Mickson, Michael (2021) Using low-cost remote sensing data for geohazard modelling and analysis in Small Island Developing States (examples of Dominica and Cape Verdes). PhD thesis, Birkbeck, University of London.
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Michael Mickson_ PhD Geology Thesis_06122021.pdf - Full Version Download (22MB) | Preview |
Abstract
Geohazards such as flooding and debris flows pose serious threats to livelihood, the physical and built environment especially in mountainous Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Geohazards cause an economic loss of over $2 billion and approximately 300 to 600 deaths and injuries across the Caribbean and Pacific SIDS annually. To mitigate the negative impacts of flooding and debris flow, it is necessary to model and map areas that that susceptible to these hazards and to inform local officials about the potential risk. The study was undertaken on selected localities in two SIDS, specifically Dominica and the Cape Verde. These islands lie on the Atlantic Hurricane Line and are prone to hazards such as flooding and debris flow. A typical example is the 2017 Hurricane Maria that triggered landslides, debris flows and flooding in Dominica, causing substantial loss of life, destruction of properties and economic losses. These islands are SIDS and so they face major challenges in tackling these hazards due to limited financial and human resources coupled with lack of technological advancement. This study utilised low-cost remote sensing data such as drone-derived DEMs and orthophotographs in RAMMS and HEC-RAS to model and map areas vulnerable to debris flow and flooding hazards. Movement of boulders during Hurricane Maria aggravated the level of damages to properties and infrastructures. Therefore, drone-derived orthophotographs were applied in ImageJ to analyse size of boulders moved in relations to the damages and fatalities recorded. Results of the study demonstrated that these methods can be applied in other SIDS to mitigate impact of geohazards such as floods and debris flow.
Metadata
| Item Type: | Thesis |
|---|---|
| Copyright Holders: | The copyright of this thesis rests with the author, who asserts his/her right to be known as such according to the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988. No dealing with the thesis contrary to the copyright or moral rights of the author is permitted. |
| Depositing User: | Acquisitions And Metadata |
| Date Deposited: | 19 Jan 2022 14:37 |
| Last Modified: | 01 Nov 2023 15:14 |
| URI: | https://eprints.bbk.ac.uk/id/eprint/47303 |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.18743/PUB.00047303 |
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