Research
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The impact of pine beetle-induced tree death on forest snow hydrology Snow accumulation and melt in forests are controlled by a complex set of processes, including canopy snow interception, snow sublimation, canopy solar transmission, and snow surface albedo. The mountain pine beetle is killing many trees in Colorado's high-elevation forests. Using intensive field campaigns and hydrologic modelling, we are investigating the impacts of widespread tree death on forest snow dynamics. More info » |
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A conceptual model of water yield impacts from tree death in snow-dominated coniferous forests We review and synthesize existing research and provide new results quantifying the impact of beetle infestations on canopy structure, snow interception, and transmission to create a conceptual model of the hydrologic effects of MPB-induced tree death during different stages of mortality. We identify the primary hydrologic processes operating in living forest stands, stands in multiple stages of death, and long-dead stands undergoing regeneration and estimate the direction of change in new water yield. More info » |
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Effects of forest litter and aeolian dust deposition on forest snow surface albedo We are currently conducting field measurements and hydrologic modeling to quantify the effects of bark beetle-related litterfall and aeolian dust deposition on snow surface albedo, snowpack metamorphism, and snowmelt rates. By reducing overall reflectivity, the addition of these contaminants to a snowpack surface increases the amount of sunlight that the snowpack absorbs. More info » |
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Tree growth response following pine beetle infestation Coming soon... |