Ephemeral Streams & Runoff Generation

Small islands often face limited freshwater supplies and complex runoff pathways. Research on the Salt River watershed in St. Croix (U.S. Virgin Islands) revealed key runoff thresholds tied to combined pre-storm soil moisture and total rainfall, with saturation-excess and subsurface stormflow dominating event responses. Notably, the stream network had limited, disrupted connectivity—particularly when the flow transitioned from volcanic to carbonate regions—indicating the importance of geologic heterogeneity in ephemeral stream behavior.
(References: Runoff Generation in Ephemeral Streams of the Virgin Islands: The Case of Salt River, St. Croix; Estimating runoff probability from precipitation data)

Watershed Connectivity & Water Budgets

Maintaining headwater-to-coast connectivity in island systems is vital for aquifer recharge and marine protection. Investigations showed how anthropogenic impoundments and control structures can alter flowpaths, thereby promoting infiltration for groundwater replenishment while curbing direct discharge of sediment and pollutants to coastal waters. These nuanced flow relationships underscore the need for refined watershed-scale management, especially under changing precipitation regimes.
(References: Runoff Generation in Ephemeral Streams of the Virgin Islands: The Case of Salt River, St. Croix; Estimating runoff probability from precipitation data)