# Refining Techniques for Understanding Floodplain Resilience

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · William Marsh Rice University (TX) · $89,966

## Abstract

This project seeks to understand how communities flourish in seasonally dynamic landscapes over long periods of time. Researchers investigate the details of past livelihoods that required people to be mobile and sedentary at different times, for both economic and social reasons, and how these contrasting practices may have enabled the long-term success of these communities. Archaeology is particularly well-suited to investigate these issues, with access to economic and subsistence data from centuries-long timeframes.  Situated in a seasonally active floodplain, this research investigates the ways that humans came to thrive within these complex ecosystems and thus provides important insights for contemporary communities around the world as they seek to make their communities more resilient in similar dynamic floodplain environments. The research also provides crucial comparative data for environmental assessment and histories for settlement in dynamic floodplains.  Research experiences and training opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students are included in the project; students create a public database and description that will make the work accessible to a wide audience and allow for comparative research. 

The research team examines evidence from permanent settlements, mobile activities, and the movement of goods within and across a dynamic floodplain region to reveal how mobility and long-distance linkages were key to settlement permanence. The research uses ar

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2513351
- **Awardee organization:** William Marsh Rice University (TX)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** K51LECU1G8N3
- **PI:** Jeffrey B Fleisher
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** Biotechnology, ARCHAEOLOGY, GRADUATE INVOLVEMENT
- **Estimated total:** $89,966
- **Funds obligated:** $89,966
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2027

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2513351

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2513351, Refining Techniques for Understanding Floodplain Resilience. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2513351. Licensed CC0.

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