Restoring Sandbars

The Glen Canyon Dam disturbed the balance of many natural processes in the Grand Canyon stretch of the Colorado River. Here we talk with geologist and fluvial geomorphologist, Katie Chapman about the effect the dam has had on sandbars downstream. By understanding how the sand is (or is not) moving through the canyon, Katie is working to try and restore these once plentiful sand deposits for the sake of recreationists as well as natural river ecosystems.

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Science Moab · Restoring Sandbars

River Bugs

Aquatic insects can be used as bio-indicators of how a river’s ecosystem is doing. In the case of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, these insects are being severely affected by the Glen Canyon Dam. We talk with ecologist and bug lover Anya Metcalfe about her research with aquatic invertebrates in the Grand Canyon and how this might help sustain the weakening food web within this river corridor.

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Science Moab · River Bugs

Lake Powell 2020

Sixty years after its creation, Lake Powell faces an uncertain future with increasing drought and limited runoff into the Colorado River Basin. Here we speak with Jack Schmidt and Eric Kuhn about the policies and politics of reservoirs along the Colorado River.  Jack Schmidt is a professor at Utah State University’s Center for Colorado River studies and Eric Kuhn is an engineer and was general manager for the Colorado River Water Conservation District for 37 years.  We discuss the role Lake Powell plays in the Colorado River Basin and how climate change, politics, and water-use policies affect the reservoir’s future.   

Science Moab · Lake Powell 2020