The Forest Beneath Our Feet: Understanding how the Subsurface Shapes Streamflow

Dr. David Dralle’s presentation focuses on how river water originates from the Critical Zone, Earth's near-surface layer from soil down to fresh bedrock. The structure of the Critical Zone affects water storage and release and is therefore vital for understanding tree water availability (and drought stress) and streamflow generation. The presentation also highlights case studies that elucidate how the subsurface impacts water quantity and quality in the salmon-supporting watersheds of California's North Coast, and snowmelt runoff in the Sierra Nevada. Dr. Dralle's findings are currently being integrated into watershed restoration strategies throughout the Eel River watershed, and could be integrated into water supply forecasting methods used by water resources management agencies.