The American landscape is increasingly populated with memorial tourist sites showing a devotion to the past. In the last published statewide study of Tennessee historical roadside markers, Jones (1988) analyzed the 1,170 roadside markers across the state. In his analysis, markers devoted to black history or white women accounted for only 0.7% (n=8) and 0.8% (n=9), respectively, of all markers. At the time of this study there were more roadside markers solely dedicated to David Crocket (0.9%, n=11) than to either of these groups. Additionally, Native American people merely accounted for 3.0% (n=35), while white men accounted for 11.7% (n=137)–including 3% dedicated to Klu Klux Klan Founder Nathan Bedford Forrest (Jones, 1988). This particularly visible expression of public history serves primarily to preserve a white, Protestant, male history of the area (Jones, 1988). Using data on the 313 historical roadside markers erected since 1988, we (1) update the analysis of Jones (1988) and (2) discuss the lack of a “just representation” of non-white male history in these markers that has carried forward to 2019. The study is informed by social representation and critical race theory.

Permafrost carbon stores have been suggested to react to warming trends with increased terrestrial loading to its coastal waters. Presently, the warming has been seen to be especially high in the East Siberian Arctic and the fate of the major release of terrestrial matter to these coasts is yet to be detailed. Our work is focused on the East Siberian Shelf (ESS) – which is the largest continental shelf in the world. It receives substantial inputs of terrestrial organic matter both from the large Russian rivers and from eroding coastlines. The largest of its rivers, the Lena, discharges in Buor-Khaya Bay, which is also a hot spot for coastal erosion. Previous studies of molecular and δ¹3C and Δ¹⁴C composition of terrestrial organic matter received by Arctic coastal waters have suggested a different propensity of different terrestrial source materials towards bacterial degradation. This detailed isotopic and molecular marker survey which is the basis for this thesis reveals clearly distinguished source patterns both between surface water (POC) and sea floor (SOC) as well as with distance away from the sources. The heavy terrestrial dominance over marine/planktonic sources are clearly detected in gradients of high POC and SOC levels, as well as depleted δ13C -OC and high HMW/LMW n-alkane ratios. Furthermore, data suggests that terr-OC was substantially older yet less degraded in the surface sediment than in the surface waters. This unusual vertical degradation trend was only recently found also for the coastal and central East Siberian Sea. It seems that the riverine terr-OC component comprising mainly annual thaw layer surface soil dominates the buoyant surface water POC and is readily degraded. This is in contrast to the coastline-erosion terr-OC which is associated with minerals and therefore ballasted to the sediments where it makes up the key OC component and seems relatively protected from degradation. The study area of this work is a region with strong terrestrial influence hosting many of the important carbon cycling processes, and data reveal two important OC contributors of different origin, mineral associated coastal erosion matter and riverine borne surface soil matter. These two components may well represent different propensities to contribute to a positive feedback to climate warming by converting OC from coastal and inland permafrost into CO₂.

