University of Oregon
M.S. Geography
Completion: September 2018
Completion: September 2018
Master's Thesis -
Monitoring Water Quality in Complex Wetland Systems Using Remote Sensing: Case
Study of the Peace-Athabasca Delta
Advisers: Mark Fonstad, University of Oregon & Patricia McDowell, University of Oregon
Conferences Presented At:
Abstract:
Earth’s hydrology is made up of complex systems which are spatially varied and influence a
number of ecosystem processes. There have been advances in the ways in which we study these
environments, yet it remains important to determine the most efficient tools in order to
accurately monitor ecosystem health in these regions. The process of monitoring water quality in
freshwater-dominated, wetland systems is costly and often impractical due to the remote
locations of areas of interest. Through the application of remote sensing methods, this study
explores how Landsat imagery can be analyzed to detect proxies for organic elements such as
carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous. To monitor these biogeochemical cycles of such elements in a
wetland system, various proxies will be used to quantify and determine the spatial distribution of
each including suspended sediment, chlorophyll and colored dissolved organic matter. Results of
the study demonstrate the extent to which these proxies can provide insight into water quality in
the complex wetland ecosystems. By studying the extent to which remote sensing methods can
be used to study water quality in areas such as the Peace-Athabasca Delta, it will be possible to
assess the feasibility of applying these methods to comparable ecosystems of interest.
Monitoring Water Quality in Complex Wetland Systems Using Remote Sensing: Case
Study of the Peace-Athabasca Delta
Advisers: Mark Fonstad, University of Oregon & Patricia McDowell, University of Oregon
Conferences Presented At:
- American Association of Geographers Annual Meeting - 2018 (New Orleans, LA)
Abstract:
Earth’s hydrology is made up of complex systems which are spatially varied and influence a
number of ecosystem processes. There have been advances in the ways in which we study these
environments, yet it remains important to determine the most efficient tools in order to
accurately monitor ecosystem health in these regions. The process of monitoring water quality in
freshwater-dominated, wetland systems is costly and often impractical due to the remote
locations of areas of interest. Through the application of remote sensing methods, this study
explores how Landsat imagery can be analyzed to detect proxies for organic elements such as
carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous. To monitor these biogeochemical cycles of such elements in a
wetland system, various proxies will be used to quantify and determine the spatial distribution of
each including suspended sediment, chlorophyll and colored dissolved organic matter. Results of
the study demonstrate the extent to which these proxies can provide insight into water quality in
the complex wetland ecosystems. By studying the extent to which remote sensing methods can
be used to study water quality in areas such as the Peace-Athabasca Delta, it will be possible to
assess the feasibility of applying these methods to comparable ecosystems of interest.
Additional Projects -
Review of the Role of Climate Change on Freshwater Quality and Aquatic Ecosystem Health
Term paper for a graduate seminar on water resources and climate change, led by Dr. Patricia McDowell.
Abstract:
Climate change is expected to have a variety of impacts on the environment through the modification of natural processes such as the hydrologic cycle. As these climatic changes continue to amplify as a result of human impact on the Earth, it is necessary to gain an understanding of what influence these factors will have on ecosystems and human livelihood. By predicting how climate change will impact natural processes in the future, it is possible to mitigate some of these negative effects. Water quality will be influenced by climate change, as it is predicted to amplify human effects on the environment through the hydrologic cycle. Not only is the prediction of water quality under climate change conditions important for human consumptive purposes but also ecologically. Despite the great deal of research conducted on how human water availability and quality will be impacted by climate change, there is a need for greater study to be done to aid in the protection of freshwater resources. This review aims to compile a comprehensive guide to what is currently known about the role of climate change on freshwater quality. To do so it is necessary to first define water quality and discuss current predictions of how climate change is expected to impact freshwater systems. Through the analysis of various case studies focusing on how water quality is currently being impacted by climatic changes, it will be possible to gain a better perspective on this topic and allow for a well-rounded understanding of how climate change will influence freshwater quality and aquatic ecosystem health.
Review of the Role of Climate Change on Freshwater Quality and Aquatic Ecosystem Health
Term paper for a graduate seminar on water resources and climate change, led by Dr. Patricia McDowell.
Abstract:
Climate change is expected to have a variety of impacts on the environment through the modification of natural processes such as the hydrologic cycle. As these climatic changes continue to amplify as a result of human impact on the Earth, it is necessary to gain an understanding of what influence these factors will have on ecosystems and human livelihood. By predicting how climate change will impact natural processes in the future, it is possible to mitigate some of these negative effects. Water quality will be influenced by climate change, as it is predicted to amplify human effects on the environment through the hydrologic cycle. Not only is the prediction of water quality under climate change conditions important for human consumptive purposes but also ecologically. Despite the great deal of research conducted on how human water availability and quality will be impacted by climate change, there is a need for greater study to be done to aid in the protection of freshwater resources. This review aims to compile a comprehensive guide to what is currently known about the role of climate change on freshwater quality. To do so it is necessary to first define water quality and discuss current predictions of how climate change is expected to impact freshwater systems. Through the analysis of various case studies focusing on how water quality is currently being impacted by climatic changes, it will be possible to gain a better perspective on this topic and allow for a well-rounded understanding of how climate change will influence freshwater quality and aquatic ecosystem health.