Hydrogeology/Glaciology
The Jackson School has a long tradition of leadership in fundamental and applied studies of liquid and solid water. Our research addresses broad questions such as: How is water distributed and routed through the Earth’s surface and subsurface? What are the impacts of human activities on water resource availability and quality? How are different components of the Earth system including the biosphere linked, and what is the role of water in these linkages? How will the hydrosphere and cryosphere respond to climate change? Researchers use complementary high-performance computing, laboratory experiments and measurements, and intensive field work in order to address these questions.
Hydrogeologists and hydrologists in the Jackson School have expertise in aqueous and microbial geochemistry, isotope geochemistry, physical hydrogeology, surface water hydrology, vadose zone hydrology, ecohydrology, and hydrogeophysics. Glaciologists in the Jackson School have expertise in ice sheet evolution and dynamics, supra-, sub- and englacial hydraulic systems, and the geologic setting of ice sheets.
Jackson School researchers and students are currently investigating hydrogeologic and glacial processes around the world. Some of our studies are conducted in Greenland, Antarctica, the Pacific Islands, Australia, Mexico, Chile, Switzerland, Egypt, and China, in addition to studying the hydrogeology of Austin’s interesting karst landscape and other parts of Texas. Some researchers also study ice sheets and potential water flow paths on Mars and Europa.
Faculty
 | Daniel S AlessiEnvironmental and aqueous geochemistry, thermodynamics, surface complexation modeling, geomicrobiology, critical minerals, chemical hydrogeology |
 | Jay L BannerIsotopic methods, sustainability, groundwater, oceans, ancient oceans, climate change, aquifers, caves, environmental science, geochemistry, paleoclimatology, urbanization, environmental justice, community-engaged research |
 | M. Bayani CardenasHydrology and Hydrogeology |
 | Ginny CataniaIce sheet mass balance, ice dynamics, subglacial hydrology, ice sheet stratigraphy, radar, GPS methods, uncertainty in ice sheet response to climate, satellite observations, remote-sensing observations, outlet glaciers, Greenland, glaciology, Antarctica, sea level, ice-ocean interactions. UT Cryosphere. |
 | Shujuan MaoEnvironmental seismology, Hydrogeophysics, Geothermal energy, Carbon sequestration, Critical-zone processes, Time-lapse imaging, Ambient seismic field, 4D seismology |
 | Ashley M MathenyEcohydrology, Bio- and Micro-meteorology, Vegetation Hydrodynamics, Watershed Hydrology, Land-Atmosphere Interactions, Biogeochemistry, Water and Carbon Cycles, and Modeling |
 | Daniella M RempeHydrology, Geomorphology, Ecohydrology, Catchment Hydrology, Near-surface Geophysics, Hydrogeology |
 | Demian M SafferActive tectonics, fault/sediment mechanics, geohydrology. |
 | Timothy M Shanahanclimate variability, climate change, paleoclimatology, geochemistry, stable isotopes, organic geochemistry, sedimentology, environmental science If you are interested in learning more, please visit research website. |
Lecturers
 | Marcus GaryKarst Hydrogeology |
 | Kenneth W WisianGeothermal Geophysics, SETI, Exoplanets, Space Exploration, Disaster Response, Recovery & Resiliency, Military Technology Applications, International Affairs, Innovation, Curriculum Development |
Affiliated Faculty
 | Kathy EllinsGeoscience education; Discipline Based Education Research (DBER); teacher professional development; geoscience curriculum development; undergraduate geoscience teacher preparation; climate literacy; geoscience, art and design engagement |
Emeriti
 | Philip C BennettAqueous geochemistry, geomicrobiology, environmental and microbial geochemistry, hydrogeology |
 | John M SharpHyrdogeology; flow in fractured rocks; thermohaline free convection; fracture skin effects; regional flow in carbonate rocks; hydrology of arid and semi-arid zones; subsidence and coastal land loss; effects of urbanization; alluvial aquifers; hydrogeology of sedimentary basins;hydrological processes in ore deposit formation; and hydrogeophysics. |
Research Scientists
 | Ian J DuncanExpertise in geomechanic and geochemistry applied to: risks associated with CO2 sequestration; hydraulic fracturing for shale gas production; environmental impact of hydraulic fracturing; and the water-energy nexus. Current research focuses on the scientific, environmental and public policy aspects of unconventional natural gas production, the water-energy nexus, and carbon capture and ... |
| Kenneth W WisianGeothermal Geophysics, SETI, Exoplanets, Space Exploration, Disaster Response, Recovery & Resiliency, Military Technology Applications, International Affairs, Innovation, Curriculum Development |
Research Staff
| Marcus GaryKarst Hydrogeology |
 | Kutalmis Saylamremote sensing, lidar, sea ice, marine geophysics, hydrology, lidar bathymetry |
Graduate Students
 | Jonathan P AmendolaI am interested in glaciomarine environments with particular focus on geomorphology and sediment depositional processes. I am currently working on the TERMINUS project to better understand moraine building in tide water glacial environments with emphasis on understanding the role of sediment on glacial stability. |
