Research

Our work focuses on groundwater-surface water interactions where we observe and model groundwater flow phenomena and their resulting expressions as springs in order to develop mechanistic explanations for their occurrence.

Research Projects

• 1. Novel techniques for regional, remotely sensed analysis of surface water dynamics for data-sparse regions;

  2. Spatial and temporal dynamics of ground and surface waters of the riparian floodplains of the Midwest; and

  3. Density-driven groundwater flow modeling of both coastal and extremely saline aquifers of salt flat-bearing basins.

Below is a bit more information about each project, its status, and any details regarding its development. 

Long-term field site development at Baker Farm in Middletown, Ohio

Many stakeholders in riparian floodplains have concerns about the effect of flooding and resulting groundwater-surface water interactions on water quality.  Especially in agricultural areas, where nutrient loading from fertilizer to field-adjacent surface water may threaten local ecosystems, there are questions over the efficacy of land use change and management. The field site that our research group has begun to manage in 2024 represents a rare opportunity to investigate land use impacts by working with the Miami Conservancy District (MCD) to implement land use changes and monitor resulting changes in groundwater-surface water interactions and water quality.  Below are some recent updates to the project:

• • Over 6 months of surface water sampling for stable water isotope analysis. 

  • Installation and monitoring of groundwater wells throughout the >50 acre property. 

  • Undergraduate student Lizbeth Ramos was funded by a University of Dayton Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship to help in establishing the field site.

  • Collaborations with the Miami Conservancy District will continue the development of the area into a long-term research site.

Remote-sensing of the salinity of wetlands in the Andean High Plains

This project focuses on developing novel remote sensing algorithms to accurately measure surface-water salinity in the challenging high-sloping and arid environments of the Andes Mountains, particularly the Salar de Atacama salt flat. Using data from the Sentinel satellite, researchers are refining algorithms to align satellite-based salinity readings with in-situ measurements collected from this remote area. By incorporating field data into satellite models and visualizing results with ArcGIS, the project aims to produce more accurate representations of salinity levels across these difficult-to-access regions. Improved salinity mapping in arid, mountainous areas like the Andes could provide essential data for resource management, benefiting local industries and communities by facilitating better-informed water use practices. This method also has global implications, potentially enabling enhanced salinity monitoring in other remote, arid environments worldwide.  Some recent outcomes and progress include:

• Accurate Satellite Salinity Mapping: The algorithm refinement process has shown potential for improving the accuracy of satellite-based salinity readings, particularly in the Andes and similar environments.

• Preliminary Data Trends: Initial comparisons of satellite data and in-situ measurements have revealed key trends, such as higher salinity during winter months due to reduced precipitation and evaporation patterns.

• Field and Satellite Data Integration: The project has successfully integrated field data from the Salar de Atacama region with satellite data, helping to identify discrepancies and improve algorithm precision.

• Seasonal Salinity Variations: The data analysis revealed seasonal variations in salinity levels, with lower salinity values observed during wetter months, highlighting the importance of adjusting satellite algorithms for seasonality.

• Global Applicability: This technique could be applied to other remote regions worldwide, offering a cost-effective solution for monitoring surface water salinity in areas that are otherwise difficult to access.

• Public and Industrial Benefits: The successful implementation of this project would provide valuable salinity data to local communities and industries, particularly in resource management, agricultural practices, and water conservation.