Department of Earth and Environmental Science
The mission of the Department of Earth and Environmental Science is to bring the time perspective of the Earth scientist/historian to bear on contemporary problems of natural-resource conservation and environmental quality.
Search results
Publication From Simulation to Savings: A Smart Grid Approach to Residential Load Management in Philadelphia(2025-05-19) Mikel Jorge Saralegui BedoyaPhiladelphia regularly experiences the urban heat island effect, heightening the impact of heat waves that are becoming increasingly common. As a result, the electric grid is increasingly inundated with peak energy demand during the summer months, which requires more power plants on standby to compensate. To track residential energy usage, an electric load modeling software named EDGIE (Emulating the Distribution Grid Impacts of Electrification) was used to monitor general and A/C energy usage of a Philadelphia row house. These A/Cs were then subjected to pre-cool one hour before daily peak heat events in the month of July, creating an opportunity for a virtual power plant (VPP) that could bundle the saved electricity of homes together for utilities to buy. Given the growing energy demands of programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Cooling Program, it is important to explore how load management technologies can address the rising energy usage associated with these efforts. Therefore, this study asks: How can the simulation of load managing devices impact rising energy usage from LIHEAP’s Cooling Program? EDGIE simulations show a roughly four percent decrease in power consumption, energy prices, and carbon emissions during peak periods, improving grid stability and reducing local stress. Results demonstrate that effective demand management not only yields significant savings in infrastructure and emissions costs for energy providers, but also underscores the need for further research into the origins and funding mechanisms of government cooling programs. While still in its infancy, load management shows promise for increasing efficiency in densely populated cities experiencing rising electrification trends, provided that load reduction strategies tailored to citizens and subsidized implementation of air conditioners can address challenges in grid stability.Publication Computational Analysis: How ExxonMobil Frames Climate Change's Market Risks(2025-05-19) Patterson, BronwynFor fossil fuel companies like ExxonMobil, public discourse is critically important, as appealing to the public- and investors- provides the capital that facilitates their growth and survival in the market. Despite the environmental and financial risks of climate change, there remains an acute disconnect between the outward facing statements of fossil fuel companies and their actual actions. My research partners the programming language R and Chat GPT4o-Mini with climate communication expertise to answer the question: how has ExxonMobil’s discussion of climate change within the “market levers” frame changed over time? In the past decade, ExxonMobil employed the “market levers” frame the most in June of 2019, March of 2021, and March of 2024, consistent with a general upward trend in frequency of the linguistic frame. 2015 reported the least number of press releases that included the frame, while 2019 included the greatest frequency. I conclude that ExxonMobil’s press releases discuss climate change via the “market levers” frame on a cyclical basis when calculated across a rolling 12-month average. This data provides a baseline for future climate communications research, beyond the scope of historical exploration. By employing R and ChatGPT, my work was able to examine a large corpus of climate change-related passages from Exxon’s press releases and identify patterns in the text that previous literature has been unable to manually identify. This primary data can be used to establish connections between different regulatory frameworks, financial risk, and climate-related communication in the energy industry at large.Publication Evaluating a Refrigerator Replacement Program For Low-Income Customers as a Cost-Effective Climate Strategy(2025-05-19) Montañez, BiancaThe energy transition is driving the implementation of cleaner energy infrastructure and more efficient technology for millions of Americans. Two significant pieces of American legislation, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) are driving the transition in the U.S., aiming to enhance energy efficiency across the country. However, low-income communities continue to face significant barriers to accessing rebates to replace energy-efficient appliances. This study employs a mixed-methods approach to examine whether a streamlined program to replace outdated, inefficient refrigerators in low-income households could serve as a cost-effective strategy to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, improve energy security for low-income customers, and address administrative barriers in accessing federal incentives. We first explore administrative challenges, including application complexities, technological barriers, and eligibility discrepancies that hinder low-income households from fully benefiting from energy efficiency incentives, to establish the problem present with rebate programs. We then utilize emissions calculations alongside grid decarbonization assumptions to conduct a cost-benefit analysis that evaluates the energy efficiency and environmental impact of replacing outdated refrigerators with modern ENERGY STAR-certified models. Our results demonstrate that replacing outdated refrigerators with energy-efficient models significantly reduces electricity consumption and carbon emissions. Given that the program costs for the three scenarios analyzed are less than the social cost of carbon (SC-CO₂) estimated at $194 per metric ton CO₂e, results suggest that a refrigerator replacement program should be considered a cost-effective, accessible climate strategy that provides energy security benefits to low-income households. Ultimately, the outcomes of this research are crucial to better understanding practical adaptive solutions for a more economically viable and equitable energy transition.Publication Evaluating the efficacy of Tridacna derasa and Hippopus hippopus for measuring ENSO signatures in