Date of Award:

5-1968

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Watershed Sciences

Department name when degree awarded

Forest Watershed Management

Committee Chair(s)

John D. Schultz

Committee

John D. Schultz

Committee

George E. Hart, Jr.

Committee

Robert Oaks, Jr.

Committee

Donald V. Sisson

Abstract

Soil moisture recharge was studied in quaking aspen and Gambel oak forest areas of central Utah. The rate, timing, and duration of the recharge period was observed. Soil moisture readings were taken periodically throughout the winter of 1966 -1967.

Soil moisture recharge begins in October and continues until May. The period of most rapid increase in recharge is between February and May. This corresponds to a rapid decrease in the zenith angle of the sun at the surface of the area and also to a decrease in cloud cover over the area.

Deep soils and high infiltration capacities prevent surface runoff from the area. Both detention storage and retention storage capacity of the soils are high.

Soil freezing was not present during the winter months. Some patchy soil freezing is found in the spring but it is not extensive enough to influence the recharge phenomenon.

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