Theses and Dissertations - Department of Geography

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Exploring the ecological footprint of the "average" American student: case of The University of Alabama
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2009) Brown, Crystal Jean; Appiah-Opoku, Seth; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
This research establishes the current consumption and environmental awareness levels associated with the use of water and energy resources for dormitory students on The University of Alabama's campus. During this study, the recently constructed Lakeside East and Ridgecrest East dormitories were analyzed by means of content analysis and subsequent ecological footprint calculations. These were performed from the available water and energy records. Pertaining to the two dormitories from 2007 to 2008, the calculations suggest that consumption levels concerning electricity have decreased; whereas, natural gas levels have increased slightly for Lakeside East and decreased slightly for Ridgecrest East. Additionally, a sample of residents from within the two dormitories was surveyed to determine environmental awareness and lifestyle behaviors associated with the use of energy and water resources. Though a majority of the students indicated they were interested in environmental issues, lifestyle behaviors and preferences did not always positively correlate to the subsequent environmental issues. Resources associated with high-tech devices were overconsumed. Thus, additional educational opportunities may promote more sustainable lifestyle choices. As a consequence, this study serves as a snapshot from which future environmental strategies may be derived.
Urban growth monitoring of Birmingham, AL using Landsat MSS and TM imagery
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2010) Trousdale, Matthew Gavin; Han, Luoheng; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Monitoring urban growth and change in land-use/land-cover in metropolitan areas is of critical interest in the twenty-first century. It is of utmost importance to those who study urban and metropolitan dynamics and to individuals who are in resource management. This research is focused on monitoring urban spatial growth or urbanization and land-use/land-cover changes in the Birmingham, Alabama, Metropolitan Area. This research will analyze urban growth and land-use/land-cover change over a thirty-four period from 1974 to 2008. This research takes place in the counties of Jefferson and Shelby, which is the core of the Birmingham, Alabama, Metropolitan Area. Landsat images from four years, one for each decade in the thirty-four year period, which were also very close to anniversary dates, were obtained to monitor the urban growth and land-use/land-cover change. GIS and remote sensing methods were utilized to achieve the research goal.
Exploring public participation in planning: a case study approach
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2010) Davis, Kara Noelle; Appiah-Opoku, Seth; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
The level of public participation in environmental planning and decision-making was examined using content analysis of specific case studies. Municipalities around the country recently have undertaken many projects in which citizens were unhappy with their involvement in the overall planning process. The objectives of this study were to identify existing laws pertaining to public participation; review the methods of public participation; and determine the extent to which the public was involved in the planning process. Two cases were reviewed with a focus on filtering out lessons in public participation that could be used by community planners elsewhere. Tuscaloosa implemented only four of the nine methods of public participation that Chattanooga also used: form citizen groups or task forces, use outside consultants for new ideas, educate the citizens, and ensure that information is accessible. Visioning proved to be the difference in public participation methods for Chattanooga. Tuscaloosa removed the citizens from the design aspect of its riverfront plans. Downtown revitalization is a prime opportunity for citizens to participate and voice their opinion on the design and function of their city, which would create an opportunity for cooperation with city officials. These missed opportunities for citizen input severely impair a citizen's trust of municipality operation and management of funds, citizen concerns, and natural resources, all of which directly impact the lives of an entire region.
A comparative analysis of warm season precipitation distribution and land cover in the greater Tuscaloosa area
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2010) Wyatt, Wesley Alan; Brommer, David M.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
On an annual basis Tuscaloosa and surrounding areas are exposed to a variety of weather hazards associated with thunderstorms. The synoptically benign conditions during the warm season over this region create a more favorable environment for the development of air mass type thunderstorms. These storms are often chaotic in nature developing in random locations. This study attempts to find patterns in this development by comparing warm season precipitation data with types of land cover. Correlations between land cover and precipitation totals were investigated by using 24-hour estimated precipitation totals provided by the National Weather Service River Forecast Centers and comparing these data with a land use/land cover classification dataset. Non-parametric statistical analysis was then used to determine if positive correlations exist. Spatial Synoptic Classification was also used to isolate days more conducive to thunderstorm formation based on air mass type. Results indicate that over a five year study period, more daily precipitation accumulated in the eastern portions of Tuscaloosa County. On days more conducive to convective precipitation development, heavier precipitation occurred in the area with the greatest urban land cover concentration and areas directly east and northeast of the urban center. Further research is needed to validate these findings, mainly because of a positively skewed precipitation dataset obtained over the five year study period.
