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<p>Seasonal road design in mountainous terrain consists of four main phases: route selection, field investigation, surveying, and analysis. The first phase, route selection, consists of two parts: selecting control points at strategic locations, and then determining potential routes between those points. Two geographic information system (GIS) geoprocessing automations were developed to aid a road planner in determining routes between control points. Both automations utilized Environmental Systems Research Institute&rsquo;s (ESRI) ArcGIS software package. The first method developed was the least cost path method, which makes use of ArcGIS&rsquo;s cost path tool to find a route between points following a gradual slope. The second automation was the side hill method, which utilized a variety of ArcGIS tools to maintain a uniform grade along the side of a hill between two points. The two methods were compared and contrasted based on control point locations. The least cost path method was determined to be preferable for main thoroughfares along flat valleys and ridge lines, while the side hill method was preferable for secondary roads that could be used to access steeper ground. It was concluded that the two methods can save time and increase accuracy of GIS road features for land managers planning new seasonal roads. </p>

Master of Science / Department of Biological & Agricultural Engineering / Kyle R. Douglas-Mankin / Radar-derived P3 data from Next Generation Radar (NEXRAD) of the National Weather Service (NWS) offer higher spatial resolution than precipitation gauge data, which might improve the accuracy of streamflow simulations using watershed models. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of spatially-averaged subwatershed-specific NEXRAD P3 data on streamflow simulations using Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model. The SWAT hydrologic model was chosen for this study to simulate the hydrologic processes in North Fork Ninnescah Watershed located in south-central Kansas. A precipitation gauge station for each subwatershed was created using an area-weighted average of NEXRAD P3 precipitation estimates for all HRAP grid cells covering the subwatershed. The SWAT model was calibrated with both NEXRAD P3 data and NCDC precipitation gauge (PG) data from 1 January 2002 to 31 December 2008. The P3-calibrated model was validated using PG data for the same simulation period (2002-2008), and vice versa. The PG-calibrated model yielded slightly higher daily Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (E(subscript)NS = 0.40) than P3 calibrated model (ENS = 0.35), but the yearly ENS and PBIAS for P3 calibrated model (ENS = 0.80) was much better than PG-calibrated model (ENS = 0.43). The P3-validated model (PG calibration) had yearly ENS = of 0.70, whereas the PGcalibrated model had ENS = 0.43. The daily PBIAS value for P3-calibrated model in 2007 (wet year) was -14.13 and for the P3-calibrated model was -32.83; PG data overestimated the streamflow compared to P3 data in 2007. The P3 data has better agreement with PG data from 2002-2008 period than for 1996-2001 period. The streamflow estimation was better with NEXRAD P3 precipitation data in both calibration and validation runs. Even though the model was calibrated with PG data, the validated model with P3 data has comparatively high ENS. The spatial variation of streamflow response within the watershed was greater compared to the temporal variation in both the calibrated models. The spatial representation of precipitation data by NEXRAD P3 has improved the modeling performance compared to PG data; it is evident that NEXRAD data is an alternative to precipitation gauge measurements.

