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John E Solder (Former Employee)

Science and Products

Stable isotopic ratios of hydrogen and oxygen in groundwater and calculated fraction of recharge from winter precipitation, South Rim Grand Canyon, Arizona

Dataset provides inputs and model results of a stable isotope-based mixing model for estimating the relative contribution of seasonal recharge sources to the South Rim groundwater flow system, Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA.
By
Utah Water Science Center

Lumped parameter models of groundwater age from the Columbia Plateau Aquifer, Vertical Flowpath Study Network

This data release documents two Microsoft Excel tables that contain data for understanding tracer concentrations and groundwater age in the Columbia Plateau aquifer system. Results for geochemical correction of carbon-14, and lumped parameter modeling of groundwater age for the sample network (VPFS, vertical flow path study) are described. Geochemical carbon-14 correction results (RFG) describe ge
By
Utah Water Science Center

Lumped parameter models of groundwater age and noble gas models of recharge conditions in support of Groundwater and Surface-Water Resources near Red Fleet Reservoir, Uintah County, Utah

This data release documents four Microsoft Excel tables; one contains data for understanding water ages, one contains noble gas model data, two that describe the data fields. Results described include environmental tracer concentrations (tritium, tritiogenic helium-3, choloroflourocarbons, and radiogenic helium-4), mean age and age distribution, noble gas concentrations, and groundwater recharge c
By
Utah Water Science Center

Lumped parameter models of groundwater age, Spanish Valley Watershed, Grand and San Juan Counties, Utah

This data release documents two Microsoft Excel tables; one contains data for understanding groundwater ages in the Spanish Valley watershed, and one that describe the data fields. Mean ages and age distributions from 19 groundwater samples were estimated in support of an evaluation of the groundwater resources of the Spanish Valley watershed (Masbruch and others, 2019). Individual groundwater wel
By
Utah Water Science Center

Noble gas isotopes and lumped parameter model results for environmental tracer based groundwater ages, South Rim Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

This data release documents three Microsoft Excel tables; one contains noble gas isotopic data, one contains data for understanding groundwater ages in the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, and one that describe the data fields. Results described include raw noble gas concentrations, environmental tracer concentrations (tritium, tritiogenic helium-3, sulfur hexafluoride, carbon-14, and chlorofluoroca
By
Utah Water Science Center

Dissolved gas and tracer concentrations from the Columbia Plateau Aquifer, Vertical Flowpath Study Network

This data release documents three Microsoft Excel tables that contain data for understanding environmental tracer concentrations in groundwater of the Columbia Plateau aquifer system. Results of dissolved-gas modeling using environmental tracer concentrations (tritium, tritiogenic helium-3, and radiogenic helium-4), for the sample network (VPFS, vertical flow path study) are described. Dissolved g
By
Utah Water Science Center

Dissolved Gas and Tracer Concentrations for the High Plains Aquifer, Vertical Flowpath Study Network

This data release documents three Microsoft Excel tables that contain data for understanding environmental tracer concentrations in groundwater of the High Plains aquifer system. Results of dissolved-gas modeling using environmental tracer concentrations (tritium, tritiogenic helium-3, and radiogenic helium-4), for the sample network (VPFS, vertical flow path study) are described. Dissolved gas mo
By
Utah Water Science Center

Hydrologic, biogeochemical, and radon data collected within and adjacent to the Little Wind River near Riverton, Wyoming

The U.S. Geological Survey is studying the interaction of a contaminated groundwater plume enriched in uranium and other trace elements with water, sediment, and biota along a 3 km reach of the Little Wind River in central Wyoming. The source of the contaminants is from a reclaimed uranium mill site near Riverton, Wyoming. The study is being done in collaboration with the Department of Energy, Uni
By
Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center

Data for Groundwater Age and Susceptibility of Poorly Consolidated Sedimentary Aquifers of the United States Gulf Coast: Results from the Southeast Coastal Plain (SECP), Coastal Lowland (CLOW), Mississippi Embayment and Texas Coastal Upland (METX) Princip

This data release documents eight Microsoft Excel tables; four which contain data for understanding groundwater ages in the South East Coastal Plain (SECP), Coastal Lowlands (CLOW) and Mississippi Embayment and Texas Coastal Uplands (METX) aquifer systems and four that describe the data fields. Results described include dissolved gas modeling results, environmental tracer concentrations (tritium,
By
Water Resources Mission Area

Geochemical Correction of Carbon-14 in Dissolved Inorganic Carbon used for Groundwater Age Dating in the Glacial Aquifer System, Conterminous United States

