Who are we?

The Murphy Watershed Sciences Lab is a research group led by Dr. Brendan Murphy, an Assistant Professor in the School of Environmental Science at Simon Fraser University.
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​Our work combines principles and techniques from geomorphology, hydrology, and ecology to improve our understanding of how variations and disturbances in natural and anthropogenic processes influence watersheds and their natural resources.

Explore our webpage and learn more about the people, science,
​and potential research opportunities in our group.

Featured Science & Latest News


​What influences sediment inputs to coastal rivers of northern California?

This study, led by MS student Adam Fisher, compiled 92,000 paired discharge-sediment measurements spanning 40 years across 71 California watersheds. Utilizing machine learning techniques, we evaluated the influences of topography, underlying geology, tectonics & timber harvesting on the concentrations of suspended sediment entering these coastal watersheds.

Find the full research article here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/esp.5137

Active Research Topics

Wildfire

Hydrogeomorphic processes & responses in burned watersheds.

Bedrock Rivers

Weathering & erosional processes driving the evolution of bedrock rivers.

EcoGeomorphology

Physical habitat disturbance, population dynamics, and ecological resilience.

Our Mission


Expand fundamental knowledge about the integrated physical, biological and human influences on watersheds, as well as improve predictions of watershed responses to environmental disturbances.
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