Carleton Bern, PhD
Carl is a Research Soil Scientist with the USGS Colorado Water Science Center.
My research examines the geochemical interactions between water, rock, and soil in both natural and human-managed systems. I specialize in using isotopes and geochemical tracers to answer questions of both basic and applied research. Areas of focus in my recent work include:
- Using tritium to trace the ages of surface waters and water availability in the Upper Colorado River Basin as part of the USGS Next Generation Water Observing System (NGWOS)
- Salinity in surface waters and soils of the semiarid western U.S.
- Contaminants of concern like PFAS and selenium
- Water and soil effects from uranium mining
Professional Experience
2016-present Research Soil Scientist, USGS Colorado Water Science Center
2010-2016 Research Soil Scientist, USGS Crustal Geophysics and Geochemistry Science Center
2008-2010 Mendenhall Fellow, USGS Crustal Geophysics and Geochemistry Science Center
2006-2008 Post-doctoral researcher, University of California, Santa Barbara
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, Ecology and Biogeochemistry
B.S. Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, Biology
Science and Products
Improved enrichment factor calculations through principal component analysis: Examples from soils near breccia pipe uranium mines, Arizona, USA
Dual-phase mass balance modeling of small mineral particle losses from sedimentary rock-derived soils
Colloid mobilization and seasonal variability in a semiarid headwater stream
Iron isotope systematics of shale-derived soils as potentially influenced by small mineral particle loss
Modifications to EPA Method 3060A to Improve Extraction of Cr(VI) from Chromium Ore Processing Residue-Contaminated Soils
Rare earth mineral potential in the southeastern U.S. Coastal Plain from integrated geophysical, geochemical, and geological approaches
The Niobrara Formation as a challenge to water quality in the Arkansas River, Colorado, USA
The distribution and composition of REE-bearing minerals in placers of the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains, USA
Rare earth element (REE) resources are currently of great interest because of their importance as raw materials for high-technology manufacturing. The REE-phosphates monazite (light REE enriched) and xenotime (heavy REE enriched) resist weathering and can accumulate in placer deposits as part of the heavy mineral assemblage. The Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains of the southeastern United States ar
Soil disturbance as a driver of increased stream salinity in a semiarid watershed undergoing energy development
Quantification of colloidal and aqueous element transfer in soils: The dual-phase mass balance model
A model for assessing, quantifying, and correcting for index element mobility in weathering studies
Tracking solutes and water from subsurface drip irrigation application of coalbed methane-produced waters, Powder River Basin, Wyoming
Science and Products
Improved enrichment factor calculations through principal component analysis: Examples from soils near breccia pipe uranium mines, Arizona, USA
Dual-phase mass balance modeling of small mineral particle losses from sedimentary rock-derived soils
Colloid mobilization and seasonal variability in a semiarid headwater stream
Iron isotope systematics of shale-derived soils as potentially influenced by small mineral particle loss
Modifications to EPA Method 3060A to Improve Extraction of Cr(VI) from Chromium Ore Processing Residue-Contaminated Soils
Rare earth mineral potential in the southeastern U.S. Coastal Plain from integrated geophysical, geochemical, and geological approaches
The Niobrara Formation as a challenge to water quality in the Arkansas River, Colorado, USA
The distribution and composition of REE-bearing minerals in placers of the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains, USA
Rare earth element (REE) resources are currently of great interest because of their importance as raw materials for high-technology manufacturing. The REE-phosphates monazite (light REE enriched) and xenotime (heavy REE enriched) resist weathering and can accumulate in placer deposits as part of the heavy mineral assemblage. The Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains of the southeastern United States ar