My past research focused on how climate change affects earth surface processes over varying temporal and spatial scales. My master’s research dealt with how climatic fluctuations over 60 year period influenced dune pattern development. My dissertation research used environmental radionuclides (e.g. 7Be, 137Cs, and 210Pbex) and Quaternary dating (e.g. Optical and14C) methods to examine the timing of environmental changes and the rate of sediment redistribution at seasonal, centennial, and millennial scales. I used isotopic techniques to trace the lateral movement of sediments through an arid landscape. These sediment tracers were used to develop and test new soil erosion control strategies, such as "con-mods", to reduce sediment transport associated with shrub encroachment in the southern New Mexico.
Publications: Rachal, D. M., and Dugas, D. P., 2009, Historic dune pattern dynamics: White Sands Dune Field, New Mexico: Physical Geography, v. 30, no 1, p. 64-78. Publications: Rachal, D. M., Monger, H. C., Okin, G. S., and Peters, D. C., 2012, Landform influences on the resistance of grasslands to shrub encroachment, Northern Chihuahuan Desert, USA: Journal of Maps, v. 8, no. 4, p. 507-513. Publications: Rachal, D. M., Okin, G. S., Peters, D. C. and Alexander, C. 2015, Modifying landscape connectivity by reducing wind driven sediment redistribution, Northern Chihuahuan Desert, USA: Aeolian Research, v. 8, no. 4, p. 507-513. |