http://hdl.handle.net/1842/1639 2013-05-18T17:10:59Z http://hdl.handle.net/1842/6276 Title: An Alternative Solution for Modelling Lava Flow Path and Length: applied for hazard assessment at Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull, Iceland Authors: O'Hara, Mhairi Abstract: This paper describes the development of a model that determines the flow path of lava by processing a DEM and estimates the maximum distance it will attain based on the average discharge rate. The effusive eruptions that took place at Hekla in 2000 and Eyjfjallajökull in 2010, at the Fimmvörðuháls site in Iceland are used to validate the model. Results show that the model accurately replicates the paths taken by the lava flows during both events, while the calculated flow lengths from the Hekla 2000 eruption are in extremely good agreement with the real flow fields, with an average accuracy of 94.42%. The Lava Flow model is also used to produce hazard maps for both Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull, by identifying zones on the volcanoes flanks that will confine the lava in the event of an eruption source opening within the boundaries. 2012-08-08T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/1842/6275 Title: Multi-Objective Methods for Reserve Site Selection: A Case Study Selecting Priority Sites for Conservation in Belize Authors: Lefkaditis, Nikolaos Abstract: Systematic conservation planning encompasses a range of data-driven optimisation techniques that are often used to prioritise geographical areas in terms of ecological significance. This evaluation is usually based on criteria that represent the socioeconomic costs associated with conserving specific sites, the landscape properties of the proposed reserve networks and various measures for the included biodiversity features. In this study, biological and socioeconomic data for the lowland savannas of Belize have been combined into layers that reflect the three aforementioned properties and the reserve design problem has been described in a purely multi-objective way that does not require the designation of arbitrary weights for the various criteria. Subsequently, the applicability of two multi-objective optimisation algorithms in solving this version of the reserve design problem for Belizean lowland savannas is explored. It is hypothesized that the multi-objective methods may be able to indicate reserve network configurations that are representative of the full range of potential trade-offs between selected objectives. The results of the implemented algorithms are compared to a series of solutions obtained by MARXAN, a well-established conservation planning software tool. The findings are discussed in detail and indicate that the two methods are effective in approximating certain areas of the trade-off surface between different objectives, but do not produce solutions across its entirety according to the original hypothesis. Two factors that contribute to loss of solution diversity are identified and attributed to the effect of certain implementation choices on the evolvability of the optimisation algorithms. 2012-11-29T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/1842/2481 Title: Investigating the possibilities of energy balance modelling with more moderate input data. Development and testing, Griesgletscher, Switzerland Authors: Thompson, Sarah Abstract: A distributed surface energy balance model has been developed to simulate mass balance at an hourly resolution. The model is applied to a 25 m resolution digital elevation model of a valley glacier in Switzerland. The three main energy balance components are modelled from moderate data input from an automatic weather station in the vicinity. The components are modelled considering the influence of slope aspect and effective horizon. Early assessment shows that the spatial and temporal pattern and the magnitude are sensible. Appraisal of the whole mass balance model indicates that the model underestimates accumulation and slightly over estimates ablation. This can be attributed in part to a localised variation in input parameters. Uncertainty analysis is required to improve model performance. 2008-12-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/1842/2477 Title: Google Earth as a geospatial tool for development organisations: mapping climate change vulnerability Authors: Crossley, Janet Ruth Abstract: Climate change is an increasingly important issue within the development sector, and yet actors within the sector are still unsure about how it will impact on their activities. Mapping offers a useful tool for presenting the complex information needed to represent the issue of vulnerability, and Google Earth allows for users to explore and understand even more information. This study draws examples from a mapping project of climate change vulnerability in Niger, and discusses the lessons to be learnt if Google Earth is to be a useful tool for improving understanding of climate change impacts on the development sector.; Geographical Information Systems have not been as successful in the non-governmental humanitarian sector as GIS professionals had hoped. If geospatial tools are to become more widely used and valuable within the humanitarian sector, it is perhaps time for a new approach to be taken. A debate is currently underway about the potential role of Google Earth in emergency relief operations. This research extends the scope of this discussion into the wider development sector, and asks whether Google Earth has the potential to become a useful tool in various aspects of development NGO work. Information management tools need to have wide support within an organisation to be successful, and it seems that many are very interested in what can be done using compromise geospatial/geovisualisation tools such as Google Earth. However there is also scepticism about its usefulness. This research suggests practical applications and recommendations for good use so that actors within the development sector can take the research further. 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z