Olivia Miller
Olivia is a valuable member of the Utah Water Science Center. Her current research focuses on spatial and temporal analysis of groundwater and surface water quality, and the relationship between land use, climate, and hydrology throughout the southwestern United States.
Education and Certifications
Ph.D., Geology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City (2017)
M.S., Geology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City (2013)
B.A., Earth and Environmental Science, Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT (2009)
Science and Products
Baseflow
Model code, input datasets, and prediction files for dynamic stream dissolved solids and static baseflow dissolved solids SPARROW models of the Upper Colorado River Basin, 1986-2017
Streamflow projections for southwestern United States (1975-2099)
Hydrogen and oxygen stable isotope mass balance evaluation of the National Water Model (v2.1) streamflow, runoff and groundwater flows
SPARROW model inputs and simulated future baseflow for streams of the Upper Colorado River Basin
SPARROW model inputs and simulated streamflow, nutrient and suspended-sediment loads in streams of the Southwestern United States, 2012 Base Year (ver. 2.0, October 2020)
SPARROW model inputs and simulated streamflow, nutrient and suspended-sediment loads in streams of the Southwestern United States, 2012 Base Year
Temporal variability in irrigated land and climate influences on salinity loading across the Upper Colorado River Basin, 1986-2017
A review of current capabilities and science gaps in water supply data, modeling, and trends for water availability assessments in the Upper Colorado River Basin
Hydrologic modeling of a perennial firn aquifer in southeast Greenland
Effects of return flows on stream water quality and availability in the Upper Colorado, Delaware, and Illinois River Basins
Modelagem de qualidade da agua: Aplicação do SPARROW
How will baseflow respond to climate change in the Upper Colorado River Basin?
Substantial declines in salinity observed across the Upper Colorado River Basin during the 20th century, 1929 to 2019
Changing climate drives future streamflow declines and challenges in meeting water demand across the southwestern United States
The firn meltwater Retention Model Intercomparison Project (RetMIP): Evaluation of nine firn models at four weather station sites on the Greenland ice sheet
Hydrologic properties of a highly permeable firn aquifer in the Wilkins Ice Shelf, Antarctica
Integrated borehole, radar, and seismic velocity analysis reveals dynamic spatial variations within a firn aquifer in southeast Greenland
Discharge and dissolved-solids characteristics and trends of Snake River above Jackson Lake at Flagg Ranch, Wyoming, 1986–2018
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
- Science
Baseflow
The Colorado River has been identified as the most overallocated river in the world. Considering predicted future imbalances between water supply and demand and the growing recognition that base flow (a proxy for groundwater discharge to streams) is critical for sustaining flow in streams and rivers, there is a need to develop methods to better quantify present-day base flow across large regions... - Data
Model code, input datasets, and prediction files for dynamic stream dissolved solids and static baseflow dissolved solids SPARROW models of the Upper Colorado River Basin, 1986-2017
This data release contains model code and input data for, and predictions from, both a dynamic stream dissolved solids and a static baseflow dissolved solids SPARROW (SPAtially Referenced Regression On Watershed attributes) model of the Upper Colorado River Basin for water years 1986-2017. Input data includes information on dissolved solids sources, landscape transport characteristics, and dissolvStreamflow projections for southwestern United States (1975-2099)
We projected future streamflow outcomes arising from climate change for the southwestern United States during the 21st century due to climate change under two possible greenhouse gas concentration pathways (RCP4.5 and 8.5). The results inform water managers about the future risks of drought in their water resource regions by providing bounds on the possible locations and extents of streamflowHydrogen and oxygen stable isotope mass balance evaluation of the National Water Model (v2.1) streamflow, runoff and groundwater flows
This data release contains the results of an isotopic mass balance approach to provide an estimate of the long-term average isotope ratios of NWM streamflow for the summer season (JJA) between 2000 and 2019 in the Western United States. The NWM-estimated long-term average isotope ratios are compared directly to 6426 stream stable isotope observations in 995 unique catchments. Quantified similaritiSPARROW model inputs and simulated future baseflow for streams of the Upper Colorado River Basin
