Donald O Rosenberry
Donald Rosenberry is a Research Hydrologist for the USGS Water Resources Mission Area.
Don is a research hydrologist with the Earth Surface Processes Division specializing in wetland hydrology, water budgets of lakes and wetlands, and hyporheic processes. Research is focused at the sediment-water interface with an emphasis on understanding processes that control exchanges between groundwater and surface water. Don also is the coordinator of the Shingobee Headwaters Aquatic Ecosystem Project where scientists from USGS and academia work together to study physical, chemical, and biological processes of lakes, wetlands, and streams at a small-watershed scale. Don's interests in groundwater, surface water, and the dynamic sediment-water interface stem from his formative years at Bemidji State University (next to Lake Bemidji), the University of Minnesota (on the banks of the Mississippi River), and the University of Colorado (through which Boulder Creek flows).
Current Research Topics
- Ground-water surface-water exchange in hyporheic settings (CA, CO, MA, MN, PA)
- Significance of ground-water discharge to nutrient loading (MN, WA)
- Significance of ground water to water supply (CA, MN, NM)
- Relating geophysics and seepage along shoreline margins (NH, WA)
- Decadal-scale hydrology of lakes and wetlands (MT, ND, MN, NH)
Current Editorships
- Editorial Board, Hydrological Processes (2014-present)
Professional Experience
2007-present: USGS, Lead Scientist, Hydrogeology of lakes, wetlands, and streams
1985-2007: USGS, Staff research hydrologist, Hydrology of lakes and wetlands
1982-1985: USGS, Hydrologic technician
1981-1982: Continental Laboratories, Hydrocarbon well analyst, Billings, MT
Education and Certifications
University of Colorado, Boulder. Geography/Geomorphology, Ph.D. 2007
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. Hydrogeology, M.S. 1985
Bemidji State University, Bemidji, MN. Geology/Geography, B.S. 1981
Affiliations and Memberships*
American Geophysical Union
Geological Society of America
Society of Wetland Scientists
Minnesota Ground Water Association
Honors and Awards
Keynote Address, Minnesota Ground Water Association annual conference (2003, 2009)
Keynote Address, Canadian Geophysical Union annual conference (2005)
Elected Fellow of Geological Society of America (2008)
Keynote Address, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality 21st Annual Water Quality Workshop, February 2011
Keynote Address, Alabama Department of Environmental Management 12th Annual Groundwater Conference, June 2012
Moos Family lecturer, Freshwater Society, June 2013
Meinzer Award, Geological Society of America Hydrogeology Division (2017)
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 133
Quantification of surface water and groundwater flows to open‐ and closed‐basin lakes in a headwaters watershed using a descriptive oxygen stable isotope model Quantification of surface water and groundwater flows to open‐ and closed‐basin lakes in a headwaters watershed using a descriptive oxygen stable isotope model
Accurate quantification of hydrologic fluxes in lakes is important to resource management and for placing hydrologic solute flux in an appropriate biogeochemical context. Water stable isotopes can be used to describe water movements, but they are typically only effective in lakes with long water residence times. We developed a descriptive time series model of lake surface water oxygen‐18...
Authors
Edward G. Stets, Thomas C. Winter, Donald O. Rosenberry, Robert G. Striegl
Tracking tracer breakthrough in the hyporheic zone using time‐lapse DC resistivity, Crabby Creek, Pennsylvania Tracking tracer breakthrough in the hyporheic zone using time‐lapse DC resistivity, Crabby Creek, Pennsylvania
Characterization of the hyporheic zone is of critical importance for understanding stream ecology, contaminant transport, and groundwater‐surface water interaction. A salt water tracer test was used to probe the hyporheic zone of a recently re‐engineered portion of Crabby Creek, a stream located near Philadelphia, PA. The tracer solution was tracked through a 13.5 meter segment of the...
Authors
Jonathan E. Nyquist, Laura Toran, Allison C. Fang, Robert J. Ryan, Donald O. Rosenberry
Effect of surficial disturbance on exchange between groundwater and surface water in nearshore margins Effect of surficial disturbance on exchange between groundwater and surface water in nearshore margins
Low‐permeability sediments situated at or near the sediment‐water interface can influence seepage in nearshore margins, particularly where wave energy or currents are minimal. Seepage meters were used to quantify flow across the sediment‐water interface at two lakes where flow was from surface water to groundwater. Disturbance of the sediment bed substantially increased seepage through...
