# CAREER: (TIERRA) Tracking Island Evolution and Resilience through Remote Analyses of Atolls

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Colby College (ME) · $644,061

## Abstract

Atolls, low-lying coral islands surrounding inner lagoons, are critical ecosystems that support biodiversity and human communities, but face escalating threats from sea-level rise, ocean acidification, intensified storms, and human activities. This research project seeks to better understand how atolls respond to these challenges by studying changes in their size and shape over time. By analyzing satellite imagery and modeling the potential response of these islands to changing climates, the project aims to identify atolls most at risk of land loss and provide insights for conservation and community adaptation strategies. This project will provide a detailed and reproducible approach to studying atoll island change and resilience. An essential component of the project is its commitment to education and diversity, offering hands-on research, training, and mentoring opportunities for undergraduate students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. These efforts will not only generate actionable knowledge for policymakers and conservationists but also train a new generation of scientists dedicated to tackling environmental challenges. The outcomes will contribute to safeguarding these fragile islands and the communities and species that rely on them. By leveraging modern remote sensing technologies and numerical modeling, it will enhance our understanding of how these unique landforms respond to both natural and human driven impacts. This research will not only adva

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2441838
- **Awardee organization:** Colby College (ME)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** EP1ALCV8VN65
- **PI:** Alejandra C Ortiz
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** CAREER-Faculty Erly Career Dev, EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES
- **Estimated total:** $644,061
- **Funds obligated:** $498,355
- **Transaction type:** Continuing Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2030

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2441838

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2441838, CAREER: (TIERRA) Tracking Island Evolution and Resilience through Remote Analyses of Atolls. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2441838. Licensed CC0.

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