# Postdoctoral Fellowship: OCE-PRF: Dynamics of low-inflow estuaries and their response to increasing aridification

> **NSF 01002425DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Harvey Mudd College (CA) · $274,917

## Abstract

Estuaries support unique ecosystems and provide valuable economic benefits, such as aquaculture farms and recreation. They require careful management in the face of a changing climate and increasing coastal development. Estuaries with low river inflow for part of the year, found for example in California, Texas, and Latin America, are particularly vulnerable to depletion of freshwater resources and increasing drought conditions. However, predicting the response of a low-inflow estuary to these new conditions is challenging. This challenge arises in part because low-inflow estuaries behave differently than traditional estuaries which have year-round river flow. Most theory for estuary circulation focuses on traditional estuaries and does not apply well to low-inflow estuaries. Our project aims to fill this knowledge gap by testing how low-inflow estuaries respond to extreme weather and drought. The project results will generate a new understanding of the circulation of low-inflow estuaries. It will also help inform coastal managers on how low-inflow estuaries are likely to respond to future variability. The research will be paired with an educational component including school labs and field trips to promote ocean science among students.

The proposed project aims to enhance knowledge of future changes to low-inflow estuaries using models. For high-inflow systems, idealized modeling studies have investigated the estuarine adjustment to changes in river runoff or tidal forcin

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2545240
- **Awardee organization:** Harvey Mudd College (CA)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** C76JKA5JY2B3
- **PI:** Robert M Sanchez
- **Primary program:** 01002425DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** PHYSICAL OCEANOGRAPHY, OCE Postdoctoral Fellowships
- **Estimated total:** $274,917
- **Funds obligated:** $168,570
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 07/01/2025 → 07/31/2027

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2545240

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2545240, Postdoctoral Fellowship: OCE-PRF: Dynamics of low-inflow estuaries and their response to increasing aridification. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2545240. Licensed CC0.

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