Collaborative Research (IRES Track I): A Multi-Faceted Approach for Understanding Hydrologic Controls on Transmission Losses in Dryland Environments

Water resources may be the most critical issue underpinning health and sustainable development in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. We propose to integrate international research projects with cultural training, technical instruction, and preparation for professional practice (including accessing and distributing data via shared platforms, communicating science to technical and public audiences, writing grant proposals, and the conduct of science) in hydrology for a cohort of graduate students (5 students/yr) from the University of Georgia, University of Kentucky, and other U.S. institutions, including underrepresented colleges and universities. The proposed research examines infiltration (transmission-loss) rates and variability within ephemeral channels in arid to semi-arid watersheds to test whether modern recharge is occurring within these settings, further the scientific understanding of transmission-loss processes, and examine the controlling factors. The proposed project represents a partnership between three U.S. universities (Georgia (UGA), Kentucky (UK), Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)) and four Moroccan universities (Cadi Ayyad (UCAM), Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah (USMBA), Ibn Zohr (UIZ), and Hassan II (UH2M)). We propose three broad, interlinked sets of activities linked by a common research theme. Activity (1) involves developing technical expertise. This will be achieved through a pre-trip online course by the US PIs, a pre-trip workshop at UGA, and a 5- week research trip to Morocco. Activity (2) involves developing professional contacts and skills. Activity (3) involves outreach to the general public, increasing global awareness, information transfer to technical users, and plans for long-term sustainability. A comprehensive evaluation plan for student learning will be used to determine to what extent the program meets the seven student objectives and how effectively stakeholders have planned for long-term sustainability of the project, thus informing water resource management in Morocco and other arid regions.