A downward trend in total streamflow for many rivers in north-central and northwest Oklahoma has been identified despite an overall upward trend in precipitation over the last several decades. This downward trend mirrored notable declines of fisheries. Streamflow trends are primarily driven by precipitation trends and the divergence between the two suggests an increasing role of land surface change, which includes woody plant encroachment, land use change and alluvial aquifer withdrawal affecting streamflows. The relative contribution of these components for long-term streamflow trends for many of the river basins in Oklahoma remains largely unknown.
We are looking for a highly motivated MS student to work on a collaborative research project between Oklahoma State University and the USGS Oklahoma Water Science Center. The project aims to assess the effects of climate, land surface change and human activities on long-term streamflow characteristics and aquatic ecosystem of the upper Cimarron River. Coursework or work experience involving GIS, watershed or stream hydrology, fish and wildlife or ecosystem science is highly desirable. Experience in the assessment of historic land use and land cover change using GIS tools and historic aerial photos is a plus. A graduate assistantship is available at $15,500 annually. Benefits include tuition waiver and health insurance. Additional supplements may be available for the first year. The expected starting date is August 2012. For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Chris Zou (chris....@okstate.edu) at Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management at Oklahoma State University.