The U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) SPAtially Referenced Regression On Watershed attributes (SPARROW) model was used to estimate baseflow changes from historical (1984 - 2012) to thirty-year periods centered around 2030, 2050, and 2080 under warm/wet, median, and hot/dry climatic conditions. SPARROW is a spatially explicit hybrid statistical and process-based model that estimates mean baseflow oveSPARROW model inputs and simulated streamflow, nutrient and suspended-sediment loads in streams of the Southwestern United States, 2012 Base Year (ver. 2.0, October 2020)
The U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) SPAtially Referenced Regression On Watershed attributes (SPARROW) model was used to aid in the interpretation of monitoring data and simulate streamflow and water-quality conditions in streams across the Southwestern Region of the Unites States. SPARROW is a hybrid empirical/process-based mass balance model that can be used to estimate the major sources and enviSPARROW model inputs and simulated streamflow, nutrient and suspended-sediment loads in streams of the Southwestern United States, 2012 Base Year
The U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) SPAtially Referenced Regression On Watershed attributes (SPARROW) model was used to aid in the interpretation of monitoring data and simulate streamflow and water-quality conditions in streams across the Southwestern Region of the Unites States. SPARROW is a hybrid empirical/process-based mass balance model that can be used to estimate the major sources and envi - Publications
Filter Total Items: 15
Temporal variability in irrigated land and climate influences on salinity loading across the Upper Colorado River Basin, 1986-2017
Freshwater salinization is a growing global concern impacting human and ecosystem needs with impacts to water availability for human and ecological uses. In the Upper Colorado River Basin (UCRB), dissolved solids in streams compound ongoing water supply challenges to further limit water availability and cause economic damages. Much effort has been dedicated to understanding dissolved solid sourcesAuthorsOlivia L. Miller, Annie L. Putman, Richard A. Smith, Gregory E. Schwarz, Michael D. Hess, Morgan C. McDonnell, Daniel JonesA review of current capabilities and science gaps in water supply data, modeling, and trends for water availability assessments in the Upper Colorado River Basin
The Colorado River is a critical water resource in the southwestern United States, supplying drinking water for 40 million people in the region and water for irrigation of 2.2 million hectares of land. Extended drought in the Upper Colorado River Basin (UCOL) and the prospect of a warmer climate in the future pose water availability challenges for those charged with managing the river. Limited watAuthorsFred D. Tillman, Natalie K. Day, Matthew P. Miller, Olivia L. Miller, Christine Rumsey, Daniel Wise, Patrick Cullen Longley, Morgan C. McDonnellHydrologic modeling of a perennial firn aquifer in southeast Greenland
A conceptual model, based on field observations and assumed physics of a perennial firn aquifer near Helheim Glacier (southeast Greenland), is evaluated via steady-state 2-D simulation of liquid water flow and energy transport with phase change. The simulation approach allows natural representation of flow and energy advection and conduction that occur in vertical meltwater recharge through the unAuthorsOlivia Miller, Clifford I. Voss, D. Kip Solomon, Clément Miège, Richard Forster, Nicholas Schmerr, Lynn MontgomeryEffects of return flows on stream water quality and availability in the Upper Colorado, Delaware, and Illinois River Basins
Understanding effects of human water use and subsequent return flows on the availability and suitability of water for downstream uses is critical to efficient and effective watershed management. We compared spatially detailed estimates of stream chemistry within three watersheds in diverse settings to available standards to isolate effects of wastewater and irrigation return flows on the suitabiliAuthorsScott Ator, Olivia L. Miller, David A. SaadModelagem de qualidade da agua: Aplicação do SPARROW
No abstract available.AuthorsFlavio Hadler Tröger, Sérgio Rodrigues Ayrimoraes Soares, Diana Leite Cavalcanti, Marcelo Luiz de Souza, Daniel Edmund Restivo, Olivia L. MillerHow will baseflow respond to climate change in the Upper Colorado River Basin?
