Snow, Ice & Water Research

Snow, ice, and water form vital components of ecosystems and are at the center of some of the most important issues facing communities around the world. Snow and glaciers form the headwaters of many of the world's major rivers, and these river systems help sustain healthy ecosystems, supply water for human use, and play a critical role in many types of hazards. Polar ice sheets and mountain glaciers provide critical archives of past climate change, and changes in these icy systems contribute significantly to sea level rise. ESS faculty and students study ice sheet and glacier responses to climate, the water supply and storage role of seasonal snowpack and mountain glaciers, and how changes in snow and ice impact water supply and water quality. Downstream of these montane landscapes, ESS faculty and students study the effects of water infrastructure and water regulation on ecosystem dynamics that support aquatic and riparian biota, contributing to best practices for the restoration of aquatic and terrestrial habitats and management of urban stormwater.