GIS and Dune Formation Research
This work studies environmental resilience and how severe weather impacts landscapes and how human beings react resiliently. Specifically, the project studies the North Atlantic Oscillation, which is currently imperfectly understood. Using GIS technology to identify potential areas of interest, the project evaluates grass dunes and sediment samples to find clues about historic coastal towns and the weather events they endured. The model Bampton is producing has the potential to predict future locations where drastic weather events will not be survivable or rebuildable, preventing a misuse of valuable resources for economic planners.
Vision
Linking this work to other North Atlantic regions would allow for a more robust model to be developed building on geographic connections. Another avenue for growth that is currently underway is linking this work to John Preston’s study of beach formation. Applying these two models to areas of historical success would tie these together to produce a wider range of application for the model.
Collaborators
Firooza Pavri, University of Southern Maine
Tracey Stutzman, University of Southern Maine
John Preston (Steffenson Institute); University of Iceland
