Project Grant 2147782

This Project Grant from the National Science Foundation Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences, under the Geosciences federal grant program (CFDA 47.050), provides $284,111 to Northeastern University from June 1, 2022 to May 31, 2025. The funding supports collaborative research to evaluate past and future hydroclimatology of the Mississippi River through integrated climate modeling, observations, and reconstructions. Researchers will determine the net effect of competing climate influences on Mississippi River discharge and flood risk. Work involves assessments of discharge in climate models like CESM, which uses a river transport model. Preliminary results suggest discharge could increase dramatically under high emissions but remain within historical norms under lower emissions. The project also considers factors driving Mississippi discharge over the last millennium using paleoclimate data and model simulations. Outreach efforts include supporting student research experiences and engaging with stakeholders on practical implications. The award provides support for a postdoctoral researcher and two graduate students.