Albert J. Kettner

Albert J. Kettner is an Associate Professor at the University of Colorado Boulder and serves as the Research Associate Director of INSTAAR (Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research) and Director of the DFO Flood Observatory. His work focuses on understanding and modeling Earth surface processes, particularly related to hydrology, sediment transport, and flooding on a global scale.

Dr. Kettner received his educational training in the Netherlands:

• PhD: Delft University of Technology, 2007
• MS: Wageningen University, 1997
• BS: Wageningen University, 1993

His research primarily focuses on modeling sediment flux responses within river basins to human impact and climate change. He develops methodology to simulate sediment properties based on provenance and studies influences of rapid climate change (deglaciation) during the late Quaternary on sediment fluxes to the ocean. His work integrates remote sensing data with numerical modeling to understand hydrological extremes, flood dynamics, and sediment transport processes in changing environments.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward understanding climate change impacts on hydrological systems, with particular emphasis on how warming temperatures affect sediment transport in mountainous regions, flood dynamics, and delta morphology. There's a clear research trajectory incorporating satellite data for flood monitoring and advancing FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles into community modeling software infrastructure.

Dr. Kettner has received notable recognition for his scholarly contributions:

• PROSE Award for Best Earth Science Book, Association of American Publishers, 2019

As Director of the DFO Flood Observatory and Associate Director of INSTAAR, Dr. Kettner leads significant research initiatives in flood monitoring and Earth surface dynamics. He assumed the role of acting director of INSTAAR on July 10, 2023, following Merritt Turetsky's return to faculty positions. His work has been supported by substantial grants, including a $2.56 million National Science Foundation grant for the OpenEarthScape project, where he serves as a co-PI alongside Eric Hutton, Irina Overeem, and Mark Piper.

Dr. Kettner is deeply involved with the Community Surface Dynamics Modeling System (CSDMS), where he contributes to advancing research in geosciences through model integration tools. His DFO Flood Observatory provides critical flood and river information using remote sensing approaches to water monitoring, serving as an important resource for understanding global flood patterns and risks, particularly in the context of climate change.