Morphodynamics and riverbed elevation changes in the lower Apalachicola River

Posted on December 4, 2025

Extensive research has been conducted on the effects of anthropogenic practices on lowland rivers and floodplains; particularly regarding planform changes, only a few studies have utilized detailed riverbed elevation data. This study focuses on the Apalachicola River, one of the largest lowland rivers in the southeastern United States. The navigation project by the United States […]

Experiences of Women AAG Presidents

Posted on May 27, 2025

During its 119-year history, only eighteen AAG presidents were women. These women have served as role models and change agents who significantly influenced the AAG and the discipline of geography. This article adds to our understanding of the experiences and impacts of these diverse women by examining the challenges that they faced and strategies […]

Modeling Changes in Flow Dynamics From the Restoration of a Distributary Slough Along a Large Floodplain River

Posted on May 14, 2025

Sloughs are slow-moving or still water systems that serve as an important ecosystem component connecting rivers and floodplains such as the Apalachicola River in northwest Florida. However, sloughs of the Apalachicola River have become hydrologically disconnected from the mainstem due to the impact of failed navigation projects such as channel incision, disposal of dredge spoils, […]

Landslide at the River’s Edge: Alum Bluff, Apalachicola River, Florida

Posted on April 7, 2025

When rivers impinge on the steep bluffs of valley walls, dynamic changes stem from a combination of fluvial and mass wasting processes. This study identifies the geomorphic changes, drivers, and timing of a landslide adjacent to the Apalachicola River at Alum Bluff, the tallest natural geological exposure in Florida at ~40 m, comprising horizontal sediments […]

Introduction to Water and Rivers in the South

Posted on August 20, 2024

Engström, J., Mossa, J., & Praskievicz, S. (2024). Guest Editors’ Introduction to Water and Rivers in the South (Part 2). Southeastern Geographer, 64(2), 160-164, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1353/sgo.2024.a929403. Article first published online: 16 June 2024 in Southeastern Geographer. ABSTRACT: In Part 2 of the special issue on Rivers and Water in the South, the scope expands to include not […]

Machine learning insights of anthropogenic and natural influences on riverbed deformation in a large lowland river

Posted on January 22, 2024

AMANAMBU, MOSSA – Machine learning insights of anthropogenic and natural influences on riverbed deformation in a large lowland river Amobichukwu C. Amanambu, Joann Mossa Article first published online: 28 November 2023 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2023.108986 ABSTRACT: As escalating environmental pressures threaten the world’s river systems, understanding the driving factors influencing their geomorphological changes is of critical global […]

Shoal Destruction at Mancil Rock, Conecuh River, Alabama

Posted on August 18, 2023

MOSSA – Shoal Destruction at Mancil Rock, Conecuh River, Alabama Joann Mossa Article first published online: 19 May 2023 DOI: https://muse.jhu.edu/article/896302 Lumber was an important component of the economy of the rural southeastern US in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and rivers provided less expensive routes than rail for floating either timber rafts or […]

Fall Course: GEO3341 EXTREME FLOODS GEO6348 FLOODS SEMINAR (Gen-Ed PN)

Posted on April 13, 2023

GEO3341 EXTREME FLOODS GEO6348 FLOODS SEMINAR (Gen-Ed PN) Course description: Examines the world’s most extreme floods from the Pleistocene through present due to various causes. Discusses physical and human aspects of flood warning, preparedness, response and recovery throughout the world. Topics include past and present physical and human-influenced drivers of floods, problems beyond direct inundation, […]

Socio-hydrology and vulnerability of levee systems along the lower Illinois River

Posted on January 27, 2023

ALRUZUQ, MOSSA, ASH – Socio-hydrology and vulnerability of levee systems along the lower Illinois River Ali Rashed Alruzuq, Jonathan W. F. Remo, Joann Mossa, Kevin Ash Article first published online: 23 January 2023 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/19475683.2023.2166113 ABSTRACT: The maintenance of flood mitigation levees in the U.S. and elsewhere, has often found to be insufficient. Recent U.S. […]

Floodplain characteristics affect woody vegetation regeneration on point bars of a coastal plain river recovering from anthropogenic disturbances

