# Smithsonian floods Anne Arundel forest to study climate impacts

> Smithsonian scientists flood Maryland forest each summer to track climate change effects on storm surges.
- Title: Smithsonian floods Anne Arundel forest to study climate…
- Summary: Smithsonian scientists flood Maryland forest each summer to track climate change effects on storm surges. Smithsonian researchers flood Anne Arundel forest…
- Keywords: smithsonian, anne arundel, tempest project, storm surge, climate change, edgewater, searc, forest flooding, water management, tree diversity, functional forests, biodiversitree
- Source: The Banner — https://thebanner.com/community/climate-environment/anne-arundel-smithsonian-research-center-ECS4BN4MBRH4BMOV4TLX3YQRGM
- Author: Cody Boteler
- Published: 2026-09-26T09:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: smithsonian, anne arundel, tempest project, storm surge, climate change, edgewater, searc, forest flooding, water management, tree diversity, functional forests, biodiversitree
## Smithsonian floods forest each summer
Scientists at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center flood a forest in Edgewater every summer to study climate change impacts.
## TEMPEST project details
The Terrestrial Ecosystem Manipulation to Probe the Effects of Storm Treatments project pumps 80,000 gallons daily across 2,000-square-meter plots.
## Storm surge threat
Storm surge, caused by strong winds pushing water toward coasts, is worsening with climate change and rising sea levels.
## SERC's climate research
SERC spans 2,650 acres with 15 miles of protected shoreline and faces criticism from Trump administration over climate research funding.
## Water exposure effects
Forests show permanent changes after one flood exposure to salty or fresh water, with soil becoming 10 times saltier.
## Oxygen depletion risk
Some flooded areas lack oxygen, risking root suffocation in forests after fresh water exposure.
## Global climate implications
Scientists hope TEMPEST findings help predict how forests will handle future storm surges worldwide.
## BiodiversiTREE project
BiodiversiTREE, planted in 2013, tests tree diversity's impact on forest health across North America.
## Functional Forests project
Functional Forests plants 33,518 trees across 194 plots to test forest density and diversity combinations.
## Tree diversity benefits
Diverse forests show cooler temperatures and attract wildlife, acting like investment portfolios to mitigate risks.
## SERC's unique research
SERC's ecosystem-scale research provides insights into species-environment connections impossible in smaller studies.
## Key takeaway

Smithsonian researchers flood Anne Arundel forest with 80,000 gallons daily to study how forests handle storm surges from climate change.