An Integrated Observational and Modeling Approach to Estimation of the Groundwater Contribution to the Water and Nutrient Budgets in Coastal Environments; Case Studies ­– Greenwich Bay and Southern Rhode Island Coastal Lagoons

Motivation

Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) is a significant source of dissolved constituents, including nutrients and pollutants, to coastal waters yet it remains poorly estimated or largely ignored in studies of nutrient budgets and resulting environmental impacts.

Goals

To estimate submarine groundwater discharge to Greenwich Bay and Ninigret / Green Hill coastal ponds and development of groundwater, surface water, and nutrient transport models.

1. Quantification of SGD to Greenwich Bay and Ninigret and Green Hill coastal ponds in southern Rhode Island.
2. Development of groundwater, surface water, and nutrient transport models.
3. Provide data to relevant stakeholders.
4. Provide a monitoring model for future work.