Nelson, Andrew
Research
Historical placer mining impacts on the Fraser River
I am mapping historical placer mine locations along the Fraser River and modeling the impact that sediment released from these mines may have had on the Fraser River. Placer mineral deposits exist in unconsolidated gravel and sand. They were typically worked during the Gold Rush era by diverting a stream on to the deposit and running the effluent through a sluice box and into the river. By studying the size of the historical mine sites, I hope to understand the total volume of gravel that was dumped into the river. I am also working to develop a numerical model of the river. This involves mapping the river bed and the current profiles in an extended raft trip and inputing the map into an existing sediment routing model. I finally hope to add the sediment from placer mines into the model and to study the way it has and is affecting the river.
I hope to provide data that will inform management decisions related to the Fraser River. Additionally, I hope to increase our understanding of human-environment-human interactions over long timescales and large spatial scales.
I wanted to receive training that would allow me to contribute to scientific research.
I was impressed by the beauty of the country, the reputation of the Geography program, and the intrigue of my particular research topic.
Vancouver is a beautiful city, with many diverse ethnic communities. The key drawback in living here while studying as a graduate student at UBC is that the cost of living is very high.
The great public transportation (and my hour and forty five minute commute on it).
Mountineering, Birding, Backpacking, Mountian Biking, Kayaking, Gardening
I hope to work as an academic who seeks study topics that are of both academic interest and practical need for the interests of developing nations and NGOs working for human and environmental welfare in the developing world.