Exploring location and accessibility relationships between manufactured housing and banking facilities in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2011) Yankson, Eric; Appiah-Opoku, Seth; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
This study has explored location and accessibility relationships between manufactured housing (also referred to as mobile homes, manufactured homes, or trailers) and banking facilities in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. The main research objective was to examine the relative location of manufactured housing and banking facilities. Additional research objectives included determining the demographic characteristics of mobile home residents and finding out whether or not these residents have access to banking facilities. The study showed that whereas manufactured homes tend to be located in outlying census tracts or in the central part of the county outside city limits, banking facilities are located in the central part of the county within city limits. A Geographical Information System (GIS) suitability analysis showed that overall, less urbanized areas are suitable for the location of manufactured housing units in Tuscaloosa County. These trailers have kept out of the more urbanized locations by zoning restrictions. Statistical analyses showed that the number of industrial establishments and population density are strongly correlated with the number of branches of identified banking facilities, with the number of industrial establishments having the strongest correlation. A spatial mismatch was found between the locations of manufactured housing and banking facilities. Less urbanized areas where mobile homes are located were found to have low population densities, low per capita incomes, and low levels of competitiveness, while more urbanized areas where banking facilities are located were found to have high population densities, high per capita incomes, and high levels of competitiveness. From the survey of mobile home residents carried out as part of this research, it was evident that a majority of household heads (approximately 57%) are between the ages of 46 and 65 years, while 14% are 65+ years old. It was also found that approximately 58% of household heads are working, while 42% are not working. All the respondents in the survey use banking services, with a majority using credit unions. An overwhelming 91% of respondents use loans, while 60% of those who use loans have gone in for a home or home improvement loan (either alone or together with other loans). Based on the results of the survey, it was fair to conclude that notwithstanding the spatial mismatch between the locations of manufactured housing and banking facilities, residents of manufactured housing have access to banking facilities in accordance with the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) of 1977. This implies that one does not necessarily have to be located in close proximity to a banking facility in order to access banking services, as most banks have adopted more technologically advanced ways of dealing with their customers. Also, with space-time accessibility measures, where people work or shop could be a much more useful way of assessing whether or not they have access to banking facilities. However, in terms of aggregate accessibility which is based on points such as homes or zones, or topological accessibility which is based on travel distance or time, manufactured housing residents are placed at a disadvantage relative to residents of site-built homes when it comes to accessing banking facilities.
Coarse grain mobility in a step-pool mountain stream
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2011) Kimbrow, Dustin Randall; Davis, Lisa; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Sediment mobility and the resulting erosion of bedrock are the primary controls on surface denudation and landscape evolution in humid subtropical environments. This study investigates the movement of coarse sediment grains in Cheaha Creek, a step-pool headwater stream located in the tectonically passive Talladega Mountains of northeastern Alabama. The frequency and magnitude of stream discharges large enough to mobilize sediment grains ranging from fine sands to large boulders are analyzed in this research. Results indicate that depending on the size and orientation of surrounding sediment grains, coarse gravel to large cobbles are potentially mobile at 1.5 year recurrence interval flows, and the 4.5 to 8.5 year flows have the potential to mobilize small to large boulders. These findings suggest that coarse sediment grains are mobile on relatively short timescales and the opportunity for bedrock erosion and resulting landscape denudation in the Talladega Mountains occurs frequently in the current climatic regime.
Using time geography to geovisualize variation in work-related travel patterns by gender and race
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2011) Pan, Qinyue; Weber, Joe; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
The main purpose of this thesis is to examine the variation of work-related trips by sex and race or ethnicity. Work-related trips are an important part of American daily life and have a significant influence on a household's travel patterns. Therefore, workrelated trips can well reflect the uneven nature of travel in America. This thesis will study gender and race differences in the journey to work using Time Geography as well as statistical analysis so as to examine the uneven time constraints exerted on different groups of people. The results show that African American groups tend to have more constraints since they need to spend longer time on the trip to work and have less chance of doing other activities in the morning. Among the four groups, European American women are most constrained since they spend the shortest time on nonemployment activities out of home and the types of activities they perform are more related with household responsibilities.
