Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Kyle W. Davis

Kyle Davis is a Hydrologist in the Northern Nevada Hydrologic Studies Unit.

Kyle’s primary roles and responsibilities include the application of numerical models in the assessment of groundwater availability and use. Kyle’s research interest involves developing and using new and improved analytical techniques to model complex groundwater systems

Professional Experience

  • 2010 - Present: Hydrologist/Groundwater Modeler, U.S. Geological Survey

Education and Certifications

  • M.S. in Geological Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, 2012

  • B.S. in Geological Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, 2010

Science and Products

link
Humboldt River, Nevada

Evaluation of Streamflow Depletion Related to Groundwater Withdrawal, Humboldt River Basin

The Humboldt River Basin (HRB) is the only major river basin that is entirely within the State of Nevada. Precipitation supplies all the water that enters the basin; consequently, the variability in climate has significant impacts on the hydrology of the area.
By
Nevada Water Science Center
link

Evaluation of Streamflow Depletion Related to Groundwater Withdrawal, Humboldt River Basin

The Humboldt River Basin (HRB) is the only major river basin that is entirely within the State of Nevada. Precipitation supplies all the water that enters the basin; consequently, the variability in climate has significant impacts on the hydrology of the area.
Learn More
link
South Fork Humboldt River, Nev.

Science in the Humboldt River Basin

The Humboldt River is in north-central Nevada. The river is about 330 miles long and provides water for mostly agricultural purposes. One of the largest industries in Nevada is gold mining and the majority of those mines are in the Humboldt River Basin on the Carlin Trend. Gold mines in Nevada produce 72 percent of all the gold in the U.S. and are the 5th largest in the world. In 2022, Nevada...
By
Nevada Water Science Center
link

Science in the Humboldt River Basin

The Humboldt River is in north-central Nevada. The river is about 330 miles long and provides water for mostly agricultural purposes. One of the largest industries in Nevada is gold mining and the majority of those mines are in the Humboldt River Basin on the Carlin Trend. Gold mines in Nevada produce 72 percent of all the gold in the U.S. and are the 5th largest in the world. In 2022, Nevada...
Learn More
link
Aerial view of the Williston Basin

Williston and Powder River Basins Groundwater Availability Study

The development of two nationally important energy-producing areas, the Williston structural basin (containing the Bakken Formation) and Powder River structural basin, provide a critical opportunity to study the water-energy nexus within a groundwater context. Large volumes of water are needed for energy development in these basins. The hydraulically connected aquifers in the regional glacial...
By
Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center
link

Williston and Powder River Basins Groundwater Availability Study

The development of two nationally important energy-producing areas, the Williston structural basin (containing the Bakken Formation) and Powder River structural basin, provide a critical opportunity to study the water-energy nexus within a groundwater context. Large volumes of water are needed for energy development in these basins. The hydraulically connected aquifers in the regional glacial...
Learn More
link
Niobrara River Basin

Assessment of Groundwater and Surface-Water Interactions of the Niobrara River with Underlying Aquifers under Various Stress Scenarios

Project Period: 2015-2020Cooperators: National Park ServiceProject Chief: Kyle Davis
By
Dakota Water Science Center
link

Assessment of Groundwater and Surface-Water Interactions of the Niobrara River with Underlying Aquifers under Various Stress Scenarios

Project Period: 2015-2020Cooperators: National Park ServiceProject Chief: Kyle Davis
Learn More
link
High Plains aquifer in South Dakota

Groundwater-Flow Model for the High Plains Aquifer in South Dakota

Project Period: 2013-2018Cooperators: Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Oglala Sioux TribeProject Chief: Kyle Davis
By
Dakota Water Science Center
link

Groundwater-Flow Model for the High Plains Aquifer in South Dakota

Project Period: 2013-2018Cooperators: Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Oglala Sioux TribeProject Chief: Kyle Davis
Learn More

MODFLOW 6 Groundwater Flow Model for the Des Moines River Alluvial Aquifer near Des Moines, Iowa

Des Moines Water Works (DMWW) is a regional municipal water utility that supplies residential and commercial water resources to about 600,000 customers in Des Moines, Iowa, and surrounding municipalities in central Iowa. DMWW has identified a need for increased water supply and is exploring the potential for expanding groundwater production capabilities in the Des Moines River alluvial...
By
Central Midwest Water Science Center

MODFLOW 6 proof-of-concept groundwater model for the Mekong River Basin between Phnom Penh, Cambodia and Cao Lanh, Vietnam

