Michelle Walvoord
(She/her)Michelle Walvoord is a Research Hydrologist in the Earth System Processes Division of the Water Resources Mission Area.
Dr. Michelle A. Walvoord is a hydrogeologist whose current research focuses on understanding hydrologic response to climate change and wildfire disturbance. With expertise in non-isothermal, multiphase subsurface flow and transport, she has led a variety of process-based vadose zone and groundwater studies in systems ranging from mid-latitude deserts to high-latitude boreal forests. Her research relies on a blend of field, statistical, and physics-based modeling approaches and typically intersects with multiple disciplines including biogeochemistry, ecology, and geophysics.
Professional Experience
Research Hydrologist, USGS Earth System Processes Division, Denver, CO (2017 – present)
Research Hydrologist, USGS National Research Program, Denver, CO (2004-2017)
National Academy of Sciences Postdoctoral Research Associate, Denver, CO (2002-2004)
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. in Earth and Environmental Science, New Mexico Tech
M.S. in Hydrology, New Mexico Tech
B.A. in Geology, Hamilton College
Affiliations and Memberships*
Affiliate Faculty, Geology and Geological Engineering Dept., Colorado School of Mines (2016 – present)
Graduate Faculty Appointment, Geological Sciences Dept., University of Colorado, Boulder (2016 – present)
Associate Faculty, Université Laval (2021 – present)
Member of the USGS Water Mission Area’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Employee Leadership Team (2022-present)
Member of the American Geophysical Union Hydrology Section’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion committee (2021-present)
Board of Directors, United States Permafrost Association (2021-2022)
Associate Editor, Water Resources Research (2015 – present)
Associate Editor, Hydrogeology Journal (2014-2017)
Member of the Terrestrial Multidisciplinary distributed Observatories for the Study of Arctic Connection (t-MOSAIC) Land-Water Processes Action Group (2019 – present)
Science Steering Committee, Permafrost Action Team for the National Science Foundation’s Study of Environmental Arctic Change Project (SEARCH) (2015 – present)
Science Advisory Board, USGS Powell Center for Analysis and Synthesis (2015 – 2019)
Honors and Awards
Woo Distinguished Lecture in Hydrology, Canadian Geophysical Union, 2022
Outstanding Woman in Science Award, Geological Society of America, 2005
Langmuir Award for Excellence in Research, New Mexico Tech, 2004
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 64
Rapid-response unsaturated zone hydrology: Small-scale data, small-scale theory, big problems
The unsaturated zone (UZ) extends across the Earth’s terrestrial surface and is central to many problems related to land and water resource management. Flow of water through the UZ is typically thought to be slow and diffusive, such that it could attenuate fluxes and dampen variability between atmospheric inputs and underlying aquifer systems. This would reduce water resource vulnerability to cont
Authors
John R. Nimmo, Kimberlie Perkins, Michelle R. Plampin, Michelle A. Walvoord, Brian A. Ebel, Benjamin B. Mirus
Invited perspective: What lies beneath a changing Arctic?
As permafrost thaws in the Arctic, new subsurface pathways open for the transport of groundwater, energy, and solutes. We identify different ways that these subsurface changes are driving observed surface consequences, including the potential for increased contaminant transport, modification to water resources, and enhanced rates of infrastructure (e.g. buildings and roads) damage. Further, as per
Authors
Jeffrey M. McKenzie, Barret L. Kurylyk, Michelle A. Walvoord, Victor F. Bense, Daniel Fortier, Chris Spence, Christophe Grenier
USGS permafrost research determines the risks of permafrost thaw to biologic and hydrologic resources
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in collaboration with university, Federal, Tribal, and independent partners, conducts fundamental research on the distribution, vulnerability, and importance of permafrost in arctic and boreal ecosystems. Scientists, land managers, and policy makers use USGS data to help make decisions for development, wildlife habitat, and other needs. Native villages and cities
Authors
Mark P. Waldrop, Lesleigh Anderson, Mark Dornblaser, Li H. Erikson, Ann E. Gibbs, Nicole M. Herman-Mercer, Stephanie R. James, Miriam C. Jones, Joshua C. Koch, Mary-Cathrine Leewis, Kristen L. Manies, Burke J. Minsley, Neal J. Pastick, Vijay Patil, Frank Urban, Michelle A. Walvoord, Kimberly P. Wickland, Christian Zimmerman
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Climate Research and Development Program, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Land Change Science Program, Volcano Hazards Program, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Volcano Science Center
Permafrost hydrogeology
Groundwater processes are often overlooked in permafrost environments, but subsurface storage and routing can strongly influence water and biogeochemical cycling in northern catchments. Groundwater flow in permafrost regions is controlled by the temporal and spatial distribution of frozen ground, causing the hydrogeologic framework to be temperature-dependent. Most flow occurs in geologic units ab
