Written by: Madhuri Dinakar, Changcheng Pu and Joseph Wasswa

Although fresh water is a critical resource to our society, there is growing scarcity for this resource globally. The distribution of fresh water on the Earth’s surface is extremely uneven, where some parts of the world have abundant freshwater resources while others struggle to meet demand. Water supply crises are exacerbated by human population growth and climate change, which render the traditional freshwater supplies inadequate to sustain the growing water demand. In the United States, the west coast in particular faces increasing water stress, which causes overdraft of groundwater and stream depletion. Even if the drought were to stop today, it would take decades to restore the depleted ground water resources in the western US. Currently, the water supplies of Southern California and some other western states largely rely on imports from the Northern California and the Colorado River. These sources are under threat due to increasing population, particularly in Southern California, and growing conflicts between agricultural and urban demand for water, which have escalated as the water supply has dried up. Thus, this necessitates the exploration of alternative to combat the growing concern of water shortage. Suggested solutions to this challenge are composed of a combination of multiple strategies: desalination, storm water capture, water recycling and reuse, and water banking. These newly developed “taps” of urban water will help dry cities in California and other places achieve “more sustainable and resilient water futures.”

On April 6th, Dr. Richard Luthy, the Silas H. Palmer Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering of Stanford University, was invited to Syracuse University to give a seminar titled “Urban Water Supply Reinvention for Dry Cities.” Dr. Luthy started with a portfolio approach to the water stress, and how diversified techniques are applied to manage risks in water systems. Wastewater reuse, including potable and non-potable reuse, is one of the most appealing options to augment the water supply. For non-potable water reuse, one major challenge is the vast upfront cost, primarily for separate pipelines. The implementation of decentralized water reclaimation facilities is a potential solution for this issue. For potable water reuse, regulators and researchers are working together to promulgate regulations to address the health concerned caused by micropollutants. In addition, the public perception and acceptability of recycled water is still an impediment for successful implementation of water recycling and reuse. In California, the other technical approach is storm water capture, with a co-benefit of protecting beaches since it reduces the amount of pollutants carried to the beaches by urban runoff. Storm water collected by green Infrastructure and dry wells can be used to recharge groundwater. Dr. Luthy also stressed that all water problems and solutions are regional. Since the climate conditions, existing infrastructure and political environment vary largely from region to region, there is no universal solution to all local water problems. However, a comparison of water supply strategies implemented by driest parts of the region like Israel and California shows that the water stress in California can be reduced if the suggested options are successfully evaluated and implemented.

Story written by: Quercus Florence Hamlin

In a world of ever-growing data and computing resources, understanding and practicing good data management strategies is critical to scientists of all kinds.

In order facilitate better data management strategies, EMPOWER students attended a workshop led by CUAHSI’s (The Consortium of Universities for the Advancement of Hydrologic Science) Liza Brazil. Brazil walked through basics of the data life cycle and metadata before doing an in-depth demo of CUAHSI’s data repository Hydroshare (https://www.hydroshare.org/). Hydroshare allows hydrologists to store and discover hydrologic data of all kinds by browsing spatially and with tags. Faculty in the workshop were excited to find Hydroshare had a private lab data sharing feature and created groups for their labs on the spot.

After Brazil’s presentations, EMPOWER students hosted a discussion on data management. During the discussion, students analyzed their current data life cycle and, after being presented with new ideas, were asked how they would improve it. Many ideas were considered, like working as labs to establish group practices and expectations but perhaps the best advice? Just do it. We have the tools: we just need to commit to data management.

Story written by:  J.R. Slosson, Lucie Worthen & Yige Yang

In June 2018, twelve EMPOWER students will journey to Rwanda on a field course to learn about the history, culture, and potential energy source of Lake Kivu. In preparation for that field course, EMPOWER trainees are preparing by expanding their knowledge of the lake geology during weekly seminar.

Located on the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lake Kivu is one of the African Great Lakes located in the Great Rift Valley. Students discussed the journal article Stratigraphic framework and lake level history of Lake Kivu, East African Rift by Douglas Wood and Christopher Scholz. The paper shed light on the geologic history of the lake, from ancient deltas to former lake drainage patterns. The students conversed about volcanic eruptions of prehistoric times and analyzed the history told by the sediment core data. Dr. Scholz will be one of the professors leading the EMPOWER field course in Rwanda.  While Lake Kivu is most well-known for the methane produced from the sediment floor as a potential source of power for the Rwandan people, Scholz shed light on alternative reasons for studying the rift valley. The African Rift valley is very similar to an ancient series of rifts here in the eastern United States called the Eastern North America Rift Basins. By studying an active rift valley in Africa, we can better understand how the ancient rift basins of the northeast U.S. were formed, says Scholz. The EMPOWER trainees will continue their education on Lake Kivu next week with background on the lake chemistry related to methane.