A proof-of-concept MODFLOW 6 groundwater model was developed to represent the bedrock, delta, and alluvially-deposited aquifers underlying the Mekong River Basin approximately between Phnom Penh, Cambodia and Cao Lanh, Vietnam. The model was constructed using square grid cells measuring 2,200 meters on each side. The proof-of-concept groundwater model was used to simulate environmental...
By
Nevada Water Science Center

MODFLOW-NWT model of the glacial aquifer system north of Aberdeen, South Dakota, through water year 2015

A previously developed three-dimensional groundwater flow model (https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20125183) of the three primary aquifers in the region north of Aberdeen, South Dakota, was revised to assist the City of Aberdeen with water-resource planning. The principal aquifers are the Elm, Middle James, and Deep James. The numerical model is intended to be used to (1) simulate hydrologic...
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Dakota Water Science Center

Groundwater flow model for the Des Moines River alluvial aquifer near Des Moines, Iowa

Des Moines Water Works (DMWW) is a regional municipal water utility that provides residential and commercial water resources to about 600,000 customers in Des Moines, Iowa, and surrounding municipalities in central Iowa. DMWW has identified a need for increased water supply and is exploring the potential for expanding groundwater production capabilities in the Des Moines River alluvial...
Authors
Emilia L. Bristow, Kyle W. Davis
By
Central Midwest Water Science Center

An integrated framework for examining groundwater vulnerability in the Mekong River Delta region

The Mekong River provides water, food security, and many other valuable benefits to the more than 60 million Southeast Asian residents living within its basin. However, the Mekong River Basin is increasingly stressed by changes in climate, land cover, and infrastructure. These changes can affect water quantity and quality and exacerbate related hazards such as land subsidence and...
Authors
Kathryn A. Powlen, Saira Haider, Kyle W. Davis, Nina Burkardt, Sachin D. Shah, Stephanie Romanach, Matthew E. Andersen
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center

Groundwater-flow model and analysis of groundwater and surface-water interactions for the Big Sioux aquifer, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

The city of Sioux Falls, in southeastern South Dakota, is the largest city in South Dakota. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the city of Sioux Falls, completed a groundwater-flow model to use for improving the understanding of groundwater-flow processes, estimating hydrogeologic properties, and analyzing groundwater and surface-water interactions for the Big Sioux...
Authors
Kyle W. Davis, William G. Eldridge, Joshua F. Valder, Kristen J. Valseth
By
Dakota Water Science Center

Revised groundwater-flow model of the glacial aquifer system north of Aberdeen, South Dakota, through water year 2015

The city of Aberdeen, in northeastern South Dakota, requires an expanded and sustainable supply of water to meet current and future demands. Conceptual and numerical models of the glacial aquifer system in the area north of Aberdeen were developed by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the City of Aberdeen in 2012. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the City of...
Authors
Joshua F. Valder, William G. Eldridge, Kyle W. Davis, Colton J. Medler, Karl R. Koth
By
Dakota Water Science Center

Williston Basin groundwater availability, United States and Canada

The Williston Basin contains important oil and gas resources for the Nation. Freshwater supplies are limited in this semiarid area, and oil and gas development can require large volumes of freshwater. Groundwater is the primary source of water for many water users in the Williston Basin, so to better understand these resources, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) assessed the groundwater...
Authors
Joanna N. Thamke, Andrew J. Long, Kyle W. Davis
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center

Groundwater availability of the Williston Basin, United States and Canada

Executive SummaryThe Williston Basin of the Northern Great Plains is a sedimentary basin—a geologic bowl-like structure filled with layered sedimentary rocks dating as far back as the Paleozoic age. The basin, which is nationally important for the production of energy resources, spans Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota in the United States, and Manitoba and Saskatchewan in Canada...
Authors
Andrew J. Long, Joanna N. Thamke, Kyle W. Davis, Timothy T. Bartos
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center

Construction and calibration of a groundwater-flow model to assess groundwater availability in the uppermost principal aquifer systems of the Williston Basin, United States and Canada

The U.S. Geological Survey developed a groundwater-flow model for the uppermost principal aquifer systems in the Williston Basin in parts of Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota in the United States and parts of Manitoba and Saskatchewan in Canada as part of a detailed assessment of the groundwater availability in the area. The assessment was done because of the potential for...
Authors
Kyle W. Davis, Andrew J. Long
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Dakota Water Science Center, Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center

Building groundwater modeling capacity in Mongolia

Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia (fig. 1), is dependent on groundwater for its municipal and industrial water supply. The population of Mongolia is about 3 million people, with about one-half the population residing in or near Ulaanbaatar (World Population Review, 2016). Groundwater is drawn from a network of shallow wells in an alluvial aquifer along the Tuul River. Evidence...
Authors
Joshua F. Valder, Janet M. Carter, Mark T. Anderson, Kyle W. Davis, Michelle A. Haynes, Dorjsuren Dechinlhundev
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Dakota Water Science Center

