Colin J. Booth

Research Activities

* Mining hydrogeology: especially groundwater hydrology of underground coal mining and mine subsidence, and hydrogeological controls of groundwater flow and occurrence in coalfield settings. Current research project involves modeling the effects of longwall mining on shallow aquifers using MODFLOW with TMR.

* Analysis of groundwater flow systems and their application to groundwater resource evaluation and protection and environmental siting problems: Currently we are completing a research project involving modeling and delineation of recharge and shallow aquifer systems in DeKalb County, Illinois, a largely rural area experiencing rapid urban development.

* Past research conducted with students has covered a broad range of aquifer studies and environmental hydrogeological problems: See list of graduate student theses and dissertations

Selected Publications

Booth, C.J., Greer, C.B., 2011. Application of MODFLOW using TMR and discrete-step modification of hydraulic properties to simulate the hydrogeological impact of longwall mining subsidence on overlying shallow aquifers. Mine Water - Managing the Challenges: Proc. 11th IMWA Congress, Aachen, Germany, Sept. 2011, p. 211-216.

Greer, C.B., Booth, C.J., 2010. Modeling recharge into shallow glacial and deep bedrock aquifers related to the Troy Bedrock Valley system, DeKalb Co., Illinois. GSA NC-SC Section Meeting, Branson, MO, April 2010: Abstracts with Programs, v. 42(2).

Booth, C.J., 2007. Confined-unconfined changes above longwall coal mining due to increases in fracture porosity. Environmental and Engineering Geoscience, v. 13, no. 7, p. 355-367.

Booth, C.J., Gillet, S.P., Singhal, A., Greer, C.B., 2007. Evaluation of groundwater recharge in an urbanizing, glacial/bedrock aquifer setting, Illinois, by field, GIS and modeling methods. (Abstract). National Ground Water Association, 2007 Groundwater Summit, April 29 - May 3, 2007, Albuquerque, NM.

Booth, C.J., 2006. Groundwater as an environmental constraint of longwall coal mining. Environmental Geology, v. 49, no. 6, p. 796-803

Booth, C.J., 2002. The Effects of longwall coal mining on overlying aquifers.  In: Younger P.L. and Robins N.S. (eds.), Mine Water Hydrogeology and Geochemistry, Geological Society, London, Special Publication 198, p. 17-45.

Karaman, A., Carpenter, P. J., Booth, C.J., 2001.  Type-curve analysis of water-level changes induced by a longwall mine.  Environmental Geology, 40: 897-901.

Booth, C.J., Bauer, R.A., Curtiss, A.M., DeMaris, P.J., 2000. Site-specific variation in the potentiometric response to subsidence above active longwall mining. Environmental and Engineering Geoscience, v. 6, no. 4, p. 383-394.

Booth, C.J., Curtiss, A.M., DeMaris, P.J., Van Roosendaal, D.J., 1999. Anomalous increases in piezometric levels in advance of longwall mining subsidence. Environmental and Engineering Geoscience, v. 5, no. 4, p. 407-418.

Booth, C.J., Bertsch, L.P., 1999. Groundwater geochemistry in shallow aquifers above longwall mines in Illinois. Hydrogeology Journal, v. 7, no. 6, p. 561-575.

Booth, C.J., 1998. Integrated hydrogeological approach to site selection criteria for a low-level radioactive waste disposal facility in Illinois. in: Gambling with Groundwater (Van Brahana et al., eds.): Proc. 28th Congress, Inter. Assoc. Hydrogeologists, Las Vegas, Nevada, Sept. 1998: p. 305-310.

Booth, C.J., Spande, E.D., Pattee, C.T., Miller, J.D., Bertsch, L.P., 1998. Positive and negative impacts of longwall mining on a sandstone aquifer. Environmental Geology, v. 34, no. 2/3, p. 223-233.

Teaching

• GEOL 105 Environmental Geology
• GEOL 390 Introduction to Groundwater
• GEOL 490/590 Hydrogeology
• GEOL 630 Groundwater Modeling
• GEOL 632 Advanced Groundwater Hydrology
• GEOL 635 Groundwater Geology
• GEOL 637 Contaminant Hydrogeology
• GEOL 746Q Hydrogeology Seminar

Professional

Licensed Professional Geologist (PG), Illinois

Employment Experience

• 1974-75 Exploration Logging International: Geologist/Logger
• 1976-78 Anglian Water Authority, UK: Hydrogeological Assistant
• 1984-date Department of Geology, Northern Illinois University
  • Asst. Prof./Assoc. Prof./Professor; Chair since 2008

Other Professional Offices and Experience

• Consultant in hydrogeology and mining hydrology
• Technical advisor for environmental/groundwater projects
• Associate Editor, Mine Water & the Environment (IMWA Journal), 2001-2008
• International Mine Water Association, Executive Council 1994-date
• International Association of Hydrogeologists, US Board 1997-2008, Sec-Treas 2001-2004
• Illinois Groundwater Association, Board 1999-2001, Chairman 2002 
• Illinois Low-level Radioactive Waste Task Group, 1995-date
• Illinois Mine Subsidence Research Program, Technical Committee 1987-1993

Links to Groundwater Organizations

Illinois Groundwater Association

International Association of Hydrogeologists

International Mine Water Association

National Ground Water Association