Abstracts with Programs - Geological Society of America

SESSION NO. 1, 8:00 AM 

Thursday, 2 May 2013 

CO Storage and Greenhouse Gases 

2 

Fetzer Center, Room 1040/1050 

1-1 8:00 AM Shields, Stephen A. [218419] 

PETROGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF THE LAMOTTE SANDSTONE: POTENTIAL FOR CARBON 

SEQUESTRATION 

SHIELDS, Stephen A., Missouri State University, 808 E Walnut St Apt 7, Springfield, MO 

65806, Shields555@live.missouristate.edu and PLYMATE, Thomas, Geography, Geology and 

Planning, Missouri State University, 901 S. National Ave, Springfield, MO 65897 

The Lamotte Sandstone, the basal Cambrian unit continuous throughout Missouri, is being 

investigated as a potential unit for shallow geologic carbon sequestration. Carbon sequestration is 

a technique that is currently being used by numerous countries in an attempt to limit the amount 

of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. A detailed petrographic analysis of the Lamotte 

Sandstone is one of the necessary factors to determine if it could be a viable reservoir for carbon 

sequestration. 

The Lamotte Sandstone has a variable composition throughout the state, but detailed 

petrographic analyses have not been conducted at the potential injection sites. Thin sections are 

being created from samples taken approximately every ten feet from four separate cores, and a 

standard 1000-point count model analyses are being conducted. The data from a new core site 

in North-Central Missouri is consistent with previous analyses of the Lamotte in that it alternates 

between quartz arenite and quartz wacke. The dissimilarities are that there is an absence of 

carbonate at the top, and an absence of feldspar at the base. The porosity is variable with depth, 

with an apparent low porosity zone (8%) bounded by two high porosity zones (as high as 29%). 

Preliminary data suggests that petrographically the Lamotte Sandstone appears to be a suitable 

unit for storing a large quantity of injected carbon dioxide. Further investigation of additional 

sites will allow for a more detailed analysis regarding the suitability as a potential unit for carbon 

sequestration, as well as classifying the Lamotte Sandstone and understanding its complex 

history of deposition and diagenesis. 

1-2 8:20 AM Sosulski, John H. [218804] 

CO STORAGE RESOURCE POTENTIAL OF A DEEP SALINE AQUIFER: ST. PETER 

2 

SANDSTONE, MICHIGAN BASIN, USA 

SOSULSKI, John H. and BARNES, David A., Department of Geosciences, Western Michigan 

University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, john.h.sosulski@wmich.edu 

The St. Peter Sandstone is an aerially extensive, deep saline aquifer that occurs at about 1000 m 

(3200 ft) to 3700 m (12,000 ft) below the surface in the Michigan Basin, USA, and exceeds 

335 m (1100’) in thickness near the basin center. The upper third of the St. Peter is dominated 

by sedimentary facies deposited in a normal marine, wave dominated shelf environment, while 

the lower two-thirds is less well understood, but was apparently deposited under a range of more 

restricted peritidal, marine conditions. 

Preliminary CO storage resource estimates (SRE) were calculated using data from hundreds 

2 

of wells, mostly drilled for petroleum exploration and production purposes, that penetrate the 

entire thickness of the St. Peter Sandstone in the basin. Net porosity was estimated using well 

Abstracts 

Volume 45, No. 4 

Abstracts to be presented at the meeting of the 

North-Central Section 

of The Geological Society of America and associated societies. 

Kalamazoo, MI 

2–3 May 2013 

NoTe INdexING SySTeM 

Numbers (2-4, 15-4) indicate session and order of presentation within that session. 

Further information concerning the presented papers on which these abstracts are based 

should be obtained by contacting the authors of the abstracts. 

log porosity data and basin-wide grid maps were developed. Previously published SRE (DOE- 

NETL Carbon Sequestration Atlas III) using generalized, isopach and regional average porosity 

data, suggest 8.2 to 35.9 gigatons (Gt) of CO 2 storage capacity. The SRE methodology used in 

this study indicates 13.5 Gt to 58.7 Gt of CO 2 storage capacity in Michigan. This analysis also 

showed that the majority of storage capacity of the St. Peter Sandstone is in the lower two thirds 

of the formation. These results are the outcome of studies of new cores now available from the 

lower part of the formation. Reservoir characterization data, including sedimentary facies analysis 

and refined petrophysical characterization/calibration of well logs, has been generated from this 

new material. 

Atlas III SRE methodology incorporates uncertainty referred to as the Storage Efficiency Factor 

(SEF). The SEF addresses uncertainty assigned to 1) net to total area, 2) net to gross thickness, 

3) effective to total porosity, and 4) various fluid displacement mechanisms in the saline reservoir 

storage formations. The first three sources of uncertainty can be reduced or eliminated when well 

log and conventional core data from many uniformly distributed wells are available in a basin. 

Higher SRE generated in this study are a result of significantly refined reservoir characterization 

in the St. Peter Sandstone as a result of extraordinary availability of subsurface data and 

significantly reduced uncertainty and, therefore, increased SEF. 

