About
Hello! I'm Savanah, an undergraduate student at the University of Florida majoring in Geography with a minor in Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences. I am currently in my last year at the University of Florida and hope to enter the workforce upon graduating.
I have a deep connection to the environment and a strong sense of stewardship, which led me to geography. This field allows me to learn broadly about the world and develop tools to share important environmental information. My studies have covered soil science, hydrology, geology, and meteorology, equipping me with skills to positively impact the spaces around me.
During my NOAA Lapenta internship in 2023, I worked with the National Data Buoy Center, learning about large observation networks like Coastal Weather Buoys and their role in climate research. I also updated climatology reports, ensuring the data was accessible to all audiences. Currently, I am researching sandbar morphology using the Escambia River under the guidance of my professor.
Looking ahead, I aim to use my skills and commitment to environmental stewardship in projects that contribute to environmental improvement.
My research interests include:
- Soil Science
- Hydrology
- Geology
- Meteorology & Climatology
- Mapping & GIS
From my time at the National Data Buoy Center
Research
Mapping sandbar changes on the upper Escambia River
University of Florida, Department of Geography, University Scholars Program (USP)
Principal Investigator: Joann Mossa
August 2024 - Present
Research Focus
The Escambia River, which flows from southern Alabama into Florida, hosts a dynamic sandbar system influenced by both natural processes and human activities. The primary focus of this research is to explore how variations in streamflow and human interventions, such as mining, affect the morphology of these sandbars. Utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools, this project aims to unravel the complex relationships between river dynamics, anthropogenic disturbances, and sandbar evolution. By doing so, the research will contribute to a more profound understanding of the factors driving changes in sandbar areas, particularly in relation to both natural hydrological events and human-induced modifications.
Responsibillities
As part of this project, the responsibilities include conducting a comprehensive analysis of sandbar changes along the Escambia River, with a specific focus on the impacts of streamflow variations and sediment deposition due to mining activities. ArcGIS will be employed to digitize and assess aerial imagery and LiDAR data to examine how historical and recent mining activities have altered sandbar morphology. This will involve selecting appropriate timeframes for data acquisition, organizing the data in spreadsheets, and performing statistical analyses to test various hypotheses about sandbar evolution. Additionally, the project will investigate spatiotemporal changes in sandbar areas, particularly upstream and downstream of Big Escambia Creek, a tributary significantly impacted by mining activities. By examining the distance decay effect from disturbances at the tributary juncture and analyzing changes resulting from new cutoffs downstream over the past two decades, the project aims to differentiate between the natural and anthropogenic influences on sandbar changes.
Implications
Understanding the impacts of streamflow variations and human activities on sandbar morphology in the Escambia River has significant ecological, environmental, and management implications. The findings from this research can provide critical insights into how sandbars, which are indicators of river health, respond to natural hydrological changes and human disturbances such as mining and sediment disposal. By distinguishing between natural and anthropogenic influences, this study could inform more sustainable river management practices and restoration efforts, especially in areas affected by similar activities.
Aerial Imagery of Escambia River Bend and Sandbars downstream of Big Escambia Creek at two separate dates
1/9/2007
1/17/2022
