Thomas Oommen:
GMT Mapping and Managing Ground Hazard Risk using Remote Sensing
Watch on YouTube
A 2012 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report indicates that the frequency and magnitude of ground hazards are increasing worldwide. Therefore, mapping and proactively managing the ground hazard risk is critical. Traditionally, ground hazards like landslides have been monitored by in situ observations. Such an approach leads to sparse observations and, thus, is challenging for risk management. However, the advancement in satellite-based Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) has led to high spatial and temporal resolution data for ground hazard monitoring. In this presentation, I will demonstrate some successful case studies of SAR data analysis for proactive monitoring and management of ground hazards. The Google Earth Engine platform is transforming how remote sensing data is being processed, and commercial satellite companies promise hourly temporal resolutions for the future. These advancements will provide high spatiotemporal remote sensing data for mapping and managing ground hazards.
Thomas Oommen is a Professor of the Geological Engineering and an Affiliate Professor of Civil Engineering at Michigan Technological University. He is also the Director of the Computational Science and Engineering Ph. D. Program at Michigan Tech. He is actively involved in undergraduate and graduate education, research, and service. He has participated in over 11 million research grants and published over 100 peer-reviewed publications. His research focuses on utilizing remotely sensed data, machine learning algorithms, and geotechnical engineering knowledge to solve real-world problems related to site characterization, infrastructure monitoring, and geohazards. Beyond Michigan Tech, he serves as the Committee research Coordinator for the TRB AKG60 Geotechnical Instrumentation and Modeling committee, as the chair of the ASCE Geoinstitute Engineering Geology and Site Characterization Committee, and as past chair of the Geological Society of America Environmental and Engineering Geology division.