1-3 8:40 AM Bull, Nicholas [218610] 

ANALYZING THE CO SEQESTRATION POTENTIAL OF THE MIDDLE DEVONIAN SYLVANIA 

2 

SANDSTONE USING NUMERICAL SIMULATIONS 

BULL, Nicholas, Geolosciences, Western Michigan University, 1903 West Michigan Ave 

Kalamazoo, MI 49008, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, nicholas.bull@wmich.edu, HAMPTON, 

Duane R., Dept. of Geosciences, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan Avenue, 

MS 5241, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, and BARNES, David A., Department of Geosciences, 

Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 

The Middle Devonian Sylvania Sandstone is a high quality brine reservoir in the Michigan Basin 

on the basis of decades of commercial brine mining and waste water disposal activities initiated in 

the early 1900’s and comprises complex heterolithic, interbedded sandstone, limestone, sucrosic 

dolostone, and tripolitic chert lithofacies. Previous regional geological characterization studies 

indicate that the primary reservoir rock types are calcareous sandstone and recrystallized, 

sucrosic dolostone and that the Sylvania has large CO storage resource potential ranging 

2 

from 1.85-7.81 Gt, depending on storage efficiency assumptions. Large, estimated CO2 storage resource potential in the Sylvania Sandstone in spatial proximity to large stationary 

emissions sources in Michigan justifies high resolution static reservoir and injection simulation 

modeling studies. 

Static reservoir models of the porosity, permeability, and lithology and numerical simulation 

models using Schlumberger’s Petrel-2011 and GEM, respectively, were used for higher resolution 

evaluation of the CO sequestration potential of the Sylvania Sandstone. The static models were 

2 

generated from conventional core analysis data from 38 wells and core-based sedimentary facies 

analysis from 4 wells in Midland County, MI. These data serve as the basis for grids used in 

transient GEM simulations. 

A primary goal of the numerical simulations is to evaluate the influence of lithologic 

heterogeneity on CO migration and capillary entrapment of CO2. Relative permeability analyses 

2 

from sandstone and dolostone were incorporated in flow models to constrain multiphase fluid 

flow properties. Sensitivity analyses of the base transient model was conducted to test the 

effects on plume migration from variations in the horizontal-to-vertical permeability ratio, the CO2 injection rate, the number and spacing of injection wells, and the geologic model. The sensitivity 

analysis also aids in the optimization of storage efficiency in available pore space. These local 

scale transient models can be compared to regional storage resource potential estimated using 

traditional geological approaches. Storage resource estimates for most of Midland County can be 

evaluated by simulating injection of CO into the Sylvania Sandstone until steady state is attained. 

2 

2013 GSA North-Central Section Meeting 1

SESSION NO. 1 

1-4 9:00 AM Johns, Elizabeth K. [218366] 

SITE SPECIFIC GEOCHEMICAL MODELING OF GROUNDWATER, ROCK AND CARBON 

DIOXIDE INTERACTIONS: IMPLICATIONS FOR GEOLOGIC CARBON SEQUESTRATION 

JOHNS, Elizabeth K., Geology, Geography, and Planning, MSU, 901 South National, 

Springfield, MO 65897, elizabeth4@live.missouristate.edu and GOUZIE, Douglas R., 

Department of Geography, Geology & Planning, Missouri State University, 901 S. National, 

Springfield, MO 65897 

Geologic carbon sequestration is a process of mitigation that has the potential to reduce the 

impact of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere through the injection of carbon dioxide 

into a saline aquifer. 

This research utilized geochemical modeling of groundwater, rock and carbon dioxide 

interactions for geologic carbon sequestration purposes. Long term storage of carbon dioxide is 

an important requirement of geologic carbon sequestration. Because geochemical processes 

are responsible for the long term storage of carbon dioxide, it is necessary to understand the 

extent to which carbon dioxide can be trapped by geochemical trapping mechanisms. This study 

investigated the extent to which carbon dioxide can be sequestered in the Lamotte Sandstone, 

a Cambrian aged saline aquifer, due to solubility and mineral trapping. A comparison of the 

geochemical suitability of three well sites in North-Central Missouri was also conducted. The 

program Geochemist’s Workbench was used for the geochemical modeling simulations performed 

for this study. Site specific data such as temperature, carbon dioxide fugacity, pH, mineral content 

and groundwater composition were the input parameters needed to simulate the sequestration 

of carbon dioxide in a saline aquifer due to geochemical trapping mechanisms. Preliminary 

simulations have been performed for the first site and for both hypothetical injection and post 

injection phases of carbon sequestration. 

For an example site, preliminary results show approximately 67 g/kg aqueous and 4 g/kg solid 

phase sequestered CO2, during the injection phase. Post injection phase results for this site 

indicate approximately 42 g/kg aqueous and 37 g/kg solid phase sequestered CO2. Aqueous 

species most involved in solubility trapping included CO2 (aq) , HCO3-, NaHCO3, CaHCO3+, 

MgHCO3+ and FeHCO3+. Mineral species involved in mineral trapping included dawsonite, 

dolomite and siderite. For this example site a possible preliminary effective sequestration capacity 

was calculated as .36 gigatons per 100 km². 

This material is based on work sponsored by the Department of Energy National Energy 

Technology Laboratory under Award Number DE-NT0006642 to City Utilities of Springfield MO. 

