Modeling
Environmental Modeling
We use computational 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó to understand how snow, water, and energy move through the Earth system. These 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó act as numerical laboratories, allowing us to test ideas, explore sensitivities, and extend our field observations across scales—from single slopes and forest stands, to large Arctic rivers, and continental extents.
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1. Slope-Scale Process Models
We use snow, computational fluid dynamics and canopy radiative transfer 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó to simulate wind, snow transport, and radiation interactions in mountainous and forested environments. These 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó reveal how topography and vegetation shape patterns of snow accumulation, snowmelt, and, ultimately, energy and water availability.
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2. Hydrologic System Models
We use hydrologic 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó to represent the exchange of water and heat among the atmosphere, land surface, snowpack, groundwater, and rivers. These 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó are used to explore how climate change, land use, and disturbance alter watershed processes and water availability.
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3. Regional and Earth System Models
At larger scales, we use output from regional climate and Earth system 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó to investigate water and energy balance. These 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó link local field studies to continental trends and help project future environmental change.
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Current Focus
Our research group applies these modeling tools to cold-region environments, where snow, ice, and permafrost dominate hydrologic behavior. Through collaborations with other disciplinary experts and stakeholders, we’re improving predictions of climate impacts on rivers, ecosystems, and communities.
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