Clear Creek Environmental Hydrologic Observatory: From Vision Toward Reality

University Of Iowa, Iowa City IA

Investigators

Abstract

0607262 Just This project will develop the software "glue" to link together existing sensors, computer hardware, software, and models at the University of Iowa to achieve an integrated system for a prototype environmental observatory called the "Clear Creek Environmental Hydrologic Observatory" (CCEHO). Using this system, an interdisciplinary team of environmental engineers, hydrologists, aquatic scientists, and computer specialists subsequently will operate CCEHO and evaluate whether it really is possible to integrate the various technologies (e.g., wireless sensors, relational databases, existing instruments, models, and Web-based tools for collaboration) in an end-to-end system that furthers scientific investigation in environmental science. The CCEHO will be used to identify and improve understanding of processes influencing water, sediment, and phosphorus transport at the hillslope scale in the agricultural setting of Iowa, which has some of the highest soil erosion rates in the nation. The PIs will integrate an array of outreach and education activities with their science plan. This project is one of the suite of test-bed projects to develop enabling technologies for the WATERS Network, a distributed environmental observatory initiative of NSF.