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Streamflow prediction in ungauged basins located within data-scarce regions
Title
Streamflow prediction in ungauged basins located within data-scarce regions.
Creator
Alipour, Mohammadhossein, Kibler, Kelly, Wang, Dingbao, Mayo, Talea, Emrich, Christopher, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Preservation and or restoration of riverine ecosystem requires quantification of alterations inflicted by water resources development projects. Long records of streamflow data are the first piece of information required in order to enable this analysis. Ungauged catchments located within data-scarce regions lack long records of streamflow data. In this dissertation, a multi-objective framework named Streamflow Prediction under Extreme Data-scarcity (SPED) is proposed for streamflow prediction...
Show morePreservation and or restoration of riverine ecosystem requires quantification of alterations inflicted by water resources development projects. Long records of streamflow data are the first piece of information required in order to enable this analysis. Ungauged catchments located within data-scarce regions lack long records of streamflow data. In this dissertation, a multi-objective framework named Streamflow Prediction under Extreme Data-scarcity (SPED) is proposed for streamflow prediction in ungauged catchments located within large-scale regions of minimal hydrometeorologic observation. Multi-objective nature of SPED allows for balancing runoff efficiency with selection of parameter values that resemble catchment physical characteristics. Uncertain and low-resolution information are incorporated in SPED as soft data along with sparse observations. SPED application in two catchments in southwestern China indicates high runoff efficiency for predictions and good estimation of soil moisture capacity in the catchments. SPED is then slightly modified and tested more comprehensively by application to six catchments with diverse hydroclimatic conditions. SPED performance proves satisfactory where traditional flow prediction approaches fail. SPED also proves comparable or even better than data-intensive approaches. Utility of SPED versus a simpler catchment similarity model for the study of flow regime alteration is pursued next by streamflow prediction in 32 rivers in southwestern China. The results indicate that diversion adversely alters the flow regime of the rivers while direction and pattern of change remain the same regardless of the flow prediction method of choice. However, the results based on SPED consistently indicate more substantial alterations to the flow regime of the rivers after diversion. Finally, the value added by a limited number of streamflow observations to improvement of predictions in an ungauged catchment located within a data-scarce region is studied. The large number of test scenarios indicate that there may be very few near-universal schemes to improve flow predictions in such catchments.
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Date Issued
2019
Identifier
CFE0007426, ucf:52713
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007426
Hydrodynamic Limitations and the Effects of Living Shoreline Stabilization on Mangrove Recruitment along Florida Coastlines
Title
Hydrodynamic Limitations and the Effects of Living Shoreline Stabilization on Mangrove Recruitment along Florida Coastlines.
Creator
Pilato, Christian, Walters, Linda, Kibler, Kelly, Quintana-Ascencio, Pedro, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
The recruitment success of mangroves is influenced by a variety of factors, including propagule availability, desiccation, herbivory, and hydraulic habitat limitations. Hydrodynamic forces (waves and currents) act as obstacles to mangrove recruitment, restricting the successful colonization of mangrove species. We evaluated the biological and physical limitations to mangrove recruitment through monthly shoreline surveys and lateral pull-tests. Surveys followed mangroves from propagule release...
Show moreThe recruitment success of mangroves is influenced by a variety of factors, including propagule availability, desiccation, herbivory, and hydraulic habitat limitations. Hydrodynamic forces (waves and currents) act as obstacles to mangrove recruitment, restricting the successful colonization of mangrove species. We evaluated the biological and physical limitations to mangrove recruitment through monthly shoreline surveys and lateral pull-tests. Surveys followed mangroves from propagule release through recruitment along the shorelines of De Soto National Memorial (Bradenton, FL), capturing differences in propagule availability and recruitment along natural areas and across differing forms of shoreline stabilization ((")living shorelines(") and revetments). Propagule densities were highest along (")living shorelines("), followed by natural areas and revetments. Seedling densities were similar across treatments, mirroring densities found in disturbed mangrove systems in the Philippines ((<)1 seedling per m2). Pull-tests, simulating wave forces, quantified the physical thresholds for uprooting Rhizophora mangle and Avicennia germinans seedlings in both the greenhouse and field. Uprooting susceptibility significantly decreased with increased seedling biomass and age. A. germinans displayed a lower force to removal than R. mangle, but showed a greater increase in uprooting force with increases in size. Surrounding vegetation and canopy cover were not found to significantly affect the uprooting force of either species. Pull-test results were used in conjunction with drag coefficients from the literature to calculate flow velocities where mangroves would become susceptible to dislodgement from hydrodynamic forces. Seedlings tested would become susceptible at velocities of 7.33 (&)#177; 2.07 m/s for A. germinans and 5.40 (&)#177; 1.59 m/s for R. mangle. The rapid increase in force to removal shows the importance of disturbances, such as erosion, driving seedling dislodgment at the local scale. This research strengthens our understanding of the physical conditions conducive to successful recruitment under hydrodynamic stressors and provides insight into how a common restoration method can influence mangrove recruitment.