1-5 9:20 AM Mayle, Emme [218072] 

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DEPTH AND HYDRAULIC CONDUCTIVITY WITHIN THE 

ST. FRANCOIS AQUIFER, MISSOURI 

MAYLE, Emme, Geography, Geology, Planning, Missouri State University, 901 S. National, 

Springfield, MO 65897, emme27@live.missouristate.edu and ROVEY, Charles W. II, 

Geography, Geology, and Planning, Missouri State University, 901 S. National, Springfield, 

MO 65897 

The St. Francois aquifer is a prolific groundwater source near its outcrop area in southeastern 

Missouri, but is rarely tapped in the southwest part of the state due to the presence of the 

shallower Ozark aquifer. Nevertheless, the St. Francois aquifer may become an important 

supplementary source of groundwater in areas experiencing severe drawdowns within the Ozark 

aquifer. This aquifer is also a target for CO2 injection in northern Missouri where the pore water 

is saline. 

The main water-bearing unit within the St. Francois aquifer is the Lamotte Sandstone, the 

basal Cambrian sandstone above Precambrian basement. An overlying sandstone (Reagan), 

separated from the Lamotte by low-permeability siltstones and shales, is also present in 

portions of southwest Missouri. We measured the transmissivity and hydraulic conductivity of 

these sandstones at three sites with single-well pumping tests as part of the Missouri Carbon 

Sequestration Program. We also analyzed time-drawdown and specific-capacity measurements 

from 13 additional tests on file at the Missouri Division of Geology and Land Survey. 

Transmissivity and hydraulic conductivity (K) vary inversely with depth. At depths less than 

~ 370 m, K varies between 10-3 and 10-2 cm/sec; these wells generally yield > 600 gpm. Below 

this depth K decreases due to pervasive cementation. By 550 m, K decreases to ~10-4 cm/sec, 

and this depth seems to mark the lower practical limit of these sandstones as an aquifer. By 

650 m, K decreases to around 10-5cm/sec and the sandstones become marginal for CO injection, 

2 

except in locations where the Lamotte fills in topographic lows on the Precambrian surface and is 

unusually thick. 


National Energy Technology Laboratory under Award Number DE-NT0006642 to City Utilities of 

Springfield, MO 

1-6 10:00 AM Stratton, Stephanie L. [218223] 

SIMULATION OF CO INJECTION INTO ST. FRANCOIS AQUIFER, GREENE COUNTY, 

2 

MISSOURI 

STRATTON, Stephanie L., Department of Geography, Geology, & Planning, Missouri State 

University, 901 S. National Ave, Springfield, MO 65897, Stratton89@missouristate.edu and 

ROVEY, Charles W. II, Geography, Geology, and Planning, Missouri State University, 901 S. 

National, Springfield, MO 65897 

Geologic carbon sequestration is being investigated as a means of reducing the CO emission 

2 

from anthropogenic sources in Missouri. The St. Francois aquifer is the deepest available 

reservoir in Missouri for carbon sequestration; however, the aquifer is not deep enough to allow 

injection of CO at supercritical phase within Greene County. The Missouri Carbon Sequestration 

2 

Project had hoped to establish an injection test into the aquifer at the City Utilities of Springfield 

Southwest Power Plant (SWPP) site, but the pore fluids were not saline. Since data was available 

from the site, it was used to learn more about simulating carbon sequestration. 

The program AQTESOLV Pro was used to evaluate pumping and pressure-injection data 

from SWPP to determine hydraulic conductivities. Those data were then implemented in the 

program PetraSim 5.2 to develop simulations to help determine how the CO might behave 

2 

hydrodynamically. Compositional simulations with pressure gradients of 0.98 Pa/m and 9.8 Pa/m 

were generated to reveal plume migration patterns under injection and retrograde conditions. 

Simulations were a thousand years in duration with an initial 30 year injection period followed 

by a shut-off period. Simulated injection was within two high hydraulic conductivity zones in the 

Reagan Sandstone and Lamotte Sandstone of the St. Francois aquifer. A polygonal grid mesh 

was also used with high resolution around the injection well. 

The highest achievable injection rates were within the Reagan Sandstone. This was in 

correlation to the upper Reagan Sandstone having a permeability of 1.35E-13 m2 ; whereas the 

Lamotte Sandstone’s highest permeability was only 8.92E-15 m2 . The maximum migration of gas 

as a separate phase was approximately 4.0 km after a thousand years for simulations with well 

completion through the Reagan Sandstone. The maximum migration of gas as a separate phase 

with injection into the Lamotte Sandstone was approximately 700 meters. 


Technology Laboratory under Award Number DEFG2610FE0001790 to Missouri State University. 

