Research
Bella Olesky and others in INSTAAR's mountain limnology lab are saddling up pack mules to investigate the causes of algal blooms in remote alpine lakes. Their results will help land managers understand and support these fragile and complex ecosystems.
A report from INSTAAR's mountain hydrology group in collaboration with federal agencies reveals rapid spring snowmelt across the Mountain West in 2025. The analyses forecast potential drought conditions in the coming months, especially in the Pacific Northwest.
Rock glaciers everywhere — at least in the Colorado Rockies. New research from Robert and Suzanne Anderson investigates how they formed, and what benefits they might provide for alpine ecosystems.
Grassland fires are becoming more frequent and more dangerous across the country. Ecologist Katharine Suding has spent her career understanding the ecosystems that produce them. She shares insights in a Q&A.
Robert Brakenridge has spent decades trying to understand how distant exploding stars may have affected Earth’s atmosphere in the past. A new analysis indicates the need for continued research in the field.
Alton Byers and his coauthors identify dangerous glacial melt in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area in a new paper. The researchers model potential flood scenarios and suggest mitigation measures.
A new investigation, led by INSTAAR affiliate David Harning, uncovers a story of ecosystem resilience at a lake in coastal Iceland. The analysis could aid future conservation and climate modeling efforts.
The Boulder Apple Tree Project, led by INSTAAR fellow Katharine Suding, has broken ground on a new apple orchard on 30th Street in Boulder. The orchard will provide shade, fruit and a site for agroecology research. It is supported by a $90,000 sustainable Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØgrant.
INSTAAR alum Paul Brooks led this study, which found that more of the Rocky Mountain spring runoff comes from groundwater than previously thought. The results could help water managers, cities and farmers. INSTAAR faculty Holly Barnard is a coauthor.
A team of 54 researchers, including Sarah Elmendorf, analyzed more than 42,000 field records of Arctic plant communities over a span of 41 years. Their insights are essential to understanding how Arctic environments are changing in the modern era.