Data provided here describe geochemical correction of carbon-14 in dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) for groundwater age dating. Datasets include major ion chemistry of groundwater samples, model parameter inputs, and final corrected carbon-14 in DIC. Geochemical correction was completed in two phases: determination of reactive phase mole transfers through an inverse geochemical model (PHREEQC; Par
By
Utah Water Science Center

Dissolved Gas, Environmental Tracer Concentrations, and Lumped Parameter Modeling Results for Groundwater Age Dating in the Glacial Aquifer System, Conterminous United States

This data release documents nine Microsoft Excel tables that contain data for understanding groundwater ages in the Glacial aquifer system. Results for the three sample networks (PAS, principal aquifer study; MSS, modeling support study; FPS, flow path study) are described by three tables each: dissolved gas modeling results, environmental tracer concentrations (tritium, tritiogenic helium-3, sulf
By
Utah Water Science Center

Soil Methane and Combustible Gas Concentrations from Oil-Gas Well Pads in Utah, U.S.A.

Soil gas methane and combustible gas concentrations collected from oil and gas well pad locations in Utah. Soil gas samples were measured on site and/or collected for later analysis as described in supporting documentation. Multiple sample locations around well head and depths within the soil profile are available for select sites. Supporting documents provide information of sample collection prot
By
Utah Water Science Center
USGS scientists rafted about 150 miles on the Grand Canyon portion of the Colorado River to collect groundwater samples.
Backcountry travel in Grand Canyon to collect groundwater samples
Backcountry travel in Grand Canyon to collect groundwater samples
USGS scientists rafted about 150 miles on the Grand Canyon portion of the Colorado River to collect groundwater samples.

Backcountry travel in Grand Canyon to collect groundwater samples

Backcountry travel in Grand Canyon to collect groundwater samples

USGS scientist Nick Voichick rafted about 150 miles in nine days on the Grand Canyon portion of the Colorado River to collect groundwater samples from springs in remote locations. 

 

By
Utah Water Science Center, Communications and Publishing
USGS scientists rafted about 150 miles on the Grand Canyon portion of the Colorado River to collect groundwater samples.

Backcountry travel in Grand Canyon to collect groundwater samples

Backcountry travel in Grand Canyon to collect groundwater samples

USGS scientist Nick Voichick rafted about 150 miles in nine days on the Grand Canyon portion of the Colorado River to collect groundwater samples from springs in remote locations. 

 

By
Utah Water Science Center, Communications and Publishing
USGS scientists warm up in the sun as the scientific expedition moves downstream to the next sample location.
Backcountry travel in Grand Canyon to collect groundwater samples
Backcountry travel in Grand Canyon to collect groundwater samples
USGS scientists warm up in the sun as the scientific expedition moves downstream to the next sample location.

Backcountry travel in Grand Canyon to collect groundwater samples

Backcountry travel in Grand Canyon to collect groundwater samples

USGS scientists Tom Porter and Joel Unema warm up in the sun as the scientific expedition moves downstream to the next sample location.

By
Utah Water Science Center, Communications and Publishing
USGS scientists warm up in the sun as the scientific expedition moves downstream to the next sample location.

Backcountry travel in Grand Canyon to collect groundwater samples

Backcountry travel in Grand Canyon to collect groundwater samples

USGS scientists Tom Porter and Joel Unema warm up in the sun as the scientific expedition moves downstream to the next sample location.

By
Utah Water Science Center, Communications and Publishing
USGS scientist hikes to National Canyon Spring to collect groundwater samples from a remote location.
Backcountry travel in Grand Canyon to collect groundwater samples
Backcountry travel in Grand Canyon to collect groundwater samples
USGS scientist hikes to National Canyon Spring to collect groundwater samples from a remote location.

Backcountry travel in Grand Canyon to collect groundwater samples

Backcountry travel in Grand Canyon to collect groundwater samples

USGS scientist Joel Unema hikes to National Canyon Spring to collect groundwater samples from a remote location near the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Joel Unema was part of a group of USGS and National Park Service scientists that rafted 150 miles in nine days to better understand natural resources.

By
Utah Water Science Center, Communications and Publishing
USGS scientist hikes to National Canyon Spring to collect groundwater samples from a remote location.

