Sigma Xi Public Talk
Groundwater and Surface Water of the Grand Canyon Ecoregion, Northern Arizona
Presented by Alex Wood, P. G. As a hydrogeologist and professional geologist (Arizona), Alex Wood combines his extensive knowledge of western US geological provinces with geochemical and hydrological analysis techniques to evaluate a variety of water resource issues. Alex has a B.S. and M.S. in Geology from Northern Arizona University. Through his time as a researcher and environmental consultant, he has gained experience and expertise in watershed restoration, wetland & stream rehabilitation & restoration, post-fire hydrology, regional groundwater studies, evapotranspiration (ET) modeling, and more. Currently, Alex serves as the Principal Hydrogeologist at Natural Channel Design Engineering in Flagstaff, AZ.
The hydrogeology and hydrology of aquifer systems and plateaus in Northern Arizona, specifically the Grand Canyon ecoregion, are unique based on a variety of factors. First and foremost, the emplacement and incision of the Colorado River through Grand Canyon dictates surface water drainage patterns and where regional groundwater discharges in the form of springs. Secondly, geologic units and structures (such as faults, folds, etc.) have regional variances that greatly impact the quantity and quality of groundwater. Thirdly, aside from the Colorado River and spring fed creeks within Grand Canyon itself, there is virtually no perennial surface water flow in creeks or streams regionally due to stream capture by extensive and widespread karst development (sinkholes, caves, conduits, etc.). Regionally, the Kaibab Plateau and San Francisco Mountain near Flagstaff, AZ provide all surface water recharge to these regionally important aquifer systems. This talk will broadly discuss Grand Canyon geology, theories and studies regarding Grand Canyon's origin and emplacement of the Colorado River, unique Grand Canyon hydrogeology research such as on-going dye tracing studies, threats to surface water and groundwater resources, regional restoration work, and other locally interesting hydrogeology.
Science & Society Distinguished Public Talks
Co-sponsored by the UNM Chapter of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society, the Albuquerque Section of the Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers (IEEE) and its Life Members Affinity Group, Sigma Xi (the Scientific Research Honor Society), the UNM Department of Physics & Astronomy and Interdisciplinary Science
5:30 pm, Thursday, March 21, 2024
PAIS 1100 and via Zoom. Please take the Satisfaction Survey,
Individuals with disabilities who need an auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in P&A events should contact the Physics Department (phone: 505-277-2616, email: physics@unm.edu) well in advance to ensure your needs are accomodated. Event handouts can be provided in alternative accessible formats upon request. Please contact the Physics front office if you need written information in an alternative format.
A schedule of talks within the Department of Physics and Astronomy is available on the P&A web site at http://physics.unm.edu/pandaweb/events/index.php