Groundwater and Stratigraphic Studies Staff

< Groundwater and Stratigraphic Studies Staff

Geology and Groundwater Studies

Responsibilities

This section analyzes all parameters of geologic and hydrogeologic conditions, water resources budget relationships between supply and demand, economic mineral resources, geologic hazards, and defines the extent, recurrence interval, and impact of local and/or regional water development. Comprehensive data collection and investigative programs are developed and implemented to enhance the state's geologic and water resources databases. Site specific and areal information services are provided to well contractors, engineering firms, municipalities, and the private sector for water supply development and management, mineral extraction, construction projects, and other aspects of resource management . Data review and interpretation are provided to DNR's Environmental Services Division to assist in regulatory decisions relative to water withdrawal permits, well-interference problems, waste disposal sites, and other permitted facilities.� Research and applied studies are planned and implemented to investigate and monitor water quality degradation related to agricultural and industrial chemicals, leaking underground tanks, sanitary landfills, and waste-water lagoons.

Staff Responsibilities

RAYMOND R. ANDERSON, Geologist 3, Ph.D. (The University of Iowa)
(Raymond.Anderson@dnr.iowa.gov)

Major Responsibilities: Managing the Oakdale Rock Library and Research Facility for the Iowa Geological Survey.� Develop natural resources information from various sources, interpreting data to extract desired information, and synthesizing data and results into the appropriate format so that the information can be appropriately applied to the development , management, and conservation of the State�s natural resources.� Provide natural resource information to the general public, private industry, department staff, and other governmental agencies in order to inform them of the State�s natural resources, the potential for development of those resources, and the best way to utilize them.� Serve on one or more of a variety of task groups or committees to make recommendations on desirable or necessary actions in regard to the natural resources of Iowa, representing IGS-DNR at government, public, and professional meetings so that appropriate expertise is available to address natural resource information needs and issues.
Current Projects: Working on a series of contracts with the USGS STATEMAP Geologic Mapping Program to compile data and produce a series of regional, digital maps of the bedrock geology and bedrock topography in Iowa; working on the Precambrian and Jurassic sections of the on-line Lexicon of Iowa Geology; preparing a series of PowerPoint presentations on various aspects of Iowa Geology for downloading from the IGS web site and use by Iowa public schools and other educational organizations or the general public; planning and conducting geologic field trips in various regions of Iowa.
Research Interests: Precambrian geology; terrestrial impact structures; Jurassic stratigraphy and evaporite sequences, geophysics (primarily potential field); economic minerals; earthquakes; structural geology, geologic education.
Professional Affiliations: Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Geology Department, The University of Iowa; active participant in the Geological Society of America (national and regional meetings), Iowa Academy of Sciences (Academy President), and Geological Society of Iowa (coordinates field trips); peer reviewer for journals and granting institutions.

MICHAEL BOUNK, Geologist 2, Research Geologist, M.S. (The University of Iowa)
(Michael.Bounk@dnr.iowa.gov )

Research Interests: Cave and karst development.
Professional Affiliations: Geological Society of Iowa, National Speleological Society, Iowa Academy of Science.

BILL J. BUNKER, Geologist 3, Research Geologist, B.S. (Iowa State University)
(Bill.Bunker@dnr.iowa.gov)

Major Responsibilities: Conducts field investigations and computer-applied research to the stratigraphic sequences in Iowa, with special emphasis on the Devonian and Mississippian systems; prepares and identifies microfossils (conodonts) for use in correlation of stratigraphic sequences within Iowa; prepares and reviews manuscripts/guidebooks relating to the geologic history of Iowa; and develops, maintains and coordinates the computerized (GEOSAM) dataset of inventory of the cuttings/core library and the geological/lithological dataset for IGS.
Current Projects: Development of a computerized data input program for lithologic information as generated from the chip sample library of IGS, combined with a graphic output display/print routine. Long-term capability of generating lithofacies maps based upon lithologic data input.
Research Interests: Carbonate depositional environments across the Midcontinent carbonate shelf area during Devonian and Mississippian time; structural framework of Iowa; Plum River Fault Zone; and geology of the Coralville Lake area and Devonian Fossil Gorge.
Professional Affiliations: Active member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists; Geological Society of Iowa (conducts field trips and helps prepare guidebooks).

