Jerry F. Ayers
Hi, I’m Jerry Ayers, and I’m a hydrogeologist and professor of water science in the School of Natural Resources. I’m associated with the water science major and the hydrologic sciences graduate specialization.
Two main research interests at present are the groundwater geology of saline wetlands north and west of Lincoln and computer modeling of the regional groundwater system of central Box Butte County, where the local natural resources district is coping with significant groundwater-level declines.
Another key project has been developing analytical strategies for understanding water quality data gathered from large-capacity irrigation wells – a plentiful and inexpensive source of data, particularly on nitrate contamination, but coming from a mixture of groundwater from various levels in the aquifer, so the information requires sophisticated analysis to determine the exact source and nature of contamination.
Other projects include developing a statewide recharge map with colleagues Joe Szilagyi and Ed Harvey, the application of geophysical methods to various environmental studies and development of natural resources data bases.
A key outreach effort has been the development of computer programs in Earth science. These are available for downloading from the Conservation and Survey Division’s web site.
I received my bachelor’s from California State University in 1972 and my master’s and doctorate from Washington State University in 1976 and 1980, respectively.
Personnel Information
| Name | Jerry F. Ayers |
| University Title | Professor Emeritus |
| Additional Title | Research Hydrogeologist |
| Address | 619 Hardin Hall, Lincoln NE 68583-0996 |
| Affiliation (index) | Geosci |
| Phone | 402-472-7545 |
| Fax | 402-472-2946 |
| jayers1@unl.edu | |
| Related Websites | n/a |
Go to Jerry's Full Profile
Key Publications
- Chen, X. H., J. Goeke, J.F. Ayers, and S. Summerside. 2003. Observation well network design for pumping tests in unconfined aquifers. Journal of American Water Resources Association. 39(1):17-32.
- Szilagyi, J, F.E. Harvey and J.F. Ayers. 2002. Regional Estimation of Base Recharge to Ground Water Using Water Balance and a Base-Flow Index. Ground Water. 41(4):504-513.
- Ayers, J.F. 2000. Seismic Refraction Analysis of Multiple Dipping Interfaces-Revisited. Journal of Environmental and Engineering Geophysics. 5:1-5.
- Ayers, J.F., X.H. Chen, and D.C. Gosselin. 1998. Behavior of nitrate-nitrogen movement around a pumping high-capacity well: a field example. Ground Water. 36(2):325-337.
- Chen, X, J.F. Ayers, and D.C. Gosselin. 1998. Analysis of nitrate-nitrogen movement near high-capacity irrigation wells. Ground Water Monitoring and Remediation. 18:148-156.
- Chen, X.H., J.F. Ayers, and D.C. Gosselin. 1998. Analysis of nitrate-nitrogen movement near high-capacity irrigation wells. Ground Water Monitoring and Remediation. 18(4):148-156.
