M.S. Hydrogeology
Advisor: Dr. John B. Gates
My research is focused on deriving the age of groundwater recharge using dissolved noble gas concentrartions as hydrogeologic tracers. My study area is located around Lake McConaughy and the southern edge of the Sand Hills in western Nebraska. The Sand Hills gives me the opportunity to date young groundwater because of the high rates of hydraulic conductivity and recharge. Because the concentration of gases is dependent on the temperature, seasonality of recharge can be determined. The sampling wells are located north of Lake McConaughy.