Lab 2 - Lahars

GIS 4048

 

 

 

In this weeks lab we learned about Lahars and how these Natural Hazards that are typically produced by volcanos can cause damage as they sweep down hillsides carrying rocks, mud, water, debris and whatever else they may pick up along their travel path.  Due to their destructive nature we learned how to design a map that could forecast the flow direction and help provide those in it's path a way to be informed of the dangers.  Above you will see a map that I created for a study area around Mount Hood.  Utilizing Analysis Tools in GIS I was able to take a Digital Elevation Map and produce an expected flow path.  With this data in hand I was then able to see what Census Blocks would be affected and provide an accurate measurement of the people the flow may affect along the path.  I was also able to provide a visual for certain schools that fall within the hazard zone as well.

 

Overall I enjoyed this lab.  I learned several new tools that will help me in my daily work and I now can see how to effectively use DEM's to predict flow patterns.