Deakin’s army of citizen scientists is monitoring climate change
Climate change is top of mind for many researchers and scientists in 2018, particularly since the recent report from the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warned that drastic action is needed within the next decade to prevent the worst effects of global warming.
Much of the work scientists do to track and respond to climate change relies on data collected by researchers and conservation groups. As part of the Victorian Government’s Victorian Coastal Monitoring Program, Deakin researchers are training an army of ‘citizen scientists’ to help with this critical work.
Daniel Ierodiaconou, Associate Professor of Marine Science in Deakin’s School of Life and Environmental Sciences, is leading the Marine Mapping group in a project to map the seafloor and coastlines of Victoria and beyond.
‘It is amazing how far the technology has come that now allows citizens to produce high quality data that they, scientists and managers can use.’ – Daniel Ierodiaconou
Members of the Marine Mapping group use:
- Drones
- Remotely operated underwater vehicles
- Advanced sonar
- A purpose-built research vessel
and more to monitor the effects of climate change over time.
What does the Marine Mapping Group do?
- Captures high-quality images and data of coastlines in Victoria and beyond
- Monitors the effects of climate change over time
- Identifies the impact of wave erosion and changes to reef structures
- Joins with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning in coastline recovery after major storm events
Where does the library come in?
Through our screen technology, the library has a unique opportunity to showcase Deakin research and our role in the research lifecycle, and encourage students who use our spaces to engage with the research activities of the University.
Our Digital Experience team worked with Associate Professor Ierodiaconou to highlight his research on our flagship display at Waterfront Campus, the Verge. His team had some amazing imagery and footage to work with, which made our job much easier! You can view their gallery of images and videos on the Marine Mapping website. The library’s designer, Jarrath, successfully developed a display that illustrates both the visual beauty and the research value of the project’s work.
If you’re at Waterfront Library, make sure you check out the display on the Verge before it ends on 30 November 2018. You can find out more about the Marine Mapping group on the Invenio research blog.