Hi, I'm Jerry Ayers, I'm a hydrogeologist and professor emeritus of water science in the School of Natural Resources. I'm associated with the water science major and the hydrologic sciences graduate specialization.
Presently, my two main research interests 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. This is 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 databases.
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.