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Date Issued
2019
Identifier
CFE0007899, ucf:52748
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007899
Analysis of Hydrodynamic and Bathymetric gradients in Canaveral National Seashore following Living shoreline and oyster restorations
Title
Analysis of Hydrodynamic and Bathymetric gradients in Canaveral National Seashore following Living shoreline and oyster restorations.
Creator
Spiering, David, Kibler, Kelly, Medeiros, Stephen, Singh, Arvind, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Coastal vulnerability has been gaining recognition as a critical issue, especially with the increasing predictions of sea level rise. Susceptibility to extreme events, eutrophication, and shoreline modification has left many coastal regions in a degraded state. Shoreline protection has traditionally taken the form of seawalls and offshore breakwaters which can be detrimental to both the local ecosystems and adjoining shorelines. The objective of this thesis is to analyze the hydrodynamic and...
Show moreCoastal vulnerability has been gaining recognition as a critical issue, especially with the increasing predictions of sea level rise. Susceptibility to extreme events, eutrophication, and shoreline modification has left many coastal regions in a degraded state. Shoreline protection has traditionally taken the form of seawalls and offshore breakwaters which can be detrimental to both the local ecosystems and adjoining shorelines. The objective of this thesis is to analyze the hydrodynamic and bathymetric variation that occurs within Mosquito Lagoon, Florida following living shoreline and oyster reef restorations. The shoreline sites were sampled using a Before-After-Control-Impact (BACI) design and data were analyzed to ascertain the hydrodynamic and bathymetric variations that occurred resulting from plantings of emergent vegetation and deployment of biogenic wave break structures. Turbulent statistics were calculated to determine the effects of nearshore emergent vegetation on the incoming currents and waves. The vegetative growth in conjunction with the wave break structure was shown to reduce the onshore velocities to 46% of those observed at the reference site. Surveys among restored and degraded shorelines and oyster reefs exhibit average crest heights 10-20 cm lower in the restored sites. Nearshore slopes at the hard armored TM Seawall site were over 161% steeper than the restored sites comprised of emergent vegetation and wave break structures implying that scour was present at the toe of the structure from potentially reflected wave energies and increased swash velocities. Quantifying the hydrodynamic and geomorphic processes at work within restored shorelines and reefs may aide managers in best practices both in selection of viable restoration sites and with proper implementation of restoration techniques.
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Date Issued
2019
Identifier
CFE0007535, ucf:52601
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007535
Understanding sediment biogeochemistry and the role of juvenile oysters on recently restored eastern oyster reefs
Title
Understanding sediment biogeochemistry and the role of juvenile oysters on recently restored eastern oyster reefs.
Creator
Locher, Bryan, Chambers, Lisa, Walters, Linda, Kibler, Kelly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
In recent decades, goals for the restoration of eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) populations along the eastern coast of the United States have shifted from increasing harvestable oyster fisheries to enhancing the range of ecosystem services provided by oyster reefs. By filtering large volumes of water and releasing nutrient-rich feces and pseudofeces, oysters can locally enhance sediment biogeochemical cycling compared to that of unstructured benthic environments. An ongoing restoration...
Show moreIn recent decades, goals for the restoration of eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) populations along the eastern coast of the United States have shifted from increasing harvestable oyster fisheries to enhancing the range of ecosystem services provided by oyster reefs. By filtering large volumes of water and releasing nutrient-rich feces and pseudofeces, oysters can locally enhance sediment biogeochemical cycling compared to that of unstructured benthic environments. An ongoing restoration program in Mosquito Lagoon, FL was leveraged to assess the immediate impacts ((<) 1 year) of restoration on sediment biogeochemical properties of oyster reefs. The first study measured both short-term and long-term pools of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus on dead, natural and restored reefs periodically over one year. The second study investigated one of the contributions to sediment nutrient pools by comparing feeding and feces/pseudofeces nutrient content of juvenile and older oysters. Results show that inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus pools can change within weeks after restoration and total nutrient pools by 6 months post-restoration. Restored reefs experienced a 136 % increase in ammonium, 78 % increase in total nitrogen, 46 % increase in total phosphorus, and 75 % increase in organic matter concentrations after 12 months of restoration. These nutrient increases were all positively correlated with oyster density, shell length and reef height measured on each reef. When standardized to grams of dry tissue weight, juvenile oysters showed significantly higher rates of chlorophyll-a removal, release of ammonium, and biodeposits with higher concentrations of dissolved organic carbon, nitrite + nitrate, and ammonium. The short-term changes to biogeochemical cycling on eastern oyster reefs within the first year of restoration are important to managers seeking to monitor ecosystem service recovery and overall coastal ecosystem health.
