Beisner, K.R., Paretti, N., Tillman, F.D., Naftz, D.L., Bills, D., Walton-Day, K., Gallegos, T.J., (2016) Assessing Pigeon uranium mine waste geochemistry for comparison with nearby perched groundwater springs: Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs vol. 48, no. 7 paper no. 269-7.
Kimberly Beisner
Kimberly Beisner conducts geochemical research to understand the evolution of groundwater from recharge as precipitation through water rock interactions. She focuses on mining hydrology and dissolved gas and isotope tracer projects.
Biography
Kimberly's USGS experience started in the Utah Water Science Center as a graduate student working on mercury and selenium associated with the Great Salt Lake and abandoned uranium mines in southern Utah. Following graduation, she joined the Arizona Water Science center where she has worked on geochemical studies related to the lands withdrawn from uranium mining near the Grand Canyon, water resources at Saguaro National Park, stable isotope and noble gas sampling of groundwater of the Verde watershed to understand recharge elevation, groundwater and surface water sampling for the NAWQA program. Currently, she serves as the New Mexico Water Quality specialist and continues to work with the Arizona Water Science Center on geochemical studies.
Education:
- M.S. Geology (2008), University of Utah (Thesis "Selenium and trace element mobility affected by periodic interruption of stratification in the Great Salt Lake, Utah")
- B.S. Environmental Geology (2006), University of Kansas (Thesis "Short-term water-level fluctuations and long-term water-level decline at the Konza Prairie: Drought or Vegetation?")
Science and Products
Date published: February 25, 2019
Status: Completed Uranium in Springs Sampled Near the Grand Canyon Likely from Natural Sources
Scientists measured nine naturally occurring elements including uranium at 37 spring sites in the Grand Canyon area to establish baseline conditions and to understand the sources of uranium to local springs. Scientists found relatively greater concentrations of uranium at 6 of the 37 springs. A comprehensive geochemical analysis coupled with an understanding of the flow patterns in the area...
Contacts: Kimberly Beisner
Date published: February 23, 2019
Status: Completed Thermal Imaging Camera Use: Identifying Groundwater Inputs to a Reef in American Samoa
USGS scientists used a thermal camera in American Samoa to understand the effect of land-based contaminants on an adjacent coral reef lagoon ecosystem. The infrared (IR) camera was used to capture thermal images of the lagoon to look for temperature differences to understand the distribution of freshwater entering the lagoon and the circulation of the lagoon water at various tidal levels.
Contacts: Kimberly Beisner
Year Published: 2021
Utilizing multiple hydrogeologic and anthropogenic indicators to understand zones of groundwater contribution to water-supply wells near Kirtland Air Force Base Bulk Fuels Facility in southeast Albuquerque, New Mexico
In 1999, a jet-fuels release was discovered at the Bulk Fuels Facility on Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Contaminants had reached the water table and migrated north-northeast toward water-supply wells. Monitoring wells were installed downgradient from the facility to determine the primary zones of groundwater production for...
Travis, Rebecca E.; Bell, Meghan T.; Linhoff, Benjamin S.; Beisner, Kimberly R.View Citation
Travis, R.E., Bell, M.T., Linhoff, B.S., and Beisner, K.R., 2021, Utilizing multiple hydrogeologic and anthropogenic indicators to understand zones of groundwater contribution to water-supply wells near Kirtland Air Force Base Bulk Fuels Facility in southeast Albuquerque, New Mexico: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2021–5076, 28 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20215076.
Year Published: 2021
Occurrence, fate, and transport of aerially applied herbicides to control invasive buffelgrass within Saguaro National Park Rincon Mountain District, Arizona, 2015–18
The spread of the invasive and fire-adapted buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) threatens desert ecosystems by competing for resources, increasing fuel loads, and creating wildfire connectivity. The Rincon Mountain District of Saguaro National Park addressed this natural resource threat with the use of glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs). In 2010,...
Paretti, Nicholas V.; Beisner, Kimberly R.; Gungle, Bruce W.; Meyer, Michael T.; Kunz, Bethany K.; Hermosillo, Edyth; Cederberg, Jay R.; Mayo, Justine P.Attribution: Biology and Ecosystems, Arizona Water Science Center, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Kansas Water Science Center, Ecosystems, Water Resources, Invasive Species Program, National Water Quality Program, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, United States of America, Wildland Fire Science
View Citation
Paretti, N.V., Beisner, K.R., Gungle, B., Meyer, M.T., Kunz, B.K., Hermosillo, E., Cederberg, J.R., and Mayo, J.P., 2021, Occurrence, fate, and transport of aerially applied herbicides to control invasive buffelgrass within Saguaro National Park Rincon Mountain District, Arizona, 2015–18: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2021–5039, 65 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20215039.
Year Published: 2020
Geochemical assessment of groundwater in the Big Chino subbasin, Arizona, 2011–18
A geochemical characterization of groundwater in the Big Chino subbasin of Arizona was conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the City of Prescott, the Town of Prescott Valley, and the Salt River Project, to understand groundwater evolution through the study area and the source of water to springs along the gaining reach of...
Beisner, Kimberly R.; Jones, Casey J. R.View Citation
Beisner, K.R., and Jones, C.J.R., 2020, Geochemical assessment of groundwater in the Big Chino subbasin, Arizona, 2011–18: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2020–5094, 49 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20205094.
Year Published: 2020
Rethinking groundwater flow on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, USA: Characterizing recharge sources and flow paths with environmental tracers
In the arid landscape south of the Grand Canyon, natural springs and seeps are a critical resource for endemic species and Native American tribes. Groundwater is potentially threatened by expanding populations, visitations, and mineral extraction activities. Environmental tracers including noble gases, stable isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen in...
Solder, John E.; Beisner, Kimberly R.; Anderson, Jessica; Bills, Donald J.
Year Published: 2020
Critical evaluation of stable isotope mixing end-members for estimating groundwater recharge sources: Case study from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA
Springs and groundwater seeps along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon serve an important function for the region’s ecosystems, residents (both human and wild animal), and economy. However, these springs and seeps are potentially vulnerable to contamination, increased groundwater extraction, or reduced recharge due to climate change. Protection of...
Solder, John E.; Beisner, Kimberly R.
Year Published: 2020
Geochemical characterization of groundwater evolution south of Grand Canyon, Arizona (USA)
Better characterization of the geochemical evolution of groundwater south of Grand Canyon, Arizona (USA), is needed to understand natural conditions and assess potential effects from breccia-pipe uranium mining in the region. Geochemical signatures of groundwater at 28 sampling locations were evaluated; baseline concentrations for select trace...
Beisner, Kimberly R.; Solder, John E.; Tillman, Fred; Anderson, Jessica; Antweiler, Ronald C.Attribution: Arizona Water Science Center, Utah Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin
View Citation
Beisner, K.R., Solder, J.E., Tillman, F.D, Anderson, J., and Antweiler, R.C., 2020, Geochemical characterization of groundwater evolution south of Grand Canyon, Arizona (USA). Hydrogeology Journal, 28, p. 1615–1633.
Year Published: 2019
Characterization and load estimation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from selected Rio Grande tributary stormwater channels in the Albuquerque urbanized area, New Mexico, 2017–18
In cooperation with the New Mexico County of Bernalillo, the U.S. Geological Survey characterized potential polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentration and estimated loading into the Rio Grande from watersheds that are under the county’s jurisdiction. Water and sediment samples were collected in 2017–18 from six sites within four stormwater...
Shephard, Zachary M.; Conn, Kathleen E.; Beisner, Kimberly R.; Jornigan, Alanna D.; Bryant, Christina F.View Citation
Shephard, Z.M., Conn, K.E., Beisner, K.R., Jornigan, A.D., and Bryant, C.F., 2019, Characterization and load estimation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from selected Rio Grande tributary stormwater channels in the Albuquerque urbanized area, New Mexico, 2017–18: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2019–1106, 48 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/of20191106.
Year Published: 2018
Brackish groundwater and its potential as a resource in the southwestern United States
Secure, reliable, and sustainable water resources are fundamental to food production, energy independence, and the health of humans and ecosystems. But the large-scale development of fresh groundwater resources has stressed aquifers in some areas, causing declines in the amount of groundwater in storage and decreases in discharge to surface-water...
Anning, David W.; Beisner, Kimberly R.; Paul, Angela P.; Stanton, Jennifer S.; Thiros, Susan A.View Citation
Anning, D.W., Beisner, K.R., Paul, A.P., Stanton, J.S., and Thiros, S.A., 2018, Brackish groundwater and its potential as a resource in the southwestern United States: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2018–3010, 6 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20183010.
Year Published: 2018
Geochemical characterization and modeling of regional groundwater contributing to the Verde River, Arizona between Mormon Pocket and the USGS Clarkdale gage
We use synoptic surveys of stream discharge, stable isotopes, and dissolved noble gases to identify the source of groundwater discharge to the Verde River in central Arizona. The Verde River more than doubles in discharge in Mormon Pocket over a 1.4 km distance that includes three discrete locations of visible spring input to the river and other...
