Multi-source analysis of river networks and connectivity across scales

Paola Passalacqua, Associate Professor, Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin

Abstract: In the analysis of Earth-surface processes and response to changes in forcings and anthropogenic modifications, we are often challenged by the wide range of spatial and temporal scales that are involved and need to be accounted for. This is a challenge for numerical modeling as well and for collecting field observations representative of the system of interest across scales. The integration of remotely sensed data can help in this regard, as these data offer information at global scales and their spatial and temporal resolutions keep increasing. In this talk, I will focus on river systems and cover examples in which remotely sensed observations, numerical modeling, and field observations are integrated to gain a deeper understanding of system functioning and response to future changes. I will also discuss challenges we still face either due to missing information or lack of tools for data analysis and opportunities for future research.

About the Speaker: Paola Passalacqua is an Associate Professor of Environmental and Water Resources Engineering, in the Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. She graduated from the University of Genoa, Italy, with a BS (2002) in Environmental Engineering, and received a MS (2005) and a PhD (2009) in Civil Engineering from the University of Minnesota. Her research interests include network analysis and dynamics of hydrologic and environmental transport on river networks and deltaic systems, lidar and satellite imagery analysis, multi-scale analysis of hydrological processes, and quantitative analysis and modeling of landscape forming processes.