2 2013 GSA Abstracts with Programs 

1-7 10:20 AM Smolenski, Rebecca Lynn [218774] 

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS FROM A TEMPERATE AGRICULTURAL RESERVOIR 

SMOLENSKI, Rebecca Lynn, Geological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, 3352 Jefferson 

Ave, Apt 2, Cincinnati, OH 45220, smolenrl@gmail.com, BEAULIEU, Jake, Environmental 

Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH 45268, and TOWNSEND-SMALL, Amy, Department 

of Geology and Department of Geography, University of Cincinnati, 605 Geology-Physics 

Building, Cincinnati, OH 45221 

Reservoirs are being built at an increasing rate each year to provide humans with resources 

such as hydroelectric power and drinking water. These man made systems have provided 

society with important services but these have come at the cost of enhanced greenhouse gas 

(GHG) emissions. Recent estimates suggest reservoirs are a globally significant source of GHG 

emissions but these estimates are largely based on studies of oligotrophic boreal and tropical 

reservoirs. Reservoirs draining agricultural basins are common throughout much of the developed 

and are subject to high nutrient loading rates from the watershed. Excess nutrient loading 

stimulates algae blooms and degrades water quality in these reservoirs but surprisingly little is 

known about how nutrients and algal blooms affect GHG dynamics. To assess GHG dynamics in 

an agricultural reservoir we measured GHG emission rates, dissolved concentrations and nutrient 

chemistry in William H. Harsha Lake, an agricultural reservoir located in southwestern Ohio on a 

monthly basis since October 2011. 

Average daily emissions of methane (CH ) were 50 mg CH -C m 4 4 -2 d-1 . The highest emissions 

rates of CH were observed during the summer months and during fall turnover, and the lowest 

4 

emissions were observed during the winter. Depth profiles of dissolved CH throughout the 

4 

summer show an accumulation of CH in the hypolimnium while the lake is thermally stratified. 

4 

Average daily nitrous oxide (N O) emissions were 0.80 mg N O-N m 2 2 -2 d-1 . The highest 

emissions were during fall turnover. During late summer, parts of the lake became a sink for N O, 2 

and depth profiles of N O show a similar trend with the water column becoming undersaturated 

2 

with N O during this time. Without N O accumulation in the water column during thermal 

2 2 

stratification, it is likely that the source of N O during fall turnover is nitrification of remineralized 

2 

ammonium. 



Geophysics, Geodynamics, etc. 

Fetzer Center, Room 2040 

2-1 8:00 AM Larson, Mark [218656] 

GRAVITY AND MAGNETIC ANALYSIS OF PLUTONS, RING PLUTONS AND MAFIC BODIES IN 

THE ST FRANCOIS MOUNTAINS, SE MISSOURI 

LARSON, Mark and MICKUS, Kevin, Geology, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO 

65897, Mark3@live.missouristate.edu 

The St. Francois Mountains of southeast Missouri are a Proterozoic volcanic complex composed 

of felsic plutons, ring intrusions, and massifs, and is the largest exposure of Proterozoic lithologies 

in the south-central US. The development of the St. Francois Mountains is not well understood 

and there are three main theories that are currently under consideration: 1) hotspot/melting, 

2) subduction volcanism, and 3) rift related volcanism. Since the proterozoic volcanic activity, the 

region has been faulted by forces related to the Reelfoot Rift in the Cambrian and reactivation in 

the Cretaceous, and more recently by the New Madrid Fault zone. Geologic mapping and regional 

magnetic anomaly interpretation has proposed that the region consists of a few large felsic 

calderas. Our research focuses on analyzing gravity and magnetic data to determine the upper 

crustal structure of the region in order to relate these data to the location of proposed caldera 

rims, as well as mafic bodies, and better understand their origin. 

Using existing gravity and magnetic data as a guideline for the location of new data, we first 

conducted a gravity survey to add data to regions without data. The merged data, in the form 

of Bouguer gravity anomaly maps, identified anomalies that agreed with existing structural data 

of the region. Then additional detailed (1 mile spacing) gravity data were collected along two 

profiles that cut across the large amplitude anomalies associated with the calderas. These data 

were be modeled by 2D forward modeling to determine the subsurface geometry of the calderas 

constrained by surface density measurements and surface features. Additionally, a series of 

residual, regional and derivative gravity and magnetic anomaly maps have been constructed to 

aid in the interpretation of the 2D models. Collection of rock samples at the surface has given 

density data to constrain our models. Core samples will be analyzed for densities and magnetic 

susceptibilities in order to further constrain the gravity models. Using the final anomaly maps and 

models we will interpret them in order to determine the nature and origin of the calderas in the 

St. Francois Mountains region. 

2-2 8:20 AM Evans, Kevin R. [217445] 

PRE-OUACHITA TECTONISM, DEVELOPMENT OF A BACK-STEPPING SHELF MARGIN, 

AND SYN-TECTONIC SEDIMENTATION (MIDDLE DEVONIAN THROUGH MISSISSIPPIAN) 

ON SOUTHERN LAURENTIA: A REGIONAL SYNTHESIS OF THE OZARKS 

EVANS, Kevin R., Geography, Geology, & Planning Dept, Missouri State University, 

Springfield, MO 65897, kevinevans@missouristate.edu, BASSETT, Damon J., Geological 

Sciences, University of Missouri, 101 Geological Sciences Bldg, Columbia, MO 65211, 

ETHINGTON, Raymond L., Geological Sciences Dept, University of Missouri-Columbia, 

Columbia, MO 65211, MANGER, Walter L., Department of Geosciences, Univ of Arkansas, 

Fayetteville, AR 72701, MICKUS, Kevin L., Geosciences, Missouri State Univ, 901 S National 

Ave, Springfield, MO 65804-0087, and MILLER, James F., Geography, Geology, & Planning 