Baseflow is critical to sustaining streamflow in the Upper Colorado River Basin. Therefore, effective water resources management requires estimates of baseflow response to climatic changes. This study provides the first estimates of projected baseflow changes from historical (1984 – 2012) to thirty-year periods centered around 2030, 2050, and 2080 under warm/wet, median, and hot/dry climatic condiAuthorsOlivia L. Miller, Matthew P. Miller, Patrick Cullen Longley, Jay R. Alder, Lindsay A. Bearup, Tom Pruitt, Daniel Jones, Annie L. Putman, Christine Rumsey, Tim S. McKinneySubstantial declines in salinity observed across the Upper Colorado River Basin during the 20th century, 1929 to 2019
Salinity in the Colorado River Basin causes an estimated $300 to $400 million per year in economic damages in the U.S. To inform and improve salinity‐control efforts, this study quantifies long‐term trends in salinity (dissolved solids) across the Upper Colorado River Basin (UCRB), including time periods prior to the construction of large dams and preceding the implementation of salinity‐control pAuthorsChristine Rumsey, Olivia L. Miller, Robert Hirsch, Thomas M. Marston, David SusongChanging climate drives future streamflow declines and challenges in meeting water demand across the southwestern United States
Society and the environment in the arid southwestern United States depend on reliable water availability, yet current water use outpaces supply. Water demand is projected to grow in the future and climate change is expected to reduce supply. To adapt, water managers need robust estimates of future regional water supply to support management decisions. To address this need, we estimate future streaAuthorsOlivia L. Miller, Annie L. Putman, Jay R. Alder, Matthew P. Miller, Daniel Jones, Daniel WiseThe firn meltwater Retention Model Intercomparison Project (RetMIP): Evaluation of nine firn models at four weather station sites on the Greenland ice sheet
Perennial snow, or firn, covers 80 % of the Greenland ice sheet and has the capacity to retain surface meltwater, influencing the ice sheet mass balance and contribution to sea-level rise. Multilayer firn models are traditionally used to simulate firn processes and estimate meltwater retention. We present, intercompare and evaluate outputs from nine firn models at four sites that represent the iceAuthorsBaptiste Vandecrux, Ruth Mottram, Peter Langen, Robert Fausto, Martin Olesen, C. Max Stevens, Vincent Verjans, Amber Lee, Stefan Ligtenberg, Peter Kuipers Munneke, Sergey S. Marchenko, Ward van Pelt, Colin R. Meyer, Sebastian B. Simonsen, Achim Heilig, Samira Samimi, Shawn J. Marshall, Horst Machguth, Michael J. MacFerrin, Masashi Niwano, Olivia L. Miller, Clifford I. Voss, Jason E. BoxHydrologic properties of a highly permeable firn aquifer in the Wilkins Ice Shelf, Antarctica
We present measurements of the density, hydraulic conductivity, and specific discharge of a widespread firn aquifer in Antarctica, within the Wilkins Ice Shelf. At the field site, the aquifer is 16.2 m thick, starting at 13.4 m from the snow surface and transitioning from water‐saturated firn to ice at 29.6 m. Hydraulic conductivity derived from slug tests show a geometric mean value of 1.4 ± 1.2AuthorsLynn Montgomery, C. Miege, Julie MIller, Bruce Wallin, Olivia L. Miller, Ted A. Scambos, D Kip Solomon, Richard Forster, Lora KoenigIntegrated borehole, radar, and seismic velocity analysis reveals dynamic spatial variations within a firn aquifer in southeast Greenland
