PowerPoint Presentation

Biological Dimensions of Crack Morphology in Dryland SoilsMarcus SpiegelAdvisers: Kelly Caylor, Associate ProfessorKeita Decarlo, Ph.D. Candidate

Desiccation Crack FormationEarth-atmosphere gas exchangeFlood dyke and dam failureWater and chemical usage in agricultural engineeringConsequences of Cracks and Crack Morphology

Casting the Crack Network

Excavated Crack Casts

Digitizing Crack Networks

Soil Density and Water ContentAnimal compaction induces deep and extensive crack networksBioturbation causes shallower cracks in termite moundsVegetation can both limit cracking and preserve deep cracksRoots are intertwined in crack networksQualitative Observations and Ideas for Analysis