WORKSHOP TITLE: MATHEMATICAL TOOLS AND APPLICATIONS IN NATURAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT
Workshop Date/Time: 8:30 AM-4:45 PM, June 8, 2025
Objective:
To familiarize participants with mathematical tools used in natural resource modeling through hands-on experience
Target Group:
Researchers and students interested in computational mathematical modeling
Instructors:
Professor Kehsav Bhattarai, University of Central Missouri, USA
Professor Harihar Khanal, Embry Riddle University, USA
Professor Naveen Vaidya, San Diego State University, USA
Professor Hari Kandel, Lake Superior State University, USA
Approach:
The workshop introduces participants to:
- Key Concepts and Models
- Dynamic modeling and optimization
- Data Integration Tools
- Python for data processing and numerical modeling
- QGIS for spatial data visualization and mapping
- Applications
- Natural disaster modeling focusing on optimizing strategies to mitigate the impact of disasters, with a case study on reducing the effects of landslides.
Interactive Activities
Participants will engage in:
- Hands-on practice with Python and QGIS for modeling and data visualization.
- Group discussions exploring innovative applications of methodologies across various fields.
The workshop will conclude with a summary of key takeaways, emphasizing the integration of mathematical and geospatial modeling, and exploring future applications in policy, research, and community engagement.
Workflow:
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Registration and Networking
- Participants check in and receive workshop materials.
- Informal networking and introductory interactions.
Session 1: Opening and Basics (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
- Mathematical essentials
Coffee Break: 10:30-10:45 AM
- Interactive Q&A
- Open forum for participant questions.
Lunch Break: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Session 2: Application – Soil-Water Dynamics and Slope Stability (1:30 PM – 3:00 PM)
- Lecture:
- Basics of soil hydrology and unsaturated flow
- Introduction to the Richards equation for modeling water infiltration
- Discussion of boundary and initial conditions in infiltration modeling
- Optimization
- Hands-On Activity:
- Step-by-step numerical solution of a simplified Richards equation
- Mitigation strategy
- Optimization
3:00 PM – 3:15 PM: Tea Break
Session 3: QGIS and Landslide Modeling (3:15 PM – 4:45 PM)
- Application-focused session using QGIS to model and analyze landslide risks.
Conclusion:
This workshop aims to equip participants with practical knowledge of mathematical tools used in natural resource management, with a specific focus on their application in natural disaster management.
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