HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF RICK HEALY (Invited Presentation)

Rick Healy’s 40-year career at the U.S. Geological Survey exemplifies the pursuit of earth science in the public service. As a research hydrologist, Rick was nonetheless keenly aware of the importance of transforming his research results into tools for practitioners and knowledge for decision makers and the public. Rick’s major areas of research included flow and transport in variably saturated porous media, groundwater recharge, and gas exchange between soil and atmosphere. Rick is well known for spearheading the development of the VS2D family of computer models. The initial 1987 model (VS2D) was one of the first public-domain models to simulate water flow in the unsaturated zone. Subsequent development added solute transport (VS2DT) and heat transport (VS2DH)— the latter providing a critical tool for analyzing field tests using heat as a tracer. A graphical user interface (VS2DI) was also released to facilitate model building and to visualize simulation results. In 2017, the release of VS2DRTI added chemical reactions. Such continued enhancements attest to the enduring value of the VS2D models. Rick is also an internationally recognized authority on methods for estimating groundwater recharge. His textbook, Estimating Groundwater Recharge, received praises for the holistic treatment of the subject, comprehensive coverage of theory and methodologies, and inclusion of real-world examples. Rick’s dedication to public service is well illustrated by his role as the lead author of two USGS Circulars, publications aimed at explaining earth processes to general audiences, decision makers, students, and scientists in related fields. Circular 1308 (Water Budgets: Foundations for Effective Water-Resources and Environmental Management) explains how water budgets can be used to evaluate the sustainability of a water supply. Circular 1407 (The Water-Energy Nexus—An Earth Science Perspective) explains why water use is closely connected with energy development. The understanding, at a societal level, of how science and technology can assist water-resources management is critical to meeting the challenges posed by climate change and a growing population on Earth. The life and legacy of Rick Healy inspire us not only to advance science and technology, but also to communicate research results beyond the scientific community to foster a more informed citizenship.