Backcountry travel in Grand Canyon to collect groundwater samples

Backcountry travel in Grand Canyon to collect groundwater samples

USGS scientist Joel Unema hikes to National Canyon Spring to collect groundwater samples from a remote location near the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Joel Unema was part of a group of USGS and National Park Service scientists that rafted 150 miles in nine days to better understand natural resources.

By
Utah Water Science Center, Communications and Publishing
Filter Total Items: 17

Hydrogeologic characterization of Area B, Fort Detrick, Maryland

Groundwater in the karst groundwater system at Area B of Fort Detrick in Frederick County, Maryland, is contaminated with chlorinated solvents from the past disposal of laboratory wastes. In cooperation with U.S. Army Environmental Command and U.S. Army Garrison Fort Detrick, the U.S. Geological Survey performed a 3-year study to refine the conceptual model of groundwater flow in and around Area B
Authors
Phillip J. Goodling, Brandon Fleming, John Solder, Alexander M. Soroka, Jeff P. Raffensperger
By
Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center

Interaction of a legacy groundwater contaminant plume with the Little Wind River from 2015 through 2017, Riverton Processing site, Wyoming

The Riverton Processing site was a uranium mill 4 kilometers southwest of Riverton, Wyoming, that prepared uranium ore for nuclear reactors and weapons from 1958 to 1963. The U.S. Department of Energy completed surface remediation of the uranium tailings in 1989; however, groundwater below and downgradient from the tailings site and nearby Little Wind River was not remediated. Beginning in 2010, a
Authors
David L. Naftz, Christopher C. Fuller, Robert L. Runkel, John Solder, W. Payton Gardner, Neil Terry, Martin A. Briggs, Terry M. Short, Daniel J. Cain, William L Dam, Patrick A. Byrne, James R. Campbell
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center

Age and water-quality characteristics of groundwater discharge to the South Loup River, Nebraska, 2019

Streams in the Loup River Basin are sensitive to groundwater withdrawals because of the close hydrologic connection between groundwater and surface water. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Upper Loup and Lower Loup Natural Resources Districts, and the Nebraska Environmental Trust, studied the age and water-quality characteristics of groundwater near the South Loup River to assess
Authors
Christopher M. Hobza, John E. Solder
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Nebraska Water Science Center

Rethinking a groundwater flow system using a multiple-tracer geochemical approach: A case study in Moab-Spanish Valley, Utah

The Glen Canyon Group Aquifer (GCGA) is the sole source of public water supply for the city of Moab, Utah, a domestic and international tourist destination. Population and tourism growth are likely to target the GCGA for future water resources, but our analysis indicates that additional withdrawals would likely be sourced from groundwater storage and not be sustained by recharge. A quantitative es
Authors
Philip M. Gardner, Nora C. Nelson, Victor M. Heilweil, John E. Solder, Douglas K. Solomon
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Nevada Water Science Center, Utah Water Science Center

Groundwater age and susceptibility of south Atlantic and Gulf Coast principal aquifers of the contiguous United States

Groundwater susceptibility to contamination was investigated by using environmental tracer-based groundwater age metrics in the south Atlantic and Gulf Coast principal aquifer systems of the Southeastern Coastal Plain, Mississippi embayment–Texas coastal uplands, and the Coastal Lowlands. Samples of dissolved gas, tritium, sulfur hexafluoride, tritiogenic helium, and carbon-14 were collected from
Authors
John E. Solder
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center, Utah Water Science Center

Rethinking groundwater flow on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, USA: Characterizing recharge sources and flow paths with environmental tracers

In the arid landscape south of the Grand Canyon, natural springs and seeps are a critical resource for endemic species and Native American tribes. Groundwater is potentially threatened by expanding populations, visitations, and mineral extraction activities. Environmental tracers including noble gases, stable isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen in water, tritium, and carbon-14 were used to characteriz
Authors
John E. Solder, Kimberly R. Beisner, Jessica R. Anderson, Donald J. Bills
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Arizona Water Science Center, New Mexico Water Science Center, Utah Water Science Center

Critical evaluation of stable isotope mixing end-members for estimating groundwater recharge sources: Case study from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

Springs and groundwater seeps along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon serve an important function for the region’s ecosystems, residents (both human and wild animal), and economy. However, these springs and seeps are potentially vulnerable to contamination, increased groundwater extraction, or reduced recharge due to climate change. Protection of South Rim groundwater resources requires improved u
Authors
John E. Solder, Kimberly R. Beisner
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Arizona Water Science Center, Utah Water Science Center

Geochemical characterization of groundwater evolution south of Grand Canyon, Arizona (USA)

