31 Aug 2026

Rare Earth Elements (REE) as Indicators of Geochemical Processes in Permafrost Systems of the Arctic Foothills, Northern Alaska

Abstract: In permafrost environments, distinct soil thermal regimes create unique influences on pedogenic processes and hydrological systems. Rare earth elements (REE) provide utility as indicators of soil geochemical cycling that can improve our understanding of permafrost soil-hydrological systems and their change over time, yet a greater understanding of the factors governing permafrost REE distribution is needed. We assess cryogenic controls on soil REE cycling in permafrost and active layer from three pedogenic environments in the Arctic Foothills of Alaska, and REE of adjacent surface waters. Soil parent material influenced the relative REE species abundance across sites while total extractable REE varied with soil material properties. REE reservoir transfer functions revealed differences in fractionation between permafrost and active layer in middle REE of a peat-rich site, and heavy REE for two sites with higher mineral content, potentially reflecting preferred degradation of heavy REE inorganic complexes in the active layer. Each soil profile revealed accumulation of REE above the near-surface permafrost table which could serve as an important sourcing zone for suprapermafrost flow. REE (<0.45 μm) of two tundra streams featured fractionation toward heavier REE that varied throughout the thaw season, likely with changing flux of species-preferred ligands driven by top-down seasonal soil thaw. Heavy REE enrichment in permafrost translated to elevated heavy REE in the surface waters of an active thermokarst, suggesting that catchment permafrost degradation may be identifiable by increased loading of heavy REE to streams at our sites. Our results demonstrate the importance of soil thermal status on influencing chemical weathering and trans-location in permafrost environments and illustrate the potential utility of REE in tracking catchment permafrost stability.

31 Aug 2026

Data Center Policy, Requirements, and Next Steps in the Department of Defense

Purpose: This white paper is intended to inform military department leadership on the current status, challenges, and strategic considerations associated with data centers across the Department of Defense (DoD).

31 Aug 2026

Streamlining Coastal Restoration Monitoring: A US Army Corps of Engineers Practitioner’s Guide to Metric Prioritization and Field Versus Remote Sensing Approaches

Abstract: Despite the increasing availability of remote sensing technologies, environmental monitoring methodologies remain inconsistent for coastal restoration projects, and this limits the ability to accurately compare performance and benefits between restoration types. This technical report addresses these challenges by systematically prioritizing coastal monitoring metrics and summarizing traditional field methods against emerging remote sensing technologies to support streamlined monitoring decisions for coastal ecosystem restoration projects. Through a targeted review of 375 monitoring metrics across 15 coastal restoration types and a structured workshop with nine US Army Corps of Engineer (USACE) restoration practitioners representing eight districts/divisions, this study identified 44 commonly referenced metrics and prioritized 16 high-ranking metrics based on project familiarity, logistics, regulatory drivers, and forecasting utility. The prioritized metrics, focusing on flora/habitat and geomorphological parameters, were then used to form the basis of a coastal ecosystem restoration monitoring case study using both traditional ground-based methods (real-time kinematic [RTK]-GPS surveys, vegetation plots) and advanced remote sensing technologies (uncrewed aircraft system [UAS]–mounted lidar, multispectral imagery). This technical report summarizes and synthesizes key findings from the workshop and case study and provides decision-making frameworks for optimizing the trade-offs of traditional and emerging monitoring technologies based on specific project objectives.

31 Aug 2026

Adaptable Energy for Resilient Military Operations in Zambia

Purpose: The need for continuity of military operations at both installations and forward operating bases during power outages has led to a variety of backup energy options developed by the government and private sector. This includes renewable energy sources that can be used far from standard electric grids and mobile hydrogen power generation for emergency situations (Becerra 2026; Larkin et al. 2025).* Solutions to these operational energy challenges vary by location, especially considering the range of environments in which the military has deployed around the globe. Government research and development centers house an array of theoretical and innovative technologies, while industry navigates the daily logistical challenges of space and scale. Therefore, a collaboration between government and industry merges knowledge with practical experience, providing actionable, locally based strategies and resolutions. This document describes the efforts of two “train-the-trainer” workshops intended to bridge operational energy gaps. In December 2024 and February 2026, industry representatives and Engineer Research and Development Center’s Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (ERDC-CERL) engineer trainers provided workshops in support of the Defense Operational Resiliency International Cooperation (DORIC) Program of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM). The events supported the Zambia Defense Force (ZDF), demonstrating how integrating renewable power sources into their operations will enhance energy efficiency and resilience. The first course provided training for instructors at the Zambia Army School for Military Engineering, while the second workshop was given at the Defense Services Command and Staff College.

31 Aug 2026

Quantifying USACE Reservoir Sedimentation Knowledge Gaps by Expanding the Reservoir Sedimentation Information Portal

Abstract: The Reservoir Sedimentation Information (RSI) Portal provides a database of US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)–managed reservoir information, including estimates of storage capacity loss. However, the portal lacks critical data regarding acute or localized sedimentation, its impact on reservoir function, and the availability or quality of preimpoundment surveys. This absence of information hampers a manager's ability to project how unplanned changes in sedimentation may impact reservoir capacity. To quantify these challenges, we surveyed 291 of the 445 reservoirs listed in the RSI Portal at the time of this study. Our results showed that 46% reported moderate-to-major sedimentation issues. Furthermore, 77% reported issues with pre-impoundment surveys. This means 224 of the USACE reservoirs surveyed lack sufficient historical data to evaluate the impact of unplanned increases in postconstruction sedimentation. Our assessment also provided a first-order estimate of the number of reservoirs that could benefit from targeted research, such as sub-bottom profiling. Our analyses were hampered by the size and complexity of the dataset, highlighting the critical importance of incorporating these missing datasets directly into the RSI Portal to better manage reservoir resources and safety.

