DRI / DIRECTORY / BRAD LYLES
Brad Lyles Profile Photo
Brad Lyles
Associate Research Scientist Emeritus
Phone 
775-673-7347
E-Mail 
Brad.Lyles@dri.edu
Campus 
Reno Campus
Division 
Administration

Professional Interests

Mr. Lyles’ research and experience are focused on the study of ion and isotope geochemistry. Current research has included the use of geostatistics to refine groundwater gradients to further understand geochemical mixing in carbonate and alluvial aquifers of southern Nevada. Hydraulic parameters and geochemical variability have been used successfully to delineate buried geologic structures of Las Vegas Valley. Time-series spring data have been used to identify groundwater recharge characteristics.

Other research interests include the development of data acquisition systems for hydrologic studies such as the development of a water stage and chemistry data logging system in a limestone karst environment; the design and development of a hydrochemical logging tool capable of measuring temperature, electrical conductance, pH, dissolved oxygen, and bromide, consecutively; and, the development of a thermal-pulse flowmeter logging tool for measuring vertical groundwater flow in boreholes.

Research Areas

  • Hydrology of the Unsaturated Zone
  • Contaminant Transport
  • Hydrogeological Controls on Availability and Quality of Ground Water
  • Global Environmental Hydrology
  • Integrated Watershed System

Education

Degree Institution Area
M.S. University of Nevada, Reno Hydrogeology
B.A. California State University, Fresno Geology
Publications
2024
Lyles, B. F., Sion, B., Page, D. J., Crews, J. B., McDonald, E. V., Hausner, M. B. (2024). Closing the Water Balance with a Precision Small-Scale Field Lysimeter, Sensors, 24, 2039, 10.3390/s24072039

2023
Rybarski, S. C., Sabol, D. E., Page, D. J., Minor, T. B., Lyles, B. F., Crews, J. B., McDonald, E. V., Sion, B. (2023). Object Detection Algorithms, Multispectral Imaging, and Environmental Characterization for Surface Target Acquisition, 38. Report prepared for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Engineer Research and Development Center Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory under contract W913E520C0015

2021
Crews, J. B., Hausner, M. B., Page, D. J., Lyles, B. F., Sabol, D. E., McDonald, E. V. (2021). Quantification of Near-surface Physical and Electromagnetic Properties in Soils Related to Operational Testing and Development of Countermine Technologies. Prepared for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Engineer Research and Development Center Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory

Sion, B., McDonald, E. V., Lyles, B. F., Sabol, D. E., Weir, W. B. (2021). Determining field-based relations between variable soil moisture and soil strength, 38. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center, Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, W913E5-19-C-0009

Hausner, M. B., Rybarski, S. C., Lyles, B. F., McDonald, E. V. (2021). Numerical modeling of heat and mass transfer around buried munitions, Contract W913E5-19-C-0007. Final Report to US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Cold Regions Research and Engineering Lab: [not for public release]

Heintz, K. M., Lyles, B. F., McCurdy, G. D. (2021). Letter Report: FY2021 Timber Mountain Environmental Monitoring Station Decommission (DOE/NV/0003590-61)

Heintz, K. M., Lyles, B. F. (2021). Task Update: DRI Discrete-Interval Well Sampling and Hydrochemical Well Logging at the Central Nevada Test Area – 2021

2020
Heintz, K. M., Lyles, B. F. (2020). Task Update: DRI Discrete-Interval Well Sampling and Hydrochemical Well Logging at the Central Nevada Test Area. Prepared for: US Department of Energy

Hershey, R. L., Parashar, R., Cooper, C. A., Heintz, K. M., Pham, H. V., Lyles, B. F. (2020). Evaluation of Timber Mountain Recharge and Groundwater Flow in Relation to Pahute Mesa-Oasis Valley Flow System. Desert Research Institute, DOE/NV/0003590-56, https://doi.org/10.2172/1727435

Pearson, C., Volk, J. M., Lyles, B. F., Bromley, M., Huntington, J. L. (2020). Evaporation Monitoring at Lahontan Reservoir, Nevada: 2014-2020 Data Collection Summary

2019
Lyles, B. F., Pearson, C., McCurdy, G. D., Huntington, J. L. (2019). NICE Net Precipitation Summary Report: 2017: Reno, 41276

Jasoni, R. L., Page, D. J., Lyles, B. F., McDonald, E. V. (2019). Design and Development of Three Master Environmental Reference Sites for Monitoring Soil Mass Energy Associated with Buried Munition, 43 pp., Report prepared for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory.

Crews, J. B., Page, D. J., Rybarski, S. C., Hartshorn, E. J., Weir, W. B., Sabol, D. E., Lyles, B. F., Healey, J. M., Hausner, M. B., McDonald, E. V. (2019). Enhanced Soil Electromagnetic Parameter Acquisition Using the Open Hull Dual Aperture Measurement Network (OHDAMN), 58 pp., Report prepared for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory.