Conceptual and numerical models of groundwater flow in the Ogallala and Arikaree aquifers, Pine Ridge Indian Reservation area, South Dakota, water years 1980-2009

The Ogallala and Arikaree aquifers are the largest sources of groundwater on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and are used extensively for irrigation and public and domestic water supplies. To assess the potential for decreased water levels and discharge to streams in the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, conceptual and numerical models of groundwater flow in the Ogallala and Arikaree...
Authors
Kyle W. Davis, Larry D. Putnam, Anneka R. LaBelle
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Dakota Water Science Center

Conceptual model of the uppermost principal aquifer systems in the Williston and Powder River structural basins, United States and Canada

The three uppermost principal aquifer systems of the Northern Great Plains—the glacial, lower Tertiary, and Upper Cretaceous aquifer systems—are described in this report and provide water for irrigation, mining, public and domestic supply, livestock, and industrial uses. These aquifer systems primarily are present in two nationally important fossil-fuelproducing areas: the Williston and...
Authors
Andrew J. Long, Katherine R. Aurand, Jennifer M. Bednar, Kyle W. Davis, Jonathan D.R.G. McKaskey, Joanna N. Thamke
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Water Availability and Use Science Program, Dakota Water Science Center

A framework for assessing water and proppant use and flowback water extraction associated with development of continuous petroleum resources

The U.S. Geological Survey is developing approaches for the quantitative assessment of water and proppant involved with possible future production of continuous petroleum deposits. The assessment approach is an extension of existing U.S. Geological Survey petroleum-assessment methods, and it aims to provide objective information that helps decision makers understand the tradeoffs...
Authors
Seth S. Haines, Troy Cook, Joanna N. Thamke, Kyle W. Davis, Andrew J. Long, Richard W. Healy, Sarah J. Hawkins, Mark A. Engle
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Conceptual and numerical models of groundwater flow in the Ogallala aquifer in Gregory and Tripp Counties, South Dakota, water years 1985--2009

The Ogallala aquifer is an important water resource for the Rosebud Sioux Tribe in Gregory and Tripp Counties in south-central South Dakota and is used for irrigation, public supply, domestic, and stock water supplies. To better understand groundwater flow in the Ogallala aquifer, conceptual and numerical models of groundwater flow were developed for the aquifer. A conceptual model of...
Authors
Kyle W. Davis, Larry D. Putnam
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Dakota Water Science Center

Science and Products

link
Humboldt River, Nevada

Evaluation of Streamflow Depletion Related to Groundwater Withdrawal, Humboldt River Basin

The Humboldt River Basin (HRB) is the only major river basin that is entirely within the State of Nevada. Precipitation supplies all the water that enters the basin; consequently, the variability in climate has significant impacts on the hydrology of the area.
By
Nevada Water Science Center
link

Evaluation of Streamflow Depletion Related to Groundwater Withdrawal, Humboldt River Basin

The Humboldt River Basin (HRB) is the only major river basin that is entirely within the State of Nevada. Precipitation supplies all the water that enters the basin; consequently, the variability in climate has significant impacts on the hydrology of the area.
Learn More
link
South Fork Humboldt River, Nev.

Science in the Humboldt River Basin

The Humboldt River is in north-central Nevada. The river is about 330 miles long and provides water for mostly agricultural purposes. One of the largest industries in Nevada is gold mining and the majority of those mines are in the Humboldt River Basin on the Carlin Trend. Gold mines in Nevada produce 72 percent of all the gold in the U.S. and are the 5th largest in the world. In 2022, Nevada...
By
Nevada Water Science Center
link

Science in the Humboldt River Basin

The Humboldt River is in north-central Nevada. The river is about 330 miles long and provides water for mostly agricultural purposes. One of the largest industries in Nevada is gold mining and the majority of those mines are in the Humboldt River Basin on the Carlin Trend. Gold mines in Nevada produce 72 percent of all the gold in the U.S. and are the 5th largest in the world. In 2022, Nevada...
Learn More
link
Aerial view of the Williston Basin

Williston and Powder River Basins Groundwater Availability Study

The development of two nationally important energy-producing areas, the Williston structural basin (containing the Bakken Formation) and Powder River structural basin, provide a critical opportunity to study the water-energy nexus within a groundwater context. Large volumes of water are needed for energy development in these basins. The hydraulically connected aquifers in the regional glacial...
By
Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center
link

