Rethinking the water cycle in the Anthropocene

Humans are altering hydrologic processes in myriad ways, both directly – through infrastructure and extractions – and indirectly through climate change. Using a combination of data from in situ observations and the VIC hydrologic model, we quantify the relative direct and indirect impacts to the water cycle compared to the magnitude of the underlying “natural” water cycle across the United States, with the intention to extend the research over Canada. In addition, we develop a framework for assessing how far they propagate through the river network as a prototype for thinking about how anthropogenic impacts propagate through the earth system.

Bio:
Dr. Tara Troy is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Victoria. Her research focuses on sustainable water resources, water use and infrastructure, hydrologic processes, the hydrologic impacts of climate change and flood processes.