Neil C Terry, PhD
Neil C Terry, PhD is a a research hydrologist at the USGS New York Water Science Center.
I am a research hydrologist at the USGS New York Water Science Center, where I specialize in near-surface geophysics, modeling, and water-related projects. Particular focus areas include groundwater quality monitoring, hydrogeological characterization, contaminant detection, and groundwater-surface water interactions. I also lead and support software/methods development efforts, specifically focusing on linking electrical geophysical measurements with soil and hydrogeological properties.
Prior to joining the USGS, my PhD work at Rutgers University centered around hydrogeophysical approaches to characterize and study processes occurring in wetlands - particularly carbon gas cycling in peatlands. During this time, I also participated in critical zone characterization and archaeological studies, among other projects. My MS work at the University at Buffalo primarily involved linking geophysical data to soil moisture distributions through coupled geophysical and unsaturated flow models in a Bayesian framework.
Professional Experience
A research hydrologist at the USGS New York Water Science Center.
Education and Certifications
PhD at Rutgers University
MS at the University of Buffalo
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 33
Geophysical and Other Data From an Irrigation Monitoring Experiment at Haddam Meadows, CT, July 2019 Geophysical and Other Data From an Irrigation Monitoring Experiment at Haddam Meadows, CT, July 2019
An irrigation monitoring experiment was performed in Haddam Meadows State Park, Connecticut, on July 16, 2019. Prior to this experiment, ground penetrating radar (GPR), frequency domain electromagnetics (FDEM), and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) geophysical data were collected over a 20 meter by 10-meter grid to provide baseline information. A vertical soil moisture probe was...
Main channel river water temperature collected along the East Branch, West Branch, and mainstem Delaware River down to Lordville near Handcock, NY, USA in summer 2021 Main channel river water temperature collected along the East Branch, West Branch, and mainstem Delaware River down to Lordville near Handcock, NY, USA in summer 2021
The Upper Delaware River is a unique example of an aquatic system where summer river temperature is actively managed for ecological purposes. River temperature at the mainstem Delaware River at Lordville, NY gage (USGS 01427207) is targeted to remain below 25 degrees C, with warm events potentially mitigated via directed upstream reservoir releases, a process guided by predictive tools...
Stream Temperature, Dissolved Radon, and Stable Water Isotope Data Collected along Headwater Streams in the Upper Neversink River Watershed, NY, USA (ver. 3.0, June 2025) Stream Temperature, Dissolved Radon, and Stable Water Isotope Data Collected along Headwater Streams in the Upper Neversink River Watershed, NY, USA (ver. 3.0, June 2025)
This data release contains three data types that could potentially be used to infer spatiotemporal variability in groundwater discharge processes, along with other research and monitoring purposes: 1) Temporally continuous stream channel water temperature and adjacent streambank air temperature time series data (generally starting November 2020) as well as limited temperature data from...
Waterborne Gradient Self-potential, Temperature, and Conductivity Logging of the Upper part of the Delaware River between Hancock and Port Jervis, New York, June-July 2021 Waterborne Gradient Self-potential, Temperature, and Conductivity Logging of the Upper part of the Delaware River between Hancock and Port Jervis, New York, June-July 2021
This data release contains waterborne gradient self-potential (SP), surface-water temperature, surface-water conductivity and specific conductance, and surface-water nitrate concentration data measured continuously in the upper part of the Delaware River along approximately 123 kilometers (km) between Hancock and Port Jervis, New York. All of the data were measured from a kayak between...
Passive seismic (HVSR) data from Fountain Creek, CO Passive seismic (HVSR) data from Fountain Creek, CO
A total of 119 passive seismic soundings were collected with Tromino (MoHo s.r.l.) 3-axis seismometers in the Fountain Creek area to partially refine alluvial aquifer thickness (depth to bedrock) estimates, particularly over known or suspected paleochannels. Data were collected during June 21-24, 2021 with a team of 4-5 people, each equipped with a Tromino Blu or Tromino 3G passive...
