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Cerulean Warbler Relative Abundance And Frequency Of Occurrence Relative To Large-Scale Edge, Scott B. Bosworth
Cerulean Warbler Relative Abundance And Frequency Of Occurrence Relative To Large-Scale Edge, Scott B. Bosworth
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Cerulean Warblers (Dendroica cerulea) were studied in southwestern West Virginia where the coal mining technique of mountaintop mining/valley fill (MTMVF) continues to perforate large contiguous tracts of deciduous forest. My study objectives were to (1) quantify abundance and probability of occurrence of Cerulean Warblers relative to distance from large-scale edge (defined as reclaimed MTMVF sites) and (2) relate habitat structure and landscape characteristics to the species' probability of occurrence. Cerulean Warbler abundance increased significantly (P < 0.10) with distance from reclaimed mine edge. However, percent occurrence relative to distance from mine edge was not significant, suggesting a degree of tolerance to the large-scale edge created by MTMVF. Abundance was significantly greater on ridges than bottomlands. Percent occurrence did not differ among the three slope positions but followed a trend similar to abundance. Consequently, disturbances such as MTMVF in which ridges are removed may have a greater impact on populations compared to other sources of fragmentation where ridges are not disturbed. Other habitat structure analyses suggest good indicators of Cerulean Warbler presence are the more productive sites on northwest to east facing slopes and low sapling density. Similarly, Cerulean Warbler abundance was positively associated with more productive sites and snag density. Important landscape characteristics positively associated with abundance were large blocks of mature deciduous forest and low edge density. Mountaintop mining/valley fill alters the spatial configuration of forested habitats in southwestern West Virginia, thus creating less suitable habitat and edge effects that negatively affect Cerulean Warbler abundance, occurrence, and distribution in the reclaimed mine landscape.
Soil Characterization, Classification, And Biomass Accumulation In The Otter Creek Wilderness, Jamie Schnably
Soil Characterization, Classification, And Biomass Accumulation In The Otter Creek Wilderness, Jamie Schnably
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
This study evaluated soils of the Otter Creek Wilderness in the Monongahela National Forest. Thirteen sites were sampled and analyzed according to landscape position: three terrace soils (T), four ridgetop soils (R), three sideslope soils with argillic horizons (SSA), and three sideslope soils with cambic horizons (SSC). At each site, one pedon was described and sampled, and biomass data were collected. Standard chemical and physical properties, clay mineralogy, extractable sulfate and sulfated adsorption capacity were analyzed. The SSA soils had the highest pH, the most diverse vegetation, and the highest base saturation. These soils had a low risk for acid …
Characterization Of In-Use Emissions From On-Highway Heavy-Duty Diesel Engines, Mohan Krishnamurthy
Characterization Of In-Use Emissions From On-Highway Heavy-Duty Diesel Engines, Mohan Krishnamurthy
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Class-8 trucks with GVWR of 80,000 lbs were tested on different driving routes and in-use brake-specific emissions of NOx and CO2 data were collected using the West Virginia University's Mobile Emissions Measurement System (MEMS). An uncertainty analysis was performed on the MEMS and it was determined the maximum possible error in the measurement of brake-specific emissions of NOx was 8% and CO2 was 6%.;A modal analysis indicated that the cruise mode comprised 70% of the time that the vehicle spent in the Not-to-Exceed (NTE) zone while the acceleration and deceleration modes about 20% and 10% respectively.;In order to reduce the …
Characterization And Recommendations For The Remediation Of Acid Mine Drainage Impacted Streams, Patrick F. Hudnall
Characterization And Recommendations For The Remediation Of Acid Mine Drainage Impacted Streams, Patrick F. Hudnall
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The Beaver Creek watershed (located in West Virginia) has been severely impacted by Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) from surface mining operations. Water quality was monitored via water quality grab samples, in-situ water quality monitoring devices (YSI Sondes), and fish and macroinvertebrate community sampling. High concentrations of metal ions (Fe, Mn, Al, and SO 4) and acidity along with low pH and alkalinity values were observed from water quality sampling sites. The water quality data collected from the in-situ monitoring devices and fish and macroinvertebrate sampling supported the findings from the water quality grab sampling. Recommendations were made for the remediation, …
Characterization Of Wetland Soils In The Beaver Creek Watershed, Kyle Michael Stephens
Characterization Of Wetland Soils In The Beaver Creek Watershed, Kyle Michael Stephens
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
A proposed section of Appalachian Corridor H will pass through an area of the Beaver Creek watershed in Tucker County, West Virginia previously mined for the acid-producing Upper Freeport coal. Presently, partially-reclaimed spoils from past mining activities are generating acid mine drainage and releasing sediments into streams and other water bodies. Soils of acid mine drainage impacted wetlands and non-impacted wetlands were characterized to establish baseline soil status and to gain a better understanding of the chemical and physical processes occurring in these wetlands. The results of this study will be used to assist the West Virginia Division of Highways …
Soil Compaction Caused By Timber Harvesting In Central Appalachian Hardwood Forests, Mark W. Jones
Soil Compaction Caused By Timber Harvesting In Central Appalachian Hardwood Forests, Mark W. Jones
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Two commonly used harvesting systems in central Appalachia were examined to determine the amount of soil compaction associated with each harvest type. A manual system of chainsaw and cable skidder, along with a mechanized system consisting of feller-buncher and grapple skidder were monitored in two central Appalachian hardwood forest sites. Examinations of soil bulk density (lbs/ft 3) were made pre-harvest and post-harvest for each harvest unit. Observations were conducted along the skid roads in conjunction to distance from the landing. Sample points were also taken systematically through each harvest site. The physical condition was recorded using a nuclear density probe. …