CHAD FIELDS, Geologist 2, Research Geologist, M.S. (University of Northern Iowa)
(Chad.Fields@dnr.iowa.gov)

Major Responsibilities: Providing new and updating current source water delineations for Iowa�s public water supplies; providing well forecasts and water supply information to the general public; completing accurate source water reports; maintaining and improving well and aquifer information throughout Iowa.
Current Projects: Source Water Assessment and Protection Program; Sny Magill National Monitoring Project; well forecasts; proper well locations.
Research Interests: Nonpoint source impacts on surface water and groundwater; groundwater modeling; statewide water quality trends.
Professional Affiliations: Geological Society of America; Geological Society of Iowa.

DEB FRUNDLE, Geologist 2, Research Geologist, B.S. (Iowa State University)
(Deborah.Frundle@dnr.iowa.gov)

Major Responsibilities: Provide hydrogeologic and geologic information on waste storage facilities and wastewater lagoons site plans and manure management plans; construction of GIS databases; and assist IGS staff on various hydrogeological projects.
Current Projects: In-house assessment of Open Feedlots.� Ranking Iowa�s Open Feedlots based on potential environmental impact of surface and groundwater vulnerability.
Research Interests:� Impacts of agriculture on surface and groundwater resources, ground water vulnerability assessments.
Professional Affiliations:� Geological Society of Iowa.

J. MICHAEL GANNON, Section Supervisor, M.S. (University of Arizona)
(Mike.Gannon@dnr.iowa.gov)

Major Responsibilities: Compile geologic, hydrogeologic, and land use data on public water supplies for development of a statewide sourcewater protection plan. Test and implement groundwater flow models for use in sourcewater zone delineation. Conduct contaminant source inventories using available contaminant databases supplemented with knowledge supplied by local municipalities. Assist municipalities in performing susceptibility analyses for each public drinking water well. Give presentations involving the source water program at local, state, and national meetings.
Research Interests: Natural attenuation of petroleum contamination at leaking underground storage tank sites; hydrogeology of fractured glacial tills and the effect on impoundments and landfill sites; hydrogeology of fractured rock and karst terrains; agricultural drainage wells in Humboldt and Pocahontas counties and the effect on local groundwater quality; groundwater quality in northwest Washington County and its possible effect on the local cancer rate.
Professional Affiliations: Professional Geologist (American Institute of Professional Geologists), Certified Groundwater Professional (Iowa), Professional Geologist (Wisconsin), Iowa Groundwater Association.

CLAIRE E. HRUBY, Geologist 2, Research Geologist, M.S. (Iowa State University)
(Claire.Hruby@dnr.iowa.gov)
Major Responsibilities: Provide hydrogeologic and geologic assistance to the Animal Feeding Operations (AFO) program of the DNR.
Current Projects: Hydrogeological reviews of new earthen manure storage facilities, water monitoring analyses, wastewater lagoons, open feedlots, and manure management plans. Alluvial soils and karst determinations for confinements. GIS support for producers, consultants, and AFO staff.
Research Interests: Shallow subsurface geophysics, karst hydrogeology, impacts of agriculture on surface and groundwater resources.
Professional Affiliations: American Geophysical Union.

H. PAUL LIU, Geologist 3, Research Geologist, Ph.D. (University of Nebraska)
(Paul.Liu@dnr.iowa.gov)

Major Responsibilities: Collection, analysis, and interpretation of Iowa geologic and hydrogeologic data, especially on stratigraphy, paleontology, sedimentology, bedrock geology, and well construction. Conducting geologic and stratigraphic investigations and research including field, laboratory, and office studies. Producing, editing, and reviewing geologic maps, reports, and other publications. Identifying mineral, rock and fossil specimens. Providing, illustrating, and presenting general geologic information and research results to public and professionals.
Current Projects: Surficial and bedrock geology mapping project (STATEMAP) in northeast and central east Iowa areas; EPA 319 bedrock geology mapping project in Upper Iowa River basin; Iowa water plan project; Middle Ordovician Winneshiek Lagerst�tte and Early Paleozoic paleoenvironments and stratigraphy studies in northeast Iowa.
Research Interests: Iowa bedrock geology; Paleozoic and Cretaceous stratigraphy; invertebrate and microfossils especially on graptolites, sponges, arthropods, conodonts, and calcareous nannofossils; marine geology, paleoecology and sedimentology; GIS 3D mapping and analysis.

