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The accessibility and condition of water sources, both above ground and underground, limit where humans can live worldwide. Climate projections indicate areas facing water shortages may expand over the next hundred years, alongside more frequent and intense dry periods. These shifts will intensify pressure on underground water supplies, driving our research into methods for analyzing, overseeing, and preserving aquifers at various scales. At Rice University, we investigate how geophysical methods and satellite observations can monitor aquifer conditions and their reactions to extraction and natural replenishment. We're especially focused on exploring water storage and recovery systems, seeking to enhance these methods through innovative monitoring and computational approaches.
Additionally, we examine water purity by merging computational models with hands-on testing of chemical compositions and isotopic signatures. Our primary goal is deciphering the natural influences on water quality, as this knowledge is essential for identifying human-caused alterations. Our methods also aid in mapping water movement, as we can trace different flow routes and speeds using geochemical indicators.