Second Nature (Sena) Hydrosystems Lab

Seccond nature: late 14c., from Latin secundum naturam “according to nature”, literally “following nature”.  

At Second Nature Hydrosystems Lab, we investigate the dynamic feedbacks between human activities and the hydrologic cycle, advancing our understanding of anthropogenic impacts on water systems. Through innovative research and interdisciplinary collaboration, we aim to develop sustainable strategies for water resources management in an ever increasingly complex world.

Human Interventions as a Second Nature of Hydrology


Human activities, increasingly reshaping natural systems, have become an integral part of hydrology, creating a “second nature” alongside natural processes (Not Your Childhood Water Cycle). Our lab focuses on understanding feedbacks and interactions between anthropogenic impacts and hydrological cycle, and developing innovative strategies to adapt to these changes.

Numerical Modeling as a Digital Twin of Nature


Numerical modeling is more than just an approach — it is considered “second nature”. These models, as a digital twin of the real world, are our testbed to develop solutions to address water-centric sustainable management challenges in an ever-increasing complex world.

Science as the Second Nature of Understanding the First Nature


Our lab views curiosity-driven scientific discovery and need-driven engineering innovation as the “second nature” through which we understand and engage with “first nature”–the real world. The iterative nature of scientific exploration and engineering innovation, accelerated by AI, lead to deeper insights and more effective solutions for natural and built environment.

Ruijie Zeng
[email protected]
Arizona State University | Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
School of Sustainable Engineering & The Built Environment