No description available.

In November 2006 a Pineapple Express rainstorm moved through the Pacific Northwest generating record precipitation, 22 to 50 cm in the two-day event on Mt. Rainier. Copeland (2009) and Legg (2013) identified debris flows in seven drainages in 2006; Inter Fork, Kautz, Ohanapecosh, Pyramid, Tahoma, Van Trump, and West Fork of the White River. This study identified seven more drainages: Carbon, Fryingpan, Muddy Fork Cowlitz, North Puyallup, South Mowich, South Puyallup, and White Rivers. Twenty-nine characteristics, or attributes, associated with the drainages around the mountain were collected. Thirteen were used in a regression analysis in order to develop a susceptibility map for debris flows on Mt. Rainier: Percent vegetation, percent steep slopes, gradient, Melton's Ruggedness Number, height, area, percent bedrock, percent surficial, percent glacier, stream has direct connection with a glacier, average annual precipitation, event precipitation, and peak precipitation. All variables used in the regression were measured in the upper basin. Two models, both with 91% accuracy, were generated for the mountain. Model 1 determined gradient of the upper basin, upper basin area, and percent bedrock to be the most significant variables. This model predicted 10 drainages with high potential for failure: Carbon, Fryingpan, Kautz, Nisqually, North Mowich, South Mowich, South Puyallup, Tahoma, West Fork of the White, and White Rivers. Of the remaining drainages 5 are moderate, 10 are low, and 9 are very low. Model 2 found MRN (Melton's Ruggedness Number) and percent bedrock to be the most significant. This model predicted 10 drainages with high potential for failure during future similar events: Fryingpan, Kautz, Nisqually, North Mowich, Pyramid, South Mowich, South Puyallup, Tahoma, Van Trump, and White Rivers. Of the remaining drainages, 6 are moderate, 9 are low, and 9 are very low. The two models are very similar. Initiation site elevations range from 1442 m to 2448 m. Six of the thirteen initiation sites are above 2000 m. Proglacial gully erosion initiated debris flows seem to occur at all elevations. Those debris flows initiated partially by landslides occur between 1400 and about 1800 m. The combined regression analysis model for the Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Hood, and Mt. Adams raised the predictive accuracy from 69% (Olson, 2012) to 77%. This model determined that percent glacier/ice and percent vegetation were the most significant.

This research project is a report of cost findings and rearrest rates from a program evaluation of a pre-trial diversion program. In 1978 Cascade Research Center (CRC) contracted with Clark County, Washington, to determine the cost-effectiveness and cost-efficiency of the Pre-Habilitation agency, which implements the Prosecuting Attorney's Pre-Trial Diversion Program.

Ambient high-volume (hi-vol) air samples were collected between March 15th and May 30th 2002, at Cheeka Peak Observatory (CPO), located on the tip of the Olympic Peninsula, Washington State. This sampling campaign was in conjunction with the 2002 Inter-Continental Transport and Chemical Transformation (ITCT 2K2) Campaign and the Photochemical Ozone Budget of the Eastern North Pacific Atmosphere (PHOEBA2) experiment, both of which studied the effect of Trans-Pacific transport on the U.S. West Coast. The anthropogenic semi-volatile organic compounds (SOCs) measured during this time period included polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and various U.S. current-use and historical-use pesticides. The total PAH concentration ranged from 0.480-4.49 ng/m³, which is comparable to other remote sites throughout the globe. Ten pesticides (hexachlorobenzene, dacthal, chlorothalonil, heptachlor, trans-nonachlor, cis-nonachlor, endosulfan I, triallate, trifluralin, and mirex) were also measured and their concentrations (0.104-57.0 pg/m³) were comparable to other remote sites and less than agricultural areas. Gas-phase/particle-phase partitioning of SOCs was explored, with a significant correlation with temperature found for endosulfan I and retene. A possible relationship at CPO of low total suspended particulate (TSP) concentration with the concentration of non-exchangeable SOCs in the particle phase was found. Principal Component Analysis, as well as a t-test, showed there were elevated concentrations and a unique pattern of anthropogenic SOCs measured during possible Trans-Pacific events on March 15th-16th March 27th-28th and April 22nd-23rd, 2002. These Trans-Pacific events were identified using the GEOS-CHEM model and 10-day back air trajectories. The potential sources of these compounds at CPO were determined using diagnostic ratios of their concentrations, back trajectories calculated using HYSPLIT4, local meteorological conditions, and U.S. pesticide use data. / Graduation date: 2004

