Hydrology and Watershed Management

A distant view of a forest fire, with flames and smoke rising against the backdrop of trees and a darkening sky.

Feb 21, 2025

How Do Wildfires Impact the Environment?

In addition to altering vegetation patterns and destroying wildlife habitats, wildfires can degrade water and air quality.

A wildfire emits a large plume of smoke near a lake.

Jan 23, 2025

How Do Wildfires Impact Water Quality?

High-intensity wildfires can remove vegetation and reduce the ability of soils to take up water, leading to increased runoff of ash and other pollutants into waterways.

A stand of dead trees and stumps along the coast of North Carolina - Natural Resources Students Raise Awareness of Ghost Forests - College of Natural Resources at NC State University

Jan 16, 2025

Study Examines How Climate Change Has Shaped Coastal Forests Over the Last Decade

A new study finds that climate change may have a range of contrasting effects on coastal forests, both slowing and enabling growth in areas where sea levels are rising and storms are more common.

Green trees on a mountain under a blue sky during daytime.

Dec 11, 2024

How ‘Thirsty’ Trees May Make Forests More Vulnerable to Climate Change

A new study suggests that increased maple populations may leave forests in western North Carolina more vulnerable to extreme weather conditions like flooding and drought.

The Jefferson monument in Washington, D.C. framed by a spectacular cherry blossom display. Focus on the monument background.

Apr 8, 2024

Removal of DC’s Cherry Blossoms Reflects Troubling Future For Coastal Forests

“It’s a great example of where people can see the effects of sea level rise and what’s happening all over the East Coast,” says NC State expert Marcelo Ardón.

May 23, 2023

What is a Watershed?

NC State professor Katherine Martin breaks down why watersheds are critical to our social, environmental and economic well-being.

Mar 30, 2023

Tropical Streams Reveal Climate Change Insights

NC State's Marcelo Ardón studies streams in in Costa Rica's rainforests to reveal climate change insights.

Mar 27, 2023

Drought, Heat Waves Worsen West Coast Air Pollution Inequality

Drought and heat waves could make air pollution worse for communities that already have a high pollution burden in California, a study led by NC State researchers found.

Jan 12, 2023

Forests Can Help Manage Water as Raleigh Area Grows, Climate Warms

Riparian buffers could help maintain water levels in parts of the Upper Neuse River Watershed, a study found.

Oct 21, 2022

Ask an Expert: What Are Ghost Forests?

NC State researcher Marcelo Ardón discusses the emergence and spread of ghost forests along the Atlantic Coast.