Williston and Powder River Basins Groundwater Availability Study

The development of two nationally important energy-producing areas, the Williston structural basin (containing the Bakken Formation) and Powder River structural basin, provide a critical opportunity to study the water-energy nexus within a groundwater context. Large volumes of water are needed for energy development in these basins. The hydraulically connected aquifers in the regional glacial...
Learn More
link
Niobrara River Basin

Assessment of Groundwater and Surface-Water Interactions of the Niobrara River with Underlying Aquifers under Various Stress Scenarios

Project Period: 2015-2020Cooperators: National Park ServiceProject Chief: Kyle Davis
By
Dakota Water Science Center
link

Assessment of Groundwater and Surface-Water Interactions of the Niobrara River with Underlying Aquifers under Various Stress Scenarios

Project Period: 2015-2020Cooperators: National Park ServiceProject Chief: Kyle Davis
Learn More
link
High Plains aquifer in South Dakota

Groundwater-Flow Model for the High Plains Aquifer in South Dakota

Project Period: 2013-2018Cooperators: Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Oglala Sioux TribeProject Chief: Kyle Davis
By
Dakota Water Science Center
link

Groundwater-Flow Model for the High Plains Aquifer in South Dakota

Project Period: 2013-2018Cooperators: Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Oglala Sioux TribeProject Chief: Kyle Davis
Learn More

MODFLOW 6 Groundwater Flow Model for the Des Moines River Alluvial Aquifer near Des Moines, Iowa

Des Moines Water Works (DMWW) is a regional municipal water utility that supplies residential and commercial water resources to about 600,000 customers in Des Moines, Iowa, and surrounding municipalities in central Iowa. DMWW has identified a need for increased water supply and is exploring the potential for expanding groundwater production capabilities in the Des Moines River alluvial...
By
Central Midwest Water Science Center

MODFLOW 6 proof-of-concept groundwater model for the Mekong River Basin between Phnom Penh, Cambodia and Cao Lanh, Vietnam

A proof-of-concept MODFLOW 6 groundwater model was developed to represent the bedrock, delta, and alluvially-deposited aquifers underlying the Mekong River Basin approximately between Phnom Penh, Cambodia and Cao Lanh, Vietnam. The model was constructed using square grid cells measuring 2,200 meters on each side. The proof-of-concept groundwater model was used to simulate environmental...
By
Nevada Water Science Center

MODFLOW-NWT model of the glacial aquifer system north of Aberdeen, South Dakota, through water year 2015

A previously developed three-dimensional groundwater flow model (https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20125183) of the three primary aquifers in the region north of Aberdeen, South Dakota, was revised to assist the City of Aberdeen with water-resource planning. The principal aquifers are the Elm, Middle James, and Deep James. The numerical model is intended to be used to (1) simulate hydrologic...
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Dakota Water Science Center

Groundwater flow model for the Des Moines River alluvial aquifer near Des Moines, Iowa

Des Moines Water Works (DMWW) is a regional municipal water utility that provides residential and commercial water resources to about 600,000 customers in Des Moines, Iowa, and surrounding municipalities in central Iowa. DMWW has identified a need for increased water supply and is exploring the potential for expanding groundwater production capabilities in the Des Moines River alluvial...
Authors
Emilia L. Bristow, Kyle W. Davis
By
Central Midwest Water Science Center

An integrated framework for examining groundwater vulnerability in the Mekong River Delta region

The Mekong River provides water, food security, and many other valuable benefits to the more than 60 million Southeast Asian residents living within its basin. However, the Mekong River Basin is increasingly stressed by changes in climate, land cover, and infrastructure. These changes can affect water quantity and quality and exacerbate related hazards such as land subsidence and...
Authors
Kathryn A. Powlen, Saira Haider, Kyle W. Davis, Nina Burkardt, Sachin D. Shah, Stephanie Romanach, Matthew E. Andersen
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center

Groundwater-flow model and analysis of groundwater and surface-water interactions for the Big Sioux aquifer, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

The city of Sioux Falls, in southeastern South Dakota, is the largest city in South Dakota. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the city of Sioux Falls, completed a groundwater-flow model to use for improving the understanding of groundwater-flow processes, estimating hydrogeologic properties, and analyzing groundwater and surface-water interactions for the Big Sioux...
Authors
Kyle W. Davis, William G. Eldridge, Joshua F. Valder, Kristen J. Valseth
By
Dakota Water Science Center

Revised groundwater-flow model of the glacial aquifer system north of Aberdeen, South Dakota, through water year 2015

