About

William P. Clement is an Associate Professor near-surface geophysics and hydrogeophysics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst within the Department of Earth, Geographic, and Climate Sciences. He holds a PhD from the University of Wyoming, obtained in 1995. His research focuses on utilizing near-surface geophysical methods to better understand processes in the shallow subsurface. By analyzing surface Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) reflection data, cross-hole GPR tomography, and vertical profiling, he aims to produce highly detailed images of the subsurface. His work includes time lapse-imaging to relate differences between images to changes in fluid movement or soil moisture, providing insights into the Earth's physical properties. Clement also employs inverse methods to understand the uncertainty and limitations of geophysical models, enabling the production of more reliable and meaningful subsurface models. His research addresses fundamental problems such as the geological response to climate change and the flow of contaminants, with the goal of benefiting both the geoscience community and society at large.

Research topics

• Computer Science
• Geology
• Mining engineering

Selected publications

• Agreement: M14AC00006 Massachusetts Geological Survey/University of Massachusetts; Hurricane Sandy Coastal Recovery and Resiliency - Sand Resources Needs Assessment at Critical Beaches in Massachusetts - Supplement

  Open MIND · 2026-03-18

  reportOpen access

  210 km of seismic reflection profile data, bathymetry and side scan sonar data as well as 8 vibracores and 7 grab samples were collected at six locations off the coast of Massachusetts and analyzed to estimate the volume of sand resources (Figure 1). These locations include Plum Island, Marshfield, Nantucket, Muskeget Channel, Nomans Land and Buzzards Bay. Sites were located 5.6 (3 miles) to 14.8 (8 miles) km off the Massachusetts coast within water depths of approximately 30 meters. Seismic profiles were processed using SeisUnix and SIOSeis software and interpreted by a marine geologist with the aid of the vibracore and grab samples. Bathymetric and side scan sonar data were analyzed in SonarWiz (ver. 6.0 and 7.0). Surficial geology was interpreted by a marine geologist. Unfortunately, the seismic data collected had severe limitations. No amount of processing improved discrimination of seismic units limiting interpretation (Figure 2). Bathymetry data was also limited. The edges were clipped due to poor quality resulting in non-overlapping swaths (gaps between lines with no data). Attempts to extract bathymetry from the interferometric side scan sonar data failed due to a tilt in the dataset that we were unable to remove. Accordingly, bathymetric and side scan sonar and/or backscatter data were acquired from other sources to help fill in data gaps. In addition, older seismic data collected in 1972, 1975, 1976 and 1980 were helpful in some areas. Even with the inclusion of outside source data, we were only able to provide an isopach map for the Marshfield site; in all other areas we were only able to determine if sand existed and estimated thicknesses.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• MASSACHUSETTS TOP OF ROCK PROJECT: ONE APPROACH

  Abstracts with programs - Geological Society of America · 2024

  • Computer Science
  • Computer Science
  • Geology
  PublisherDOI

• UPDATE ON MASSACHUSETTS’ CONTRIBUTION TO THE GOALS FOR A SEAMLESS, NATIONAL 2D/3D GEOLOGIC FRAMEWORK MODEL FOR THE UNITED STATES: TOP OF ROCK

  Abstracts with programs - Geological Society of America · 2023 · 1 citations

  • Computer Science
  • Computer Science
  • Geology
  PublisherDOI

• Static and dynamic conceptual model of a complexly fractured crystalline rock aquifer

  Hydrological Processes · 2019-06-05 · 1 citations

  articleSenior author

  Abstract A conceptual model of anisotropic and dynamic permeability is developed from hydrogeologic and hydromechanical characterization of a foliated, complexly fractured, crystalline rock aquifer at Gates Pond, Berlin, Massachusetts. Methods of investigation include aquifer‐pumping tests, long‐term hydrologic monitoring, fracture characterization, downhole heat‐pulse flow meter measurements, in situ extensometer testing, and earth tide analysis. A static conceptual model is developed from observations of depth‐dependent and anisotropic permeability that effectively compartmentalizes the aquifer as a function of foliation intensity. Superimposed on the static model is dynamic permeability as a function of hydraulic head in which transient bulk aquifer transmissivity is proportional to changes in hydraulic head due to hydromechanical coupling. The dynamic permeability concept is built on observations that fracture aperture changes as a function of hydraulic head, as measured during in situ extensometer testing of individual fractures, and observed changes in bulk aquifer transmissivity as determined from earth tides during seasonal changes in hydraulic head, with higher transmissivity during periods of high hydraulic head, and lower transmissivity during periods of relatively lower hydraulic head. A final conceptual model is presented that captures both the static and dynamic properties of the aquifer. The workflow presented here demonstrates development of a conceptual framework for building numerical models of complexly fractured, foliated, crystalline rock aquifers that includes both a static model to describe the spatial distribution of permeability as a function of fracture type and foliation intensity and a dynamic model that describes how hydromechanical coupling impacts permeability magnitude as a function of hydraulic head fluctuation. This model captures important geologic controls on permeability magnitude, anisotropy, and transience and therefor offers potentially more reliable history matching and forecasts of different water management strategies, such as resource evaluation, well placement, permeability prediction, and evaluating remediation strategies.