Dept, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO 655897 

Southern Laurentia in the Ozarks region has been characterized as a Late Proterozoic rift 

shoulder that developed into a passive margin; docking with the Ouachita allochthon during 

the Early Pennsylvanian led to development of the Arkoma Basin and Ozark Uplift. Yet, why 

were pre-Mississippian strata progressively truncated to the north and west? Why was the 

Chattanooga Shale preserved in southwestern Missouri and northwestern Arkansas but eroded 

below the Mississippian in the Boston Mountains? Why did deep-water Mississippian carbonates 

accumulate in southern Missouri on peritidal lower Paleozoic strata? We consider that much of 

the epeirogenic uplift and denudation of the Ozarks preceded the Ouachita orogeny, occurring in 

the Early to Middle Devonian, and structural evolution persisted through Mississippian and Early 

Pennsylvanian time. 

The onset of convergence led to development of the Arkansas Novaculite foredeep, and in 

the Ozarks, loading and flexure resulted in progressive truncation of much of the post-lower 

Ordovician to pre-Mississippian succession. Up to 500 m of strata were cut out, yet impact

structures, isolated sink-fills, and faults record the presence of stratigraphic units that are missing 

regionally. Upper Ordovician to middle Silurian clasts are incorporated into the Decaturville 

breccia (pre-Devonian impact) in lower Ordovician country rock. Middle Devonian marine 

sandstone filled a sink in lower Ordovician dolomite near Rolla. Upper Devonian Chattanooga 

Shale blanketed the eroded western Ozark platform. Most of this unit was removed below the 

sub-Mississippian unconformity in the central Ozarks but was preserved in an embayment that 

we informally refer to as the Northwest Arkansas Basin. Clasts of Chattanooga Shale have been 

recovered from the Weaubleau breccia (mid-Mississippian impact), a thin interval is preserved 

along the Highlandville Fault, along the lower Buffalo River, and in sink-fills in northern Arkansas. 

During the Early Mississippian, continued flexure resulted in back-stepping of the shelf margin, 

so deep-water facies accumulated on erosional remnants or peritidal lower Paleozoic strata. Major 

faults in southern Missouri are associated with some anomalous units of sandstone, limestone, or 

olistoliths, providing a record of syn-tectonic sedimentation. 

2-3 8:40 AM Pennington, Wayne D. [218074] 

THE MENOMINEE CRACK AND CLINTONVILLE BOOMS: SEISMIC EVENTS IN MICHIGAN’S 

UPPER PENINSULA AND NORTHEASTERN WISCONSIN 

PENNINGTON, Wayne D., Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences, Michigan 

Technological University, 1400 Townsend Dr, Houghton, MI 49931, wayne@mtu.edu 

and WAITE, Gregory P., Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences, Michigan 

Technological Univ, 1400 Townsend Dr, Houghton, MI 49931 

In spite of its reputation as an aseismic area, there were intriguing occurrences of seismic events 

in Upper Michigan and northern Wisconsin in 2010 and 2012. Although these two occurrences 

were only about 100 km apart, there is no evidence indicating that they are related or even due to 

a similar mechanism. 

The Menominee Crack: On October 4, 2010, a loud noise and shaking were observed in an 

area north of Menominee. This was associated with the appearance of 110m long crack at the 

crest of a ridge, 1.5m in height and up to 9m wide. The crack is apparently a surficial feature, 

resulting from stretching of the uppermost soil and clay layers to accommodate the creation of 

a ridge at some shallow depth. A reasonable model (first proposed by Dr. Norm Sleep) is that 

the limestone underneath the clay experienced a “pop-up” due to high lateral stresses. Usually, 

pop-ups occur as a result of recent unloading, as at the base of a quarry or immediately following 

glacial retreat; neither of these describes this site, so the cause remains speculative. 

Clintonville Booms: Residents of Clintonville began hearing infrequent deep, rumbling sounds 

on March 18, 2012; the booms were sometimes accompanied by felt shaking. Following a 

relatively large event on March 20 that was clearly a M1.5 earthquake, four seismometers and 

eight sound sensors were deployed within and around Clintonville to improve the locations of 

subsequent events. Two events were located beneath the southeastern part of Clintonville at less 

than 1 km below the surface within the granitic basement. These events were close enough to 

the surface so that seismic energy of sufficiently high frequency coupled to the atmosphere and 

propagated as sound. The Clintonville booms were indeed due to earthquakes, most of which 

were too small to record. 

2-4 9:00 AM Tupper, M. Tobias [218762] 

IDENTIFICATION OF LOW-LEVEL SEISMICITY IN OHIO 

TUPPER, M. Tobias, Geological Sciences, Ohio University, 316 Clippinger Laboratories, 

Athens, OH 45701, mt833511@ohio.edu and GREEN, Douglas H., Dept. of Geological 

Sciences, Ohio University, 316 Clippinger, Athens, OH 45701 

OhioSeis records are examined to identify previously undocumented low-level earthquakes in 

Ohio and surrounding regions. Records are scanned at multiple stations (at least four) to identify 

peak amplitude arrivals within a time window specified by the lowest likely arrival phase velocity 

and the maximum inter-station distance. A potential arrival peak must have an amplitude of 

at least 1.5 times the RMS amplitude over an entire hour containing that peak. The location 

(epicenter) of the potential earthquake is obtained using a velocity-independent-arrival-orderlocation 

(AOL) technique. The event is classified as a probable earthquake if it is similarly 

identified and located using a different set of four stations. 

