Research
A traditional village at the Yunnan-Tibet border in China’s Nu River basin is built around the tributary and on historic debris flow deposits. Humans depend upon such tributary rivers, many of which have succumbed to diversion for hydropower production. photo by K.M. Kibler
Our Mission
As humans develop rivers and coastlines, we often observe predictable patterns of ecosystem degradation- including erosion of the ecological services provided by intact aquatic ecosystems. These services are valued in multiples of the entire global economy. Provision of food, energy and water for a projected 10 – 11 billion people will require BOTH engineered water systems AND functional aquatic ecosystems. Our mission is to inform through our research the engineering of ecosystem services in modified aquatic systems.
Filipino women sort fish produced in inundated floodplains. Benefits from flooding, such as this seasonal inland fishery, are often not considered in traditional flood risk analysis. Risk-benefit analysis tools we have developed allow for integration of ecosystem services into flood risk models.
Our Research
Can we engineer our infrastructure and water management regimes to restore and preserve ecosystem services? Our research queries how natural hydrologic and hydraulic processes produce ecosystem services that benefit humans. We aim to elucidate how human development interacts with these processes. For instance, how does flow modification influence hydraulic and geomorphic habitats? How does shoreline engineering (oyster reef, vegetation or seawalls) influence coastal erosion and ecotone processes? In our pursuit of such research questions, we use and develop modeling and analysis tools, including rainfall-runoff modelling platforms for flow prediction in poorly-gauged locations, probabilistic flood risk-benefit analyses, and PUB strategies to support environmental flow implementation. To better understand coupling of biological and physical variables in river and estuarine systems, we combine modeling with field observation in diverse locations. See below for some examples of where we work.
Where We Work
photos by K.M.Kibler
Diversion hydropower
Nu River, China
What is the hydrologic alteration signature of diversion hydropower?
To answer this question, we study 32 tributary watersheds developed with diversion hydropower systems. We develop predictive modeling techniques for ungauged catchments and develop new flow metrics to describe effects of diversion.
Mangrove recruitment to restored shorelines
What conditions encourage natural recruitment of mangrove propagules into restored shorelines?
We examine 3D flow hydraulics and benthic sediments to define targeted restoration goals for living shoreline restoration.
Diversion hydropower, Luquillo mountains, Puerto Rico
How does diversion hydropower affect river geomorphology, hydraulic habitats, and aquatic biota?
We apply hydraulic habitat characterization to determine the effect of diversion hydropower to freshwater shrimp.
A fisherman in Candaba, Philippines has a livelihood that is adapted to and benefits from seasonal inundation. photo by A.M. Juarez-Lucas
photo by K.M. Kilber
Flood risk-benefit analysis
Candaba Philippines
Decision making should consider both the risks and probabilistic benefits related to flooding
We combine hydrologic rainfall-runoff modeling with hydraulic inundation modeling and hydrologic frequency analysis to probabilistically characterize flood hazards. We then integrate this information with field surveys of agricultural production and yields from inland, flood-dependent seasonal fisheries to determine the net losses and gains related to using flood-prone land in Candaba municipality, Philippines.
Estuary restoration
Indian River Lagoon, Florida
Is restoration success the same thing as impact?
See press release for more details:
Food waste, energy, and water
What are the water and energy footprints off wasted food?
