Colby Steelman

Lecturer, Environmental Geophysics

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.

Teaching

Earth 223: Field Methods in Hydrology

Earth 458L: Physical Hydrogeology

Earth 671: Field Methods in Hydrology

Sci 250: Environmental Geology

Highlighted Publications

Please see Colby Steelman's Google Scholar profile for a current list of his peer-reviewed 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
Principal Investigator, G³⁶⁰ Institute for Groundwater Research, University of Guelph