Five probable earthquakes in 2011 were each identified using at least five combinations of 

stations of four seismic stations. This includes the documented 2011 New Year’s Eve M4.0 event 

in Youngstown OH, which was located by this technique within 14 km and 10 seconds of the 

epicenter and origin time reported by the USGS. An additional three events were identified using 

at least three sets of four stations, and thirteen possible 2011 earthquakes were identified using 

two sets of four stations. Most of these locations extend from Lake Erie up the Cuyahoga Valley, 

through east-central Ohio towards Marietta OH. 

2-5 9:20 AM Malcuit, Robert J. [217936] 

A JUPITER ORBIT -- LUNAR ORBIT RESONANCE MODEL: POSSIBLE CAUSE FOR THE 

BEGINNING OF THE MODERN STYLE OF PLATE TECTONICS 

MALCUIT, Robert J., Geosciences Department, Denison University, Granville, OH 43023, 

malcuit@denison.edu 

Since the Plate Tectonics Revolution in the earth sciences, there has been this lingering debate 

about when plate tectonics began. There are two end-member schools of thought: (1) that plate 

tectonics has been operating throughout geologic time (Shervais, 2006, GSA SP-405, p. 173) 

and (2) that plate tectonics, as we understand it today, can only occur when the Earth has cooled 

sufficiently to permit plates to attain negative buoyancy (Davies, 1992, Geology, 20, p. 963; Stern, 

2005, Geology, 33, p. 556). Stern (2005) proposes that the modern style of plate tectonics began 

~1.0 Ga ago. 

The Late Proterozoic also appears to be a critical time in the history of the lunar orbit. Peale 

and Cassen (1978, Icarus, 36, p. 245) identified an orbital resonance state between Jupiter’s 

orbit and the lunar orbit when the lunar orbital radius is at 53.4 ER (earth radii). Orbital traceback 

calculations suggest that the earth-moon distance would be ~53.4 ER in Late Proterozoic time. 

The key element in such an orbital resonance is the perigean cycle of the lunar orbit (the 

prograde progression of the perigee position of the lunar orbit). At present the perigean cycle is 

8.85 years (60.3 ER). At 53.4 ER the perigean cycle would be ~12 years, the approximate period 

of Jupiter’s orbit. Under these conditions the major axis of the lunar orbit would be increased to 

the resonant value by a forced ECC (eccentricity) but the orbital angular momentum would remain 

near that of a 50 ER orbit and then slowly increase in time to that of a 53.4 ER orbit. As the lunar 

orbital ECC reaches a maximum of up to ~0.3, the rock and ocean tidal amplitudes would be 

~2.5 times higher than that of a circular orbit of 53.4 ER. Such rock tidal activity could lead to the 

development of tidal vorticity induction cells in the upper mantle (Bostrom, 2000, Oxford Univ. 

Press) that would aid in the initiation of subduction. 

This model can be tested via the tidal rhythmite record of the Late Proterozoic. The two 

predictable constants are that the semi-major axis of the lunar orbit should be near 53.4 ER 

and the number of sidereal months per year should be about 16 throughout this era. Assuming 

that the earth rotation rate at 1.1 Ga (before the forced ECC episode) is ~16.9 hr/d, the number 

SESSION NO. 3 

of days per year would change from ~519 d/yr at ~1.1 Ga to 466 d/yr at the end of this orbital 

resonance era. 



T4. Quaternary Research in the Great Lakes Region I: 

The Pleistocene 

Fetzer Center, Kirsch Auditorium 

3-1 8:00 AM Lepper, Kenneth [218517] 

AGE CONSTRAINTS FOR AN UPDATED LAKE AGASSIZ PALEOHYDROGRAPH 

LEPPER, Kenneth, Department of Geosciences, North Dakota State University, P.O. Box 

6050, Dept. #2745, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, ken.lepper@ndsu.edu, FISHER, Timothy G., 

Environmental Sciences, University of Toledo, MS #604, Toledo, OH 43606, and LOWELL, 

Thomas V., Department of Geology, University of Cincinnati, 500 Geology/Physics Building, 

University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221 

Meltwater releases from Lake Agassiz to the Mississippi, Mackenzie and Great Lakes waterways 

have been implicated as triggers of abrupt climate change events during the last deglacial 

cycle. To evaluate these assertions a paleohydrograph for Lake Agassiz is needed with robust 

chronologic controls. Shorelines represent static water planes and transitions between shoreline 

positions represent significant water-level fluctuations. However, geologic ages constraining the 

timing of shoreline development, and thereby water-level fluctuations for Lake Agassiz, have 

been difficult to obtain, and therefore, sparse. In recent years we have had success in applying 

OSL dating techniques to shoreline deposits of Lake Agassiz that are more easily mapped 

using LiDAR data. This report will summarize a growing chronologic data set that includes 35 

independent OSL ages from five different study areas around the southern basin, but thus far 

mostly focused around the southern outlet. The cumulative OSL data set for Lake Agassiz’s 

southern basin provides robust age constraints for the Herman, Norcross and Campbell 

strandlines with averages and standard deviations of 14.1 ± 0.3 ka, 13.6 ± 0.2 ka, and 10.5 ± 

0.3 ka, respectively. In addition, the new age constraints are used to develop an updated 

paleohydrograph for Lake Agassiz spanning the time period of approximately 14.5 to 10 ka 

which includes rapid climate changes at the end of the last ice age. 

