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Jeb E. Brown

Hydrologist, New Mexico Water Science Center

Jeb Brown is a hydrologist at the New Mexico Water Science Center. He received a bachelors degree in Biology and a Masters in Water Resources from the University of New Mexico. Since joining the USGS in 2007, he has devoted his career to studying fluvial sediment transport and specializes in researching surrogate methods for estimating suspended-sediment concentration. Presently, his research focuses on hydroacoustic, densimetric, and turbidity surrogates for suspended sediment.

 

Science and Products

Suspended-sediment transport and water management, Jemez Canyon Dam, New Mexico, 1948–2018 Suspended-sediment transport and water management, Jemez Canyon Dam, New Mexico, 1948–2018

Construction and operation of dams provide sources of clean drinking water, support large-scale irrigation, generate hydroelectricity, control floods, and improve river navigation. Yet these benefits are not without cost. Dams affect the natural flow regime, downstream sediment fluxes, and riverine and riparian ecosystems. The Jemez Canyon Dam in New Mexico was constructed in 1953 by the...
Authors
Jeb Brown, Anne-Marie Matherne, Justin Reale, K. Miltenberger
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New Mexico Water Science Center

In situ densimetric measurements as a surrogate for suspended-sediment concentrations in the Rio Puerco, New Mexico In situ densimetric measurements as a surrogate for suspended-sediment concentrations in the Rio Puerco, New Mexico

Surrogate measurements of suspended-sediment concentration (SSC) are increasingly used to provide continuous, high-resolution, and demonstrably accurate data at a reasonable cost. Densimetric data, calculated from the difference between two in situ pressure measurements, exploit variations in real-time streamflow densities to infer SSCs. Unlike other suspendedsediment surrogate...
Authors
Jeb Brown, John Gray, Nancy Hornewer
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New Mexico Water Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

Blake, J.M., Brown, J.E., Ferguson, C.L. et al. Sediment cores in a municipal drinking-water reservoir as a record of geochemical transport within a watershed, Farmington Lake, New Mexico, USA. Environ Earth Sci 81, 96 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-022-10227-w
Blake, J.M., Brown, J.E., Ferguson, C.L. et al. Sediment record of mining legacy and water quality from a drinking-water reservoir, Aztec, New Mexico, USA. Environ Earth Sci 79, 404 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-020-09126-9
Carpenter, W.O., Goodwiller, B.T., Wren, D.G., Taylor, J., AuBuchon, J., Brown, J.E., Field testing a High-Frequency acoustic attenuation system for measuring fine suspended sediments and algal movements, Applied Acoustics, Volume 198 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apacoust.2022.108980
Blake, J. M., Ferguson, C. L., Brown, J. E., & Mixon, R. (2025). Geochemical assessment of the suitability of converting a coal-fired power plant reservoir to a drinking-water reservoir. Lake and Reservoir Management, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/10402381.2025.2452543

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

San Juan River above La Plata Creek looking downstream, USGS

Investigations of Sources of Contaminants of Concern in the San Juan River

Metals attached to suspended sediments or dissolved in river water pose a potential health risk to communities that depend on that water for agricultural and domestic uses. Exceedances of Navajo Nation surface water quality standards for metals (especially lead and arsenic) indicate that communities on the Navajo Nation along the San Juan River are exposed to this potential risk. Sources for these...
By
New Mexico Water Science Center, Utah Water Science Center
Investigations of Sources of Contaminants of Concern in the San Juan River

Investigations of Sources of Contaminants of Concern in the San Juan River

Metals attached to suspended sediments or dissolved in river water pose a potential health risk to communities that depend on that water for agricultural and domestic uses. Exceedances of Navajo Nation surface water quality standards for metals (especially lead and arsenic) indicate that communities on the Navajo Nation along the San Juan River are exposed to this potential risk. Sources for these...
Learn More
Sediment sampling and surrogates

Sediment Acoustics

The U.S. Geological Survey recognizes the need to provide sediment acoustic training and to develop standardized techniques and practices.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Sediment Acoustics

Sediment Acoustics

The U.S. Geological Survey recognizes the need to provide sediment acoustic training and to develop standardized techniques and practices.
Learn More
Sediment Field Program, USGS, New Mexico Water Science Center

New Mexico Water Science Center Sediment Field Program

Sediment is fragmental material transported by, suspended in, or deposited by water or air, or accumulated in beds by other natural agents. Sediment particles range in size from large boulders to colloidal-size fragments and vary in shape from rounded to angular. They also vary in mineral composition and specific gravity. Sediment is derived from a parent material subjected to erosional processes...
By
New Mexico Water Science Center
New Mexico Water Science Center Sediment Field Program

