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Full-Text Articles in Geography
The Question Of Resilient And Effective Ecosystem Governance: A Case Study Of The Abbotsford-Sumas Aquifer International Task Force, Stephanie Messa
The Question Of Resilient And Effective Ecosystem Governance: A Case Study Of The Abbotsford-Sumas Aquifer International Task Force, Stephanie Messa
WWU Graduate School Collection
This paper examines the transition from government to governance in transboundary water resource management that is widely noted in the literature. As researchers and managers recognize the shortcomings of traditional management of natural resources, a shift away from the traditional, rules-‐based approach to an adaptive, iterative, and cross-‐scale form of management is occurring. This research focused on the Abbotsford-‐Sumas Aquifer International Task Force as a possible example of this paradigm shift. Semi-‐structured interviews and surveys were used to collect background information and history, current status and efforts, and future directions of the Task Force. The results of the research show …
Assessing Economic Impacts Of Disruption To Oregon's Energy Infrastructure To Enhance Regional Disaster Resilience, Alexis C Blue
Assessing Economic Impacts Of Disruption To Oregon's Energy Infrastructure To Enhance Regional Disaster Resilience, Alexis C Blue
WWU Graduate School Collection
This thesis looked at regional disaster resilience with a specific focus on economic loss of energy infrastructure disruption from a seismic hazard impact. This thesis discusses typical damage sustained by regions from energy disruption and representative earthquake damage specific to energy infrastructure. Due to its seismic risk, geographically concentrated energy infrastructure, and state-level agencies interested in energy infrastructure resilience, Oregon was used as a selected study to model energy infrastructure disruption. The economic interdependencies of Oregon's energy infrastructure, broader critical infrastructure, and Oregon's commercial economy are determined through an Input-Output (IO) economic impact model. IMPLAN provided the economic data and …
Reconciling Technology And Nature : The Use Of Mobile Technology In Outdoor Recreation, Sarah K. Lindell
Reconciling Technology And Nature : The Use Of Mobile Technology In Outdoor Recreation, Sarah K. Lindell
WWU Graduate School Collection
This paper examines the intersection of technology and nature. The advent of mobile technology has created new frontiers for using technology while in nature. Engaging with nature is placed within the context of outdoor recreation, specifically hiking, as hiking provides opportunities for interacting with the environment while simultaneously using mobile technology. Examined is the relationship between the experiences, benefits, and participant characteristics associated with outdoor recreation and mobile technology use among hikers in Mount Pilchuck State Park in Washington State. Surveys were used to collect information on the recreational experiences and behaviors of hikers (n=155). Results suggest that participant characteristics, …
Transparency In Mineral Extraction: The Commodity Story, The Dodd-Frank, And The Emergence Of 'Conflict-Free', Lacey M. (Lacey Michelle) Cunningham
Transparency In Mineral Extraction: The Commodity Story, The Dodd-Frank, And The Emergence Of 'Conflict-Free', Lacey M. (Lacey Michelle) Cunningham
WWU Graduate School Collection
The U.S. Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 includes two sections impacting the nonfuel minerals industries: the first targets 'conflict minerals,' and the second is centered on extractive industry transparency. Seeking to explain the importance of extractive industries in the creation of the modern context, my thesis begins with the commodity story of digital technology. In an era characterized by an increased curiosity into the origin of things, my work focuses on the resource geographies of minerals under neoliberalism to explain the reasons bringing extractive industry transparency onto the global agenda. After situating the issue within …
Wine Without Irrigation: Evaluating Geographic Information Systems As A Tool To Identify Potential Dryland Viticulture Sites, Jennifer M. (Jennifer Michelle) Sorensen
Wine Without Irrigation: Evaluating Geographic Information Systems As A Tool To Identify Potential Dryland Viticulture Sites, Jennifer M. (Jennifer Michelle) Sorensen
WWU Graduate School Collection
This study attempts to assess whether or not geographic information systems (GIS) is an effective tool for identifying potential sites for growing wine grapes without the use of supplemental irrigation water. Using spatial analysis techniques with GIS technology, this study evaluated the Walla Walla Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA) and the immediate region in Washington and Oregon for dryland-farmed viticulture site potential. Cabernet Sauvignon was used as a test variety as an exercise in siting a potential new vineyard planting. The areas where environmental factors were estimated to be both sufficient for vines to survive without irrigation and the best …
Variation In State Seismic Mitigation Policies: A Comparative Analysis Of Seismic Risk And Policy Development, Brian D. Gouran
Variation In State Seismic Mitigation Policies: A Comparative Analysis Of Seismic Risk And Policy Development, Brian D. Gouran
WWU Graduate School Collection
Risks associated with earthquakes vary widely from state to state. California and the western United States are widely recognized as having the potential for significant damages and loss of life from earthquakes, however all states have some degree of seismic risk. Considering that public safety and the general welfare of citizens are paramount responsibilities of state government, some states have adopted policies designed to reduce risks from hazards such as earthquakes. California, Missouri and a few other states have embraced policy development as a key method to mitigate against earthquake hazards. Alaska, Washington and a number of other states with …
Mapping Disciplinary Relationships In Astrobiology: 2001-2012, Jason W. Cornell
Mapping Disciplinary Relationships In Astrobiology: 2001-2012, Jason W. Cornell
WWU Graduate School Collection
Astrobiology is an emerging field that addresses three fundamental questions: 1) How does “life,” defined as a “self-sustaining chemical system capable of Darwinian evolution,” (Mullen, 2013, p.1) in the Universe begin and evolve? 2) Does life exist elsewhere in the Universe? & 3) What is the future of life on Earth? With such intriguing questions, all rooted in human concerns, success in answering these questions depends upon the integration of diverse scientific disciplines, including the social sciences as well as the humanities. In this thesis, I state that integration can only happen through interdisciplinary knowledge production, defined as the process …