THOMAS R. MARSHALL, Geologist 2, Research Geologist, M.S. (Oklahoma State University)
(Thomas.Marshall@dnr.iowa.gov)

Major Responsibilities: Investigations and research on Iowa�s bedrock geology, particularly on the Pennsylvanian and other Paleozoic systems, produces geologic striplogs for entry into the Geosam database, utilizes biostratigraphy in regional stratigraphic correlations to aid in reservoir and aquifer analysis, learning and applying new technical tools, computer software, and new approaches as it applies to Iowa geology, updating the Geologic Lexicon for the Pennsylvanian System with Ray Anderson, Bill Bunker, and Brian Witzke, responds to requests for assistance or information on all aspects of geoscience, especially Iowa geology, stratigraphy, paleontology, rock and mineral identification, well construction, and quarry activities to schools and other professional and citizen groups, oral and poster presentations to schools and other professional and citizen organizations
Current Projects: Lithostratigraphy, sequence stratigraphy, conodont biostratigraphy, depositional environments of the Pennsylvanian System in Iowa for the Geologic Lexicon (in conjunction with Ray Anderson and Brian Witzke) and placing the Pennsylvanian System in Iowa in a regional context
Research Interests: Utilizing conodont biostratigraphy for regional stratigraphic correlations and genetic stratigraphy of the Midcontinent Pennsylvanian System (particularly for the Cherokee Group); incorporating biostratigraphic correlation, geophysical data, striplog data, and other pertinent information to determine the regional extent, thickness, and geometry of reservoir rock and aquifers to better constraint the economic resources of the Pennsylvanian in Iowa and the Midcontinent (oil, natural gas, coal, and water); analyzing both continuous and non-continuous plays; placing the Cherokee stratigraphy of Iowa into a regional context; determining the effects of the genetic and sequence stratigraphy (particularly with respect to changes in depositional environments) of black organic marine shales, and the Cherokee Group in general, to water chemistry and groundwater quality
Professional Affiliations: Geological Society of America (GSA), American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), Geological Society of Iowa (GSI), affiliated with various student geologic organizations at the University of Iowa

ROBERT M. McKAY, Geologist 3, Research Geologist, B.S. (Tulane University)
(Robert.McKay@dnr.iowa.gov)

Major Responsibilities:� Provides mineral and groundwater resources information to industry through letters, telephone responses, and technical reports; monitors and inspects oil exploration sites and related well-plugging operations; provides stratigraphic and geologic data to water well drillers, environmental and mineral resource consultants. Maintains the non-coal underground mine map files. Geologic advisor to the State Preserves Advisory Board. Participates in geologic investigations of bedrock units throughout the state.
Current Projects: Upper Iowa River Basin Mapping Project, Yellow River Basin Mapping Project, USGS Statemap Project staff.

DAVID PALS, Geologist 2, M.S. (Iowa State University)
(David.Pals@dnr.iowa.gov)

Major Responsibilities: Responsibilities include interpreting depositional processes, geologic history, and characteristics of stratigraphic units, in order to determine predictive relationships for groundwater and economic resources, in association with the development and implementation of the State Water Plan; providing information on the state�s water, mineral, and other natural resources as requested by the bureau�s clients; presenting information on water supply, natural resources, and environmental geology topics to general and technical audiences; and describing, interpreting, and logging of the lithologic, stratigraphic, paleontologic, and hydrologic properties of geologic materials from well cuttings, cores, exposures, and other sources, with recording of logged data and associated information in appropriate databases and GIS coverages.

JASON VOGELGESANG, Geological Technician
(Jason.Vogelgesang@dnr.iowa.gov)

Major Responsibilities: Preparation of rock-chip drill samples for microscopic examination; entry of well information into computer databases; maintenance of paper well records; provides retrieval services for access to drill cuttings and rock cores.

