Remote Sensing, Geoinformatics, and Spatial Data Analysis
The Department of Geosciences at Western Michigan has recently developed a strong research emphasis in the areas of remote sensing, geoinformatics, and spatial data analysis. Research in these fields is led by Drs M. Sultan and D. Barnes, and is being enabled by the acquisition of a state-of-the-art remote sensing facility, and the installation of a real-time receiving station at Western Michigan Department of Geosciences.
As part of the MERHAB (Monitoring and Event Response for Harmful Algal Blooms) project, Sultan and his research team are exploring the utility of chlorophyll extraction techniques to map the spatial and temporal variations in algal blooms in Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Remote sensing is coupled with in-situ measurements of algal concentrations (chlorophyll-a) in Lakes Erie and Ontario, and the images also are used with predictions from a hydrodynamic and particle tracking model to determine transport pathways.
Several of Sultan’s ongoing projects address the potential influences of natural processes, global change, and regional human activities on the water and carbon cycles and on ecosystems. Under NASA funding, Sultan and his collaborators are developing and applying an integrated systems approach to assess, monitor, and model the recent and future impacts of changes in the landscape and land cover associated with the major agricultural development projects in Saharan Africa. The excessive development of dams and drainage schemes over the past few decades have led to one of the gravest environmental disasters world-wide, the disintegration of the Mesopotamian marshlands that are now largely replaced by salt-encrusted deserts. Using NSF funding, Sultan’s research team is examining the temporal landcover and landuse changes (LCLUC) that occurred over the Mesopotamian marshes in response to the reduced fresh water supply induced by damming and water diversion practices over the past four decades and to monitor the ongoing recovery as well. Under NSF funding, Sultan’s research team is applying an interdisciplinary approach to examine the future impacts of major engineering projects (Tushka Canal, Aswan High Dam) in southwestern Egypt . Using UNDP funding the research group is developing and demonstrating ways to integrate alternative renewable groundwater resources into the water budgets of watersheds in arid regions, where extreme scarcity poses serious trans-boundary problems
A comprehensive understanding of Earth systems sciences requires substantial integration among scientific disciplines in terms of concepts, understanding, skills, and problem-solving. We (Western Michigan, Univ. of Missouri at Columbia, Univ. of Houston, University of Illinois, Chicago) have been funded by the NSF to develop a GIS database (Tethys) as a tool for studying plate collision responses in the Tethyan belt. The application of web-based GIS technologies is especially advantageous in developing countries, where obtaining basic data sets that are relevant to geologic applications, is often cost prohibitive. We (Western Michigan and the Egyptian Geological Survey) have been also funded by NSF to develop a web-based database for Egypt’s geologic data sets, with state-of-the-art capability for information dissemination and data manipulation to enhance effective interdisciplinary research in Egypt by national and international scientists. This database will serve as an example for similar applications in other developing countries.