Beisner, Kimberly R.; Gardner, W. Payton; Hunt, Andrew G.Attribution: Arizona Water Science Center, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Energy and Minerals, Water Resources, Energy Resources Program, Mineral Resources Program, National Laboratories Program, Science and Decisions Center, , United States of America
View Citation
Beisner, K.R., Gardner, W.P., Hunt, A.G., (2018) Geochemical characterization and modeling of regional groundwater contributing to the Verde River, Arizona between Mormon Pocket and the USGS Clarkdale gage, Journal of Hydrology. vol. 564, p. 99-114. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2018.06.078
Year Published: 2018
Assessment of geochemical and hydrologic conditions near Old Yuma Mine in Saguaro National Park, Arizona, 2014–17
The Old Yuma Mine is an abandoned copper, lead, zinc, silver, and gold mine located within the boundaries of Saguaro National Park, Tucson Mountain District, Arizona. This study analyzed the geochemistry of sediments associated with the Old Yuma Mine and assessed hydrologic and geochemical conditions of groundwater to evaluate the area surrounding...
Beisner, Kimberly R.; Gray, FloydView Citation
Beisner, K.R., and Gray, F., 2018, Assessment of geochemical and hydrologic conditions near Old Yuma Mine in Saguaro National Park, Arizona, 2014–17: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2018–5019, 52 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20185019.
Year Published: 2017
Geochemical characterization of groundwater discharging from springs north of the Grand Canyon, Arizona, 2009–2016
A geochemical study was conducted on 37 springs discharging from the Toroweap Formation, Coconino Sandstone, Hermit Formation, Supai Group, and Redwall Limestone north of the Grand Canyon near areas of breccia-pipe uranium mining. Baseline concentrations were established for the elements As, B, Li, Se, SiO2, Sr, Tl, U, and V. Three springs...
Beisner, Kimberly R.; Tillman, Fred D.; Anderson, Jessica R.; Antweiler, Ronald C.; Bills, Donald J.View Citation
Beisner, K.R., Tillman, F.D., Anderson, J.R., Antweiler, R.C., and Bills, D.J., 2017, Geochemical characterization of groundwater discharging from springs north of the Grand Canyon, Arizona, 2009–2016: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2017–5068, 58 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20175068.
Year Published: 2017
Geochemistry and hydrology of perched groundwater springs: assessing elevated uranium concentrations at Pigeon Spring relative to nearby Pigeon Mine, Arizona (USA)
The processes that affect water chemistry as the water flows from recharge areas through breccia-pipe uranium deposits in the Grand Canyon region of the southwestern United States are not well understood. Pigeon Spring had elevated uranium in 1982 (44 μg/L), compared to other perched springs (2.7–18 μg/L), prior to mining operations at the nearby...
Beisner, Kimberly R.; Paretti, Nicholas V.; Tillman, Fred; Naftz, David L.; Bills, Donald J.; Walton-Day, Katie; Gallegos, Tanya J.Attribution: Water, Arizona Water Science Center, , Water Resources, Ecosystems, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Environmental Health Program, , Arizona, United States of America
View Citation
Beisner, K.R., Paretti, N.V., Tillman, F.D., Naftz, D.L., Bills, D.J., Walton-Day, K., and Gallegos, T.J., 2017, Geochemistry and hydrology of perched groundwater springs: assessing elevated uranium concentrations at Pigeon Spring relative to nearby Pigeon Mine, Arizona (USA), Hydrogeology Journal, vol. 25, issue 2, p. 539-556.
Pre-USGS Publications
Beisner K, Naftz DL, Diaz X, Johnson G, Johnson WP. (2007) Oxidation of sequestered selenium in the water column of the Great Salt Lake, Utah, USA. Geological Society of America Abs. with Prog., vol 39, no 6, p 104.
Beisner K, Johnson WP, Naftz DL. (2006) Selenium re-suspension in the water column of the Great Salt Lake. Eos Trans. AGU, 87(52), Fall Meet. Suppl., Abstract H53A-0595.
Date published: January 24, 2017
Uranium in Spring Water North of Grand Canyon Likely Not Related to Nearby Mining Activity
Uranium levels in Pigeon Spring, just north of the Grand Canyon, are likely due to a natural source of uranium and not related to the nearby former Pigeon Mine, according to a recent study by the U.S. Geological Survey.