Susan Kaspari is an Associate Professor in the Geological Sciences Department at CWU in Ellensberg, WA. Her primary research interest is investigating the role that black carbon plays in current and past climate change. Black carbon is a dark absorptive particle produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil and bio-fuels. In the atmosphere black carbon absorbs energy and causes atmospheric heating, while black carbon deposited on snow and ice causes darkening of the surface, resulting in greater absorption of solar energy, heating of the snow/ice, and accelerated snow and glacier melt. She has a PhD from the University of Maine.
Organizations
Research
- Climate Change Effects on Water Supply: Linkages Between Wildfire and Accelerated Snowmelt
- Black Carbon and Dust Deposition on South Cascade Glacier Since 1750 AD: Implications for the Timing and Availability of Water Resources in Washington State
- Response of River Runoff to Black Carbon in Snow and Ice in Washington State