GEO-MOSAIC: INTEGRATION OF GEOSPATIAL ANALYSIS IN UNDERGRADUATE GEOSCIENCE RESEARCH TO ENHANCE LEARNING ACROSS THE DISCIPLINES

Analysis using different geospatial tools such as interpretation of remotely sensed imagery, GPS-assisted data collection and GIS analysis of spatial datasets enables undergraduate students to more deeply evaluate the inter-relationships between the data and geologic processes and hazards that the data may help to describe. Using a combination of applied classroom and laboratory exercises, term projects and undergraduate research investigations, geoscience students at NWMSU not only hone their geospatial technology skills but also gain greater appreciation and understanding about the nature of using the data to describe or model these natural processes and hazards. This approach has been used in our environmental geology, hydrogeology and geomorphology courses ultimately leading to the development of student projects in the areas of volcanic hazard assessment, flood impact analysis of area watersheds, evaluation of water supply protection zones and environmental site assessments. Project results from three undergraduate research investigations are highlighted in this presentation including: 1) Mapping of historic pyroclastic and block lava flows at Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica using Landsat TM tonal anomalies combined with GIS analysis; b) Monitoring shoreline position changes of Yellowstone Lake, Wyoming via temporal change detection in remotely sensed imagery and GIS mapping techniques; and c) Flood extent extraction from a digital elevation model (DEM) dataset and GPS-assisted flood extent verification following the 2007 flooding of the One Hundred Two River, Nodaway County, Missouri.