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Current Projects

How is changing climate and other stressors affecting agricultural water users in the Colorado River Basin?

Changes in the relationship between precipitation and temperature due to climate change threaten water scarcity by increasing evapotranspiration and reducing runoff and soil moisture, with significant implications for agriculture. In the Upper Colorado River Basin, rising temperatures, earlier snowmelt, and decreased streamflow exacerbate water management challenges under prior-appropriation water rights. To address this, we developed a stochastic weather generator for use in exploratory modeling. This approach quantifies hydroclimatic impacts on agricultural water users while considering institutional constraints, and supports conservation planning for a deeply uncertain future.

 

Student: Alexander Thames

How is climate change and agricultural pumping affecting well salinization in Dover, Delaware? 

Groundwater extraction is vital for municipal, industrial, domestic, and agricultural use worldwide, but coastal aquifers face the growing threat of saltwater intrusion, rendering them unsuitable for use. This issue is particularly critical in Dover, Delaware, where coastal farmers rely on the Columbia Aquifer for irrigation amidst rising sea levels and climate change, which exacerbate salinization risks. Using downscaled climate projections and the numerical model SEAWAT, this study explores how varying recharge, pumping, and sea level rise conditions affect saltwater intrusion. The findings identify vulnerable wells and highlight scenarios with undesirable outcomes, informing strategies to protect water resources for future use.
Student: Madison Hernandez

How can co-designed adaptation strategies mitigate urban flooding in Baltimore, Maryland?

Urban pluvial flooding poses a growing threat to the Mid-Atlantic region of the USA due to climate change, increased impervious areas, aging infrastructure, and social inequity. Adapting to these risks is crucial for building resilience, but uncertain future climate and conflicting stakeholder objectives complicate strategy selection. This study addresses these challenges through a community-informed and dynamic robust decision making process. By engaging community stakeholders and employing machine learning approaches, the study aims to create adaptable flood management strategies aligned with local goals and values and provide guidance for addressing urban flooding in Baltimore.

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Student: Ava Spangler

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©2021 by Antonia Hadjimichael

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