Dr Barten's research centers on watershed structure and function. His work focuses on the spatial and temporal variation of soil water storage in forested watersheds, streamflow generation and water movement in forested uplands and wetlands, integrated assessment of the hydrological impacts of land use, retrospective modeling of water and sediment yield, and watershed management.
Most studies combine long-term field measurements and spatially distributed modeling.
He has conducted field research in the New England, New York, Minnesota, Montana, and northwestern Saskatchewan. The 129 hectare Camp Pond watershed, on the Great Mountain Forest, Norfolk, CT has been a primary research site since 1991. National Estuarine Research Reserve. Dr. Barten is a member of the National Research Council Committee to Review New York City's Watershed Management Strategy. He also serves as chair of the Quabbin Science and Technical Advisory Committee for the largest watershed and reservoir in Boston's water supply system.