a joint degree program between the
college of arts and sciences and the school of public and environmental affairs

Mathematical Modeling

Example Question 1:  What factors/variables are most important in global cycling (e.g. carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle)?

Computational/Hardware-Driven Inquiries Megan Hill BSES Senior Thesis 2004

CSCI G250 Computer Methods
CSCI C343 Data Structures
Geog G488 Spatial Statistics
Geog G489 Atmospheric Data Analysis
Math M 371 Elem. Computational Methods
Math M471 Numerical Analysis
SPEA E555 Creative Solutions for Environmental Problems

Environment-Driven Inquiries

Geog G405 Hydroclimate
Geog G436 Dynamic Meteorology
Geog G470 Micrometeorology
Geol G131 Oceanography
Geol G302 Development of the Global Environment
Geol G550 Surface Water Hydrology
Phys P310 Environmental Physics
SPEA E400 Field Techniques in Ecology
SPEA E554 Groundwater Flow Modeling


Megan M. Hill, "An Investigation of carbon, nitrogen, and sediment loading at Griffy Reservoir, Bloomington, IN." BSES Senior Thesis, 2004

ABSTRACT
It was hypothesized that since the creation of Griffy Reservoir in 1924, sediment and nutrient loading rates have increased due to increased development in the watershed.  We investigated the rate of sediment loading and the distribution of grain sizes, total carbon, total organic carbon, and total nitrogen in the sediments of Griffy Reservoir, Bloomington, IN.  Three sediment cores and eight pairs of grab samples (an early spring set and a late summer set) were collected from the lake and creek flowing into the lake, respectively.  The cores were dated using visual observations and radiometric dating techniques of Cs-137 and Pb-210.  Weight percents of total organic carbon, total carbon, and total nitrogen were determined using elemental analyzers.   The data suggest that the sedimentation rate is greatest near the inflow into the lake (7.95mm/yr) and decrease with distance from the inflow to a minimum rate of 3.75mm/yr near the dam.