We are focused on investigating how vegetation processes affect water flow dynamics and pathways in soil and streams, and conversely, how water flow paths affect vegetation function in mountainous terrain. The ultimate goal is to improve our knowledge of how changes in land-use and/or climate will affect water resources and ecosystems. Our interdisciplinary research uses state-of-the-art techniques to reveal patterns and processes at scales ranging from the leaf to the watershed.
Holly Barnard
Director
Karla Jarecke
Postdoc
Jennifer Pensky
Postdoc
Theo Kuhn
Grad student
Christopher McNabb
Grad student
Rahila Yilangai
Grad student
Contact
Holly Barnard Phone:303 735-7062
Blog headlines
- Holly Barnard recieves awards from Boulder Faculty Assembly and the A&S Diversity Committee
- February 2021: New publications
- Congratulations Dr. Andrew Birch!
- November 2020: New publication
Research
The links between streamflow and forests are poorly understood. Processes operating in the hydrosphere, biosphere, and geosphere interact at multiple scales to determine the structure, function and health of terrestrial ecosystems. Although numerous studies have examined soil hydrologic processes, vegetation function, and micro-climate independently, investigating the feedbacks among these core areas has only recently become a research priority. Fundamental questions of forests' effect on the hydrologic cycle remain unanswered: At what depth do trees access soil moisture? To what extent does transpiration affect streamflow? Why do some vegetation processes seem tightly coupled to climate, whereas, streamflow dynamics are dominated by threshold behavior? Detailed process-based studies that explore the interface between plant physiological function and watershed flowpaths and dynamics have not widely been attempted. However, these studies are fundamental to how the subsurface reservoir is viewed by hydrologists and ecologists alike. The CU Ecohydrology lab investigates the links between forests, soil water, and streamflow in a water resources context. We use field sampling, stable isotope techniques, and spatial modeling to advance our ecohydrological understanding.
Services
The Ecohydrology Lab offers stable isotope analysis of2H and18O using the PICARRO L2120-i. The PICARRO L2120-i provides simultaneous, high precision2H and18O measurements. Dr. Holly Barnard oversees the instrument and its operations. We use Picarro's ChemCorrect™ software to identify and quantify organic contamination in extracted plant and soil samples. In the future, we plan to add a microcombustion module for samples with high organic content.
Contact Dr. Barnardprior to mailing and submitting samples. All samples are required to be filtered prior to analysis to maintain instrument performance. If filtering is a problem due to small sample size, we can discuss. The Ecohydrology lab is not responsible for samples that are broken in the mail during shipping to the lab. CU-Boulder students with a small number of pilot project samples should contact Dr. Barnard about student discounts.
Price
$10.50/sample at the off-campus rate (USD)
2H and18O (‰) measured on thePicarro L2120-i
J. Romero and R. Feist (Colorado School of Mines graduate student) record data from their "geophysics tree."
How to join
The Barnard Ecohydrology lab is always looking for well-qualified, enthusiastic students to join our group.
Undergraduates interested in research experience or potential senior projects should contact Dr. Barnard.
Prospective graduate students should examine the current publications and lab webpage to determine if the Ecohydrology Lab has interests compatible with their own. Potential graduate students are encouraged to contact Dr. Barnard in advance of applying to the department to discuss research projects and funding opportunities.
Participation of underrepresented and underserved groups
Our lab supports broadening participation of underrepresented and underserved groups in science. Dr. Barnard serves as a science mentor for the NSF-funded UNAVCO Research Experience in Solid Earth Science for ֲý () and as a program and meeting mentor for the Minorities Striving and Pursuing Higher Degrees (s) program.
Image: B. Skeets (RESESS Intern & Research Assistant) extracts water from soil and xylem samples using cryogenic vacuum distillation line.
Anti-racism and anti-discrimination resources
The INSTAAR Ecohydrology Lab is committed to creating a program that feels inclusive and supportive for people from all backgrounds and identities. Our lab want to help every member of INSTAAR find a support network that feels right for them/her/him. Our lab works in collaboration with the INSTAAR J.E.D.I. Task Force to advance departmental diversity and inclusion efforts. It is our responsibility to educate ourselves about diversity issues in STEM, and to learn how best to combat bias and prejudice and to promote social equality.
Lab outreach
Education extends beyond the classroom and laboratory. The Ecohydrology group is committed to promoting science and engaging with students to expand their growth and opportunities. We engage with K-12 students, undergraduates and greater community.
T. Meyer installs sapflow sensors at the Niwot Ridge LTER.
Soil and foliage samples collected for isotopic analysis.