Geographic information systems in environmental observation
Eawag News 71e, November 2011
complete issue [pdf, 9MB]
complete issue as leaf-through catalogue
Editorial
The importance of the spatial dimension
Peter Reichert
Fokus
«GIS is an excellent means of communication»
Interview with Rosi Siber
A geographic information system, according to Rosi Siber (a GIS specialist
at Eawag), is an effective tool for visualizing abstract phenomena graphically
in a readily -comprehensible way. This can facilitate exchanges between
disciplines and com-munication with the public. But to create a good map,
cartographical expertise is indispensable. [...]
Putting geogenic contamination on the map
Manouchehr Amini
Arsenic and fluoride occurring as natural (geogenic) contaminants in
groundwater threaten the health of millions of people. A Web-based GIS application
will not only raise awareness of this issue but also help policymakers to
identify areas at risk of contamination. [...]
Climate change and sub-Saharan agriculture
Christian Folberth
Changes in the global climate are expected to have major impacts on
agriculture. Sub-Saharan Africa, in particular, will experience declining
yields. Using GIS models, Eawag is studying how climate change will affect
agricultural output in this region, and how farmers can increase crop
production – both in general terms and under changing climatic conditions. [...]
Where is herbicide use particularly critical?
Rosi Siber
Although herbicides can be detected in surface waters throughout
Switzerland, herbicide-intensive crops are mainly cultivated in low-risk areas.
This was shown by an assessment involving GIS-based modelling of discharge
processes on the Central Plateau. With this approach, critical areas can also
be identified. [...]
Forum
Hydropower - striking the right balance
Andres Jordi
Switzerland has decided to phase out nuclear energy. As well as
renewable sources, such as photovoltaics, the federal government intends to
expand the use of hydropower. According to numerous experts, however, its
assumptions regarding the potential for hydropower development are
-unrealistic. The benefits of additional small plants, they argue, are limited
compared to the ecological damage; at the same time, there is a need for new
pumped-storage plants. [...]
More space and deadwood for toads
Lukas Indermaur
In terrestrial habitats, common and green toad populations require an
area the size of a number of football pitches and sufficient structural
elements – especially in the form of woody debris. But in many cases even
protected areas fail to meet these demands. The creation of deadwood piles
would be a simple and low-cost way of significantly enhancing the quality of
existing amphibian habitats. [...]
Traces of the sun in polar ice
Jürg Beer
The sun – our primary source of energy – powers the Earth’s climate
system and -hydrological cycle. But increasingly it also poses a hazard to our
high-tech world. So it is important to improve our understanding of the sun,
and long-term solar -activity in particular. Ice cores allow us to look back
over the past 10,000 years – and to make tentative predictions about future
activity. [...]
Research and teaching for practitioners
Markus Boller
During a career at Eawag which spanned almost 40 years, Willi Gujer
helped to shape the urban water management sector both in Switzerland and
internationally. As a researcher, he always attached great importance to
training young specialists and reaching out to practitioners. Here, to mark his
retirement, we look back over his career and celebrate his achievements. [...]