Authors
Barret L. Kurylyk, Michelle A. Walvoord
Wildfire-initiated talik development exceeds current thaw projections: Observations and models from Alaska's continuous permafrost zone
As the Arctic warms and wildfire occurrence increases, talik formation in permafrost regions is projected to expand and affect the cycling of water and carbon. Yet, few unified field and modeling studies have examined this process in detail, particularly in areas of continuous permafrost. We address this gap by presenting multimethod, multiseasonal geophysical measurements of permafrost and liquid
Authors
David Rey, Michelle A. Walvoord, Burke J. Minsley, Brian A. Ebel, Clifford I. Voss, Kamini Singha
Landscape matters: Predicting the biogeochemical effects of permafrost thaw on aquatic networks with a state factor approach
Permafrost thaw has been widely observed to alter the biogeochemistry of recipient aquatic ecosystems. However, research from various regions has shown considerable variation in effect. In this paper, we propose a state factor approach to predict the release and transport of materials from permafrost through aquatic networks. Inspired by Hans Jenny's seminal description of soil‐forming factors, an
Authors
Suzanne E. Tank, Jorien E. Vonk, Michelle A. Walvoord, James W. McClelland, Isabelle Laurion, Benjamin W. Abbott
Integrating hydrology and biogeochemistry across frozen landscapes
Research has traditionally focused on atmospheric release of carbon from thawing permafrost, yet overlooked waterborne release pathways likely contribute significantly, especially in a warming Arctic. To address this knowledge gap and better constrain the fate of carbon in the North, we recommend inter-disciplinary efforts bridging physical, chemical and computational research.
Authors
Jorien Vonk, Suzanne Tank, Michelle Ann Walvoord
Soil physical, hydraulic, and thermal properties in interior Alaska, USA: Implications for hydrologic response to thawing permafrost conditions
Boreal forest regions are a focal point for investigations of coupled water and biogeochemical fluxes in response to wildfire disturbances, climate warming, and permafrost thaw. Soil hydraulic, physical, and thermal property measurements for mineral soils in permafrost regions are limited, despite substantial influences on cryohydrogeologic model results. This work expands mineral soil property qu
Authors
Brian A. Ebel, Joshua C. Koch, Michelle A. Walvoord
Investigating lake-area dynamics across a permafrost-thaw spectrum using airborne electromagnetic surveys and remote sensing time-series data in Yukon Flats, Alaska
Lakes in boreal lowlands cycle carbon and supply an important source of freshwater for wildlife and migratory waterfowl. The abundance and distribution of these lakes are supported, in part, by permafrost distribution, which is subject to change. Relationships between permafrost thaw and lake dynamics remain poorly known in most boreal regions. Here, new airborne electromagnetic (AEM) data collect
Authors
David Rey, Michelle Ann Walvoord, Burke Minsley, Jennifer Rover, Kamini Singha
Development of perennial thaw zones in boreal hillslopes enhances potential mobilization of permafrost carbon
Permafrost thaw alters subsurface flow in boreal regions that in turn influences the magnitude, seasonality, and chemical composition of streamflow. Prediction of these changes is challenged by incomplete knowledge of timing, flowpath depth, and amount of groundwater discharge to streams in response to thaw. One important phenomenon that may affect flow and transport through boreal hillslopes is d
Authors
Michelle A. Walvoord, Clifford I. Voss, Brian A. Ebel, Burke J. Minsley
Multi-scale geophysical mapping of deep permafrost change after disturbance in interior Alaska, USA
Disturbance related to fire or hydrologic processes can cause degradation of deep (greater than 1 m) permafrost. These changes in deep permafrost have the potential to impact landscapes and infrastructure, alter the routing and distribution of surface water or groundwater, and may contribute to the flux of carbon to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. However, characterization of deep permafrost o
Authors
Burke J. Minsley, Benjamin R. Bloss, Brian A. Ebel, David Matthew Rey, Michelle A. Walvoord, Dana R.N. Brown, Ronald Daanen, Abraham M. Emond, M. Andy Kass, Neal J. Pastick, Bruce Wylie
Unsaturated zone CO2, CH4, and δ13C-CO2 at an arid region low-level radioactive waste disposal site
Elevated tritium, radiocarbon, Hg, and volatile organic compounds associated with low-level radioactive waste (LLRW) at the USGS Amargosa Desert Research Site (ADRS) have stimulated research on factors and processes that affect contaminant gas distribution and transport. Consequently, we examined the sources, mixing, and biogeochemistry of CO2 and CH4, two additional important species in the unsat
Authors
Christopher H. Conaway, Michelle Ann Walvoord, Randall B. Thomas, Christopher Green, R.J. Baker, James J. Thordsen, David A. Stonestrom, Brian J. Andraski
Non-USGS Publications**
Walvoord, M.A., 2002, A Unifying Conceptual Model to Describe Water, Vapor, and Solute Transport in Deep Arid Vadose Zones, Ph.D. thesis, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, NM, 297 p.