Story written by Alaina Hickey, Nick Zaremba, Amanda Campbell & Laura Markley

On Friday, February 23^rd, a group of EMPOWER students led the class with a presentation focused on the existence of methane in Lake Kivu, continuing the discussion from the previous week on the geological processes controlling the evolution of the East African Rift and the Great Lakes of East Africa. These two student-led discussions were scheduled in preparation for an EMPOWER field course that will be taking place in Rwanda on Lake Kivu in June, which will focus on scientific issues pertaining to water resources and power generation in Rwanda. Professor Chris Junium, an organic geochemist who will also be taking part in the field course, joined the class to aid in the discussion on the complex biogeochemical cycling and water column chemistry of the lake.

Lake Kivu is located on the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and lies along the Albertine Rift, the western branch of the East African Rift. The lake is estimated to hold 55 billion cubic meters of methane (CH₄) and 250 billion cubic meters of carbon dioxide (CO₂), which are normally held at depth due to the meromictic nature of the lake. Similar to Fayetteville Green Lake, Lake Kivu is a meromictic lake, meaning that it does not normally overturn. As long as the lake remains stratified, the methane and carbon dioxide are not released into the atmosphere. However, this lake, along with Cameroonian Lake Nyos and Lake Monoun, are three known lakes to undergo limnic eruptions. Limnic eruptions are rare natural disaster cases in which the dissolved carbon dioxide and/or methane suddenly erupts from deep waters, forming a gas cloud that can asphyxiate wildlife and human populations. Methane and carbon dioxide are expected to reach saturated levels in the lake in 50 to 200 years, which poses a gas eruption threat to more than two million people along its shores. Geologic evidence in the lake’s surrounding region suggests mass biological extinctions have taken place in the past, which is likely a result of outgassing events triggered by volcanic activity. Understanding the unique geologic and chemical processes of the lake can help predict and potentially prevent future catastrophes.

In an effort to control methane levels in the lake, ContourGlobal, a U.S. based energy company, acquired project funding in 2011 to begin a large-scale methane extraction project, which now operates through a local Rwandan entity named KivuWatt. This is the only gas/water extraction project operating in the world. An offshore platform is used to extract, separate, and clean the gasses obtained from the deep waters before pumping purified methane through an underwater pipeline to on-shore gas engines. This exploitation of methane aids in maintaining permanent stratification of the lake and mitigating the dangers associated with the release of CH₄ and CO₂. The project also provides an environment-friendly and sustainable source of power generation, decreases the country’s use of diesel to generate electricity, and reduces electricity costs for consumers. Extraction is reported as cost-effective and relatively simple – once the gas-rich water is pumped to the surface, the dissolved gases (CO₂ and CH₄) begin to bubble out as water pressure decreases. This project is expected to increase Rwanda’s energy generation capability by as much as 20 times, and will enable Rwanda to sell electricity to neighboring African countries.

Story written by Quercus Hamlin and Changcheng Pu

Scientists are always looking for ways to better express information to both the public and peers. In a world of “big data,” complex theories, and short attention spans, visualization is a key tool to understanding data and to expressing findings. However, not all figures are created equal. EMPOWER students sought to improve their understanding of data visualization through a student-led discussion and visit from Dr. Christa Kelleher. Dr. Kelleher presents ten guidelines to create effective, comprehensive data visualization in “Ten guidelines for effective visualization in scientific publications” (2010). These guidelines synthesize design elements that improve comprehension and tips to avoid misleading figures.

Before Dr. Kelleher’s visit, EMPOWER students participated in a student-led discussion analyzing different figures from peer reviewed papers. Students pointed out positive and negative design decisions in figures and discussed strategies for improvement. Analyzing and critiquing other figures can help scientists develop better understanding of what to do and what to avoid in their own figures.

For example, different color schemes facilitate different types of data. In her discussion with EMPOWER students, Dr. Kelleher pointed out that a rainbow color scheme creates false difference in perceived values and can be hard to interpret. Consider the two maps of population density in Syracuse, NY census tracks: most would find the grey scale map easier to find a pattern in.  The dark values are centered around the city center and densities become lower as they get farther away.  In the rainbow map, the values (lightness or darkness) of the colors do not gradually get darker, so it is harder to quickly interpret the middle values, specifically blue and green. While the rainbow and legend gives us the “order” to figure this out, it is generally less intuitive. Figures using various hues (the “color” of a color – green, red, blue) better represent qualitative or categorical data, like land use. Differences in lightness and darkness better represent changes in intensity of numerical quantities.

