Project Summary
Houston’s bayous, historically significant waterways, serve as natural laboratories for environmental and geological research. Researchers at the University of Houston are studying how human modifications and extreme weather events, such as Hurricane Harvey, impact sediment transport, flood risk, and water quality. Using lidar technology and extensive water sampling, teams have quantified sediment displacement and contamination levels, revealing how urban development and climate change affect the region’s resilience. These insights contribute to flood mitigation strategies, infrastructure planning, and ecological conservation efforts, reinforcing the critical role of bayous in shaping Houston’s past, present, and future.