Posted on November 14, 2022

CHEN, MOSSA – Floodplain characteristics affect woody vegetation regeneration on point bars of a coastal plain river recovering from anthropogenic disturbances Yin-Hsuen Chen, Joann Mossa, Kunwar K. Singh Article first published online: 4 November 2022 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/eco.2504 ABSTRACT: Floodplain characteristics contribute to the natural regeneration of vegetation and help facilitate their ecosystem recovery, but vary […]

Geomorphic response to historic and ongoing human impacts in a large lowland river

Posted on February 7, 2022

MOSSA, CHEN – Geomorphic response to historic and ongoing human impacts in a large lowland river Dr. Joann Mossa, Dr. Yin-Hsuen Chen Article first published online: 1 Feb 2022 DOI: 10.1002/esp.5334 ABSTRACT: Lowland coastal plain rivers are important for navigation and ecosystems, having unique concerns regarding water and sediment management. The Apalachicola River in Florida, the lower […]

Focus Area 7: Geospatial Analysis & Techniques

Focus Area 7: Geospatial Analysis & Techniques Modeling, Measurement, Visualization and Computation: techniques for the collection, analysis, interpretation and display of geospatial data, using tools such as GeoAI, GIS, Remote Sensing, GPS, and Spatial Statistics. Sub Areas GEOAI: Geographic Artificial Intelligence Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Spatio-Temporal analysis Geospatial Modeling Remote Sensing Courses GIS 2002 The […]

Focus Area 6: Sustainability & Global Environmental Change

Focus Area 6: Sustainability & Global Environmental Change Major contemporary issues in global environmental change and sustainability are increasingly relevant for environmental management and development practice in both the developed and developing worlds. Global socio-ecological problems call for multidisciplinary solutions that transcend the usual boundaries of science and decision-making. Sub-areas Resilience Biodiversity Sea Level Rise Anthropocene […]

Focus Area 5: Catastrophes, Conservation, and Conflict

Focus Area 5: Catastrophes, Conservation, and Conflict Disastrous natural hazards, both fast and slow, and violent conflicts affect many people worldwide, often impacting already fragile environments and conservation areas. These crises have significant political, economic, and social implications that can reverse development gains, further entrench poverty and inequality, thereby increasing the risk for future crises. Sub-areas Outbreaks Extreme Events Natural Hazards Protected Areas Wildlife […]

Focus Area 3: Places, Networks, & Flows

Focus Area 3: Places, Networks, & Flows Geographers conceive of networks and flows between places as a foundational spatial concept. Geographic information systems (GIS) are the main analytical tools employed in determining relations between individuals, settlements, modes of transport, and infrastructures like power grids, and communication networks. The concepts can also be applied to disease […]

Focus Area 1: Earth System Science

Focus Area 1: Earth System Science This is the science of the atmosphere, land, biota, and water from a geospatial perspective. By combining contemporary issues such as climate change, environmental extremes, and hazards, this focus area emphasizes the integrative nature of physical and environmental geography. Earth systems scientists use biophysical understanding to identify and solve […]

Celebrating Women Geographers for Women’s History Month

Posted on March 1, 2021

Geography is a diverse field. Throughout the month of March, we will be highlighting the work of Women Geographers, some of whom are #GeoGators. Tierney Shimansky Tierney is a Master’s student who studies land management and conservation in southern Africa. Dr. Yin-Hsuen Chen Yin-Hsuen is a fluvial geomorphologist and Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of […]

Strong GeoGator showing at FSG

Posted on February 19, 2021

There will be a strong GeoGator presence at the 57th Annual Meeting of the Florida Society of Geographers this Saturday the 20th of February. Whether you want to learn about risk perceptions, coastal flooding, land use change, rural violence, riparian erosion and siltation, extreme rainfall, disease transmission, or park conservation, we’ve got you covered! Physical Geography (Moderator […]

International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Posted on February 11, 2021

In observation of the 6th International Day of Women & Girls in Science, we celebrate the scientific contributions of female GeoGators – grad students, postdocs, and faculty.

Hydrologic Droughts and Drying Rivers

Posted on December 16, 2020

Dr. Joann Mossa recently presented Hydrologic Droughts and Drying Rivers, a teaching module for the NSF funded HydroLearn Project. Enjoy the presentation and let Joann know if you have any questions!

