Forest Disturbance Effects on Hydro-Geomorphic Processes in Large Watersheds

In the last few decades, forest practices, beetle kill and wildfires have created forest disturbances in large watersheds across Canada, at a rate and severity greater than what has occurred historically. These disturbances can dramatically impact rivers by changing the timing and magnitude of high flows and by influencing river-bank erosion and the ability of streams to transport and deposit sediment. Most experiments on the topic are performed in small watersheds, and so their outcomes may not accurately represent what is happening at larger scales. This project combines field work, large-scale streamflow and sediment transport models and cutting-edge technologies (e.g., satellite imagery and Lidar) to understand the cause-effect relationship between forest disturbances and their effect on flow and sediment transport in large watersheds. The outcomes of this study can be used to better guide forest management to protect water quality, fish habitats, and downstream communities and infrastructure against flooding.

Faculty Supervisor:

Younes Alila;Marwan Hassan

Student:

Joe Xu Jian Yu;Robbie Johnson;David Puhl;Kabir Rasouli;Elli Papangelakis

Partner:

Watershed Watch Salmon Society

Discipline:

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

University of British Columbia

Program: