The Nature of Kinematic Waves in Glaciers and their Application to Understanding the Nisqually Glacier, Mt. Rainier, Washington

The Nisqually Glacier is one of the best studied glaciers on Mt. Rainier. Data was first collected on the glacier in 1857 and since then a number of kinematic waves have been observed but not extensively studied. The purpose of the thesis is to numerically model the conditions that favor or restrict kinematic wave propagation/initiation and subsequently model the relationship between kinematic wave behavior and the Nisqually Glacier. The numerical models used in this study are 2-D and use bedrock elevation, mass balance, basal sliding, and other equations to simulate alpine glaciers. A perturbation is added instantaneously for a specified time interval to the mass balance of the model glacier to allow for possible kinematic wave formation, and parameters such as ice velocity, ice thickness changes, and time elapsed are subsequently recorded. Through the use of the model, the principal research findings include 1) both magnitude and duration of a mass balance perturbation affect kinematic wave behavior, 2) glaciers on steeper slopes show a greater response to small mass balance perturbations of ~0.5 m. w.e. for 1 year compared to glaciers on less steep slopes, 3) a 6 m. w.e. perturbation for 3 years creates a Nisqually Glacier response similar to those seen from its historical waves, suggesting that there are other factors contributing to kinematic wave formation, and 4) the Nisqually Glacier has prominent advances with all mass balance perturbations, leading to the conclusion that even small increases in the mass balance can show significant length change

Of His Bones are Coral Made: Submerged Cultural Resources, Site Formation Processes, and Multiple Scales of Interpretation in Coastal Ghana

Integrating theoretical and methodological approaches to formation processes across a range of scales from micro-artifact to region and from historical to environmental processes, this work explores the archaeology of the event related to submerged archaeological sites within the Elmina seascape of coastal Ghana. Building on and intersecting with the work of other scholars, this research is a unique approach to the investigation of submerged cultural remains related to historical maritime trade. Remote sensing surveys in 2009 led to the identification of three sites related to maritime trade, adding significantly to the two previously known sites, which include a circa 1650 shipwreck, referred to as the Elmina Wreck, and the remains of an early 18th century vessel in the Benya Lagoon. Drawing on remote sensing survey data, diver investigations, and the micro-sampling sediment coring technique developed over the course of field research, the historical and physical environment of coastal Elmina is studied as a means of interpreting the unique events surrounding a specific shipwreck, and to relate formation processes across the region to this and other sites. While archaeological evidence is limited, the complex study of formation processes, including the historical contexts of trade and the physical environmental has provided insights into events and practices of trade, destruction and preservation of submerged sites, and has provided a foundation for continued holistic investigation and maritime archaeological studies in the region. The methodological and theoretical approaches to formation processes form a model applicable to maritime research across the globe

Transforming knowledge systems for life on Earth:Visions of future systems and how to get there

Formalised knowledge systems, including universities and research institutes, are important for contemporary societies. They are, however, also arguably failing humanity when their impact is measured against the level of progress being made in stimulating the societal changes needed to address challenges like climate change. In this research we used a novel futures-oriented and participatory approach that asked what future envisioned knowledge systems might need to look like and how we might get there. Findings suggest that envisioned future systems will need to be much more collaborative, open, diverse, egalitarian, and able to work with values and systemic issues. They will also need to go beyond producing knowledge about our world to generating wisdom about how to act within it. To get to envisioned systems we will need to rapidly scale methodological innovations, connect innovators, and creatively accelerate learning about working with intractable challenges. We will also need to create new funding schemes, a global knowledge commons, and challenge deeply held assumptions. To genuinely be a creative force in supporting longevity of human and non-human life on our planet, the shift in knowledge systems will probably need to be at the scale of the enlightenment and speed of the scientific and technological revolution accompanying the second World War. This will require bold and strategic action from governments, scientists, civic society and sustained transformational intent.</p