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Research Objectives:
This project is the flow, sediment transport, and productivity of streams component of McMurdo LTER. The researchers will continue to operate a network of 15 stream flow gauges, collect water quality samples from 30 streams, and make hydrologic measurements. Most of the work will take place in the Taylor and Wright Valleys and project team members will also visit the Garwood, Marshall, and Miers Valleys. Investigators will work with Tony Hansen and his group (O-314) to install a Transportable Autonomous Instrumentation Support Unit (TAISU) at the Onyx River gage near Lake Vanda. This unit provides remote monitoring of stream flow, temperature, and conductivity data. Remote monitoring enables researchers to more effectively schedule site visits when gauge equipment is malfunctioning so as to minimize data loss. Similarly, scheduling site visits during times of high flow enables the field team to obtain more independent flow measurements.
Team members will also attempt to repair and operate an existing stream gauge at Santa Fe Stream in the Lake Bonney basin. The gauge at Santa Fe will be updated to a sonic sensor and a stilling well to record stage height. They will also continue hyporheic zone thermal budget modeling investigations.
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