Wetlands have been heavily affected by human-alteration, this is done to drain thewetland so that the ground can be used for other purposes such as forestry oragriculture. With high accuracy data available now, it is possible to use differentmethods automatically to identify these ditches in wetlands or other areas. Fourdifferent methods were applied to two areas to delineate ditches. To compare the different methods, the results were quantified by comparing with amanually created map of the ditches. Drainage density and an agreement index wereused. The results indicate that the methods of impoundment index and map gullydepth are best able to distinguish the ditches in wetlands. The former gave a betterresult on areas inside wetlands while the latter gave a better result with non-wetlandareas. The other two methods make mistakes and misjudgements that givemisleading results, they ignore ditches partially or completely, or finds ditches inareas without them. Even so, all methods are at least a clear improvement over thecurrently available property map's water flows, but not in the same class as the timeconsumingmanual method. / Våtmarker har påverkats mycket av människan genom dikning, detta görs för attdränera våtmarken så att marken kan användas för andra syften som skogsbruk ellerjordbruk. Med höjddata i hög noggrannhet som nu finns tillgänglig är det möjligt attanvända olika metoder för att urskilja dessa diken i våtmarker. Fyra olika metodermed applicerades på två olika områden för att undersöka möjligheten att urskiljadiken. För att jämföra de olika metoderna kvantifieras resultaten genom att jämföras meden manuellt skapad karta över diken. Dränerings densitet och ettöverensstämmelseindex användes. Resultaten pekar på att metoderna fördämningsindex (impoundment index) och ravindjupskartering (map gully depth) klarar bäst avatt urskilja diken i våtmarker. Där den föregående ger ett gav ett bättre resultat inomvårmarker och den senare gav ett bättre resultat generellt över området. De tvåandra metoderna gör missar och felbedömningar som ger missvisande resultat.Oavsett det, så är karteringen av dikena i nuläget en klar förbättring överFastighetskartans vattenflöden, men inte i samma klass som den tidskrävandemanuella metoden.

Life on early earth has long been the topic of discussion for many researchers: how did it come to be? Which cells came first? Where can we find them? The most ancient rocks on our planet may hold some of the answers to these questions, but many may only be answered in laboratories. Chemical and morphological traces can be found from Archaean deposits, tantalisingly similar to modern day prokaryotes. Often, they are interpreted as the fossilised remains of bacteria or archaea. However, the caveat remains the abiotic mechanisms with which many similar traces and markers can be formed. The purpose of this thesis was to look into the similarities and differences in abiotic and biological formation of filamentous structures in rocks and observe whether there are chemical or morphological factors that allow for distinguishing between the two. Various laboratory methods were used: chemical gardens to form filamentous abiotic structures and experimental mineralisation of a filamentous methanogen in carbonate, phosphate, and silicate in order to compare and contrast the various mineralisation mechanisms in the fidelity of preservation of the microbes. In the former experiment, analysis with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy was carried out to identify potential chemical biomarkers. A combination of scanning and transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy were also used to analyse the minerals and precipitates formed in both sets of experiments. The results of this research indicate that morphology of filamentous structures and the chemical signatures in biominerals may not be reliable as biogenic indicators. Furthermore, the work on experimental mineralisation reveals the possible biases in the rock record of microbial preservation which is highly dependent on the structure of the cell wall, chemistry of the environment, and the mineral formed. Finally, this work has important outcomes for the search for biomarkers on earth and on other planets and for the recognition of pseudofossils versus microbial fossils in the rock record.

Societal awareness and general understanding of the diversity of geosciences environments and phenomena across regions is vital. The primary method to obtain information about geosciences is through mass media. However, there is little coverage of geosciences information and the public may not trust it because of low geosciences awareness. Geosciences are rarely included as part of K-12 curricula and are optional at the collegiate level, contributing to the public deficiency regarding awareness and understanding of the geosciences. This research study investigated methods utilizing outdoor resources in an effort to increase region-specific understanding and awareness of geosciences among diverse groups. A Mississippi K-12 educator professional development session and two middle-high schools were assessed for impact on understanding and interest related to geosciences. All participants utilized outdoor resources to model erosional processes and potential natural hazard events. Both participating schools have high underrepresented minority populations. Pre assessment evaluated participant awareness of Mississippi natural hazards. Teachers and student participants all demonstrated a low awareness of erosion processes specific to the region. Teachers completed erosion models indoors or outdoors, with indoor participants having a significant increase in earth science interest. All student participants completed the erosion model outside, with pre-post erosion comprehension resulting in significant increases for both the middle and high schools. The middle school had significant gains in earth science interest while the high school had a significant decrease regarding careers in geosciences. Virtual field guides developed by online graduate students demonstrating personal understanding of broad geosciences concepts in their local region were evaluated pre-post for impact on geosciences awareness, understanding, and confidence. Awareness factors included geographical community size and locations included in the field guide to demonstrate participant understanding. Significant increases in awareness regarding geoscience resources, including those outdoors, occurred. Significant increases also occurred in confidence utilizing geosciences resources and communicating about geosciences. The majority agreed that the experience of creating the field guide enhanced understanding of geosciences and interest in outdoor activities. Geographical size of participants’ residential communities was significantly related to awareness of regional locations, with urban residents including fewer outdoor locations in the field guide.

