Geohydrology

Geohydrology research at UW includes a focus on regional groundwater studies, in addition to interdisciplinary studies aimed at understanding the role of fluids in affecting a broad range of geologic processes (such as the thermal structure of the crust, fault strength, and earthquake behavior).

Our geochemists, geohydrologists and seismologists all address issues affecting the Earth's groundwater and surface water systems. Regional groundwater studies include detailed evaluation of recharge to the Laramie aquifer system, and collaborative studies characterizing the fate and transport of waters co-produced with coal-bed methane in NE Wyoming (conducted by Professors Carol Frost). Professor Frost utilizes cutting-edge isotopic markers to "fingerprint" groundwater and its mixing.

Assistant Professor Ye Zhang builds geological models of subsurface fluid systems (e.g., groundwater aquifer, deep CO₂ storage reservoirs, and large sedimentary basins) and uses computer simulations to understand and quantify a variety of important fluid flow processes. Professor Zhang's interest ranges from reservoir simulation to parameter estimation, to model optimization, and to large-scale computing on parallel clusters.