DEBORAH J. QUADE, Geologist 3, Research Geologist, M.S. (The University of Iowa)
(Deborah.Quade@dnr.iowa.gov)

Major Responsibilities: Plan and undertake field surface and subsurface studies of glacial and post-glacial deposits and soils in Iowa and prepare related technical reports. Perform surficial geologic mapping of selected areas in Iowa. Surficial mapping includes the use of on-screen mapping procedures and the development of derivative maps for land use planning, hazard assessment, and geologic resource assessment using GIS tools. Responsible for the development, coordination, and maintenance of a Quaternary database. Installation of shallow groundwater monitoring wells. Respond to information requests on Quaternary deposits, soils, well records, and groundwater supplies. Assists in collection of surface and groundwater samples for water quality investigations.
Current Projects: Surficial geologic mapping in Linn County (STATEMAP); hydrogeologic studies and surficial geologic mapping of Camp Dodge, Iowa (funded by DOD Legacy grant); preliminary stage of surficial geologic mapping of Hancock, Humboldt, Kossuth, and Wright counties on the Des Moines Lobe (STATEMAP); hydrogeologic field investigations of large-scale confinement operations; field investigations of geology, hydrogeology and geomorphology of Holocene and Pleistocene sediments relative to water resource, environmental and landscape evolution studies.
Research Interests: Surficial geologic mapping; fluvial geomorphology; alluvial stratigraphy; geomorphology and Quaternary stratigraphy.
Professional Affiliations: Iowa Groundwater Association; American Quaternary Association; Geological Society of Iowa; and Sigma Xi

ROBERT D. ROWDEN, Geologist 3, Research Geologist, M.S. (The University of Iowa)
(Robert.Rowden@dnr.iowa.gov)

Major Responsibilities: Assist Contaminated Sites (Brownfields Program) and Solid Waste sections with geologic and hydrologic site assessment and site monitoring; development of Geographic Information System (GIS) coverages associated with major aquifer systems of Iowa; data collection, compilation, analysis, interpretation and report preparation for various hydrogeologic investigations; development of database and compilation of data for the State-wide soil sampling for metals project in cooperation with the USGS; conducts and coordinates field sampling; provides technical assistance and support to coworkers and students employed by the Geological Survey; technical review of publications; cooperates with state and local agencies on water quality and water resources investigations; provides client services for well searches, well forecasts, and water-supply/water-quality problems; review of site plans of various facilities and construction projects to assess potential environmental impacts; educating the public about the effects of non-point and point source contamination on surface water and groundwater resources; development of educational materials; assist other network representatives with installation and maintenance of hardware and software associated with Geological Survey computer network; collection of shallow subsurface geologic samples and installation of shallow monitoring wells utilizing a Giddings drill rig;
Current Projects: Brownfields geologic and hydrologic site assessments; development of statewide GIS coverages of major aquifer systems (Mississippian, Silurian-Devonian, and Jordan) and water-quality and quantity of the systems within Iowa; State-wide soil sampling for metals project in cooperation with the USGS; shallow drilling associated with STATEMAP geologic mapping program; review of annual Solid Waste Site monitoring reports.
Research Interests: Development of materials to educate the public about Iowa�s natural resources with emphasis on groundwater and surface water; hydrologic investigations of impacts of non-point and point source contaminants on surface water and groundwater resources, with emphasis on monitoring surface water and groundwater discharge, water quality, and computation of flow-weighted contaminant discharge; interaction of surface water, groundwater and agricultural contaminants in karst terranes.
Professional Affiliations: Certified Well Contractor (Iowa).

KEITH E. SCHILLING, Geologist 3, Research Geologist, M.S. (Iowa State University)
(Keith.Schilling@dnr.iowa.gov)

Major Responsibilities: Provide delineations of source water protection areas for water supplies; groundwater modeling for wellhead protection areas; plan and conduct data collection, analysis and reporting for the Walnut Creek Nonpoint Source Pollution Monitoring Project; data collection, analysis and reporting for various hydrogeologic investigations; installation, development and sampling of monitoring wells; field sampling for various water quality projects.
Current Projects: Walnut Creek Nonpoint Source Pollution Monitoring Project (Jasper County); Source Water Assessment and Protection Program; field investigations of geology and hydrogeology of Holocene and Pleistocene sediments.
Research Interests: Hydrogeology of Quaternary materials; agricultural impacts on surface water and groundwater quality; hydrogeology of carbonate aquifers; groundwater modeling; hydrogeologic investigations at waste disposal sites, intrinsic bioremediation.
Professional Affiliations: Geological Society of America; National Ground Water Association; Geological Society of Iowa.