The senseFly eBeePlus fixed-wing drone is a market available UAV compatible with a range of sensors that includes the Parrot Sequoia+ multispectral camera. Commercial applications of the drone predominantly focus on agriculture, environmental management, and engineering applications. The Sequoia 4-band multispectral sensor with bands optimised for plant health analysis, has a spectral range that coincides with the absorption features of iron. Previous studies with the use of hyperspectral sensors on multicopter UAVs have proven successful in the detection and delineation of hydroxides and sulphates associated with weathering of sulphides at the surface. This study aims to evaluate the ability of the eBeePlus drone equipped with a Parrot Sequoia+ sensor to effectively detect and delineate surficial sulphide mineral expressions by testing its capability on a known nickel-copper mineralisation occurrence at Illukunnguaq, on the north-western coast of Disko Island, West Greenland. Formally hosting a 28-tonne nickeliferous pyrrhotite massive sulphide boulder, many companies have sought this region for a possible extension of the mineralisation or another local mineral occurrence. Iron-feature band ratios and Spectral Angle Mapping (SAM) are two methods tested to first characterise the known occurrence, then search the wider region for other features with a similar signature as the Illukunnguaq dyke. To assist the evaluation and fine tune the Sequoia sensor, it will be compared against the trialled and trusted Rikola hyperspectral sensor, proven to map iron features. In addition, eigen maxima as one of many geomorphological indices that utilise the co-product Digital Surface Model (DSM) of the spectral survey, is employed to assess whether the Illukunnguaq dyke and other features are structurally mappable.  Results show that the Sequoia multispectral sensor, albeit less spectrally resolved than the Rikola hyperspectral sensor was able to detect surficial sulphide mineral expressions both by applying iron-feature band ratios and SAM. The latter was performed using laboratory measured and open-access library spectra. To fine-tune the tools compatible with the Sequoia sensor, in-depth investigations into iron-feature band ratio index values and best-fit library spectra for SAM was conducted. Confidence was increased by the blind detection of another known exposure and permitted a regional search to find additional features with spectral similarities to the Illukunnguaq dyke for future ground truthing. This study demonstrates that the eBeePlus drone can be used for mineral exploration when iron-sulphides are a part of the mineral system and outcropping at the surface. Leading field programs with detailed multispectral mapping can improve the efficiency of geologists by generating or verifying targets prior to ‘boots-on-the-ground’ geological sampling or mapping.

Electromagnetic induction (EMI) has been used in archaeology for decades, but still lags in use and development when compared to magnetometry and ground-penetrating radar. While it has become more popular than electrical resistivity area survey, it is now less commonly used than electrical resistivity tomography. The EMI method is likely underutilized due to drift problems and a lack of multi-sensor, vehicle-towed systems capable of rapid, high-density data collection. In this article we demonstrate not only the effectiveness of EMI survey, but a case where entire villages would have remained undetected without it. At the Singer-Hieronymus Site in central Kentucky, USA, a vehicle-towed frequency domain EMI survey detected the location of plazas, residential areas, and trash disposal areas across multiple Fort Ancient villages that contained both intact and heavily disturbed deposits. Additionally, three new villages were revealed. Through this process, we discovered how Fort Ancient village dynamics may be studied through a geophysical investigation of village shape, size, and spatial organization.

