Holloway, J. M., Dahlgren, R. A., Hansen, B. & Casey, W. H., 1998, Contribution of bedrock nitrogen to high nitrate concentrations in stream water: Nature 395, 785-788, https://doi.org/10.1038/27410.
JoAnn Holloway
Biography
Soil is the basis for terrestrial ecosystems, influencing vegetation patterns and water quality. JoAnn Holloway is a biogeochemist with research interests exploring the influence of parent material, geomorphology and hydrologic processes on soil biogeochemistry. These processes are evaluated in the context of how land use, including historic mining, urbanization, forestry and agricultural practices can influence soil and water quality. Her background in hydrology, geology, geochemistry, pedology and soil microbiology provides the basis for interdiscipline collaborations to evaluate the impact of land use and natural disasters (e.g., hurricane surge, wildfires) on soil and water quality.
Education
Ph.D. Hydrologic Sciences, University of California at Davis, 1999
Dissertation: Influence of Bedrock Weathering on Nitrogen Cycling in a Sierra Nevada Watershed
Advisor: Randy Dahlgren
M.S. Geology, Western Washington University, 1993
Thesis: Geochemical Interactions in a Subalpine Watershed, Mount Baker National Recreation Area, Washington
B.S. Geology, University of Utah, 1990
Senior Thesis: Mineralization and Geochemistry of the Escalante Silver Mine, Iron County, Utah
Professional Experience
Research Geologist, 2005 - present
U.S. Geological Survey, Crustal Geophysics and Geochemistry Science Center; Denver, CO
Research Geologist (Mendenhall Postdoctoral Fellow) 2003-2005
U.S. Geological Survey, Crustal Imaging and Characterization Team; Denver, CO
Lecturer, Spring Semester 2003
"Environmental Microbiology", Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
Research Hydrologist (National Research Council Postdoctoral Fellow) 1999-2001
U.S. Geological Survey, National Research Program; Boulder, CO
Publications
Holloway, J.M., Ewing, S.A. and Maher, K., 2009, Combined ecological and geologic perspectives in ecosystem studies: Chemical Geology 267, 3-4. [Link]
Holloway, J.M., Nordstrom, D.K., Smith, R.L., 2004, Nitrogen transformations in hot spring runoff, Yellowstone National Park, WY, Water-Rock Interaction 11, Saratoga Springs, NY, June 2004, Wanty, R. B. & R. R. Seal II, eds. A. A. Balkema, 145-148.
Science and Products
Date published: May 1, 2019
Status: Active Salmon River Mountains Legacy Mining Studies
The objective of this study is to characterize the regional impact of legacy mining in the context of framework geology for the Salmon Mountains in central Idaho. This objective is addressed through three interrelated tasks: 1) framework geology, 2) watershed biogeochemical processes, and 3) characterization of trace metals in colloids (fine particles suspended in water).
Date published: July 31, 2018
Status: Active Integrated Hyperspectral, Geophysical and Geochemical Studies of Yellowstone National Park Hydrothermal Systems
We are researching the subsurface groundwater flow systems in Yellowstone and the relation of these systems to understanding the regional movement of water in a volcanic center. New geophysical data will be integrated with existing data sets from hyperspectral data from Yellowstone's thermal areas and thermal water geochemistry to help define regionally extensive mineral assemblages, the...
Contacts: JoAnn Holloway
Date published: June 29, 2018
Status: Completed Trace Metal Mobility in the Yellow Pine Mining District, Idaho
The study objective is to conduct an integrated, interdisciplinary study on source areas, biogeochemical transformations, and physical and biological pathways for trace metal transport in a tributary of the Snake River watershed, focusing on the Sugar Creek watershed. The historical Cinnabar mercury mine site is at the headwaters of Cinnabar Creek, a tributary to Sugar Creek. This integrated...
Date published: January 1, 2018
Water, Soil, Rock, and Sediment Geochemistry Data from the Vicinity of Yellow Pine, Idaho, 2015-2017
Water and sediment samples were collected by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at or near baseflow conditions from 2015-2017 in the East Fork South Fork Salmon River watershed near Yellow Pine, Valley County, Idaho. Soil, rock and tailings samples were collected in June 2015. Sampling focused on Cinnabar Creek, which flows through the...
