Module 2: Natural
Hazards: Lahars
This
week’s assignment involved the analysis of spatial data in GIS to identify
potential inundation zones from Lahars for the Mount Hood Volcano in Oregon. Lahar is also called volcanic mudflow or
debris flow. Lahar is a mixture of water
and volcanic debris that moves rapidly downstream. Consistency can range from that of muddy
dishwater to that of wet cement, depending on the ratio of water to
debris. Lahars pose the greatest hazard
because more people live downstream in lahar-prone river valleys than live on the
volcano’s flanks.
The
assignment involved the creation of data using the Go to XY tool including the
convert graphics feature, the use of the Spatial Analyst Extension, the “joining”
of multiple raster datasets into a single raster using the Mosaic to Raster
tool, the use of the Hydrology toolset to perform flow and directional analysis,
the use of census data and analyzes performed based on distance to ultimately
assess hazard areas.
In
my experience, the most difficult part of this assignment was selecting proper
labels and symbology to represent readable data amongst the clutter of feature
classes and colors in a limited space.
Below
is the hazard assessment map for the pre-determined area of study around Mount
Hood, Oregon.
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