RMRS

Science Application & Integration

RMRS Science by Research Subect Areas

The Rocky Mountain Research Station, as part of the most extensive natural resource research organization in the world, provides an enormous amount of scientific knowledge and technology. Browse through the many research subject areas covered throughout our 8 program areas and 88 Scientists and Post-doctoral researchers for more information and relevant links.

	Atmospheric Sciences Atmospheric science is the study of the atmosphere - the blanket of air covering the Earth. Atmospheric scientists study the atmosphere's physical characteristics, motions, processes, and the way in which these factors affect the rest of our environment.
	Biogeochemistry Biogeochemistry is the scientific study of the processes and reactions (chemical, physical, geological, biological) which control the composition of the natural environment. It also looks at the cycles of matter and energy that transfer the Earth’s chemical components in time and space.
	Biogeography Biogeography looks at the distribution of biodiversity (the variation of life forms within a given ecosystem, biome, or for the entire Earth) over space and time. It basically strives to explain where organisms live, at what abundance, while also answering the questions of which species, where, why and why not.
	Chemistry Chemistry, in its most basic definition is the science that deals with the composition and properties of substances as well as various elementary forms of matter. It explores chemical properties, reactions, phenomena, etc. Within the RMRS, studies are being conducted in such categories as, fire chemistry, water chemistry, precipitation, streamflow and snowpack chemistry, soil chemistry, atmospheric chemistry, etc.
	Ecology The interdisciplinary scientific study of the distribution and abundance of organisms and their interactions with their environment (external abiotic and biotic factors). The most prevalent research topics in Ecology here at the Rocky Mountain Research Station include: Bark Beetle research, invasive species, wildlife ecology and conservation, Lynx research, fire and avian ecology, restoration ecology, fire ecology, riparian environments and more.
	Engineering Engineering applies technical, scientific, and mathematical knowledge in using natural laws and physical resources to design and create materials, structures, machines, devices, systems, and processes in order to accomplish a desired objective. Engineers within the RMRS work with soil and water research, aquatic probability and prediction modelling, erosion control materials and other mitigation techniques, fire behavior models, etc.
	Entomology Entomology is a taxon based category within zoology defined as the scientific study of insects and that related. RMRS researchers focus largely on Bark Beetle effects in coniferous forests, while some other research topics include Western Spruce budworm research, douglas fir tussock moth research and disturbance ecology of western defoliators.
	Fire Wildland fires in the arid west create a cause for concern for many inhabitants and an area of interest for researchers. At the Rocky Mountain Research Station, fundamental and applied research relates to wildland fire processes, terrestrial and atmospheric effects of fire, and ecological adaptations to fire as well as the development of associated knowledge tools and applications for both scientists and managers in wildfire management.
	Fisheries RMRS Fisheries research looks at watershed processes and aquatic ecology to guide management of aquatic ecosystems and water/soil resources. Scientists develop knowledge of the biophysical conditions and processes that influence water quality and quantity, aquatic habitat quality, and the distribution, diversity, and persistence of fish and other aquatic species.
	Forest Ecosystems Forests and woodlands are critical sources of water, natural resources, esthetic and recreation amenities, as well as wildlife habitat in the West. Forest Ecosystem research delves into the development and delivery of the scientific knowledge basis for natural resource management activities for sustaining and restoring forests and woodlands landscape health, biodiversity, productivity, and ecosystem processes.
	Geography Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a computer system for performing geographical analysis. GIS has four interactive components: an input subsystem for converting into digital form (digitizing) maps and other spatial data; a storage and retrieval subsystem; an analysis subsystem; and an output subsystem for producing maps, tables, and answers to geographic queries.
	Geomorphology Geomorphology is the science that deals with relief features of the earth or of another celestial body and looks towards describing and classifying such topographic characteristics. This interdisciplinary subject works within RMRS with such subjects as soil, climate change, road erosion, hydrology, engineering and more.
	Hydrology Hydrology is the scientific discipline concerned with the waters of the Earth, with their occurrence, distribution, and circulation by means of the hydrologic cycle and relations with living things. It also deals with the chemical and physical properties of water in all its phases. This field focuses greatly on snow hydrology, stream-riparian environments, soils, erosion, climate change, wildfire, geomorphology, etc.
	Plant Pathology The study of plant diseases is referred to as plant pathology. Pathogens and non-living agents, such as air pollutants, nutrient imbalances, and various environmental factors cause diseases in plants. New diseases and changes in existing pathogens remain a constant threat to our forests, food and fiber crops, and landscape plants.
	Plant Physiology Plant physiology is the study of internal plant activities including phytochemistry, environmental interactions, plant morphology, molecular and cell biology, and cellular interactions. Such RMRS researchs studies eco-physiology, high-elevation conifer research, fire effects, nutrition, plant regeneration and recovery, etc.
	Rangeland Management The term rangeland refers to expansive, mostly unimproved lands on which a significant proportion of the natural vegetation is native grasses, grass-like plants, forbs, and shrubs.It may also consist of areas seeded to native or adapted introduced species that are managed like native vegetation. Current research includes livestock and grazing issues, ecosystem management, climate change effects, general assessment and much more.
	Social Sciences Social Sciences ensure that the relationships between people and the national forests and grasslands are understood and addressed in management and decision-making processes. This field of study uses the scientific method to evaluate laws and hypotheses of human values and behaviors by studying and applying legislation, policy/planning, management, economic development, investment and finance, etc.
	Soils Soil Science is the study of soil as a natural resource on the surface of the earth including soil formation, classification and mapping; physical, chemical, biological, and fertility properties of soils; and these properties in relation to the use and management of soils. RMRS scientists study soil erosion: mitigation techniques, prediction and processes; fire and fuel effects, soil carbon decomposition rates and climate change, seed and soil dynamics, etc.
	Stream Riparian Environments A riparian area is the interface between land and a stream. Soil conservation occurs in these biodiversified aquatic ecosystems. They can flourish in grassland, woodland, wetland, or even non-vegetative zones. RMRS stream riparian research looks at water availability and quality, aquatic ecosystems; species distribution, diversity and persistence, aquatic resources in society, management and livestock grazing, fire effects, climate change and natural disturbances, dams/water diversions and more.
	Wildlife Biology With more ecosystems occuring within RMRS boundaries than any other station, a rich diversity of plants and animals in this region is inevitable. Unfortunately, many of these species are under conservation concern. Research is critical for finding new ways to sustain these environments. RMRS scientists are working on wildlife genetics research; species persistence factors; plant, aquatic and terrrestrial animal interactions, understanding public use effects, habitat management and land/water use and natural disturbance outcome evaluations.