WGNHS
Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey

Maureen (Moe) Muldoon

Position title: Hydrogeologist

Email: muldoon@wisc.edu

Phone: (608) 265-8181

Moe Muldoon outdoors in a yellow sweatshirt

My research focuses on using geologic knowledge to better understand groundwater flow systems in Wisconsin. Most of my recent work has focused on understanding flow in fractured carbonate (dolomite and limestone) aquifers; earlier work included research on the hydrogeologic properties of glacial material. Understanding geologic controls on groundwater flow systems helps us understand why some aquifers are more vulnerable to contamination than others and how we can protect these important sources of drinking water.

Completed projects include an investigation of tufa-depositing springs in southwestern Wisconsin and an investigation of groundwater quality in Kewaunee County that focused on sources and timing of microbial contamination.

Current projects

My current research projects include the Southwest Wisconsin groundwater and geology study (SWIGG) and the Rountree Formation project.

Southwest Wisconsin Groundwater and Geology (SWIGG) study. The purpose of the SWIGG study is to improve our understanding of groundwater quality in southwest Wisconsin and to better understand how local hydrogeology and well construction characteristics affect groundwater quality.

Rountree Formation project. I am also working on characterizing the hydrogeology of the Rountree Formation in southwestern Wisconsin (Grant, Iowa, and Lafayette Counties). The Rountree, a fine-grained deposit on the uplands of southwestern Wisconsin, may act as a barrier to downward movement of groundwater contamination. Major objectives of this project are to (1) evaluate the formation’s geographic distribution and thickness; (2) investigate its composition, mineralogy, and hydraulic conductivity; (3) evaluate its ability to buffer groundwater from contamination; and (4) compare data collected in our study area where the Rountree Formation developed on the Sinnipee Group dolomite, to similar data from neighboring Richland, Crawford, and Vernon Counties, where it developed on the Prairie du Chien Group dolomite.

See all my projects on an interactive map

Publications

Groundwater quality

  • Borchardt, M.A., Muldoon, M.A., Hunt, R.J., Bonness, D.E., Firnstahl, A.D., Kieke, B.A., Jr., Owens, D.W., Spencer, S.K., Stokdyk, J.P., 2019, Assessing groundwater quality in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin, and characterizing the timing and variability of enteric pathogen contamination within the dolomite aquifer in northeastern Wisconsin: Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey Open File Report 2019-05, 128 p., https://wgnhs.wisc.edu/pubs/wofr201905/.
  • Owens, D., Hunt, R., Firnstahl, A., Muldoon, M., and Borchardt, M., 2019, Automated time-series measurement of microbial concentrations in groundwater-derived water supplies: Groundwater, v. 57, p. 329–336, https://doi.org/dr87.
  • Muldoon, M.A., Borchardt, M.A., Spencer, S.K., Hunt, R.J., and Owens, D., 2017, Using enteric pathogens to assess sources of fecal contamination in the Silurian dolomite aquifer: Preliminary results, in White, W.B., Herman, J.S., Herman, E.K., and Rutigliano, M. (eds.), Karst groundwater contamination and public health: Beyond case studies, Advances in karst science: Springer, p. 209–213.
  • Muldoon, M.A., Bohn, M.F., Madison, F.W., and Richardson, N., 1994, Hydrogeologic and land-use controls on atrazine detection in Dane County, Wisconsin: Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey Open File Report 1994-02, 64 p., https://wgnhs.wisc.edu/pubs/wofr199402/.

Hydrogeology of fractured rocks

  • Muldoon, M.A., and Bradbury, K.R., 2019, Assessing seasonal variations in recharge and water quality in the Silurian aquifer in areas with thicker soil cover: Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Open File Report 2019-04, 38 p. + appendix, https://wgnhs.wisc.edu/pubs/wofr201904/.
  • Swanson, S.K, Muldoon, M.A., Polyak, V., and Asmerom, Y., 2014, Evaluating shallow flow-system response to climate change through analysis of spring deposits in southwestern Wisconsin, USA: Hydrogeology Journal, v. 22, p. 851–863, https://doi.org/dr8w.
  • Bradbury, K.R., Muldoon,A., and Borski, J., 2012, Monitoring groundwater inflow to the Mink River Estuary, Door County, Wisconsin: Final report to the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program (WCMP Grant Agreement Number: AD109367-011.03), 37 p. + appendices.
  • Muldoon, M.A., and Bradbury, K.R., 2005, Site characterization in densely fractured dolomite: Comparison of methods: Groundwater, v. 43, p. 863–876, https://doi.org/ddbj3x.
  • Underwood, C.A, Cooke, M.L., Simo, J.A., and Muldoon, M.A., 2003, Stratigraphic controls on vertical fracture patterns in Silurian dolomite, northeastern Wisconsin: AAPG Bulletin, v. 87, p. 121–142, https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/aapgbull/article-abstract/87/1/121/40024/Stratigraphic-controls-on-vertical-fracture.
  • Muldoon, M.A., Simo, J.A., and Bradbury, K.R., 2001, Correlation of high-permeability zones with stratigraphy in a fractured-dolomite aquifer, Door County, Wisconsin, USA: Hydrogeology Journal, v. 9, p. 570–583.
  • Rayne, T.W., Bradbury, K.R., Muldoon, M.A., and Roffers, P.D., 2001, Delineation of capture zones for municipal wells in complex fractured carbonate rock: Hydrogeology Journal, v. 9, p. 432–450.
  • Muldoon, M.A., Underwood, Chad, Cooke, M.L., and Simo, J.A. (Toni), 2001, Mechanical controls on fracture development in carbonate aquifers: Implications for groundwater flow systems: Final report to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 133 p.
  • Muldoon, M.A., Stocks, D.L., and Simo, J.A. (Toni), 1999, Stratigraphic controls on distribution of hydraulic conductivity in carbonate aquifers: Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey Open File Report 1999-06, 55 p., 4 plates, https://wgnhs.wisc.edu/pubs/wofr199906/.
  • Muldoon, M.A., and Bradbury, K.R., 1998, Hydrogeology of the Silurian dolomite aquifer, Door County, Wisconsin, in Field Trip Guidebook SEPM Research Conference, Fluid Flow in Carbonates: Interdisciplinary Approaches, p. 17–22.
  • Bradbury, K.R., and Muldoon, M.A., 1993, Effects of fracture density and anisotropy on wellhead protection area delineation in fractured-rock aquifers: Journal of Applied Hydrogeology, 2, p. 17–23.

