The University of Toledo

Assistant Professor

Research and Teaching Interests:
Environmental applications of remote sensing and GIS including:

• Land subsidence
• Toxic algal blooms
• Groundwater resources

(419) 530-4571 | richard.becker@utoledo.edu

At the Environmental Remote Sensing Lab, we undertake research which incorporates an interdisciplinary research approach (remote sensing, geochemistry, hydrologic modeling, and field techniques) to investigate a wide range of geological and environmental problems including the assessment of responses of natural systems to climatic and human activities.

Examples of these include: Identifying and mapping potential harmful algal blooms from satellite images, and examining impacts of land use change on blooms and other systems in the Laurentian Great Lakes. In addition we study the impact on the Nubian aquifer in Northeastern Africa and Nile watershed of the construction of the Aswan High Dam, from changing recharge in the system to changing subsidence in the Nile Delta, to investigating the effects climate change has had on this system.

To do this we utilize a variety remote sensing and GIS techniques to investigate water resources and the impacts that human use may have on them.

>> More information on Dr. Becker's Lab webpage.
 

• EEES 1050 ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS [3 hours]
  Introduction to hazardous geological processes and materials: volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, floods, ground subsidence and collapse, landslides, coastal flooding and erosion and others. Causes and risk mitigation are discussed. [Fall, Spring, Summer]. Natural Sciences core course. (Spring and Summer are offered in a Distance Learning format)
   
• EEES 2100 FUNDAMENTALS OF GEOLOGY [4 hours]
  Consideration of earth materials and the dynamic external and internal processes active on earth; the physical and biological history of the earth. [Fall, Spring] Prerequisite: CHEM 1090 or 1230.  
   
• EEES 6980 GIS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
   
• EEES TBD ENVIRONMENTAL REMOTE SENSING