Better characterization of the geochemical evolution of groundwater south of Grand Canyon, Arizona (USA), is needed to understand natural conditions and assess potential effects from breccia-pipe uranium mining in the region. Geochemical signatures of groundwater at 28 sampling locations were evaluated; baseline concentrations for select trace elements (As, B, Ba, Cr, Li, Mo, Rb, Se, Sr, Th, Tl, U
Authors
Kimberly R. Beisner, John E. Solder, Fred D. Tillman, Jessica R. Anderson, Ronald C. Antweiler
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Arizona Water Science Center, Utah Water Science Center

Evaluation of soil zone processes and a novel radiocarbon correction approach for groundwater with mixed sources

Estimates of groundwater age based on 14C is often limited by the uncertainty in geochemical processes that alter the 14C concentration measured in water and the composition (δ13C and 14C) of carbon sources needed to appropriately parametrize 14C adjustment models. Estimated ages for samples that contain a mixture of young and old groundwater will be particularly sensitive to model parametrization
Authors
John E. Solder, Bryant Jurgens
By
Water Resources Mission Area, California Water Science Center, Utah Water Science Center

Environmental tracer evidence for connection between shallow and bedrock aquifers and high intrinsic susceptibility to contamination of the conterminous U.S. glacial aquifer

Covering a large portion of the northern conterminous United States (1.87 x 106 km2), the glacial aquifer serves as the primary water supply for 39 million public and domestic water users. Mean groundwater age, groundwater age distribution, and susceptibility to land surface contamination, using a new metric (Susceptibility Index; SI) based on the full age distribution and less prone to bias than
Authors
John E. Solder, Bryant Jurgens, Paul Stackelberg, Christopher L. Shope
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Utah Water Science Center

Using age tracers and decadal sampling to discern trends in nitrate, arsenic and uranium in groundwater beneath irrigated cropland

Repeat sampling and age tracers were used to examine trends in nitrate, arsenic and uranium concentrations in groundwater beneath irrigated cropland. Much higher nitrate concentrations in shallow modern groundwater were observed at both the Columbia Plateau and High Plains sites (median values of 10.2 and 15.4 mg/L as N, respectively) than in groundwater that recharged prior to the onset of intens
Authors
Anthony J. Tesoriero, Karen R. Burow, Lonna Frans, Jonathan V. Haynes, Christopher M. Hobza, Bruce D. Lindsey, John E. Solder
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Oregon Water Science Center

Groundwater and surface-water resources near Red Fleet Reservoir, Uintah County, Utah

Red Fleet Reservoir in Uintah County, Utah, is an approximately 26,000 acre-foot (acre-ft) on-channel reservoir in the Big Brush Creek drainage on the south slopes of the Uinta Mountains. It is operated primarily for irrigation needs while providing a supplemental drinking-water supply to the Vernal, Utah area. Red Fleet Reservoir, which was operated by the Bureau of Reclamation and the Uintah Wat
Authors
Thomas M. Marston, John E. Solder, Katherine K. Jones
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Utah Water Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

Gilmore, T. E., Genereux, D. P., Solomon, D. K., and Solder, J. E., 2016, Groundwater transit time distribution and mean from streambed sampling in an agricultural coastal plain watershed, North Carolina, USA, Water Resour. Res., 52, 2025– 2044, doi:10.1002/2015WR017600.
Gilmore, T. E., Genereux, D. P., Solomon, D. K., Solder, J. E., Kimball, B. A., Mitasova, H., and Birgand, F., 2016, Quantifying the fate of agricultural nitrogen in an unconfined aquifer: Stream‐based observations at three measurement scales, Water Resour. Res., 52, 1961– 1983, doi:10.1002/2015WR017599.
Solomon, D. K., Gilmore, T. E., Solder, J. E., Kimball, B., and Genereux, D. P., 2015, Evaluating an unconfined aquifer by analysis of age‐dating tracers in stream water, Water Resour. Res., 51, 8883– 8899, doi:10.1002/2015WR017602.
Solder, J. E., Gilmore, T. E., Genereux, D. P. and Solomon, D. K., 2016, A Tube Seepage Meter for In Situ Measurement of Seepage Rate and Groundwater Sampling. Groundwater, 54: 588-595. doi:10.1111/gwat.12388

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

Backcountry Travel for Science: Studying the Source of Groundwater in the Grand Canyon

Backcountry Travel for Science: Studying the Source of Groundwater in the Grand Canyon

When you think of a day in the life of a scientist, adventure may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, many scientists find themselves...

