Manipulating forest density and structure to maximize snow retention in maritime mountain basins

本研究将探讨森林结构和气候变化对积雪和径流的影响。这项研究将结合实地测量和建模工作，量化森林结构和气候变化的相对重要性。本文将解决三个主要问题：(1)在不同的森林结构和类型中，积雪截流和融化的变异性是什么？(2)在几十年的时间里，哪些森林变化对雪水储存量的影响程度与气候变化相当？哪些森林变化加剧了早期径流，哪些在地表上保留了更长时间的雪？(3)如何在流域管理中使用造林方法来帮助抵消预计的气候变化的影响？本研究提出的森林-雪相互作用的精细尺度空间分析预计将导致包括海洋山地盆地间歇雪带在内的流域的水文建模得到改进。所开发的模型将用于课堂教育和管理场景。当地社区和Muckleshoot印第安部落社区学院的学生将参加教育演讲和实地考察。

0931780LundquistThis research will examine the roles of forest structure and climate change on snow accumulation and runoff. The research will combine field measurements with modeling efforts to quantify the relative importance of forest structure and climate change. Three major questions will be addressed: (1) What is the variability of snow interception and melt in different forest structures and classes? (2) Over multiple decades, which forest changes are of comparable magnitude to climate change in their effects on snow water storage? Which forest changes exacerbate earlier runoff, and which retain snow longer on the landscape? (3) How can silvicultural practices be used in watershed management to help offset the effects of projected climate change? The fine-scale spatial analysis of forest-snow interactions proposed for this study are anticipated to lead to improved hydrologic modeling of watersheds that include the intermittent snow zone of maritime mountain basins, among others. The model developed will be used in classroom education and management scenarios. Educational presentations and field trips will involve the local community and students from the Muckleshoot Indian Tribal Community College.