3-2 8:20 AM Fisher, Timothy G. [218507] 

RECENT STRATIGRAPHIC AND CHRONOLOGIC RESULTS FROM THE HURON-ERIE LAKE 

PLAIN OF ANCESTRAL LAKE ERIE, OHIO 

FISHER, Timothy G. 1 , BLOCKLAND, Joseph2 , HIGLEY, Melinda3 , ANDERSON, Brad1 , 

GOBLE, Ronald J. 4 , and LEPPER, Kenneth5 , (1) Environmental Sciences, University 

of Toledo, MS #604, Toledo, OH 43606, timothy.fisher@utoledo.edu, (2) Department of 

Environmental Sciences, University of Toledo, 2801 West Bancroft Street MS604, Toledo, 

OH 43606, (3) Illinois State Geological Survey, Champaign, IL 61820, (4) Department of 

Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, 214 Bessey Hall, Lincoln, 

NE 68588, (5) Department of Geosciences, North Dakota State University, P.O. Box 6050, 

Dept. #2745, Fargo, ND 58108-6050 

An understanding of deglacial events in the Huron-Erie Lake Plain is known in general, but 

poorly understood in detail. During east–northeast recession of the Erie and Huron lobes 

of the Laurentide Ice Sheet, Ancestral Lake Erie evolved through fluctuating lake levels and 

changing outlets. Strandlines are well known, having been mapped ~100 years ago, but detailed 

stratigraphic and sedimentologic analyses and age control is left wanting. To increase our 

knowledge of this lake, and in the process develop a more four-dimensional understanding of the 

surficial geology, we have been dating strandlines and sand dunes using mostly OSL techniques. 

To evaluate the Ypsilanti low event, rhythmic lake sediments were analyzed at elevations that 

would have experienced subaerial emergence during this low event. Most of the sand dunes are 

4000–9000 years younger than the oldest strandlines. Because sand was sourced from older 

ice marginal and strandline deposits, dunes either initially formed or were remobilized under 

a deteriorating climate during stadials, and post-date disappearance of Ancestral Lake Erie. 

Only 507 rhythmites were observed between till and the overlying dune sand and shallow water 

sediment, which is fewer than expected. A stratigraphic break within the lacustrine sedimentary 

sequence necessary to support the low-water Ypsilanti Phase was not observed. In summary, our 

data thus far suggests that stable water levels were short lived and that the lake evolved over a 

shorter period of time than is commonly assumed. 

3-3 8:40 AM Lowell, Thomas V. [218702] 

DO THE ICE MARGIN CHANGES OF THE LAURENTIDE GREAT LAKE LOBES MATCH THE 

GREENLAND ISOTOPE RECORD? 

LOWELL, Thomas V., Department of Geology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, 

thomas.lowell@uc.edu 

The Greenland Ice Cores have long been held as a reference for climate change during the 

late Pleistocene. The isotopes from multiple cores now provide a detailed record that many 

paleoclimate records have been compared to. Glaciers are taken as being most responsive to 

temperatures during the summer ablation season. Oerlemans (2005) has show that a global 

network of small glaciers can provide a temperature record over the last two hundred years that 

matches the global temperature derived from instrumented records. It would be informative to ask 

if the margins of ice sheets match the reference for climate change. The lobes of the Laurentide 

ice sheet that occupied the Great Lakes are examined here in that context. 

For the last glacial maximum records show that the ice sheet was south of the Great Lakes by 

27.2 ka cal and continued to reach its maximum at 24.0 ka cal and started to retreat as early as 

21.7 ka cal with major retreat underway by 17.0 ka cal. Superposed on this general pattern were 

advances at 24.0, 24.0, 22.2 and 21.2 ka cal. With the exception of a warm interstadial at 27.5 

and 23.5 ka cal, the ice core is nearly linear during this time. In other words examination of the 

ice core alone would not suggest the growth, decay pattern, nor major advances of the ice sheet 

margin. 

Possible explanations for this disconnect are 1) the ice core record does not represent the 

climate of the Great Lakes region; 2) the concept of seasonality, whereby the ice core records 

mean annual, not summer temperatures; 3) the dynamics of ice sheets are not driven by climate 

changes. Given that the above record was derived from and is consistent with both the Lake 


SESSION NO. 3 

Michigan and Lake Erie lobes option 3 seems unlikely. This comparison can not distinguish 

between options 1 and 2. 

