Plain English Summary

This short paper published in the Mountain Research Initiative newsletter gives a basic overview of research initiatives at the Southern Sierra Critical Zone Observatory. One of 6 sites in a national network, the Southern Sierra CZO is delving into the climate, hydrology, geology, and ecology of the western slope of the Sierra Nevada. All of these aspects influence soil development and the use of water by the forest, and have greater implications for water availability and quality in the larger region. Future research will focus on an elevational gradient spanning more than 2000 meters from the foothills to the high subalpine forests.

Abstract

The Southern Sierra Critical Zone Observatory (CZO) was initiated in 2007, one of 3 CZOs funded by NSF to integrate investigations of subsurface processes, landscape processes, and land surface–atmosphere interactions.

Citation

Hartsough, P.C., and Meadows, M.W. (2012): Critical Zone Observatory: Snowline Processes in the Southern Sierra Nevada. Mountain Research Initiative Newsletter no. 7, November 2012.

This Paper/Book acknowledges NSF CZO grant support.