2024 NGWA Darcy Lecture Series

The 2024 lecture took place on 9 December 2024 in Christchurch and 12 December 2024 in Auckland.

“How Groundwater Impacts the People and Ecosystems of the South Pacific Islands”

a Darcy lecture by

Matthew W. Becker, PhD

California State University Long Beach, USA

Matt Becker is the Conrey Chair in Hydrogeology and Professor of Earth Sciences at California State University Long Beach, USA. He holds degrees in Geology and Civil Engineering and has worked with Los Alamos National Labs, the U.S. Geological Survey, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, the University at Buffalo, and has been awarded Fulbright scholarships for Italy and Australia. Matt’s research focuses on fluid flow in highly heterogeneous subsurface environments.

Overview

The Pacific Ocean hosts more than 30,000 islands, many of which are small, remote, and vulnerable to climate variability. This lecture reviewed how groundwater was a critical resource for the first settlers of Rapa Nui (Easter Island), how it helped coral reefs flourish in nutrient-poor waters, and its role in supporting island flora and fauna.

Our investigations during the lecture highlighted the complexity of coastal and offshore groundwater flow and its importance for ecosystem resilience. The discussion also addressed how ongoing climate change and sea‑level rise threaten these unique environments and underscored the need for strategic adaptation informed by hydrogeologic understanding.

For more information, visit groundwater.org/darcy