Scientists Follow the Water to Better Understand Drought

Infrared lasers that measure droplets and water vapor, sap flow sensors that track the rate that water flows through trees — scientists at the Susquehanna Shale Hills Observatory are using these and other instruments to “understand the water cycle, in all the details,” said Chris Duffy, an environmental engineer at Penn State University. That includes rainfall, water in trees, underground water basins.

“A key goal is to help planners better predict the impact of floods and droughts on water supplies,” Duffy said.

Miles O’Brien reports for the National Science Foundation’s Science Nation.*

*For the record, the National Science Foundation is an underwriter of the NewsHour.