Program Overview

Collaborative Research: IRES Track I: Post-hurricane recovery of island freshwater lenses: Understanding the impact of social and hydrological dynamics

This program is funded by the National Science Foundation and is a collaboration between five US Institutions: California State University, Sacramento, Eastern New Mexico University, University of Wyoming, Oberlin College and Rutgers University.

Despite the recognized importance of socio-hydrology in increasing our understanding of the interactions between water and human systems, interdisciplinary student training addressing the cross-cutting nature of socio-hydrology is not common. This project will investigate the importance of socio-hydrological dynamics on post-hurricane recovery of freshwater resources of small sub-tropical islands by collecting, integrating, and analyzing unique information on the social and hydrological processes that are identified as the main drivers of post-hurricane recovery of water resources in Grand Bahama. Our research will generate new data and knowledge on the relative importance and compound role of social and hydrological factors and will ultimately contribute to increased water resources sustainability and resilience of small islands under a changing climate.

Study Area

We will conduct our research in Grand Bahama Island and study the hydro-sociological dynamics post-hurricane Dorian. Hurricane Dorian hit the northernmost islands of the Bahamas (Grand Bahama and Abaco Islands) on September 1, 2019, as a Category 5 storm with surges exceeding 20 ft. According to the International Federation of Red Cross, the storm's impact was catastrophic, resulting in extensive flooding, which contaminated local wells with seawater. Initial assessments have shown that the storm impacted three wellfields, used to supply the island with freshwater, comprising 220 wells in total. According to local authorities, the wellfields were flooded with 4-20 ft. of seawater for a period of 36 hours during and after the storm, which infiltrated the subsurface, severely impacting the local FWL and affecting drinking water quality until today. It is unclear how quickly FWLs recover from saltwater contamination, and how that recovery is driven by hydrological and anthropogenic factors.

In this project, we will use Grand Bahama as a case study to gain valuable insight into these complex socio-hydrological relationships, leveraging previous research efforts on the island and established relationships with University of The Bahamas (UB), Grand Bahama Utility Company (GBUC), the Forestry Unit of the Government of the Bahamas and local communities.

International Research Experience in Grand Bahama

This international research experience will take place in Grand Bahama, and the students will be hosted by University of The Bahamas (UB).

As part of this program, you will have the opportunity to:

• Participate in a 6-week research program in Grand Bahama (late May - early July 2024)
• Design an individual research project within your discipline (i.e hydrology or sociology/anthropology) and participate in an interdisciplinary group project
• Work with an interdisciplinary group of UB and US mentors and students
• Have access to facilities, data, and resources through your host mentors at UB
• Participate in workshops, stakeholder meetings and cultural activities in Grand Bahama

This is a competitive program that is fully funded by the NSF. Selected students will receive:

• US-Grand Bahama roundtrip airfare and transportation in Grand Bahama
• Lodging during their stay in Grand Bahama
• Travel insurance
• 6-week research internship stipend (up to $500/week)

Examples of research projects and activities include the following:

• Groundwater and soil salinity data collection and analysis
• Isotope data collection and analysis
• Infiltration experiments to assess salt build-up on the soil and its impact on its infiltration capacity
• Sociological investigations of community members’ perceptions on water management in Grand Bahama through focus groups and interviews

Pre-trip Planning

During pre-trip planning, students will prepare safety information with supervising US faculty. We will explore the current CDC health recommendations for travelers to the area, including appropriate vaccinations and precautions. Students will engage with their home institution International Programs Office to access resources for international travel and safety. Students will be familiar with their health insurance policy, access to medical care in our host country, and emergency preparedness, including hurricane evacuation procedures.

Participants in research projects should be free from any and all forms of discrimination and professional misconduct, including but not limited to: scientific misconduct, sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, workplace hostility, violence bullying or retaliation for reporting any type misconduct. During the pre-trip planning, students will acknowledge the procedures governing codes of conduct for students and faculty. They will explore avenues for safe reporting while in the field, including access to the international programs’ offices, Title IX officers and appropriate departmental personnel.