Matthew D Covington

Matthew D Covington is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geosciences at the University of Arkansas within the College of Arts & Sciences. His research bridges hydrogeology and geomorphology, with a focus on karst systems and glacial cave dynamics. He combines mathematical modeling with fieldwork to study processes in caves and their implications for landscape evolution and climate change.

Education:

• Undergraduate degrees in Physics and Philosophy from the University of Arkansas
• PhD in Physics from the University of California-Santa Cruz

His research explores karst aquifers, cave formation, and the role of CO2 in dissolution processes. He also investigates glacial caves in Greenland, linking their dynamics to subglacial water pressure and climate predictions.

His publications highlight trends in karst hydrology, CO2 monitoring technologies, and mathematical models of landscape evolution. These works often integrate field data with theoretical frameworks to address fundamental questions about Earth's geological processes.

Scientific Awards:

• NSF International Research Fellowship (2010 – 2012)
• NSF Earth Sciences Postdoctoral Fellowship (2008 – 2009)
• National Speleological Society Cave Diving Section Exploration Award (2009)
• University of Arkansas's 2002 Phi Beta Kappa Distinguished Scholar

Dr. Covington mentors students in geosciences and has secured grants through NSF fellowships. His work at the intersection of physics and geology has led to novel insights into cave systems, karst aquifers, and glacial hydrology.

He leads the Covington Research Group at the University of Arkansas, which emphasizes hydrogeological and geomorphological processes through analytical modeling, numerical simulations, and field studies in karst and glacial environments.