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Date Issued
2019
Identifier
CFE0007671, ucf:52460
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007671
Evaluating Hydrologic Fluxes Through Stormwater Treatment Systems: Implication to Freshwater Springs in a Karst Environment
Title
Evaluating Hydrologic Fluxes Through Stormwater Treatment Systems: Implication to Freshwater Springs in a Karst Environment.
Creator
Rice, Nyle, Kibler, Kelly, Wang, Dingbao, Chang, Ni-bin, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
In recent years, concentrations of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus have increased in surface and groundwater resources, due in part to non-point source pollution associated with stormwater runoff. The elevated nutrient concentrations found in stormwater runoff have prompted the design of best management practices (BMP's) to mitigate the problem. The overall objective within this thesis is to analyze the performance of innovative surface BMPs and investigate connections between the...
Show moreIn recent years, concentrations of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus have increased in surface and groundwater resources, due in part to non-point source pollution associated with stormwater runoff. The elevated nutrient concentrations found in stormwater runoff have prompted the design of best management practices (BMP's) to mitigate the problem. The overall objective within this thesis is to analyze the performance of innovative surface BMPs and investigate connections between the BMPs and groundwater flows to freshwater springs within a karst environment. The performance of two stormwater BMPs, blanket filters and vertical reactors containing Bio-sorption Activated Media (BAM), are assessed in terms of hydraulic retention time. Capture efficiency is also evaluated for the blanket filters. Blanket filters captured, at minimum 68% of the stormwater runoff entering a stormwater basin in one year. Water content monitoring indicates that BAM is affected by the surrounding water table. The vertical reactors are more appropriate technologies for small contributing areas. Tracking a conservative tracer from an injection point within a stormwater basin to nearby Silver Springs reveals several unique flowpaths and velocities of groundwater. Subsurface velocities observed in the basin ranged from 0.1 m/d to 1.4 m/d, while velocities from the injection well to the spring vary from 2.3 m/d to 13.5 m/d. The fastest travel times observed in the spring may represent flowpaths that include macropore/conduit flow through karst features, while the slower peaks may be more representative of matrix flow. Interaction with karst features may reduce retention time of stormwater in aquifers, altering expected nutrient transformations. Understanding the variable pathways stormwater may take from the surface to spring discharge may assist environmental managers in preserving water quality in springs and other waterbodies in karst systems.
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Date Issued
2018
Identifier
CFE0007241, ucf:52219
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007241
Water and energy costs of landfilled food waste
Title
Water and energy costs of landfilled food waste.
Creator
Sarker, Tonmoy, Kibler, Kelly, Reinhart, Debra, Tatari, Omer, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Energy and water are consumed or contaminated during both the production and disposal of wasted food. To date, evaluations of water and energy resources associated with food waste have considered only resources used in food production. To allow for the full characterization of food waste within a Food Energy Water (FEW) nexus framework, this study addresses a fundamental knowledge gap related to the energy and water impacts of food waste after disposal. Fluxes of water and energy related to...
Show moreEnergy and water are consumed or contaminated during both the production and disposal of wasted food. To date, evaluations of water and energy resources associated with food waste have considered only resources used in food production. To allow for the full characterization of food waste within a Food Energy Water (FEW) nexus framework, this study addresses a fundamental knowledge gap related to the energy and water impacts of food waste after disposal. Fluxes of water and energy related to disposal of wasted food in landfills within the state of Florida were characterized. It is estimated that each metric ton (Mg) of landfilled food waste produces 18.1 kWh of energy, while the energy needed for collection, leachate transport, and treatment totals 126.5 kWh/Mg. These values equate to a net energy cost of 108.4 kWh/Mg, which is 110 Million kWh annually in Florida. It was observed that the water footprint of landfilled food waste is related to the assimilation of contaminated effluent and ranges from 2.5 to 58.5 m3 per metric ton of landfilled food waste, depending on the constituent of interest. Up to 58 Million m3 of water may be required annually to assimilate contamination related to landfilled food waste in Florida. We assessed the sensitivity of 14 variables used to estimate energy and water impacts and found that impacts are sensitive to the proportion of landfills collecting and utilizing landfill gas, concentration of constituents in leachate, and volume of effluent. Future research should be focused to improving the characterization of these influential parameters, and to similar FEW analysis of other food waste management technologies, such as composting or anaerobic digestion. Better understanding of water and energy impacts of food waste could inform societal decision making regarding investment in FEW-efficient waste management technologies.
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Date Issued
2017
Identifier
CFE0006654, ucf:51233
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006654
Development of an Automated Method for Identification of Wet and Dry Channel Segments Using LiDAR Data and Fuzzy Logic Cluster Analysis
Title
Development of an Automated Method for Identification of Wet and Dry Channel Segments Using LiDAR Data and Fuzzy Logic Cluster Analysis.