Authors
Donald O. Rosenberry, Laura Toran, Jonathan E. Nyquist
Assessment of electrical resistivity method to map groundwater seepage zones in heterogeneous sediments Assessment of electrical resistivity method to map groundwater seepage zones in heterogeneous sediments
Underwater electrical‐resistivity data were collected along the southwest shore of Mirror Lake, NH, as part of a multi‐year assessment of the utility of geophysics for mapping groundwater seepage beneath lakes. We found that resistivity could locate shoreline sections where water is seeping out of the lake. A resistivity line along the lake bottom starting 27‐m off shore and continuing...
Authors
Michael P. Gagliano, Jonathan E. Nyquist, Laura Toran, Donald O. Rosenberry
Improving conceptual models of water and carbon transfer through peat Improving conceptual models of water and carbon transfer through peat
Northern peatlands store 500 × 1015 g of organic carbon and are very sensitive to climate change. There is a strong conceptual model of sources, sinks, and pathways of carbon within peatlands, but challenges remain both in understanding the hydrogeology and the linkages between carbon cycling and peat pore water flow. In this chapter, research findings from the glacial Lake Agassiz...
Authors
Jeffery M. McKenzie, Donald I. Siegel, Donald O. Rosenberry
Hydrologic support of carbon dioxide flux revealed by whole-lake carbon budgets Hydrologic support of carbon dioxide flux revealed by whole-lake carbon budgets
Freshwater lakes are an important component of the global carbon cycle through both organic carbon (OC) sequestration and carbon dioxide (CO 2) emission. Most lakes have a net annual loss of CO2 to the atmosphere and substantial current evidence suggests that biologic mineralization of allochthonous OC maintains this flux. Because net CO 2 flux to the atmosphere implies net...
Authors
E.G. Stets, Robert G. Striegl, G. R. Aiken, D.O. Rosenberry, T. C. Winter
Effects of sediment transport and seepage direction on hydraulic properties at the sediment-water interface of hyporheic settings Effects of sediment transport and seepage direction on hydraulic properties at the sediment-water interface of hyporheic settings
Relations between seepage flux and hydraulic properties are difficult to quantify in fluvial settings because of the difficulty in measuring these variables in situ. Tests conducted in a 1.5-m diameter by 1.5-m tall sediment-filled tank indicate that hydraulic gradient increased and hydraulic conductivity (K) decreased following the onset of downward seepage but both parameters were...
Authors
D.O. Rosenberry, J. Pitlick
Evaluation of methods and uncertainties in the water budget Evaluation of methods and uncertainties in the water budget
Water budget studies of Mirror Lake aim to measure hydrologic components interacting with the lake as accurately as possible. However, measurements of water budget components are subject to some degree of uncertainty. This chapter describes the methods used to quantify water budget components of Mirror Lake in detail. It examines uncertainties in precipitation values, monthly evaporation...
Authors
Thomas C. Winter, Donald O. Rosenberry
Hydrologic processes and the water budget: Chapter 2 Hydrologic processes and the water budget: Chapter 2
This chapter focuses on the hydrological setting of Mirror Lake and its water budget. It first describes the glacial deposits and bedrock topography in the Mirror Lake area. It then provides an overview of the hydrologic processes associated with Mirror Lake and examines the field and analytical methods used to determine its water budget. It presents results from the hydrologic studies...
Authors
Donald O. Rosenberry, Thomas C. Winter
Local-scale variability of seepage and hydraulic conductivity in a shallow gravel-bed river Local-scale variability of seepage and hydraulic conductivity in a shallow gravel-bed river
Seepage rate and direction measured with a seepage metre modified for use in flowing water were greatly variable along a 300-m reach of a shallow, gravel-bed river and depended primarily on the local-scale bed topography. The median value of seepage measured at 24 locations was 24 cm/day, but seepage measured at specific sites ranged from -340 to +237 cm/day. Seepage also varied...
