Watershed Research Lab

The Research Laboratory on Floating Basins (WR-LAB) at EPFL focuses on studying the physical processes of watersheds in mountainous regions, where the interaction of climate and landscape affects runoff behavior. Through innovative technologies, the lab investigates how watersheds store, filter, and release water. One of their key projects, TempAqua, explores catchment hydrology and water quality of temporary streams in Switzerland. By continuously mapping temporary stream networks and using environmental tracers, such as hydrochemical data and stable water isotopes, the lab aims to understand how different storages in the landscape release water into streams. This research is crucial for improving process understanding of water sources, biogeochemical fluxes, and ecological habitat resilience in mountainous environments under current and future conditions.