Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences

Brian Ebel
CIRES Visiting Fellow
2012-2013

Post-doc
Ph.D., Stanford University
Professional website

Project: From ridgetops to rivers: Advancing understanding of hydrologically driven sediment transport following wildfire

Brian Ebel is working with Greg Tucker’s group to investigate the water-driven transport of sediment following wildfire. The principal field site is the 2010 Fourmile Canyon Fire outside of Boulder, Colo. Wildfire is one of the most significant disturbances in mountainous landscapes and commonly leads to major sediment loads into streams, Ebel says. These enhanced sediment loads impact stream ecology and the built environment. “I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to improve our understanding and predictive capability of natural hazards such as flash floods and debris flows,” Ebel says.

Along with being a good place for studying wildfires and hydrology, “Colorado is the ideal playground for my interests in backcountry skiing, fly fishing, and hiking,” he says. “Boulder also has a fantastic pottery facility with great instructors, which is a true gem.”

Sponsor: Greg Tucker