Southeast Louisiana is susceptible to the impact of subsidence due to natural and anthropogenic processes including sediment compaction and loading, fluid withdrawal, and faulting. Subsidence rates in Southeast Louisiana are higher than anywhere else in the United States, and the impact of subsidence rates on industrial complexes has not been studied. Spatial interpolation methods were analyzed to determine the best fit for subsidence rates and to create a predictive surface for the lower Mississippi River Industrial corridor (LMRIC). Empirical Bayesian kriging, ordinary kriging, universal kriging, and inverse distance weighted interpolation methods were applied to the 2004 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) published Technical Report #50 dataset and cross-validation methods were utilized to determine the accuracy of each method. The mean error and root mean square error were calculated for each interpolation method, then used to detect bias and compare the predicted value with the actual observation value. Cross-validation estimates are comparable for each method statistically and visually; however, the results indicate the empirical Bayesian kriging interpolation method is the most accurate of the methods using the lowest mean error and root mean square error scores. Digital elevation models for the years 2025, 2050, and 2075 were developed based on the predictive surface of subsidence rates using the results from the empirical Bayesian kriging interpolation method. Results indicate that by 2025, 31.4% of landmass in the LMRIC will be below 0 m NAVD88, with 40.4% below 0 m NAVD88 by 2050, and 51.8% by 2075. Subsidence rates in the LMRIC range from approximately 16 mm to less than one mm per year. Nine of the 122 industrial complexes located in the LMRIC are estimated to be below 0 m NAVD88 by the year 2075. Limited economic impacts can be inferred based on the number of facilities impacted; however, service disruptions due to subsidence impacting infrastructure surrounding these industrial complexes would have catastrophic economic impacts on a regional, state, and national level.

The nature of how capital structure can affect firm value is often investigated in the discipline of financial economics. Less investigated is how the nature of the type of assets can affect the choice of capital structure! I demonstrate that in the context of a Modigliani-Miller-type model that a firm financing social capital and physical capital will favor equity financing over debt financing without bankruptcy. With bankruptcy, debt financing will be used, but equity financing will be favored by firms that use large amounts of social capital, as it will increase their value. This demonstrates that social capital alters the financing relationship and helps to explain the preference of firms for equity financing.

In the current context of the energy transition, it has been argued by researchers and authors that the demand for raw materials for the necessary green technologies can’t be met without the input of primary raw materials. These materials can only be supplied through the mining cycle: exploration, mining, and processing. The mining cycle, however, can pose risks to the environment, which could be in contradiction with the motivation behind the implementation of green technologies. It is then society’s duty to strive for a constant reduction of the environmental impact of the mining cycle, or else, we would be in a paradoxical situation where, by mining materials to power the energy transition, if not done with care, we could be also risking the environment.  While this megatrend of the energy transition occurs, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) also known as drones, have reached a significant level of development which together with the miniaturization of geoscientific sensors, has opened the door to interesting fast, agile, and non-invasive ways of obtaining geological information. This has bridged gaps between the traditional scales of airborne and ground surveying and holds the potential of contributing to a less environmentally harmful mining cycle.  This thesis work intends to be a useful reference for anyone interested in working with UAVs in geosciences, especially for the exploration and management of raw materials from an entrepreneurial point of view. Here, a brief review of the current state of the art through the recent scientific literature on applications of drones in the mining cycle, including but not limited to geophysics and hyperspectral imaging is presented. Using this state of the art as a point of departure, semi-structured interviews with different stakeholders in the mining cycle were conducted to answer the research questions. The concept of value, ubiquitously present in the business research literature, was used to analyze the benefits that the use of UAVs can bring to the raw materials industry and the efforts to reduce its environmental footprint. The opportunities for entrepreneurs to be the conduit to deploy such benefits in society were also analyzed.  The work ends with a summary of the qualitative research findings, highlighting how drones constitute an optimization tool that can be used in all the stages of the mining cycle. Additionally, it highlights that UAV gravity and electromagnetic methods, together with better data processing software for hyperspectral imaging, are currently some of the most sought out and/or needed solutions by users.