STEPHANIE A. TASSIER-SURINE, Geologist 3, Research Geologist, M.S. (University of Massachusetts)
(Stephanie.Surine@dnr.iowa.gov)

Major Responsibilities: Researches and conducts field investigations on the Quaternary deposits and stratigraphy of Iowa, with a focus on the Pre-Illinoian. Collects, describes, and analyzes surface and subsurface geologic samples (both in the field and the laboratory) and interprets the results for use in surficial mapping, Quaternary stratigraphy, and hydrogeologic studies. Provides information on the Quaternary geology of Iowa to the general public and individuals.
Current Projects: Surficial geologic mapping in Johnson County as part of the USGS STATEMAP program; field investigations of surface and subsurface geologic materials as related to stratigraphy and hydrogeology.
Research Interests: Quaternary stratigraphy and paleoclimate interpretations, surficial processes and mapping, hydrogeology, clay mineralogy, aqueous and sedimentary geochemistry.
Professional Affiliations: Geological Society of America , American Quaternary Association, Geological Society of Iowa, Clay Minerals Society.

PAUL VANDORPE, Geologist 3, Research Geologist, M.S. (Wayne State University)
(Paul.VanDorpe@dnr.iowa.gov)

Major Responsibilities: Maintains Iowa's Municipal Water-Supply Inventory (MWSI) database; provides client services for well searches, well forecasts, water-supply problems, and other geologic requests; compiles and synthesizes hydrogeoologic data for reports on the occurrence, quality, availability, and use of groundwater in Iowa; provides information on coal mine subsidence; serves on a variety of committees and boards: Iowa Groundwater Association, Iowa Children�s Water Festival, Pump Installers Committee, Heat Pump Regulation Committee.
Current Projects: Reviewing Iowa Geological Survey (IGS) strip logs and well folders for additional information to add/correct/update municipal wells in the MWSI database; add well numbers (W-numbers) for all municipal wells without one; add municipal water-quality analyses, correctly identified by well, to the MWSI water-quality database. Coordinates well search requests. Reviewing and analyzing arsenic occurrences in wells and groundwater.
Research Interests: Education; hydrogeology of Iowa's aquifers; database management; coal-mine subsidence; arsenic in Iowa�s groundwater resources.
Professional Affiliations: Geological Society of Iowa; Iowa Groundwater Association; Iowa Groundwater Quarterly; Iowa Academy of Science; Iowa Children�s Water Festival.

BRIAN J. WITZKE, Geologist 3, Research Geologist, Ph.D. (The University of Iowa)
(Brian.Witzke@dnr.iowa.gov)

Major Responsibilities: Stratigraphy, sedimentology, paleontology; coordinates and executes projects relating to the bedrock geology of Iowa, primarily Paleozoic and Cretaceous stratigraphic and sedimentologic investigations; utilizes and undertakes paleontologic and biostratigraphic studies to aid in stratigraphic correlation and depositional interpretations; responds to inquiries about the bedrock geology, both surface exposures and subsurface relations; answers hydrostratigraphic questions related to bedrock aquifers and well construction issues; identifies rock and fossil specimens; general geologic questions from public, private and individual concerns.
Current Projects: Statewide bedrock geologic mapping: Ordovician, Silurian, Devonian, Mississippian, Pennsylvanian, and Cretaceous units (STATEMAP projects); stratigraphic and hydrostratigraphic studies (description and correlation of constituent members and formations; report for Carboniferous Subcommission); Middle and Upper Ordovician stratigraphic and sedimentologic studies (with Greg Ludvigson); Mississippian stratigraphic studies (with Bill Bunker); Upper Pennsylvanian stratigraphic synthesis for southwest Iowa.
Research Interests: Paleozoic and Cretaceous lithostratigraphy, sequence stratigraphy, and depositional environments; sedimentary petrology, especially carbonate rocks; conodont biostratigraphy; invertebrate paleontology (especially brachiopods, mollusks, echinoderms); vertebrate paleontology; late Cenozoic history of the Great Plains; Phanerozoic paleogeographic and paleoclimatic studies.
Professional Affiliations: Serves as Adjunct Associate Professor in the Geooscience Department, The University of Iowa; reviewer for journals and granting institutions; affiliated with various national and local geologic and paleontologic organizations.