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Tara Seely
Washington University in St. Louis, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences
Advisor: Professor Raymond E. Arvidson
Abstract
The goal of this study was to compile and process data of the Big Island of Hawaii and the Mojave Desert of California using the ArcMap application of ArcGIS for future study. Using various internet resources and data stored in the Washington University in St. Louis Earth and Planetary directory, a map of several geographical, political, and environmental data elements of the Big Island was compiled and a time series of remotely sensed images of the Mojave Desert was assembled. The map of the Big Island is well organized and can be easily tailored for an individual's specific interests making it a potential asset for future studies. The Mojave map revealed seasonal differences mostly in the form of mountainous snow cover, but land use changes on a longer temporal scale should be evaluated in the future by an individual more experienced in analysis of remotely sensed images. The subjects of these maps correspond with case studies in Washington University's Pathfinder Program in Environmental Sustainability. The maps will be used as supplements to further enrich the interactive learning experience of participating freshman and sophomore college students through the ongoing study of these regions in the Pathfinder Program.
Tara Seely is from Spring, TX and is a sophomore attending Washington University in St. Louis. She is double majoring in both Earth and Planetary Science and the Ecology track of Environmental Studies. She is a member of the Pathfinder Program in Environmental Sustainability and is currently conducting research at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Tara has been awarded a Research Experience for Undergraduates position at Rutgers University Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences and will spend her summer exploring marine ecology.
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