Mapping Ice Age landscapes in New York with GIS

Glacial drumlins, Finger Lakes, central New York.

Help generate new stories of what New York experienced during the last Ice Age by creating new maps based on the latest high-resolution datasets.

Project description

The present-day landscape across New York was sculpted by powerful ice sheet forces and catastrophic glacial meltwater flooding. Recently available, freely-accessible high-resolution digital terrain models reveal these ancient events for the first time in such clear resolution. This project involves using Geographic Information System software (QGIS) for the following tasks: download and create a digital elevation model database, georeference geologic maps made by geologists long-ago, and create new, updated maps of a variety of Ice Age features. This updated mapping could be used to tell the story, in more detail than ever, of New York's Ice Age history.

Project outcome

The major out come will be the generation of new digital maps, which ideally can be displayed as a poster presentation at an upcoming research symposium or conference. 

Project details

Timing, eligibility and other details
Length of commitment 6-9 months
Start time Anytime
In-person, remote, or hybrid? Hybrid Project
Level of collaboration Individual Student Project
Benefits Academic credit & Stipend
Who is eligible All undergraduate students with proficient with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, ArcGIS, QGIS 

Project mentor

Jason Briner

Professor

Geology

Phone: (716) 645-4326

Email: jbriner@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.)
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Preparation activities

The specific preparation activities for this project will be customized through discussions between you and your project mentor. Please be sure to ask them for the instructions to complete the required preparation activities.

Keywords

Geology, Geography, Mapping, GIS