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Seth Younger

Hydrologist & Data Analyst

I’m a recent graduate of the UGA hydrology lab. My research focuses on how annual and seasonal transpiration varies among tree species and forest types in the southeastern US. My research encompasses very large scales, using long-term United States Geological Survey stream flow data to examine transpiration differences among large forested watersheds, and small scales, examining plot scale water balance to assess differences in water use among biomass tree species commonly grown in the southeastern US.

Interests

  • Hydrology
  • Geomorphology
  • Evapotranspiration
  • Data driven decision making
  • GIS Applications

Education

  • PhD Forestry and Natural Resources, 2020

    University of Georgia

  • M.S. Geography, 2013

    University of Georgia

  • BS Geography, 2010

    Radford University

Research

My research focus is on quantifying water use and water source partitioning of forest stands from watershed to plot scales. I use a combination of methodos including isotopic tracers, water flux estimates from USGS stream gauges, and field data from sap flow, soil moisture and water level logger sensor networks.

Affiliated Labs:

Publications

Relationships among forest type, watershed characteristics, and watershed ET in rural basins of the Southeastern US

We found regional forested watershed evapotranspiration is primarily controlled by abiotic factors, but forest type has some control on evapotranspiration and reduces watershed discharge.
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Do southern Appalachian Mountain summer stream temperatures respond to removal of understory rhododendron thickets?

We investigated how understory riparian rhododendron thickets moderate summer stream temperatures using a paired watershed approach. Removal of this low light microclimate produced significant, but highly variable increases in summer stream temperatures.
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Dynamic domain kinematic modeling for predicting interflow over leaky impeding layers

A dynamic domain Kinematic model for estimating interflow over perched soil water with a varying spatial extent.
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Wetness Index based on Landscape position and Topography (WILT): Modifying the TWI using parameters related to landscape positions

We created Wetness Index based on Landscape position and Topography by modifying the classic Topographic Wetness Index (TWI) to better incorporate topography and improve performance on low relief groundwater dominated landscapes.
DOI

Woody bioenergy crop selection can have large effects on water yield: A southeastern United States case study

We compared water use of of 14-year old Sweetgum and Loblolly pine grown under intensive management. We found that Sweetgum were able to utilize almost 100% of precipitation while pine were efficient in their water use.
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