Read Article
Groundwater Discharge to Upper Colorado River Basin Varies in Response to Drought

Groundwater Discharge to Upper Colorado River Basin Varies in Response to Drought

Assessing age of groundwater to determine resource availability

Read Article

Science and Products

Stable isotopic ratios of hydrogen and oxygen in groundwater and calculated fraction of recharge from winter precipitation, South Rim Grand Canyon, Arizona

Dataset provides inputs and model results of a stable isotope-based mixing model for estimating the relative contribution of seasonal recharge sources to the South Rim groundwater flow system, Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA.
By
Utah Water Science Center

Lumped parameter models of groundwater age from the Columbia Plateau Aquifer, Vertical Flowpath Study Network

This data release documents two Microsoft Excel tables that contain data for understanding tracer concentrations and groundwater age in the Columbia Plateau aquifer system. Results for geochemical correction of carbon-14, and lumped parameter modeling of groundwater age for the sample network (VPFS, vertical flow path study) are described. Geochemical carbon-14 correction results (RFG) describe ge
By
Utah Water Science Center

Lumped parameter models of groundwater age and noble gas models of recharge conditions in support of Groundwater and Surface-Water Resources near Red Fleet Reservoir, Uintah County, Utah

This data release documents four Microsoft Excel tables; one contains data for understanding water ages, one contains noble gas model data, two that describe the data fields. Results described include environmental tracer concentrations (tritium, tritiogenic helium-3, choloroflourocarbons, and radiogenic helium-4), mean age and age distribution, noble gas concentrations, and groundwater recharge c
By
Utah Water Science Center

Lumped parameter models of groundwater age, Spanish Valley Watershed, Grand and San Juan Counties, Utah

This data release documents two Microsoft Excel tables; one contains data for understanding groundwater ages in the Spanish Valley watershed, and one that describe the data fields. Mean ages and age distributions from 19 groundwater samples were estimated in support of an evaluation of the groundwater resources of the Spanish Valley watershed (Masbruch and others, 2019). Individual groundwater wel
By
Utah Water Science Center

Noble gas isotopes and lumped parameter model results for environmental tracer based groundwater ages, South Rim Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

This data release documents three Microsoft Excel tables; one contains noble gas isotopic data, one contains data for understanding groundwater ages in the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, and one that describe the data fields. Results described include raw noble gas concentrations, environmental tracer concentrations (tritium, tritiogenic helium-3, sulfur hexafluoride, carbon-14, and chlorofluoroca
By
Utah Water Science Center

Dissolved gas and tracer concentrations from the Columbia Plateau Aquifer, Vertical Flowpath Study Network

This data release documents three Microsoft Excel tables that contain data for understanding environmental tracer concentrations in groundwater of the Columbia Plateau aquifer system. Results of dissolved-gas modeling using environmental tracer concentrations (tritium, tritiogenic helium-3, and radiogenic helium-4), for the sample network (VPFS, vertical flow path study) are described. Dissolved g
By
Utah Water Science Center

Dissolved Gas and Tracer Concentrations for the High Plains Aquifer, Vertical Flowpath Study Network

This data release documents three Microsoft Excel tables that contain data for understanding environmental tracer concentrations in groundwater of the High Plains aquifer system. Results of dissolved-gas modeling using environmental tracer concentrations (tritium, tritiogenic helium-3, and radiogenic helium-4), for the sample network (VPFS, vertical flow path study) are described. Dissolved gas mo
By
Utah Water Science Center

Hydrologic, biogeochemical, and radon data collected within and adjacent to the Little Wind River near Riverton, Wyoming

The U.S. Geological Survey is studying the interaction of a contaminated groundwater plume enriched in uranium and other trace elements with water, sediment, and biota along a 3 km reach of the Little Wind River in central Wyoming. The source of the contaminants is from a reclaimed uranium mill site near Riverton, Wyoming. The study is being done in collaboration with the Department of Energy, Uni
By
Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center

Data for Groundwater Age and Susceptibility of Poorly Consolidated Sedimentary Aquifers of the United States Gulf Coast: Results from the Southeast Coastal Plain (SECP), Coastal Lowland (CLOW), Mississippi Embayment and Texas Coastal Upland (METX) Princip

This data release documents eight Microsoft Excel tables; four which contain data for understanding groundwater ages in the South East Coastal Plain (SECP), Coastal Lowlands (CLOW) and Mississippi Embayment and Texas Coastal Uplands (METX) aquifer systems and four that describe the data fields. Results described include dissolved gas modeling results, environmental tracer concentrations (tritium,
By
Water Resources Mission Area