Hydrogeology of Pleistocene deposits

  • Muldoon, M.A., Madison, F.W., and Johnson, M.D., 1990, Soils, geologic, and hydrogeologic influences on lake water quality in northwestern Wisconsin: Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey Open File Report 1990-01, 74 p., https://wgnhs.wisc.edu/pubs/wofr199001/.
  • Bradbury, K.R., and Muldoon, M.A., 1990, Hydraulic conductivity determinations in unlithified glacial and fluvial materials, in Nielson, D.M., and Johnson, A.I., (eds.), Ground water and vadose zone monitoring: ASTM Special Technical Publication 1053, p. 138–151.
  • Attig, J.W., and Muldoon, M.A., 1989, Pleistocene geology of Marathon County, Wisconsin: Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey Information Circular 65, 27 p., 1 pl., scale 1:100,000, https://wgnhs.wisc.edu/pubs/000315/.
  • Muldoon, M.A., Bradbury, K.R., Attig, J.W., and Mickelson, D.M., 1988, Hydrogeologic and geotechnical properties of pre-late Wisconsin till units in western Marathon County, Wisconsin: University of Wisconsin Water Resources Center Technical Report WIS WRC 88-03, 58 p.

County and regional groundwater studies

  • Muldoon, M.A., Keen, K., and Rader, C., 2007, Regional hydrogeologic study of Pierce and St. Croix Counties, Wisconsin: Delineation of zones of contribution for municipal wells in Pierce and St. Croix Counties, Wisconsin: Final report to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 52 p.
  • Erdman, B., and Muldoon, M.A., 2002, Pilot project to delineate source water assessment areas for selected wells within karst areas: Final report to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 23 p.
  • Muldoon, M.A., and Craven, J., 2000, Generalized water-table elevation map of Polk County, Wisconsin: Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey Map 133, scale 1:100,000, https://wgnhs.wisc.edu/pubs/000445/.
  • Muldoon, M.A., and Craven, J., 1999, Generalized water-table elevation map of Trempealeau County, Wisconsin: Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey Map 132, scale 1:100,000, https://wgnhs.wisc.edu/pubs/m132/.
  • Muldoon, M.A., and Dahl, M.V., 1998, Generalized water-table elevation map of Burnett County, Wisconsin: Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey Map 131, scale 1:100,000, https://wgnhs.wisc.edu/pubs/m131/.
  • Muldoon, M.A., and Payton, J., 1993, Determining wellhead protection boundaries – an introduction: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Publ WR313-92, 24 p., https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Groundwater/documents/pubs/delineation.pdf.
  • Muldoon, M.A., and Johnson, D.M., 1993, Generalized water-table elevation map of Pepin County, Wisconsin: Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey Map 121, scale 1:100,000, https://wgnhs.wisc.edu/pubs/m121/.
  • Muldoon, M.A., 1992, Generalized water-table elevation map of Eau Claire County, Wisconsin: Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey Map 119, scale 1:100,000, https://wgnhs.wisc.edu/pubs/m119/.
  • Muldoon, M.A., 1992, Water-table map of the Upper Black Earth Creek Watershed: Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey Open File Report 1992-01, 7 p., 4 pls., 1:24,000, https://wgnhs.wisc.edu/pubs/000775/.

Professional affiliations

  • Geological Society of America, fellow
  • American Geophysical Union, member
  • National Groundwater Association, member
  • American Water Resources Association, Wisconsin Section, member

Professional registrations

  • Wisconsin Professional Geologist (#790-013)
  • Wisconsin Professional Hydrologist (#100-111)

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