Articles tagged with Geography
Jason Julian, a University of Oklahoma geography professor, has been awarded a Fulbright fellowship to research the impact of land use changes on optical water quality in New Zealand rivers. His study will explore connections between landscape characteristics, land use, and water clarity over the past 20 years.
A research study by Universidad Carlos III de Madrid finds that traditionally irrigated Mediterranean landscape has suffered loss of cultural and ecological patrimony due to modernization. The study highlights the need for multifunctionality in hydraulic policy and conservation efforts to preserve these valuable landscapes.
A set of maps created by the University of Sheffield have illustrated the pattern and speed of shrinkage of the large ice sheet that covered the British Isles during the last Ice Age. The maps use new information on glacial landforms, such as moraines and drumlins, to predict future ice losses in Greenland and Antarctica.
The three-year project aims to investigate blowout dynamics and their role in climate change, providing insights into how these landforms develop on other planets. The research will also improve management of coastlines and provide public outreach through posters and booklets.
Researchers investigate a massive salt industry in Belize's Paynes Creek National Park and its submergence by sea-level rise. They aim to reconstruct the ancient landscape and explore possible inland supply routes for the Maya civilization.
Scientists at the University of Calgary found that available area is the most important factor driving flower diversity, with family traits coming in second. The study suggests that geography and morphology play a significant role in shaping biodiversity patterns.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that most physicians and American Medical Association (AMA) members opposed the AMA's position on coverage expansions. The survey of 5,157 physicians revealed only 12.5% supported the AMA's views, with notable disparities based on specialty, income, and demographics.
A new ontology called SEMA4A allows specification of user characteristics and preferences to improve the adaptability of emergency notifications. The system aims to reduce fatalities by providing information in a comprehensible manner to various types of users.
Research from University of Sheffield geographers shows British summer onset has advanced by 11 days since the mid-1950s, with early summer flowering plants blooming three days earlier. This shift could lead to increased ecological divergences and prolonged periods of extreme weather.
Research on the Devon Island ice cap shows a steady decline in ice volume and area since 1985, primarily due to warmer summers. The ice cap's thinning also exposes dark soil, increasing melt rates and posing concerns for shipping and sea level rise.
A new database reveals that precipitation in Spain has declined in quantity in March and June, but increased in October. The study analyzed monthly precipitation series over the Iberian Peninsula between 1945 and 2005, providing a detailed image of precipitation behavior.
A new study by Indiana University researchers found that more alcohol sales sites in a neighborhood lead to increased violence, particularly among carry-out sites selling for off-premise consumption. The study analyzed crime statistics and alcohol outlet licensing data from Cincinnati, Ohio, revealing that off-premise outlets were resp...
Despite quality issues and social stigma, a majority of Pennsylvania's mobile home residents are satisfied with their homes. The primary benefit of living in a mobile home is affordability, according to Penn State researchers who found that 48% of respondents cited affordability as a major advantage.
Researchers have developed a way to accurately predict power outages in advance of a hurricane, allowing utilities to plan crew requests and locations more effectively. The study's findings could help save utilities money and restore power faster after the storm.
A new study by LSU professor Patrick Hesp and USGS scientist David Rubin suggests that Titan's linear dunes could be formed by single-direction winds due to cohesive sediment. This alternative hypothesis has significant implications for studying Titan's composition, origin, evolution, and surface features.
A new study by Rice University researchers found that California newspapers closer to the Mexican border tend to report a more negative slant on immigration in general news reporting and opinion pieces. Corporate-owned newspapers are more likely to adopt this approach, prioritizing profits over providing diverse views.
A study by Indiana University found that geography knowledge among college freshmen has not improved despite increased K-12 support. The test scores were two percent lower in 2002 than in 1987, reflecting a national trend.
The Arctic Ocean's ownership is disputed due to varying assumptions about its geography, with countries like Russia and Canada viewing it as land with water on top, while the US sees it as just water. This misunderstanding can lead to large-scale disputes over resource extraction.
New research reveals that white eyes in the Zosteropidae family form new species at a faster rate than any other bird, with the fastest known rate among birds being around 2.24-3.16 species per million years. This supports the 'Great Speciator' hypothesis, suggesting intrinsic traits of sociability and adaptability drive the system.
Paul M. Torrens, an associate professor at Arizona State University, received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) for his work on crowd behavior modeling using 3-D computational modeling. His research has been recognized as a pioneer in the emerging field of geosimulation.