Authors
D.O. Rosenberry, J. Pitlick
Field Techniques for Estimating Water Fluxes Between Surface Water and Ground Water Field Techniques for Estimating Water Fluxes Between Surface Water and Ground Water
This report focuses on measuring the flow of water across the interface between surface water and ground water, rather than the hydrogeological or geochemical processes that occur at or near this interface. The methods, however, that use hydrogeological and geochemical evidence to quantify water fluxes are described herein. This material is presented as a guide for those who have to...
Authors
Donald O. Rosenberry, James W. LaBaugh
Estimates of Nutrient Loading by Ground-Water Discharge into the Lynch Cove Area of Hood Canal, Washington Estimates of Nutrient Loading by Ground-Water Discharge into the Lynch Cove Area of Hood Canal, Washington
Low dissolved oxygen concentrations in the waters of Hood Canal threaten marine life in late summer and early autumn. Oxygen depletion in the deep layers and landward reaches of the canal is caused by decomposition of excess phytoplankton biomass, which feeds on nutrients (primarily nitrogen compounds) that enter the canal from various sources, along with stratification of the water...
Authors
F. William Simonds, Peter W. Swarzenski, Donald O. Rosenberry, Christopher D. Reich, Anthony J. Paulson
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 133
Quantification of surface water and groundwater flows to open‐ and closed‐basin lakes in a headwaters watershed using a descriptive oxygen stable isotope model Quantification of surface water and groundwater flows to open‐ and closed‐basin lakes in a headwaters watershed using a descriptive oxygen stable isotope model
Accurate quantification of hydrologic fluxes in lakes is important to resource management and for placing hydrologic solute flux in an appropriate biogeochemical context. Water stable isotopes can be used to describe water movements, but they are typically only effective in lakes with long water residence times. We developed a descriptive time series model of lake surface water oxygen‐18...
Authors
Edward G. Stets, Thomas C. Winter, Donald O. Rosenberry, Robert G. Striegl
Tracking tracer breakthrough in the hyporheic zone using time‐lapse DC resistivity, Crabby Creek, Pennsylvania Tracking tracer breakthrough in the hyporheic zone using time‐lapse DC resistivity, Crabby Creek, Pennsylvania
Characterization of the hyporheic zone is of critical importance for understanding stream ecology, contaminant transport, and groundwater‐surface water interaction. A salt water tracer test was used to probe the hyporheic zone of a recently re‐engineered portion of Crabby Creek, a stream located near Philadelphia, PA. The tracer solution was tracked through a 13.5 meter segment of the...
Authors
Jonathan E. Nyquist, Laura Toran, Allison C. Fang, Robert J. Ryan, Donald O. Rosenberry
Effect of surficial disturbance on exchange between groundwater and surface water in nearshore margins Effect of surficial disturbance on exchange between groundwater and surface water in nearshore margins
Low‐permeability sediments situated at or near the sediment‐water interface can influence seepage in nearshore margins, particularly where wave energy or currents are minimal. Seepage meters were used to quantify flow across the sediment‐water interface at two lakes where flow was from surface water to groundwater. Disturbance of the sediment bed substantially increased seepage through...
Authors
Donald O. Rosenberry, Laura Toran, Jonathan E. Nyquist
Assessment of electrical resistivity method to map groundwater seepage zones in heterogeneous sediments Assessment of electrical resistivity method to map groundwater seepage zones in heterogeneous sediments
Underwater electrical‐resistivity data were collected along the southwest shore of Mirror Lake, NH, as part of a multi‐year assessment of the utility of geophysics for mapping groundwater seepage beneath lakes. We found that resistivity could locate shoreline sections where water is seeping out of the lake. A resistivity line along the lake bottom starting 27‐m off shore and continuing...
Authors
Michael P. Gagliano, Jonathan E. Nyquist, Laura Toran, Donald O. Rosenberry
Improving conceptual models of water and carbon transfer through peat Improving conceptual models of water and carbon transfer through peat
Northern peatlands store 500 × 1015 g of organic carbon and are very sensitive to climate change. There is a strong conceptual model of sources, sinks, and pathways of carbon within peatlands, but challenges remain both in understanding the hydrogeology and the linkages between carbon cycling and peat pore water flow. In this chapter, research findings from the glacial Lake Agassiz...
