Critical zone as a mediator of hydroclimate-ecosystem asynchrony
Most regions across the continental United States are experiencing shifts in hydroclimate, such as snow transitioning to rain and changes in streamflow regimes, driven by rising air temperatures.
Most regions across the continental United States are experiencing shifts in hydroclimate, such as snow transitioning to rain and changes in streamflow regimes, driven by rising air temperatures. These shifts are altering the timing and synchrony of precipitation and streamflow, impacting water resources and increasing the likelihood of compounded natural hazards like wildfires and extreme precipitation. Further, the shifting timing of water and material export from river basins coupled with rising air temperatures has repercussions for the biogeochemistry of terrestrial and aquatic systems.
Our team will investigate how the structure of the critical zone (CZ) mediates the synchrony between hydroclimatic inputs and ecological, hydrologic, and biogeochemical processes. Specifically, we aim to determine how CZ characteristics influence the timing and coupling of these processes and how these relationships may change under future climate scenarios. Our research uses large-scale datasets to quantify synchrony, develop metrics for CZ structure, and analyze historical and future trends in synchrony across diverse CZ structures and hydroclimatic regimes. The findings will improve predictions of water availability and ecosystem responses, offering vital insights for water resource management and climate adaptation.
Principal Investigators:
John Mallard (Oregon State University)
Margaret Zimmer (University of Wisconsin Madison)
Erin Seybold (Kansas Geological Survey, University of Kansas)
Kendra Kaiser (University of Idaho)
Most regions across the continental United States are experiencing shifts in hydroclimate, such as snow transitioning to rain and changes in streamflow regimes, driven by rising air temperatures.
Most regions across the continental United States are experiencing shifts in hydroclimate, such as snow transitioning to rain and changes in streamflow regimes, driven by rising air temperatures. These shifts are altering the timing and synchrony of precipitation and streamflow, impacting water resources and increasing the likelihood of compounded natural hazards like wildfires and extreme precipitation. Further, the shifting timing of water and material export from river basins coupled with rising air temperatures has repercussions for the biogeochemistry of terrestrial and aquatic systems.
Our team will investigate how the structure of the critical zone (CZ) mediates the synchrony between hydroclimatic inputs and ecological, hydrologic, and biogeochemical processes. Specifically, we aim to determine how CZ characteristics influence the timing and coupling of these processes and how these relationships may change under future climate scenarios. Our research uses large-scale datasets to quantify synchrony, develop metrics for CZ structure, and analyze historical and future trends in synchrony across diverse CZ structures and hydroclimatic regimes. The findings will improve predictions of water availability and ecosystem responses, offering vital insights for water resource management and climate adaptation.
Principal Investigators:
John Mallard (Oregon State University)
Margaret Zimmer (University of Wisconsin Madison)
Erin Seybold (Kansas Geological Survey, University of Kansas)
Kendra Kaiser (University of Idaho)