Sigma Xi Poster Competition
Analyzing the Impact of Restorative Forest Practices on Land Surface Temperature and Evapotranspiration in the North Yuba River Watershed Using ECOSTRESS
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Earth and Environmental Sciences; Geology
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Bassil El Masri
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
This study aims to analyze the impact of restorative forest practices on land surface temperature (LST) and evapotranspiration (ET) in the North Yuba River Watershed, located in the Tahoe National Forest, California. This fire-prone landscape has been undergoing restoration efforts, supported by the Blue Forest Conservation's Forest Resilience Bond (FRB). These efforts aim to reduce erosion, mitigate floods, sequester carbon, and strengthen community resilience. To measure success of their restoration efforts, LST and ET can be critical indicators of forest health. Using remote sensing data from NASA's ECOSTRESS, this project will evaluate LST and ET variations in the watershed since the restoration efforts began in 2019. In addition to this evaluation, a comparison of recent conditions of a nearby mature forest will be conducted. By using these parameters, this research aims to evaluate whether these restoration practices lead to observable improvements in the watershed. It is hypothesized that restoration efforts will lead to decreased LST and increased ET, reflecting improvements in forest health and resilience. This research is significant for evaluating those restoration efforts to understand our effect on the health and resilience of our forest. The use of remote sensing monitoring for these efforts is essential for improving future restorative projects and the long term sustainability of our forest ecosystems.
Spring Scholars Week 2025
Sigma Xi Poster Competition
Analyzing the Impact of Restorative Forest Practices on Land Surface Temperature and Evapotranspiration in the North Yuba River Watershed Using ECOSTRESS
This study aims to analyze the impact of restorative forest practices on land surface temperature (LST) and evapotranspiration (ET) in the North Yuba River Watershed, located in the Tahoe National Forest, California. This fire-prone landscape has been undergoing restoration efforts, supported by the Blue Forest Conservation's Forest Resilience Bond (FRB). These efforts aim to reduce erosion, mitigate floods, sequester carbon, and strengthen community resilience. To measure success of their restoration efforts, LST and ET can be critical indicators of forest health. Using remote sensing data from NASA's ECOSTRESS, this project will evaluate LST and ET variations in the watershed since the restoration efforts began in 2019. In addition to this evaluation, a comparison of recent conditions of a nearby mature forest will be conducted. By using these parameters, this research aims to evaluate whether these restoration practices lead to observable improvements in the watershed. It is hypothesized that restoration efforts will lead to decreased LST and increased ET, reflecting improvements in forest health and resilience. This research is significant for evaluating those restoration efforts to understand our effect on the health and resilience of our forest. The use of remote sensing monitoring for these efforts is essential for improving future restorative projects and the long term sustainability of our forest ecosystems.