LOUIS GRAUP

It only took me 4 years, but I finally published the first chapter of my dissertation! In this paper, I delve into the nitty-gritty of modeling hillslope ecohydrology, comparing upslope and riparian forests response to snow drought. What is snow drought? You’ll have to read the paper to find out! But don’t worry, there’s a plain language summary if it’s too much (and I’ll admit, it’s a lot…).

So as not to bore you, I’ll be brief. For my PhD research, I am investigating beautiful Sagehen Creek Experimental Watershed in the Sierra Nevada, CA – a prime study site for long-term data collection and forest experiments. Located near Truckee, CA, in the Tahoe National Forest, it’s managed by the US Forest Service but has been a UC Natural Reserve for over 50 years. I am taking advantage of an experimental hillslope where sap flow data has been collected from Jeffrey, Ponderosa and Lodgepole Pine trees along a topographic gradient, from the cool, wet riparian areas to the warm, dry upslope areas. This allows us to estimate the timing of tree water stress, which varies along the hillslope by up to 45 days between the upslope and riparian areas due to tree’s access to groundwater. Using this information, I calibrate my ecohydrologic model and run virtual climate experiments to consider how the loss of the snowpack will affect future water stress at this site. The results may surprise you!