrating radar, Porous materials, Fluid dynamics
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Dietary niche relationships of white ibis, tricolored heron and snowy egret nestlings in the northern Everglades.
Creator: Boyle, Robin A., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Food availability is the primary factor affecting the reproductive success in many species of birds. Diet composition can indicate diet quality, habitat use and niche requirements for breeding birds and may be variable across short and long-term time scales. Identifying primary prey types of nesting wading birds is important for the hydrologic restoration of wetlands. I collected nestling boluses during the 2008 and 2009 nesting seasons from three species of wading birds that nest in the...
Show moreFood availability is the primary factor affecting the reproductive success in many species of birds. Diet composition can indicate diet quality, habitat use and niche requirements for breeding birds and may be variable across short and long-term time scales. Identifying primary prey types of nesting wading birds is important for the hydrologic restoration of wetlands. I collected nestling boluses during the 2008 and 2009 nesting seasons from three species of wading birds that nest in the northern Everglades: White Ibis, Tricolored Herons and Snowy Egrets. White Ibis bolus composition was dominated by crayfish in both years, but exhibited some variation with landscape water depth in 2009; fish use was greatest when the wetland landscape was relatively dry. In contrast, the prey of Tricolored Herons and Snowy Egrets were primarily fish and their respective diets did not differ from one another in either fish species composition or size structure.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2953207
Subject Headings: Wetland ecology, Bird populations, Water birds
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Differentiating decomposition rates within the ridge-slough microtopography of the central Florida Everglades.
Creator: Van der Heiden, Sheryl R., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The relative rates of detrital decomposition in four vegetation communities within the Everglades' ridge-slough microtopography were evaluated during two trials. Litterbags with community-specific detritus in proportion to each community's composition were put into the four communities; namely, submerged marsh, emergent marsh, short Cladium ridge, and tall Cladium ridge. These litterbags were paired with litterbags containing control leaf litter from Chrysobalanus icaco and Salix caroliniana...
Show moreThe relative rates of detrital decomposition in four vegetation communities within the Everglades' ridge-slough microtopography were evaluated during two trials. Litterbags with community-specific detritus in proportion to each community's composition were put into the four communities; namely, submerged marsh, emergent marsh, short Cladium ridge, and tall Cladium ridge. These litterbags were paired with litterbags containing control leaf litter from Chrysobalanus icaco and Salix caroliniana during the wet and dry season trials, respectively. No regional differences in decomposition were shown, but there were significant differences across communities, attributed to the initial C:N ratio of the detritus, with the fastest decomposition occurring in the deepest submerged marsh followed by emergent marsh, and the shallower ridge communities had equally slower decomposition. Additionally, both controls followed the same pattern. Thus, decomposition contributes to an active self-maintenance mechanism within the vegetation communities which ultimately helps to conserve the ridges and sloughs.
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Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/166456
Subject Headings: Biogeochemistry, Surfaces (Technology), Measurement, Vegatation dynamics, Mathematical models, Wetland ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Estimating the vulnerability of Everglades peat to combustion.
Creator: Johnson, James., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Center for Environmental Studies
Abstract/Description: Fire occurrences in the Everglades have increased since hydrologic alterations began, yet the vulnerability of Everglades peat to combustion during wildfires has yet to be determined. Natural fire regimes help maintain ecosystem functions and services and disruptions of natural disturbance regimes can have detrimental impacts, jeopardizing ecosystem health. Severe peat combustion can destroy native vegetation, alter microtopography, and release large amounts of stored carbon into the...
Show moreFire occurrences in the Everglades have increased since hydrologic alterations began, yet the vulnerability of Everglades peat to combustion during wildfires has yet to be determined. Natural fire regimes help maintain ecosystem functions and services and disruptions of natural disturbance regimes can have detrimental impacts, jeopardizing ecosystem health. Severe peat combustion can destroy native vegetation, alter microtopography, and release large amounts of stored carbon into the atmosphere. To create a better understanding of the mechanistic controls on Everglades ground fires, the soil's physical properties within several sites of Water Conservation Area 3 and how changes in water table affect these physical characteristics were determined. Areas disturbed by hydrologic alterations contain higher mineral content and therefore require lower water content to combust when compared to preserved regions. Changes in water tables have a significant effect on soil moisture and lower water tables drastically increase the vulnerability of a region.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3358594
Subject Headings: Ecological engineering, Conservation of natural resources, Fire ecology, Ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Cultural and spatial perceptions of Miami's Little Havana.
Creator: Cordoba, Hilton A., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: Miami's "Little Havana" is known by many for its famous Southwest 8th Street, the Calle Ocho festival, and for the many Latin people, particularly Cubans, that live in the area. However, the current name of the neighborhood hides all of the dynamics of neighborhood change and creates the notion that Little Havana is a static monoculture neighborhood. This study measured people's perception of Little Havana by surveying 153 residents to identify the cultural associations and to capture the...
Show moreMiami's "Little Havana" is known by many for its famous Southwest 8th Street, the Calle Ocho festival, and for the many Latin people, particularly Cubans, that live in the area. However, the current name of the neighborhood hides all of the dynamics of neighborhood change and creates the notion that Little Havana is a static monoculture neighborhood. This study measured people's perception of Little Havana by surveying 153 residents to identify the cultural associations and to capture the participant's spatial perceptions of Little Havana. This study found that survey participants from inside the study area associated Little Havana more with Cuban culture and had more positive things to say about the neighborhood. Finally, this study suggests that the core of Little Havana was encompassed by West Flagler Street on the north, Southwest 8th Street on the south, Southwest 27th Avenue on the west, and Southwest 4th Avenue on the east.
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Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3174508
Subject Headings: Cuban Americans, Social life and customs, History, Description and travel, Social life and customs
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Constraints of landscape level prey availability on physiological condition and productivity of great egrets and white ibises in the Florida Everglades.
Creator: Herring, Garth, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Life history strategy suggests long lived bird species will adjust their nesting effort according to current conditions, balancing the costs of reproduction with their long-term needs for survival and future reproduction. The habitat conditions that produce these responses may differ between species, even within the same ecosystem, producing different nesting and population trends. I traced the pathway by which food availability influences the physiological condition of pre-breeding great...
Show moreLife history strategy suggests long lived bird species will adjust their nesting effort according to current conditions, balancing the costs of reproduction with their long-term needs for survival and future reproduction. The habitat conditions that produce these responses may differ between species, even within the same ecosystem, producing different nesting and population trends. I traced the pathway by which food availability influences the physiological condition of pre-breeding great egrets and white ibises through to reproductive measures, and the physiological condition of chicks. I focused on these two species with contrasting foraging strategies, in relation to foraging and habitat conditions to maximize the likelihood of application of these results to other wading bird species. Experimental food supplementation and physiology research on white ibis chicks demonstrated that in years with low prey availability white ibis were food limited, with increased levels of stress protein 60 and fecal corticosterone. This is the first study to demonstrate experimentally the response of stress protein 60 to changing levels of food availability. During a year with low prey availability (2007) white ibis adults and chick physiological condition was lower than that of great egrets. During the same year, fledging success was lower for both species (20% for white ibis versus 27% for great egret) but the magnitude of the decrease was particularly severe for the white ibis (76% decline versus 66% decline for the great egret). Results suggest white ibises modify their clutch size during years with poor habitat in accordance with life history traits of a long-lived species, whereas great egrets maintained their clutch size during years with poor habitat., Increasing recession rates, hydrological reversals, and prey densities influenced white ibis, whereas great egrets were most influenced by prey densities and recession rates, with no effect of hydrological reversal. During the same year, fledging success was lower for both species (20% for white ibis versus 27% for great egret) but the magnitude of the decrease was particularly severe for the white ibis (76% decline versus 66% decline for the great egret). Results suggest white ibises modify their clutch size during years with poor habitat in accordance with life history traits of a long-lived species, whereas great egrets maintained their clutch size during years with poor habitat. Increasing recession rates, hydrological reversals, and prey densities influenced white ibis, whereas great egrets were most influenced by prey densities and recession rates, with no effect of hydrological reversals. This study is the first to make the link between landscape hydrology patterns, prey availability, and responses in wading bird nesting. These linkages provide critical insight into how species' nesting patterns could differ given the same time and spatial constraints and how that may be related to long-term nesting trends. This knowledge could ultimately lead to novel predictions about population and community patterns of wetland birds.
