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HERO-CM has three main areas of research: large-area forest change monitoring, vulnerability analysis, and prediction of land use and land cover change. |
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Vulnerability Analysis
The research topic for the HERO REU Class of 2009-10 will build on the
research of the Classes since 2004-05. That research has explored the ability of
central and eastern Massachusetts communities to adapt to variations in
rainfall, with a principal focus on droughts. For residents of this relatively
rainy region, the availability of water for everyday consumption has not
historically been a point of high concern. The region receives an abundant
amount of rainfall (approximately 42 inches/year) with relatively little inter
and intra-annual variation. This relatively stable water supply has fostered the
public perception that water from the sky will invariably find its way to the
sink or the hose. Today, however, these communities face increasing stress from
population growth and development, as well as the potential for increased
frequency and intensity of droughts due to global climate change. Moreover,
there is an evolving body of regulations, at federal, state and local levels
that restrict how much water people can consume. Indeed, in several area towns,
significant residential water-use restrictions have been imposed in recent
years, despite abundant rainfall. It is therefore imperative to evaluate how
drought - defined as a threatened or actual inability to supply the demand for
water associated with variations in rainfall - has impacted communities, and how
different agents of change and elements of social structure affect a community's
ability to respond to stresses, now and in the coming years, to avoid
undesirable outcomes.
Clark University students who wish to participate in the HERO REU
Vulnerability stream should so designate on their application. Questions should be addressed to Professor Colin Polsky at cpolsky@clarku.edu
or 508-421-3828.
Visit Professor Polsky's School of Geography Web site.
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Additional Resources
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You may also be interested in:
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Water ban in effect sign in Holden, Massachusetts. Drought is a growing problem in Massachusetts.
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