A Tale of Three Rivers
Through application of digital technologies that support monitoring and visualization of ecosystem dynamics, we aim to further understanding and communication of river science. Research activities highlight ecological themes within and across three river systems—the Platte in Nebraska and Middle Rio Grande and Gila in New Mexico. We use multimodal tools to observe, record, analyze, create, and make meaning of these watersheds.
Tools we use
Compressing time into a shortened view-able format, time-lapse is an effective method for documenting change at more frequent intervals.
We are recording sounds of the three river systems to capture the soundscape — a combination of geophony (environmental sounds like rain and wind), biophony (biological sounds such as birds or insects), and anthrophony (human made sounds including cars or people).
We locate and retake historical imagery to compare and observe watershed changes, using a technique to recapture a photograph of the same location and point-of-view at different times.
We create representations of information, including hydrologic and environmental data and landscape and wildlife dynamics through graphics, maps, and charts to observe patterns, change, or trends.
We use GIS, a framework for observing, analyzing, and understanding spatial information regarding watersheds, river systems, urban structure, habitats, human populations, and landuse/landcover characteristics.
To communicate the value of place and water, we use stories to connect people with rivers. The power of words ties together and gives deeper context to our understanding of watersheds.
Central Platte, Nebraska
Once a wide, shallow, braided prairie river, the floodplain of the Platte has changed drastically. The watershed supports a powerhouse of agriculture as well as important habitat, endangered species, and numerous other wildlife.
Middle Rio Grande,
New Mexico
This urban stretch of river brings life-giving water to a semi-arid and populated region. A diversity of people and animals rely on the river and the riparian bosque.
Upper Gila,
New mexico
One of the last remaining free-flowing rivers of the Southwest, the Gila supports agriculture and diverse rural populations. The dynamic floodplain creates a mosaic of habitat, which is important for a diversity of flora and fauna.
Funding This material is based upon work supported in part by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (OIA 1833020), the Rural Futures Institute of the University of Nebraska, and the University of Nebraska Collaboration Initiative. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.