Scout is an undergraduate honours thesis student in Earth Sciences. She is co-supervised by Sue Ziegler and Ben Misiuk. Her research is contributing to the development of a mechanistic based approach to predictive soil carbon mapping. Using a Random Forest algorithm she is creating a high-resolution geospatial model to predict the distribution of weatherable Al minerals in the glacial till across the island of Newfoundland. This is a critical component for modelling of boreal forest mineral soil carbon across the island, as informed by the research of Dr. Mackenzie Patrick, and making use of known relationships with reactive Al, geomorphology, hydrology and climate. Such a model will provide a first example of a mechanistic-based model that should prove useful for predictive modelling of soil carbon in response to climate change.
You can reach Scout at smquinn@mun.ca