Overview
Our research group is primarily interested in research on the structure, function and dynamics of watershed systems. In this work we develop and apply methods in distributed simulation, GIS and remote sensing to produce spatial watershed modeling systems. The structure emphasizes the geomorphic framework of the landscape, including the integrated patterns of topography, soils and surface materials, arranged within a hierarchy of landforms including nested subcatchments, hillslopes, bottomlands and channels. We incorporate field and remotely sensed estimates of vegetation cover, along with anthropogenic features within this hierarchy. Watershed function includes the flux and transformation of water, carbon, sediment and nutrients through the system , including land surface/atmosphere exchange, vegetation canopy productivity, runoff production, and subsurface processes. Watershed dynamics incorporates evolution and change of the structure over time, including geomorphic evolution and the various typ es of land cover. We have primarily worked in forested watersheds in the past, but are adapting our methods to work with a range of urbanizing systems incorporating the activity of humans and human institutions.
Current Projects