2. IMPACTS: Integrated Modeling for Predictive Analysis of Coastal Terrains

Supported by

IMPACTS is a collaborative research project involving the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, the University of Delaware, and Louisiana State University. Using the St. Jones Reserve in Delaware as a primary field site, the project combines long-term environmental monitoring, soil and water sampling, laboratory experiments, secure data management, and integrated biogeochemical, hydrologic, hydrodynamic, and geotechnical modeling. The research examines how sea-level rise, coastal flooding, and saltwater intrusion alter soil salinity and redox conditions, carbon and nitrogen cycling, groundwater and salt transport, soil behavior, vegetation, and ecosystem services. The resulting data and predictive tools will support coastal vulnerability assessment, sustainable management, and climate adaptation for natural and built environments.