Thesis Title/Topic
Soil moisture dynamics

Research Summary
My research investigates the spatial correlation among distributed point measurements of soil moisture, and between soil moisture patterns and landscape properties such as topography, vegetation, and the spatial snowmelt patterns.  I also am evaluating data using a combined snowmelt-soil water model to provide spatially and temporally continuous estimates of net recharge and evapotranspiration across the watershed. Recharge estimates are then compared with measured streamflow measured at a weir at the base of the watershed. The study site, Reynolds Mountain East (RME) subcatchment in Southwestern Idaho, is in an intermountain region exhibiting high variability in topography, vegetation, and snow distribution.  Soil moisture in semi-arid regions dominated by winter precipitation is recharged as a bulk influx during spring melt and dries down quickly during the ensuing months. This timing, in combination with various spatially distributed landscape properties, produces distinct spatial soil moisture patterns. Distributed patterns of soil moisture have distinct correlation to snow and vegetation distribution. Research is conducted collaboration with Boise State University and Northwest Watershed Research Center, ARS-USDA.

Contact Information:
lauragrant@mail.boisestate.edu