Palau(2025-05-18) Andrews, AliceTridacna shells are valuable archives in paleoclimate research due to their incremental growth bands, which record environmental conditions such as sea surface temperature (SST) and salinity through variations in oxygen isotopes (δ18O). Their potential for reconstructing past climate variability makes them a critical tool for understanding El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the primary source of interannual climate variability on Earth. In this study, we validate the use of two understudied species of Tridacna, Tridacna derasa and Hippopus hippopus, from Palau to identify ENSO signatures through oxygen isotopic analysis. Stable oxygen isotope ratios from three specimens were analyzed, and environmental signatures across species and locations (Malakal Harbor and West Passage) were compared. The Extended Reconstructed Sea Surface Temperature (ERSST) dataset from NOAA, the Multivariate ENSO Index extended version dataset (MEI.ext) from NOAA, and a Palauan coral δ18O record from Osborne et al. 2014 were used as baseline ENSO comparisons. The results indicate that both species of Tridacna record ENSO-related climate signals, with the younger H. hippopus from West Passage exhibiting the most pronounced δ18O fluctuations—particularly during La Niña events—suggesting a stronger response to precipitation-driven freshwater input. Conversely, the two shells from Malakal Harbor showed more muted isotopic variations but clearer ENSO signals, potentially reflecting site-specific variations due to differences in local hydrology and minimal exposure to freshwater runoff. These findings contribute to improving paleoclimate reconstructions using Tridacna shells by validating both species’ use for further ENSO research and highlighting the importance of site selection in isotopic studies. Future research is needed to investigate older Tridacna specimens to extend ENSO records further back in time and analyze additional environmental proxies, such as trace element ratios, to refine climate reconstructions.Publication Evaluating a Refrigerator Replacement Program For Low-Income Customers as a Cost-Effective Climate StrategyMontañez, BiancaThe energy transition is driving the implementation of cleaner energy infrastructure and more efficient technology for millions of Americans. Two significant pieces of American legislation, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) are driving the transition in the U.S., aiming to enhance energy efficiency across the country. However, low-income communities continue to face significant barriers to accessing rebates to replace energy-efficient appliances. This study employs a mixed-methods approach to examine whether a streamlined program to replace outdated, inefficient refrigerators in low-income households could serve as a cost-effective strategy to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, improve energy security for low-income customers, and address administrative barriers in accessing federal incentives. We first explore administrative challenges, including application complexities, technological barriers, and eligibility discrepancies that hinder low-income households from fully benefiting from energy efficiency incentives, to establish the problem present with rebate programs. We then utilize emissions calculations alongside grid decarbonization assumptions to conduct a cost-benefit analysis that evaluates the energy efficiency and environmental impact of replacing outdated refrigerators with modern ENERGY STAR-certified models. Our results demonstrate that replacing outdated refrigerators with energy-efficient models significantly reduces electricity consumption and carbon emissions. Given that the program costs for the three scenarios analyzed are less than the social cost of carbon (SC-CO₂) estimated at $194 per metric ton CO₂e, results suggest that a refrigerator replacement program should be considered a cost-effective, accessible climate strategy that provides energy security benefits to low-income households. Ultimately, the outcomes of this research are crucial to better understanding practical adaptive solutions for a more economically viable and equitable energy transition.Publication Evaluating a Refrigerator Replacement Program For Low-Income Customers as a Cost-Effective Climate Strategy(2025-04-25) Montañez, BiancaThe energy transition is driving the implementation of cleaner energy infrastructure and more efficient technology for millions of Americans. Two significant pieces of American legislation, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) are driving the transition in the U.S., aiming to enhance energy efficiency across the country. However, low-income communities continue to face significant barriers to accessing rebates to replace energy-efficient appliances. This study employs a mixed-methods approach to examine whether a streamlined program to replace outdated, inefficient refrigerators in low-income households could serve as a cost-effective strategy to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, improve energy security for low-income customers, and address administrative barriers in accessing federal incentives. We first explore administrative challenges, including application complexities, technological barriers, and eligibility discrepancies that hinder low-income households from fully benefiting from energy efficiency incentives, to establish the problem present with rebate programs. We then utilize emissions calculations alongside grid decarbonization assumptions to conduct a cost-benefit analysis that evaluates the energy efficiency and environmental impact of replacing outdated refrigerators with modern ENERGY STAR-certified models. Our results demonstrate that replacing outdated refrigerators with energy-efficient models significantly reduces electricity consumption and carbon emissions. Given that the program costs for the three scenarios analyzed are less than the social cost of carbon (SC-CO₂) estimated at $194 per metric ton CO₂e, results suggest that a refrigerator replacement program should be considered a cost-effective, accessible climate strategy that provides energy security benefits to low-income households. Ultimately, the outcomes of this research are crucial to better understanding practical adaptive solutions for a more economically viable and