Geochemical Correction of Carbon-14 in Dissolved Inorganic Carbon used for Groundwater Age Dating in the Glacial Aquifer System, Conterminous United States

Data provided here describe geochemical correction of carbon-14 in dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) for groundwater age dating. Datasets include major ion chemistry of groundwater samples, model parameter inputs, and final corrected carbon-14 in DIC. Geochemical correction was completed in two phases: determination of reactive phase mole transfers through an inverse geochemical model (PHREEQC; Par
By
Utah Water Science Center

Dissolved Gas, Environmental Tracer Concentrations, and Lumped Parameter Modeling Results for Groundwater Age Dating in the Glacial Aquifer System, Conterminous United States

This data release documents nine Microsoft Excel tables that contain data for understanding groundwater ages in the Glacial aquifer system. Results for the three sample networks (PAS, principal aquifer study; MSS, modeling support study; FPS, flow path study) are described by three tables each: dissolved gas modeling results, environmental tracer concentrations (tritium, tritiogenic helium-3, sulf
By
Utah Water Science Center

Soil Methane and Combustible Gas Concentrations from Oil-Gas Well Pads in Utah, U.S.A.

Soil gas methane and combustible gas concentrations collected from oil and gas well pad locations in Utah. Soil gas samples were measured on site and/or collected for later analysis as described in supporting documentation. Multiple sample locations around well head and depths within the soil profile are available for select sites. Supporting documents provide information of sample collection prot
By
Utah Water Science Center
USGS scientists rafted about 150 miles on the Grand Canyon portion of the Colorado River to collect groundwater samples.
Backcountry travel in Grand Canyon to collect groundwater samples
Backcountry travel in Grand Canyon to collect groundwater samples
USGS scientists rafted about 150 miles on the Grand Canyon portion of the Colorado River to collect groundwater samples.

Backcountry travel in Grand Canyon to collect groundwater samples

Backcountry travel in Grand Canyon to collect groundwater samples

USGS scientist Nick Voichick rafted about 150 miles in nine days on the Grand Canyon portion of the Colorado River to collect groundwater samples from springs in remote locations. 

 

By
Utah Water Science Center, Communications and Publishing
USGS scientists rafted about 150 miles on the Grand Canyon portion of the Colorado River to collect groundwater samples.

Backcountry travel in Grand Canyon to collect groundwater samples

Backcountry travel in Grand Canyon to collect groundwater samples

USGS scientist Nick Voichick rafted about 150 miles in nine days on the Grand Canyon portion of the Colorado River to collect groundwater samples from springs in remote locations. 

 

By
Utah Water Science Center, Communications and Publishing
USGS scientists warm up in the sun as the scientific expedition moves downstream to the next sample location.
Backcountry travel in Grand Canyon to collect groundwater samples
Backcountry travel in Grand Canyon to collect groundwater samples
USGS scientists warm up in the sun as the scientific expedition moves downstream to the next sample location.

Backcountry travel in Grand Canyon to collect groundwater samples

Backcountry travel in Grand Canyon to collect groundwater samples

USGS scientists Tom Porter and Joel Unema warm up in the sun as the scientific expedition moves downstream to the next sample location.

By
Utah Water Science Center, Communications and Publishing
USGS scientists warm up in the sun as the scientific expedition moves downstream to the next sample location.

Backcountry travel in Grand Canyon to collect groundwater samples

Backcountry travel in Grand Canyon to collect groundwater samples

USGS scientists Tom Porter and Joel Unema warm up in the sun as the scientific expedition moves downstream to the next sample location.

By
Utah Water Science Center, Communications and Publishing
USGS scientist hikes to National Canyon Spring to collect groundwater samples from a remote location.
Backcountry travel in Grand Canyon to collect groundwater samples
Backcountry travel in Grand Canyon to collect groundwater samples
USGS scientist hikes to National Canyon Spring to collect groundwater samples from a remote location.

Backcountry travel in Grand Canyon to collect groundwater samples

Backcountry travel in Grand Canyon to collect groundwater samples

USGS scientist Joel Unema hikes to National Canyon Spring to collect groundwater samples from a remote location near the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Joel Unema was part of a group of USGS and National Park Service scientists that rafted 150 miles in nine days to better understand natural resources.

By
Utah Water Science Center, Communications and Publishing
USGS scientist hikes to National Canyon Spring to collect groundwater samples from a remote location.

