This lecture by Dr. Jack Schmidt from Utah State University gives an overview on the physical attributes of the Colorado River and how that affects river restoration. This video is part of the Water in the Western US lecture series.
Dr. Jack Schmidt is the Janet Quinney Lawson Chair in Colorado River Studies and the Director of the Center for Colorado River Studies. He has worked for nearly 40 years on understanding river processes and seeking solutions to fundamental problems of river management. He has focused much of his career on rivers of the American Southwest. Between 2011 and 2014, he served as Chief of the Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center of the US Geological Survey.
Water in the Western US is a free course, “Water in the Western United States,” offered through the platform Coursera, runs for five weeks, accommodates flexible schedules, and requires a total of 15 hours to complete. The course’s five modules are open for learners to complete at any time.
Over a dozen experts in water management, policy, and research contributed to the course to help learners consider the scientific, legal, political, and cultural issues impacting water and climate in the Western United States. Building on this foundational understanding of climate and water in the West, students examine the Colorado River Basin as a case study and conclude the class with a deeper understanding of controversial water issues faced in the American West.
