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 isototope 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she joined the Arizona Water Science center where she has worked on geochemical studies related to the lands withdrawn from uranium mining near the Grand Canyon, water resources at Saguaro National Park, stable isotope and noble gas sampling of groundwater of the Verde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
Attribution: Water Resources
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, Southwest, 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; Walton-Day, Katie; Gallegos, Tanya J.Attribution: Water, Arizona Water Science Center, Water Resources, Environmental Health, Toxic Substances Hydrology Program, Southwest, Arizona
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.
Year Published: 2016
Analysis of stable isotope ratios (δ18O and δ2H) in precipitation of the Verde River watershed, Arizona 2003 through 2014
Stable isotope delta values (δ18O and δ2H) of precipitation can vary with elevation, and quantification of the precipitation elevation gradient can be used to predict recharge elevation within a watershed. Precipitation samples were analyzed for stable isotope delta values between 2003 and 2014 from the Verde River watershed of north-central...
Beisner, Kimberly R.; Paretti, Nicholas V.; Tucci, Rachel S.View Citation
Beisner, K.R., Paretti, N.V., and Tucci, R.S., 2016, Analysis of stable isotope ratios (δ18O and δ2H) in precipitation of the Verde River watershed, Arizona, 2003 through 2014: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2016–1053, 11 p., http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/ofr20161053.
Year Published: 2015
Initial characterization of the groundwater system near the Lower Colorado Water Supply Project, Imperial Valley, California
In 2009, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the city of Needles, began a study of the hydrogeology along the All-American Canal, which conveys water from the Colorado River to the Imperial Valley. The focus of this study was to gain a better understanding of the effect of lining the All-American Canal, and other management actions, on...
Coes, Alissa L.; Land, Michael; Densmore, Jill N.; Landrum, Michael T.; Beisner, Kimberly R.; Kennedy, Jeffrey R.; Macy, Jamie P.; Tillman, Fred D.View Citation
Coes, A.L., Land, Michael, Densmore, J.N., Landrum, M.T., Beisner, K.R., Kennedy, J.R., Macy, J.P., and Tillman, F.D., 2015, Initial characterization of the groundwater system near the Lower Colorado Water Supply Project, Imperial Valley, California: U.S. Geological Survey, Scientific Investigations Report Series 2015–5102, 59 p.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/sir20155102.
Year Published: 2015
Hydrology of the middle San Pedro area, southeastern Arizona
In the middle San Pedro Watershed in southeastern Arizona, groundwater is the primary source of water supply for municipal, domestic, industrial, and agricultural use. The watershed comprises two smaller subareas, the Benson subarea and the Narrows-Redington subarea. Early 21st century projections for heavy population growth in the watershed have...
Cordova, Jeffrey T.; Dickinson, Jesse E.; Beisner, Kimberly R.; Hopkins, Candice B.; Kennedy, Jeffrey R.; Pool, Donald R.; Glenn, Edward P.; Nagler, Pamela L.; Thomas, Blakemore E.View Citation
Cordova, J.T., Dickinson, J.E., Beisner, K.R., Hopkins, C.B., Kennedy, J.R., Pool, D.R., Glenn, E.P., Nagler, P.L., and Thomas, B.E., 2015, Hydrology of the middle San Pedro Watershed, southeastern Arizona: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2013–5040, 77 p., http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/sir20135040.
Year Published: 2014
Investigation of geochemical indicators to evaluate the connection between inland and coastal groundwater systems near Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, Hawai‘i
Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park (KAHO) is a coastal sanctuary on the western side of the Island of Hawai‘i that was established in 1978 to preserve, interpret, and perpetuate traditional Native Hawaiian culture and activities. KAHO contains a variety of culturally and ecologically significant water resources and water-related...
Tillman, Fred D.; Oki, Delwyn S.; Johnson, Adam G.; Barber, Larry B.; Beisner, Kimberly R.
Year Published: 2014
Assessment of metal and trace element contamination in water, sediment, plants, macroinvertebrates, and fish in Tavasci Marsh, Tuzigoot National Monument, Arizona
Tavasci Marsh is a large freshwater marsh within the Tuzigoot National Monument in central Arizona. It is the largest freshwater marsh in Arizona that is unconnected to the Colorado River and is designated as an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society. The marsh has been altered significantly by previous land use and the monument’s managers are...
Beisner, Kimberly R.; Paretti, Nicholas V.; Brasher, Anne M.D.; Fuller, Christopher C.; Miller, Matthew P.View Citation
Assessment of metal and trace element contamination in water, sediment, plants, macroinvertebrates, and fish in Tavasci Marsh, Tuzigoot National Monument, Arizona; 2014; SIR; 2014-5069; Beisner, Kimberly R.; Paretti, Nicholas V.; Brasher, Anne M. D.; Fuller, Christopher C.; Miller, Matthew P.
Year Published: 2013
Qualilty, isotopes, and radiochemistry of water sampled from the Upper Moenkopi Village water-supply wells, Coconino County, Arizona
The Hopi Tribe Water Resources Program has granted contracts for studies to evaluate water supply conditions for the Moenkopi villages in Coconino County, Arizona. The Moenkopi villages include Upper Moenkopi Village and the village of Lower Moencopi, both on the Hopi Indian Reservation south of the Navajo community of Tuba City. These...
Carruth, Rob; Beisner, Kimberly; Smith, GregView Citation
Qualilty, isotopes, and radiochemistry of water sampled from the Upper Moenkopi Village water-supply wells, Coconino County, Arizona; 2013; OFR; 2013-1162; Carruth, Robert L.; Beisner, Kimberly; Smith, Greg
Year Published: 2012
Assessment of nonpoint source chemical loading potential to watersheds containing uranium waste dumps associated with uranium exploration and mining, Browns Hole, Utah
During August of 2008, 35 solid-phase samples were collected from abandoned uranium waste dumps, undisturbed geologic background sites, and adjacent streambeds in Browns Hole in southeastern Utah. The objectives of this sampling program were (1) to assess impacts on human health due to exposure to radium, uranium, and thorium during recreational...
Marston, Thomas M.; Beisner, Kimberly R.; Naftz, David L.; Snyder, TerryAttribution: Utah Water Science Center, Arizona Water Science Center, Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center, Water Resources, Southwest, Midcontinent
View Citation
Assessment of nonpoint source chemical loading potential to watersheds containing uranium waste dumps associated with uranium exploration and mining, Browns Hole, Utah; 2012; SIR; 2011-5230; Marston, Thomas M.; Beisner, Kimberly R.; Naftz, David L.; Snyder, Terry
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.