RESEARCH THEMES
Environmental Geophysics
Environmental geophysics aims to image and understand the physical properties and processes in the shallow subsurface through the use of minimally invasive methods like electrical resistivity tomography, electromagnetic induction, and ground-penetrating radar. Often, these methods are applied to problems impacting environmental health and therefore have a direct impact on daily life. The Sirianni Lab’s work focuses on investigating linkages between geophysical parameters and physical/chemical/biological properties of interest at the laboratory and field scales.
Ground/Surface Water Interactions
Water and its constituent chemicals are constantly being exchanged between the land surface and the subsurface. Characterizing these exchanges and important hydrogeologic structures, are essential for the development of effective water-resource policy, protection, and management. The Sirianni Lab conducts applied research using geophysical and hydrological tools to improve our understanding of groundwater/surface-water interactions.
Wetland Disturbance & Carbon Cycling
Wetlands are dynamic landscapes that are constantly adjusting to human and natural disturbances. In response to disturbance, the physical, chemical, and biological components of wetland ecosystems may change and impact their function and quality. Since wetlands act as one of the most important ecosystems for water quality/quantity regulation and for carbon cycling/storage, it is important to understand the resilience of wetland ecosystems and carbon pools to these disturbances. The Sirianni Lab uses laboratory experiments and field observations at different spatial and temporal scales to better understand current and future wetland resilience.
Soil Salinization & Saltwater Intrusion
Soil salinization and saltwater intrusion (SS & SWI) are significant risks to coastal watersheds and have caused impacts like declines in crop productivity, wetland degradation, and abandonment of public and private water supply wells. Unfortunately, it’s likely SS & SWI will worsen through the rest of the century in response to factors like accelerated sea level rise, increased human development, and changing rainfall patterns. Thus, the Sirianni Lab seeks to develop a better understanding of the mechanisms that drive SS & SWI in vulnerable areas along coastal watersheds through the use of geophysical, hydrological, and modeling techniques.
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
Are you a graduate or undergraduate student interested in learning more about current research opportunities with the Sirianni Lab?
Contact the Sirianni Lab by filling out the form below with your name, email address, and a brief message that details your background and research interests.