Electronic Theses

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Browsing Electronic Theses by Author "Anderson, Eric"

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    Investigation of the Environmental Changes in the Göksu Valley, Turkey in Antiquity
    (2014-08-22) Kyer, Jeffrey A.; Levine, Norman S.; Newhard, James M. L.; Doyle, Briget; Anderson, Eric
    The main goal of this thesis is to shed light on the environmental history of the Upper Goksu Valley in south-central Turkey. A primary focus is a study of changes of the Goksu River valley over time and the effect of those changes upon the local environment and human settlement patterns. Field studies of the region indicate that a large lake existed in the valley during the early settlement periods (Paleolithic and Bronze Age), which would have drastically modified the local climate. Studies of regional geology and geomorphology were combined with remote sensing data obtained from ASTER and LANDSAT. Methods of data collection included clast measurements, geological mapping, geomorphic studies and computer generated digital elevation models (DEMs). A Geographical Information Systems (GIS) database integrates this data with archaeological information from the Goksu Archaeological Project (GAP). This will assist in the creation of an overview of the influences on the local ecology and landforms so as to provide a better understanding of the geomorphic influence on local/regional climate change. Hydrological reconstruction of flood velocities indicates that changes in the competence of the Goksu River have occurred over time, indicating a general decline in the river's flow.
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    Use of enhanced NEHRP soil maps for Hazus-MH analysis in Charleston, SC
    (2014-08-19) Medves, Jeffrey Joseph Wright Byers; Levine, Norman; Anderson, Eric; Doyle, Briget; Jaume', Steven
    On August 31, 1886, Charleston, South Carolina experienced the most damaging earthquake recorded in the Eastern United States. The earthquake had an estimated magnitude of 6.9 to 7.3 and was felt over 2.5 million square miles. Earthquake events have been documented in South Carolina since 1698. Seventy percent of these are located in the Middleton Place - Summerville Seismic Zone (MPSSZ), 30 kilometers northwest of downtown Charleston. 137 earthquakes were recorded in the MPSSZ from 1996 through 2003. The amount of damage that could occur from a reoccurrence of an earthquake of magnitude 6.0 or higher within the region is greater now due to changes in land use and population growth. Major hazards are due to ground shaking and liquefaction. HAZUS-MH is a natural hazard loss estimation methodology developed by FEMA in partnership with the National Institute of Building Sciences. HAZUS-MH provides state and local decision makers with a better understanding of the types and magnitude of damage caused by natural hazards. It is dependent on and sensitive to the quality of information that is used to determine the degree of hazard. The Earthquake module in HAZUS-MH requires information derived from the NEHRP (National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program) soil maps in order to determine the extent of damage due to ground shaking and liquefaction. Small changes in the NEHRP soil maps can lead to major differences in the final HAZUS-MH determination. This research looks at the sensitivity of the HAZUS methodology related to the resolution and accuracy of the NEHRP Soil Maps, and how better soil maps can lead to better damage estimates for emergency managers and planners.