Grain Shape Effects on Munition Mobility
SERDP/$631k/2021-2023

This project addresses the processes of munition mobility, burial and reemergence in underwater environments subjected to wave action. Specifically, it focuses on tropical settings, where sediment substrates commonly exhibit high degrees of grain angularity and irregular shapes. The knowledge gathered through this study seeks to inform the way current efforts predict mobility, burial and re-exposure of underwater munitions in tropical settings. UTDallas' Stefano Leonardi is a co-PI in this effort.

Grain Shape Effects on Sediment Dynamics
DoD-HBCU/$659k/2021-2023

Tropical littoral zones generally exhibit non-cohesive sediments composed of corals, shells and other marine fragments with a variety of shapes and angular features. The irregular nature of these types of sediments increases intergranular friction thereby hindering sediment mobilization. Through detailed laboratory observations and numerical modeling this projects aims to accurately quantify the effect of grain shape and angularity on initiation of motion, bedform evolution and bedload transport.  

Scalar Transport Across the Sediment-Water Interface
NSF-CAREER/$513k/2018-2023

With the goal of better understanding coastal benthic boundary layers, this project investigates solute transport across a rippled sediment water interface subjected to waves. Experiments are carried out by PhD student Juan Vargas using PIV and PLIF to obtain detailed observations of concentration and velocity fields. Numerical simulations, led by MS student Edwin Aponte in collaboration with UDel, inform the experiments, provide valuable data for cross-validation, and extend the research into more complex physics. ​

RECYCLED GLASS AS BEACH NOURISHMENT MATERIAL
PR Science Trust/$150k/2016-2017

This project evaluated the possibility of using recycled glass as a beach nourishment alternative to mitigate erosion problems, while reducing the amount of solid waste reaching the landfill. Using image processing techniques, six different types of glass particles were characterized in terms of their shape and angularity, and evaluated in regards to their setting characteristics and bedload transport potential. Marcelo Suárez was a co-PI in this effort.

CARICOOS
co-PI/NOAA/$8.5M/2016-2021

Beach Water Quality 

Development, operation and validation of beach water quality nowcasts. 

Hurricane María

Expression of Hurricane María in PR's coastal ocean.

Pa' La Playa Beach APP

Weather and ocean conditions for 100+ beaches around PR and USVI.

CARICOOS is the Caribbean Coastal Ocean Observing System, an effort funded by NOAA-IOOS and led by Prof. Julio Morell. CARICOOS provides real time data and forecasts of ocean and weather conditions for the US Caribbean Archipelago. 

TOWARDS FAST RESPONSE TO HARMFUL BACTERIA LEVELS IN NEARSHORE WATERS
Sea Grant/$73k/2016-2018

This project primarily focused on the fate and transport of fecal indicator bacteria in the nearshore. Priscila Vargas in collaboration with Peter Rivera developed the model for Rincón, while the CARICOOS team helped with the experimental campaign.  Donya Frank, now at USGS, was a crucial collaborator for the Dorado site. Pedro Resto was a co-PI in this effort.