Date published: January 1, 2016
Water and Sediment Geochemistry Data from the Vicinity of Yellow Pine, Idaho, 2014-2015
Samples were collected at or near baseflow conditions. Water pH and specific conductance were measured in the field, with specific conductance also measured in the laboratory and calculated based on the ionic strength of samples based on laboratory analyses. Water samples were collected for laboratory analyses using a peristaltic pump with silicon tubing. Samples were filtered through a...
Year Published: 2017
The interacting roles of climate, soils, and plant production on soil microbial communities at a continental scale
Soil microbial communities control critical ecosystem processes such as decomposition, nutrient cycling, and soil organic matter formation. Continental scale patterns in the composition and functioning of microbial communities are related to climatic, biotic, and edaphic factors such as temperature and precipitation, plant community composition,...
Waldrop, Mark P.; Holloway, JoAnn M.; Smith, David B.; Goldhaber, Martin B.; Drenovsky, R.E.; Scow, K.M.; Dick, R.; Howard, Daniel M.; Wylie, Bruce K.; Grace, James B.Attribution: Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Energy and Minerals, Climate Research and Development Program, Energy Resources Program, Land Change Science Program, Mineral Resources Program, National Laboratories Program, Science and Decisions Center, United States of America
View Citation
Waldrop, M.P., Holloway, J.M., Smith, D.B., Goldhaber, M.B., Drenovsky, R.E., Scow, K.M., Dick, R., Howard, D., Wylie, B., and Grace, J.B., 2017, The interacting roles of climate, soils, and plant production on soil microbial communities at a continental scale: Ecology, v. 98, no. 7, p. 1957-1967, https://doi.org/10.1002/ecy.1883.
Year Published: 2017
Mobilization of mercury and arsenic from a carbonate-hosted ore deposit, central Idaho, U.S.A.
The Cinnabar and Fern mine sites in central Idaho are primary source areas for elevated mercury and arsenic entering the South Fork of the Salmon River, which provides critical spawning habitat for bull trout and Chinook salmon. Mercury mineralization is hosted by carbonate rocks, which generate waters dominated by Ca2+ and HCO3 - at pH 7 to 9. A...
Holloway, JoAnn M.; Pribil, Michael; McCleskey, R. Blaine; Etheridge, Alexandra B.; Krabbenhoft, David P.; Aiken, George R.Attribution: Biology and Ecosystems, Environmental Health, Minerals, Water, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, California Water Science Center, Energy and Minerals, Water Resources, Mineral Resources Program, Idaho, United States of America
View Citation
Holloway, J.M, Pribil, M.J., McCleskey, R.B., Etheridge, A.B., Krabbenhoft, D.P., Aiken, G.R., 2017, Mobilization of mercury and arsenic from a carbonate-hosted ore deposit, central Idaho, U.S.A.: Procedia Earth and Planetary Science 17, 610-613. http://dx.doi.org/doi: 10.1016/j.proeps.2016.12.163
Year Published: 2015
Chemical and biotic characteristics of prairie lakes and large wetlands in south-central North Dakota—Effects of a changing climate
The climate of the prairie pothole region of North America is known for variability that results in significant interannual changes in water depths and volumes of prairie lakes and wetlands; however, beginning in July 1993, the climate of the region shifted to an extended period of increased precipitation that has likely been unequaled in the...
Mushet, David M.; Goldhaber, Martin B.; Mills, Christopher T.; McLean, Kyle I.; Aparicio, Vanessa M.; McCleskey, R. Blaine; Holloway, JoAnn M.; Stockwell, Craig A.Attribution: Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Climate Research and Development Program, Land Change Science Program, United States of America
View Citation
Mushet, D.M., Goldhaber, M.B., Mills, C.T., McLean, K.I., Aparicio, V.M., McCleskey, R.B., Holloway, J.M., and
Stockwell, C.A., 2015, Chemical and biotic characteristics of prairie lakes and large wetlands in south-central North
Dakota—Effects of a changing climate: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2015–5126, 55 p.,
http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/sir20155126.
