marinkc, Earth and Environmental Sciences | 2016-2017
Laser altimetry data has transformed our ability to quantify Earth surface processes at the meter scale. This developing technology generates high-resolution, three-dimensional digital surface models with particularly unique applications to the Earth Sciences. Surface models can be used to interpret features such as landslides, and are a common way that Earth Scientists evaluate landslide hazards. A pilot project at Camp Davis (EARTH 440) over the past few years, with a 6-24 participating students each year, has implemented LiDAR mapping into a course module through a field geology teaching grant from a partner organization (UNAVCO). This experience indicates that when students are fully involved in a project from the initial data collection, through the processing, analysis and interpretation, they are more engaged, and have deeper understanding, than if they are given a prepared data set to analyze. By further developing use of LiDAR mapping applications in this capstone course, I will be exposing students to 21st century tools and by measuring and analyzing the topography of Earth’s surface, giving students a deeper understanding of geomorphology, hydrology, and tectonics. In particular, I propose to develop a natural hazards specific course module focused on landslide hazards, which will incorporate data planning, collection and interpretation. LiDAR data will be complemented by field observations collected on iPADs, purchased by a previous instructional grant. Data products generated by this course also could be used in any field that could benefit from three-dimensional imaging and modeling of an object (paleontology, anthropology, architecture, civil engineering, etc.). As a member university of the UNVACO consortium, UM has the opportunity to have a trained engineer and equipment loan at very low cost through a field teaching grant to the UNAVCO organization. I request funding for these equipment and personnel, along with support of a trained research assistant to set up, organize and facilitate data interpretation and iPAD set up for field course use. I also request a hard drive for data distribution to camp computers and archival storage of data products generated during this course. In addition to the Earth science objectives, I aim to addressing specific geoscience education needs, including improving students computational skills and GIS competency, teaching the analysis of large data sets, dealing with data collection and data incompleteness, and improving spatial and temporal reasoning.