Projects

We are travelling to 6 cities across North America (NYC, Toronto, Buffalo, Chicago, SF, Vancouver) in 2018-2019 to study the effectiveness of green infrastructure bioswales for stormwater capture and temperature control. The work is done in conjunction with one day Earthwatch/HSBC Sustainability Training Academy Events.

As part of this work we are developing a Rapid Green Infrastructure Assessment Protocol to be repeated in other citiesas well as affordable green infrastructure sensors. The sensors use open source microcontrollers and transmit data back to us using the cell phone network. Check back for the protocol and sensor design at the end of the project. Sensor code can be found here: https://github.com/BSmith25/EarthwatchSensorCode

Co-PIs: Jennifer Cherrier, Brooklyn College; Tom Meixner, University of Arizona; Alan Berkowitz, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies

Funding provided by Earthwatch Institute and HSBC

A city-wide hydrology and hydraulics stormwater model is being created for NYC. The model will be used to assess urban and compound flood risk across NYC under current conditions and in a future climate. Additionally we will study potential mitigation strategies from an Integrated Water Management perspective.

Co-PIs: Jennifer Cherrier, Brooklyn College; Mazdak Arabi, Colorado State; Firas Saleh, Jupiter Intel; Philip Orton, Stevens Institute; Brian Colle, Stony Brook University; Timon McPhearson, The New School

Funding provided by NYC Town & Gown DDC/DEP/ORR

This completed work involved creation of a 15 year (2001-2015) high-resolution (15-min, 1 sq km) radar rainfall dataset for warm-seasons, which is available on request. Rainfall was analyzed along with citizen flood reports to determine influences on flooding in NYC.

Smith, B., & Rodriguez, S. (2017). Spatial Analysis of High-Resolution Radar Rainfall and Citizen-Reported Flash Flood Data in Ultra-Urban New York City. Water, 9(10), 736.

Funding provided by the Professional Staff Congress of CUNY