Havranek SRI Group
Hydroclimate, carbon sequestration, isotope geochemistry
My group currently has three main projects running:
1) Estimating evaporation in the Great Salt Lake Basin
2) Understanding carbon sequestration potential in Beaver wetlands
3) Estimating evapotranspiration in Beaver and Beaver mimicry wetlands.
Scroll down to learn more about each of project!
Estimating Evaporation in the Great Salt Lake Basin
Over the last 20 years, water levels in the Great Salt Lake have significantly declined. Because of this, there has been a greater demand for a better water budget in the basin. One key, but challenging to measure, piece of any water budget is evaporation. My students are using the stable isotope geochemistry of water to cheaply and efficiently estimate evaporation both in the Great Salt Lake and throughout the basin!
How much organic carbon is stored in beaver and beaver dam analog wetlands?
As the flow of water slows down behind beaver dams, sediment and organic carbon fall out of suspension and settle to the bottom of ponds. Previous work has shown that the amount of excess organic carbon stored can be highly variable. My students are working on understanding if the composition (both size and minerals) affects how much carbon is stored in these ponds
Drawing by student Kelsey Dicianna
Quinn McKeon proudly showing off her core from Swaner Nature Preserve
Hayden, Kelsey, Jade, and Jackie showing off evidence of beaver activity in the Uintas summer 2026
Field site picked by student Kelsey Dicianna in the Uintas
Evapotranspiration in Beaver ponds & beaver mimicry sites in the Wasatch
A primary goal of beaver-related restoration is to build and maintain riparian wetland ecosystems; however, concerns about excessive evaporative losses have slowed beaver restoration in some places. No data currently exists independently quantifying evaporation and transpiration at beaver complexes/ mimicry sites. This study will begin to fill that gap and will provide a data-based foundation to better inform restoration efforts.
What can you gain as a student in my group?
In their first semester in my group, I have my students try a little bit of everything - I ask them to help out in lab on existing projects, go to the field, and play with R code. Then, in their second semester students can specialize on an existing project or start their own! Below I list the skills my students commonly practice.