Colby Steelman

Lecturer, Geophysics and Hydrogeology

Colby Steelman Colby Steelman’s research focuses on the dynamic processes of groundwater flow systems. Specific interests include hydrogeophysical characterization and monitoring of groundwater process dynamics and their importance in regional flow systems. Recently, he is exploring surface and airborne geophysical techniques that support regional-scale groundwater resource characterizations, and how these styles of data can be integrated into conventional groundwater monitoring strategies.

Contact information
Office: EIT 2049
Phone: 519-888-4567, ext. 32799
Email: cmsteelman@uwaterloo.ca

Expertise

Hydrogeophysics, hydrogeology, vadose zone, applied geophysics
Multi-scale geophysical characterization of groundwater flow systems
Geophysical imaging of hydrodynamics, landform architecture, and geologic structures
Source water protection and management
Water resource assessment and monitoring

Research

Dr. Steelman has made significant advancements in geophysical imaging techniques using ground-penetrating radar, electrical resistivity, electromagnetic induction, and seismic, in combination with direct hydrogeologic observations to better understand the parameters and processes that define complex groundwater flow systems.

His research utilizes a combination of field-based geophysical, hydrogeological, and geological information in the context of local to regional-scale groundwater flow systems to better understand the complex relationship between anthropogenic and natural groundwater processes within the Earth’s critical zone.

Teaching

Earth 223: Field Methods in Hydrology

Sci 250: Environmental Geology

Highlighted Publications

Recent publications include

Capes, D.C., C.M. Steelman, and B.L. Parker (2018). Hydrologic interpretation of seasonally dynamic ambient temperature profiles in sealed bedrock boreholes. Journal of Hydrology, published on-line-2018. doi: 10.1016/j.hydrol.2018.10.005.
Steelman, C.M., E. Arnaud, P. Pehme, and B.L. Parker (2018), Geophysical, geological and hydrogeological characterization of a tributary buried bedrock valley in southern Ontario. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences 55, 641 – 658, doi: 10.1139/cjes-2016-0120
Steelman, C.M., D.R. Klazinga, A.G. Cahill, A.L. Endres, and B.L. Parker (2017), Monitoring the evolution and migration of a methane gas plume in an unconfined sandy aquifer using time-lapse GPR and ERT. Journal of Contaminant Hydrology, 205, 12 – 24, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jconhyd.2017.08.011
Steelman, C.M., C.S. Kennedy, D. Capes, and B.L. Parker (2017), Electrical resistivity dynamics beneath a fractured sedimentary bedrock riverbed in response to temperature and groundwater/surface water exchange. Hydrology & Earth System Science, 21, 3105 – 3123, http://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-3105-2017
Steelman, C.M., J. Meyer, and B.L. Parker (2017), Multi-dimensional investigation of bedrock heterogeneity/unconformities at a DNAPL-impacted site. Groundwater Epub 2017 Apr 12, doi: 10.1111/gwat.12514
Cahill, A.G., C.M. Steelman, O. Forde, O. Kuloyo, E. Ruff, B. Mayer, K.U. Mayer, M. Strous, M.C. Ryan, J.A. Cherry and B.L. Parker (2017), Mobility and persistence of methane in groundwater in a controlled release field experiment. Nature Geoscience, 10(4) 289+, doi:10.1038/NGEO2919
Steelman, C.M., B.L. Parker and C.S. Kennedy (2015), Evaluating local-scale anisotropy and heterogeneity in a fractured bedrock riverbed using EM azimuthal resistivity and ground penetrating radar. Journal of Applied Geophysics 116, 156 – 166, doi: 10.1016/j.jappgeo.2015.03.003
Steelman, C.M., C.S. Kennedy and B.L. Parker. (2015), Geophysical conceptualization of a fractured sedimentary bedrock riverbed using ground-penetrating radar and induced electrical conductivity. Journal of Hydrology 521, 433 – 446, doi: 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2014.12.001

Please see Colby Steelman's Google Scholar profile for a current list of his peer-revised articles.

Awards and Distinctions

2014-2016: Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship (NSERC), University of Guelph.
2012-2014: NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Guelph.
2012: W.B. Pearson Medal in Science, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Waterloo.

University of Waterloo Affiliations

Joint appointments
Cross appointments and adjunct
Waterloo institute memberships - WIN, WI, IQC, etc. - and Perimeter Institute
Definite Lecturer, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Waterloo
Principle Investigator, G³⁶⁰ Institute for Groundwater Research, University of Guelph