Year Published: 2015
Weathering and transport of chromium and nickel from serpentinite in the Coast Range ophiolite to the Sacramento Valley, California, USA
A soil geochemical study in northern California was done to investigate the role that weathering and transport play in the regional distribution and mobility of geogenic Cr and Ni, which are both potentially toxic and carcinogenic. These elements are enriched in ultramafic rocks (primarily serpentinite) and the soils derived from them (1700–...
Morrison, Jean M.; Goldhaber, Martin B.; Mills, Christopher T.; Breit, George N.; Hooper, Robert L.; Holloway, JoAnn M.; Diehl, Sharon F.; Ranville, James F.
Year Published: 2015
Soil disturbance as a driver of increased stream salinity in a semiarid watershed undergoing energy development
Salinization is a global threat to the quality of streams and rivers, but it can have many causes. Oil and gas development were investigated as one of several potential causes of changes in the salinity of Muddy Creek, which drains 2470 km2 of mostly public land in Wyoming, U.S.A. Stream discharge and salinity vary with seasonal snowmelt and...
Bern, Carleton R.; Clark, Melanie L.; Schmidt, Travis S.; Holloway, JoAnn M.; Mcdougal, RobertAttribution: Water, Colorado Water Science Center, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Environmental Health, , Contaminant Biology Program, United States of America
View Citation
Bern, C.R., Clark, M.L., Schmidt, T.S., Holloway, J.M., McDougal, R.R., 2015. Soil disturbance as a driver of increased stream salinity in a semiarid watershed undergoing energy development. Journal of Hydrology, 524: 123-136, doi: 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2015.02.020.
Year Published: 2013
U.S. Geological Survey science for the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative: 2011 annual report
This is the fourth report produced by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) for the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative (WLCI) to detail annual work activities. In FY2011, there were 37 ongoing, completed, or new projects conducted under the five major multi-disciplinary science and technical-assistance activities: (1) Baseline Synthesis, (2)...
Bowen, Zachary H.; Aldridge, Cameron L.; Anderson, Patrick J.; Assal, Timothy J.; Biewick, Laura; Blecker, Steven W.; Boughton, Gregory K.; Carr, Natasha B.; Chalfoun, Anna D.; Chong, Geneva W.; Clark, Melanie L.; Diffendorfer, Jay E.; Fedy, Bradley C.; Foster, Katharine; Garman, Steven L.; Germaine, Stephanie; Hethcoat, Matthew G.; Holloway, JoAnn; Homer, Collin G.; Kauffman, Matthew J.; Keinath, Douglas; Latysh, Natalie; Manier, Daniel J.; McDougal, Robert R.; Melcher, Cynthia P.; Miller, Kirk A.; Montag, Jessica; Olexa, Edward M.; Potter, Christopher J.; Schell, Spencer; Shafer, Sarah L.; Smith, David B.; Stillings, Lisa L.; Sweat, Michael J.; Tuttle, Michele L.; Wilson, Anna B.Attribution: Fort Collins Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Ecosystems, Sage-grouse & Sagebrush Ecosystem, United States of America
View Citation
U.S. Geological Survey science for the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative: 2011 annual report; 2013; OFR; 2013-1033; Bowen, Zachary H.; Aldridge, Cameron L.; Anderson, Patrick J.; Assal, Timothy J.; Biewick, Laura R. H.; Blecker, Steven W.; Boughton, Gregory K.; Carr, Natasha B.; Chalfoun, Anna D.; Chong, Geneva W.; Clark, Melanie L.; Diffendorfer, Jay E.; Fedy, Bradley C.; Foster, Katharine ; Garman, Steven L.; Germaine, Stephanie ; Hethcoat, Matthew G.; Holloway, JoAnn ; Homer, Collin ; Kauffman, Matthew J.; Keinath, Douglas ; Latysh, Natalie ; Manier, Daniel ; McDougal, Robert R.; Melcher, Cynthia P.; Miller, Kirk A.; Montag, Jessica; Olexa, Edward M.; Potter, Christopher J.; Schell, Spencer; Shafer, Sarah L.; Smith, David B.; Stillings, Lisa L.; Sweat, Michael J.; Tuttle, Michele; Wilson, Anna B.