Beetle diversity and habitat associations of five prevalent riparian plant communities were examined along the lower reaches of Big Beaver Creek Research Natural Area, North Cascades National Park, Washington. These communities were defined by dominant tree species, and included Alder Swamps, Cedar-Hemlock Forests, Douglas-fir Forests, Gravel Bars, and Willow-Sedge Swamps. Monthly samples were taken with pitfall traps from 10 randomly selected patches per habitat during the snow-free periods (mid-June through mid-October) of 1995 and 1996. A total of 8,179 non-necrophagous beetles was collected, comprising 4 families and 290 species. Four families - Staphylinidae (43%), Carabidae (31%), Elateridae (12%), and Anthicidae (6%) accounted for 92% of all individuals. Four families encompassed 65% of all species Staphylinidae (31%), Carabidae (19%), Elateridae (8%), arid Leiodidae (7%) A few species accounted for the majority of individuals. Almost 51% of individuals were found among just 20 species. The five most abundant species in each habitat accounted for 33% (Alder Swamps) to 71% (Gravel Bars) of individuals. Beetle abundance and species composition differed among habitats. Abundance ranged from 1,530 (Cedar-Hemlock Forests) to 2,071 (Alder Swamps) . Abundance per trap per month varied from 16 (Willow-sedge Swamps) to 27 (Alder Swamps). Species richness was lowest in Douglas-fir Forests (76) and highest in Alder Swamps (119) Simpson's 1-D index ranged from 0.74 (Douglas-fir Forests) to 0.96 (Alder Swamps). Species were categorized as detritivores, fungivores, herbivores, omnivores, predators, and unknowns. Individuals and species of predators and fungivores were generally numerically dominant. Herbivores and omnivores contributed few species and individuals. Gravel Bars virtually lacked fungivores and were the only community with many (more than 30%) detrivorous individuals. Two patterns of seasonal abundance were evident. Abundance was highest in June in the two open habitats, Gravel Bars and Willow-Sedge Swamps, thereafter sharply and continuously declining into October. Abundance peaked during September in the forested habitats. Baseline data was acquired about the North Cascades National Park beetle faunas, furthering Park goals to perpetuate habitat and community assemblage integrity. In a larger context, this information has also enriched the understanding of the arthropod faunas of the Pacific Northwest. / Graduation date: 2002

This study presented an in-depth exploration of international student perceptions of a coordinated studies program (CSP) at Seattle Central Community College. In conducting this research project, a phenomenological research methodology was used. Qualitative data were collected through participant observations, focus group, document review and individual in-depth interviews with nine students. The data were analyzed systematically and categorized into the following four themes: (1) program integration. (2) program content, (3) program structure, and (4) program faculty. Data within each theme were then grouped under subcategories and themes were presented with examples of student's statements to illustrate each theme. International students found that the coordinated studies program provided a unique and positive educational experience. Of great importance, students found that the experience was beneficial in addressing both social and academic areas in their lives. For most of the international students in the study, the sense of supportiveness and relationship development opportunities were the most important features of the experience. International students were able to build relationships with both American students and other international students through prolonged cross-cultural interaction in and out of class. The international students valued the cross cultural learning and the introduction to American culture the CSP context provided. The interdisciplinary nature of the CSP was, in general, viewed positively, though, for many students it was a big stretch since these types of learning strategies may not have been experienced in the past. Of the various activities in the CSP, international students regarded the small group work as the most rewarding of the in-class activities, and also enjoyed the out-of-class group projects and social activities. / Graduation date: 2001

Effect of a sudangrass green manure in two soil types on the activity, populations and community structure of soil microorganisms, populations of Verticillium dahliae in soil and on potato roots, and potato early dying, were evaluated in a field microplot experiment in the Columbia Basin. Potato cv. Russet Burbank was grown in identical green manure and fallow soil treatments transported from Idaho and Washington where sudangrass previously suppressed or enhanced early dying of potatoes, respectively. Incorporation of sudangrass increased total microbial activity (TMA) by 46.2 and 30.1% in the Idaho soil in 1996 and 1997, and by 43.0% in the Washington soil in 1996 only. Neither green manure or soil type, however, affected soil populations of Fusarium, total bacteria, or actinomycetes. Across soil type, fluorescent pseudomonad populations were unaffected or increased by 107% in 1996 and 1997, respectively. Although not repeated across years, Fusarium root populations were 19.7 and 28.3% higher in sudangrass treated soil from Washington in 1996 and Idaho in 1997, respectively, but the proportion of Fusarium species were similar across soil types. Bacterial rhizosphere communities, based on sole-carbon-source utilization patterns on Biolog GN microplates, did not differ among the soil types or green manure treatments. Across soil type, V. dahliae soil and root populations were unaffected in 1996, but were lower by 20.4 and 41.2% in Idaho sudangrass soil treatments in 1997. Apical stem populations of V. dahliae and disease severity, however, did not differ among the treatments. Although tuber yield in Washington soil was 31.5% higher than Idaho soil in 1996, yield was not affected by a sudangrass green manure. Because suppression of early dying of potato observed in Idaho was not replicated in transported soil in the Columbia Basin, the macroenvironment may interact with the sudangrass green manure to regulate the effect, or lack of effect on disease. TMA is not an indicator of disease suppressive ability of a soil following sudangrass as activity increased despite a lack of effect on disease. Based on this study, there is no evidence for differences in microbial populations or communities between the Idaho and Washington soils that could explain the suppression or enhancement of early dying of potato by a sudangrass green manure. / Graduation date: 1998

