Ecohydrogeomorphology

Ecohydrological and Ecogeomorphic Disturbances

I study how forests respond to landscape disturbances and how these disturbances drive geological and geomorphic hazards. Such events can trigger key processes that usually remain hidden, leading to biased conclusions if overlooked. Many of these processes occur in the critical zone—the thin layer where rock meets life, spanning bedrock, soil, water, biomass, and atmosphere (Mohr et al., 2024). Disturbances, often linked to natural hazards, are abrupt events that alter a system’s function (Mirus et al., 2017) and can initiate surface processes that influence biogeochemical, especially carbon, cycles.

In this regard, Patagonian coastal rainforests stand out. These rainforests have long inspired scientists and artists alike - Chile’s Pablo Neruda wrote, “He who does not know the Chilean forests, does not know the planet.” Intact forests are vital for storing carbon, regulating climate, and preventing erosion. Yet disturbances can cause massive carbon releases while also enhancing long-term storage—for example, landslides can bury organic carbon while regrowing forests reabsorb CO₂. Whether such dynamics result in a net carbon gain or loss remains uncertain. My research investigates these feedbacks and processes in Patagonian rainforests—part of the world’s largest temperate carbon storehouse—by combining fieldwork, lab analysis, UAV surveys, and computer modeling. Using physics-based models like Landlab and data-driven approaches (also see RETROGRESS), I explore how disturbance-driven processes in the critical zone shape forest resilience, carbon cycling, and landscape evolution.

> Pumalin Critical Zone Observatory

> VIOLETA PAPER

> Organic Carbon Budget of Volcanic Eruptions

> Post-Eruptive Landsliding

> Wind-Triggered Landsliding

> Post-Eruptive Fluvial Geometry