Past work at MGS and MDH has targeted residence times in Minnesota aquifers using a chemical and hydrostratigraphic approach. While much of this work has focused on southeastern Minnesota, these methods have also been applied to glacial and crystalline bedrock settings within the state. I have also worked on three-dimensional geologic modeling in sedimentary, unconsolidated and crystalline bedrock settings, with the goal of providing datasets that can readily be incorporated into groundwater flow models. Combinations of subsurface geologic models and groundwater residence times have demonstrated to be useful tools for refining numeric modeling conceptual frameworks, in addition to being effective outreach and education tools for water resource management.

MGS's current and future plans are to build out state-wide subsurface datasets and geologic modeling to address not only water, but land and mineral resources. Three-dimensional subsurface mapping (data and interpretation) in a consistent, software-independent format will be easily updateable and retrievable by design, providing improved systematic geologic framework to support stewardship of water, land, and mineral resources as new data become available.

Education

• Ph.D., Water Resources Science, 2012, University of Minnesota
• M.S., Geology, 1992, University of Minnesota
• B.A., History, 1981, Carleton College

Teaching Subjects

• General Hydrogeology
• Hydrogeology Field Camp

Selected Publications

Runkel, A. C., Tipping, R. G., Meyer, J. R., Steenberg, J. R., Retzler, A. J., Parker, B. L., Green, J. A., Barry, J. D., & Jones, P. M. (2018). A multidisciplinary-based conceptual model of a fractured sedimentary bedrock aquitard: Improved prediction of aquitard integrity. Hydrogeology Journal, 26(7), 2133–2159, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-018-1794-2

Tipping, R. G., Rantala, M., Alexander, E. C., Jr., Gao, Y., & Green, J. A. (2015). History and future of the Minnesota Karst Feature Database. In D. H. Doctor, L. Land and J. Brad Stephenson (Eds.). National Cave & Karst Research Institute Symposium 5, Sinkholes and the Engineering and Environmental Impacts of Karst, Proceedings of the 14th Multidisciplinary Conference, Oct 5-9, 2015, Rochester, MN, NCKRI, Carlsbad, MN, p. 263-270.

Anderson, J. R., Runkel, A. C., Tipping, R. G., Barr, K. D. L., & Alexander, E. C., Jr. (2011). Hydrostratigraphy of a fractured, urban aquitard. In Miller, J. D., Jr., Hudak, G. J., Wittkop, C., & McLaughlin, P. I. (Eds.). Archean to Anthropocene: Field Guides to the Geology of the Mid-Continent of North America: Geological Society of America Field Guide 24, p. 457-475.

Tipping, R. G., Alexander, E. C., Jr., & Alexander, S. (2011). Groundwater policy at state and local levels: The science-policy linkage. In Water Policy in Minnesota: Issues, Incentives and Action. K. W. Easter and J. Perry (Eds.). RFF Press: Earthscan, London, 256 p.

Runkel, A. C., Tipping, R. G., Alexander, E. C. Jr., & Alexander, S. C. (2006). Hydrostratigraphic characterization of intergranular and secondary porosity in part of the Cambrian sandstone aquifer system of the cratonic interior of North America: Improving predictability of hydrogeologic properties. Sedimentary Geology, Volume 184, Issues 3-4, 15 February 2006, pp. 281-304. 

Tipping, R. G., Runkel, A. C., Alexander, E. C., Jr., Alexander, S. C., & Green, J. A. (2006). Evidence for hydraulic heterogeneity and anisotropy in the mostly carbonate Prairie du Chien Group, southeastern Minnesota, USA. Sedimentary Geology, Volume 184, Issues 3-4, 15 February 2006, pp. 305-330.

Mossler, J. H., & Tipping, R. G. (2000).  Bedrock geology and structure of the seven-county Twin Cities Metropolitan Area, Minnesota. Minnesota Geological Survey Map M-104, https://hdl.handle.net/11299/57005

Selected Reports

Tipping, R. G. (2019). Pilot multi-county modeling synthesis for Bonanza Valley Groundwater Management Area. Minnesota Geological Survey Open File Report 21-02: 51 p., https://hdl.handle.net/11299/219591

Runkel, A. C., Steenberg, J. R., Tipping, R. G., Jansen, S., & Retzler, A. J. (2015). Hydraulic conductivity and hydrostratigraphy of the Platteville Formation, Twin Cities Metropolitan Area, Minnesota. Minnesota Geological Survey Open File Report 15-01: 34p, electronic GIS files, https://hdl.handle.net/11299/171967

Tipping, R.G. (2014). A hydrochemical survey of groundwater flow in the Rochester metropolitan area, Minnesota, Minnesota Geological Survey Open-file Report 14-05. 97 p., https://hdl.handle.net/11299/165412

Runkel, A. C., Steenberg, J. R., Tipping, R. G., & Retzler, A. J.  (2014). Geologic controls on groundwater and surface water flow in southeastern Minnesota and its impact on nitrate concentrations in streams, Minnesota Geological Survey Open-File Report 14-02, 154 p., https://hdl.handle.net/11299/162612

Tipping, R. G., Runkel, A. C., & Gonzalez, C. M. (2010). Geologic investigation for portions of the Twin Cities Metropolitan area, I. Quaternary/Bedrock Hydraulic conductivity, II. Groundwater Chemistry: Metropolitan Council Water Supply Master Plan Development: Minnesota Geological Survey, Project Report to Metropolitan Council: 62 p.

Tipping, R. G., & Runkel, A. C. (2008). Geologic investigations to support ground-water management II, Rochester metropolitan area, Minnesota, Project Summary Report to Rochester Public Utilities.  Minnesota Geological Survey Open File Report 08-06, 60p., GIS map files, https://hdl.handle.net/11299/109024

Tipping, R. G., Mossler, J. H., Alexander, E. C., Jr., Gao, Y., Green, J. A., & Alexander, S. C. (2007).  Bedrock geology, topography, and karst feature inventory of Steele, Dodge, Olmsted, and Winona Counties. Minnesota Geological Survey Open File Report 07-07: 13p., GIS map files, https://hdl.handle.net/11299/123367

Meyer, G. N., & Tipping, R. G. (2007).  Geology in support of ground-water management for the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area, Metropolitan Council Water Supply Master Plan Development - Phase I. Minnesota Geological Survey Open File Report 07-02: 48p., 1 plate, GIS map files, https://hdl.handle.net/11299/108916

Runkel, A. C., Tipping, R. G., Alexander, E. C., Jr., Green, J. A., Mossler, J. H., & Alexander, S. C. (2003). Hydrogeology of the Paleozoic bedrock in southeastern Minnesota: Minnesota Geological Survey Report of Investigations 61, 105 p., 2 plates.

Paillet, F. L., Lundy, J., Tipping, R. G., Runkel, A. C., Reeves, L., & Green, J. (2000). Hydrogeologic characterization of six sites in southeastern Minnesota using borehole flowmeters and other geophysical logs. US Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 2000-4142: 33p.

Tipping, R. G. (1994). Southeastern Minnesota regional groundwater monitoring study. A Report to the Southeast Minnesota Water Resources Board. Minnesota Geological Survey: 117 p., https://hdl.handle.net/11299/122062