The University of Delaware was awarded a $329,272 National Science Foundation (NSF) Geosciences Program (CFDA 47.050) Project Grant to study the impacts of sea level rise on the health of coastal forests through changes in hydrological processes, with a particular focus on stemflow. The research will investigate how stemflow, which plays a crucial role in transporting nutrients and organic matter to the forest floor as well as soil moisture recharge, is affected by the intrusion of saltwater into freshwater systems. Field measurements, laboratory analyses, and statistical modeling will be used to understand the ecohydrological responses of coastal ecosystems to changing environmental conditions. The project aims to provide new insights into coastal forest resilience and inform strategies for mitigating the effects of sea level rise. Additionally, the project will develop publicly available training modules to disseminate knowledge about water flow and dynamics in coastal forests and provide interdisciplinary training to undergraduate and graduate students.
Generated 3/4/25, 6:40 AM