Michelle Walvoord
Michelle Walvoord is a Research Hydrologist for the USGS Water Resources Mission Area.
Dr. Michelle A. Walvoord is a hydrogeologist whose current research focuses on understanding hydrologic response to climate variability 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
Honors and Awards
O.E. Meinzer Award, Geological Society of America, Hydrogeology Division, 2025
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
Effects of environmental change on groundwater recharge in the Desert Southwest Effects of environmental change on groundwater recharge in the Desert Southwest
Hydrologic processes in deep vadose zones in interdrainage arid environments Hydrologic processes in deep vadose zones in interdrainage arid environments
Enhanced gas-phase transport in a deep unsaturated zone, Amargosa Desert (U.S.A.) Enhanced gas-phase transport in a deep unsaturated zone, Amargosa Desert (U.S.A.)
Monitoring radionuclide contamination in the unsaturated zone - Lessons learned at the Amargosa Desert Research Site, Nye County, Nevada Monitoring radionuclide contamination in the unsaturated zone - Lessons learned at the Amargosa Desert Research Site, Nye County, Nevada
Constraining the inferred paleohydrologic evolution of a deep unsaturated zone in the Amargosa Desert Constraining the inferred paleohydrologic evolution of a deep unsaturated zone in the Amargosa Desert
Response to comment on "A reservoir of nitrate beneath desert soils" Response to comment on "A reservoir of nitrate beneath desert soils"
Identifying areas of basin-floor recharge in the Trans-Pecos region and the link to vegetation Identifying areas of basin-floor recharge in the Trans-Pecos region and the link to vegetation
A reservoir of nitrate beneath desert soils A reservoir of nitrate beneath desert soils
Deep arid system hydrodynamics 1. Equilibrium states and response times in thick desert vadose zones Deep arid system hydrodynamics 1. Equilibrium states and response times in thick desert vadose zones
Deep arid system hydrodynamics 2. Application to paleohydrologic reconstruction using vadose zone profiles from the northern Mojave Desert Deep arid system hydrodynamics 2. Application to paleohydrologic reconstruction using vadose zone profiles from the northern Mojave Desert
Non-USGS Publications**
**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
Effects of environmental change on groundwater recharge in the Desert Southwest Effects of environmental change on groundwater recharge in the Desert Southwest
Hydrologic processes in deep vadose zones in interdrainage arid environments Hydrologic processes in deep vadose zones in interdrainage arid environments
Enhanced gas-phase transport in a deep unsaturated zone, Amargosa Desert (U.S.A.) Enhanced gas-phase transport in a deep unsaturated zone, Amargosa Desert (U.S.A.)
Monitoring radionuclide contamination in the unsaturated zone - Lessons learned at the Amargosa Desert Research Site, Nye County, Nevada Monitoring radionuclide contamination in the unsaturated zone - Lessons learned at the Amargosa Desert Research Site, Nye County, Nevada
Constraining the inferred paleohydrologic evolution of a deep unsaturated zone in the Amargosa Desert Constraining the inferred paleohydrologic evolution of a deep unsaturated zone in the Amargosa Desert
Response to comment on "A reservoir of nitrate beneath desert soils" Response to comment on "A reservoir of nitrate beneath desert soils"
Identifying areas of basin-floor recharge in the Trans-Pecos region and the link to vegetation Identifying areas of basin-floor recharge in the Trans-Pecos region and the link to vegetation
A reservoir of nitrate beneath desert soils A reservoir of nitrate beneath desert soils
Deep arid system hydrodynamics 1. Equilibrium states and response times in thick desert vadose zones Deep arid system hydrodynamics 1. Equilibrium states and response times in thick desert vadose zones
Deep arid system hydrodynamics 2. Application to paleohydrologic reconstruction using vadose zone profiles from the northern Mojave Desert Deep arid system hydrodynamics 2. Application to paleohydrologic reconstruction using vadose zone profiles from the northern Mojave Desert
Non-USGS Publications**
**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.