Lyles, B. F., Page, D. J., Jasoni, R. L., McDonald, E. V. (2019). Development of a Master Environmental Reference Site (MERS) Remote Display for the YPG Countermine Facility, 2 pp., Report prepared for the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground.

Lyles, B. F., Jasoni, R. L., Page, D. J., McDonald, E. V. (2019). Development of a YPG Countermine MERS Portable Monitoring Station, 3 pp., Report prepared for the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground.

Sabol, D. E., Page, D. J., Lyles, B. F., Sion, B., McDonald, E. V. (2019). Initial Results Estimating Subsurface Soil Moisture Using Apparent Thermal Inertia Over Bare Soils, 22. U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center: Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory

2018
Devitt, D., Bird, B., Lyles, B. F., Fenstermaker, L.F., Jasoni, R. L., Strachan, S., Arnone, J.A. III, Biondi, F., Mensing, S., Saito, L. (2018). Assessing Near Surface Hydrologic Processes and Plant Response Over a 1600 m Mountain Valley Gradient in the Great Basin, NV, U.S.A., Water, 10, 21 p., Article No. 420, 10.3390/w10040420

2017
Devitt, D. A., Bird, B., Lyles, B. F., Fenstermaker, L.F., Jasoni, R. L., Strachan, S., Arnone, J.A. III, Biondi, F., Mensing, S., Saito, L. (2017). Soil- Plant- Water- Climate Relations Over a 1600 m Mountain Valley Gradient in the Great Basin, NV, Journal of Water

Pohlmann, K. F., Healey, J. M., Lyles, B. F., Cooper, C. A., Hershey, R. L. (2017). Hydrophysical Evaluation of Wells TW-B, TW-7, UE-6d, U-2gg PSE 3A, U-10L 1, and UE-6e in Yucca Flat (45274, DOE/NV/0000939-40), Desert Research Institute Publication No. 45274

2016
Strachan, S., Kelsey, E. P., Brown, R. F., Dascalu, S., Harris, F., Kent, G., Lyles, B. F., McCurdy, G. D., Slater, D., Smith, K. (2016). Filling the Data Gaps in Mountain Climate Observatories Through Advanced Technology, Refined Instrument Siting, and a Focus on Gradients, Mountain Research and Development, 36 (4), 518-527, 10.1659/MRD-JOURNAL-D-16-00028.1

2015
Chapman, J. B., Cooper, C. A., Lyles, B. F., Hershey, R. L., Healey, J. M. (2015). Handbook: Collecting Groundwater Samples from Monitoring wells in Frenchman Flat, CAU 98, DOE/NV/0000939-23, Desert Research Institute Publication No. 45261

Lyles, B. F., McCurdy, G. D., Healey, J. M., Campbell, S. A. (2015). 2014 Annual Report Timber Mountain Environmental Monitoring Station, DOE/NV/0000939-LTR2015-24

James, R. M., Huntington, J. L., Pearson, C., Lyles, B. F. (2015). Assessing Emissivity Effects on Estimated Evaporation using Aerodynamic-Bulk Mass Transfer Methods, Sensors

2014
Lyles, B. F., McCurdy, G. D., Russell, C. E., Healey, J. M. (2014). 2013 Annual Report: Timber Mountain Precipitation Monitoring Station, DOE/NV/0000939-LTR2014-16

2012
Jasoni, R. L., Larsen, J. D., Lyles, B. F., Healey, J. M., Cooper, C. A., Hershey, R. L. (2012). Data Report: Meteorological and Evapotranspiration Data from Sagebrush and Pinyon Pine/Juniper Communities at Pahute Mesa, Nevada National Security Site, 2011-2012 (45248), Desert Research Institute Publication No. 45248

2008
Gillespie, D. R., Lyles, B. F., Healey, J. M., Chapman, J. B. (2008). Investigation of Rapid Decrease in Water Level at MV-2 Lower Piezometer, Central Nevada Test Area

2007
Hershey, R. L., Heilweil, P., Gardner, P., Lyles, B. F., Earman, S. B., Thomas, J. M., Lundmar, K. W. (2007). Ground-water chemistry interpretations supporting the Basin and Range regional carbonate-rock aquifer system (BARCAS) study, eastern Nevada and western Utah

Knochenmus, L. A., Laczniak, R. J., Moreo, M. T., Sweetkind, D. S., Wilson, J. W., Thomas, J. M., Justet, L., Hershey, R. L., Earman, S. B., Lyles, B. F., Lundmark, K. (2007). Ground-water conditions, in Welch, A. H., Bright, D. J., and Knochenmus, L. A., eds., Water resources of the Basin and Range carbonate-rock aquifer system, White Pine County, Nevada, and adjacent areas in Nevada and Utah, U. S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2007-5261, 37-42

