A Framework for Instrumentation Infrastructure Support For Hydrologic Research

The Consortium of Universities for the Advancement of Hydrologic Science, Inc. (CUAHSI) formed as a means for infrastructure development for research in hydrologic sciences. The three major research support thrusts of UCAHSI are the establishment of long-term hydrologic observatories, the establishment of an information support service for hydrologic data and models, and the establishment of support for field hydrologists in carrying out their research. This presentation addresses the instrumentation support activity. We will present the science plan for the UCASH Hydrologic Measurement Division, which will support a broad range of instrumentation support for geophysical, surface water, groundwater and micro-meteorology, as well as training in the design and use of field equipment in hydrology. This university-based support service will fundamentally transform scientists ability to make field measurements by making available literally millions of dollars in instrumentation WITH technical support in the design, installation, and field operation of these equipment. The state of the development and how to get involved in the establishment of this new service will be presented.