Gary S. Weissmann

Professor

Photo: Gary S. Weissmann

Albert and Mary Jane Black Professor in Hydrogeology

Education: 
Ph.D., University of California, Davis, 1999
Email: 
weissman@unm.edu
Office: 
Northrop Hall Rm. 208

Research Area/s:

Hydrology,  Sedimentology/Stratigraphy/Paleoclimate/Paleontology,  Surface Processes

Research and Academic Interests:

My research primarily focuses on three areas – (1) fluvial sedimentology and stratigraphy in a sedimentary basin context, (2) the influence of aquifer heterogeneity on groundwater flow and contaminant transport, and (3) diversity in the geosciences. In fluvial sedimentology, my students and I, along with colleagues at the University of Aberdeen, University of Glasgow, and UNM, have identified over 700 continental sedimentary basins around the world. From satellite imagery and groundtruth characterization, we are evaluating facies distributions from fluvial deposition in these basins. Most of this deposition is occurring on distributive fluvial systems (DFS), so facies models as we know them must be revised to understand the variability recognized on the DFSs. Our manuscripts in Geology (2010), Journal of Sedimentary Research (2010), SEPM Special Publications 97 (2011) and 104 (2013), and Geomorphology (2015) explain the fundamentals of these concepts.

In our hydrogeology research, my students and I have been constructing detailed heterogeneity models based on outcrop analogs or shallow geophysics in order to understand the influence of sedimentary structure on groundwater flow and contaminant dispersion. In the past, we conducted work using geostatistics to model heterogeneity distributions. This didn’t provide sufficient detail to help evaluate the physical nature of dispersion. Our new models that have a grid cell size around 2-3 mm, do provide valuable information on fine-scale dispersion. Our challenge is to upscale these highly resolved models in a geologically sensible manner.

My research on diversity has led to workshop offerings at the Earth Educator’s Rendezvous in 2015 and 2016 on “context diversity” and a webinar for NAGT on the topic in 2018 (click here for the webinar). Along with my colleague, Roberto Ibarra (now emeritus from UNM Sociology), we are studying the influence of applying Multicontext Theory (Ibarra 2001; Chávez and Longerbeam 2016) in the geoscience (and other STEM) classroom. Let me know if you have questions on this! We recently published this work in the Journal of Geoscience Education (Weissmann et al 2019), and we are working on additional publications to explain this approach to diversity.

My teaching focuses on student participation in their learning, and my classrooms tend to be active (and Multicontextual). Classes include environmental systems, hydrogeology, aquifer and petroleum reservoir characterization, fluvial sedimentology, environmental systems, basin analysis, and (one of my favorites) the Blue Planet (a general course on environmental earth science)!

 

Multicontext Theory and Context Diversity Resources:

Attributes of Cultural Frameworks Table:  CD Matrix Revision – Final — This table contains attributes of different cultural ways of knowing and doing and is a good resource to explore broader ways of knowing and doing.

Surveys used to assess context orientation:  I use these to help me create groups for in-class activities and to introduce the Multicontext spectrum of ways of knowing and doing.

      · Survey for Faculty:  Link to document

      · Survey for Students: Link to document

Publication on Multicontext Theory: 

      · Weissmann et al, 2019, The Multicontext path to redefining how we access and think about diversity, equity and inclusion in STEM. Journal of Geoscience Education, v. 67(4), p. 320-329, https://doi.org/10.1080/10899995.2019.1620527

Recent Publications:

Context Diversity and Diversity in STEM

Weissmann, G.S., Ibarra, R.A., Howland-Davis, M.D, and Lammey, M.V., The Multicontext path to redefining how we access and think about diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM.  Journal of Geoscience Education, DOI: 10.1080/10899995.2019.1620527, 2019.

Weissmann, GS, and Ibarra, RA, 2017, Context Diversity: a new paradigm for equity and inclusion in higher education.  InTeGrate Webinar Series; click here for webinar link.  

Fluvial Sedimentology

Owen, A., Hartley, A.J., Ebinghaus, A., Weissmann, G.S., and Santos, M.G.M., Basin-scale predictive models of alluvial architecture: constraints from the Palaeocene-Eocene, Bighorn Basin, Wyoming, USA:  Sedimentology, doi: 10.1111/sed/12515, 2018.

Owen, A., Ebinghaus, A., Hartley, A.J., Santos, M.G.M., and Weissmann, G.S., Multi-scale classification of fluvial architecture: An example from the Palaeocene-Eocene Bighorn Basin, Wyoming: Sedimentology, doi: 10.1111/sed.12364, 2017.

Owen, A., Nichols, G.J., Hartley, A.J., and Weissmann, G.S., Vertical trends within the prograding Salt Wash distributive fluvial system, SW United States:  Basin Research, doi: 10.1111/bre.12165, p. 1-17, 2017.

Hartley, A.J., Weissmann, G.S., and Scuderi, L., Controls on the apex location of large deltas:  Journal of the Geological Society, v. 174, p. 10-13, doi: 10.1144/jgs/2015-154, 2017.