Master of Science / Department of Biological & Agricultural Engineering / Stacy L. Hutchinson / The need for globally mobile and culturally intelligent engineers to address global natural resource issues is high. Current economic, political and environmental states demand that educational institutions equip engineers with diverse problem solving skill sets. International education experience is the best way for students from varied backgrounds to appreciate differences around the world, develop skill sets for global issues and operate in a multinational environment. International education programs exist between many different educational institutions. A multidisciplinary program, Agricultural Resources and Environmental Management (AREM), currently exists between Kansas State University Manhattan, Kansas, USA and Ecole d’Ingénieurs Purpan Toulouse, France. AREM is a Master’s level program designed to promote the exchange of ideas, faculty, and students in sustainable agricultural development. This program operates independently at each institution and features two courses, revolving around agro-ecological, economic, and social factors, which are co-taught via live video conference. The main objectives of this research were to compare the structural education components of engineering institutes EI Purpan and KSU in order to evaluate the efficacy and importance of the AREM program in global terms, to create a mutual understanding of program obstacles, to highlight the benefits and strengths of each institution, and to provide a common plane for forward progress. Comparisons of accreditation programs, pedagogy and curriculums at the Bachelor’s and Master’s level were conducted. The similarities and differences of the AREM program from both French and American perspectives were explored to develop recommendations for forward progress. Learning outcomes set by accreditation bodies were very similar, but the method of achieving those outcomes was dissimilar. Many differences were found in the amount of time spent on certain educational topics within the engineering curriculum. Engineering students at EI Purpan received a more rounded education, with an agricultural business management focus, enhanced with practical education through required internships. KSU engineering students received a much more technical and theoretical education based in math, physics and engineering design. Pedagogy contrasted most between schedule and on job training. Differences in Master’s degree specialization were limited, but influential. The AREM program is a specialized degree pathway at EI Purpan, while at KSU it is a graduate certificate program. At EI Purpan the AREM program is heavily advertised, while at KSU it is not. Departmental structure of American universities provides challenges to multidisciplinary programs like AREM. The strengths of each institution, practical or theoretical, should be integrated to enhance the AREM program outcomes. Possibilities exist for the AREM program to maintain its current state with minor enhancements, develop into a short summer exchange program between KSU and EI Purpan, or evolve into a joint Master’s degree. The AREM program exposes students to international collaboration, appreciation of different approaches to problems solving, and cultural eccentricities. Engineering students who participate in the AREM program are equipped to solve natural resource issues at the global scale. Improvements to the program will increase student ability and institutional reputability.

Arroyo Chico Wash, an important drainage for central Tucson, Arizona, runs through numerous neighborhood and industrial areas before emptying into the Santa Cruz River. Within four suburban neighborhoods along the wash, direct observations, personal interviews, survey questions, and historical documents are used to describe design and management influences on the biological and human aspects of the wash. Plants along the wash are identified by 2-meter wide belt transects run at 100-meter intervals over the 4 kilometer length of the study area. Wild animal and bird lists are based on observation and information given by residents. Relationships between design, maintenance and neighborhood attitudes toward the wash are assessed using a survey questionnaire given to people living adjacent to the wash. Results show the wash in the Colonia Solana neighborhood has the greatest biological diversity, highest neighborhood satisfaction and highest recreational use. In neighborhoods where the wash is a "backyard easement", satisfaction and use are the lowest.

<p> In a large-scale outdoor, airborne, hazardous materials (HAZMAT) incident, such as ruptured chlorine rail cars during a train derailment, the local Incident Commanders and HAZMAT emergency responders must obtain accurate information quickly to assess the situation and act promptly and appropriately. HAZMAT responders must have a clear understanding of key information and how to integrate it into timely and effective decisions for action planning. This study examined the use of HAZMAT plume modeling as a decision support tool during incident action planning in this type of extreme HAZMAT incident. The concept of Situation Awareness as presented by Endsley's dynamic situation awareness model contains three levels: perception, comprehension and projection. It was used to examine the actions of incident managers related to adequate data acquisition, current situational understanding, and accurate situation projection. Scientists and engineers have created software to simulate and predict HAZMAT plume behavior, the projected hazard impact areas, and the associated health effects. Incorporating the use of HAZMAT plume projection modeling into an Incident Action Plan may be a complex process. The present analysis employed a mixed qualitative and quantitative methodological approach and examined the use and limitations of a "HAZMAT Plume Modeling Cycle" process that can be integrated into the incident action planning cycle. HAZMAT response experts were interviewed using a computer-based simulation. One of the research conclusions indicated the "HAZMAT Plume Modeling Cycle" is a critical function so that an individual/team can be tasked with continually updating the hazard plume model with evolving data, promoting more accurate situation awareness.</p>