GEO4281/GEO6282 River Forms & Processes

Posted on November 19, 2020

GEO4281/GEO6282: RIVER FORMS & PROCESSES Course description: Examines varied aspects of rivers (basins, hydrology, sediments, channel form and changes, river hazards, and impacts through data analysis and case studies) Successful students will: Interpret and synthesize scientific data about rivers, floodplains and watersheds Semester: Spring 2021 Time: T Per. 4-5, Th Per. 4 (live in TUR […]

GeoGators win Most Downloaded Paper of 2019!

Posted on October 21, 2020

GeoGators Dr. Chia-Yu Wu, Dr. Joann Mossa, Dr. Liang Mao, and Dr. Mohammad Almulla‘s 2019 paper Comparison of different spatial interpolation methods for historical hydrographic data of the lowermost Mississippi River has just been recognized as the Most Downloaded Paper of 2019 published in r Congratulations Charles, Joann, Liang, and Mohammad!

GEO 3930 GEO6938 EXTREME DROUGHTS

Posted on August 11, 2020

GEO3930/GEO6938 EXTREME DROUGHTS Course description: Examines hydrologic droughts through data analysis and case studies in different settings (rivers, lakes, groundwater, etc.) Successful students will: Describe the two-way relationship between water resources and society Synthesize scientific and social information about drought Semester: Fall 2020 Time: T Per. 3, Th Per. 3-4 (online, some synchronous meetings) Prerequisites: […]

Groundwater System and Climate Change: Present Status and Future Considerations

Posted on June 6, 2020

AMANAMBU, MOSSA – Groundwater System and Climate Change: Present Status and Future Considerations Amobichukwu C. Amanambu, Omon A. Obarein, Joann Mossa, Lanhai Li, Shamusideen S. Ayeni, Olalekan Balogun, Abiola Oyebamiji, Friday U. Ochege Article first published online: 12 JUN 2020 Journal of Hydrology DOI: 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2020.125163 ABSTRACT: Climate change will impact every aspect of biophysical systems […]

GeoGator Class of 2020 Commencement

Posted on May 4, 2020

The Department of Geography Commencement for the GeoGator Class of 2020 was held online for the very first time on the 2nd of May, 2020. Watch the whole ceremony here! https://youtu.be/Z5_jfndqzrg Excerpts Dr. Jane Southworth addresses GeoGator Class of 2020 Dunkle Award Winner Sara Shir addresses GeoGator Class of 2020 Dr. Jason Blackburn addresses GeoGator Class […]

Geography Colloquium: Impacts, Recovery, and Ongoing Stressors in the Apalachicola River, Florida

Posted on January 16, 2020

Speaker: Dr. Joann Mossa Professor, Department of Geography, University of Florida Thursday, January 23, 2019 2:50-3:50 PM (Period 8) Turlington Hall Room 3018 University of Florida All are welcome to attend. The Apalachicola River has experienced impacts because of dredging for navigation and hydrologic droughts exacerbated by upstream water consumption. We review these impacts and […]

Decadal-Scale Variations of Thalweg Morphology and Riffle–Pool Sequences in Response to Flow Regulation in the Lowermost Mississippi River

Posted on June 5, 2019

MOSSA and WU – Decadal-Scale Variations of Thalweg Morphology and Riffle–Pool Sequences in Response to Flow Regulation in the Lowermost Mississippi River Chia-Yu Wu and Joann Mossa Article first published online: 5 JUN 2019 Water DOI: 10.3390/w11061175 ABSTRACT: The lowermost Mississippi River (LMR) is one of the largest deltaic systems in North America and one […]

Geo3930 – Geo6938 Extreme Droughts & Water Wars Fall 2019

Posted on March 29, 2019

Geo3930 – Geo6938 Extreme Droughts & Water Wars Fall 2019 Examines water resources and the physical, social and economic consequences when the quantity or quality of water is limited and/or decreasing through case studies in different environments (rivers, lakes, groundwater, etc.) and different countries. Topics include: Historic droughts and megadroughts, drying rivers, shrinking lakes, dust […]

Geo3341 Extreme Floods – Geo6348 Floods Seminar Fall 2019

Posted on March 29, 2019

Geo3341 Extreme Floods – Geo6348 Floods Seminar Fall 2019 Examines the world’s most extreme floods from the Pleistocene through present due to various causes. Discusses physical and human aspects of flood warning, preparedness, response and recovery throughout the world. Topics include past and present physical and human-influenced drivers of floods, problems beyond direct inundation, varied […]

Dr. Joann Mossa receives R.J. Russell Award!