Owen, A., Hartley, A.J., Weissmann, G.S., and Nichols, G.J., Uranium distribution as a proxy for basin-scale fluid flow in distributive fluvial systems: Journal of the Geological Society, v. 173, p. 569-572, doi: 10.1144/jgs2016-007, 2016.

Owen, A., Nichols, G.J., Hartley, A.J., and Weissmann, G.S., Vertical trends within the prograding Salt Wash distributive fluvial system, SW United States: Basin Research, doi: 10.1111/bre.12165, p. 1-17, 2015.

Weissmann, G.S., Hartley, A.J., Scuderi, L.A., Nichols, G.J., Owen, A., Wright, S., Felicia, A.L., Holland, F., and Anaya, F.M.L., Fluvial geomorphic elements in modern sedimentary basins and their potential preservation in the rock record: a review, Geomorphology, v. 250, p. 187-219, doi: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2015.09.005, invited review, 2015.

Owen, A., Nichols, G.J., Hartley, A.J., Weissmann, G.S., and Scuderi, L.A., Quantification of a distributive fluvial system: the Salt Wash DFS of the Morrison Formation, SW U.S.A., Journal of Sedimentary Research, v. 85, p. 544-561, 2015.

Hartley, A.J., Owen, A., Swan, A., Weissmann, G.S., Holzweber, B.I., Howell, J., Nichols, G., and Scuderi, L., Recognition and importance of amalgamated sandy meander belts in the continental rock record, Geology, v. 43, p. 679-682, doi: 10.1130/G36742.1, 2015.

Owen, A., Jupp, P.E., Nichols, G.J., Hartley, A.J., Weissmann, G.S., and Sadykova, D., Statistical estimation of the position of an apex: application ot the geological record: Journal of Sedimentary Research, v. 85, p. 142-152, doi: 10.2110/jsr.2015.16, 2015.

Holzweber, BI, Hartley, A.J., and Weissmann, G.S., Scale invariance in fluvial barforms: implications for interpretation of fluvial systems in the rock record: Petroleum Geoscience, Online First – http:/dx.doi.org/10.1144/petgeo2011-056, 2014.

Weissmann, GS, Hartley, AJ, Scuderi, LA, Nichols, GJ, Davidson, SK, Owen, A, Atchley, SC, Bhattacharyya, P, Chakraborty, T, Ghosh, P, Nordt, LC, Michel, L, and Tabor, NJ, Prograding distributive fluvial systems – geomorphic models and ancient examples, in Driese, SG, and Nordt, LC (eds), New Frontiers in Paleopedology and Terrestrial Paleoclimatology, SEPM Special Publication No. 104, p. 131-147, 2013.

Hartley, AJ, Weissmann, GS, Bhattacharyya, P, Nichols, GJ, Scuderi, LA, Davidson, SK, Leleu, S, Chakraborty, T, Ghosh, P, and Mather, A.E., Soil development on modern distributive fluvial systems: preliminary observations with implications for interpretation of paleosols in the rock record, , in Driese, SG, and Nordt, LC (eds), New Frontiers in Paleopedology and Terrestrial Paleoclimatology, SEPM Special Publication No. 104, p. 149-158, 2013.

Davidson, SK, Hartley, AJ, Weissmann, GS, Nichols, GJ, and Scuderi, LA, Geomorphic elements on modern distributive fluvial systems: Geomorphology, v. 180-181, p. 82-95, 2013.

Buehler, H.A., Weissmann, G.S., Scuderi, L.A., and Hartley, A.J., Spatial and temporal evolution of an avulsion on the Taquari River distributive fluvial system from satellite image analysis: Journal of Sedimentary Research, v. 81, p. 630-640, DOI: 10.2110/jsr.2011.040, 2011.

Weissmann, G.S., Hartley, A.J., Nichols, G.J., Scuderi, L.A., Olson, M.E., Buehler, H.A., and Massengill, L.C., Alluvial facies distributions in continental sedimentary basins – distributive fluvial systems, in North, C., Davidson, S.K., and Leleu, S., From River to Rock Record: The Preservation of Fluvial Sediments and Their Subsequent Interpretation: SEPM Special Publication.97, p. 327-355, 2011.

Hartley, A.J., Weissmann, G.S., Nichols, G.J., and Scuderi, L.A., Fluvial form in modern continental sedimentary basins: Distributive fluvial systems: REPLY: Geology, doi: 10.1130/G31588Y.1, 2010.

Mikesell, L.R., Weissmann, G.S., and Karachewski, J.A., Stratigraphic record of drainage basin stream capture and piracy in fluvial fan deposits at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, in the Livermore Basin, California, USA. Geomorphology, v. 115, p. 267-277, 2010.

Hartley, A.J., Weissmann, G.S., Nichols, G.J., and Warwick, G.L., Distributive fluvial systems: characteristics, distribution, and controls on development: Journal of Sedimentary Research, v. 79, p. 167-183, doi: 10.2110/jsr.2010.016, 2010. (Awarded JSR Outstanding Paper Award for 2010)

Weissmann, G.S., Hartley, A.J., Nichols, G.J., Scuderi, L.A., Olson, M., Buehler, H., and Banteah, R., Fluvial form in modern continental sedimentary basins: the distributive fluvial system (DFS) paradigm: Geology, v. 38, p. 39-42, doi: 10.1130/G30242.1, 2010.