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Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/77643
Subject Headings: Bird populations, Water birds, Wetland ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Comparative ecophysiology of bloom-forming macroalgae in the Indian River Lagoon, Florida: Ulva lactuca (Chlorophyta), Hypnea musciformis, and Gracilaria tikvahiae (Rhodophyta).
Creator: Vlaming, Lisa N.A., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Macroalgal blooms are responses to nutrient enrichment in shallow seagrass ecosystems like the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida. Little is known about nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) limitation or the importance of morphological/physiological characteristics of bloom-forming macroalgae (Ulva lactuca, Hypnea musciformis, and Gracilaria tikvahiae) in the IRL. We hypothesized: 1) all species would proliferate in nutrient-rich Titusville, 2) opportunistic U. lactuca would dominate, 3) Rapid...
Show moreMacroalgal blooms are responses to nutrient enrichment in shallow seagrass ecosystems like the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida. Little is known about nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) limitation or the importance of morphological/physiological characteristics of bloom-forming macroalgae (Ulva lactuca, Hypnea musciformis, and Gracilaria tikvahiae) in the IRL. We hypothesized: 1) all species would proliferate in nutrient-rich Titusville, 2) opportunistic U. lactuca would dominate, 3) Rapid Light Curves (RLCs) would assess nutrient status, and 4) nutrient concentrations would regulate growth more than N:P ratios. Field studies showed rapid biomass doubling times of 2 days (U. lactuca; November 2012) in urbanized Titusville. RLCs in a guano-enriched island off Big Pine Key (BPK) and Titusville (Ulva spp.) were similar due to P-saturation. Laboratory studies showed three-fold higher RLCs and two-fold faster growth at high nutrient concentrations of N and P. Reductions of both N and P will be required to moderate future blooms.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3361257
Subject Headings: Marine algae, Marine algae, Ecophysiology, Marine algae, Adaptation, Algal blooms
Format: Document (PDF)

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

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

Title: Foreclosure effects: the changing landscape and those left behind in Broward County, Florida.
Creator: Shaw, Cindy M., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: The recent financial crisis which has beset the United States has made itself felt in a number of ways, not the least of which has been its adverse effect on the housing market. As foreclosure percentages accelerated, increasing numbers of properties across the country became empty and abandoned, leaving a visible imprint of deterioration in neighborhoods that were significantly affected. Initial GIS analysis of both foreclosed and non-foreclosed residential land in Broward County Florida was...
Show moreThe recent financial crisis which has beset the United States has made itself felt in a number of ways, not the least of which has been its adverse effect on the housing market. As foreclosure percentages accelerated, increasing numbers of properties across the country became empty and abandoned, leaving a visible imprint of deterioration in neighborhoods that were significantly affected. Initial GIS analysis of both foreclosed and non-foreclosed residential land in Broward County Florida was conducted, showing that there is a discernible spectral difference in the lawn space of these two types of properties, with foreclosed properties exhibiting more brownness, or loss of green space. In order to evaluate whether or not this visible deterioration has had an effect on residents left behind in areas of foreclosure and their own habits, 950 mail-in surveys were distributed throughout 19 different census tracts in Broward County, inquiring about demographics, surrounding foreclosures, degrees of concern for home value and appearance, and changes in lawn maintenance since the foreclosure crisis along with reasons for such change if such exists. Data received from respondents was then analyzed in order to identify any attributes or correlations which might contribute to further neighborhood change, and how any of these factors might be affecting attitudes or perceptions of those left behind, as well as their lawn maintenance habits.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3361063
Subject Headings: Financial crises, Foreclosure, Community development, Urban, Land use, Urban, Economic conditions
Format: Document (PDF)

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

Title: Effects of freshwater discharges and habitat architecture on oyster reef community development and diversity.
