PhD Research
Understanding snowpack dynamics in Jemez mountains of NM using SnowModel
The liquid water content (LWC) in snow influences the radar backscatter properties used for microwave remote sensing-based retrievals of snow water equivalent. This study builds on the UAVSAR dataset from NASA SnowEx 2020 campaign in the Jemez mountains of New Mexico by integrating spatially distributed LWC simulations using a physically based and spatially distributed SnowModel to examine interconnections between snowpack LWC, canopy cover, and radar incidence angle. (Manuscript in preparation)
L-Band InSAR global feasibility map for SWE retrieval
Mountain snowpacks provide vital water resources for communities in the western U.S. (WUS), but high variability creates a challenging problem for accurate measurement of snow water equivalent (SWE) from remote sensing platforms. Studies using repeat airborne L-band (~25 cm wavelength) Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) have demonstrated sensitivity to forest cover fraction (FCF), liquid water content, and incidence angle. We use these factors to map feasibility of L-band InSAR for ΔSWE retrievals in major mountain ecoregions of WUS. We found feasibility declines from ~65% on 1 February, to 58% on 1 March, and 30% on 1 April, corresponding to 73%, 70%, and 49% of total SWE volume, respectively. Thus, these feasibility maps provide groundwork for future InSAR snow studies using satellite data from missions such as NISAR to refine work based on regional conditions and hence improve ΔSWE retrievals globally. (Manuscript submitted to journal)
Masters Research
Cover crop effects on X-ray computed tomography–derived soil pore characteristics
This study aimed to compare the effects of cover crops (CC) and no cover crops (NC) on soil macropore characteristics in strip-tillage cotton fields. Using high-resolution X-ray CT scanning, the results showed that cover crops increased soil porosity and pore number density in the topsoil. Additionally, deeper subsurface layers under CC had higher connection probability, indicating potential influence on subsurface flow pathways. These findings suggest that cover crop roots play a significant role in shaping soil pore structures, which can impact water and contaminant transport. Link to the published article
Characterization of soil pores in strip-tilled and conventionally-tilled soil using X-ray computed tomography
This study investigated the effects of conventional tillage (CT) vs. strip tillage (ST) on soil pore characteristics across two seasons. Soil cores collected from cotton fields were analyzed using X-ray computed tomography. The results showed that ST had significantly higher macroporosity, network density, and pore connectivity compared to CT in the first season, likely due to less soil disturbance. However, in both tillage systems, pore properties decreased significantly in the second season due to soil reconsolidation from rainfall. The findings highlight how tillage practices and seasonal changes influence soil pore morphology and its potential impact on contaminant transport. Link to the published article
Effect of Image Resolution and Soil Core Size on Soil Pore Characteristics
This study aimed to compare the effects of CT scanning resolution and soil core size on detected soil pore properties. Cylindrical soil cores of different diameters (76 mm and 150 mm) were collected from a cotton field under conventional and strip tillage in two seasons. Results showed that higher resolution scanning revealed more isolated pores with greater anisotropy, while smaller core diameters detected fewer pores but had greater pore connectivity. Significant differences were observed mainly in conventional tillage cores from season 2. The findings highlight the tradeoff between resolution, field of view, and core size, emphasizing the importance of aligning sampling methods with research objectives.Link to the published article