McMaster master’s research maps Hamilton’s waterfalls to study Niagara Escarpment erosion (2026)
Master’s student Olive Thomas (started 2025) visited over 40 Hamilton waterfalls and compiled 1,000+ photos to create a geomorphic classification. Supported in part by the Niagara Escarpment Erosion Project (NEEP, McMaster–City of Hamilton), she will use drones, trail cameras and photogrammetry to study winter ice and groundwater emergence to better understand erosion dynamics.
Supervised by assistant professor Elli Papengelakis (School of Earth, Environment and Society), Thomas developed a typology of waterfall profiles and setting features (toe, lip, flow frequency). She will map ice accumulation at Devil’s Punchbowl and Claremont Access and build 3D models from drone and trail‑camera imagery using photogrammetry. By linking ice patterns and groundwater emergence to rock layers, the research aims to clarify how freeze–thaw and seepage drive limestone erosion on the Niagara Escarpment and to inform planning and erosion‑mitigation efforts.