Episode description

Guest Alex Konings studies fundamental links between the global cycle of water percolating into the ground and evaporating into the skies and a similar cycle of carbon moving through the world, shaping ecosystems, droughts, and fires. These cycles are inextricably bound, she says, and understanding how they function individually and in tandem is key to life on planet Earth. These important cycles may be easily overlooked but they cannot be ignored, Konings tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

Connect With Us:

• Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
• Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon
• Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introductions 

Host Russ Altman introduces the episode's focus on plant water with Dr. Alex Konings.

(00:02:37) Understanding Global Carbon and Water Cycles

Dr. Konings defines and explains the global carbon and water cycles and their interconnectedness, and significance

(00:05:08) Transpiration

Detailed explanation of transpiration: the movement of water through plants, from soil to leaves and into the atmosphere. Significance of transpiration in the context of water loss and its impact on available resources.

(00:07:25) Implications of Transpiration

Discussion on how transpiration affects weather, solar energy, weather forecasts & water cycling via transpiration.

(00:10:21) Transpiration and Climate Change

Dr. Konings elaborates on the changing dynamics of transpiration in response to rising atmospheric temperatures &  how plants adapt to increased transpiration, as well as their area of research.

(00:13:48) Using Satellites to measure Plant Water Content

Explanation of how satellites utilize microwaves and radar technology to measure water content in plants & challenges associated with it.

(00:18:37) Impact of Transpiration on Droughts

Dr. Konings elaborates on how increased transpiration in higher temperature intensifies and speeds up the onset of drought conditions.

(00:21:37) Satellite Gravity Measurements for Groundwater Assessment

An explanation of how satellites can be utilized to measure groundwater by measuring the force of gravity. 

(00:22:30) Plant Water Dynamics, Fire Risk & Predictions

Dr. Konings discusses the intricate relationship between plant water dynamics and fire risk, and how satellite-derived plant water data can be utilized in fire risk assessment models.

(00:26:39) Satellite Sources and Public Data Accessibility

Insight into the satellites used for measurements & accessibility of satellite data from federal agencies for research and public use.

(00:27:51) Role in Governmental Agencies and Policy

Dr. Konings elaborates on how her measurements and research is being utilized by government bodies and the potential for it.

Connect With Us:

Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website

Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon

Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook