Hydrologic Observatory

Related Links

CLEANER—Collaborative Large-scale Engineering Analysis Network for Environmental Research
CZEN—Critical Zone Exploration Network
NCED—National Center for Earth-surface Dynamics
SAHRA—Sustainability of semi-Arid Hydrology and Riparian Areas
Hydrologic Observatory Prospectus List—an archival listing

• Background—Observatory Development

Since the beginning of 2006, observatory development has focused on integrating activities among the various environmental disciplines interested in water-oriented observatories.

Earth Science

Discussions have been held with the Critical Zone Exploration Network (CZEN) of the Weathering System Science Consortium, and the National Center for Earth-surface Dynamics (NCED) about how to synergistically work as surface-earth disciplines. This more holistic study of the surface earth system could also raise the profile of our science. An informal presentation was made to the National Science Foundation (NSF) in early June about these discussions. Elements of the CZEN design and CUAHSI observatory design are complementary and are informed by NCED's experience at its San Angelo site. The release of the Critical Zone Observatories solicitation by NSF is consistent with a vision of observatories for all surface earth sciences.

Environmental Engineering

From CUAHSI's water-oriented observatory perspective, this discussion complements and augments the formal development of a Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction (MREFC) initiative with the Environmental Engineering community, the WATer and Engineering Research System network (WATERS network). This development effort has gained momentum in the first half of 2006. CLEANER has completed its community workshops and is finalizing a series of reports from them. CUAHSI has a draft science plan from its Science Advisory Team. A joint CUAHSI/CLEANER committee is developing a conceptual plan for the WATERS network that will be released in early 2007.

The first tangible result of this collaboration is the recommendation of eleven proposals for awards as WATERS test bed sites. These two-year projects, which began in the Fall of 2006, will examine various aspects of observatories such as development of digital observatories, sensor network deployment, and data distribution. CUAHSI will assist in coordinating these projects and will be distributing results to the community.