 | Nicole FerrieNicole Ferrie is a Ph.D. student interested in utilizing geochemical behavior to research seismologic processes and paleoclimate reconstruction. Her research focuses on using boron adsorption and isotopic fractionation (1) as a fluid tracer in shallow subduction complexes and (2) as a proxy for paleoatmospheric CO2 reconstruction in paleosols. Nicole performs experimental ... |
 | Alexander JanelleI am broadly interested in the intersection between karst, water resources, and natural and anthropogenic climate change. Texas' climate is at the convergence between the wet southeast and arid southwest. While this transition historically occurred at the 100th Meridian, it has been moving eastward bringing drier conditions to central Texas. ... |
 | Mielle LeeMy research is driven by understanding the carbon cycle in karst ecosystems. I'm interested in learning how vegetation and water play a role in the subsurface to sequester carbon. |
 | Christopher S LinickI am a geophysicist with roots in geodesy. I study inverse problems at the intersection of hydrology and geodesy; for instance, currently I am working to quantify snowpack across the Sierra Nevada of California from dense GPS observations of crustal deformation and other data types. I also work with gravimeters, ... |
Neelarun MukherjeeMy research focuses on unraveling the complexities of subsurface flow and reactive transport. I am currently developing robust models to explain these processes, with a current emphasis on transport dynamics in thawing Arctic permafrost driven by global warming. Beyond water cycle implications, my work explores the release and fluxes of ... | |
William Nguyen | |
 | Owen SeinerIce-sheet climate modeling, glaciology, sub-glacial hydrology, glacial dynamics, past warm periods, Antarctica, Greenland |
 | Kevin W Shionalynice-ocean interactions, glaciology, machine learning, acoustics, geophysics |
Shivangini Singh | |
Justin C Thompson | |
 | Casey VigiliaMy research examines interactions between ice sheets and sea level through the use of numerical models. I study past dynamic periods in ice sheets and outlet glaciers, specifically focusing on the effects of glacial isostatic adjustment during the Last Interglacial and last deglaciation. Additionally, I am also a part of ... |
 | Ebony Williams |
 | Koutian WuWelcome to this webpage and thank you for visiting. Koutian Wu is a first-year Ph.D. student in the LEAD Group at UT Austin. He is interested in enhancing the capabilities of land-climate models and ultimately aims to combine kilometer-scale modeling, in-situ measurements, and remote sensing to address emerging climate ... |
Graduate and undergraduate research in geologic sequestration of CO2GraduateGulf Coast Carbon Center supports a team of students and post docs working in geologic sequestration (deep subsurface long-duration storage) of the major greenhouse gas CO2, as a method to reduce release to the atmosphere. Student projects are wide ranging, from sedimentology to policy, linked in that they are 1) multidisciplinary and 2) applied to current issues. Students are typically jointly supervised by faculty in geology or petroleum geosystems engineering and staff at the GCCC. A class in geologic sequestration is offered in the fall some years. Posted by: Susan Hovorka |
Hydrogeochemical investigations in urban riparian zonesGraduateHydrogeochemical investigations in urban riparian zones Posted by: Darrel Tremaine |
Speleothems and cave monitoringGraduateSpeleothems and cave monitoring Posted by: Darrel Tremaine |
Stable isotopes as hydroclimatic indicatorsUndergraduateI am looking for an undergraduate student researcher to work on the analysis of stable isotopes in natural waters and plant materials. No experience necessary. The student researcher will be trained in extracting water samples on a vacuum system and analysis of stable isotopes using a laser spectrometer. Depending on progress, there may be opportunities to publish this research Posted by: Timothy Shanahan |
Paleoclimate reconstructions in the southern Rocky MountainsUndergraduateI am looking for one or more undergraduate student researchers to work on paleoclimate reconstructions in the southern Rockies using geochemical indicators in lake sediments. No experience necessary. Depending on progress, there will be opportunities to publish. Posted by: Timothy Shanahan |
Urbanization and water resources (NSF Hydrologic Sciences Program)GraduateOur group studies the impacts of urbanization on hydrologic systems using geochemical, field, laboratory, and modeling methods. New opportunities for graduate research in this area are available for students applying for Fall admission. Contact Jay Banner at banner@jsg.utexas.edu. Posted by: Jay Banner |
NSF Research Experiences for UndergraduatesUndergraduateThis summer program trains and supports undergraduates to undertake environmental science research. Details may be found at https://www.esi.utexas.edu/education/summer-research-experience-for-undergraduates-reu/. Posted by: Jay Banner |
NSF Research Experiences for UndergraduatesUndergraduateThis summer program trains and supports undergraduates to undertake environmental science research. Details may be found at https://www.esi.utexas.edu/education/summer-research-experience-for-undergraduates-reu/. Posted by: Jay Banner |
