My research interests are in snow and ice hydrology and especially in the measurement of snow and ice from Earth observing remote sensing instruments. This research focuses on the use of active and passive remote sensing sensors to estimate global water storage in seasonal snowpacks. I am also interested in how in situ measurement strategies can be deployed to support remote sensing observations and numerical hydrologic models of snow. I have conducted field work in several parts of the world (N. America, Europe and Asia) to support these activities.
These research interests relate to substantial questions concerning how the cryosphere is responding to global environmental change. In many places, seasonal snowmelt makes a significant contribution to the annual water budget. Quantifying regional snow water storage is crucial for effective water resource management. With global environmental change, we are starting to observe changes to seasonal snow dynamics that will affect people in many parts of the world. Fundamental accurate observations and measurements of the cryosphere, therefore, are critical to help better understand changes to the cryosphere and more efficiently manage snow dominated water resource.