Creator: Salewski, Elizabeth a., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Center for Environmental Studies
Abstract/Description: Oyster reefs support diverse estuarine communities and food webs. Factors controlling oyster reef community development were studied on restored reefs in the St. Lucie Estuary. Freshwater discharges create stresses that cause oyster mortality, habitat loss and reduction in reef community diversity. Using structural equation modeling, it was demonstrated that salinity, turbidity, and chlorophyll-a gradients influence oysters and some reef invertebrate species, but did not support the...
Show moreOyster reefs support diverse estuarine communities and food webs. Factors controlling oyster reef community development were studied on restored reefs in the St. Lucie Estuary. Freshwater discharges create stresses that cause oyster mortality, habitat loss and reduction in reef community diversity. Using structural equation modeling, it was demonstrated that salinity, turbidity, and chlorophyll-a gradients influence oysters and some reef invertebrate species, but did not support the predictions of the Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis. In contrast, diversity and species richness were greatest at low stress sites. A field experiment showed that topographic relief and architectural complexity enhanced colonization and growth of reef-building species (e.g.oysters and mussels). The relief by complexity interaction had a higher order, synergistic effect on oyster abundance. When considered separately, increasing relief further enhanced dominant sessile taxa (cirripeds and ascideans) ; while, increasing complexity supported greater species richness and the abundance of cirripeds.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3355881
Subject Headings: American oyster, Reef ecology, Habitat conservation, Predation (Biology)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Effects of mid-incubation egg movement on loggerhead (Caretta caretta) turtle hatch success and embryo development.
Creator: Ahles, Natasha M., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Due to an emergency status dune restoration project following Subtropical Storm Andrea in 2007 on Singer Island, Florida, nests needed to be moved during early to mid-incubation. Nesting success was compared between those moved mid-incubation, moved within 12h to either a native sand incubation area or a renourished sand incubation area, and those left in-situ. Nests moved within 12h to the native sand had a significantly larger proportion of pipped hatchlings. Nests moved mid-incubation had...
Show moreDue to an emergency status dune restoration project following Subtropical Storm Andrea in 2007 on Singer Island, Florida, nests needed to be moved during early to mid-incubation. Nesting success was compared between those moved mid-incubation, moved within 12h to either a native sand incubation area or a renourished sand incubation area, and those left in-situ. Nests moved within 12h to the native sand had a significantly larger proportion of pipped hatchlings. Nests moved mid-incubation had a significantly lower proportion of hatched eggs as well as emergent hatchlings. The stage in which embryonic development was arrested corresponded to the stage the embryos were in during the time of movement; indicating movement was the cause of death. When comparing nests moved within the initial 2.5 weeks of development to those moved after 2.5 weeks of development, there was no significant difference in hatching success.
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Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/221948
Subject Headings: Sea turtles, Embryology, Wildlife conservation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Determining anchoring systems for marine renewable energy devices moored in a western boundary current.
Creator: Seibert, Michael G., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: In this thesis anchoring systems for marine renewable energy devices are examined for an area of interest off the coast of Southeast Florida that contains both ocean current and thermal resources for future energy extraction. Bottom types observed during previous regional benthic surveys are compiled and anchor performance of each potential anchor type for the observed bottom types is compared. A baseline range of environmental conditions is created by combining local current measurements and...
