Application of GIS-based suitability modelling to predict fossil sites in high-risk/high-reward geographic settings
Date
2021-04
Authors
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Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
This thesis explores the application of GIS-based predictive modelling to the field of Palaeontology. A universal methodology based on a multi-variate analysis of five environmental variables is presented. The incorporated environmental datasets were successfully acquired from a variety of publicly accessible online sources related to each study area. Our methodology was based on previous studies and expanded upon previous approaches to suitability modelling in the context of fossil prospecting. All stages of modelling were conducted within the ArcGIS software package and could be closely reproduced in alternative free software packages such as QGIS. Environmental variables were reclassified to a universal suitability scale of 1 to 20 and then amalgamated into a singular suitability analysis using the Weighted Overlay tool. The produced model was tested on two well documented fossil localities – The West Coast Fossil Park near Langebaanweg (South Africa) and the Cedar Mountain Formation of Central Utah (USA). After successfully classifying known fossil sites in both study areas, the model was applied to a largely unexplored and undocumented region – The Skeleton Coast of North-West Namibia. From the resultant model, 5 sites were identified and suggested for the 2021 expedition season. All models resulted in significant reductions in the prospective ground of each study area, ranging between 54% and 99%.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming beskikbaar.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming beskikbaar.
Description
Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2021.
Keywords
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) -- Modelling, Palaeontology, Fossils sites, Fossil localities -- South Africa -- West Coast Fossil Park -- Langebaanweg, Fossil localities -- Central Utah (USA) -- Cedar Mountain Formation, UCTD