John Pitlick photo portrait
Professor Emeritus of Geography • Geomorphology; Water Resources; Natural Hazards • Hydrologic Sciences • Ph.D. Colorado State University, 1988
Physical Geography
pitlick@colorado.edu

Research Interests

My research focuses on linkages between surface-water hydrology and geomorphology in high-gradient river systems. The primary objective of this work is to develop a more complete understanding of the coupling between rivers and their surrounding landscapes. Field work is an important component of my research; the strategy used in many projects is to integrate field data with modeling techniques to quantify the effects of sediment transport on the natural functioning of river systems, often at spatial scales >100 km. Several past projects, done in collaboration with aquatic ecologists, have focused on the role of fluvial-hydraulic processes in modifying habitats for fish and benthic organisms. I have worked extensively in Colorado, also in the Pacific Northwest, the northern Rocky Mountains and the French Alps. I am also the co-director of theÌý.

Recent Courses Include

  • Fall 2016ÌýÌý³Ò·¡°¿³ÒÌý1011Ìý(4)ÌýEnv Systems 2 - Landscapes and Water
  • Spring 2016ÌýÌýGEOGÌý5241-001 (3)ÌýTopics: Fluvial Geomorphology

Selected Publications

Anderson, S., and J. Pitlick. (2014).ÌýUsing repeat lidar to estimate sediment transport in a steep stream .ÌýJournal of Geophysical Research-Earth Surface, v. 119, p. 621-643.Ìý

Mueller, E.R. and J. Pitlick. (2014).ÌýSediment supply and channel morphology in mountain river systems: 2. Single thread to braided transitions.ÌýJournal of Geophysical Research-Earth Surface, v. 119, p. 1516–1541.

Mueller, E.R., and J. Pitlick. (2013).ÌýSediment supply and channel morphology in mountain river systems: 1. Relative importance of lithology, topography, and climate .ÌýJournal of Geophysical Research-Earth Surface, v. 118, p. 2325–2342.Ìý

Pitlick, J., J. Marr, and J. Pizzuto. (2013).ÌýWidth adjustment in experimental gravel-bed channels in response to overbank flows.ÌýJournal of Geophysical Research-Earth Surface, v. 118, p. 553-570.Ìý

Segura C., J. H. McCutchan, W. M. Lewis, and J. Pitlick. (2011).ÌýThe influence of channel bed disturbance on algae biomass in a Colorado mountain stream.ÌýEcohydrology, v. 4, p. 411-421.Ìý

Publications updated August 2014