Abstract 3D visualization of geological structures is a very efficient way to create a good understanding of geological features. It is not only an illustrative way for common people, but also a comprehensive method to interpret results of the work. Geologists, geophysics engineers and GIS experts sometimes need to visualize an area to accomplish their researches. It can show how sample data are distributed over the area and therefore they can be applied as suitable approach to validate the result. Among different 3D modeling methods, some are expensive or complicated. Therefore, such a methodology enabling easy and cheap creation of a 3D construction is highly demanded. However, several obstacles have been faced during the process of constructing a 3D model of geology. The main debate over suitable interpolation methods is the fact that 3D modelers may face discrepancies leading to different results even when they are working with the same set of data. Furthermore, most often part of data can be source of errors, themselves. Hence, it is extremely important to decide whether to omit those data or adopt another strategy. However, even after considering all these points, still the work may not be accurate enough to be used for scientific researches if the interpretation of work is not done precisely. This research sought to explain an approach for 3D modeling of Sedini platform in Sardinia, Italy. GIS was used as a flexible software together with Surfer and Voxler. Data manipulation, geodatabase creation and interpolation test all have been done with aid of GIS. A variety of interpolation methods available in Surfer were used to opt suitable method together with Arc view. A solid 3D model is created in Voxler environment. In Voxler, in contrary to many other 3D types of software there are four components needed to construct 3D. C value as 4th component except for XYZ coordinates was used to differentiate special features in platform and do gridding based on chosen value. With the aid of C value, one can mark layer of interest to identify it from other layers. The final result shows a 3D solid model of the Sedini platform including both surfaces and subsurfaces. An Isosurface with its unique value (Isovalue) can mark layer of interest and make it easy to interpret the results. However, the errors in some parts of model are also noticeable. Since data acquisition was done for studying geology and mineralogy characteristics of the area, there is less number of data points collected per volume according to the main goals of the initial project. Moreover, in some parts of geological border lines, the density of sample points is not high enough to estimate accurate location of lines. The study result can be applicable in a broad range of geological studies. Resource evaluation, geomorphology, structural geology and GIS are only a few examples of its application. The results of the study can be compared to the results of similar works where different softwares have been used so as to comprehend pros and cons of each as well as appropriate application of each software for a special task.     Keywords: GIS, Image Interpretation, Geodatabase, Geology, Interpolation, 3D Modeling

The aim of this thesis is to identify how forest management in Tanzania can contribute to global climate change mitigation while improving livelihoods of forest-dependent communities. A mechanism for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) is meant to slow increases of atmospheric CO2 while channelling funds to developing countries. In Tanzania, pioneering work in participatory forest management (PFM) has promoted local-level control over forest resource use. The purpose of this study is to contribute to a linkage between REDD and PFM that maximises benefits for communities, forests and global climate. Three PFM projects with relation to REDD have been studied, primarily using semi-structured interviews with villagers, district officials, project facilitators, researchers, consultants and policy-makers. Analysis consists of comparing experiences at different levels and putting them in the theoretical context of climate change and forest conservation. The study identifies several issues: local and central government institutions cannot ensure equitable benefit sharing; cross-sectoral co-ordination to address fundamental causes of the problems is lacking; participation of local communities is not satisfactory. However, the process is at an early stage. Current activities will hopefully contribute to a future framework that properly addresses these and other obstacles. If this is accomplished, PFM and REDD can complement each other in a positive way.

