About HGB

About the Hydrogeophysics Branch

Overview of the WMA Hydrogoephysics Branch

Overview

The Earth System Processes Division Hydrogeophysics Branch (HGB) supports the USGS Water Resources Mission Area in the development and application of hydrogeophysical techniques that enhance groundwater resource assessment, modeling, and monitoring by:

• providing technical assistance to the USGS Water Science Centers;
• conducting applied research; and
• training USGS offices on the use of geophysical methods and equipment.

Staff

HGB scientists bring a wide range of expertise to support the USGS Water Resources Mission Area offices and Water Science Centers on borehole, surface, waterborne, and airborne geophysical methods. To contact an individual in our office, refer to our staff list.

History

From the start, the Branch has been grounded in the needs and programs of USGS Water Science Centers. The Branch began as a geophysics studies section in the Connecticut District office under the leadership of USGS hydrologist F. Pete Haeni. In the mid-1990s the group was moved into the Office of Groundwater as the Branch of Geophysical Applications And Support, in recognition of the growing availability, application, and importance of geophysical tools and methods to USGS groundwater studies across the Nation. In the mid-2000s, the name was shortened to the Branch of Geophysics. With the WMA re-organization effective October 1, 2017, the Branch was renamed the Hydrogeophysics Branch and is now part of the WMA Earth System Processes Division.

While the name has changed, our focus remains the same: identifying and exploring new and emerging hydrogeophysical methods, tools, and application for USGS groundwater studies and implementing a robust, multi-faceted technology transfer program to support application of hydrogeophysics across the USGS.