Researchers from University of Alaska Fairbanks present research on planetary landscapes using computer models and satellite images. The team also explores new tools to support countries' claims to resources and collaborates with Google on K-12 outreach and education initiatives.
Researchers studied a new apple germplasm collection from Kazakhstan to determine disease resistance to blue mold. The study found greater genetic diversity among the Kazak apples, including immune and resistant accessions that may serve as a source of resistance in breeding programs.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that some US cities make it harder to reduce commuting miles than others. Cities with sprawling suburbs like Las Vegas and Miami showed promise, while cities with compact geography, such as the Northeast Rust Belt, faced more challenges.
Researchers found that up to one-third of genes are differentially expressed due to environment, with respiratory genes upregulated in urban populations. The study suggests that environmental factors play a large role in modulating gene expression, and that the same gene can be expressed differently depending on the environment.
The city's transformation provides insight into the shifting dynamics of belonging and identity in small- to medium-sized U.S. cities. Woodburn's farmworker housing struggle reflects a deep resistance to Mexican immigrants, yet today there are visible changes in multicultural identity.
Citizens can generate accurate geographic information using Web 2.0 technologies, offering valuable insights into local activities and unreported events. Volunteered geographic information has the potential to revolutionize geographic information systems.
American educators have partnered with Bangladeshi experts to develop U.S. geography standards on coping with natural disasters in the country. The project aims to increase cultural awareness and promote disaster resilience among students.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that summer nighttime low temperatures in Ohio have risen by about 1.7 degrees Celsius (about 3 degrees Fahrenheit) since the 1960s, mainly due to increased humidity and cloud cover. This warming trend is expected to affect the state's climate, with a typical summer night being 20 degrees Fahr...
VictorTango, a Virginia Tech engineering and geography student team, is among semi-finalists competing in DARPA's Urban Challenge for $2 million. Their custom-designed drive-by-wire control system and navigation software enable the vehicle to make driving decisions almost human-like.
A recent study by Kent State University found that nearly 90% of senior residents in four cities were aware of heat warnings, but only half took action. The study highlights the importance of effective heat warning systems to prevent heat-related deaths.
A new grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities will support the development of an interactive Web site and a published Cultural Atlas of the Ancient Mongolian Altai. The project aims to document the region's archaeology, geospatial data, and cultural significance in the face of threats from mining, tourism, and climate change.
A large study found that living in greener neighborhoods or close to grocery stores is associated with reduced risk of childhood overweight. Increased green space was closely tied to decreased risk for children in higher population density areas.
A new study reveals that immigrants' neighborhood choices are largely determined by their partners, contradicting the traditional notion of clustering with countrymen. The research found that those who partner outside their native group are less likely to live near their countrymen.
A new generation of cartographers is emerging, thanks to innovative software programs that simplify map-making tasks. Dr. Mark Harrower's tools, such as Color Brewer and Map Shaper, empower users to create accurate and visually appealing maps, bridging the gap between scientific validity and artistic expression.
Florida State University geography Professor Mark W. Horner is developing new spatial models for disaster relief using satellite images and GIS to improve the allocation of disaster relief goods. His research aims to reduce errors in assessments and provide more accurate representations of factors such as response and travel time.
A recent study conducted by Dr. Scott Sheridan at Kent State University found that almost 90% of residents aware of heat warnings took no action to avoid health issues. The study suggests that heat warning systems may need to be revised to better target vulnerable populations.
A Dartmouth researcher studied immigrant households to find that generational status, not income, has the most effect on immigrant dispersion. The study challenges current ideas about where immigrants live and suggests that states with multi-generational households may have easier socio-cultural and economic adjustments.
A massive Christmas week snowstorm broke records for snow intensity, size, and damages across the Ohio River valley. The storm dumped record snowfall, causing over $900 million in losses, including thousands of injuries and 17 deaths.
A study on the geography of education found that homeschoolers represent a significant segment of the education universe, estimated at 20% of privately-schooled population in the US. The number of homeschoolers has grown in states with low to moderate regulation, but data is still limited due to varying reporting requirements.
Forecasts project Illinois water use to grow faster than population, with increased demand for energy production. The Midwest region will need almost 17 billion gallons of water per day by 2025, mostly for electricity generation.
Researchers estimate that the most recent common ancestor of humanity lived around 3,000 years ago, sharing ancestors who domesticated horses and built ancient structures. The study used realistic computer models to simulate human history over the last 20,000 years.