Frequency domain electromagnetic induction (FDEM) geophysical data collected near the Agashashok River in the Noatak National Preserve, AK Frequency domain electromagnetic induction (FDEM) geophysical data collected near the Agashashok River in the Noatak National Preserve, AK
Frequency domain electromagnetic induction (FDEM) data were collected in September 2016 near the Agashashok River and its tributaries, within the Noatak National Preserve near Kotzebue, AK to aid in local permafrost mapping. Data were collected with a GEM-2 instrument (1.6 m coil separation, Geophex, Ltd.); a broadband sensor that measures the bulk conductivity and magnetic...
Filter Total Items: 22
Aufeis fields as novel groundwater-dependent ecosystems in the arctic cryosphere Aufeis fields as novel groundwater-dependent ecosystems in the arctic cryosphere
River aufeis (ow′ fīse) are widespread features of the arctic cryosphere. They form when river channels become locally restricted by ice, resulting in cycles of water overflow and freezing and the accumulation of ice, with some aufeis attaining areas of ~ 25 + km2 and thicknesses of 6+ m. During winter, unfrozen sediments beneath the insulating ice layer provide perennial groundwater...
Authors
Alexander Huryn, M. Gooseff, P. Hendrickson, Martin Briggs, K. Tape, Neil Terry
Exploring the potential of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to measure the extent of chronic disturbance in peatlands: Examples from acid mine drainage and peat fire Exploring the potential of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to measure the extent of chronic disturbance in peatlands: Examples from acid mine drainage and peat fire
Peatlands are accumulations of partially decayed organic soil that cover approximately 3% of Earth’s surface and have been shown to serve essential environmental and ecological functions such as sequestering carbon, purifying water, and providing habitat for organisms. However, peatlands are threatened by pressures from agriculture, urban development, mining, and climate change...
Authors
Neil Terry, Robert Runkel, Dale Werkema, Elizabeth Rutila, Xavier Comas, Matthew Warren, Agus Kristiyono, Daniel Murdiyarso
Characterizing the diverse hydrogeology underlying rivers and estuaries using new floating transient electromagnetic methodology Characterizing the diverse hydrogeology underlying rivers and estuaries using new floating transient electromagnetic methodology
The hydrogeology below large surface water features such as rivers and estuaries is universally under-informed at the long reach to basin scales (tens of km+). This challenge inhibits the accurate modeling of fresh/saline groundwater interfaces and groundwater/surface water exchange patterns at management-relevant spatial extents. Here we introduce a towed, floating transient...
Authors
John Lane, Martin A. Briggs, PK Maurya, Eric White, JB Pedersen, Esben Auken, Neil Terry, Burke Minsley, Wade Kress, Denis LeBlanc, Ryan Adams, Carole D. Johnson
Seasonal subsurface thaw dynamics of an aufeis feature inferred from geophysical methods Seasonal subsurface thaw dynamics of an aufeis feature inferred from geophysical methods
Aufeis are sheets of ice unique to cold regions that originate from repeated flooding and freezing events during the winter. They have hydrological importance associated with summer flows and possibly winter insulation, but little is known about the seasonal dynamics of the unfrozen sediment layer beneath them. This layer may support perennial groundwater flow in regions with otherwise...
Authors
Neil Terry, Elliot Grunewald, Martin Briggs, Michael Gooseff, Alexander Huryn, M. Kass, Ken Tape, Patrick Hendrickson, John W. Lane
Controls on spatial and temporal variations of brine discharge to the Dolores River in the Paradox Valley, Colorado, 2016–18 Controls on spatial and temporal variations of brine discharge to the Dolores River in the Paradox Valley, Colorado, 2016–18
The Paradox Valley in southwestern Colorado is a collapsed anticline formed by movement of the salt-rich Paradox Formation at the core of the anticline. The salinity of the Dolores River, a tributary of the Colorado River, increases substantially as it crosses the valley because of discharge of brine-rich groundwater derived from the underlying salts. Although the brine is naturally...
