ABOUT ME
My research focuses on how environmental variability affects hydrology in coastal settings. I have a particular interest in how waves, tides, sea level rise, recharge, and other climactically-variable land-sea forcings drive groundwater flow and chemistry in coastal and marine aquifers and the resulting impacts on chemical fluxes to the ocean, ecosystem health and availability of groundwater drinking supplies. To understand the extent of these impacts, I use a combination of field, laboratory, and numerical modeling techniques to investigate how hydrology and geology control flow of groundwater and contaminants through coastal aquifers into the sea. I have published papers that apply novel techniques to upscale process- and site-scale understanding to regional and global scales. Through collaborations with biogeochemists and geophysicists I have been able to assimilate additional data to extend the impact of my research. My research training at Syracuse University has broadened my knowledge and interests, and I am excited to continue asking questions about how to mitigate environmental impacts of climate variability on hydrology in the arid West and investigating how best to visually share scientific information with novice and expert audiences—in and out of the classroom.
I have several first-author publications on these topics in leading academic journals with more in preparation. These papers, which cover scales from centimeters-to-globe and seconds-to-centuries have important implications for extrapolating site-and-lab scale measurements of flow and chemistry toward broader-scale implications, estimating groundwater and chemical fluxes to the ocean, and understanding the global impacts of a changing climate. I look forward to expanding my research to incorporate additional processes while continuing to think across the largest scales possible to address these important concerns.
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Coastal Groundwater
How do fresh and saltwater mix at the coast
Training
2017-2019
Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
Postdoctoral Teaching and Research Associate
Advisor: Dr. Laura K. Lautz
Benthic Exchange
How waves, tides, and currents drive surface water/groundwater mixing
2012-2017
University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Ph.D. Geology
Advisor: Dr. Holly A. Michael
Hyporheic Exchange
Groundwater/surface water interaction in streams
Water Supply Sustainability
The resiliency of aquifers in response to rising sea levels, changes in precipitation, and increased demands
2009-2012
University of Delaware, Newark, DE
M.S. Geology
Advisor: Dr. Holly A. Michael
2002-2006
Colby College, Waterville, ME
B.A. Geology
Advisor: Dr. Jennifer D. Shosa
CONTACT INFORMATION
Department of Geology & Geography
Office:
T: (304) 293-9803
E:
O: G35 Brooks Hall
330 Brooks Hall
98 Beechurst Ave.
Morgantown, WV 26506
https://www.geo.wvu.edu/faculty-and-staff/geology/christopher-russoniello
Department:
T: (304) 293-5603
F: (304) 293-6522