Theses and Dissertations Collection

Atoll islands (AI) are home to unique ecosystems found across a wide range of climatic conditions. The remoteness and small size of these islands limits studies about physical and biological relationships that may be important for adaptation and survival of island species. This dissertation combines both physical studies, remote sensing studies, and educational outreach efforts to increase our understanding of AI. Chapter one of this dissertation explores the mechanisms by which Pisonia grandis, R. Br., a native island tree species, alters the soil environment with respect to water. Chapter two validates a method for mapping AI island vegetation from moderate-resolution Landsat 7 ETM+ imagery using multiple endmember spectral mixing analysis. Chapter three described a series of data-driven lesson plans developed about the Pacific Marine National Monument system, and chapter four, which focuses on education but not AI, quantifies changes in scientific literacy experienced by students participating in an experiential water focused science program, the Confluence Project, in northern Idaho.