A range-wide disturbance history for Quercus alba in the eastern US
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2011) Buchanan, Megan Lindsay; Hart, Justin; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Throughout much of the eastern US, forests are undergoing a transition from Quercus to Acer-Fagus dominance. While the pattern has been reported in many site-specific analyses and is often linked to changes in disturbance regimes, a landscape-level analysis of historical establishment and disturbance throughout the region has not been conducted. I used tree-ring chronologies to analyze the disturbance history from old-growth Q. alba sites located throughout the species' range with the ultimate goal of determining the environmental conditions and disturbance dynamics that existed throughout the latter period of Quercus dominance and early period of Quercus decline. My analysis provided regional- and range-wide data regarding the frequency of disturbance throughout the development of old-growth Q. alba stands. In general, the temporal distribution of tree establishment dates was bimodal and corresponded to the period of Native American depopulation and the period following European settlement. Drought, Castanea dentata decline, and logging activities also significantly contributed to the long-term, range-wide disturbance regime. Regional discrepancies in release characteristics were identified. The Northern Hardwood Forest Region featured the highest level of disturbance as compared to all other regions. The Central Hardwood Forest Region exhibited the second lowest rate of disturbance (as evidenced by the relativized release descriptors). In general, high-magnitude disturbances occurred throughout the Q. alba range every 234-556 years. My findings confirm that Quercus dominance throughout the latter part of the Holocene was maintained, in part, by high magnitude disturbance events ca. every 400 years. Such high magnitude disturbances remove many disturbance-intolerant species, fragment large areas of the canopy, cause significant damage to subcanopy individuals, and allow disturbance-oriented and mid-successional taxa, such as Quercus, to establish. This return interval for high magnitude disturbance events can be imitated by land managers throughout the region in effort to promote Quercus regeneration.
Student attitude and action regarding the single-use plastic shopping bag on The University of Alabama campus
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2011) Miller, Kate Elizabeth; Steinberg, Michael; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
This research explores discrepancies between attitudes and behaviors of students on the University of Alabama campus regarding the single-use plastic shopping bag. A survey was developed and administered to 162 students on campus to assess attitudes and behaviors related to plastic bags, reusable shopping bags, and related human-environmental issues. Research focused on worldwide approaches to problems associated with the single-use plastic bag, consumer and environmental perceptions related to the topic, attitude and behaviors toward plastic bags and recycling, the climate of sustainability at the University of Alabama, and human-environmental impacts of the plastic bag. The research background in conjunction with the data collected indicated these findings. First, students' dominant attitude toward single-use plastic bags is not consistent with dominant behavior or how they use plastic bags, and present stimuli in many retail environments are strong enough that students generally use plastic bags despite conflicting attitudes. Second, though surveyed students are aware of problems associated with the plastic bag, these items are a valued part of some students' shopping experiences. Finally, a store discount for using reusable bags when checking out may be the best stimulus to derive consistency between student attitude and student behavior regarding single-use plastic shopping bags at the University of Alabama. The proposed plan developed specifically for The University according to data findings, included methods for increasing both recycling rates for plastic bags and use of the reusable shopping bags on and around the campus.
Patterns of riparian and in-stream large woody debris across contrasting stand ages in a southern Appalachian forest
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2011) Pine, Rebekah; Hart, Justin L.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Large woody debris (LWD) has been credited as an important structural and functional component of riparian and in-stream ecosystems. LWD that recruits from riparian zones into stream bankfull margins is crucial in understanding the connectivity between the two ecosystems. The amount of riparian zone and in-stream LWD is closely linked to the time since last disturbance and successional patterns following that disturbance or disturbance events. However, this relationship is poorly understood in southern Appalachian landscapes. I analyzed the amount and volume of LWD in stands of contrasting establishment ages in the Sipsey Wilderness of the Bankhead National Forest, Alabama and the large woody debris loading in streams that were contained within three establishment classes. The establishment classes span 60 years (pre-1900s to 1950s) and incorporate three stages of forest development: stem exclusion, understory reinitiation, and understory reinitiation that is transitioning into complex. The most often cited pattern of LWD loading across forest ages is a parabola shape. However the abundance and volume of LWD across the establishment classes in the study area followed a bell shape pattern with the highest amount and volume of riparian zone LWD in the 1930s age class. In this establishment class mean volume of LWD per plot was 5.62 m3 ± 1.17 SE compared to 4.26 m3 ± 0.60 SE in the pre-1900s establishment class and 5.09 m3 ± 0.59 SE in the 1950s establishment class. Mean density and mean volume of riparian zone LWD per plot did not significantly differ across the chronosequence. The mean volume of in-stream LWD followed the same bell shape pattern with the highest mean volume of in-stream LWD per plot also occurring in the 1930s establishment class (2.50 m3 ± 0.72 SE). However, there was no significant difference in the density or volume of in-stream LWD across the chronosequence. Not only does this study provide specific LWD abundance and volume for specific stand ages but it also can provide baseline data for mature Quercus stands. In addition, my research begins to explore how stand dynamics influences LWD in a southern Appalachian system.
