University of Louisville
Spatial Analysis of Mistletoe in Eastern Jefferson County, Kentucky
Institution
University of Louisville
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Clara Leuthart
Abstract
Mistletoe, Phoradendron species, is found in trees in the Louisville, Kentucky Metro area. Preliminary analysis indicates more frequent occurrence within areas included in the Louisville East Geologic Quadrangle. Its distribution is far from uniform. Initial observance indicates that the distribution of mistletoe in the area may not be random and that certain environmental characteristics must be available for germination and growth. Factors that may influence distribution are: underlying bedrock and specific nutrients that trees uptake and mistletoe concentrate, proximity to a local water source, and host tree species. Does the location of mistletoe in Eastern Louisville correlate directly to underlying geology? Are the specific nutrients needed for mistletoe growth found in the soils and leeched out by trees, the dependent variable for mistletoe growth? Will it also be absent in areas that do not suggest a correlation with geology, specifically, will it be found across the Ohio River on New Albany Shale geology? For analysis of the hypothesis, random quadrats with the Louisville East Geologic Quadrangle will be selected for sampling. Spatial correlation of trees with mistletoe with underlying bedrock type will be performed using GIS analysis. ArcGIS, specifically the Spatial Analyst tool and SID files of geology and topography.
Spatial Analysis of Mistletoe in Eastern Jefferson County, Kentucky
Mistletoe, Phoradendron species, is found in trees in the Louisville, Kentucky Metro area. Preliminary analysis indicates more frequent occurrence within areas included in the Louisville East Geologic Quadrangle. Its distribution is far from uniform. Initial observance indicates that the distribution of mistletoe in the area may not be random and that certain environmental characteristics must be available for germination and growth. Factors that may influence distribution are: underlying bedrock and specific nutrients that trees uptake and mistletoe concentrate, proximity to a local water source, and host tree species. Does the location of mistletoe in Eastern Louisville correlate directly to underlying geology? Are the specific nutrients needed for mistletoe growth found in the soils and leeched out by trees, the dependent variable for mistletoe growth? Will it also be absent in areas that do not suggest a correlation with geology, specifically, will it be found across the Ohio River on New Albany Shale geology? For analysis of the hypothesis, random quadrats with the Louisville East Geologic Quadrangle will be selected for sampling. Spatial correlation of trees with mistletoe with underlying bedrock type will be performed using GIS analysis. ArcGIS, specifically the Spatial Analyst tool and SID files of geology and topography.