Water cycles are an unseen but crucial part of Idaho’s ecological system. Continuing the conversation with Dr. Hicke, Sarah Newcomb helps us understand why water and fire are intricately connected, and how those geological and ecological mechanisms that connect them are now being disrupted with climate change. Through this new series, Jessa and Emma would like to inform their listeners about wildfire and water trends in Idaho, and also look into how scientists in and around Idaho are responding to climate change.
Sarah’s graduate profile explains her academic interests: I'm interested in how climate change is impacting water resources across the Western United States. Specifically, my research aims to characterize how nonperennial headwater streams respond to drought and the role of plant water use, groundwater age, and precipitation phase in either exacerbating or buffering this response.
For comments, topic suggestions, or more information, please reach out to Jessa at jessabriggs@isu.edu and Emma at thacemma@isu.edu.
