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NEWS RELEASE

11-15-01

Contacts:
Bill Simpkins, Geological and Atmospheric Sciences, (515) 294-7814
Bridget Bailey, News Service, (515) 294-6881

ISU FACULTY MEMBER CHAIRS NATIONAL HYDROGEOLOGY GROUP

AMES, Iowa -- William Simpkins, an Iowa State associate professor of geological and atmospheric sciences, was elected chair of the 1,400-member Hydrogeology Division of the Geological Society of America (GSA) during its annual meeting, Nov. 2-8.

Hydrogeology is concerned with the character, movement, availability and use of water. The Hydrogeology Division of GSA focuses on the geologic aspects of hydrogeology, recognizes the role of geology in the hydrologic cycle, and the importance of hydrogeology to science and technology.

Simpkins' research focuses on the relationship of geologic materials and ground water quality in North American agricultural areas. He is known internationally for his research on the hydrogeology of glacial till.

In the early to mid-1990's, Simpkins' research showed that the geochemical environment in thick central Iowa till prevents nitrate contamination of underlying aquifers. An on-going project -- with the Agro-ecology Issue Team of ISU's Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture -- on groundwater quality associated with restored "riparian" buffers on Bear Creek (near Roland) has demonstrated that the buffers are an effective means of nitrate removal from groundwater.

Simpkins has been a GSA member since 1979.

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