2023 Meisai Mathematical Modeling E-question thinking analysis, more can be found at the end of the article
Question E: Light Pollution
Problem One: Develop a broadly applicable metric to determine the level of light pollution risk at a location.
First of all, we need to know that light pollution exists in two forms:
A sky glow (also known as an artificial sky glow, light dome, or escape light) is the night sky brightened by artificial light scattered in the atmosphere
Glare is the direct exposure of light, both forms of which can affect human perception of the night sky, natural landscapes and other faint features of the night.
To develop a broadly applicable metric for determining a site's level of light pollution risk, the metric should take into account factors such as the site's level of development, population, biodiversity, geography, and climate.
These factors may include the intensity of light at the site, the type of light source, the duration of light, the frequency of light, and the effect on the surrounding environment and organisms. We can develop an approach to light pollution risk level indicators through regression analysis to identify the variables most closely associated with light pollution at a given location. Once a regression model is developed, it can be used to calculate a predicted level of risk based on the input of various data points. In fact, the comprehensive evaluation is better, but I guess most people use this method hahaha, I don’t want to follow the crowd.
The following factors may also be considered:
Skyglow: The extent to which artificial light creates a glow in the night sky
Light Trespass: The extent to which light spills into unwanted or unwanted areas
Glare: The degree to which light causes discomfort or obstructs vision
Illuminance: The level of artificial light in a particular area.
We can prioritize data visualizations such as population density, land use, and night-time satellite imagery to create a synthetic map that visually shows areas with the highest risk of light pollution
We can get the degree of global light pollution from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Light Pollution Science and Technology Institute (LPSTI), as shown in the figure below:
Question Two: Apply your metric to the following four different types of metrics and explain their results where:
o protected land location,
o rural communities,
o Suburban communities, and
o Urban communities.
Using the indicators from the first question, we can assess the level of light pollution risk in four different types of locations:
Protected Land Locations: Protected land locations such as national parks or wildlife refuges should have low light pollution risk levels. This means minimal skylight, no light trespass, and minimal glare, while illuminance levels are kept to a minimum to avoid damaging natural habitats and ecosystems.
Rural Communities: A rural community should also have a low light pollution risk level, but it may have slightly higher illuminance levels than a protected area location. Emphasis should be placed on reducing skylight and light trespass while minimizing glare for public safety.
Suburban Communities: Suburban communities may have moderate levels of light pollution risk due to a combination of streetlights, commercial real estate, and residential lighting. Emphasis should be placed on reducing skylight and light trespass, while managing illuminance levels to balance safety concerns with the need for a certain level of light.
Urban neighborhoods: Urban neighborhoods may have higher light pollution risk levels due to the high density of lighting fixtures and street lights. Emphasis should be placed on reducing skylight and light trespass, while managing illuminance levels to balance safety concerns with the need for a certain level of light.
Question Three: Describe three possible intervention strategies to address light pollution. Specifically discuss the actions to implement each strategy and the impact of these actions on light pollution.
Use motion sensors and timers: One intervention strategy is to use motion sensors and timers to control the use of artificial lighting. This strategy will help reduce light pollution by ensuring lights are only used when needed. For example, a motion sensor can be used to turn on street lights when a car or pedestrian is detected, while a timer can be used to turn off the lights after a certain amount of time.
Use efficient lighting: Another strategy is to use efficient light sources that provide plenty of light while minimizing light pollution. This could involve replacing traditional light bulbs with LED lights that use less energy and produce less light pollution.
Community Education: The third strategy is to educate the community about the negative effects of light pollution and how to reduce it. Includes information on the importance of using shielding to minimize light trespass, the benefits of using motion sensors and timers, and the importance of choosing lighting fixtures designed to reduce glare.
Question Four: Pick your two locations and use your metrics to determine which of your location intervention strategies will work best for each of them. Discuss how the choice of intervention strategy affects the risk level of a location.
To determine which intervention strategy will be most effective for each location, we can apply the metrics above and consider the unique characteristics of each location...
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