Federal Grant Award Summary

The National Science Foundation's Division of Earth Sciences awarded $294,592 to New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology under the Geosciences Program (CFDA 47.050) on February 1, 2026, for a collaborative international research project examining mountain block groundwater contribution to downstream water supplies. The project, which runs through January 31, 2028, delivers fundamental scientific research quantifying the depth and fluxes of groundwater flow in mountainous regions—specifically deep mountain block recharge (greater than 5 kilometers)—to address critical knowledge gaps in water security for vulnerable downstream communities. The field-based study leverages existing hydrogeological datasets including borehole networks, geophysical surveys, and groundwater dynamics records to generate insights applicable to mountain regions globally.

The research deliverables include comprehensive characterization of how groundwater in crystalline basement rock formations contributes to lowland aquifer resilience during drought conditions, challenging the traditional assumption that basement rock is impermeable. The collaborative international effort establishes and leverages partnerships with universities and natural resource agencies to ensure research findings are translated into robust impact assessments and adaptation pathways across research, industry, and policy sectors. This NSF/GEO-UKRI/NERC (National Environmentally Research Council) lead agency opportunity reflects the program's mission to advance fundamental understanding of integrated Earth systems and strengthen the national scientific enterprise through enhanced knowledge of natural processes.