Unregulated North Swedish rivers show large seasonal variations in their physical characteristics. During winter the whole littoral zone freezes solid, and in spring the water flow increases rapidly and the same areas become flooded. The two mayflies Parameletus chelifer and P. minor are common in the North Swedish river Vindelälven. They probably pass through a dormant egg stage in its mid-stream section. The first tiny nymphs appeared in January to March, but they did not become abundant until the ice broke up in May. At this time they migrated rapidly to the flooded upper littoral, some continuing into the tributaries. During  the migration phase, both species used chemoreception to orient themselves towards the flooded areas. The shoreward migration allowed the nymphs to avoid high current velocity, and to utilize unexploited food resources. The two species differed with respect to utilization of the upper littoral. Most Parameletus chelifer nymphs colo­nized a seasonal stream, while the P. minor nymphs were equally abundant at the river margin as in a seasonal stream. Both temperature and food quality differed between the river margin and the seasonal stream. Compared to P. minor specimens, those of Parameletus chelifer showed a somewhat higher optimum tempe­rature, and they gained advantage of the higher food quality observed in the seasonal stream. Parameletus chelifer specimens colonizing a seasonal stream had higher growth rate, higher fecundity, and probably also advanced emergence as well as larger adult size compared with those remaining at the river margin. In addition mortality from fish predation may be lowered by utilizing shallow seasonal streams. Specimens of P. minor had higher growth rate, larger adult size and advanced emergence in the seasonal stream compared with those at the river margin. Nevertheless, fecundity was equal in both habitats and the mortality caused by predation seemed almost similar in both habitats. In most years Parameletus chelifer specimens utilizing the seasonal stream thus obtain a higher fitness than those utilizing the river margin. In P. minor this diffe­rence was not so pronounced. However, due to mortality risks caused by an early desiccation of the seasonal stream, the long-term reproductive output of the two species probably varies irregularly in the two habitats. / digitalisering@umu

Spatial-temporal distribution of soil moisture in the vadose zone is an important aspect of the hydrological cycle that plays a fundamental role in water resources management, including modeling of water flow and mass transport. The vadose zone is a critical transfer and storage compartment, which controls the partitioning of energy and mass linked to surface runoff, evapotranspiration and infiltration. This dissertation focuses on integrating hydraulic characterization methods with remote sensing technologies to estimate the soil moisture distribution by modeling the spatial coverage of soil moisture in the horizontal and vertical dimensions with high temporal resolution. The methodology consists of using satellite images with an ultrafine 3-m resolution to estimate soil surface moisture content that is used as a top boundary condition in the hydrologic model, SWAP, to simulate transport of water in the vadose zone. To demonstrate the methodology, herein developed, a number of model simulations were performed to forecast a range of possible moisture distributions in the Everglades National Park (ENP) vadose zone. Intensive field and laboratory experiments were necessary to prepare an area of interest (AOI) and characterize the soils, and a framework was developed on ArcGIS platform for organizing and processing of data applying a simple sequential data approach, in conjunction with SWAP. An error difference of 3.6% was achieved when comparing radar backscatter coefficient (σ0) to surface Volumetric Water Content (VWC); this result was superior to the 6.1% obtained by Piles during a 2009 NASA SPAM campaign. A registration error (RMSE) of 4% was obtained between model and observations. These results confirmed the potential use of SWAP to simulate transport of water in the vadose zone of the ENP. Future work in the ENP must incorporate the use of preferential flow given the great impact of macropore on water and solute transport through the vadose zone. Among other recommendations, there is a need to develop procedures for measuring the ENP peat shrinkage characteristics due to changes in moisture content in support of the enhanced modeling of soil moisture distribution.

Senna mexicana chapmanii (Fabaceae: Caesalpinoideae), an attractive and threatened species native to pine rocklands of southern Florida, is consumed by folivorous caterpillars of Sulfur butterflies (Lepidoptera: Pieridae). Caterpillars may be deterred or eaten by predators, but also very important are parasitoids, both flies and wasps. This study investigated the effects of plant density on Sulfur caterpillar numbers and rates of parasitization. Senna mexicana chapmanii plantations were established at agricultural and urban areas; both sites are adjacent to protected pine rockland areas. Sulfur butterfly immature stages were collected and reared to glean information regarding number of herbivores and rates of parasitization. Continuing this weekly monitoring protocol over the course of a year provided data to determine that higher plant density has an effect on levels of parisitization and is correlated with the number of herbivores. Elucidating these patterns has important implications understanding the factors that regulate interactions in this plant/herbivore/parasitoid system.

