Hydrological and Geophysical Monitoring of Urban Soils

Geophysical survey lines in an urban soil in Philadelphia, PA.

Learn about how human activities change soil, and how those changes could affect flood hazards.

Project description

Humans have impacted soil processes for thousands of years, yet little is known about the overall effects on the soil itself. Specifically, in urban soils, humans have altered soil functions by altering land use (i.e., agriculture, housing structures, weapons development/testing). These different land-uses affect how water infiltrates through the soil, possibly leading to an increase in urban flooding and runoff. This project involves taking soil samples at multiple locations throughout western NY, performing long-term hydrologic monitoring, conducting geophysical surveys, and geochemical analyses. These samples will then be compared to soil samples taken from areas undisturbed by human activities. This comparison will allow local municipalities to understand how local soil is impacted by human activities, and what that impact means for any future development. This research will also be used as a guide for the design and placement for flood-control and stormwater control measures. 

Project outcome

Submitted abstract and poster to be presented at a national conference. 

Project details

Timing, eligibility and other details
Length of commitment About a semester, 3-5 months
Start time Fall (August/September)
Summer (May/June)
Other: Spring Break until September 
In-person, remote, or hybrid? In-Person Project 
Level of collaboration Individual student project 
Benefits Academic credit
Stipend 
Who is eligible Juniors who completed GLY303 & GLY105 

Project mentor

Gina Pope

Clinical Assistant Professor

Geology

Phone: (585) 746-4604

Email: ginapope@buffalo.edu

Start the project

  1. Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
  2. After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.) 
Start the Digital Badge

Preparation activities

Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase. 

Reading articles, and testing equipment prior to field use. 

Keywords

urban soil, geology, hydrology, environmental science, GLY303, GLY105