Year Published: 2013
Spectroscopic remote sensing of the distribution and persistence of oil from the Deepwater Horizon spill in Barataria Bay marshes
We applied a spectroscopic analysis to Airborne Visible/InfraRed Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) data collected from low and medium altitudes during and after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill to delineate the distribution of oil-damaged canopies in the marshes of Barataria Bay, Louisiana. Spectral feature analysis compared the AVIRIS data to...
Kokaly, Raymond F.; Couvillion, Brady; Holloway, JoAnn M.; Roberts, Dar A.; Ustin, Susan L.; Peterson, Seth H.; Khanna, Shruti; Piazza, Sarai C.Attribution: Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Ecosystems, Rocky Mountain
View Citation
Kokaly, R.F., Couvillion, B.R., Holloway, J.M., Roberts, D.A., Ustin, S.L., Peterson, S.H., Khanna, S., and Piazza, S.C., 2013, Spectroscopic remote sensing of the distribution and persistence of oil from the Deepwater Horizon spill in Barataria Bay marshes: Remote Sensing of Environment, v. 129, p. 210-230, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2012.10.028.
Year Published: 2011
Using stable isotopes to understand hydrochemical processes in and around a Prairie Pothole wetland in the Northern Great Plains, USA
Millions of internally drained wetland systems in the Prairie Potholes region of the northern Great Plains (USA and Canada) provide indispensable habitat for waterfowl and a host of other ecosystem services. The hydrochemistry of these systems is complex and a crucial control on wetland function, flora and fauna. Wetland waters can have high...
Mills, Christopher T.; Goldhaber, Martin B.; Stricker, Craig A.; Holloway, JoAnn M.; Morrison, Jean M.; Ellefsen, Karl J.; Rosenberry, Donald O.; Thurston, Roland S.Attribution: , Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center
View Citation
Using stable isotopes to understand hydrochemical processes in and around a Prairie Pothole wetland in the Northern Great Plains, USA; 2011; Article; Journal; Applied Geochemistry; Mills, Christopher T.; Goldhaber, Martin B.; Stricker, Craig A.; Holloway, JoAnn M.; Morrison, Jean M.; Ellefsen, Karl J.; Rosenberry, Donald O.; Thurston, Roland S.
Year Published: 2011
Shoreline surveys of oil-impacted marsh in southern Louisiana, July to August 2010
This report describes shoreline surveys conducted in the marshes of Louisiana in areas impacted by oil spilled from the Deepwater Horizon offshore oil drilling platform in the Gulf of Mexico. Three field expeditions were conducted on July 7-10, August 12-14, and August 24-26, 2010, in central Barataria Bay and the Bird's Foot area at the terminus...
Kokaly, Raymond F.; Heckman, David; Holloway, JoAnn; Piazza, Sarai C.; Couvillion, Brady R.; Steyer, Gregory D.; Mills, Christopher T.; Hoefen, Todd M.Attribution: , Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, United States of America, Spectroscopy Lab
View Citation
Shoreline surveys of oil-impacted marsh in southern Louisiana, July to August 2010; 2011; OFR; 2011-1022; Kokaly, Raymond F.; Heckman, David; Holloway, JoAnn; Piazza, Sarai; Couvillion, Brady; Steyer, Gregory D.; Mills, Christopher; Hoefen, Todd M.
Year Published: 2011
Carbon and nitrogen biogeochemistry of a Prairie Pothole Wetland, Stutsman County, North Dakota, USA
The concentration and form of dissolved organic C (DOC) and N species (NH4+ and NO3-) were investigated as part of a larger hydrogeochemical study of the Cottonwood Lake Study Area within the Prairie Potholes region. Groundwater, pore water and surface wetland water data were used to help characterize the relationships between surface and...
Holloway, JoAnn M.; Goldhaber, Martin B.; Mills, Christopher T.Attribution: , Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center
View Citation
Carbon and nitrogen biogeochemistry of a Prairie Pothole Wetland, Stutsman County, North Dakota, USA; 2011; Article; Journal; Applied Geochemistry; Holloway, JoAnn M.; Goldhaber, Martin B.; Mills, Christopher T.
