Sayville Honors Earth Science - 2002 to 2003
Modified December 20, 2002
Some Project Suggestions
Seismic Hazard Plan for the Adirondacks
On April 20, 2002 an earthquake of magnitude 5.1 occurred with an epicenter in AuSable Forks, NY. Significant damage to buildings occurred and several aftershocks followed the main event. In 1983, a quake of similar magnitude occurred in another part of the Adirondacks. This project entails developing a plan for dealing with seismic hazard in the region. The plan needs to specify what areas are most vulnerable to seismic events, where development should be restricted, how buildings should be constructed and what other measures should be taken to prepare for earthquakes. The project requires using real data on seismicity, terrain, faults, substrate and roads, land use and other relevant information. Contact agencies such as FEMA, Adirondack Park Agency, New York State Geological Survey, and USGS.
Management Plan for Fire Island
Barrier beaches are dynamic, ever-changing environments that present many challenges related to managing natural and human-built environments. This plan would specify how to cope with storms, sea level rise, beach drift and balancing development and preservation of natural areas. The project would require the use of GIS and other technology to analyze historical data, existing scientific data, aerial photos, information from Fire Island National Seashore, Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Marine Science, Long Island Geologists Abstracts and other sources.
Global Climate Change in a Coastal Urban Setting
An array of models of climate change and sea level rise identify varying degrees of threat to developed coastal areas. This plan would specify means of dealing with climate change and concomitant sea level rise and increased storm activity in New York City. The project includes evaluation of various models of climate change and sea level rise and the use of GIS data, including infrastructure and elevation data.
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