An Introduction to Spatial Analysis Research

Introduction

In this blog, I am using my own research experience in the University of Michigan’s Jain Lab working under Nishan Bhattarai. The case studies I will explore here come from my findings in my research. Over the past year and a half, I have focused my research on India’s changing climate. My research inspired me to first hand experience the environment I had spent so much time remotely exploring by interning with an ecological restoration NGO, the Foundation for Ecological Security, last summer. Perhaps something here can similarly resonate with you. India is an ideal case study for research in environmental, especially water-related environmental, change.

India is greatly depleted of water resources, but highly dependant on them. India is facing large scale water scarcity, especially in areas of high agricultural production. This underscores the importance of exploring the impact of its irrigation practices on the environment. Water follows a cyclical path of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. But, groundwater storage adds complexity to this cycle. Water stored below the Earth’s surface can remain in deep aquifers for upwards of a million years. (Sturchio et al.) Whereas groundwater can be replenished, the rate of irrigation is far higher than the rate of groundwater recharge in many areas of high agricultural production. This is a major contributor to water scarcity. Over 60% of groundwater and 80% of drinking water in India is sourced from its groundwater (Asoka et. al.)*. However, in areas of highest agricultural production in India, groundwater levels have been depleted by close to 60% (Mukherjee et.al.).

With this background knowledge, I encourage you to navigate to the following posts to explore:

​

• Satellite Imaging

• Application of Satellite Imaging

• Mapping

• Application of Mapping

• Why it Matters

​

​

​