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Current and Past
- Watershed modeling and tree rings:
We are applying a watershed model with tree-ring derived precipitation
to understand uncertainty of paleo reconstructions and the influence of
landscape change on streamflows.
- HSPF modeling to predict changes in
nitrogen uptake and nitrogen assimilative capacity due to Truckee River restoration at McCarran Ranch
- Wetland modeling for investigation of reduction
of nutrient loading and impacts of mercury contamination from nonpoint
source pollution through wetland management, Steamboat Creek Watershed,
Nevada
- Thermal modeling of Blue Mesa Reservoir using CE-THERM under drought conditions {Previous Work}
-
Update of Lake Shasta CE-QUAL-W2
model: The bathymetry of
Shasta Lake was re-measured and CE-QUAL-W2 model has also been updated by
the Corps of Engineers. Because both the model version
and the bathymetry changed, the existing model application for Shasta Lake
needed to be updated and checked for validity of water quality
predictions. {Previous
Work}
- Evaluation of
contaminant spill model on the Truckee
River: Using
data from a 1997 U.S. Geological Survey dye study on the Truckee River, we
calibrated and validated a spill model. This model was used to assess surface water spill
concentration and timing in the Truckee River at water treatment plant
intakes.
- Synthesis documents on infrastructure integrity: We compiled
and synthesized information on past, on-going, and proposed future research
on water supply infrastructure integrity, condition assessment,
prioritization, and rehabilitation or replacement. A survey was been
conducted of water supply agencies on their infrastructure integrity
management activities, issues, and needs. The study included 17
participating utilities and was sponsored by the American Water Works
Association Research Foundation.
- Eutrophication of reservoirs on the Colorado Front Range: This
project involved assessing the water quality and trophic state of
drinking water reservoirs along the Colorado Front Range. The
one-year project was sponsored by the Colorado Water Resources
Research Institute and several municipalities, the Northern Colorado
Water Conservancy District, and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
A survey of the physical conditions, monitoring programs, and water
management issues was conducted to develop a database that was used to assess the similarities and differences between the
reservoirs, and also to determine what knowledge gaps exist to
understand the dynamics in the reservoirs. The study also
examined potential areas for regional management of the reservoirs.
- Estimating land-based sources of oil in the sea: We investigated contributions of oil pollution to marine environments
through land-based sources such as urban runoff and municipal and
industrial discharges. This data will became part of the
National Research Council's white paper on oil in the sea. See
http://www.unr.edu/nevadanews/templates/?a=283&z=0
and
Oil
in the Sea
- Thermal modeling at Blue Mesa Reservoir: We
used the
one-dimensional model CE-THERM to evaluate the relative importance of
reservoir operations and climate on reservoir thermal conditions.
New operations are being implemented at Blue Mesa to generate
downstream spring hydrographs for threatened and endangered fish in
the Upper Colorado River. The thermal modeling, in conjunction
with ecological models, predicted physical and biological responses
in the reservoir to the new dam operations. {Updated
Work}
- Interdisciplinary modeling at Shasta Lake: My dissertation
research involved interdisciplinary modeling to assess the effects of
a recently installed temperature control device (TCD) at Shasta Lake
in northern California. A hydrodynamic and water quality model,
CE-QUAL-W2 (W2), was used to model water temperature, nutrients, and
phytoplankton. I calibrated the W2 model for water temperature
predictions, and linked the water temperature output with a fish
bioenergetics model to predict thermal pattern effects on fish scope
for growth. I also used phytoplankton production predictions
from W2 with a food web-energy transfer model that was developed using
stable isotope analysis to investigate effects of primary productivity
changes due to TCD operations on reservoir fish growth potential.
To develop the food web-energy transfer model, I designed and
implemented a fish sampling effort that involved electrofishing, gill
netting, and trap netting at four locations in the reservoir.
{Updated Work}
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