The city of Aberdeen, in northeastern South Dakota, requires an expanded and sustainable supply of water to meet current and future demands. Conceptual and numerical models of the glacial aquifer system in the area north of Aberdeen were developed by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the City of Aberdeen in 2012. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the City of...
Authors
Joshua F. Valder, William G. Eldridge, Kyle W. Davis, Colton J. Medler, Karl R. Koth
By
Dakota Water Science Center

Williston Basin groundwater availability, United States and Canada

The Williston Basin contains important oil and gas resources for the Nation. Freshwater supplies are limited in this semiarid area, and oil and gas development can require large volumes of freshwater. Groundwater is the primary source of water for many water users in the Williston Basin, so to better understand these resources, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) assessed the groundwater...
Authors
Joanna N. Thamke, Andrew J. Long, Kyle W. Davis
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center

Groundwater availability of the Williston Basin, United States and Canada

Executive SummaryThe Williston Basin of the Northern Great Plains is a sedimentary basin—a geologic bowl-like structure filled with layered sedimentary rocks dating as far back as the Paleozoic age. The basin, which is nationally important for the production of energy resources, spans Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota in the United States, and Manitoba and Saskatchewan in Canada...
Authors
Andrew J. Long, Joanna N. Thamke, Kyle W. Davis, Timothy T. Bartos
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center

Construction and calibration of a groundwater-flow model to assess groundwater availability in the uppermost principal aquifer systems of the Williston Basin, United States and Canada

The U.S. Geological Survey developed a groundwater-flow model for the uppermost principal aquifer systems in the Williston Basin in parts of Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota in the United States and parts of Manitoba and Saskatchewan in Canada as part of a detailed assessment of the groundwater availability in the area. The assessment was done because of the potential for...
Authors
Kyle W. Davis, Andrew J. Long
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Dakota Water Science Center, Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center

Building groundwater modeling capacity in Mongolia

Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia (fig. 1), is dependent on groundwater for its municipal and industrial water supply. The population of Mongolia is about 3 million people, with about one-half the population residing in or near Ulaanbaatar (World Population Review, 2016). Groundwater is drawn from a network of shallow wells in an alluvial aquifer along the Tuul River. Evidence...
Authors
Joshua F. Valder, Janet M. Carter, Mark T. Anderson, Kyle W. Davis, Michelle A. Haynes, Dorjsuren Dechinlhundev
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Dakota Water Science Center

Conceptual and numerical models of groundwater flow in the Ogallala and Arikaree aquifers, Pine Ridge Indian Reservation area, South Dakota, water years 1980-2009

The Ogallala and Arikaree aquifers are the largest sources of groundwater on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and are used extensively for irrigation and public and domestic water supplies. To assess the potential for decreased water levels and discharge to streams in the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, conceptual and numerical models of groundwater flow in the Ogallala and Arikaree...
Authors
Kyle W. Davis, Larry D. Putnam, Anneka R. LaBelle
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Dakota Water Science Center

Conceptual model of the uppermost principal aquifer systems in the Williston and Powder River structural basins, United States and Canada

The three uppermost principal aquifer systems of the Northern Great Plains—the glacial, lower Tertiary, and Upper Cretaceous aquifer systems—are described in this report and provide water for irrigation, mining, public and domestic supply, livestock, and industrial uses. These aquifer systems primarily are present in two nationally important fossil-fuelproducing areas: the Williston and...
Authors
Andrew J. Long, Katherine R. Aurand, Jennifer M. Bednar, Kyle W. Davis, Jonathan D.R.G. McKaskey, Joanna N. Thamke
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Water Availability and Use Science Program, Dakota Water Science Center

A framework for assessing water and proppant use and flowback water extraction associated with development of continuous petroleum resources

The U.S. Geological Survey is developing approaches for the quantitative assessment of water and proppant involved with possible future production of continuous petroleum deposits. The assessment approach is an extension of existing U.S. Geological Survey petroleum-assessment methods, and it aims to provide objective information that helps decision makers understand the tradeoffs...
Authors
Seth S. Haines, Troy Cook, Joanna N. Thamke, Kyle W. Davis, Andrew J. Long, Richard W. Healy, Sarah J. Hawkins, Mark A. Engle
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Conceptual and numerical models of groundwater flow in the Ogallala aquifer in Gregory and Tripp Counties, South Dakota, water years 1985--2009

The Ogallala aquifer is an important water resource for the Rosebud Sioux Tribe in Gregory and Tripp Counties in south-central South Dakota and is used for irrigation, public supply, domestic, and stock water supplies. To better understand groundwater flow in the Ogallala aquifer, conceptual and numerical models of groundwater flow were developed for the aquifer. A conceptual model of...
Authors
Kyle W. Davis, Larry D. Putnam
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Dakota Water Science Center
Was this page helpful?