Are Groundwater Inputs into River-Dominated Margins Important?

Florida State University, Tallahassee FL

Investigators

Abstract

This project focuses on the balance between riverine and submarine groundwater discharge in Southeast Asian coastal zone areas dominated by large rivers. Using geochemical tracers (radon and radium isotopes), the researchers will study both groundwater and river-derived fluxes in two river-dominated systems in which they have established strong international partnerships: (a) The Yellow River-Bohai Sea and (b) the Chao Phraya-Gulf of Thailand. Parallel biogeochemical studies to be performed by international collaborators will permit direct comparisons of the river- and groundwater-derived inputs of biologically relevant chemical species to the coastal zone. The project will contribute to human resource development in developing countries and the U.S. and will have important implications for coastal zone water resource management in highly populated areas.