Hartsough P.C., S.W. Tyler, J. Sterling, M.A. Walvoord, 2001, A 14.6 kyr record of nitrogen flux from desert soil profiles as inferred from vadose zone pore waters, Geophysical Research Letters, 28, 15, 2955 - 2958.
Walvoord, M., P. Pegram, F. Phillips, M. Person, T. Kieft, J. Fredrickson, J. McKinley, J. Swenson, 1999, Groundwater flow and geochemistry in the southeastern San Juan Basin: Implications for microbial transport and activity, Water Resources Research, 35, 1409 – 1425.
Walvoord, M., 1998, Characterization of Groundwater Flow in the Southeastern San Juan Basin: Implications for Microbial Origins in the Deep Subsurface Near Cerro Negro, New Mexico, MS thesis, New Mexico Tech, Socorro, NM, 142 p.
**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.
Science and Products
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- Publications
Filter Total Items: 64
Rapid-response unsaturated zone hydrology: Small-scale data, small-scale theory, big problems
The unsaturated zone (UZ) extends across the Earth’s terrestrial surface and is central to many problems related to land and water resource management. Flow of water through the UZ is typically thought to be slow and diffusive, such that it could attenuate fluxes and dampen variability between atmospheric inputs and underlying aquifer systems. This would reduce water resource vulnerability to contAuthorsJohn R. Nimmo, Kimberlie Perkins, Michelle R. Plampin, Michelle A. Walvoord, Brian A. Ebel, Benjamin B. MirusInvited perspective: What lies beneath a changing Arctic?
As permafrost thaws in the Arctic, new subsurface pathways open for the transport of groundwater, energy, and solutes. We identify different ways that these subsurface changes are driving observed surface consequences, including the potential for increased contaminant transport, modification to water resources, and enhanced rates of infrastructure (e.g. buildings and roads) damage. Further, as perAuthorsJeffrey M. McKenzie, Barret L. Kurylyk, Michelle A. Walvoord, Victor F. Bense, Daniel Fortier, Chris Spence, Christophe GrenierUSGS permafrost research determines the risks of permafrost thaw to biologic and hydrologic resources
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in collaboration with university, Federal, Tribal, and independent partners, conducts fundamental research on the distribution, vulnerability, and importance of permafrost in arctic and boreal ecosystems. Scientists, land managers, and policy makers use USGS data to help make decisions for development, wildlife habitat, and other needs. Native villages and citiesAuthorsMark P. Waldrop, Lesleigh Anderson, Mark Dornblaser, Li H. Erikson, Ann E. Gibbs, Nicole M. Herman-Mercer, Stephanie R. James, Miriam C. Jones, Joshua C. Koch, Mary-Cathrine Leewis, Kristen L. Manies, Burke J. Minsley, Neal J. Pastick, Vijay Patil, Frank Urban, Michelle A. Walvoord, Kimberly P. Wickland, Christian ZimmermanByNatural Hazards Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Climate Research and Development Program, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Land Change Science Program, Volcano Hazards Program, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Volcano Science CenterPermafrost hydrogeology
Groundwater processes are often overlooked in permafrost environments, but subsurface storage and routing can strongly influence water and biogeochemical cycling in northern catchments. Groundwater flow in permafrost regions is controlled by the temporal and spatial distribution of frozen ground, causing the hydrogeologic framework to be temperature-dependent. Most flow occurs in geologic units abAuthorsBarret L. Kurylyk, Michelle A. WalvoordWildfire-initiated talik development exceeds current thaw projections: Observations and models from Alaska's continuous permafrost zone
As the Arctic warms and wildfire occurrence increases, talik formation in permafrost regions is projected to expand and affect the cycling of water and carbon. Yet, few unified field and modeling studies have examined this process in detail, particularly in areas of continuous permafrost. We address this gap by presenting multimethod, multiseasonal geophysical measurements of permafrost and liquidAuthorsDavid Rey, Michelle A. Walvoord, Burke J. Minsley, Brian A. Ebel, Clifford I. Voss, Kamini SinghaLandscape matters: Predicting the biogeochemical effects of permafrost thaw on aquatic networks with a state factor approach
Permafrost thaw has been widely observed to alter the biogeochemistry of recipient aquatic ecosystems. However, research from various regions has shown considerable variation in effect. In this paper, we propose a state factor approach to predict the release and transport of materials from permafrost through aquatic networks. Inspired by Hans Jenny's seminal description of soil‐forming factors, anAuthorsSuzanne E. Tank, Jorien E. Vonk, Michelle A. Walvoord, James W. McClelland, Isabelle Laurion, Benjamin W. AbbottIntegrating hydrology and biogeochemistry across frozen landscapes