Creator
Rowney, Chris, Wang, Dingbao, Medeiros, Stephen, Kibler, Kelly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Research into the use of LiDAR data for purposes other than simple topographic elevation determination, such as urban land cover classification and the identification of forest biomass, has become prominent in recent years. In many cases, alternative analysis methodologies conducted using airborne LiDAR data are possible because the raw data collected during a survey can include information other than the classically used elevation and coordinate points, the X, Y, and Z of the plane. In...
Show moreResearch into the use of LiDAR data for purposes other than simple topographic elevation determination, such as urban land cover classification and the identification of forest biomass, has become prominent in recent years. In many cases, alternative analysis methodologies conducted using airborne LiDAR data are possible because the raw data collected during a survey can include information other than the classically used elevation and coordinate points, the X, Y, and Z of the plane. In particular, intensity return values for each point in a LiDAR grid have been found to provide a useful data set for wet and dry channel classification. LiDAR intensity return data are, in essence, a numeric representation of the characteristic light reflectivity of the object being scanned; the more reflective the object is, the higher the intensity return will be. Intensity data points are collected along the course of the channel network and within the perceived banks of the channel. Intensity data do not crisply reflect a perfectly wet or dry condition, but instead vary over a range such that each location can be viewed as partially wet and partially dry. It is advantageous to assess problems of this type using the methods of fuzzy logic. Specifically, the variance in LiDAR intensity return data is such that the use of fuzzy logic to identify intensity cluster centers, and thereby assign wet and dry condition identifiers based on fuzzy memberships, is a possibility. Membership within a fuzzy data set is characterized by a value representing the degree of membership. Typically, membership values range from 0 (representing non-membership) through 1 (representing full membership), with many observations found to be not at either extreme but instead at some intermediate value representing partial membership. The ultimate goal of this research was to design and develop an automated algorithm to identify wet and dry channel sections, given a previously identified channel network based on topographic elevation, using a combination of intensity return values from LiDAR data and fuzzy logic clustering methods, and to implement that algorithm in such a way as to produce reliable multi-class channel segments in ArcGIS. To enable control of calculations, limiting parameters were defined, specifically including the maximum allowable bank slope, and a filtering percentage to more accurately accommodate the study area.Alteration of the maximum allowable bank slope has been shown to affect the comparative quantity of high and low intensity centroids, but only in extreme bank slope conditions are the centroids changed enough to hamper results. However, interference from thick vegetation has been shown to lower intensity values in dry channel sections into the range of a wet channel. The addition of a filtering algorithm alleviates some of the interference, but not all. Overall results of the tool show an effective methodology where basic channel conditions are identified, but refinement of the tool could produce more accurate results.
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Date Issued
2015
Identifier
CFE0006053, ucf:50975
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006053
Response of Streamflow and Sediment Loading in the Apalachicola River, Florida to Climate and Land Use Land Cover Change
Title
Response of Streamflow and Sediment Loading in the Apalachicola River, Florida to Climate and Land Use Land Cover Change.
Creator
Hovenga, Paige, Medeiros, Stephen, Wang, Dingbao, Kibler, Kelly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Located in Florida's panhandle, the Apalachicola River is the southernmost reach of the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) River basin. Streamflow and sediment drains to Apalachicola Bay in the Northern Gulf of Mexico, directly influencing the ecology of the region, in particular seagrass and oyster production. The objective of this study is to evaluate the response of runoff and sediment loading in the Apalachicola River under projected climate change scenarios and land use / land cover ...
Show moreLocated in Florida's panhandle, the Apalachicola River is the southernmost reach of the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) River basin. Streamflow and sediment drains to Apalachicola Bay in the Northern Gulf of Mexico, directly influencing the ecology of the region, in particular seagrass and oyster production. The objective of this study is to evaluate the response of runoff and sediment loading in the Apalachicola River under projected climate change scenarios and land use / land cover (LULC) change. A hydrologic model using the Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was developed for the Apalachicola region to simulate daily discharge and sediment load under present (circa 2000) and future conditions (circa 2100) to understand how the system responds over seasonal and event time frames to changes in climate, LULC, and coupled climate / LULC. These physically-based models incorporate a digital elevation model (DEM), LULC, soil maps, climate data, and management controls. Long Ashton Research Station-Weather Generator (LARS-WG) was used to create downscaled stochastic temperature and precipitation inputs from three Global Climate Models (GCM), each under Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) carbon emission scenarios for A1B, A2, and B1. Projected 2100 LULC data provided by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) EROS Center was incorporated for each corresponding IPCC scenario. Results indicate climate change may induce seasonal shifts to both runoff and sediment loading, acting to extend periods of high flow and minimum sediment loadings or altering the time at which these events occur completely. Changes in LULC showed minimal effects on flow while more sediment loading was associated with increased agriculture and urban areas and decreased forested regions. A nonlinear response for both streamflow and sediment loading was observed by coupling climate and LULC change into the hydrologic model, indicating changes in one may exacerbate or dampen the effects of the other. Peak discharge and sediment loading associated with extreme events showed both increases and decreases in the future, with variability dependent on the GCM used. Similar behavior was observed in the total discharge resulting from extreme events and increased total sediment load was frequently predicted for the A2 and A1B scenarios for simulations involving changes in climate only, LULC only, and both climate and LULC. Output from the individual GCMs predicted differing responses of streamflow and sediment loading to changes in climate on both the seasonal and event scale. Additional region-specific research is needed to better optimize the GCM ensemble and eliminate those that provide erroneous output. In addition, future assessment of the downscaling approach to capture extreme events is required. Findings from this study can be used to further understand climate and LULC implications to the Apalachicola Bay and surrounding region as well as similar fluvial estuaries while providing tools to better guide management and mitigation practices.