Laczniak, R. J., Flint, A. L., Moreo, M. T., Knochenmus, L. A., Lundmark, K., Pohll, G. M., Carroll, R. W., Smith, J. L., Welborn, T. L., Heilweil, V. M., Pavelko, M. T., Hershey, R. L., Thomas, J. M., Earman, S. B., Lyles, B. F. (2007). Ground-water budgets, in Welch, A. H., Bright, D. J., and Knochenmus, L. A., eds., Water resources of the Basin and Range carbonate-rock aquifer system, White Pine County, Nevada, and adjacent areas in Nevada and Utah, U. S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2007-5261, 43-68

Hassan, A., Chapman, J. B., Lyles, B. F. (2007). Validation Analysis of the Shoal Groundwater Flow and Transport Model

2006
Decker, D. L., Carnahan, T. G., Murphy, J. E., Lyles, B. F. (2006). Subsurface in situ tritium monitoring instrument development: interim report

2004
Albright, W. H., Benson, C. H., Gee, G. W., Roesler, A., Abichou, T., Apiwantragoon, P., Lyles, B. F., Rock, S. A. (2004). Field water balance of landfill final covers, Journal of Environmental Quality, 33

2003
Reimus, P., Pohll, G. M., Mihevc, T. M., Chapman, J. B., Haga, M., Lyles, B. F., Kosinski, S., Niswonger, R. G., Sanders, P. (2003). Testing and parameterizing a conceptual model for solute transport in a fractured granite using multiple tracers in a forced-gradient test, Water Resources Research, 39, 12, 1356-1370

Young, M. H., Lyles, B. F., Dana, G. L., Cooper, C. A. (2003). Evaluation of Infiltration Through Biocovers at the Outerloop RDF Louisville, KY, DRI Report No. 41187

1996
Tyler, S., Kranz, S., Parlange, M., Albertson, J., Cochran, G. F., Lyles, B. F., Holder, G. (1996). Estimation of Ground-Water Evaporation and Salt Flux from Owens Dry Lake, California, U.S.A., DRI Report No. 41151

1992
Jacobson, R. L., Cochran, G. F., Lyles, B. F., Mihevc, T. M. (1992). River Site Upper Aquifer Owens Dry Lake: Analysis of Long-Term Aquifer Test & Pumping Effects, 37, DRI Report No. 41135

Jacobson, E., Cochran, G. F., Lyles, B. F., Mihevc, T. M. (1992). Mill Site Aquifer, Owens Dry Lake: Analysis of Long-Term Aquifer Test & Pumping Effects, 37, DRI Report No. 41134

1990
Lyles, B. F. (1990). Tritium Variations in Groundwater on the Nevada Test Site., 95, 45086

1988
Lyles, B. F., Hess, J. W. (1988). Isotope and Ion Geochemistry in the Vicinity of the Las Vegas Valley Shear Zone, 78, DRI Report No. 41111

1987
Lyles, B. F., Jacobson, R. L., Hess, J. W. (1987). Reconnaissance of Groundwater Quality in Southern Nevada, 87, DRI Report No. 41101

Lyles, B. F. (1987). Data Report: Water Level Data from Northern Las Vegas Valley, 26, DRI Report No. 41106

Conference Proceedings
2020
Pearson, C., Huntington, J. L., Jasoni, R. L., Lyles, B. F., Broman, D., Holman, K., Nowak, K. (2020). Improving Reservoir Evaporation Estimates for Enhanced Decision Support. 2020 NWRA Annual Conference: Las Vegas, NV, February 10, 2020-February 13, 2020

Pearson, C., Huntington, J. L., Jasoni, R. L., Lyles, B. F., Broman, D., Holman, K., Spears, J. M. (2020). In-situ Evaporation Monitoring at Lake Powell. BOR Reservoir Evaporation Research Workshop, September 25, 2020

2019
Hershey, R. L., Parashar, R., Pham, H. V., Lyles, B. F., Cooper, C. A., Heintz, K. M. (2019). Evaluation of Timber Mountain Recharge and Groundwater Flow in Relation to Pahute Mesa Groundwater Flow. Department of Energy, Underground Test Area Activity, Technical Information Exchange, August 29, 2019

2016
Huntington, J. L., McEvoy, D. J., McCurdy, G. D., Lyles, B. F. (2016). NICE Net and Reference Evapotranspiration in Nevada. Western States Water Council Irrigation Management Information Systems Workshop: San Diego, CA, August 25, 2016

2013
Huntington, J. L., Dunkerly, C. W., , McCurdy, G. D., Wolff, A. J., Lyles, B. F., Allen, R. (2013). Highlights from the Nevada Integrated Climate and Evapotranspiration Network – NICE Net

Other
2024
Lyles, B. F., Sion, B., Page, D. J., Crews, J. B., McDonald, E. V., Hausner, M. B. (2024). Precision lysimeter data: Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station, 10.5061/dryad.15dv41p44