Hydrologic controls on ecosystem behavior (e.g. rainfall, runoff, infiltration, and soil moisture variability) have yet to be determined within the Trout Creek Watershed, located within the Manitou Springs Experimental Forest. Determining the major hydrological components and how they influence t... Show moreHydrologic controls on ecosystem behavior (e.g. rainfall, runoff, infiltration, and soil moisture variability) have yet to be determined within the Trout Creek Watershed, located within the Manitou Springs Experimental Forest. Determining the major hydrological components and how they influence this Ponderosa Pine ecosystem is the primary goal of this project. Validity of these components may determine how susceptible the Ponderosa Pine ecosystem will be during seasonal forest fires or storm events. Data collected in this area is used to determine the amount of rainfall, interception, runoff variability, and infiltration that influences moisture availability. Precipitation was recorded using tipping bucket rain gauges to estimate hydrologic inputs within a one square kilometer area. Precipitation measurements included both open and under-canopy rainfall events in eleven specific sites, which determine the amount of interception that occurs over time. Independent measurements of soil infiltration, soil moisture and soil temperature will also be made. These measurements will be combined in a GIS database in order to quantify the major components of the hydrological cycle that control ecosystem behavior. Preliminary results suggest that during dry summer seasons, precipitation and canopy interception are major hydrological components in this ecosystem. It can be suggested that destruction or removal of the Ponderosa Pin canopy will have significant impact on the ecosystem. Show less