Incorporating watershed storage, hydrologic connectivity, and the natural flow regime into water resource management

Managing water resources continues to be one of society's grand challenges. Our water resources play a critical role in human health, agriculture and energy production, and ecosystem function. In this seminar, we will focus on managing river corridors to promote ecosystem function. More specifically, we will examine how upstream processes (i.e., watershed storage and hydrologic connectivity) impact downstream function. To do this, we will use three case studies that span gradients in hydrologic connectivity: (i) headwater wetlands, (ii) non-perennial streams, and (iii) riverine floodplains. In each of these case studies, we will examine hierarchical controls on hydrologic variability and cascading ecosystem functions. Moreover, each case study will address challenges across research, regulatory, and management communities. Finally, we will end with a discussion on opportunities to further integrate catchment hydrology, ecosystem science, and water resource management.

Speaker: Nate Jones, University of Alabama