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Date Issued
2015
Identifier
CFE0006326, ucf:51543
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006326
Assessing Interactions between Estuary Water Quality and Terrestrial Land Cover in Hurricane Events with Multi-sensor Remote Sensing
Title
Assessing Interactions between Estuary Water Quality and Terrestrial Land Cover in Hurricane Events with Multi-sensor Remote Sensing.
Creator
Mostafiz, Chandan, Chang, Ni-bin, Wanielista, Martin, Kibler, Kelly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Estuaries are environmentally, ecologically and environmentally important places as they act as a meeting place for land, freshwater and marine ecosystems. They are also called nurseries of the sea as they often provide nesting and feeding habitats for many aquatic plants and animals. These estuaries also withstand the worst of some natural disasters, especially hurricanes. The estuaries as well as the harbored ecosystems undergo significant changes in terms of water quality, vegetation cover...
Show moreEstuaries are environmentally, ecologically and environmentally important places as they act as a meeting place for land, freshwater and marine ecosystems. They are also called nurseries of the sea as they often provide nesting and feeding habitats for many aquatic plants and animals. These estuaries also withstand the worst of some natural disasters, especially hurricanes. The estuaries as well as the harbored ecosystems undergo significant changes in terms of water quality, vegetation cover etc. and these components are interrelated. When hurricane makes landfall it is necessary to assess the damages as quickly as possible as restoration and recovery processes are time-sensitive. However, assessment of physical damages through inspection and survey and assessment of chemical and nutrient component changes by laboratory testing are time-consuming processes. This is where remote sensing comes into play. With the help of remote sensing images and regression analysis, it is possible to reconstruct water quality maps of the estuary affected. The damage sustained by the vegetation cover of the adjacent coastal watershed can be assessed using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) The water quality maps together with NDVI maps help observe a dynamic sea-land interaction due to hurricane landfall. The observation of hurricane impacts on a coastal watershed can be further enhanced by use of tasseled cap transformation (TCT). TCT plots provide information on a host of land cover conditions with respect to soil moisture, canopy and vegetation cover. The before and after TCT plots help assess the damage sustained in a hurricane event and also see the progress of recovery. Finally, the use of synthetic images obtained by use of data fusion will help close the gap of low temporal resolution of Landsat satellite and this will create a more robust monitoring system.
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Date Issued
2017
Identifier
CFE0006900, ucf:51729
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006900
Linking Climate Change and Socio-economic Impact for Long-term Urban Growth in Three Mega-cities
Title
Linking Climate Change and Socio-economic Impact for Long-term Urban Growth in Three Mega-cities.
Creator
Lu, Qi, Chang, Ni-bin, Wanielista, Martin, Kibler, Kelly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Urbanization has become a global trend under the impact of population growth, socio-economic development, and globalization. However, the interactions between climate change and urban growth in the context of economic geography are unclear due to missing links in between the recent planning megacities. This study aims to conduct a multi-temporal change analysis of land use and land cover in New York City, City of London, and Beijing using a cellular automata-based Markov chain model...
Show moreUrbanization has become a global trend under the impact of population growth, socio-economic development, and globalization. However, the interactions between climate change and urban growth in the context of economic geography are unclear due to missing links in between the recent planning megacities. This study aims to conduct a multi-temporal change analysis of land use and land cover in New York City, City of London, and Beijing using a cellular automata-based Markov chain model collaborating with fuzzy set theory and multi-criteria evaluation to predict the city's future land use changes for 2030 and 2050 under the background of climate change.To determine future natural forcing impacts on land use in these megacities, the study highlighted the need for integrating spatiotemporal modeling analyses, such as Statistical Downscale Modeling (SDSM) driven by climate change, and geospatial intelligence techniques, such as remote sensing and geographical information system, in support of urban growth assessment. These SDSM findings along with current land use policies and socio-economic impact were included as either factors or constraints in a cellular automata-based Markov Chain model to simulate and predict land use changes in megacities for 2030 and 2050. Urban expansion is expected in these megacities given the assumption of stationarity in urban growth process, although climate change impacts the land use changes and management. More land use protection should be addressed in order to alleviate the impact of climate change.