The impact of storm surge from successive hurricanes on the Alabama beach mouse population
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2011) Yuro, Alexandra Marie; Steinberg, Michael; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Global environmental change affects plants and animals by changing their distributions and phenology, and altering ecosystem functions. Already endangered plants and animals subject to these changes may be more vulnerable to extinction. It is important to understand how species are likely to respond to environment change so that proper steps can be taken to protect them in the future. This thesis observes the case of the Alabama beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus ammobates), a population endangered initially because of habitat loss and fragmentation. The Alabama beach mouse population likely will be negatively affected by environmental change through increased hurricane frequency and intensity. Using Alabama beach mouse trapping data provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, I examined the storm surge effects of Hurricanes Ivan and Katrina on mouse populations before, during, and after these hurricanes. Analysis of the data was performed through contingency tables and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. The results of the analysis show that the Alabama beach mouse has the ability to survive hurricanes in the future, if they are not successive. The Alabama beach mouse possesses certain traits that make it more vulnerable to extinction in the near future by environmental change, such as greater than normal disturbances both from humans (i.e. habitat loss and fragmentation) and the natural environment (i.e. hurricanes and climate change.) I postulate that the Alabama beach mouse population will be completely extirpated from Gulf Shores in the event of successive major hurricanes in the future. The intended result of this study is not only to find out how the Alabama beach mouse may be affected by global environmental change, but to contribute to the literature concerning the species to be used in effective management strategies.
Gap dynamics in mature, mesic quercus stands on the Cumberland Plateau, Alabama
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2011) Richards, Jacob Douglas; Hart, Justin L.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Gap scale disturbances are important processes in forest stand development in the southern Appalachian Highlands. Canopy gaps within secondary forest throughout the southern Appalachian Highlands have been documented as critical mechanisms in canopy tree replacement and stand regeneration. I quantified gap characteristics, gap formation and closure mechanisms, and intra-gap tree and sapling distribution patterns for 60 canopy gaps in secondary mesic, Quercus stands on the Cumberland Plateau in north Alabama. Snag-formed gaps were the most common. We documented the influence gap formation mechanisms had on gap size, which ultimately contributed to gap closure. The projected closure mechanism was significantly related to the area of the gap whereby smaller gaps usually closed via lateral crown expansion and larger gaps typically closed by subcanopy recruitment. Based on the results, I hypothesized that gaps exceeding 200 m2 had higher probabilities of closing via subcanopy recruitment rather than lateral crown expansion. Several gaps projected to close by subcanopy recruitment were doing so through Quercus capture. However, Quercus capture of gaps was restricted to upper slope position with low understory competition from shade tolerant species and adequate light levels based on the ratio of gap diameter to peripheral canopy height. Liriodendron tulipifera was projected to capture seven gaps, all of which were smaller than the hypothesized minimum gap area for capture by the species. The majority of gaps were projected to close via lateral crown expansion. Based on the composition of saplings and trees in gap environments, I project the forest to transition from a Quercus dominated system to one with much stronger Fagus grandifolia and Acer saccharum components. My study fills a void in the literature on the role of canopy gaps in secondary, mesic Quercus stands that established just prior to 1900 for the southern Appalachian Highlands region.