Mangos (Mangifera indica L.) are tropical/subtropical fruits belonging to the plant family Anacardiaceae. Anthracnose is the most deleterious disease of mango both in the field and during postharvest handling. It is most commonly caused by the Colletotrichum gloeosporioides complex. Mangiferin, a xanthanoid compound found in at least twelve plant families worldwide (Luo et al., 2012), is present in large amounts of the leaves and edible mangos. Even though this compound plays a pivotal role in the plant’s defense against biotic and abiotic stressors, no correlations been made between the compound and mango anthracnose resistance. Mangos were collected, grouped according to their countries of origin, and evaluated for their mangiferin concentrations at four different stages of development. Extracts of interest were then tested against different strains of C. gloeosporioides. The results demonstrated that mangiferin concentrations are significantly different at different stages in fruit development. The antifungal assays were inconclusive.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play a crucial role in improving the growth of a vast majority of plants. Past researchers have discovered that agricultural practices have a significant negative effect on the diversity of AMF. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are reported to enhance plant nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, and soil aggregate formation which are key aspects of productive low-input farming. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of four pesticides on the ability of AMF to colonize the roots of okra plants (Abelmoschus esculentus). The pesticides being tested include two synthetic chemicals (glyphosate and carbaryl) and two organic chemicals (neem oil and citrus oil). The tested parameters included crop yield, plant biomass, leaf matter CNP, and the percentage of mycorrhizal colonization in roots. The results of this study show that the organic chemicals had no significant effect on AMF colonization while the synthetic chemicals did have somewhat of a negative effect on colonization.

A drone is an aircraft that can fly itself or be remotely controlled by a driver elsewhere while collecting data of various kinds. In Swedish forestry drones are used today both by professionals and by private forest owners. The aim of this study was to find out how drones are used in Swedish forestry today, describe their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and find out what developmental areas there are for drones. Data was collected through telephone interviews with nine respondents with different geographical locations in Sweden and with different practical experiences. Drones are primarily used in forestry planning. In the SWOT analysis, most responses were in the category of strengths. Examples of strengths many saw were more effective work and planning. The main opportunity was the rapid development of technology. Weaknesses mentioned were that they lacked equipment and the largest threat was the authorities. Many respondents wanted to see development of apps and program.

This thesis analyses buckwheat as a cover crop in Florida. The study was designed to demonstrate: soil enrichment with nutrients, mycorrhizal arbuscular fungi interactions, growth in different soil types, temperature limitations in Florida, and economic benefits for farmers. Buckwheat was planted at the FIU organic garden (Miami, FL) in early November and harvested in middle December. After incorporation of buckwheat residues, soil analyses indicated the ability of buckwheat to enrich soil with major nutrients, in particular, phosphorus. Symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi increased inorganic phosphorus uptake and plant growth. Regression analysis on aboveground buckwheat biomass weight and soil characteristics showed that high soil pH was the major limiting factor that affected buckwheat growth. Spatial analysis illustrated that buckwheat could be planted in South Florida throughout the year but might not be planted in North and Central Florida in winter. An economic assessment proved buckwheat to be a profitable cover crop.

En stor skadegörare på de svenska granskogarna är den åttatandade granbarkborren Ips typographus (L.). Torkstress, vattentillgång och landskapets topografi är faktorer som påverkar granens vitalitet. Om granen har en låg vitalitet riskerar den i högre utsträckning att bli angripen av granbarkborren. Syftet med studien var att analysera topografi och markfuktighet för granbarkborreskadad skog. Områden med skadade träd och oskadade träd jämfördes i GIS-programmet QGIS för att se om det fanns en skillnad med avseende på markfuktighet, lutning, lutningsriktning och höjd över havet. Resultatet visade att granbarkborren angriper främst gran i syd till sydvästlig och östlig riktning. Även områden på torrare marker har en ökad risk för angrepp samt områden där terrängen inte sluttar. Troligtvis löper områden där ovan nämnda variabler sammanfaller större risk att bli angripna av granbarkborren.