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.

Contact

Holly Barnard     Phone: 303 735-7062

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 of ²H and ¹⁸O using the PICARRO L2120-i. The PICARRO L2120-i provides simultaneous, high precision ²H and ¹⁸O 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. Barnard prior 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 and ¹⁸O (‰) measured on the Picarro L2120-i

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

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.