Xuan Yu's Coupled Surface–Subsurface Flow Processes Group

Xuan Yu's coupled surface-subsurface flow processes group will develop and apply cutting-edge methods to understanding and managing limited fresh water resources and flood hazards in coastal areas with dense populations. 

A Watershed hydrology: understanding stream response to short time water input events and long term climate/land use change, which is important for water supply, flood prediction, water quality, and environmental protection. Coupled surface-subsurface observation and modeling methods can improve understanding of surface water/groundwater interaction, flow paths, residence time, and water age. 

B Coastal hydrology: understanding coastal topographic control on fresh water and saline water interactions under scenarios of sea-level rise and water use. Coupled surface-subsurface observation and modeling can improve understanding of hydrologic processes at different time scales (e.g. tides, seasonal, and sea-level rise) and capture the role of groundwater flow in flood propagation and dissipation. 

C Land-sea interactions: understanding seawater circulation at multiple temporal (e.g. seasonal to decadal changes) and spatial scales (e.g. estuary geometry, barrier islands, delta channel networks). Coupled surface-subsurface observation and modeling can improve understanding of flow and transport processes across multi-channel systems, beaches, and seafloors.