For immediate release
San Antonio — July 3, 2012 — Dr. Ronald T. Green, an Institute scientist in the Geosciences and Engineering Division at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), has been named a Fellow of the Geological Society of America.
Green is a groundwater hydrologist with research experience in groundwater resource assessment, multiphase and groundwater modeling, development and execution of laboratory and field-scale experiments and environmental geophysics. He has served as the principal lead for karst hydrology investigations, including investigations of the dynamic hydraulic interaction among karst and fluvial groundwater systems and modeling groundwater flow through karst aquifers. The term "karst" refers to limestone rock layers that have partially dissolved, creating complex underground aquifers that are characterized on the surface by sinks, ravines and other collapse features.
He was the principal investigator for an internal research and development project to design, build and deploy a neutrally buoyant sensor to remotely map the pathway and morphology of karst conduits and to measure the velocity of groundwater flow in the conduits. The invention earned an R&D 100 Award as one of the top 100 innovations in 2009 as recognized by R&D Magazine.
"Ron is one of those rare individuals who combine a keen intellect, sound business sense and genuine concern for society and the environment," said Dr. Wesley Patrick, vice president of the Institute's Geosciences and Engineering Division. "Holding the rank of Institute scientist, the highest professional rank at SwRI, he readily shares his expertise in geology and hydrology with more junior members of our staff, as well as mentoring and serving on graduate committees of university students."
Green is one of 78 GSA professional members elected to Fellowship for 2012. GSA Fellowship is bestowed by election at the spring GSA Council meeting. GSA members are nominated by existing GSA Fellows in recognition of their distinguished contributions to the geosciences through such avenues as publications, applied research, teaching, administration of geological programs, contributing to the public awareness of geology, leadership of professional organizations, and taking on editorial, bibliographic and library responsibilities.
GSA's newly elected Fellows will be recognized at the 2012 GSA Annual Meeting Awards Ceremony November 5 in Charlotte, N.C.
Green holds bachelor's degrees in geology from Grand Valley State University and industrial engineering from the University of Michigan, a master's degree in geophysics from the University of Utah and a doctorate in hydrology from the University of Arizona. In addition to the Geological Society of America, he is a member of the American Geophysical Union and a member of the Board of the National Cave and Karst Research Institute.
For more information, contact Deb Schmid, (210) 522-2254, Communications Department, Southwest Research Institute, 6220 Culebra Road, San Antonio, TX 78238-5166.