Fieldwork

Deadwood Reservoir, Boise, ID

This project is from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to study the Deadwood-Reeves Creek fault system in central Idaho as part of a dam safety evaluation. We employed electrical resistivity tomography, seismic reflection and refractions methods and ground penetrating radar to investigate the fault system. 

Good Shepherd Ranch, Montrose, CO

Research fieldwork for the project "Investigation of potential heat source and an understanding of the local hydrogeology on Good Shepherd Ranch."

The Good Shepherd Ranch is located about 4000 feet due west of Montrose County, San Miguel County and Ouray County Triple Point on Dave Wood Road. The objectives of this geophysical investigation were to obtain an estimate for the depth of the potential heat source at the site and an understanding of the local hydrogeology. We have implemented the electrical resistivity method, seismic refraction, magnetotelluric (MT) method, and self-potential (SP) method. in this investigation. From August 2nd to 5th, 2021, these methods were conducted at a pre-selected location near the creek in GSR by a group of investigators from the Colorado School of Mines and Boise State University.

Westfall Oregon Cemetery, Westfall, OR

Our upcoming field trip to the historic Westfall Oregon Cemetery offers undergraduates a chance to apply Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) to locate unmarked graves, helping preserve this cemetery’s rich pioneer history. The Westfall Cemetery, established in the late 1800s, holds graves from the era of wagon trains, the Pony Express, and early ranch settlements. However, many graves remain unmarked, and our task is to identify these unknown sites to protect the historical record of this significant area. Inspired by similar cemetery mapping projects, students will gain hands-on experience with GPR technology, learning how geophysics aids historical preservation. This project bridges science and history, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge in a meaningful community service setting.

Dry Creek, Boise, ID

The Dry Creek Experimental Watershed (DCEW), located near Boise, Idaho, is a unique research site encompassing diverse ecosystems, ranging from low-elevation grasslands to high-elevation forests. It serves as an outdoor laboratory for studying critical zone processes, focusing on how water moves through the landscape, including the impact of snowmelt and precipitation on streamflow, soil moisture, and groundwater recharge. With a particular emphasis on understanding water partitioning in mountainous catchments, the DCEW provides insights into how seasonal and climate variations affect hydrological processes. Research at Dry Creek uses geophysical and hydrological modeling methods, such as those incorporating seismic refraction and resistivity measurements, to capture the complexities of subsurface structures and water flow pathways, essential for effective water resource management and ecosystem resilience in the western United States​