Authors
Jeffery M. McKenzie, Donald I. Siegel, Donald O. Rosenberry
Hydrologic support of carbon dioxide flux revealed by whole-lake carbon budgets Hydrologic support of carbon dioxide flux revealed by whole-lake carbon budgets
Freshwater lakes are an important component of the global carbon cycle through both organic carbon (OC) sequestration and carbon dioxide (CO 2) emission. Most lakes have a net annual loss of CO2 to the atmosphere and substantial current evidence suggests that biologic mineralization of allochthonous OC maintains this flux. Because net CO 2 flux to the atmosphere implies net...
Authors
E.G. Stets, Robert G. Striegl, G. R. Aiken, D.O. Rosenberry, T. C. Winter
Effects of sediment transport and seepage direction on hydraulic properties at the sediment-water interface of hyporheic settings Effects of sediment transport and seepage direction on hydraulic properties at the sediment-water interface of hyporheic settings
Relations between seepage flux and hydraulic properties are difficult to quantify in fluvial settings because of the difficulty in measuring these variables in situ. Tests conducted in a 1.5-m diameter by 1.5-m tall sediment-filled tank indicate that hydraulic gradient increased and hydraulic conductivity (K) decreased following the onset of downward seepage but both parameters were...
Authors
D.O. Rosenberry, J. Pitlick
Evaluation of methods and uncertainties in the water budget Evaluation of methods and uncertainties in the water budget
Water budget studies of Mirror Lake aim to measure hydrologic components interacting with the lake as accurately as possible. However, measurements of water budget components are subject to some degree of uncertainty. This chapter describes the methods used to quantify water budget components of Mirror Lake in detail. It examines uncertainties in precipitation values, monthly evaporation...
Authors
Thomas C. Winter, Donald O. Rosenberry
Hydrologic processes and the water budget: Chapter 2 Hydrologic processes and the water budget: Chapter 2
This chapter focuses on the hydrological setting of Mirror Lake and its water budget. It first describes the glacial deposits and bedrock topography in the Mirror Lake area. It then provides an overview of the hydrologic processes associated with Mirror Lake and examines the field and analytical methods used to determine its water budget. It presents results from the hydrologic studies...
Authors
Donald O. Rosenberry, Thomas C. Winter
Local-scale variability of seepage and hydraulic conductivity in a shallow gravel-bed river Local-scale variability of seepage and hydraulic conductivity in a shallow gravel-bed river
Seepage rate and direction measured with a seepage metre modified for use in flowing water were greatly variable along a 300-m reach of a shallow, gravel-bed river and depended primarily on the local-scale bed topography. The median value of seepage measured at 24 locations was 24 cm/day, but seepage measured at specific sites ranged from -340 to +237 cm/day. Seepage also varied...
Authors
D.O. Rosenberry, J. Pitlick
Field Techniques for Estimating Water Fluxes Between Surface Water and Ground Water Field Techniques for Estimating Water Fluxes Between Surface Water and Ground Water
This report focuses on measuring the flow of water across the interface between surface water and ground water, rather than the hydrogeological or geochemical processes that occur at or near this interface. The methods, however, that use hydrogeological and geochemical evidence to quantify water fluxes are described herein. This material is presented as a guide for those who have to...
Authors
Donald O. Rosenberry, James W. LaBaugh
Estimates of Nutrient Loading by Ground-Water Discharge into the Lynch Cove Area of Hood Canal, Washington Estimates of Nutrient Loading by Ground-Water Discharge into the Lynch Cove Area of Hood Canal, Washington
Low dissolved oxygen concentrations in the waters of Hood Canal threaten marine life in late summer and early autumn. Oxygen depletion in the deep layers and landward reaches of the canal is caused by decomposition of excess phytoplankton biomass, which feeds on nutrients (primarily nitrogen compounds) that enter the canal from various sources, along with stratification of the water...
Authors
F. William Simonds, Peter W. Swarzenski, Donald O. Rosenberry, Christopher D. Reich, Anthony J. Paulson
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government