Posted on April 14, 2018

UF Geography would like to share the exciting news of Dr. Joann Mossa being awarded the R.J. Russell Award from the Coastal and Marine Specialty group, of which Dr. Heidi Lannon serves as Chair. Dr. Jean Ellis from South Carolina and Dr. Heidi Lannon nominated Joann for this prestigious award. Joann is only the 3rd […]

UFGeog at AAG 2018

Posted on March 16, 2018

The UF Geography Department is sending a large contingent to New Orleans for the 2018 meeting of the American Association of Geographers Find out where you can see a GeoGator present their research below: Anthropogenic change to fluvial systems, I Geomorphology Specialty Group, Paleoenvironmental Change Specialty Group, Water Resources Specialty Group 4/10/2018 8:20 AM Balcony […]

Floating fish camps on the Apalachicola River, Florida: Increases and Implications

Posted on February 9, 2018

CHEN, MOSSA – Floating fish camps on the Apalachicola River, Florida: Increases and Implications Joann Mossa, Yin-Hsuen Chen Article first published online: 09 FEB 2018 The Florida Geographer ABSTRACT: Peoples from various cultures and locations have been living on the edge or margin of water-land interfaces in floating houses of various types, either permanently or […]

Dr. Matyas and Dr. Mossa on Hurricane Irma

Posted on September 20, 2017

Geography’s Dr. Corene Matyas and Dr. Joann Mossa recently spoke to several new outlets about the cause and result of Hurricane Irma. 9/7 Dr. Corene Matyas explains the mechanics of a Catergory 5 storm at HowStuffWorks.com 9/7 Dr. Corene Matyas talks to Canada’s CTV News channel about what #Florida can expect from Hurricane Irma 9/7 […]

Geography Colloquium: Geomorphic Impacts and Restoration Opportunities, Apalachicola River

Posted on September 18, 2017

Geomorphic Impacts and Restoration Opportunities, Apalachicola River Speaker: Dr. Joann Mossa Professor, Department of Geography, University of Florida Thursday, September 21, 2017 3:00-3:50 PM (Period 8) Turlington Hall Room 3012 University of Florida All are welcome to attend.

Anthropogenic landforms and sediments from dredging and disposing sand along the Apalachicola River and its floodplain

Posted on March 12, 2017

CHEN, MOSSA, WU – Anthropogenic landforms and sediments from dredging and disposing sand along the Apalachicola River and its floodplain Joann Mossa, Yin-Hsuen Chen, Scott P. Walls, G. Mathias Kondolf, Chia-Yu Wu Article first published online: 12 MAR 2017 Geomorphology DOI: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2017.03.010 ABSTRACT: The Apalachicola River, which begins at the confluence of the Chattahoochee and […]

A Synthesis of Stream Restoration Efforts in Florida (USA)

Posted on March 22, 2016

MOSSA – A Synthesis of Stream Restoration Efforts in Florida (USA) D. Castillo, D. Kaplan, J. Mossa Article first published online: 22 MAR 2016 River Research and Applications DOI: 10.1002/rra.3014 ABSTRACT: Studies summarizing stream restoration projects in the US are outdated and omit the majority of restoration projects in Florida. To address this gap, we compiled stream […]

How much is enough? An integrated examination of energy security, economic growth and climate change related to hydropower expansion in Brazil

Posted on January 1, 2016

MOSSA – How much is enough? An integrated examination of energy security, economic growth and climate change related to hydropower expansion in Brazil Fernando Almeida Prado Jr., Simone Athayde, Joann Mossa, Stephanie Bohlman, Flavia Leite, Anthony Oliver-Smith Article first published online: January 2016 Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2015.09.050 ABSTRACT: Reconciling economic growth and energy supply […]

Women in STEM is strong in Geography!

Posted on December 17, 2015

The Changing Geomorphology of the Atchafalaya River, Louisiana: A Historical Perspective

Posted on August 18, 2015

Mossa – The Changing Geomorphology of the Atchafalaya River, Louisiana: A Historical Perspective Joann Mossa Article first published online: 18 Aug 2015 Geomorphology DOI: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2015.08.018 ABSTRACT: The Atchafalaya River in south-central Louisiana is of geomorphic interest because of the large volumes of flow and sediment transported and its role as a major floodway for the lower Mississippi River, notwithstanding […]