'Assessment of submarine groundwater discharge using radon and radium surveys in Seychelles'

Dr. John Rapaglia, a visiting researcher from the Department of Geology at Kiel University, Germany, was conducting scientific surveys in Seychelles as part of the Adjust project. His work in Seychelles was focus on the vulnerability of Seychelles to sea-level rise, and during his 6 weeks stay, he mapped the existing coastal protection structures along the coastlines of Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue to better understand the potential hot spots of erosion and use this information in the regional DIVA model which is part of the PhD work of Dorothee Fehling. With established partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment (MACCE), he also deployed pressure sensors in various locations around Mahé to gain insight into tidal amplitude during flooding events. Additionally, Dr. Rapaglia along with Dr. Jerome Harlay of the University of Seychelles conducted a radon survey in several bays in Seychelles to ascertain the role groundwater discharge may play in coastal processes, particularly in the reestablishment of coral reefs and seagrass meadows.
Dr. Rapaglia recently gave a presentation on the work being undertaken under the Adjust project in Seychelles including the investigation of submarine groundwater discharge through radon measurement survey in the Anse Royale area. The results of the survey will allow the University to better understand coastal processes in the bays adjacent to the University.