John Bradford
Associate Professor
CGISS Director
Center for Geophysical Investigation of the Shallow Subsurface
Department of Geosciences
Boise State University
1910 University Drive
Boise, Idaho  83725
voice: 208-426-3898
fax:    208-426-3888

Curriculum Vitae




Class Resources

Geophysics 300: Lecture slides

Research

The study of shallow earth systems relies on a broad group of sub-disciplines spanning a  range of earth sciences and engineering.  Objectives of geophysical characterization of shallow earth systems vary by application. The common goal is measuring the spatial distribution of solids and/or fluids in the subsurface.  My primary research interest is centered around quantitative analysis of wave propagation based geophysical data, particularly seismic reflection and ground-penetrating radar (GPR).  This includes developing an understanding of what physical properties it is possible to quantify, developing data analysis tools to make those measurements, and integrating physical property estimates in the solution of more general earth science problems.  I work on applying these quantitative methodologies to a broad range of problems including detecting contaminants in shallow groundwater systems, glacier hydrology, snow characterization, sea ice imaging, permafrost dynamics, surface water hydrology, basin stratigraphy, and shallow hydrothermal systems.  My research combines a rigorous computational approach with a comprehensive field study program.  Combining this basic framework with the interdisciplinary nature of my work provides graduate students with a variety of opportunities.  Additionally, I encourage and involve undergraduate students in many of my research projects.




   

Student Opportunity

I am currently looking for students to work on integration, modeling, imaging, and inversion of 3D seismic reflection, ground-penetrating radar, and electrical resistivity data at our field laboratory, the Boise Hydrogeophysical Research Site.  Objectives include developing new methods to remotely measure hydrologic parameters such as porosity and permeabilty.  Within this context, we are working to advance modeling, imaging, and data analysis methods for shallow geophysical investigations more generally.  Student projects include a strong theoretical component with the opportunity to participate in and conduct field research.

Additional opportunities may be found in the projects listed below.  

Current Projects

Cryosphere Geophysics Research Group

Utilizing ground-penetrating radar and solute tracer experiments to determine the extent of the hyporheic zone in mountain streams

Hydrogeophysical data integration, imaging, and inversion
Students

Joel Brown, PhD aspirant, "Using georadar to non-destructively map the in-situ hydrologic properties of snow, firn, and glacial ice"
Josh Nichols, PhD aspirant, "Geophysical investigation of water distribution in glaciers"
Emily Hinz, PhD aspirant, "Defining fundamental aquifer properties and contaminant detection through geophysical imaging"
Shannon Murray, PhD aspirant, "MEGA broadband electrogmagnetic inversion and material property characterization"
Emily Park, MS candidate

Troy Brosten, PhD 2008, "Ground-penetrating radar and thermal modeling methodologies for active layer thaw estimates beneath arctic streams"
Scott Hess, MS, 2005, "Characterization of an active fault zone using the three-dimensional reflection seismic method"
Jake Deeds, MS (University of Wyoming), 2002, "Amplitude variation with offset (AVO) analysis of ground penetrating radar data for detection of organic contaminants"

Publications

Complete list of peer reviewed publications

Peer Reviewed Publications (published or in press, 2008)

Bradford, J.H., Dickins, D.F., and Liberty, L.M., in press, Locating oil spills under sea ice using ground-penetrating radar: The Leading Edge

Bradford, J.H., Nichols, J., Mikesell, D., Harper, J., in press, Continuous multi-fold acquisition and analysis of ground-penetrating radar data for improved characterization of glacier structure and water content:  Annals of Glaciology

Meierbachtol, T.W., Harper, J.T., Humphrey, N.F., Bradford, J.H., Shaha, J., in press, Dynamic basal drainage adjustments during sliding accelerations from borehole response tests: Bench Glacier, Alaska: Journal of Geophysical Research (Earth Surface)

Brown, J., Nichols, J., Steinbronn, L., and Bradford J., in press, Improved GPR interpretation through resolution of lateral velocity heterogeneity:  Example from an archaeological site investigation: Journal of Applied Geophysics.

Gooseff, M.N., Payn, R.A., Zarnetske, J.P., Bowden, W.B., McNamara, J.P, and Bradford,J.H., 2008, Flushing of dead zone storage during instantaneous and constant rate tracer additions in two Alaskan tundra streams: Journal of Hydrology, 357, 112-124.

Greenwald, M.J., Bowden, W.B., Gooseff, M.N., Zarnetske, J.P., McNamara, J.P., Bradford, J.H., and Brosten, T.R., 2008, Hyporheic exchange and water chemistry of two Arctic tundra stream of contrasting geomorphology: Journal of Geophysical Research (Biogeosciences), 113, G02029, doi:10.1029/2007JG000549.

Bowden, W., M. Gooseff, J. H. Bradford, A. Balser, A. Green, and B. J. Peterson, 2008, Effects of thermokarst activity on ecosystem dynamics in streams draining the foothills of the North Slope, Alaska. Journal of Geophysical Research (Biogeosciences), 113, G02026, doi:10.1029/2007JG000470.

Payn, R.A., Gooseff, M.N., Benson, D.A., Cirpka, O.A., Zarnetske, J.P., Bowden, W.B., McNamara, J.P., and Bradford, J.H., 2008, Comparison of stream reach residence time distribution characterized by tracer experiments of different durations: Water Resources Research, 44, W06404, doi:10.1029/2007WR006274.

Bradford, J.H., 2008, Measuring lateral and vertical heterogeneity in vadose zone water content using multi-fold GPR with reflection tomography: Vadose Zone Journal, 7, 184-193, doi:10.2136/vjz2006.0160.

Zarnetske, J.P., Gooseff, M.N., Bowden, W.B., Greenwald, M.J., Brosten, T.R., Bradford, J.H., and McNamara, J.P., 2008, Influence of morphology and permafrost dynamics on hyporheic exchange in Arctic headwater streams under warming climate conditions:  Geophysical Research Letters, 35, L02501, doi:10.1029/2007GL032049.

Peer Reviewed Publications (in review)

Bradford, J.H., Clement, W., and Barrash, W., in review, Accuracy and precision of ground-penetrating radar reflection tomography: A controlled 3D experiment at the Boise Hydrogeophysical Research Site: Water Resources Research

Brosten, T.R., Bradford, J.H., McNamara, J.P., Gooseff, M.N., Zarnetske, J.P., Bowden, B.W., Johnston, M.E., in review, Multi-offset GPR methods for hyporheic zone investigations: Near Surface Geophysics

Bradford, J.H., Dickins, D.F., and Brandvik, P.J.,  in review, Detection of snow covered oil spills on sea ice using ground-penetrating radar:  IEEE Journal of Oceanic Engineering

Bradford, J.H., Harper, J.T., and Brown, J., in review, Measuring complex dielectric permittivity from ground-penetrating radar to measure liquid water content in snow: Water Resources Research

Brown, J.M., Harper, J.T., Bradford, J.H., in review, A radar transparent layer in a temperate valley glacier: Bench Glacier, Alaska: Journal of Geophysical Research (Earth Surface)

Brosten, T.R., Bradford, J.H., McNamara, J.P., Gooseff, M.N., Zarnetske, J.P., Bowden, W.B., and Greenwald-Johnston, M.E., in review, Estimating 3D variation in active-layer thickness beneath arctic streams suing ground-penetrating radar: Journal of Hydrology


What else is there?

My contributions to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons

This counts as work, right?


Worthy causes

Lance Armstrong Foundation

Susan G. Kommen Foundation

Make-a-Wish Foundation