Research
In a Boulder Reporting Lab op ed, Nancy Emery argues for the importance of the Niwot Ridge Long-Term Ecological Research Program. With over 45 years of uninterrupted data, scientists at Niwot Ridge provide unmatched data and insights into changing alpine ecosystems.
New INSTAAR faculty Zhi Li chats with CU Boulder Today about flood modeling research. He explains why current flood warnings can leave communities unprepared — and how high-resolution forecasting and better risk communication could save lives.
In an op ed in the Nepali Times, Alton Byers outlines his work with a remote Himalayan community to identify a potentially dangerous glacial lake. Byers recommends management actions both locally and regionally.
Bella Olesky and others in INSTAAR's mountain limnology lab are saddling up pack mules to investigate the causes of algal blooms in remote alpine lakes. Their results will help land managers understand and support these fragile and complex ecosystems.
A report from INSTAAR's mountain hydrology group in collaboration with federal agencies reveals rapid spring snowmelt across the Mountain West in 2025. The analyses forecast potential drought conditions in the coming months, especially in the Pacific Northwest.
Rock glaciers everywhere — at least in the Colorado Rockies. New research from Robert and Suzanne Anderson investigates how they formed, and what benefits they might provide for alpine ecosystems.
Grassland fires are becoming more frequent and more dangerous across the country. Ecologist Katharine Suding has spent her career understanding the ecosystems that produce them. She shares insights in a Q&A.
Robert Brakenridge has spent decades trying to understand how distant exploding stars may have affected Earth’s atmosphere in the past. A new analysis indicates the need for continued research in the field.
Alton Byers and his coauthors identify dangerous glacial melt in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area in a new paper. The researchers model potential flood scenarios and suggest mitigation measures.
A new investigation, led by INSTAAR affiliate David Harning, uncovers a story of ecosystem resilience at a lake in coastal Iceland. The analysis could aid future conservation and climate modeling efforts.