Probing Water Cycle Processes and Extremes in Coastal and Urban Environments Using Water Isotope Ratio Tracers and Numerical Tags

Coasts represent some of the most dynamic and complex natural systems on Earth and are of outsized importance, relative to their area, for national and global economies. Coastal areas face both social and environmental challenges. As more people move to these regions, the risks from extreme weather, rising sea levels, groundwater

groundwater

Water that occurs below Earth's surface. When rain falls to the ground, a portion percolates (sinks) into the ground and collects in spaces in the underground rocks.

Source: A student's guide to Global Climate Change Source

salinization, and erosion

erosion

The geological process in which Earth's materials are worn away by weathering processes and transported away by natural forces such as wind or water.

Source: National Geographic Source

are increasing due to climate change.

climate change

A change in the average conditions — such as temperature and rainfall — in a region over a long period of time.

Source: NASA Climate Kids Source

These intersecting challenges motivate a need for Earth system models

earth system model (ESM)

A model that simulates how chemistry, biology, and physical forces work together. These models are similar to, but much more comprehensive than, global climate models.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy Source

(ESMs) that can represent coastal systems in detail to better understand the risk to and resilience of coastal cities arising from climate change and increased urbanization.

urbanization

Concentrations of human populations into discrete areas. This concentration leads to the transformation of land for residential, commercial, industrial and transportation purposes.

Source: EPA Environmental Protection Agency Source

This project will address these limitations by developing a comprehensive water tracking system throughout E3SM.

Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM)

The Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM) project includes Earth System Models, simulations, and predictions to investigate energy-relevant science using code optimized for DOE's advanced supercomputers.

Source: NVCL Web Page Source

The proposed research activities will enhance the E3SM's capability to track water sources, sinks, and transport throughout the hydrological cycle and across model components, ultimately improving our understanding of urban-coastal system interactions. By connecting this new tracking system to the existing capabilities, the enhanced E3SM can be utilized to study coastal change, extreme event susceptibility, and urbanization impacts on precipitation and flooding, and potential solutions for increasing coastal city resilience.