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CORVALLIS, Ore. - The January Corvallis Science Pub will feature a discussion about the Willamette River in a changing climate.

One of the most well-analyzed waterways in the United States, the river is the focus of a new study looking at the basin through the lens of climate, population growth and increasing demand for water. Oregon State University engineer John Bolte will describe efforts to develop decision-making scenarios that pose a variety of options for the future of the river and its watershed.

With support from the National Science Foundation, Bolte and a coalition of scientists from OSU, the University of Oregon and Portland State University are evaluating the river's function through a model known as Envision.

The program begins at 6 p.m. on Jan. 9 at the Old World Deli, 341 Second St. in Corvallis. It is free and open to the public.

Bolte, a professor and head of the Department of Ecological and Biological Engineering at OSU, has been conducting environmental systems analysis and modeling in Oregon for the past 25 years. His research interests focus on understanding, anticipating and planning for change in coupled natural and human systems. His research group at OSU develops simulation models and decision tools to project alternative future trajectories of landscape change.

Sponsors of Science Pub include Terra magazine at OSU, the Downtown Corvallis Association and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.