Authors
M. Mast, Neil Terry
Geophysical mapping of plume discharge to surface water at a crude oil spill site: Inversion versus machine learning Geophysical mapping of plume discharge to surface water at a crude oil spill site: Inversion versus machine learning
The interpretation of geophysical survey results to answer hydrologic, engineering, and geologic questions is critical to diverse problems for management of water, energy, and mineral resources. Although geophysical images provide valuable qualitative insight into subsurface architecture and conditions, translating geophysical images into quantitative information (e.g., saturation...
Authors
Neil Terry, Frederick Day-Lewis, John W. Lane, Jared Trost, Barbara Bekins
Non-USGS Publications**
Terry, N. and Slater, L. ( 2017), Gas bubble size estimation in peat soils from EM wave scattering observed with ground penetrating radar, Water Resour. Res., 53, 2755– 2769, doi:10.1002/2016WR019783.
Day-Lewis, F. D., Slater, L. D., Robinson, J., Johnson, C. D., Terry, N., and Werkema, D. (2017), An overview of geophysical technologies appropriate for characterization and monitoring at fractured-rock sites, Journal of Environmental Management, 204, 709-720, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2017.04.033.
Comas, X., Terry, N., Hribljan, J. A., Lilleskov, E. A., Suarez, E., Chimner, R. A., and Kolka, R. K. ( 2017), Estimating belowground carbon stocks in peatlands of the Ecuadorian páramo using ground‐penetrating radar (GPR), J. Geophys. Res. Biogeosci., 122, 370– 386, doi:10.1002/2016JG003550.
Terry, N., Slater, L., Comas, X., Reeve, A. S., Schäfer, K. V. R., and Yu, Z. ( 2016), Free phase gas processes in a northern peatland inferred from autonomous field‐scale resistivity imaging, Water Resour. Res., 52, 2996– 3018, doi:10.1002/2015WR018111.
Comas, X., Terry, N., Slater, L., Warren, M., Kolka, R., Kristiyono, A., Sudiana, N., Nurjaman, D., and Darusman, T.: Imaging tropical peatlands in Indonesia using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electrical resistivity imaging (ERI): implications for carbon stock estimates and peat soil characterization, Biogeosciences, 12, 2995–3007, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-12-2995-2015, 2015.
**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
Filter Total Items: 33
Geophysical and Other Data From an Irrigation Monitoring Experiment at Haddam Meadows, CT, July 2019 Geophysical and Other Data From an Irrigation Monitoring Experiment at Haddam Meadows, CT, July 2019
An irrigation monitoring experiment was performed in Haddam Meadows State Park, Connecticut, on July 16, 2019. Prior to this experiment, ground penetrating radar (GPR), frequency domain electromagnetics (FDEM), and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) geophysical data were collected over a 20 meter by 10-meter grid to provide baseline information. A vertical soil moisture probe was...
Main channel river water temperature collected along the East Branch, West Branch, and mainstem Delaware River down to Lordville near Handcock, NY, USA in summer 2021 Main channel river water temperature collected along the East Branch, West Branch, and mainstem Delaware River down to Lordville near Handcock, NY, USA in summer 2021
The Upper Delaware River is a unique example of an aquatic system where summer river temperature is actively managed for ecological purposes. River temperature at the mainstem Delaware River at Lordville, NY gage (USGS 01427207) is targeted to remain below 25 degrees C, with warm events potentially mitigated via directed upstream reservoir releases, a process guided by predictive tools...
