Samuel Muñoz

Samuel Muñoz is an Associate Professor in the Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences at Northeastern University's College of Science, with an affiliation to the College of Engineering. His research focuses on understanding hydrological extremes, climate variability, and their impacts on landscapes and societies. He examines how climate change, urbanization, and land use influence flood risk and environmental systems. Muñoz leads the Earth Surface Systems Lab, which investigates hydroclimatic variability and its connections to natural and built environments, particularly through sedimentary records and interdisciplinary modeling.

His work integrates paleoflood reconstructions, instrumental data, and computational models to address flood risk, river dynamics, and climate-driven environmental changes. Notable projects include studies on the Mississippi River Basin’s hydrology, paleohurricane impacts, and microplastic accumulation in floodplains. Muñoz collaborates with stakeholders to improve coastal resilience and flood management strategies. His lab is located at the Marine Science Center in Nahant, MA.

Recent research highlights include analyses of hydroclimate whiplash in the Mississippi Basin, decadal-scale North American monsoon variability, and the role of land-use changes in modifying flood intensity. Media engagements reflect his expertise in climate-related disasters, such as Hurricane Helene’s impacts and La Niña’s winter effects.