New Mexico Water Science Center Sediment Field Program

Sediment is fragmental material transported by, suspended in, or deposited by water or air, or accumulated in beds by other natural agents. Sediment particles range in size from large boulders to colloidal-size fragments and vary in shape from rounded to angular. They also vary in mineral composition and specific gravity. Sediment is derived from a parent material subjected to erosional processes...
Learn More
Johanna Blake demonstrates how to use a water quality sonde
Johanna Blake demonstrates how to use a water quality sonde
Johanna Blake demonstrates how to use a water quality sonde
Johanna Blake demonstrates how to use a water quality sonde

Johanna Blake demonstrates how to use a water quality sonde

Johanna Blake demonstrates how to use a water quality sonde

USGS NMWSC Hydrologists Johanna Blake and Jeb Brown attended the 2nd Annual Conference on Environmental Conditions of the Animas and San Juan Watersheds with Emphasis on Gold King Mine and other Mine Waste Issues in Farmington, NM from June 20-21.

By
Water Resources, New Mexico Water Science Center
Johanna Blake demonstrates how to use a water quality sonde

Johanna Blake demonstrates how to use a water quality sonde

Johanna Blake demonstrates how to use a water quality sonde

USGS NMWSC Hydrologists Johanna Blake and Jeb Brown attended the 2nd Annual Conference on Environmental Conditions of the Animas and San Juan Watersheds with Emphasis on Gold King Mine and other Mine Waste Issues in Farmington, NM from June 20-21.

By
Water Resources, New Mexico Water Science Center
Hydrologists doing field work near Farmington, NM
Hydrologists doing field work near Farmington, NM
Hydrologists doing field work near Farmington, NM
Hydrologists doing field work near Farmington, NM

Hydrologists doing field work near Farmington, NM

Hydrologists doing field work near Farmington, NM

USGS NMWSC Hydrologists Johanna Blake and Jeb Brown attended the 2nd Annual Conference on Environmental Conditions of the Animas and San Juan Watersheds with Emphasis on Gold King Mine and other Mine Waste Issues in Farmington, NM from June 20-21.

By
Water Resources, Contaminant Biology, Toxic Substances Hydrology, New Mexico Water Science Center
Hydrologists doing field work near Farmington, NM

Hydrologists doing field work near Farmington, NM

Hydrologists doing field work near Farmington, NM

USGS NMWSC Hydrologists Johanna Blake and Jeb Brown attended the 2nd Annual Conference on Environmental Conditions of the Animas and San Juan Watersheds with Emphasis on Gold King Mine and other Mine Waste Issues in Farmington, NM from June 20-21.

By
Water Resources, Contaminant Biology, Toxic Substances Hydrology, New Mexico Water Science Center

Science and Products

Suspended-sediment transport and water management, Jemez Canyon Dam, New Mexico, 1948–2018 Suspended-sediment transport and water management, Jemez Canyon Dam, New Mexico, 1948–2018

Construction and operation of dams provide sources of clean drinking water, support large-scale irrigation, generate hydroelectricity, control floods, and improve river navigation. Yet these benefits are not without cost. Dams affect the natural flow regime, downstream sediment fluxes, and riverine and riparian ecosystems. The Jemez Canyon Dam in New Mexico was constructed in 1953 by the...
Authors
Jeb Brown, Anne-Marie Matherne, Justin Reale, K. Miltenberger
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New Mexico Water Science Center

In situ densimetric measurements as a surrogate for suspended-sediment concentrations in the Rio Puerco, New Mexico In situ densimetric measurements as a surrogate for suspended-sediment concentrations in the Rio Puerco, New Mexico

Surrogate measurements of suspended-sediment concentration (SSC) are increasingly used to provide continuous, high-resolution, and demonstrably accurate data at a reasonable cost. Densimetric data, calculated from the difference between two in situ pressure measurements, exploit variations in real-time streamflow densities to infer SSCs. Unlike other suspendedsediment surrogate...
Authors
Jeb Brown, John Gray, Nancy Hornewer
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New Mexico Water Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

Blake, J.M., Brown, J.E., Ferguson, C.L. et al. Sediment cores in a municipal drinking-water reservoir as a record of geochemical transport within a watershed, Farmington Lake, New Mexico, USA. Environ Earth Sci 81, 96 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-022-10227-w
Blake, J.M., Brown, J.E., Ferguson, C.L. et al. Sediment record of mining legacy and water quality from a drinking-water reservoir, Aztec, New Mexico, USA. Environ Earth Sci 79, 404 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-020-09126-9
Carpenter, W.O., Goodwiller, B.T., Wren, D.G., Taylor, J., AuBuchon, J., Brown, J.E., Field testing a High-Frequency acoustic attenuation system for measuring fine suspended sediments and algal movements, Applied Acoustics, Volume 198 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apacoust.2022.108980
Blake, J. M., Ferguson, C. L., Brown, J. E., & Mixon, R. (2025). Geochemical assessment of the suitability of converting a coal-fired power plant reservoir to a drinking-water reservoir. Lake and Reservoir Management, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/10402381.2025.2452543