Overall, data visualization is a key part of a modern science: our design choices influence how others understand our science. Scientists must aim to understand design and utilize it to further both public and peer understanding – after all, a picture is worth a thousand words!

(images – data from US Census Bureau, maps prepared by Quercus Hamlin)

In the most recent episode of Syracuse University’s Daily Orange biweekly STEM podcast, EMPOWER trainees Geoff Millard and Changcheng Pu discuss their research and their perspectives on Syracuse area water concerns.

To hear the full podcast, please click here: Orange STEM podcast.

Nicely done, Geoff and Changcheng!

Story written by Crystal Burgess, Lucie Worthen, and Joseph Wasswa

In light of the Syracuse Center of Excellence (CoE) Symposium on October 4th, EMPOWER trainees set the tone by discussing urban hydrology and related innovative research. Urbanization is not only growing worldwide, it is also adapting and changing to new environmental pressures as drinking water supplies and urban ecosystems are being affected. Students talked about the concept of urban evolution introduced in a review paper titled Urban Evolution: The Role of Water by Kaushal et al. The authors placed emphasis on how our relationships and interactions with water have changed, though water remains a foundation of civilization. Kaushal et al. created a model identifying the hydrological and social consequences over time from the industrial period to present day. With each period, we have adapted and redefined our relationship with water. The authors emphasize these responses are reflective of multiple perspectives. Biologist, geologists, engineers, government officials, business sectors, and the public all influence urban adaptations. Many EMPOWER trainees were curious about the interdisciplinary aspects of urban land management. Ph.D. student Darci Pauser stated that she was intrigued by how water acts as a constraint that can “shape urban development and all socio-economic development.”

Trainees also reviewed two case studies by Lauren McPhillips and Sarah Ledford. The two researchers presented their projects relating to water in urban environments at the CoE symposium. Sarah Ledford studies nitrogen cycling in Meadowbrook Creek in Syracuse. Nitrate is one of the main water pollutants sourced from fertilizers and wastewater systems. In her paper she recommends that stream managers take a mindful approach to removing nitrate as it relates to their restoration goals. Lauren McPhillips also focused on nutrient cycles across lawns and ditches within residential neighborhoods. During her presentation, McPhillips mentioned residents approached her in the field and was curious about her work. She went on to stress the importance of communication and community engagement. As urban environments continue to change our concerns for better water management calls everyone to the conversation.

To learn more about the Syracuse Center of Excellence (CoE) Symposium, please go to http://syracusecoe.syr.edu/2017-syracusecoe-symposium/

Story written by Riley Sessanna, Nick Zaremba, and Rose Louk

Climate change may result in broad effects to our most treasured scenic getaways, the National Parks. Initial reactions may be to consider how warmer temperatures will impact wildlife or other natural beauties such as glaciers. However, it is also important for park management to better understand how climate change will affect park attendance, so that resources can be focused in areas that will be impacted the most. Attendance is generally dependent on the mean monthly temperatures of a park; more people visit parks when temperatures are favorable. Parks such as Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii, which has a pleasant temperature year-round, has consistent attendance throughout the year; while parks located in colder climates tend to have higher attendance in the warm summer months and few visitors in the winter. An interesting case study by Albano et al. (2013) examined climate change’s impact on attendance in three National Parks in Alaska. This study predicted an increase in park attendance in the coming years, based on a growing “peak season,” which follows a longer period of favorable climate.

With climate change impacting the National Parks in a diverse number of ways, there will be a need for more research and employees in the parks. A survey of professionals and students found that experience, social connectivity, character, focused education, and having a foot in the door are essential for success in the career sector (Browning et al. 2017). There are also a number of funding opportunities for those interested in doing research in the parks. Grants are available through the National Park Foundation and internships are offered by the Geoscientists in the Park Program. Both opportunities can provide the experience and social connectivity necessary for a career in the National Parks. Water-Energy Seminar students had a roundtable discussion about the various impacts of climate change on parks, how our research can be applied to parks, and how to get an internship or job in the National Parks.

On November 9th, Ed Harvey spoke to EMPOWER students about water resource stewardship in the U.S. National Park Service (NPS). In this talk, he explained that National Parks are set aside for the enjoyment of the public and conserved with the goal of leaving them unimpaired for future generations. With this balance of conservation and enjoyment, there are “inherited” challenges of managing old infrastructure like dams and gas stations, mining operations that are contaminating the land, and people living in the parks (“inholdings”) who require a source of water in a place where the water is protected. There is also the issue of changing climate conditions bringing about disasters like floods and landslides that damage the parks and can endanger visitors. Furthermore, Ed Harvey explained that the allocation of the NPS budget and employee distribution is geared more towards public enjoyment of the parks than conservation. He closed with an explanation of how park decisions extend beyond science alone to include cultural resource considerations, socio-economic impacts, politics, and public opinion. Overall, stewardship must respond to dynamic changes in the environment while including the diverse interests of everyone involved.

