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On September 20th, 2017, Hurricane Maria made landfall as a category 4 hurricane on Puerto Rico. Over 2,970 lost their lives to the event and over 130,000 people have been displaced. For over a year, the people of Puerto Rico were without electricity, and the event resulted in significant damage to the overall ecosystem. ArcGIS Story Map was used describe the events of hurricane, and educate others on the ecological and cultural impact the event had to the Island.

Impacts of Hurricane Maria on the Pitahaya Mangrove Forest (Story Map)

Link to ArcGIS Story Map: https://arcg.is/09D5900

The Effect of Temperature and Precipitation on Annual Corn and Soybean Yields Across the Upper Midwest of the United States (2017)

This study looks at the relationships between climate data throughout the growing season of corn and soybean yields in the Upper Midwest of the United States. While many factors, from soil type to insect and weed control mechanisms, influence crop yields across both space and time, some of the most important are climate variables. Precipitation and temperature records were gathered from the Midwest Regional Climate Center and were examined on a monthly time scale leading up to and throughout the growing season. These climate variables were then compared with crop data, yields per acre and number of acres collected, and were extracted from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service database. SPSS was used to conduct a bivariate and multivariate regression analysis to determine the correlations between crop production and climate variables within their respective climate divisions. These correlations were then examined spatially to determine whether any spatial patterns emerged and determine the overall influence that climate change has on agricultural production.

Potential Risk of Nitrate Contamination in Groundwater Across Rock County Wisconsin

The purpose of this analysis is to identify and evaluate the main source of nitrate contamination throughout Rock County, Wisconsin. The four main factors that are associated with nitrate contamination are land cover, soil permeability, septic system density, and irrigation. Land cover and soil permeability data set were gathered from the USDA, while septic system density data was provided by the Wisconsin Health Department. Irrigation was determined by using satellite imagery to identify where irrigation systems were located across agricultural landscapes. These factors were then evaluated throughout the county to determine what areas are highly susceptible to nitrate contamination.

 

These findings were then presented to the Rock County Board of Health with the intention of being used to educate individuals on the dangerous amount of nitrate contaminants in groundwater and spark discussions for how to improve its quality. 

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