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  The connections between water resources and economic, ecologic, and policy issues are critically relevant in the western U.S. With climate change, Idaho can expect variations in both surface water and groundwater supplies.
 
  
Welcome to Idaho Climate Change

The connections between water resources and hydrologic, ecologic, and economic and policy issues are critical and highly relevant across the United States, and have particular relevance to the western U.S. Concerns over the availability of water are exacerbated by projections that demand will intensify in the near future due to climate change. The National Research Council (2004) cautions that our current understanding, and therefore our nation's ability to predict future change, is limited in part because of the non-integrative nature of most prior research.

Idaho, through its NSF EPSCoR program, will improve the statewide research infrastructure for understanding the effects of climate change on water resources in our region and the impact of these effects of ecological, human and economic systems. For more information, see a draft summary of the Strategic Plan, or contact epscor@uidaho.edu to request a copy of the strategic plan.

stream monitoring

PROJECT OVERVIEW:   The focus of this project is to address basic research questions about potential effects of climate change on Idaho's hydrology. Changes in hydrology have broader implications, as projected changes in the timing and magnitude of stream flows will affect ecosystems in sensitive areas. In addition, Idaho's economy is strongly tied to water resources. Achieving scientific understanding through an integrated research effort will contribute to the development of Idaho's core research competencies, benefit Idaho's citizens and decision makers, and wil have broader applications throughout the U.S.

PROJECT GOALS:  Idaho EPSCoR will build statewide infrastructure to support research that addresses vital issues regarding the impact of climatic change on Idaho’s water resources. Specifically, this Research Infrastructure Improvement grant will:
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  • Provide strategic programs and opportunities for EPSCoR participants that stimulate sustainable improvements in their R&D capacity and competitiveness.
  • Stimulate advances in science and engineering capabilities in Idaho for discovery, innovation, and overall knowledge-based prosperity.
  • Increase access to enhanced science and mathematics learning opportunities for all students.
  • Leverage Idaho research activities with a nationally recognized regional center in climate change research.
  • Fill a critical niche in hydrology by understanding the nexus between surface flow and groundwater.
  • Support complementary field studies on a highly managed river system and a relatively unmanaged system (see map).
  • Establish fully-engaged external collaborations.
  • Enhance outreach activities and learning experiences.


RESEARCH SITES:  Idaho is a "natural laboratory" of national significance:

  • Snake River Plain
    • highly managed system
    • heavily influenced by human activity
  • Salmon River Basin
    • less managed system
    • considered pristine
  • INL Plant-Community Plots
  • Reynolds Creek Experimental Watershed

EPSCoR will support development in 3 areas:


 
         
junk INL plant-community plots Reynolds Creek Experimental Watershed Snake River Plain Salmon River Basin