In the AppRDL we take a geospatial approach to studying the dynamics of river systems. In particular,  we are very much interested in understanding  the relationships between the hydro-geomorphology of river channels and their riparian zones.  Our research  spans a variety of topics from bank erosion, sediment and pollutant transport to  dam removal, stream restoration, extreme events , and wood dynamics. As Geographers we take advantage of geospatial technologies and analytics to better understand the fascinating, but quantitatively complicated linear connectedness of riparian systems. Such technologies include remote sensing, geographic information systems, global positioning technology,  and digital surveying technology, among many others. Our lab has the capacity to perform a variety of  hydro-geomorphic field surveys as well as basic laboratory analyses of soil, sediment, and water and provides a hub for river-related research. Projects have been funded by numerous sources including the National Science Foundation, American Rivers, Oak Ridge Associated Universities,  and Appalachian State University. We have supported numerous graduate theses  and also serve as an instructional resource for Physical Geography and Hydrology courses taught in the Department of Geography and Planning.  Please take a moment  to check out our current and past projects below.