Population dynamics of sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) at the southern portion of its range: implications for range migration and succession
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2011) Turberville, Craig Marcus; Hart, Justin L.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Evidence for climate change driven range migration exists for a variety of tree species in eastern North America. Northward range migration for tree species in the region requires a decrease in population density near the southern range boundary coupled with an increase in population density at the northern range boundary. Sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) is one such species that has been projected by some biogeographic models to shift north in accord with climate. However, a widespread pattern of increased sugar maple density has been reported in the forest science literature from a variety of sites throughout the species' range. This pattern is linked to a complex of interacting factors and has been hypothesized to represent a positive feedback that facilitates sugar maple regeneration. The primary goal of my study was to test which of these hypotheses (range migration or succession) was correct for the southern portion of the sugar maple range. I used Forest Inventory and Analysis program data to compare region-wide population dynamics for this species on a plot-by-plot basis. Changes in frequency, density, and dominance of sugar maple trees and seedlings were compared over multiple years for the states of Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Plot data for all states were combined to determine changes in frequency, density, and dominance for the contiguous and non-contiguous regions of sugar maple's southern range portion. Results indicated increases in frequency, density, and dominance of sugar maple within its contiguous range coupled with decreases outside of the contiguous range. It is postulated based on these data that sugar maple's southern range boundary will remain stabilized while the northern boundary will continue to migrate with increasing global temperatures.
Spatial equity analysis in the Atlanta 10-County Region
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2011) Zhao, Liuhui; Weber, Joe; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Spatial equity plays an important role in the planning process. Whether or not a city can provide relative equity in term of accessibility to its residents influences its development. Prior research focusing on housing distribution and the accessibility of households to public facilities shows an accessibility gap between different socioeconomic groups, with the low-income and minority groups being disadvantaged in terms of access to public goods and services. Since accessibility is closely related to mobility, access to public transportation has also been taken into consideration to examine the equity status of places. This thesis analyzed the spatial equity status of the Atlanta 10-County Region. The equity status of four household groups including White households with cars, White households without cars, African American households with cars, and African American households without cars are compared. Eight types of public facilities were chosen to analyze the accessibility of household groups traveling by public transportation system and by car. The results showed that households traveling by car have more accessibility than households without cars traveling by public transportation. Also, though there was a similar level of spatial equity between the two racial groups with the same transportation mode, when the two different transportation modes are considered, a high level of spatial inequity existed between two racial groups. White households had more accessibility than African Americans.
A classification scheme for landfalling tropical cyclones based on precipitation variables derived from GIS and ground radar analysis
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2011) Comstock, Ian Jacob; Senkbeil, Jason C.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Landfalling tropical cyclones present a multitude of hazards that threaten life and property to coastal and inland communities. These hazards are most commonly categorized by the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Potential Disaster Scale. Currently, there is not a system or scale that categorizes tropical cyclones by precipitation and flooding, which is the primary cause of fatalities and property damage from landfalling tropical cyclones. This research compiles ground based radar data (Nexrad Level-III) in the U.S. and analyzes tropical cyclone precipitation data in a GIS platform. Twenty-six landfalling tropical cyclones from 1995 to 2008 are included in this research where they were classified using Cluster Analysis. Precipitation and storm variables used in classification include: rain shield area, convective precipitation area, rain shield decay, and storm forward speed. Results indicate six distinct groups of tropical cyclones based on these variables.
A synthesis of Alabama beach states and nourishment histories
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2011) Watkins, Adam David; Davis, Lisa; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Five reaches of Alabama beaches were geomorphologically classified using established techniques from the literature. Different methods of obtaining wave data for the purpose of beach classification were compared. Complete buoy data of wave heights and wave periods were available for only two of five sites, and these were used to test the validity of field and computer model data used in place of buoy data. A nourishment index was created and used to quantify the beach nourishment history of each site, and a relationship between this value and beach state was measured. The classification of beach states found Alabama beaches will most likely remain in the dissipative regime under current climate and tectonic conditions. Using only field and model data to determine beach state was found to produce results similar to buoy data in some instances, but these instances were not enough to indicate the methods used for this study can be used as a sole method of replacing buoy data. Using these selected methods of describing beach state and nourishment history found a strong but not statistically significant relationship between the two variables.
