Current Projects
- Jakobshavn, Greenland: I am investigating the discharge rate and rate of retreat of the Jakobshavn ice margin during the Little Ice Age to present, quantifying associated volumetric changes, and estimate the sensitivity of the margin to temperature change. Using Remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) applications with aerial photography, I hope to determine surface lowering and total mass change (Gt/yr) between trimlines, eventually representing the data in 3D.
Education
- M.S., Geology Department, The State University of New York at Buffalo (Pending 2009)
- B.S., Geology, The University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio (May 2007)
Experiences
2006-2007
- Svalbard REU: Participated in the program established by the National Science Foundation to study Arctic climate responses to meteorological forces. During the five week program to Svalbard, Norway, high resolution surface lowering and ablation stake data was collected for interpretations of seasonal glacial surface lowering episodes. A final thesis report and a poster presentation for the 2007 International Arctic workshop was presented before undergraduate graduation.
- Subsurface Stratigraphy Mapping in the Syracuse, New York Region: Conducted research with Dr. Don Pair and USGS Bill Kappel in the Tully Valley of Syracuse, New York. The complex subsurface glacial stratigraphy can be better mapped using ArcScene and bore-hole data display for a construction of a three-dimensional model representing the stratigraphy of glacial deposits in the Onondaga Valley.
- Northeastern Friends of the Pleistocene Trip Assistant: Prepared maps and visual guides for the 68th annual reunion using GIS and Adobe Illustrator software. The meeting, instructed by Dr. Don Pair and USGS Bill Kappel, included field observations in the Tully Valley in the Syracuse, New York region.
- Keck Environmental Lab Technical Support Assistant: Laboratory Assistant in the University of Dayton Department of Geology for maintenance, inventory, and calibrations of technical equipment.
Selected Publications
- Stewart, Heather. (2007). EVIDENCE FOR ACCELERATED SURFACE MELTING RATES ON THE LINNÉ GLACIER, SVALBARD. Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs, Vol. 39, No. 6, p. 80. (http://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2007AM/finalprogram/abstract_132329.htm)
- Stewart, Heather. (2006). A GLACIAL STRATIGRAPHIC MODEL FOR GROUNDWATER AND BRINE MIGRATION IN THE ONONDAGA VALLEY, CENTRAL NEW YORK STATE. Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs, Vol. 38, No. 7, p. 71 (http://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2006AM/finalprogram/abstract_112281.htm)
- Stewart, Heather. Pair, Don. (2005). HISTORICAL GIS: BRINGING PAST SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND THOUGHT TO THE PRESENT. University of Dayton 17th Annual Bro. Joseph Stander Symposium, 2005.
Research Interest
My research interests are in a broad spectrum of Quaternary geology and climate change. I particularly am interested in using GIS and Remote Sensing techniques to understand current abrupt glacial dynamic changes. I also enjoy studying glacial landscape evolution due to past geologic changes and paleoclimate. It is interesting to be able to relate these long-term changes to modern climate changes.
- Paleoclimate
- Glacial geology
- Remote Sensing
- GIS