Core 4 Research Program - Mississippi State University

 
 

Hydrodynamic Flushing Dynamics and Remote Sensing Monitoring of Water-Quality Recovery Following Rainfall Events in the Mississippi Sound

Principal Investigator: Dr. Adam Skarke
Institution: Mississippi State University
Award Amount: $137,789
Period of Performance: February 16, 2026 – November 15, 2027

Project Goals and Importance

Rainfall events can significantly alter coastal water quality through freshwater inflows, runoff, and changes in water circulation. The rate at which coastal waters recover following these events depends partly on hydrodynamic flushing, or the movement and exchange of water within coastal environments.

This project investigates how hydrodynamic processes influence water-quality recovery following rainfall events in the Mississippi Sound. Researchers will integrate hydrodynamic modeling, satellite remote sensing, and autonomous surface vessel observations to characterize changing environmental conditions, including those affecting experimental oyster reef sites.

The project contributes to MBRACE's coordinated Core 4 Research Program by examining the physical processes influencing water quality and oyster reef sustainability.

Research Objectives

  • Investigate hydrodynamic flushing and water exchange following rainfall events.

  • Use hydrodynamic modeling to characterize coastal water movement and recovery processes.

  • Incorporate Sentinel-2 satellite observations and autonomous surface vessel surveys to monitor coastal water-quality conditions.

  • Evaluate environmental conditions affecting experimental oyster reef sites.

  • Integrate findings with complementary Core 4 investigations.

Expected Management Impacts

This research is expected to improve understanding of how coastal circulation influences water-quality recovery following rainfall events. Results may help resource managers evaluate environmental conditions affecting oyster reef restoration sites and inform water-quality monitoring, restoration planning, and coastal management strategies.

Project Outputs

Publications, presentations, datasets, and other research products will be added as they become available.