Initiating Natural History and Groundwater Research at Mpala

Institutions: 
Princeton University, USA

Primary Investigators: Elizabeth Niespolo, niespolo@princeton.edu, Agustín Fuentes, afuentes2@princeton.edu

Laikipia county, Kenya, is challenged by extreme drought, yet critical groundwater resource characterization is lacking entirely. While the Mpala Research Centre is well-utilized for biology research, its paleo-sciences research potential has been nearly untapped. Study of geology, paleoclimatology, paleoanthropology at MRC will clarify available groundwater reservoirs and illuminate the natural history and paleoenvironmental dynamics of this understudied highland eastern-African region. We aim to initiate a geosciences-based research program at MRC centered on three themes: 1) (hydro)geology, 2) paleoclimatology, and 3) paleoanthropology. Spearheaded by a postdoctoral scholar supported by HMEI funds, and in collaboration with Kenyan scholars, we aim to improve lithologic and soil mapping, begin rock and water sampling, and systematically survey for paleontological/archaeological sites/materials. Data will be integrated into a shareable GIS-based map of Mpala to serve as the database for future MRC paleo-sciences research. This will expand and enhance the existing geological and paleoanthropological records of the region, identify groundwater resources at Mpala, and lay groundwork to contextualize ongoing modern ecosystem research. Using the first two field seasons as a foundation, we will formulate a new paleo-sciences course at MRC for Princeton and Kenyan students to serve as the nexus for ongoing future research, teaching, and training.