CRESSLE: Community Resilience integrated into an Earth System Science Learning Ecosystem (NSF Cultural Transformation of the Geoscience Community Program)GraduateCRESSLE represents an emerging approach to environmental resilience that emphasizes bidirectional learning between universities and communities. These teams will comprise a 'Community of Practice' to design and implement research projects addressing community challenges and Environmental Justice in three themes: Water Resources, Climate Resilience, and Communities & Landscapes. Posted by: Jay Banner |
Graduate opportunities at OCEEMlabGraduate - Five yearsOCEEMlab welcomes future graduate students of high caliber who are passionate about exploring new frontiers in Ocean and Earth science. At OCEEMlab, we study lithosphere-biosphere dynamic processes and complex systems using a combination of fieldwork, advanced computational modeling, and integrative data science. We seek candidates with solid foundations in natural sciences and programming skills. We are especially interested in bringing on board individuals with interdisciplinary knowledge who are highly motivated in weaving disciplines such as geophysics, geology, oceanography, geochemistry, and environmental molecular biology to address contemporary challenging research questions. Most importantly, in the core values of OCEEMlab lies courtesy to one another, encouraging natural curiosity, and cohesive teamwork; As a team, we can achieve far more than individuals. In addition, we firmly believe that groundbreaking discoveries are accomplished by walking on the fringes of science rather than at the center. Thus, we encourage unorthodox genuine thinkers to join our team and help us stretch the envelope of human knowledge a tiny bit further. Posted by: Eric Attias |
Postdocs opportunities at OCEEMlabGraduate - Two yearsOCEEMlab welcomes applicants via UTIG's Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellows Program. At OCEEMlab, we study lithosphere-biosphere dynamic processes and complex systems using a combination of fieldwork, advanced computational modeling, and integrative data science. We are especially interested in bringing on board individuals with interdisciplinary knowledge who are highly motivated in weaving disciplines such as geophysics, geology, oceanography, geochemistry, and environmental molecular biology to address contemporary challenging research questions. Contact Dr. Attias for further information. Posted by: Eric Attias |
Ph.D. Opportunities in Environmental Seismology and Energy TransitionGraduateMy research group "Seismo4D" is actively looking for PhD students and postdocs. Please email me if you're interested. Our group applies 4D seismology to understand Earth's physical processes associated with climate change and energy transition. Potential research topics focus on fluid/vapor systems in Earth's shallow subsurface, including hydrological processes, geothermal energy exploitation, critical zones, and volcanic unrest. Students in our group will develop and employ cutting-edge seismic techniques (such as passive seismic interferometry and time-lapse imaging) to study the spatiotemporal evolution and physical mechanisms of subsurface processes. Posted by: Shujuan Mao |
Carbon Cycle in Arctic PermafrostGraduateI am looking for a new graduate student who is interested in research on carbon cycle in Arctic Permafrost. Posted by: Kehua You |
Center for Integrated Earth System ScienceThe Center for Integrated Earth System Science (CIESS) is a cooperative effort between the Jackson School of Geosciences and the Cockrell School of Engineering. The center fosters collaborative study of Earth as a coupled system with focus on land, atmosphere, water, environment, and society. |
Center for Planetary Systems HabitabilityThe Center for Planetary Systems Habitability is an interdisciplinary research center at UT and is the result of a partnership between the Jackson School, the College of Natural Sciences, and the Cockrell School of Engineering. The center advances our ability to search for life on other planets by collaborating on research that helps better understand where habitable zones develop and how they evolve within planetary systems. |
Land, Environment & Atmospheric DynamicsThe LEAD group consists of graduate research assistants, postdoctoral fellows, research scientists and visiting scholars. We view the earth system in a holistic way, linking the atmosphere, ocean, biosphere, cryosphere, and solid earth as an integrated system. We use powerful methodologies such as satellite remote sensing and supercomputing simulations which are now profoundly changing research in earth system sciences. We place a strong emphasis on the societal impact of the research in earth system sciences. |
Affiliated UT Programs & Centers
Center for Space ResearchThe University of Texas at Austin, Center for Space Research was established in 1981 under the direction of Dr. Byron D. Tapley. The mission of the Center is to conduct research in orbit determination, space geodesy, the Earth and its environment, exploration of the solar system, as well as expanding the scientific applications of space systems data. |
Environmental Science InstituteThe Environmental Science Institute is a multi-disciplinary institute for basic scientific research in environmental studies founded by The University of Texas at Austin. The Institute serves as a focal point on campus for a wide scope of interdisciplinary research and teaching involving the complex interactions of the biosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere in the Earth system, as well as the human dimensions of these interactions. |
Research Groups
ENCOMPASS: Research for Earth-Society Systems |