D. Kip Solomon

D. Kip Solomon is a Professor at the University of Utah where he currently holds the Brown Presidential Chair and serves as the Interim Chair of the Department of Geology and Geophysics within the College of Mines and Earth Sciences. With over 30 years of academic experience, Solomon has established himself as a leading expert in hydrogeology and environmental tracer applications.

Dr. Solomon earned his Ph.D. in Earth Sciences from the University of Waterloo (1992), an M.S. in Geology from the University of Utah (1985), and a B.S. in Geological Engineering from the University of Utah (1979). Prior to his academic career, he worked at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in various positions ranging from Research Staff to Groundwater Group Leader.

His research focuses on the innovative use of environmental tracers to evaluate groundwater flow and solute transport processes across various spatial scales. Solomon has pioneered methods using dissolved gases including helium-3, CFCs and SF₆ to determine groundwater ages, travel times, recharge locations and rates, and groundwater resource sustainability. He constructed and operates one of only a few laboratories worldwide that measures noble gases in groundwater. His work spans diverse environments from desert aquifers to mountain watersheds and even firn aquifers in Greenland, demonstrating remarkable versatility in hydrogeological investigation.

Analysis of Solomon's recent publications (2020-2025) reveals a consistent focus on advancing groundwater age-dating techniques, understanding water storage dynamics in snowmelt-dominated systems, and investigating contaminant transport. His research shows increasing integration of multiple tracers, sophisticated modeling approaches, and field instrumentation development. The work spans multiple continents and addresses critical water resource challenges including climate change impacts, PFAS contamination, and sustainable groundwater management.

Dr. Solomon's scientific contributions have been recognized through prestigious awards including the O.E. Meinzer Award from the Geological Society of America and Fellowship in the American Geophysical Union. His research has been supported by numerous grants from the National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, and various state agencies.

With more than 160 journal articles, book chapters, and technical reports, Solomon has made substantial contributions to understanding groundwater systems worldwide. His laboratory serves as a national resource for noble gas analysis, and his work on the automatic seepage meter represents significant innovation in field measurement techniques. Solomon has also contributed extensively to professional service, including serving on National Research Council committees and as the U.S. Representative for various Advisory Groups at the International Atomic Energy Agency.