Show moreIn this thesis anchoring systems for marine renewable energy devices are examined for an area of interest off the coast of Southeast Florida that contains both ocean current and thermal resources for future energy extraction. Bottom types observed during previous regional benthic surveys are compiled and anchor performance of each potential anchor type for the observed bottom types is compared. A baseline range of environmental conditions is created by combining local current measurements and offshore industry standards. Numerical simulations of single point moored marine hydrokinetic devices are created and used to extract anchor loading for two potential deployment locations, multiple mooring scopes, and turbine rotor diameters up to 50 m. This anchor loading data is used for preliminary anchor sizing of deadweight and driven plate anchors on both cohesionless and cohesive soils. Finally, the capabilities of drag embedment and pile anchors relevant to marine renewable energy devices are discussed.
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Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3172697
Subject Headings: Ocean energy resources, Renewable energy sources, Deep-sea moorings, Ocean engineering, Geothermal energy
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Comparison of chemotaxonomic methods for the determination of periphyton community composition.
Creator: Browne, Jamie L., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Abstract/Description: Pigment-based chemotaxonomy uses relative amounts of photosynthetic pigments (biomarkers) within algae samples to determine the algal class composition of each sample. Chemotaxonomy has been applied successfully to phytoplankton communities, but its efficacy for periphyton has not yet been established. This study examined the ability of simultaneous linear equations (SLE), CHEMTAX, and the Bayesian Compositional Estimator (BCE) to determine algal class composition in Florida Everglades...
Show morePigment-based chemotaxonomy uses relative amounts of photosynthetic pigments (biomarkers) within algae samples to determine the algal class composition of each sample. Chemotaxonomy has been applied successfully to phytoplankton communities, but its efficacy for periphyton has not yet been established. This study examined the ability of simultaneous linear equations (SLE), CHEMTAX, and the Bayesian Compositional Estimator (BCE) to determine algal class composition in Florida Everglades periphyton. The methods were applied to artificial datasets, mixed lab cultures of known composition, and Everglades periphyton samples for which microscopic biovolume data was available. All methods were able to return accurate sample compositions for artificial data and mixed lab cultures. Correlation between pigment methods and microscopic results for natural periphyton samples was poor. SLE and CHEMTAX returned similar results for all samples while BCE performed less well.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2100582
Subject Headings: Water quality biological assessment, Periphyton, Water, Phosphorus content, Freshwater algae
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Comparison and differentiation in fossil and recent specimens of the melongenid subgenus Rexmela in Florida.
Creator: Pletka, Crystal., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: The subgenus Rexmela, located primarily in Florida, is newly evolved, dating back 1.6 million years, first occurring in the Ayer's Landing Member of the Caloosahatchee Formation. This subgenus has highly variably shell morphology and has led to the erection of several species and subspecies. In order to provide a quantitative methodology with which to differentiate between populations, samples of Recent and fossil populations were collected and measured for a variety of parameters. The...
Show moreThe subgenus Rexmela, located primarily in Florida, is newly evolved, dating back 1.6 million years, first occurring in the Ayer's Landing Member of the Caloosahatchee Formation. This subgenus has highly variably shell morphology and has led to the erection of several species and subspecies. In order to provide a quantitative methodology with which to differentiate between populations, samples of Recent and fossil populations were collected and measured for a variety of parameters. The parameters measured included length, width, spire height, and several angles, and allowed for a discriminate analysis to be completed. The analysis supported the distinction of several of the populations as ecophenotypes. Paleoenvironments of the fossil populations were then recreated using analogues of Recent populations.
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Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/187215
Subject Headings: Mollusks, Habitat, Gastropoda, Fossil, Aquatic invertebrates, Identification, Evolutionary paleobiology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Geochemical conditions and groundwater-surface interactions within a municipal well field in Miami-Dade County, Florida.
Creator: Antolino, Dominick J., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: This thesis presents a preliminary study on geochemical conditions within the Snapper Creek well field in Miami-Dade County, Florida. The study investigates the background groundwater chemistry within the Biscayne aquifer in order to provide information on the geochemical processes and water-rock interactions within the study site. In conjunction with hydraulic gradient information, major ion chemistry and deuterium and oxygen-18 data were used as environmental tracers to help describe the...
