Cordula Robinson, Ph.D.
Teaching Professor and Lead Faculty-Geospatial Programs, Northeastern University | Faculty Affiliate, Global Resilience Institute
Boston, MA, UNITED STATES
Professor Robinson is a professional in the geospatial field offering extensive research experience in spatial science.
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Biography
Cordula Robinson is a professional in the geospatial field. Cordula is armed with a competitive edge in remote sensing and image analytics, particularly machine learning and automation. Her ability to adapt to newly emerging technologies, necessary to handle ever-increasing amounts of data, contributes to her success. Her strong understanding of complex technical scenarios enables her to be productive and original. To cite an example, Cordula uses her skills in designing and implementing spatial infrastructures that support unique needs with realistic goals (currently to address the opioid crisis in MA through spatial data-driven analysis and community resilience). From 2015 to 2018, Cordula gained a nationally-recognized geospatial sciences center of excellence designation from the NGA-USGS, also a USGIF-accredited program. Cordula has hosted 2 Fulbright scholars from Lebanon at Northeastern University, an opportunity created by her enduring contributions to the groundwater arid-land research arena, where she has written numerous articles, books, grants, and conference papers. The depths of her willingness to open the doors for new variances as well as her life-long yearning to partake in sustainable innovation, both strengthened by her work ethic, help maintain her position as a woman in STEM for over 25 years.
Areas of Expertise (7)
Automation
Remote Sensing
Community Fragility
Tools and Measurement
Spatial Analytics
Location Intelligence
Machine Learning
Education (2)
University College London: Ph.D., Physics and Astronomy 1991
Harrie Massey prize for post-graduate research in physics and astronomy.
University of Durham: B.Sc., Geology/Earth Sciences
Links (2)
Articles (5)
Influence of structures on drainage patterns in the Tushka region, SW Egypt
Journal of African Earth Sciences
Robinson, C.A., El-Kaliouby, H., and Ghoneim, E.
2017 Remote sensing (radar, thermal and topographic) and geophysical (Vertical Electrical Sounding and Ground Penetrating Radar) data are used to understand areas with enhanced groundwater potential in deeper aquifer settings between 22°0′–22°56′N and 30°21–31°20′E in the Tushka area of southwest Egypt. The premise is that areas with enhanced groundwater accumulations represent the best locations for agricultural development that is underway in this region and that deeper sources groundwater resources are the most sustainable. New fluvial and structural interpretations emphasize that the desert landscape was produced by fluvial action in the past.
The Nubian aquifer in southwest Egypt
Hydrogeology Journal
Robinson, C.A., Werwer, A., El-Baz, F., El-Shazly, M., Fritch, T., and Kusky, T
2007 New fluvial and structural interpretations emphasize that the desert landscape was produced by fluvial action, including newly mapped alluvial fans. In central locations, braided channels are spatially aligned with a NE structural trend, suggesting preferential water flow paths that are consistent with the local direction of groundwater flow. The alluvial fans and structurally enclosed channels coincide with gentle slopes and optimal recharge conditions (1-5%) derived from the new Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) slope map, indicating that these areas have high groundwater potential. The SAR interpretations are correlated with anomalies observed in groundwater data from 383 wells. Results suggest a relationship between the spatial organization of fluvial and structural features and the occurrence of low-salinity groundwater. Low-salinity water exists adjacent to the alluvial fans and in SW reaches of the structurally enclosed channels. Wells in the vicinity of structures contain low-salinity water, emphasizing that knowledge of structural features is essential to understand groundwater flow paths. The new approach is cost effective and noninvasive and can be applied throughout the eastern Sahara to assist in resource management decisions and support the much needed agricultural expansion.
Role of fluvial and structural processes in the formation of the Wahiba Sands, Oman: A remote sensing perspective
Journal Arid Environments
Robinson, C.A., El-Baz, F., Kusky, T., Mainguet, M., Dumay, F., Al Suleimani, Z., and Al Marjeby, A.
2007 The Wahiba Sands in northeastern Oman are bordered on the north, south and west by highlands. Remote sensing data are used to characterize the region between 19–23.5°N and 56.5–60°E by mapping surface and near-surface drainage, faults and fractures and aeolian features. It is suggested that the sands were originally deposited with surface runoff from the principal wadis and fluvially reworked fault zones, which define the northeastern and southwestern margins. These fluvial processes resulted in the accumulation of the vast groundwater resources now stored there. During dry climates, wind became the principal modification regime and it began to sort and shape the sediments into the dune forms that characterize today's Wahiba region. The thickness of the sands reflects the depth of the basin in which they lie. The center of the basin is filled with the thickest sand (the High Sands) and contains the highest groundwater concentrations.
Large‐scale volcanic activity at Maat Mons: Can this explain fluctuations in atmospheric chemistry observed by Pioneer Venus?
Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets
Cordula A. Robinson Gill D. Thornhill Elisabeth A. Parfitt
1995 Magellan (and Pioneer Venus Orbiter (PVO)) found high mountain terrains on Venus (∼2.5 km above 6051 km planetary radius) exhibit anomalously low radiothermal emissivity. This is thought to result from weathering of primary Venus rock, which at high altitudes produces a distinctive high‐dielectric‐constant mineral assemblage. Deviations from the nominal altitude‐emissivity pattern have been used as a crude chronometric tool with which to date Venusian landforms...
The crustal dichotomy of Mars
Earth, Moon and Planets
Cordula A. Robinson
1995 The crustal dichotomy of Mars describes the topographic division between the young plains in the northern hemisphere and the old terrain in the southern hemisphere. The highland-lowland boundary separates the younger plains from the older, high-standing terrain and consists of three geologically-distinct regions: the Tharsis Province, the chaotic terrain, and the fretted terrain (which includes gradational boundary types)-all are characterised by tensional tectonics. This paper presents new geological evidence that shows the topographic division at the fretted terrain formed in the late Noachian-early Hesperian time period: the same time period in which the Tharsis Province and chaotic terrain formed, and fracturing of a southern-hemisphere-type surface beneath the northern plains occurred...
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