Stream Temperature, Dissolved Radon, and Stable Water Isotope Data Collected along Headwater Streams in the Upper Neversink River Watershed, NY, USA (ver. 3.0, June 2025) Stream Temperature, Dissolved Radon, and Stable Water Isotope Data Collected along Headwater Streams in the Upper Neversink River Watershed, NY, USA (ver. 3.0, June 2025)
This data release contains three data types that could potentially be used to infer spatiotemporal variability in groundwater discharge processes, along with other research and monitoring purposes: 1) Temporally continuous stream channel water temperature and adjacent streambank air temperature time series data (generally starting November 2020) as well as limited temperature data from...
Waterborne Gradient Self-potential, Temperature, and Conductivity Logging of the Upper part of the Delaware River between Hancock and Port Jervis, New York, June-July 2021 Waterborne Gradient Self-potential, Temperature, and Conductivity Logging of the Upper part of the Delaware River between Hancock and Port Jervis, New York, June-July 2021
This data release contains waterborne gradient self-potential (SP), surface-water temperature, surface-water conductivity and specific conductance, and surface-water nitrate concentration data measured continuously in the upper part of the Delaware River along approximately 123 kilometers (km) between Hancock and Port Jervis, New York. All of the data were measured from a kayak between...
Passive seismic (HVSR) data from Fountain Creek, CO Passive seismic (HVSR) data from Fountain Creek, CO
A total of 119 passive seismic soundings were collected with Tromino (MoHo s.r.l.) 3-axis seismometers in the Fountain Creek area to partially refine alluvial aquifer thickness (depth to bedrock) estimates, particularly over known or suspected paleochannels. Data were collected during June 21-24, 2021 with a team of 4-5 people, each equipped with a Tromino Blu or Tromino 3G passive...
Frequency domain electromagnetic induction (FDEM) geophysical data collected near the Agashashok River in the Noatak National Preserve, AK Frequency domain electromagnetic induction (FDEM) geophysical data collected near the Agashashok River in the Noatak National Preserve, AK
Frequency domain electromagnetic induction (FDEM) data were collected in September 2016 near the Agashashok River and its tributaries, within the Noatak National Preserve near Kotzebue, AK to aid in local permafrost mapping. Data were collected with a GEM-2 instrument (1.6 m coil separation, Geophex, Ltd.); a broadband sensor that measures the bulk conductivity and magnetic...
Filter Total Items: 22
Aufeis fields as novel groundwater-dependent ecosystems in the arctic cryosphere Aufeis fields as novel groundwater-dependent ecosystems in the arctic cryosphere
River aufeis (ow′ fīse) are widespread features of the arctic cryosphere. They form when river channels become locally restricted by ice, resulting in cycles of water overflow and freezing and the accumulation of ice, with some aufeis attaining areas of ~ 25 + km2 and thicknesses of 6+ m. During winter, unfrozen sediments beneath the insulating ice layer provide perennial groundwater...
Authors
Alexander Huryn, M. Gooseff, P. Hendrickson, Martin Briggs, K. Tape, Neil Terry
Exploring the potential of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to measure the extent of chronic disturbance in peatlands: Examples from acid mine drainage and peat fire Exploring the potential of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to measure the extent of chronic disturbance in peatlands: Examples from acid mine drainage and peat fire
Peatlands are accumulations of partially decayed organic soil that cover approximately 3% of Earth’s surface and have been shown to serve essential environmental and ecological functions such as sequestering carbon, purifying water, and providing habitat for organisms. However, peatlands are threatened by pressures from agriculture, urban development, mining, and climate change...
Authors
Neil Terry, Robert Runkel, Dale Werkema, Elizabeth Rutila, Xavier Comas, Matthew Warren, Agus Kristiyono, Daniel Murdiyarso
Characterizing the diverse hydrogeology underlying rivers and estuaries using new floating transient electromagnetic methodology Characterizing the diverse hydrogeology underlying rivers and estuaries using new floating transient electromagnetic methodology
The hydrogeology below large surface water features such as rivers and estuaries is universally under-informed at the long reach to basin scales (tens of km+). This challenge inhibits the accurate modeling of fresh/saline groundwater interfaces and groundwater/surface water exchange patterns at management-relevant spatial extents. Here we introduce a towed, floating transient...
