The Stevens Hydra Probe has been an important data collection instrument used in The Soil Climate Analyses Network (SCAN). The SCAN Program helps scientists study soil moisture and temperature variability at different time scales and under different land uses and land covers. Loess is a very fine windblown sand and silt that due to its molecular composition can create hills and bluffs with high vertical walls. However, loess is highly susceptible to wind and water erosion and can give way easily in landslide events. Dr. Burns’ goal is to find out exactly when these events occur by determining the moisture content of soil that will trigger a landslide, and how long it takes the loess to drain its water content and stabilize again after a major rain event.

Reprinted with Permission from Stevens Water Monitoring Systems, Inc.