Aquifer Sedimentology/Characterization

Zhang, Y., Weissmann, G.S., Fogg, G.e., Lu, B., Sun, H.G., and Zheng, C., Assessment of groundwater susceptibility to non-point source contaminants using three-dimensional transient indexes:  International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, v. 15, 1177, doi: 10.3390/ijerph15061177, 2018.

Sigler, W.A., Ewing, S.A., Jones, C.A., Payn, R.A., Brookshire, E.N.J., Klassen, J.K., Jackson-Smith, D., and Weissmann, G.S., Connections among soil, ground, and surface water chemistries characterize nitrogen loss from an agricultural landscape in the upper Missouri River Basin: Journal of Hydrology, v. 556, p. 247-261, doi: 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2017.10.018, 2017.

Maghrebi, M., Jankovic, I., Weissmann, G.S., Matott, L.S., Allen-King, R.M., and Rabideau, A.J., Contaminant tailing in highly heterogeneous porous formations: Sensitivity on model selection and material properties. Journal of Hydrology, v. 531, p. 149-160, 2015.

Pickel, A., Frechette, J.D., Comunian, A., and Weissmann, G.S., Building a better training image with digital outcrop models: Journal of Hydrology, v. 531, p. 53-61, 2015.

Weissmann, G.S., Pickel, A., McNamara, K.C., Frechette, J.D., Kalinovich, I., Allen-King, R.M., and Jankovic, I., Characterization and quantification of aquifer heterogeneity using outcrop analogs at the Canadian Forces Base Borden, Ontario, Canada: GSA Bulletin, v. 127, p. 1021-1035, doi: 10.1130/B31193.1, 2015.

Maghrebi, M., Jankovic, I., Allen-King, R.M., Rabideau, A.J., Kalinovic, I., and Weissmann, G.S., Impacts of transport mechanisms and plume history on tailing of sorbing plumes in heterogeneous porous formations: Advances in Water Resources, v. 73, p. 123-133, 2014.

Nichols, E.M., Weissmann, G.S., Wawrzyniec, T.F., Frechette, J.D., and Klise, K.A., Processing of outcrop-based lidar imagery to characterize heterogeneity for groundwater models, in Outcrops Revitalized: Tools, Techniques and Applications: SEPM concepts in Sedimentology and Paleontology No. 10, p. 239-247, 2011.

Rust, G.L., Weissmann, G.S., Werban, U., Frechette, J.D., and Wawrzyniec, T.F., Outcrop-based GPR tomography through braided stream deposits, in Outcrops Revitalized: Tools, Techniques and Applications: SEPM concepts in Sedimentology and Paleontology No. 10, p. 227-238, 2011.

Engdahl, N.B., and Weissmann, G.S., Anisotropic transport rates in heterogeneous porous media: Water Resources Research, v. 46, W02507, doi: 10.1029/2009WR007910, 2010.

Engdahl, N.B., Vogler, E.T., and Weissmann, G.S., Heterogeneity effects on river loss within a transition probability framework: Water Resources Research, v. 46, W01506, doi:10.1029/2009WR007903, 2010.

Engdahl, N.B., Weissmann, G.S., and Bonal, N.D., An integrated approach to shallow aquifer characterization: combining geophysics and geostatistics: Computational Geosciences, DOI 10.1007/s10596-009-9145-y, 2009.

Klise, K.A., Weissmann, G.S., McKenna, S.A., Nichols, E.M., Frechette, J.D., Wawrzyniec, T.F., and Tidwell, V.C., 2009, Exploring solute transport and streamline connectivity using lidar-based outcrop images and geostatistical representations of heterogeneity, Water Resources Research, v. 45, W05413, doi: 10.1029/2008WR007500.

Other Publications

Scuderi, L.A., Weissmann, G.S., Hartley, A.J., Yang, X., and Lancaster, N., Application of database approaches to the study of Earth’s aeolian environments: Community needs and goals: Aeolian Research, v. 27, p. 79-109, invited review, doi: 10.1016/j.aeolia.2017.05.004, 2017

Weissmann, G.S., Tapping into the Roots of my approaches to geoscience, in Longerbeam, S.D., and Chávez, A.F., Going Inward: The Role of cultural Introspection in College Teaching, Peter Lang Press, 2016.

Scuderi, L., Weissmann, G., Kindilien, P., and Yang, X., Evaluating the potential of database technology for deocumenting environmental change in China’s deserts: Catena, v. 134, p. 87-97, doi: 10.1016/j.catena.2014.12.025, 2015.

Frisbee, M.D., Phillips, F.M., Weissmann, G.S., Brooks, P.D., Wilson, J.L., Campbell, A.R., and Liu, F., Unraveling the mysteries of the large watershed black box: implications for the streamflow response to climate and landscape perturbations: Geophysical Research Letters, v. 39, L01404, doi: 10.1029/2011GL50416, 2012.