31 Aug 2026

Response of Juvenile Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchis Tshawytscha) to the Aquatic Herbicide Florpyrauxifen-Benzyl

Abstract: Florpyrauxifen-benzyl (aquatic tradename ProcellaCOR) is an aquatic herbicide commonly used to control Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) and other invasive aquatic plants. Previous studies have demonstrated effective Eurasian watermilfoil control under low aqueous concentrations (<10 µg L−1) and short exposure times (< 24 hr). Although florpyrauxifen-benzyl possesses an excellent environmental profile and its acute toxicity has been assessed in freshwater model organisms, there has been no work to examine toxicity of this herbicide in salmonids. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the acute toxicity to Endangered Species Act-listed Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchis tshawytscha). Chinook fry and smolts were exposed to florpyrauxifen- benzyl at 50 and 100 µg L−1 for 96 hr under a 24-hr static renewal protocol at 12 °C. Daily observations included fish startle response, position in the water column, and signs of overt toxicity. No adverse effects of the herbicide were observed at either concentration in both Chinook fry and smolts. Our results indicate that the maximum United States-labeled application rate of florpyrauxifen-benzyl (48 µg L−1 ai) did not result in overt toxicity to juvenile salmonids under the exposure scenarios used in this study.

28 Aug 2026

Evaluation of In-Situ Burn Efficiency for Emerging Oil Contaminants in Freshwater Ice Conditions

Abstract: In-situ burning (ISB) is an oil spill response strategy used to rapidly remove oil from the water’s surface by igniting and burning the spilled oil. Much of the existing ISB research focuses on conventional crude oils and temperate climates, resulting in critical knowledge gaps for emerging oil contaminants and cold regions environments. The US Coast Guard (USCG) must be prepared to effectively respond to oil spills in the Great Lakes, which experience significant ice cover during winter months and frequent transportation of new oil contaminants. This project addressed these needs by evaluating winter ISB efficiency and oil residue properties for emerging contaminants (marine diesel, No. 6 very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO), and natural ester dielectric fluid) in open freshwater and broken ice conditions. Results from these small-scale (0.25 m2 surface area; 0.5, 1, and 5 cm oil thickness) ISBs demonstrate effective burning for No. 6 VLSFO and marine diesel in open water and broken ice conditions. Dielectric fluid results indicate ignition and burn potential but with significantly less oil volume removed from the slicks.

28 Aug 2026

An Evaluation of Different Approaches for Estimating Shear Velocity in Aeolian Research Studies

Abstract: Sonic anemometry represents an important technological advance for aeolian studies, fostering better under-standing of near-surface turbulence and improved methods for estimating shear velocity (u*). Here, we compare u* estimated from the Law of the Wall approach and from four methods that use 3-D wind vector measurements from sonic anemometers: double rotation, triple rotation, planar fit, and a newly developed approach based on invariants of the Reynolds stress tensor. Data were collected over 7.5 months at the Jornada Experimental Range in the Chihuahuan Desert, southern New Mexico, USA. We used u* estimates from the double rotation method as a reference for comparing the other methods because of its prevalence in the aeolian literature. On average, u* estimates from the other three methods are within 5.0 % of estimates from the double rotation approach. Estimates from the triple rotation approach were 2.2 % lower on average. Estimates from the planar fit method were the most similar, within 1.3 % on average. Estimates from the stress tensor approach were 4.9 % larger on average. We found significant discrepancies, ranging from - 14.7 % to 13.7 %, among u* estimated from the Law of the Wall and the other methods. This underscores the need for careful methodology selection to ensure accurate characterization of boundary layer turbulence.

27 Aug 2026

Methods for Germinating Plants for Phytoremediation and Upland Site Restoration

Abstract: This technical note documents preliminary plant species screening methods for use in dredge sediment placement for phytoremediation and upland site restoration. Results from the germination trials further the development of methods to embed dredged material with local upland plant seeds and 3D print the dredged material into an easily transported and placed form that could reduce cost and expand beneficial use of dredged material applications.

27 Aug 2026

Beneficial Use of the Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory’s Tilt Table: Conducting Tilting Observation Demands with Precision

Abstract: The objective of this Dredging Operation and Environmental Research (DOER) Program Technical Note (TN) is to highlight the capabilities of the Modular Military Tilting Flume (MMTF) at the Engineer Research and Development Center’s Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory (ERDC-CHL), and to demonstrate its utility as a research tool for US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) applications. The MMTF is a dedicated, flexible testing facility for gravity flows, enabling critical research to support Civil Works and military priorities in protecting life and infrastructure, ensuring efficient navigation, and restoring ecosystems. In this document, technical specifications of the MMTF will be presented first, followed by an example of recent flume testing performed in the MMTF to evaluate slope impacts on the spread and velocity of mud plumes resulting from simulated fine-grained dredge-material placements.