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

San Juan River above La Plata Creek looking downstream, USGS

Investigations of Sources of Contaminants of Concern in the San Juan River

Metals attached to suspended sediments or dissolved in river water pose a potential health risk to communities that depend on that water for agricultural and domestic uses. Exceedances of Navajo Nation surface water quality standards for metals (especially lead and arsenic) indicate that communities on the Navajo Nation along the San Juan River are exposed to this potential risk. Sources for these...
By
New Mexico Water Science Center, Utah Water Science Center
Investigations of Sources of Contaminants of Concern in the San Juan River

Investigations of Sources of Contaminants of Concern in the San Juan River

Metals attached to suspended sediments or dissolved in river water pose a potential health risk to communities that depend on that water for agricultural and domestic uses. Exceedances of Navajo Nation surface water quality standards for metals (especially lead and arsenic) indicate that communities on the Navajo Nation along the San Juan River are exposed to this potential risk. Sources for these...
Learn More
Sediment sampling and surrogates

Sediment Acoustics

The U.S. Geological Survey recognizes the need to provide sediment acoustic training and to develop standardized techniques and practices.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Sediment Acoustics

Sediment Acoustics

The U.S. Geological Survey recognizes the need to provide sediment acoustic training and to develop standardized techniques and practices.
Learn More
Sediment Field Program, USGS, New Mexico Water Science Center

New Mexico Water Science Center Sediment Field Program

Sediment is fragmental material transported by, suspended in, or deposited by water or air, or accumulated in beds by other natural agents. Sediment particles range in size from large boulders to colloidal-size fragments and vary in shape from rounded to angular. They also vary in mineral composition and specific gravity. Sediment is derived from a parent material subjected to erosional processes...
By
New Mexico Water Science Center
New Mexico Water Science Center Sediment Field Program

New Mexico Water Science Center Sediment Field Program

Sediment is fragmental material transported by, suspended in, or deposited by water or air, or accumulated in beds by other natural agents. Sediment particles range in size from large boulders to colloidal-size fragments and vary in shape from rounded to angular. They also vary in mineral composition and specific gravity. Sediment is derived from a parent material subjected to erosional processes...
Learn More
Johanna Blake demonstrates how to use a water quality sonde
Johanna Blake demonstrates how to use a water quality sonde
Johanna Blake demonstrates how to use a water quality sonde
Johanna Blake demonstrates how to use a water quality sonde

Johanna Blake demonstrates how to use a water quality sonde

Johanna Blake demonstrates how to use a water quality sonde

USGS NMWSC Hydrologists Johanna Blake and Jeb Brown attended the 2nd Annual Conference on Environmental Conditions of the Animas and San Juan Watersheds with Emphasis on Gold King Mine and other Mine Waste Issues in Farmington, NM from June 20-21.

By
Water Resources, New Mexico Water Science Center
Johanna Blake demonstrates how to use a water quality sonde

Johanna Blake demonstrates how to use a water quality sonde

Johanna Blake demonstrates how to use a water quality sonde

USGS NMWSC Hydrologists Johanna Blake and Jeb Brown attended the 2nd Annual Conference on Environmental Conditions of the Animas and San Juan Watersheds with Emphasis on Gold King Mine and other Mine Waste Issues in Farmington, NM from June 20-21.

By
Water Resources, New Mexico Water Science Center
Hydrologists doing field work near Farmington, NM
Hydrologists doing field work near Farmington, NM
Hydrologists doing field work near Farmington, NM
Hydrologists doing field work near Farmington, NM

Hydrologists doing field work near Farmington, NM

Hydrologists doing field work near Farmington, NM

USGS NMWSC Hydrologists Johanna Blake and Jeb Brown attended the 2nd Annual Conference on Environmental Conditions of the Animas and San Juan Watersheds with Emphasis on Gold King Mine and other Mine Waste Issues in Farmington, NM from June 20-21.

By
Water Resources, Contaminant Biology, Toxic Substances Hydrology, New Mexico Water Science Center
Hydrologists doing field work near Farmington, NM

Hydrologists doing field work near Farmington, NM

Hydrologists doing field work near Farmington, NM

USGS NMWSC Hydrologists Johanna Blake and Jeb Brown attended the 2nd Annual Conference on Environmental Conditions of the Animas and San Juan Watersheds with Emphasis on Gold King Mine and other Mine Waste Issues in Farmington, NM from June 20-21.

By
Water Resources, Contaminant Biology, Toxic Substances Hydrology, New Mexico Water Science Center
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