As ecologists are being called upon to predict the consequences of human perturbations to natural communities, an important goal is to understand what factors drive variability or consistency in nature. In the rocky intertidal of San Juan Island, Washington, a comparative experimental approach was used to investigate spatial and temporal variation in community organization. The effect of predation on B. glandula varied dramatically over small spatial scales between microhabitats but was remarkably consistent over time withing a given microhabitat. The effects of predation on S. cariosus varied over time within the same microhabitat. By repeating previous landmark experiments at our study site, and replicating these experiments across microhabitats, the domain of applicability of previous experimental information was greatly expanded. In an early successional assemblage on the Oregon coast, I tested the hypothesis that, when the direct effect of one species on another increases in relative strength, its total effect (direct + indirect) is less variable or conditional than if the link between those species is weak. The effect of strong predation by whelks was less sensitive to the presence of additional species and more consistently dampened natural variation between experimental starting dates and between individual replicates within a given experiment. In contrast, the outcome of weak predation was more spatially and temporally variable in sign, and whether it magnified or dampened differences between individual replicates varied between experiments. Consequently the mean total effect of weak predation generally did not differ significantly from zero. However, in some cases, the range of variation (both within and between experiments) in the effect of weak predation exceeded the magnitude of the strongest total effect observed. Longer term results of the experiments on the Oregon coast examined the role of historic factors in influencing the degree to which successional paths are canalized and repeatable or contingent and variable. Succession in mid-intertidal patches in the mussel bed displayed complex patterns of historic effects that varied between species and between different stages of succession. Despite its potential complexity, this system exhibited some consistent and repeatable patterns of succession. Some important canalizing, or noise-dampening forces in this system included: 1) physiological and life-history constraints, 2) compensatory responses of functionally redundant species, and 3) strong interactions between species. / Graduation date: 1996

This study investigated the laboratory performance of crumb rubber modified mixtures compared to a standard bituminous mixture using performance based test procedures. This study was part of an asphalt resurfacing program for the Seattle Washington area. Laboratory analyses were used to estimate the long term pavement performance of these mixtures in the field. Six mixtures were tested: The standard Class 'A' surface mixture for the Seattle area, Plus Ride II�� base course gradation (dry process) using AC 5 and AR 4000W binder types, Plus Ride II�� surface course gradation (dry process) using AC 5 and AR 4000W binder types, and ARHM-GG surface course gradation using crumb rubber modified (CRM) AR 2000 (wet process). The performance based tests used on each mixture evaluated the different failure modes a pavement may encounter in the field: fatigue cracking, permanent deformation (rutting), thermal cracking, age hardening, and water sensitivity. Many of the tests used were developed by the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) to test for a mixtures susceptibility in these failure modes. Test results indicate the CRM mixtures performed better than the Class 'A' surface mixture, with respect to fatigue cracking. All of the Plus Ride II�� mixtures performed inadequately when tested for permanent deformation. On the other hand, the ARHM-GG surface mixture performed well, even better than the Class 'A' surface mixture with respect to permanent deformation. The ARHM-GG surface mixture showed better low temperature characteristics when compared to the Class 'A' surface and Plus Ride II�� mixtures. The CRM mixtures were less susceptible to aging than the Class 'A' surface mixture. Finally, all of the mixtures demonstrated low moisture sensitivity. The final conclusions were made relative to the Class 'A' surface mixture. The ARHM-GG surface mixture performed as well as, and in some cases better than, the Class 'A' surface mixture. The ARHM-GG surface mixture may be used where the Class 'A' surface mixture was specified. The Plus Ride II�� base and surface (AC 5 and AR 4000W) mixtures did perform better than the Class 'A' surface mixture in some tests, however it performed worse in others. Therefore, it was recommended that the Plus Ride II�� mixture designs be re-evaluated to provide adequate performance in the failed tests. / Graduation date: 1995

Typescript. Includes vita and abstract. Bibliography: Includes bibliographical references (leaves 55-58). / Ceratostoma ioornatum is an introduced marine snail in Puget Sound, Washington. Two of five native species tested as possible predators ate Ceratostoma. These two species, the crabs Cancer gracilis and Lopbppaoopeys bellys, did not eat native snails similar to Ceratpstpma, but ate native and introduced bivalves more than Ceratpstpma. The reasons for the differences in predation seemed to be explained by shell strength of the prey species. The presence of Ceratpstpma adds a new type of prey to the menu of the two crab species at the sites studied.