Modeling Light for Platanus Occidentalis (American Sycamore) Trees in the DePauw Quarry

Authors

Grace Lucchesi, DePauw University
Beth Wilkerson, DePauw University
Quincie Simmons, DePauw University
Dana Dudle, DePauw University

Files

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

Fall 10-6-2023

Abstract

Platanus Occidentalis, characterized by shedding bark and ball-shaped seed pods, is native to much of the mid-southeastern US, and is commonly used as an ornamental tree. Individuals growing in the quarry of DePauw’s Nature Park are often small, discolored, or even dying. We used devices to measure the UV and Photosynthetically Active Radiation present at the locations of 70 random trees. We then used known sun path equations and GIS to start to develop a way to estimate the maximum amount of time a plant experiences full sun in different locations in the quarry relative to the quarry walls.

Department

Biology, DePauw University

Project Mentor

Dana Dudle, PhD

Funding and Acknowledgements

Funding provided by the Science Research Fellows Program

Recommended Citation

Lucchesi, Grace; Wilkerson, Beth; Simmons, Quincie; and Dudle, Dana, "Modeling Light for Platanus Occidentalis (American Sycamore) Trees in the DePauw Quarry" (2023). Annual Student Research Poster Session. 121.
https://scholarship.depauw.edu/srfposters/121