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Date Issued
2017
Identifier
CFE0006761, ucf:51865
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006761
Low Impact Development Analysis and Comparative Assessment of Wet Detention Ponds with Floating Treatment Wetlands
Title
Low Impact Development Analysis and Comparative Assessment of Wet Detention Ponds with Floating Treatment Wetlands.
Creator
Hartshorn, Nicholas, Chang, Ni-bin, Kibler, Kelly, Wanielista, Martin, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
The aim of this thesis is to examine, develop, and assess innovative best management practices (BMPs) in stormwater management for pollutant reduction, flood control, and environmental sustainability. Previous research has clearly shown that urban stormwater runoff quickly transports pathogens, metals, sediment, and chemical pollutants to receiving waterbodies, resulting in the degradation of receiving waters and disruption of ecological networks. In response to this growing concern,...
Show moreThe aim of this thesis is to examine, develop, and assess innovative best management practices (BMPs) in stormwater management for pollutant reduction, flood control, and environmental sustainability. Previous research has clearly shown that urban stormwater runoff quickly transports pathogens, metals, sediment, and chemical pollutants to receiving waterbodies, resulting in the degradation of receiving waters and disruption of ecological networks. In response to this growing concern, regulatory agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), have set forth regulations aimed at protecting and restoring waterbodies. These regulations include numeric nutrient criteria (NNC) and total maximum daily loads (TMDLs), which enable effective monitoring of a waterbody with regard to nitrogen and phosphorus pollution and help to restore waters not attaining their designated uses. Currently, many stormwater management systems do not provide sufficient nutrient reduction to meet growing regulations; thus, there is a clear need to develop additional BMPs to enhance nutrient reduction.Firstly, this thesis provides an overview of BMPs used in urban regions across the globe to create networks of low impact development (LID), with a focus on policy analysis. Chapter 2 examines the regulatory policies in areas of the United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia from a federal, state, to local perspective in order to pinpoint what policies are supporting the shift from gray cities to green cities. Gray cities are cities comprised mainly of impervious surfaces, with little regard to the ecological health and hydrologic characteristics of the area. Green cities utilize LID to mimic pre-development hydrologic and ecological characteristics, resulting in a city that is both environmentally sustainable and offers many ecosystem services. The results of the global policy analysis identified the policies and other factors, such as funding and public involvement, necessary to facilitate the shift from gray cities to green cities and support the widespread implementation of LID.Secondly, this thesis provides a comparative analysis of three stormwater wet detention ponds, which all contained floating treatment wetlands (FTWs). FTWs are a new BMP, used to enhance nutrient reduction rates in stormwater wet detention ponds. FTWs are a manmade ecosystem, utilizing plants that grow on interlocking floating foam mats, that mimics natural wetlands. Both episodic (storm event) and routine (non-storm event) sampling campaigns were carried out at the three stormwater wet detention ponds located in Gainesville, Ruskin, and Orlando, Florida. The comparative analysis of the three stormwater wet detention ponds was based on two perspectives. The fist analysis, found in Chapter 2, focuses solely on the nutrient reduction potential of FTWs and how the installation of FTWs can be used to improve nutrient reduction rates in stormwater wet detention ponds. The second analysis, found in Chapter 3, focuses on the interaction between nutrients, microcystin, and chlorophyll-a in the stormwater wet detention ponds before and after installation of the FTWs. These two studies provide a holistic understanding of the environmental and ecological aspects of utilizing FTWs as a BMP in stormwater management. FTWs were found to have a significant impact on nutrient reduction rates in the three stormwater wet detention ponds, with total nitrogen (TN) reduction rates reaching 33% at the Ruskin pond during storm events and total phosphorus (TP) reduction rates reaching 71% at the Gainesville pond during storm events. Moreover, microcystin concentrations were found to have a negative correlation with nutrient concentrations, specifically total phosphorus, for both storm and non-storm events across all three ponds.
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Date Issued
2016
Identifier
CFE0006113, ucf:51206
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006113
Comparative nutrient removal with innovative green soprtion media for groundwater and stormwater co-treatment
Title
Comparative nutrient removal with innovative green soprtion media for groundwater and stormwater co-treatment.
Creator
Wen, Dan, Chang, Ni-bin, Nam, Boo Hyun, Kibler, Kelly, Wanielista, Martin, Zheng, Qipeng, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
As indicated by the National Academy of Engineering, the understanding of nitrogen cycle has been deemed as one of 14 grand challenges in engineering of the 21st century. Due to rapid population growth and urbanization, the stormwater runoff increased in quantity as well as its nutrient concentrations, which may trigger serious environmental issues such as eutrophication in aquatic systems and ecosystem degradation. This study focuses on stormwater and groundwater quality control via...
Show moreAs indicated by the National Academy of Engineering, the understanding of nitrogen cycle has been deemed as one of 14 grand challenges in engineering of the 21st century. Due to rapid population growth and urbanization, the stormwater runoff increased in quantity as well as its nutrient concentrations, which may trigger serious environmental issues such as eutrophication in aquatic systems and ecosystem degradation. This study focuses on stormwater and groundwater quality control via Biosorption Activated Media (BAM) which can be applied to enhance the nutrient removal potential as an emerging Best Management Practices (BMPs). BAM was tested in this study with respect to two changing environmental factors including the presence of toxins such as copper and the addition of carbon sources that may affect the removal effectiveness. In addition, the impacts on microbial ecology in BAM within the nitrification and denitrification processes due to those changing environmental conditions were explored through the identification of microbial population dynamics under different environmental conditions. To further enhance the recovery and reuse of the adsorbed ammonia as possible soil amendment or even fertilizer, a new media called Iron Filing Green Environmental Media (IFGEM) was developed based on BAM, with the inclusion of iron filings as a key component for nitrate reduction. The functionality of IFGEM was analyzed through a serious column studies with respect to several key factors, including varying influent nutrient concentrations, pH values, and temperature. The results of the column studies demonstrate promising nutrient removal and recovery potential simultaneously under changing factors.
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Date Issued
2018
Identifier
CFE0007770, ucf:52394
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007770
Hydrologic controls on the natural drainage networks extracted from high-resolution topographic data
Title
Hydrologic controls on the natural drainage networks extracted from high-resolution topographic data.
Creator
Hooshyar, Milad, Wang, Dingbao, Medeiros, Stephen, Singh, Arvind, Kibler, Kelly, Weishampel, John, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Drainage networks are important geomorphologic and hydrologic features which significantly control runoff generation. Drainage networks are composed of unchannelized valleys and channels. At valley heads, flow changes from unconfined sheet flow on the hillslope to confined flow in valley. Localized confined flow dominates in valleys as a result of convergent topography with positive curvature. Channels initiate at some distance down from the valley head, and the transition from unchannelized...
Show moreDrainage networks are important geomorphologic and hydrologic features which significantly control runoff generation. Drainage networks are composed of unchannelized valleys and channels. At valley heads, flow changes from unconfined sheet flow on the hillslope to confined flow in valley. Localized confined flow dominates in valleys as a result of convergent topography with positive curvature. Channels initiate at some distance down from the valley head, and the transition from unchannelized valley to channel is referred to as the channel head. Channel heads occur at a point where fluvial transport dominates over diffusive transport.From the hydrologic perspective, channels are categorized as perennial, intermittent, and ephemeral streams based on the flow durations. Perennial streams flow for the most of the time during normal years and are maintained by groundwater discharge. Intermittent (i.e. seasonal) streams flow during certain times of the year receiving water from surface sources such as melting snow or from groundwater. Lastly, ephemeral streams flow only in direct response to precipitation without continuous surface flow. In this dissertation, the hydrologic controls on the drainage networks extracted from high resolution Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) based on Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) are investigated. A method for automatic extraction of valley and channel networks from high-resolution DEMs is presented. This method utilizes both positive (i.e., convergent topography) and negative (i.e., divergent topography) curvature to delineate the valley network. The valley and ridge skeletons are extracted using the pixels' curvature and the local terrain conditions. The valley network is generated by checking the terrain for the existence of at least one ridge between two intersecting valleys. The transition from unchannelized to channelized sections (i.e., channel head) in each 1st-order valley tributary is identified independently by categorizing the corresponding contours using an unsupervised approach based on K-means clustering. The method does not require a spatially constant channel initiation threshold (e.g., curvature or contributing area). Moreover, instead of a point attribute (e.g., curvature), the proposed clustering method utilizes the shape of contours, which reflects the entire cross-sectional profile including possible banks. The method was applied to three catchments: Indian Creek and Mid Bailey Run in Ohio, and Feather River in California. The accuracy of channel head extraction from the proposed method is comparable to state-of-the-art channel extraction methods. Valleys extracted from DEMs may be wet (flowing) or dry at any given time depending on the hydrologic conditions. The temporal dynamics of flowing streams are vitally important for understanding hydrologic processes including surface water and groundwater interaction and hydrograph recession. However, observations of wet channel networks are limited, especially in headwater catchments. Near infrared LiDAR data provide an opportunity to map wet channel networks owing to the fine spatial resolution and strong