Research has traditionally focused on atmospheric release of carbon from thawing permafrost, yet overlooked waterborne release pathways likely contribute significantly, especially in a warming Arctic. To address this knowledge gap and better constrain the fate of carbon in the North, we recommend inter-disciplinary efforts bridging physical, chemical and computational research.AuthorsJorien Vonk, Suzanne Tank, Michelle Ann WalvoordSoil physical, hydraulic, and thermal properties in interior Alaska, USA: Implications for hydrologic response to thawing permafrost conditions
Boreal forest regions are a focal point for investigations of coupled water and biogeochemical fluxes in response to wildfire disturbances, climate warming, and permafrost thaw. Soil hydraulic, physical, and thermal property measurements for mineral soils in permafrost regions are limited, despite substantial influences on cryohydrogeologic model results. This work expands mineral soil property quAuthorsBrian A. Ebel, Joshua C. Koch, Michelle A. WalvoordInvestigating lake-area dynamics across a permafrost-thaw spectrum using airborne electromagnetic surveys and remote sensing time-series data in Yukon Flats, Alaska
Lakes in boreal lowlands cycle carbon and supply an important source of freshwater for wildlife and migratory waterfowl. The abundance and distribution of these lakes are supported, in part, by permafrost distribution, which is subject to change. Relationships between permafrost thaw and lake dynamics remain poorly known in most boreal regions. Here, new airborne electromagnetic (AEM) data collectAuthorsDavid Rey, Michelle Ann Walvoord, Burke Minsley, Jennifer Rover, Kamini SinghaDevelopment of perennial thaw zones in boreal hillslopes enhances potential mobilization of permafrost carbon
Permafrost thaw alters subsurface flow in boreal regions that in turn influences the magnitude, seasonality, and chemical composition of streamflow. Prediction of these changes is challenged by incomplete knowledge of timing, flowpath depth, and amount of groundwater discharge to streams in response to thaw. One important phenomenon that may affect flow and transport through boreal hillslopes is dAuthorsMichelle A. Walvoord, Clifford I. Voss, Brian A. Ebel, Burke J. MinsleyMulti-scale geophysical mapping of deep permafrost change after disturbance in interior Alaska, USA
Disturbance related to fire or hydrologic processes can cause degradation of deep (greater than 1 m) permafrost. These changes in deep permafrost have the potential to impact landscapes and infrastructure, alter the routing and distribution of surface water or groundwater, and may contribute to the flux of carbon to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. However, characterization of deep permafrost oAuthorsBurke J. Minsley, Benjamin R. Bloss, Brian A. Ebel, David Matthew Rey, Michelle A. Walvoord, Dana R.N. Brown, Ronald Daanen, Abraham M. Emond, M. Andy Kass, Neal J. Pastick, Bruce WylieUnsaturated zone CO2, CH4, and δ13C-CO2 at an arid region low-level radioactive waste disposal site
Elevated tritium, radiocarbon, Hg, and volatile organic compounds associated with low-level radioactive waste (LLRW) at the USGS Amargosa Desert Research Site (ADRS) have stimulated research on factors and processes that affect contaminant gas distribution and transport. Consequently, we examined the sources, mixing, and biogeochemistry of CO2 and CH4, two additional important species in the unsatAuthorsChristopher H. Conaway, Michelle Ann Walvoord, Randall B. Thomas, Christopher Green, R.J. Baker, James J. Thordsen, David A. Stonestrom, Brian J. AndraskiNon-USGS Publications**
Walvoord, M.A., 2002, A Unifying Conceptual Model to Describe Water, Vapor, and Solute Transport in Deep Arid Vadose Zones, Ph.D. thesis, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, NM, 297 p.Hartsough P.C., S.W. Tyler, J. Sterling, M.A. Walvoord, 2001, A 14.6 kyr record of nitrogen flux from desert soil profiles as inferred from vadose zone pore waters, Geophysical Research Letters, 28, 15, 2955 - 2958.Walvoord, M., P. Pegram, F. Phillips, M. Person, T. Kieft, J. Fredrickson, J. McKinley, J. Swenson, 1999, Groundwater flow and geochemistry in the southeastern San Juan Basin: Implications for microbial transport and activity, Water Resources Research, 35, 1409 – 1425.Walvoord, M., 1998, Characterization of Groundwater Flow in the Southeastern San Juan Basin: Implications for Microbial Origins in the Deep Subsurface Near Cerro Negro, New Mexico, MS thesis, New Mexico Tech, Socorro, NM, 142 p.**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.
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*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government