Hydrologic Sciences

Hydrologic Sciences

Scientists setting up a well pump

The Division of Hydrologic Sciences (DHS) is one of three scientific research divisions within DRI. Since its inception in 1960, DHS faculty have built a solid reputation for delivering high-quality research, development, and education services in the interdisciplinary fields of hydrologic sciences and engineering. As a nonprofit, DRI’s DHS faculty have earned a reputation for providing high-impact scientific and engineering products to our customers and stakeholders, and the public. DHS faculty are engaged in environmental issues throughout the world.

The mission of DHS is to contribute to society’s fundamental knowledge and understanding of hydrologic systems and to serve as a leader in the long-term sustainability of water resources. In addition to serving as experts in water resources, DHS faculty are renowned for their ability to contribute and deliver cutting-edge solutions in fields associated with earth sciences.

We achieve our mission through an integrated team of multidisciplinary research faculty along with an outstanding team of administrative support staff, graduate research assistants, technicians, and computer and information processing specialists who assist the researchers with their projects. The division has approximately 100 ongoing research projects with an annual budget of $13 million derived from research sponsors.

Our Research Areas

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Watershed Hydrology

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Post-fire Hydrology

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Snow & Global-scale hydrology

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Biogeochemistry

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Ecological Engineering

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Paleoenvironments

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Remote Sensing

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Hydroclimatology

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Regional Groundwater Hydrology and Hydraulics

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Vadose Zone Hydrology

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Surface and Subsurface Flow, and Contaminant Transport

Scientists standing in a river next to a boat

Our Faculty and Staff

Meet the people doing Hydrologic Sciences research and innovation at DRI. 

Our Research Partners

Federal Sponsors

Department of Energy

Department of Defense

National Aeronautics & Space Administration

National Science Foundation

State Sponsors

Nevada Division of Environmental Protection

Nevada Division of State Lands

Local Government

City of Reno

Clark County

Nevada Tahoe Conservation District

Truckee Meadows Water Authority

Southern Nevada Water Authority

Private Sponsors

Clean Air Task Force

WaterAid

WorldVision, Inc.

CONTACT 

Sean A. McKenna, Ph.D.
Executive Director, DHS
Desert Research Institute
2215 Raggio Parkway, Reno, NV 89512
775.673.7305
Sean.McKenna@dri.edu