Show moreThis thesis presents a preliminary study on geochemical conditions within the Snapper Creek well field in Miami-Dade County, Florida. The study investigates the background groundwater chemistry within the Biscayne aquifer in order to provide information on the geochemical processes and water-rock interactions within the study site. In conjunction with hydraulic gradient information, major ion chemistry and deuterium and oxygen-18 data were used as environmental tracers to help describe the groundwater-surface water interactions between the well field and the Snapper Creek canal. Hydrologic data show there is potential for natural groundwater recharge from the canal within the shallow flow zone of the Biscayne aquifer and chemical data show evidence of canal-groundwater mixing within this zone. The limitations for the v environmental tracers employed within the study are addressed, as well as recommendations for further research involving natural geochemical tracers and groundwater-surface water interactions near municipal well fields. This study was part of a larger effort being conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey in order to assess municipal well field pumping effects on the Snapper Creek (C-2) canal.
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Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3329830
Subject Headings: Groundwater flow, Simulations, Groundwater flow, Hydrogeology, Aquifiers
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Influence of Soil Disturbance and Fire on the Distribution of Caesar’s Weed (Urena Lobata) in Pine Flatwoods.
Creator: Hagood, Daniel Harrison, Benscoter, Brian, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Novel disturbances can increase the vulnerability of pine flatwoods to exotic species such as Caesar’s weed (Urena lobata), a plant that has invaded many ecosystems. To understand Caesar’s weed response to disturbance, a factorial field manipulation was used to quantify invasion success. Influence of feral swine (Sus scrofa) on the presence of seeds in the area was analyzed. The effect of heat on Caesar’s weed germination was also quantified. A winter fire and mechanical soil disturbance had...
Show moreNovel disturbances can increase the vulnerability of pine flatwoods to exotic species such as Caesar’s weed (Urena lobata), a plant that has invaded many ecosystems. To understand Caesar’s weed response to disturbance, a factorial field manipulation was used to quantify invasion success. Influence of feral swine (Sus scrofa) on the presence of seeds in the area was analyzed. The effect of heat on Caesar’s weed germination was also quantified. A winter fire and mechanical soil disturbance had no statistical effect on the spread of Caesar’s weed. However, in feral swine disturbed soils Caesar’s weed was more likely to be husked and experience less competition from seeds of other species. Low levels of seed heating increased germination. This data can provide information about the influences of fire and soil disturbances on the spread of Caesar’s weed, as well as how fire intensity levels can affect the spread of invasive Caesar’s weed.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004928
Subject Headings: Ecology -- Florida, Urena lobata, Invasive plants--Ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Wetland ecology (9)	+ -
Ecology (7)	+ -
Ecosystem management (6)	+ -
Habitat (6)	+ -
Water birds (5)	+ -

Coral reef ecology (4)	+ -
Environmental aspects (4)	+ -
Habitat selection (4)	+ -
Predation (Biology) (4)	+ -
Bird populations (3)	+ -
Marine ecosystem management (3)	+ -
Remote sensing (3)	+ -
Sea turtles (3)	+ -
Sustainable development (3)	+ -
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Wildlife conservation (3)	+ -
Algal blooms (2)	+ -
American oyster (2)	+ -
Behavior (2)	+ -
Birds (2)	+ -
Community development, Urban (2)	+ -
Conservation of natural resources (2)	+ -
Dispersal (2)	+ -
Embryology (2)	+ -
Floodplain ecology (2)	+ -
Geographic information systems (2)	+ -
Habitat (Ecology) (2)	+ -
Marine algae (2)	+ -
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Mathematical models (2)	+ -

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United States (4)	+ -
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Everglades National Park (2)	+ -
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St. Lucie River Estuary (2)	+ -
Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge (Fla.) (1)	+ -
Atlantic Ocean (1)	+ -
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Okeechobee, Lake (Fla.) (1)	+ -
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