This work is a compilation of problems that deal with multiscale analysis of transport phenomena in environmental systems. A common feature among the problems studied here is the presence of non-negligible microscale structure in various forms. Each problem is approached from the perspective that a macroscopic observable encodes aspects of...
This work is an attempt to develop a simple physical description for the initial
interactions between a bacterial cell and a substrate surface. This is done by
adopting a view that regards bacterial surface biomolecules not as secondary and
add-on contributors to the potential energy function that characterizes the
overall...
Resolving the debate surrounding the nature and controls of seasonal variation in the structure and metabolism of Amazonian rainforests is critical to understanding their response to climate change. In situ studies have observed higher photosynthetic and evapotranspiration rates, increased litterfall and leaf flushing during the Sunlight-rich dry season. Satellite data...
This repository contains the data associated with the paper "A Hierarchy of Models for Simulating Experimental Results from a 3D Heterogeneous Porous Medium" to be published in Advances in Water Resources and currently available as a preprint on arXiv (https://arxiv.org/abs/1802.01978). These data include the information required to reproduce the results...
In this work we examine the dispersion of conservative tracers (bromide and fluorescein) in an experimentally constructed three-dimensional dual-porosity porous medium, and in the absence of adjustable parameters. The medium is highly heterogeneous (σ2 Y = 5.7), and consists of spherical, low-hydraulic-conductivity inclusions embedded in a high-hydraulic-conductivity matrix. The bi-modal...
Deforestation and loss of soil fertility are two forms of environmental degradation with global importance. Theories of environmental degradation commonly cited in public and academic discourse have historically emphasized the role of human populations and national economic development as being the primary drivers of environmental damage. This thesis utilizes quantitative...
Advances in forest carbon mapping have the potential
to greatly reduce uncertainties in the global carbon
budget and to facilitate effective emissions mitigation strategies
such as REDDC (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation
and Forest Degradation). Though broad-scale mapping
is based primarily on remote sensing data, the accuracy of
resulting forest carbon...
Soil surveys provide essential information for making land use and management decisions on publicly-owned lands in the semi-arid Great Basin. Soil maps produced with conventional mapping techniques are time-consuming, costly, and do not explicitly document the soil scientist's mental soil-landscape model. Predictive soils mapping using decision tree analysis (DTA) can...
This thesis begins with an overview of the history of rock climbing that presents the opportunity to evaluate rock climbing as a religion/religious act in Section 2. Then, Section 2 delves into alternative spaces where religion exists beyond mainstream institutions, in order to build upon some themes of religious experience...
There are many benefits provided by trees in urban areas. While there are many recommendations on maximizing the returns from urban trees, there has been little research examining how these managers are prioritizing their tree species selection. A survey instrument was constructed to survey Tree City USA designated cities across...