Policy implications of aging and manipulated river systems case study: Black Warrior River
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2012) Wells, Thomas; Bryan, Colgan Hobson; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
This dissertation is a policy analysis of lateral connectivity issues on aging and manipulated river systems. The research focuses on associated issues of ecosystem health and human impacts as illustrated in a case study of Alabama's Black Warrior River. The study area on the Black Warrior River, river mile 213 to 292, is representative of other manipulated river systems throughout the United States. The construction of two federally owned locks and dams within the study area created a multi-use inland waterway due to the formation of lentic environments upstream of the regulating structures. The inland waterway's historic management was largely one-dimensional and main channel-oriented. This one-dimensional approach caused a significant deterioration of lateral connectivity. Between 1965 and 2006, the number of open or marginally open entrances to off-channel areas declined from 251 to 119. Open and marginally open off-channel areas decreased 1,125 acres between 1965 and 2006, representing a 26 percent decline. Overall, 643 off-channel acres, regardless of status (i.e., open, marginally open, or closed), were lost during this timeframe, representing a 15 percent decline, and the average and median size of off-channel areas also declined 30 and 53 percent respectively. The decline in lateral connectivity resulted in environmental impacts to the area's fishery and differential effects to a range of stakeholder groups. Policy alternatives were developed and their social impacts assessed to provide decision-makers within the study area and across the United States with options to address lateral connectivity issues.
Organic carbon storage within in-channel deposits, Talladega Creek, Alabama
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2012) Coker, Kelley Jordan Davis; Davis, Lisa; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
River systems play an important role in carbon cycling and geomorphic processes influence rates of carbon storage and export within fluvial systems. Ecological studies have identified the importance of organic carbon (OC) as a food source for aquatic communities and geomorphological studies have identified floodplains as significant carbon sinks. However, information on in-channel OC storage dynamics is lacking. In this study, in-channel depositional landforms within Talladega Creek, located in the Southern Piedmont region of Alabama, were analyzed for OC content and total organic carbon (TOC) loads were estimated for in-channel sediment storage features and extrapolated to the reach scale. Additionally, relationships between OC storage and particle size were explored using Spearman's Rho tests. TOC loads were compared between two in-channel landform types, benches and bars using Mann Whitney U tests. On average, benches were found to have a higher OC content within sediments, and higher TOC loads than bars; however, large in-channel bars stored significant amounts of OC as well. OC content and clay content within benches were positively correlated, while OC content within bars was positively correlated with silt content. Reach-scale TOC was estimated for in-channel deposits to be 16,867 kgC. Overall TOC for all sampled features (14 in total) had a combined total of 143,310 kgC, with the majority of OC sequestered within bench deposits. Comparisons with floodplain data from other studies suggests that in-channel depositional features may be a significant carbon sink within fluvial systems and their TOC loads should be more explicitly incorporated in carbon budgets and carbon cycle models.
Accessibility and university populations: local effects on non-motorized transportation in the Tuscaloosa-Northport area
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2012) Lundberg, Benjamin; Weber, Joe; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
This research examined the local bicycle and pedestrian networks through Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and survey data, using the Tuscaloosa and Northport, Alabama, area as a case study. The local non-motorized travel networks were analyzed in GIS to measure the overall network connectivity and accessibility. Results of the measures of network connectivity and modeling of accessibility indicated that areas within one mile of the UA's campus have the highest levels of bicycle and pedestrian network connectivity and accessibility. As a travel distance increases from UA, connectivity and accessibility for the bicycle and pedestrian networks decreases. An on-line survey was administered to the University of Alabama (UA) students and employees, and the results of the survey were used to formulate an understanding of how UA's population views non-motorized travel and the respective networks. Survey results show that individuals within the sample population use non-motorized travel methods to commute to UA but their use is significantly lower than automobile use. In addition, the survey data was considered alongside evaluations of network connectivity and accessibility, thus providing a powerful tool for studying the local bicycle and pedestrian travel networks.
New tropical cyclone warning graphics: preferences, comments and future suggestions
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2012) Radford, Laura Michelle; Senkbeil, Jason Carl; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Hurricane warning communication has become a recent topic of debate among academics, emergency managers, and meteorologists. The current graphic used to portray vital information to people in the path of a hurricane is the "Cone of Uncertainty," which is produced by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and modified by local TV stations. Evidence suggests this graphic creates too much ambiguity, which can lead the public to incorrectly interpret its meaning. In order to achieve warning clarity, we must understand the many possible ways people are obtaining information from this graphic. In this research, ArcGis 9.3 and PowerPoint were used to create alternative hurricane-warning graphics. Using these alternative graphics, citizens in Jacksonville, FL and Pensacola, FL were surveyed to ascertain which graphics citizens preferred. Results indicate that the majority of the participants prefer an alternative warning graphic. Furthermore, several additional warning graphics are created based on field results comments, and suggestions.

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