Ralph K. Davis

Citation

The first award is presented to Ralph K. Davis in recognition of his contributions to practical studies in hydrogeology, his mentorship in the field through teaching, and his service to the profession.

Ralph’s career began as Manager of the Big Bend Groundwater Management in Kansas. Here he published papers on the effect of flood waves on groundwater levels, on patterns of groundwater level declines in developed aquifers, and on effects of groundwater pumping on river flows.

Ralph’s dissertation research used the movement of atrazine from the Platte River into the Lincoln wellfield to determine the dispersivity of a major alluvial aquifer and the degree of connectivity in this dynamic surface water – groundwater system. Ralph worked with the tribal lands of the Omaha and the Santee Nations, and he continues to work with Native Americans to assist expansion of their capacity for water resources management within their homelands.

Recently, his research has expanded to include karstic aquifers in Arkansas. Management of that groundwater resource has been enhanced by his research that has led to greater understanding of the interaction of people and the aquifer and enhanced our understanding of bacterial and sediment transport in karstic aquifers. He is currently serving as Director of the Arkansas Water Resources Center while teaching and conducitng research at the University of Arkansas.

He has served the Hydrogeology Division as Program Chair for the Toronto Meeting and has routinely organized a session for the GSA Annual Meeting. Of special note is that he is in his 4th term as Secretary-Treasurer of the Hydrogeology Division. The institutional memory and dedication that he has brought to this position has made a difference in the quality of the Division activities through the years.

For his superb scientific and management leadership and mentorship in the hydrogeologic profession, the Hydrogeology Division takes great pride in presenting Ralph K. Davis with the Distinguished Service Award for 2005.

Photograph: Ralph Davis (right), one of the two 2005 Distinguish Service Award winners with Citationist Eric Peterson.