Presentation at AGU 2025
Researchers from Virginia Tech, University of Wyoming, UC Merced and Ancient Forest Society apply advanced geophysical techniques to understand how much subsurface water giant sequoias have access to, and where they source it from.
STRYDE nodes
Full Wave Inversion (FWI), Rock Physics Modelling and Rock Physics Inversion
How do giant sequoias - some of the largest living organisms on Earth - meet their enormous water demands during prolonged dry seasons?
This presentation investigates the subsurface structure and water stores beneath giant sequoia groves in Yosemite National Park using high-density seismic data acquired with STRYDE nodal arrays.
By integrating ecohydrology, full waveform inversion, and rock physics inversion, the study images near-surface velocity, porosity, saturation, and water content at unprecedented resolution.
Results show that shallow soil water alone cannot sustain mature sequoias; instead, deep rooting and access to rock moisture play a vital role in maintaining water supply during peak photosynthesis. These findings improve our understanding of tree resilience in Mediterranean climates and provide critical insights into how forest ecosystems may respond to increasing drought stress under climate change.
