Student Research Reports
The Effects of Roof Design on Mosquito Activity
Country:United States of America
Student(s):Sreeharshini Kundurthi, Carina Galutia, Briana Blue, Jesus Ramos
Grade Level:Secondary School (grades 9-12, ages 14-18)
GLOBE Educator(s):Cassie Soeffing
Contributors:Dr. Rusty Low, IGES, scientist
Peder Nelson, OSU, sme
Dr. Erika Podest, NASA JPL, scientist
Andrew Clark, IGES, EO Researcher and Data Analyst
Report Type(s):International Virtual Science Symposium Report, Mission Mosquito Report
Protocols:Earth As a System, Mosquitoes
Presentation Video:
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Presentation Poster:
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Language(s):English
Date Submitted:01/23/2023
Focusing mosquito-related public health measures on preventing habitats in which
mosquito larvae grow targets mosquito-borne diseases at their source. Studies have shown the
correlation between architecture and mosquito populations as to prevent the spread of
vector-borne diseases such as malaria or dengue. This paper focuses on four elements– roof
shape, roof building materials, how often roof gutters are cleaned, and the presence or absence of
a green roof– in order to evaluate what, if any, effect these may have on surrounding mosquito
populations and habitats. Through the analysis of GLOBE Mosquito Habitat Mapper data,
ArcGIS data, Google Earth Images, a public survey, as well as other scholarly research papers,
including “Impacts of Green Roofs on Water, Temperature, and Air Quality: A Bibliometric
Review”, “Monitoring mosquito nuisance for the development of a citizen science approach for
malaria vector surveillance in Rwanda”, and others, discussing the consequences of different
building models and materials, such information can be compiled to result in effective outcomes
for recommended roof designs that may reduce the likelihood of mosquito infestation within our
communities. Thus, through changes in fundamental building and housing architecture,
communities may take informed mosquito prevention measures. As more urban areas arise, this
matter must be addressed to target mosquito sources and reduce the victims of mosquito-borne
diseases.
Keywords: roof design, mosquito breeding, urban planning, mosquito habitats