absorption of light energy by water surfaces. A systematic method is developed to map wet channel networks by integrating elevation and signal intensity of ground returns. The signal intensity thresholds for identifying wet pixels are extracted from frequency distributions of intensity return within the convergent topography extent using a Gaussian mixture model. Moreover, the concept of edge in digital image processing, defined based on the intensity gradient, is utilized to enhance detection of small wet channels. The developed method was applied to the Lake Tahoe area based on eight LiDAR acquisitions during recession periods in five watersheds. A power-law relationship between streamflow and wetted channel length during recession periods was derived, and the scaling exponent (L?Q^0.38) is within the range of reported values from fieldwork in other regions.Several studies in the past focused on the relationship between drainage density (i.e., drainage length divided by drainage area) and long-term climate and reported a U-shape pattern. In this dissertation, this relationship was re-visited and the effect of drainage area on drainage density was investigated. Long-term climate was quantified by climate aridity indices which is the ratio between long-term potential evaporation and precipitation. 120 study sites across the United States with minimal human disturbance and a wide range of climate aridity index were selected based on the availability of LiDAR data. The drainage networks were delineated from LiDAR-based 1 m DEMs using the proposed curvature-based method. Despite the U-shaped relationship in the literature, our result shows a significant decreasing trend in the drainage density versus climate aridity index in arid regions; whereas no trend is observed in humid watersheds. This observation and its discrepancy with the reported pattern in the literature are justified considering the dynamics of the runoff erosive force and the resistance of vegetation and the climate controls on them. Our findings suggest that natural drainage networks in arid regions are more sensitive to the change in long-term climate conditions compared with drainage networks in humid climate. It was also found that drainage density has a decreasing trend with drainage area in arid regions; however, no trend was observed in humid regions. In a broader sense, the findings influence our understanding of the formation of drainage networks and the response of hydrologic systems to climate change. The formation and growth of river channels and their network evolution are governed by the erosional and depositional processes operating on the landscape due to movement of water. The branching angles, i.e., the angle between two adjoining channels, in drainage networks are important features related to the network topology and contain valuable information about the forming mechanisms of the landscape. Based on channel networks extracted from 1 m Digital Elevation Models of 120 catchments with minimal human impacts across the United States, we showed that the junction angles have two distinct modes with ?1 ? 49.5(&)deg; and ?2 ? 75.0(&)deg;. The observed angles are physically explained as the optimal angles that result in minimum energy dissipation and are linked to the exponent characterizing slope-area curve. Our findings suggest that the flow regimes, debris-flow dominated or fluvial, have distinct characteristic angles which are functions of the scaling exponent of the slope-area curve. These findings enable us to understand the geomorphologic signature of hydrologic processes on drainage networks and develop more refined landscape evolution models.
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Date Issued
2017
Identifier
CFE0006604, ucf:51278
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006604
Annual water balance model based on generalized proportionality relationship and its applications
Title
Annual water balance model based on generalized proportionality relationship and its applications.
Creator
Tang, Yin, Wang, Dingbao, Kibler, Kelly, Singh, Arvind, Sumner, David, Quintana-Ascencio, Pedro, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
The main goal of this dissertation research is to derive a type of conceptual models for annual water balance at the watershed scale. The proportionality relationship from the Soil Conservation Service Curve Number method was generalized to annual scale for deriving annual water balance model. As a result, a one-parameter Budyko equation was derived based on one-stage partitioning; and a four-parameter Budyko equation was derived based on two-stage partitioning. The derived equations balance...
Show moreThe main goal of this dissertation research is to derive a type of conceptual models for annual water balance at the watershed scale. The proportionality relationship from the Soil Conservation Service Curve Number method was generalized to annual scale for deriving annual water balance model. As a result, a one-parameter Budyko equation was derived based on one-stage partitioning; and a four-parameter Budyko equation was derived based on two-stage partitioning. The derived equations balance model parsimony and representation of dominant hydrologic processes, and provide a new framework to disentangle the roles of climate variability, vegetation, soil and topography on long-term water balance. Three applications of the derived equations were demonstrated. Firstly, the four-parameter Budyko equation was applied to 165 watersheds in the United States to disentangle the roles of climate variability, vegetation, soil and topography on long-term water balance. Secondly, the one-parameter Budyko equation was applied to a large-scale irrigation region. The historical annual total water storage change were reconstructed for assessing groundwater depletion due to irrigation pumping by integrating the derived equation and the satellite-based GRACE (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment) data. Thirdly, the one-parameter Budyko equation was used to model the impact of willow treatment on annual evapotranspiration through a two-year field experiment in the Upper St. Johns River marshes. An empirical relationship between the parameter and willow fractional coverage was developed, providing a useful tool for predicting long-term response of evapotranspiration to willow treatment. ?
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Date Issued
2017
Identifier
CFE0006958, ucf:51638
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006958