Perennial water storage in firn aquifers has been observed within the lower percolation zone of the southeast Greenland ice sheet. Spatially distributed seismic and radar observations, made ~50 km upstream of the Helheim Glacier terminus, reveal spatial variations of seismic velocity within a firn aquifer. From 1.65 to 1.8 km elevation, shear‐wave velocity (Vs) is 1,290 ± 180 m/s in the unsaturateAuthorsSiobhan Killingbeck, N. C. Schmerr, L. N. Montgomery, A. D. Booth, P. W. Livermore, J. Guandique, Olivia L. Miller, S. Burdick, R. R. Forster, L. S. Koenig, Anatoly Legchenko, S. R. M. Ligtenberg, C. Miege, D. K. Solomon, L. J. WestDischarge and dissolved-solids characteristics and trends of Snake River above Jackson Lake at Flagg Ranch, Wyoming, 1986–2018
The headwaters of the Snake River are in the mountains of northwestern Wyoming. Maintaining the recognized high quality of water in Grand Teton National Park is a National Park Service (NPS) priority. To characterize and understand the water resources of Grand Teton National Park, the NPS established a monitoring program to monitor the quality of area surface waters. Beginning in 2006, water was sAuthorsOlivia L. Miller, Cheryl A. Eddy-MillerNon-USGS Publications**
Miller, O., Solomon, D.K., Miège, C., Koenig, L., Forster, R., Schmerr, N., Ligtenberg, S.R., Legchenko, A., Voss, C.I., Montgomery, L. and McConnell, J.R., 2020. Hydrology of a perennial firn aquifer in Southeast Greenland: an overview driven by field data. Water Resources Research, 56(8), https://doi.org/10.1029/2019WR026348.Legchenko, A., Miège, C., Koenig, L.S., Forster, R.R., Miller, O., Solomon, D.K., Schmerr, N., Montgomery, L., Ligtenberg, S., and Brucker, L., 2018, Estimating water volume stored in the south-eastern Greenland firn aquifer using magnetic-resonance soundings: Journal of Applied Geophysics, v. 150, p. 11–20.Miller, O., Solomon, D.K., Miège, C., Koenig, L., Forster, R., Schmerr, N., Ligtenberg, S.R.M., and Montgomery, L., 2018, Direct evidence of meltwater flow within a firn aquifer in southeast Greenland: Geophysical Research Letters, v. 45, no. 1, p. 207–215.Legchenko, A., Miège, C., Koenig, L.S., Forster, R.R., Miller, O., Solomon, D.K., Schmerr, N., Montgomery, L., Ligtenberg, S., and Brucker, L., 2018, Investigating a firn aquifer near Helheim Glacier (South-Eastern Greenland) with magnetic resonance soundings and ground-penetrating radar: Near Surface Geophysics, v. 16, no. 4, p. 411–422.Miller, O.L., Solomon, D.K., Miège, C., Koenig, L.S., Forster, R.R., Montgomery, L.N., Schmerr, N., Ligtenberg, S.R.M., Legchenko, A., and Brucker, L., 2017, Hydraulic conductivity of a firn aquifer in southeast Greenland: Frontiers in Earth Science, v. 5, p. 38.Montgomery, L.N., Schmerr, N., Burdick, S., Forster, R.R., Koenig, L., Legchenko, A., Ligtenberg, S., Miège, C., Miller, O.L., and Solomon, D.K., 2017, Investigation of firn aquifer structure in southeastern Greenland using active source seismology: Frontiers in Earth Science, v. 5, p. 10.Walsh, T.C., Miller, O.L., Bowen, B., Levine, Z.A., and Ehleringer, J.R., 2015, Sphere of sustainability: Lessons from the University of Utah’s Global Changes and Society Course: Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management, v. 141, no. 12.Miller, O.L., Solomon, D.K., Fernandez, D.P., Cerling, T.E., and Bowling, D.R., 2014, Evaluating the use of strontium isotopes in tree rings to record the isotopic signal of dust deposited on the Wasatch Mountains: Applied Geochemistry, v. 50, p. 53–65.**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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