Dr. F. Richard Hauer

Research

Research Interests

Current Research

Photo	Description	Link
	Biocomplexity FLBS colleagues recently received a NSF grant (2001-2004) titled "BIOCOMPLEXITY -DYNAMIC CONTROLS ON EMERGENT PROPERTIES OF RIVER FLOOD PLAINS" The fundamental concept of this biocomplexity proposal is that alluvial flood plains are regional centers of ecological organization, owing to dynamic, non-linear processes linking water and materials (including biota) flux and retention (surface and subsurface) to interactive landscape-forming processes. Specifically, the key processes are cut and fill alluviation, channel avulsion and production and entrainment of LW (large wood). Groundwater routing through the flood plain and upwelling back to the surface mainly involves penetration of river water into zones of high hydraulic conductivity (paleochannels) created by the legacy of channel scour and fill. The strong interaction between short-duration, high stream-power floods, channel movement, increased roughness due to live and dead wood and upwelling of groundwater creates a complex, dynamic array of resource patches and interfaces, which we refer to as the shifting habitat mosaic. This mosaic allows many species to co-exist in the flood plain landscape (biodiversity hotspots). We expect that biophysical linkages to the shifting habitat mosaic and its drivers determine flux and storage of heat, oxygen, carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus. Important modifiers of system dynamics include drought, wildfire, flow and geomorphic regulation (dams and revetments) and invasions of nonnative species.	Full Description
	Effects of climate change on hydrologic systems and associated biota The purpose of this research is to examine the effects of hydrologic and thermal change in alpine and subalpine streams and associated wetlands in McDonald Creek watershed, Glacier National Park. During the past seven years we have contributed significantly to the ecological understanding of the stream continuum along the elevation gradient of this drainage (e.g., Hauer et al. 1997, Fagre et al. 1997, Hauer et al. 1998, Tabbachi et al. 1998, Lowe and Hauer 1999, Hauer et al 2000). The foundation of this understanding includes detailed hydrologic and thermal monitoring, repeated measures of nutrient concentrations and carbon dynamics, and the distribution and abundance of stream fauna.	Full Description
	Hydrogeomorphology (HGM) of Wetland Structure and Function During the past several decades, the scientific community, publics and government agencies have become aware of the important role wetlands play in maintaining environmental quality and biotic diversity. This has led to a societal emphasis on wetland stewardship and management reflected by increased funding for wetland research and the passage of federal, state and local laws and ordinances designed to regulate [and minimize] environmental impacts to wetlands.	Full Description
	Regulated River Ecology Few changes in the longitudinal dimension of a river have greater effect than those imposed by dams. Most major rivers of North America have been dramatically altered over the past century by the construction of dams. The dam-building legacy has left most of the major river systems throughout the United States, and to a lesser extent Canada, with few free-flowing river systems greater than 4-5th order; a condition, incidentally, replete throughout western Europe. High-head, hydropower dams have had profound affects on thermal regimes of rivers throughout North America, particularly in the Pacific Northwest where hypolimnion release is prevalent among dams draining deep reservoirs. Thermal effects on river tailwaters among mid-reach dams may extend tens of kilometers downstream influencing productivity and community composition. Indeed the effects of dams on hydrologic regimes, thermal regimes, nutrient dynamics, sediment transport, and movement of organisms are profound. This topic has been central to the research efforts at FLBS for over 25 years and will continue to be an integral part of my research program. These research efforts have taken us throughout the Rocky Mountain west, central Asia and Europe.	Full Description