Peer Review 2
The work I chose to review incorporates
an original idea of finding a solution to a problem that will arise in the
future with the inevitable eruption of Indonesian volcanoes. Bear-Crozier,
Kartadinata, Heriwaseso, and Nielsen’s (2012) application involves a Python
based script used to simplify the process of installing and running a core
prediction model. The model allows for analysis and prediction of volcanic ash
fall following an eruption. The product was developed in cooperation with three
major GIS agencies
The paper makes a strong case for the
need for the solution. The hazards are clearly explained and show with an
example how the research will help scientists predict the ash flow of future
eruptions in the Indonesian region. The example itself is a great strength of
the research showing that the developed script is in fact executable and
provides valid analysis tools for scientists to use when studying the region.
In the event that a volcanic natural disaster occurs in the region products
will be available to provide the necessary evacuations and notifications. This
was not possible with the previous data and models provided.
One of the few weaknesses of the
research is the usage of acronyms. The effort improves as the reader continues
through the document, but at the beginning there are a few instances of acronyms
being used that are research specific and everyday users would not understand
the meaning. Descriptions are provided later in the body of the paper, but few
instances at the start could leave the readers confused as to what is being
discussed. This is only a minor readability flaw and would not affect the
overall understanding of the research. The only other weakness I discovered is
the fact that there is no new science developed in the research. The paper
definitely describes a solution to a problem, but the solution is a Python
based script that simplifies installation and running of a core model. There is
definitely science involved in the programming of the package for running the
core model (FALL3D). The script that the team developed is simply an adaptation
that will make the process of volcanic ash fall analysis more streamlined. This
is a weakness that does not take away from the research, but it does disqualify
it as developmental in my opinion.
The research is clearly laid out in
chronological order how the study came about and who worked together to
accomplish the results. The collaboration of three GIS departments shows the
checks and validation that went on to achieve valuable and relevant results. If
a single organization carried out the work then the results could be biased or
not geared toward a universal solution. In this case the research methods are
transparent and follow all scientific guidelines.
The single thing I liked most about the research
is the use of illustrations. Being a visual learner the illustrations greatly
increased my understanding of the study location and overall results of the
research. There are many illustrations within the document that visually depict
the processes and results of the study. The amount of illustrations is
definitely a positive thing, but a few of the illustrations could have better
labeling geared toward non-GIS familiar users. Some illustrations used an
advanced or system specific labeling method that could make it confusing to
some readers. I would have utilized a more “Plain English” approach to
describing the technical illustrations.
In wrapping up the study Bear-Crozier et
al. (2012) conclude that the newly created process does in fact generate a
usable product and proves the point with an example. I find this to be very
important to the work because it shows the success of the research and how the
accomplishments work in the analysis of future eruptions.
References
Bear-Crozier, A. N.,
Kartadinata, N., Heriwaseso, A., & Nielsen, O. (n.d.). Development of
python-FALL3D: A modified procedure for modelling volcanic ash dispersal in the
Asia-Pacific region (2012 ed., Vol. 64, Nat Hazards, pp. 821-838, Publication).
doi:10.1007/s11069-012-0273-7
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