equitable energy transition.Publication Evaluating the Impact of Reduced Compensation Structures on Residential Solar Net Metering(2025-05) Yena SuhThis research paper explores how policy design and government incentives regarding residential solar net metering programs have changed over time. Residential solar is important in transitioning individual homes towards renewable energy sources and net metering was a program intended to incentivize households that produced excess solar energy for the grid. Existing research analyzes how net metering policies have evolved over time to offer less net compensation to households by decreasing electricity pricing or adding extra charges for participating in the program. This study analyzes how such decrease in compensation affects the number of residential solar customers in net metering programs. The study employs a two-part methodology: 1) a descriptive analysis of policy revisions by state and 2) a time series analysis comparing policy changes by year and the percentage of state population enrolled in the residential solar net metering program. Data is gathered from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Form EIA-861, covering the period from 2011 to 2024. The results are represented in line graphs and time series, which illustrate the continuous increasing trend in the number of customers despite lowered compensation. Customers are not sensitive to changing compensation rates and continue to opt into the net metering program. This trend is valuable in continuing to design policy that can best support the clean energy transition and understanding clean energy program features most important to customers.Publication Video For Senior Thesis - Rewilding Urban Spaces to Increase Pollinator Species Diversity: New Delhi(2025-05-18) Aman SharmaThis thesis assesses the impact of rewilding on pollinator species in urban spaces in New Delhi. Delhi has been facing a severe loss of biodiversity, and this research served as a pilot study to address this through micro-level urban rewilding projects. The test site was established as a 139 sq. m. private terrace garden in South Delhi. The project considered several aspects of rewilding such as increase in species sightings, native tree plantation and guiding principles for further research. Since several parts of Northern India share a similar landscape and species distribution, these findings are also relevant to other regions. The pilot study explored the potential increase in 2 types of pollinators – birds and butterflies. This is one of the first studies for the topographically unique region of Delhi, and with its focus on terrace gardens. It draws upon the findings of similar western research, and localizes their parameters to the specific context of Delhi. The study aims to showcase evidence of a positive correlation between species diversity and urban rewilding specific to Delhi, rather than prove a basis for causation. Its limitations are that the test sites were monitored by a single observer, leading to potential gaps in data. The thesis does provide recommendations for further research in the field, including 24 hour surveillance methods and the setting up of various test and control sites.Publication Rural Resistance to Renewable Energy: A Case Study of Cumberland Valley Township, PA(2025-05-18) Elijah CookThe United States’ energy transition is dependent on Rural America to shoulder the infrastructure of renewable development, but residents feel this threatens their identity, leading to opposition to renewable energy projects. This thesis employs a case study of the community's perspectives on a 7MW solar development in Cumberland Valley, Pennsylvania. Renewable energy is critical for addressing the climate crisis, yet place-based, historical, and procedural factors influence rural communities to view these developments with opposition and skepticism. This study includes original survey data and interviews with key residents, finding that opposition stems from concerns about land use, aesthetics, lack of transparency, and community engagement. Residents' place attachments and historical relationships to the land play a crucial role in shaping their perceptions. These findings illustrate the need for inclusive, transparent planning when putting renewable infrastructure in rural communities. Rural America needs to be a partner, not an obstacle, in the country’s energy transition. For renewable developments to be successful, they must observe local values, history, and priorities in the communities they are situated in.Publication Video Presentation: Are Greenland Ice Sheet meltwaters a significant source of manganese?Leah HopfThe Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) is the second largest ice mass on Earth, covering approximately 20% of Arctic land surface area. As rising global temperatures increase annual melting of the GrIS, it is increasingly important to determine the ability of ice melt to transport nutrients and contaminants to nearby oceans where they can impact marine ecosystems. Manganese (Mn) is a trace element and essential micronutrient that can limit phytoplankton growth, and it therefore plays an important role for ecosystem health. Despite its biological importance, observational data on Mn concentrations and reactivity in the cryosphere is limited, and the role of the GrIS in the Mn biogeochemical cycle remains largely unknown. Here, I compare spatial Mn trends in GrIS meltwaters to assess the hypothesis that glacially derived Mn is a critical micronutrient source for coastal marine ecosystems. Suspended sediments were collected daily between early June-late July from the Watson River (southwestern Greenland) in 2023 and the Kiattuut Sermiat meltwater river (southern Greenland) in 2024. Mn was extracted from the sediments using sequential extractions, and Mn concentrations were analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Concentrations of total Mn in glacial meltwater rivers are several orders of magnitude higher than in a nearby precipitation-fed stream, indicating that glacially derived sediment may be the dominant source of particulate Mn exported from GrIS catchments. To my knowledge, this study provides the first dataset of particulate Mn in GrIS meltwaters, addressing a significant gap in current understandings of Mn inputs from glacial environments.