Backcountry travel in Grand Canyon to collect groundwater samples

Backcountry travel in Grand Canyon to collect groundwater samples

USGS scientist Joel Unema hikes to National Canyon Spring to collect groundwater samples from a remote location near the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Joel Unema was part of a group of USGS and National Park Service scientists that rafted 150 miles in nine days to better understand natural resources.

By
Utah Water Science Center, Communications and Publishing
Filter Total Items: 17

Hydrogeologic characterization of Area B, Fort Detrick, Maryland

Groundwater in the karst groundwater system at Area B of Fort Detrick in Frederick County, Maryland, is contaminated with chlorinated solvents from the past disposal of laboratory wastes. In cooperation with U.S. Army Environmental Command and U.S. Army Garrison Fort Detrick, the U.S. Geological Survey performed a 3-year study to refine the conceptual model of groundwater flow in and around Area B
Authors
Phillip J. Goodling, Brandon Fleming, John Solder, Alexander M. Soroka, Jeff P. Raffensperger
By
Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center

Interaction of a legacy groundwater contaminant plume with the Little Wind River from 2015 through 2017, Riverton Processing site, Wyoming

The Riverton Processing site was a uranium mill 4 kilometers southwest of Riverton, Wyoming, that prepared uranium ore for nuclear reactors and weapons from 1958 to 1963. The U.S. Department of Energy completed surface remediation of the uranium tailings in 1989; however, groundwater below and downgradient from the tailings site and nearby Little Wind River was not remediated. Beginning in 2010, a
Authors
David L. Naftz, Christopher C. Fuller, Robert L. Runkel, John Solder, W. Payton Gardner, Neil Terry, Martin A. Briggs, Terry M. Short, Daniel J. Cain, William L Dam, Patrick A. Byrne, James R. Campbell
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center

Age and water-quality characteristics of groundwater discharge to the South Loup River, Nebraska, 2019

Streams in the Loup River Basin are sensitive to groundwater withdrawals because of the close hydrologic connection between groundwater and surface water. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Upper Loup and Lower Loup Natural Resources Districts, and the Nebraska Environmental Trust, studied the age and water-quality characteristics of groundwater near the South Loup River to assess
Authors
Christopher M. Hobza, John E. Solder
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Nebraska Water Science Center

Rethinking a groundwater flow system using a multiple-tracer geochemical approach: A case study in Moab-Spanish Valley, Utah

The Glen Canyon Group Aquifer (GCGA) is the sole source of public water supply for the city of Moab, Utah, a domestic and international tourist destination. Population and tourism growth are likely to target the GCGA for future water resources, but our analysis indicates that additional withdrawals would likely be sourced from groundwater storage and not be sustained by recharge. A quantitative es
Authors
Philip M. Gardner, Nora C. Nelson, Victor M. Heilweil, John E. Solder, Douglas K. Solomon
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Nevada Water Science Center, Utah Water Science Center

Groundwater age and susceptibility of south Atlantic and Gulf Coast principal aquifers of the contiguous United States

Groundwater susceptibility to contamination was investigated by using environmental tracer-based groundwater age metrics in the south Atlantic and Gulf Coast principal aquifer systems of the Southeastern Coastal Plain, Mississippi embayment–Texas coastal uplands, and the Coastal Lowlands. Samples of dissolved gas, tritium, sulfur hexafluoride, tritiogenic helium, and carbon-14 were collected from
Authors
John E. Solder
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center, Utah Water Science Center

Rethinking groundwater flow on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, USA: Characterizing recharge sources and flow paths with environmental tracers

In the arid landscape south of the Grand Canyon, natural springs and seeps are a critical resource for endemic species and Native American tribes. Groundwater is potentially threatened by expanding populations, visitations, and mineral extraction activities. Environmental tracers including noble gases, stable isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen in water, tritium, and carbon-14 were used to characteriz
Authors
John E. Solder, Kimberly R. Beisner, Jessica R. Anderson, Donald J. Bills
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Arizona Water Science Center, New Mexico Water Science Center, Utah Water Science Center

Critical evaluation of stable isotope mixing end-members for estimating groundwater recharge sources: Case study from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

Springs and groundwater seeps along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon serve an important function for the region’s ecosystems, residents (both human and wild animal), and economy. However, these springs and seeps are potentially vulnerable to contamination, increased groundwater extraction, or reduced recharge due to climate change. Protection of South Rim groundwater resources requires improved u
Authors
John E. Solder, Kimberly R. Beisner
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Arizona Water Science Center, Utah Water Science Center

