Offshore Geohazards Website Launched

December 2006

The launching of The Offshore Geohazards Web site in summer of 2006 represents another successful collaboration between the EdTech Center and scientists who have received NSF funding. This latest Web site highlights the research results of the International Partnership for the Study of Offshore Geohazards, an international research and education collaboration among experts in offshore sediment geology, geotechnical engineering and disaster mitigation. Northeastern University Associate Professor Tom Sheahan is collaborating with scientists from University of Massachusetts-Amherst, UCDavis, Tufts, Vassar, the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute and the University of Western Australia on the project.

The Web site offers three levels of user access. Publicly available information includes overviews of seven research themes and multiple case studies, as well as resources for non-scientists and K-12 teachers. Registered users gain access to “Offshore Geohazards University," which includes a Wiki, “Webinar" recordings of seminars at partner institutions, and opportunities for educational exchange. In addition, registered users have access to more detailed content in the research themes and case studies sections. A final layer of access allows core project researchers protected access to project documents and research results.

The EdTech Center developed a database and Web administration interface for the researchers to add/update content about their research theme and case studies, including photos, relevant links, datasets and bibliographies. The project team includes Professor Thomas Sheahan and scientists from participating institutions, EdTech members Laurie Poklop, Instructional Designer; Sue Aman, Internet Systems Developer; Seth Merriam, Multimedia Designer; Deanna Brown Aho, Interface Designer, and Rachel Bertolani and Irina Acsinte, co-op students.