Integrating Ecology and Hydrology with Geomorphology in the Critical Zone: Observations and Numerical Modelling Studies

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In recent years, my research program has focussed on interactions of vegetation, hydrology, and landscape morphodynamics at several scales of investigation using field-based and numerical modelling approaches. An eventual goal of my longer-term research program is to extend my numerical modelling work (using my drainage basin development model, LandMod, to simulate topographic changes over millennial time scales) to incorporate more comprehensive ecological (vegetation) and hydrological components to better understand interactions with geomorphology over the Holocene. Four primary objectives form the basis of this proposal: (i) elucidating role of root throw bioturbation in soil production of underlying glacial/paraglacial deposits and sediment transport in previously glaciated terrain; (ii) investigating physical impacts on soils of invasive earthworm bioturbation; (iii) integrating root throw sediment transport into Landmod, to test its significance relative to other transport processes; (iv) coupling LandMod with a hydrological model to understand linkages between postglacial landscape changes and hydrology. The study location for the proposed research is subalpine forests, Canadian Rockies. The proposed research program will contribute timely knowledge about geomorphology, bioturbation, hydrology and pedogenesis in the Critical Zone at several scales of inquiry. The projects are natural extensions of my past research and are precursors to reaching the long-term goal of using my numerical model to better understand geomorphic, ecological and hydrological interactions, yet also represent novel, challenging directions for advancement of my research program. The bioturbation research is of scientific and management significance as it tackles these processes in subalpine forests that differ from forests where much previous work on the topic has been undertaken. The invasive earthworm project is of significance from an applied management perspective. The numerical modelling projects are designed to examine longer-term impacts and interactions amongst geomorphology, forest ecology and/or hydrology, making these potentially high impact projects that will contribute to cutting-edge international research.