Participation Type
Paper
Session Title
Session 2.04 Environment
Presentation #1 Title
Geospatial Modeling the Destruction of Kayford Mountain: Volume Modeling MTR Extraction & TanGeoMS Terrain Analysis of Multiple Return LIDAR Data
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
The following geospatial inquiry seeks to model and temporally analyze the physical effects of coal extraction processes surrounding Kayford Mountain, WV. Terrain and elevation data were obtained through multiple return remote sensing which made temporal animation, simulation, and hydrological analysis possible. Over 7,500 acres on and around Kayford Mountain, WV has been destroyed by mountaintop removal (MTR) contour coal mining. Given the lack of data surrounding this form of natural resource extraction, the following inquiry relies entirely on remote sensing LIDAR data to temporally model changes in foliage, terrain and watershed hydrology on Kayford Mountain between 1999 and 2008. Secondary inquiry is focused solely on TanGeoMS 3D modeling and simulating the impact of topographic changes on surrounding ecosystems. The technical analysis relies entirely upon open-source applications (e.g. GRASS GIS and OSGeo extensions) to better understand the effects of coal extraction and environmental degradation. Preliminary findings suggest that mineral rights and grassroots activism play a significant role in determining demarcation between spaces of preservation and ecological sacrifice zones.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Ryan Thomson is a scholar-activist from Raleigh, North Carolina with graduate degrees in both environmental sociology and geospatial analytics. His research focus span topics including environmental justice, social movements, political ecology and counter-cartography with a strong emphasis on public engagement.
Geospatial Modeling the Destruction of Kayford Mountain: Volume Modeling MTR Extraction & TanGeoMS Terrain Analysis of Multiple Return LIDAR Data
The following geospatial inquiry seeks to model and temporally analyze the physical effects of coal extraction processes surrounding Kayford Mountain, WV. Terrain and elevation data were obtained through multiple return remote sensing which made temporal animation, simulation, and hydrological analysis possible. Over 7,500 acres on and around Kayford Mountain, WV has been destroyed by mountaintop removal (MTR) contour coal mining. Given the lack of data surrounding this form of natural resource extraction, the following inquiry relies entirely on remote sensing LIDAR data to temporally model changes in foliage, terrain and watershed hydrology on Kayford Mountain between 1999 and 2008. Secondary inquiry is focused solely on TanGeoMS 3D modeling and simulating the impact of topographic changes on surrounding ecosystems. The technical analysis relies entirely upon open-source applications (e.g. GRASS GIS and OSGeo extensions) to better understand the effects of coal extraction and environmental degradation. Preliminary findings suggest that mineral rights and grassroots activism play a significant role in determining demarcation between spaces of preservation and ecological sacrifice zones.
