Neal Iverson
Chair
Department of Geological & Atmospheric Sciences
253 Science I
Ames, Iowa 50011
FAX: 515-294-6049
Xiaoqing Wu
Professor-in-Charge
Meteorology Program
3011 Agronomy Hall
515-294-9872
Faculty
William W. Simpkins
Professor
Hydrogeology
164 Science I
Dept. of Geological and Atmospheric Sciences
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011
Phone: (515) 294-7814
Email: bsimp@iastate.edu
Education
B.A., Geology, Augustana College (Illinois)
M.S., Geology and Geophysics; M.S., Water Resources Management, University
of Wisconsin-Madison
Ph.D., Geology and Geophysics, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Research Interests
My research interests in hydrogeology focus on groundwater flow and geochemical reactions in unlithified (non-rock) sediment, particularly glacial aquitards. Within that framework, I examine physical and chemical interactions of groundwater with lakes and streams, use isotopes to investigate groundwater source and age, and apply groundwater computer models to assess aquifer sustainability. I am currently investigating the transport of human enteric viruses and pharmaceuticals/hormones in groundwater, the hydrologic impacts of agricultural drainage, the stable isotope record of water in central Iowa, and the hydrogeology and sustainability of the Ames aquifer.
Research Projects and Funding
Hydrologic impacts of drainage systems in Iowa. Funded by the Iowa Department of Economic Development. $433,419
Using human enteric viruses to track groundwater contaminants to a municipal drinking water supply in an alluvial aquifer. Seed Grant funded by the Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination at the University of Iowa. $29,857.
Water supply for Ames in the 21st Century: a comprehensive reassessment of the Ames aquifer. Funded by the City of Ames, Iowa. $186,000.
Teaching
Geol 411/511 - Hydrogeology
Class Picture: 2011
LAS News description of the 2011 Civil Action Trial project
Geol 414/514 - Applied Groundwater Flow Modeling Class Picture 2010
Env S 324 - Energy and the Environment
Class Picture: 2009
Selected Refeered Publications
Marquardt, K.E., M.L. Rankin, and W.W. Simpkins. In review. Improving recycling with an existing 83% diversion rate. Submitted to International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education.
Schultz, R.C., T.M. Isenhart, J.P. Colletti, W.W. Simpkins, R.P. Uddawatta, and P.L. Schultz. 2009. Riparian and Upland Buffer Practices in H.E. Garrett (ed.), North American Agroforestry: An Integrated Science and Practice (2nd Ed). Madison, American Society of Agronomy, p. 163-218.
Helmers, M.J., T.M. Isenhart, C.L. Kling, T.M. Moorman, W.W. Simpkins, and Mark Tomer. 2007. Water quality in Agriculture 101: Heterogeneity of pollutants, practices, and programs. Choices.
Schilling, K.E., M. Tomer, P.E. Gassman, C.L. Kling, T.M. Isenhart, T.B. Moorman, W.W. Simpkins, C.F. Wolter. 2007. A tale of three watersheds: non-point source pollution and conservation practices across Iowa. Choices.
Simpkins, W.W. 2006. A multi-scale investigation of ground water flow at Clear Lake, Iowa. Ground Water 44 (1):35-46.
Helmke, M.F., W.W. Simpkins, and R. Horton. 2005. Simulating conservative tracers in fractured till under realistic timescales. Ground Water 43 (6):877-889.
Helmke, M.F., W.W. Simpkins, and R. Horton. 2005. Fracture-controlled
transport of nitrate and atrazine in four Iowa till units.J. Environ. Qual. 34:227-236.
Schultz, R.C., T.M. Isenhart, W.W. Simpkins, and J.P. Colletti. 2004. Riparian forest buffers in agroecosystems - lessons learned from the Bear Creek Watershed, central Iowa, USA. Agroforestry Systems 61:35-50.
Helmke, M.F., W.W. Simpkins, and R. Horton. 2004. Experimental determination of effective diffusion parameters in fractured till. Vadose Zone Journal 3:1050-1056.
Burkart, M.R., W.W. Simpkins, A.J. Morrow, and J.M. Gannon. 2004. Occurrence of total dissolved phosphorus in surficial aquifers and aquitards in Iowa. J. Amer. Water Resources Assoc. 40(3):827-834.
Simpkins, W.W., T.R.Wineland, R.J. Andress, D.A. Johnston, G.C. Caron, T.M. Isenhart, and R.C. Schultz. 2002. Hydrogeological constraints on riparian buffers for reduction of diffuse pollution: examples from the Bear Creek Watershed in Iowa, USA. Water Science and Technology 45 (9):61-68.
Simpkins, W.W., M.R. Burkart, M.F.Helmke, T.N. Twedt, D.E. James, R.J. Jaquis, and K.J. Cole. 2002. Potential impact of earthen waste storage structures on water resources in Iowa. J. Amer. Water Resources Association 38 (3):1-13.