Year Published: 2011
Ammonium in thermal waters of Yellowstone National Park: processes affecting speciation and isotope fractionation
Dissolved inorganic nitrogen, largely in reduced form (NH4(T)≈NH4(aq)++NH3(aq)o), has been documented in thermal waters throughout Yellowstone National Park, with concentrations ranging from a few micromolar along the Firehole River to millimolar concentrations at Washburn Hot Springs. Indirect evidence from rock nitrogen analyses and previous...
Holloway, J.M.; Nordstrom, D. Kirk; Böhlke, J.K.; McCleskey, R. Blaine; Ball, J.W.Attribution: , Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center
View Citation
Ammonium in thermal waters of Yellowstone National Park: processes affecting speciation and isotope fractionation; 2011; Article; Journal; Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta; Holloway, J. M.; Nordstrom, D. K.; Bohlke, J. K.; McCleskey, R. B.; Ball, J. W.
Year Published: 2010
U.S. Geological Survey Science for the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative-2009 Annual Report
This is the second report produced by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) for the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative (WLCI) to detail annual work activities. The first report described work activities for 2007 and 2008; this report covers work activities conducted in 2009. Important differences between the two reports are that (1) this report...
Bowen, Zachary H.; Aldridge, Cameron L.; Anderson, Patrick J.; Assal, Timothy J.; Biewick, Laura R. H.; Blecker, Steven W.; Bristol, R. Sky; Carr, Natasha B.; Chalfoun, Anna D.; Chong, Geneva W.; Diffendorfer, James E.; Fedy, Bradley C.; Garman, Steven L.; Germaine, Stephen S.; Grauch, Richard I.; Holloway, JoAnn M.; Homer, Collin G.; Kauffman, Matthew J.; Keinath, Douglas; Latysh, Natalie; Manier, Daniel J.; McDougal, Robert R.; Melcher, Cynthia P.; Miller, Kirk A.; Montag, Jessica; Nutt, Constance J.; Potter, Christopher J.; Sawyer, Hall; Schell, Spencer; Shafer, Sarah L.; Smith, David B.; Stillings, Lisa L.; Tuttle, Michele L.; Wilson, Anna B.Attribution: Fort Collins Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Ecosystems, Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS)
View Citation
U.S. Geological Survey Science for the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative-2009 Annual Report; 2010; OFR; 2010-1231; Bowen, Z. H.; Aldridge, C. L.; Anderson, P. J.; Assal, T. J.; Biewick, L. R. H.; Blecker, S. W.; Bristol, S.; Carr, N. B.; Chalfoun, A. D.; Chong, G. W.; Diffendorfer, J. E.; Fedy, B. C.; Garman, S. L.; Germaine, S.; Grauch, R. I.; Holloway, J.; Homer, C.; Kauffman, M. J.; Keinath, D.; Latysh, N.; Manier, D.; McDougal, R. R.; Melcher, C. P.; Miller, K. A.; Montag, J.; Nutt, C. J.; Potter, C. J.; Sawyer, H.; Schell, S.; Shafer, S. L.; Smith, D. B.; Stillings, L. L.; Tuttle, M.; Wilson, A. B.
Pre-USGS Publications
Holloway, J. M. & Dahlgren, R. A., 1999, Geologic nitrogen in biogeochemical cycling: Geology 27, 567-570, https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1999)027%3C0567:GNITBC%3E2.3.CO;2.
Mineralization and geochemistry of the Escalante silver mine, Iron County, Utah
Holloway, J.M. & Petersen, E.U., 1991 Mineralization and geochemistry of the Escalante silver mine, Iron County, Utah: (ed., Allison, M. Lee et al.) Utah Geological Association Publication 18, p 83-95.
Date published: June 9, 2017
Bringing Science to Bear at the Cinnabar Mine
At USGS, although the rocks we study are millions of years old, our scientific methods are cutting edge! Here's just one example of how we use creative problem-solving to help crystalize a solution to a complex issue.