Geochemical characterization of groundwater evolution south of Grand Canyon, Arizona (USA)

Better characterization of the geochemical evolution of groundwater south of Grand Canyon, Arizona (USA), is needed to understand natural conditions and assess potential effects from breccia-pipe uranium mining in the region. Geochemical signatures of groundwater at 28 sampling locations were evaluated; baseline concentrations for select trace elements (As, B, Ba, Cr, Li, Mo, Rb, Se, Sr, Th, Tl, U
Authors
Kimberly R. Beisner, John E. Solder, Fred D. Tillman, Jessica R. Anderson, Ronald C. Antweiler
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Arizona Water Science Center, Utah Water Science Center

Evaluation of soil zone processes and a novel radiocarbon correction approach for groundwater with mixed sources

Estimates of groundwater age based on 14C is often limited by the uncertainty in geochemical processes that alter the 14C concentration measured in water and the composition (δ13C and 14C) of carbon sources needed to appropriately parametrize 14C adjustment models. Estimated ages for samples that contain a mixture of young and old groundwater will be particularly sensitive to model parametrization
Authors
John E. Solder, Bryant Jurgens
By
Water Resources Mission Area, California Water Science Center, Utah Water Science Center

Environmental tracer evidence for connection between shallow and bedrock aquifers and high intrinsic susceptibility to contamination of the conterminous U.S. glacial aquifer

Covering a large portion of the northern conterminous United States (1.87 x 106 km2), the glacial aquifer serves as the primary water supply for 39 million public and domestic water users. Mean groundwater age, groundwater age distribution, and susceptibility to land surface contamination, using a new metric (Susceptibility Index; SI) based on the full age distribution and less prone to bias than
Authors
John E. Solder, Bryant Jurgens, Paul Stackelberg, Christopher L. Shope
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Utah Water Science Center

Using age tracers and decadal sampling to discern trends in nitrate, arsenic and uranium in groundwater beneath irrigated cropland

Repeat sampling and age tracers were used to examine trends in nitrate, arsenic and uranium concentrations in groundwater beneath irrigated cropland. Much higher nitrate concentrations in shallow modern groundwater were observed at both the Columbia Plateau and High Plains sites (median values of 10.2 and 15.4 mg/L as N, respectively) than in groundwater that recharged prior to the onset of intens
Authors
Anthony J. Tesoriero, Karen R. Burow, Lonna Frans, Jonathan V. Haynes, Christopher M. Hobza, Bruce D. Lindsey, John E. Solder
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Oregon Water Science Center

Groundwater and surface-water resources near Red Fleet Reservoir, Uintah County, Utah

Red Fleet Reservoir in Uintah County, Utah, is an approximately 26,000 acre-foot (acre-ft) on-channel reservoir in the Big Brush Creek drainage on the south slopes of the Uinta Mountains. It is operated primarily for irrigation needs while providing a supplemental drinking-water supply to the Vernal, Utah area. Red Fleet Reservoir, which was operated by the Bureau of Reclamation and the Uintah Wat
Authors
Thomas M. Marston, John E. Solder, Katherine K. Jones
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Utah Water Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

Gilmore, T. E., Genereux, D. P., Solomon, D. K., and Solder, J. E., 2016, Groundwater transit time distribution and mean from streambed sampling in an agricultural coastal plain watershed, North Carolina, USA, Water Resour. Res., 52, 2025– 2044, doi:10.1002/2015WR017600.
Gilmore, T. E., Genereux, D. P., Solomon, D. K., Solder, J. E., Kimball, B. A., Mitasova, H., and Birgand, F., 2016, Quantifying the fate of agricultural nitrogen in an unconfined aquifer: Stream‐based observations at three measurement scales, Water Resour. Res., 52, 1961– 1983, doi:10.1002/2015WR017599.
Solomon, D. K., Gilmore, T. E., Solder, J. E., Kimball, B., and Genereux, D. P., 2015, Evaluating an unconfined aquifer by analysis of age‐dating tracers in stream water, Water Resour. Res., 51, 8883– 8899, doi:10.1002/2015WR017602.
Solder, J. E., Gilmore, T. E., Genereux, D. P. and Solomon, D. K., 2016, A Tube Seepage Meter for In Situ Measurement of Seepage Rate and Groundwater Sampling. Groundwater, 54: 588-595. doi:10.1111/gwat.12388

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

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