(PI: R. Robinson, URI, Co-PIs: J. King, R. Hashemi, S. Pradhanang, URI and Coastal Carolina University)

We propose to quantify submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) to the southern Rhode Island coastal marine environment. We will use an interdisciplinary approach that combines direct sensing and chemical measurements of discharge with numeric modeling to assess the impacts of SGD on nutrient budgets and water quality. Furthermore, we plan to concurrently study potential saltwater intrusion (SWI) in the same areas at no additional cost to the project. We will transfer our findings to local communities and regional managers. The proposed project will particularly emphasize SNEP Priorities 1 (Integrated approaches to restoring Southeast New England’s water quality, habitats, and ecosystems), 7 (Improve ability to measure the effectiveness of restoration), and 8 (Improve the utility of environmental monitoring).