Monitoring the Effects of Wildfires on Subsequent Landslides and Debris Flows
Faculty mentor/Supervisor: 
Ben Leshchinsky
Email Address: 
Department Affiliation: 
Forest Engineering Resources & Management
Project Location: 
Corvallis, OR
Project Description: 
Wildfires have many negative outcomes, some of which occur long after the flames and smoke have been extinguished. Once critical example of post-wildfire impacts occurs in the form unstable slopes, which may fail rapidly and with little warning, posing significant hazard and risk to communities already reeling with the impacts of a wildfire event. This work would include being part of a larger project that aims to understand the processes that govern the magnitude and timing of post-wildfire landslides. It would include site visit and sample collection at several of the large wildfire sites from 2020 labor day fires. Some of the samples collected will be tested in the laboratory for changes owing to burning, including soil samples and roots from burned trees. Further, we will install instrumentation for monitoring rainfall and groundwater at these sites. We seek undergraduate help from individuals who have an interest in helping shape this science, both in the field and the lab. This opportunity would include mentorship from geotechnical engineers, hydrologists, geologists and remote sensing experts, providing an excellent opportunity to grow a professional network and play an integral part in impactful research.
Describe the type of work and tasks you anticipate the student will perform: 
1. Field visits to collect data from instruments, collect soil samples, and collect root samples from four wildfire sites. 2. Help perform laboratory tests on burned soils (strength, hydrological properties) and burned roots (tensile tests). 3. Analyze field data and lab data for adaptation towards a landscape-scale landslide model. 4. Assistance with mapping and GIS throughout the project. 5. Participation and coauthorship for journal articles developed by the team.
Hourly rate of pay: 
15.00
Detail your mentorship plan: 
Mentorship will be provided in the form of weekly meetings, advice and guidance regarding the science behind the project, inclusion in research presentations and publications, and direct exchange of ideas with the research team. Further, undergraduates interested in this research project will have the opportunity to interface with researchers from different disciplines who are directly involved in the project, including those from the US Geological Survey, the Oregon geological Survey (DOGAMI), University of Oregon and OSU with expertise in geomorphology, hydrology, engineering, and remote sensing. Most importantly, the main research advisor (Leshchinsky) is dedicated to helping students with all of their professional needs (advice appertaining to jobs, mock interviews, resume feedback, etc.).