Authors
John Lane, Martin A. Briggs, PK Maurya, Eric White, JB Pedersen, Esben Auken, Neil Terry, Burke Minsley, Wade Kress, Denis LeBlanc, Ryan Adams, Carole D. Johnson
Seasonal subsurface thaw dynamics of an aufeis feature inferred from geophysical methods Seasonal subsurface thaw dynamics of an aufeis feature inferred from geophysical methods
Aufeis are sheets of ice unique to cold regions that originate from repeated flooding and freezing events during the winter. They have hydrological importance associated with summer flows and possibly winter insulation, but little is known about the seasonal dynamics of the unfrozen sediment layer beneath them. This layer may support perennial groundwater flow in regions with otherwise...
Authors
Neil Terry, Elliot Grunewald, Martin Briggs, Michael Gooseff, Alexander Huryn, M. Kass, Ken Tape, Patrick Hendrickson, John W. Lane
Controls on spatial and temporal variations of brine discharge to the Dolores River in the Paradox Valley, Colorado, 2016–18 Controls on spatial and temporal variations of brine discharge to the Dolores River in the Paradox Valley, Colorado, 2016–18
The Paradox Valley in southwestern Colorado is a collapsed anticline formed by movement of the salt-rich Paradox Formation at the core of the anticline. The salinity of the Dolores River, a tributary of the Colorado River, increases substantially as it crosses the valley because of discharge of brine-rich groundwater derived from the underlying salts. Although the brine is naturally...
Authors
M. Mast, Neil Terry
Geophysical mapping of plume discharge to surface water at a crude oil spill site: Inversion versus machine learning Geophysical mapping of plume discharge to surface water at a crude oil spill site: Inversion versus machine learning
The interpretation of geophysical survey results to answer hydrologic, engineering, and geologic questions is critical to diverse problems for management of water, energy, and mineral resources. Although geophysical images provide valuable qualitative insight into subsurface architecture and conditions, translating geophysical images into quantitative information (e.g., saturation...
Authors
Neil Terry, Frederick Day-Lewis, John W. Lane, Jared Trost, Barbara Bekins
Non-USGS Publications**
Terry, N. and Slater, L. ( 2017), Gas bubble size estimation in peat soils from EM wave scattering observed with ground penetrating radar, Water Resour. Res., 53, 2755– 2769, doi:10.1002/2016WR019783.
Day-Lewis, F. D., Slater, L. D., Robinson, J., Johnson, C. D., Terry, N., and Werkema, D. (2017), An overview of geophysical technologies appropriate for characterization and monitoring at fractured-rock sites, Journal of Environmental Management, 204, 709-720, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2017.04.033.
Comas, X., Terry, N., Hribljan, J. A., Lilleskov, E. A., Suarez, E., Chimner, R. A., and Kolka, R. K. ( 2017), Estimating belowground carbon stocks in peatlands of the Ecuadorian páramo using ground‐penetrating radar (GPR), J. Geophys. Res. Biogeosci., 122, 370– 386, doi:10.1002/2016JG003550.
Terry, N., Slater, L., Comas, X., Reeve, A. S., Schäfer, K. V. R., and Yu, Z. ( 2016), Free phase gas processes in a northern peatland inferred from autonomous field‐scale resistivity imaging, Water Resour. Res., 52, 2996– 3018, doi:10.1002/2015WR018111.
Comas, X., Terry, N., Slater, L., Warren, M., Kolka, R., Kristiyono, A., Sudiana, N., Nurjaman, D., and Darusman, T.: Imaging tropical peatlands in Indonesia using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electrical resistivity imaging (ERI): implications for carbon stock estimates and peat soil characterization, Biogeosciences, 12, 2995–3007, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-12-2995-2015, 2015.
**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.