I want to start by thanking my wife Katlyn for encouraging me every step of the way through graduate school and the many hours spent studying. I also want to thank the members of my thesis committee, Dr. Day, Dr. Howarth, and Mike Unthank. The time Dr. Day gave to my thesis was very appreciated, as well as the encouragement and suggestions along the way. He was further helpful in preparing me to attend AAG and feel confident in my thesis. Dr. Howarth was very kind in joining my committee as a

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... cond reader even though he is head of the geography department and has several other duties. Mike Unthank helped by suggesting the original idea for this project, as well as participating in being an outside member for my thesis committee even after his retirement from USGS. I also want to thank Dr. Stevens for allowing me to talk through the methodology with him even though he was not a part of my committee. These people and many more helped me get through my two years in graduate school, and their advice and wisdom will be carried on into the future with my career.