Researchers found that racial segregation patterns diverge between home and work life, with blacks being the most segregated, while whites and Mexican immigrants work over wider areas. Workplace diversity is increasing due to immigration, potentially leading to reduced residential segregation in the future.
A Dartmouth College study found that groups are less segregated at work than at home in greater Los Angeles, with interracial contact increasing during the workday. Notably, African Americans remain highly segregated both at work and home, while immigrants from Mexico and whites disperse more during the day.
The Lewis and Clark expedition successfully traversed the new frontier due to a favorable climatic window that allowed for abundant food sources. If they had traveled during an intense drought, their journey might have been significantly impacted, potentially altering the course of U.S. expansion into the West.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have found that riverbank filtration can significantly decrease bacteria and viruses in drinking water, as well as reduce the presence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium. This technique involves passing river water through nearby sediment, which removes impurities and reduces treatment costs.
Scientists verify King Hezekiah's role in constructing the Siloam Tunnel by dating organic material and stalactites within the tunnel. The findings refute a recent claim suggesting a much later date for the tunnel.
The study found that household damages were not always proportional to levels of ground motion, with average damages being almost identical in high and medium ground motion zones. The majority of damage ($913 million) occurred in the medium ground motion zone, which is where nearly 60% of Puget Sound households are located.
A UC researcher used geological features and satellite imagery to identify a possible bin Laden stronghold in Afghanistan, which was later confirmed by US forces. He also warned the US government about the potential for Al Queda to return to the region.
A recent survey of homebuyers in Raleigh and Wake County found that the Internet has had a limited impact on housing search patterns, with half of respondents using it. However, those who used the Internet visited more houses in person than non-users, possibly due to younger age or higher energy levels.
Researcher Michele L. Aldrich found that Dickinson's poetry incorporated geological terms, indicating an influence from her education at Amherst Academy and Mount Holyoke College. This study aims to encourage students interested in geology to explore the subject through literary examples like Dickinson's poems.
ColorBrewer is a free web-based tool that enables users to select from various color schemes for their maps. The tool offers sequential, diverging, and qualitative schemes, allowing users to test and refine their choices. Additionally, ColorBrewer provides detailed color specifications for printing, projection, or web display.
Researchers at the new Center for Hazardous Substances in Urban Environments will develop tools to gauge risks associated with hazardous waste sites and clean up pollutants. The center's initiatives focus on urban livability and brownfield redevelopment, aiming to create jobs and improve tax bases while addressing environmental concerns.
A University of Cincinnati geologist has found that genera appearing after mass extinctions survived for longer periods than those that emerged at other times. The trend is attributed to their generalist characteristics, which allowed them to adapt to new geographic and environmental distributions.
The American Geophysical Union is hosting its Fall Meeting, featuring a range of scientific sessions and press conferences. Press registrants include over 60 journalists from major publications, covering topics such as climate change, natural hazards, and space exploration.
A Vanderbilt University-led excavation has uncovered a remarkably preserved 8th century Maya royal palace at Cancuén, Guatemala, featuring over 170 rooms and 11 courtyards. The site's unique design and fine limestone construction have allowed it to remain largely intact for over 1,000 years.
A Penn State biologist has identified 13 sunfish and sucker species as being at high risk of extinction, primarily due to their isolated distributions and limited geographical range sizes. The study found that larger body size is associated with a higher risk of extinction in sunfish, but not in suckers.
Scientists are using harmonic analysis on satellite images to study changes in vegetation during growing seasons and land use patterns. They can detect desertification, forest regeneration, and climate change by analyzing wave patterns and amplitude measurements.
Researchers studied Atlanta, Salt Lake City, and other cities using Landsat data, finding that adding trees and light-colored roofs can cool city temperatures. Computer models also simulated land use changes to predict stormwater runoff patterns and urban growth in abandoned strip mines.
The 96th Annual Meeting of the Association of American Geographers features presentations on various topics, including urban heat islands, research with blind pedestrians, and analysis of divorce trends. The meeting highlights innovative technologies to aid visually impaired individuals and explores population growth patterns in small ...
Dr. Guoray Cai's research highlights the importance of considering geographical space in understanding cyberspace. The study found that variations in access bandwidth can generate feelings of distance due to faster communication channels, and existing infrastructure biases towards certain categories of consumers.