Beverley C. Wemple

Distinguished Professor

Alma mater(s)
  • Ph.D. in Forest Ecology from Oregon State University (1998)
  • M.S. in Physical Geography from Oregon State University (1994)
  • B.A. in Economics and German from the University of Richmond (1986)

BIO

Dr. Wemple's research focuses on the dynamics of hydrologic, geomorphic, and biogeochemical processes in mountainous, forested landscapes. Her work examines the influence of environmental change on geophysical processes with a particular interest in using basic theoretical tools and simulation modeling, in conjunction with empirical field studies. She has particular interests in watershed and community resilience to change and in the contributions of natural infrastructure (forests, wetlands, floodplains) to system resilience. Much of her work has been co-produced with partners in state and federal agencies, conservation organizations, and rural communities.

Dr. Wemple's teaching reflects her interests in both physical geography and in geographic techniques. She teaches an introductory course in physical geography, which covers aspects of weather and climate, geomorphology, and biogeography. At the intermediate level, she teaches a field-based course in watershed processes (hydrology, geomorphology, and aquatic ecology) and a topics-based course in water resources management. Her advanced seminar class focuses on topics in human-environment interactions. She also teaches a course in Geographic Information Systems and an advanced course on Spatial Analysis.

Selected Syllabi:

Courses

GEOG 099 – ISEE: Special Topics Geography

  • This course examines the spatial dimensions of water distribution and its management within the context of regional to global environmental change. Focusing on global freshwater supplies, we examine the physical factors leading to uneven distributions of water in space and time and evaluate how climate conditions and human management of the landscape and rivers influence the quantity, quality and long-term sustainability of water resources. We examine key themes in water resources management, including water and health, infrastructure management, the growing trend in commodification of water services, and political conflict over water.

GEOG 246 – Snow Hydrology

  • Snow is a significant component of the hydrologic cycle in high latitude and high elevation environments. In this course, we will examine spatial controls on snow accumulation and the dynamics of snowmelt processes through readings of recent research in snow hydrology, field assays of snow distribution, and analytical exercises. Of particular interest will be the importance of snow to regional water resources in diverse geographic settings and the role of forest vegetation in modifying snow accumulation and snowmelt dynamics.

GEOG 287 – Spatial Analysis

  • Analysis of spatial pattern and interaction through quantitative models; introduction to measurement, sampling, and covariation in a spatial framework.

Area(s) of expertise

Water resources, geomorphology, GIS, spatial modeling, human-environment interactions, mountain environments.

Bio

Dr. Wemple's research focuses on the dynamics of hydrologic, geomorphic, and biogeochemical processes in mountainous, forested landscapes. Her work examines the influence of environmental change on geophysical processes with a particular interest in using basic theoretical tools and simulation modeling, in conjunction with empirical field studies. She has particular interests in watershed and community resilience to change and in the contributions of natural infrastructure (forests, wetlands, floodplains) to system resilience. Much of her work has been co-produced with partners in state and federal agencies, conservation organizations, and rural communities.

Dr. Wemple's teaching reflects her interests in both physical geography and in geographic techniques. She teaches an introductory course in physical geography, which covers aspects of weather and climate, geomorphology, and biogeography. At the intermediate level, she teaches a field-based course in watershed processes (hydrology, geomorphology, and aquatic ecology) and a topics-based course in water resources management. Her advanced seminar class focuses on topics in human-environment interactions. She also teaches a course in Geographic Information Systems and an advanced course on Spatial Analysis.

Selected Syllabi:

Courses

GEOG 099 – ISEE: Special Topics Geography

  • This course examines the spatial dimensions of water distribution and its management within the context of regional to global environmental change. Focusing on global freshwater supplies, we examine the physical factors leading to uneven distributions of water in space and time and evaluate how climate conditions and human management of the landscape and rivers influence the quantity, quality and long-term sustainability of water resources. We examine key themes in water resources management, including water and health, infrastructure management, the growing trend in commodification of water services, and political conflict over water.

GEOG 246 – Snow Hydrology

  • Snow is a significant component of the hydrologic cycle in high latitude and high elevation environments. In this course, we will examine spatial controls on snow accumulation and the dynamics of snowmelt processes through readings of recent research in snow hydrology, field assays of snow distribution, and analytical exercises. Of particular interest will be the importance of snow to regional water resources in diverse geographic settings and the role of forest vegetation in modifying snow accumulation and snowmelt dynamics.

GEOG 287 – Spatial Analysis

  • Analysis of spatial pattern and interaction through quantitative models; introduction to measurement, sampling, and covariation in a spatial framework.

Areas of Expertise

Water resources, geomorphology, GIS, spatial modeling, human-environment interactions, mountain environments.

Office Hours

213 Old Mill  Tuesdays 4:30-5:30pm; Wednesdays 9-10am; MS teams by appointment

Book time with Beverley Wemple