Photographs from https://nature.nps.gov/geology/education/images.cfm

We are pleased to offer the next installment in our series that features the outstanding and interesting students in our program. This month, we feature Earth Sciences PhD student Kristina Gutchess. Thank you for contributing, Kristy!

What inspired you to become a geoscientist?

I have had an insatiable interest in the earth sciences since I was a young child. Every summer I would spend endless hours constructing makeshift dams and culverts with my brother in a small creek that ran through my childhood back yard. This early love for understanding the science of the earth – particularly water – has since propagated, and here I am today.

What skills and knowledge (either educational or technical training) have been of key importance to your success in graduate school

So much has contributed to my growth as a scientist! But if I had to pick the top three, I would say:

1) Learning programming early on

2) Taking advantage of a variety of courses (many outside of the earth sciences department)

3) Developing a strong interdisciplinary network.

Oh, and last but not least, communicating! Regularly presenting and meeting with peers and colleagues to discuss science, either formally or informally, has been of key importance in the development and advancement of my research.

Do you have any mentors who have helped guide you? What is some pivotal advice that they have given you?

Dr. Laura Lautz, EMPOWER Program Director and Earth Sciences Department Chair, has always been a role model of mine. As an undergraduate, I admired Dr. Lautz’s work with beaver dams and nutrient dynamics. I’ve had the privilege to interact with Laura regularly during my graduate studies and she still inspires me daily. Working closely with Dr. Laura Lautz has shown me the importance of perseverance, organization, and the benefits that a positive outlook even when faced with insurmountable challenges can have.

My advisor, Dr. Zunli Lu, has also been a strong driving force since I started considering graduate studies as an undergraduate. He even had a hand in recruiting me to apply to Syracuse. Since I’ve been here, Zunli has helped me realize what I’m capable of. He pushes the graduate students in our research group to go above and beyond – and we’re all incredibly grateful for that!

What advice would you give new graduate students

• Embrace your inner “nerd.”…don’t be afraid to totally immerse yourself in the science. The rest will follow.
• Don’t underestimate the importance of skilled science communication – if only 1% of your audience can understand you, what’s the point?
• Be yourself! Grad school isn’t just about finding the answers to complex scientific questions. It’s also an opportunity to explore your interests in depth– to really figure out the direction you want your career to take and to thoroughly evaluate all your options.

About Kristy:  Kristy graduated from State University of New York College at Cortland with a B.S. in Geology. She participated in several interdisciplinary research projects as an undergraduate, including characterizing contamination in urban catchments, assessing water quality on the college campus, and assessing the extent of nutrient pollution in Central New York tributaries.  Kristy’s research is aimed at broadening understanding of the controls on the flux of water and solutes through catchments. To answer these questions, she uses modeling approaches combined with field observations and analytical techniques. She also is interested in the impacts of climate disruption on headwater catchments and the societal and ecological ramifications of these changes. Kristy has extensive teaching experience, has earned awards for her research, and has numerous publications. She has been awarded Syracuse University Water Fellowship and the EMPOWER NRT fellowship.

EMPOWER was well represented at the 129^th Annual Meeting of the Geological Society of America (GSA). The event was held in Seattle and featured technical sessions, short courses, a lively exhibit hall, and field trips. There were 14 different oral presentations and posters given by EMPOWER-affiliated faculty and students, including:

Emily Baker, “Methods for Correcting Ground-Based Time-Lapse Infrared Imagery;”

Samuel Caldwell, “Persistence and Heterogeneity: Exploring Stream Temperature Variability as Observed by UAV-Collected TIR Imagery;”

Amanda Campbell, “Temporal Variability of Naturally Occurring Methane in Shallow Groundwater Wells in the Marcellus Shale Region;”

Nathaniel Chien, “Linear Discriminant Analysis as a Regional Screening Tool to Fingerprint Sources of Chloride Contamination in Groundwater;”

Laura DeMott, “Growth History and Composition of a Lacustrine Tufa Dome from Winnemucca Dry Lake, NV, USA;”

Robin Glas, “Changing Streamflow Regimes in New York State: Trends, Patterns, and Attribution;”

Kristina Gutchess, “Long-Term Inca Simulations Favor Climatic Over Anthropogenic Impacts on a Reduction of Stream Water Salinity In New York State.”

In addition to sharing their research, students also had opportunities to participate in workshops, attend research talks, network, and share their experiences with prospective graduate students.

For more information about the GSA Annual Meeting, go to http://community.geosociety.org/gsa2017/home