  PublisherDOI

• Geophysical Site Characterization

  Elsevier eBooks · 2019-11-25 · 3 citations

  book-chapter1st authorCorresponding
  PublisherDOI

• TESTING POTENTIAL OUTCOMES OF A WETLAND RESTORATION USING A GROUNDWATER MODELING APPROACH

  Abstracts with programs - Geological Society of America · 2019-01-01

  article
  PublisherDOI

• ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY TOMOGRAPHY TO IMAGE CHANGES IN A GLACIATED AND FRACTURED BEDROCK HILLSIDE

  Abstracts with programs - Geological Society of America · 2018-01-01

  article1st authorCorresponding
  PublisherDOI

• Hydrogeological controls on spatial patterns of groundwater discharge in peatlands

  Hydrology and earth system sciences · 2017-11-30 · 54 citations

  articleOpen accessCorresponding

  Abstract. Peatland environments provide important ecosystem services including water and carbon storage, nutrient processing and retention, and wildlife habitat. However, these systems and the services they provide have been degraded through historical anthropogenic agricultural conversion and dewatering practices. Effective wetland restoration requires incorporating site hydrology and understanding groundwater discharge spatial patterns. Groundwater discharge maintains wetland ecosystems by providing relatively stable hydrologic conditions, nutrient inputs, and thermal buffering important for ecological structure and function; however, a comprehensive site-specific evaluation is rarely feasible for such resource-constrained projects. An improved process-based understanding of groundwater discharge in peatlands may help guide ecological restoration design without the need for invasive methodologies and detailed site-specific investigation. Here we examine a kettle-hole peatland in southeast Massachusetts historically modified for commercial cranberry farming. During the time of our investigation, a large process-based ecological restoration project was in the assessment and design phases. To gain insight into the drivers of site hydrology, we evaluated the spatial patterning of groundwater discharge and the subsurface structure of the peatland complex using heat-tracing methods and ground-penetrating radar. Our results illustrate that two groundwater discharge processes contribute to the peatland hydrologic system: diffuse lower-flux marginal matrix seepage and discrete higher-flux preferential-flow-path seepage. Both types of groundwater discharge develop through interactions with subsurface peatland basin structure, often where the basin slope is at a high angle to the regional groundwater gradient. These field observations indicate strong correlation between subsurface structures and surficial groundwater discharge. Understanding these general patterns may allow resource managers to more efficiently predict and locate groundwater seepage, confirm these using remote sensing technologies, and incorporate this information into restoration design for these critical ecosystems.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Hydrogeological controls on spatial patterns ofgroundwater discharge in peatlands

  2017-06-14 · 2 citations

  preprintOpen access

  Abstract. Peatland environments provide important ecosystem services including water and carbon storage, nutrient processing and retention, and wildlife habitat. However, these systems and the services they provide have been degraded through historical anthropogenic agricultural conversion and dewatering practices. Effective wetland restoration requires incorporating site hydrology and understanding groundwater discharge spatial patterns. Groundwater discharge maintains wetland ecosystems by providing relatively stable hydrologic conditions, nutrient inputs, and thermal buffering important for ecological structure and function; however, a comprehensive site-specific evaluation is rarely feasible for such resource-constrained projects. An improved process-based understanding of groundwater discharge in peatlands may help guide ecological restoration design without the need for invasive methodologies and detailed site-specific investigation. Here we examine a kettle-pond peatland in southeast Massachusetts historically modified for commercial cranberry farming. During the time of our investigation, a large process-based ecological restoration project was in the assessment and design phases. To gain insight into the drivers of site hydrology, we evaluated the spatial patterning of groundwater discharge and the subsurface structure of peatland complex using heat-tracing methods and ground penetrating radar. Our results illustrate that two groundwater discharge processes contribute to the peatland hydrologic system: diffuse lower-flux marginal matrix seepage; and, discrete higher-flux preferential-flow-path seepage. Both types of groundwater discharge develop through interactions with subsurface peatland basin structure, often where the basin slope is at a high angle to the regional groundwater gradient. These field observations indicate strong correlation between subsurface structures and surficial groundwater discharge. Understanding these general patterns may allow resource managers to more efficiently predict and locate groundwater seepage, confirm these using remote sensing technologies, and incorporate this information into restoration design for these critical ecosystems.

  PublisherDOI

• SEISMIC REFLECTIONS FROM OFFSHORE OF PROVINCETOWN, CAPE COD, MASSACHUSETTS

  Abstracts with programs - Geological Society of America · 2016-01-01

  article1st authorCorresponding
  PublisherDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Michael D. Knoll

  31 shared

• Warren Barrash

  University of Wisconsin–Madison

  21 shared

• Lee M. Liberty

  Boise State University

  10 shared

• Anthony L. Endres

  University of Waterloo

  9 shared

• Geoff J. M. Moret

  7 shared

• Katharine Kadinsky‐Cade

  5 shared

• David E. Wilkins

  Culham Science Centre

  5 shared

• David L. Rudolph

  University of Waterloo

  4 shared

Labs

• Department of Earth, Geographic, and Climate SciencesPI