A watershed is defined by natural topographic boundaries and —depending on where they are located— might encompass complex forest ecosystems, highly urbanized landscapes, or elements of both. Watershed processes can be broken down into specific functions and characteristics, including: soil processes and erosion, nutrient cycling, pollution transport, riparian habitat and stream buffers, stream morphology and channel characteristics, hydrology, and water quality. To learn more about how scientists are addressing complex issues involving water resources and climate change, please see the presentations given at the Western Watersheds and Climate Change: Water and Aquatic System Tools workshop.

Information about stream temperatures and climate change.