3-4 9:00 AM Carson, Eric C. [218824] 

RADIOCARBON CONTROL FOR THE ADVANCE OF THE GREEN BAY LOBE TO ITS LATE 

WISCONSIN (MIS 2) MAXIMUM POSITION AT DEVILS LAKE, SOUTH-CENTRAL WISCONSIN 

CARSON, Eric C., Department of Environmental Sciences, Wisconsin Geological and 

Natural History Survey, Madison, WI 53705, eccarson@wisc.edu and ATTIG, John W., 

Department of Environmental Sciences, Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey, 

3817 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI 53705 

Currently there are few reliable numerical age estimates that constrain the timing of the maximum 

extent of the Laurentide Ice Sheet in the midcontinent, a problem that largely reflects the 

scarcity of radiocarbon dates that closely constrain late Wisconsin glacial events. To improve our 

understanding of the timing of the last glacial advance and retreat, recent research (e.g., Attig 

et al., 2011; Carson et al., 2012) has begun dating lacustrine sediment deposited in a range of 

environments along the margin of the Green Bay lobe in south-central Wisconsin. The specific 

geomorphic settings of these lacustrine deposits allow unequivocal correlation of the sediment 

to discrete late Wisconsin glacial events, thus providing chronologic control that has previously 

been lacking. 

While previously published data from this research program addresses the timing of onset of 

retreat of ice from the last maximum position, new data is shedding light on the timing of the end 

of ice advance to its maximum extent (locally known as the Johnstown phase). The Baraboo Hills 

in south-central Wisconsin are formed by a doubly-plunging anticline of the Precambrian Baraboo 

quartzite. Devils Lake gorge cuts through the south range of the Baraboo Hills. The gorge was 

blocked at both ends by late Wisconsin ice, creating a lake during the glacial maximum and the 

lower, modern, Devils Lake during post-glacial time. We collected a 9.1-m core into laminated silty 

lacustrine sediments immediately south of Devils Lake; the base of the core is 9.2 m higher than 

modern lake level, suggesting that the sediment could only have been deposited when sediment 

and ice were completely blocking both ends of the gorge. Three radiocarbon dates from plant 

macrofossils in an organic-rich zone near the base of the core range between 20,480 +/- 100 

14C yr BP (24,890 – 24,050 cal yr BP) and 19,100 +/- 80 14C yr BP (23,290 – 23,060 cal yr BP), 

indicating that the Green Bay Lobe had advanced to its maximum position by that time. These 

dates represent the first direct absolute age control for the timing of the end of the Green Bay 

lobe’s advance to its late Wisconsin maximum position, and one of few such chronologic controls 

along the southern Laurentide ice sheet. 

3-5 9:20 AM Schaetzl, Randall [218188] 

OSL AGES ON LOESS CONSTRAIN THE ADVANCE OF THE CHIPPEWA VALLEY LOBE IN 

WESTERN WISCONSIN, USA 

SCHAETZL, Randall, Geography, Michigan State University, 128 Geog Bldg, Michigan 

State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, soils@msu.edu, FORMAN, Steven L., Earth and 

Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 845 W. Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 

60607, and ATTIG, John W., Department of Environmental Sciences, Wisconsin Geological 

and Natural History Survey, 3817 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI 53705 

The timing of the advance and recession of the Chippewa Valley Lobe in west-central Wisconsin 

is poorly constrained, mainly because of the lack of closely controlled radiocarbon dates. To 

that end, we present the first OSL ages on loess for west-central Wisconsin, which constrain 

the advance of the Laurentide Ice Sheet out of the Lake Superior basin and into this region 

during the last part of the Wisconsin glaciation. The Chippewa River flows south, perpendicular 

to the terminal moraine, and eventually becomes confluent with the Mississippi River. After the 

advancing glacier crossed the southern edge of the Lake Superior basin and reached a drainage 

divide in northwestern Wisconsin, meltwater flowed into the northern part of the Chippewa 

drainage basin, and continued to flow there until the ice margin retreated back, across the divide. 

Today, loess covers bedrock uplands that lie scattered on either side of the river, just beyond the 

terminal moraine. Spatial patterns of particle-size data on loess, from 125 upland sites throughout 

the Chippewa basin, clearly show that this loess was derived from the sandy valley trains of the 

Chippewa River and its tributaries - all of which drained the ice front. The loess exceeds 5 m in 

thickness at sites near the widest valley train areas, in areas only a few km beyond the moraine. 

Using deep cores recovered from five ridge-top sites, we dated 12 loess samples - solely from 

depths > 3 m - using MAR OSL methods. The oldest age for basal loess on bedrock was ca 

24 ka, which constrains the timing of the advance of the southern margin of the Laurentide 

Ice Sheet out of the Superior basin, across the drainage divide, and into the drainage of the 

Chippewa River. The remaining OSL ages from the deep loess, taken only slightly higher in the 

stratigraphic column, range between 19.7 and 12.3 ka, suggesting that the Chippewa Valley was a 

loess source for several millennia, and that most of the loess was deposited during ice recession. 

OSL ages from loess within 3 to 3.5 m of the surface are abnormally young, presumably due to 

post-depositional mixing. 

3-6 10:00 AM Esch, John M. [218821] 

BURIED BEDROCK VALLEYS OF MICHIGAN 

ESCH, John M., Michigan Dept. of Environmental Quality, Office of Oil, Gas, and Minerals, 

P.O. 30256, Lansing, MI 48909, eschj@michigan.gov 

In the glaciated Midwest, much can be learned about the geological history of an area by 

mapping the bedrock surface topography and the buried bedrock valleys. In Michigan, a complex 

and very irregular bedrock surface underlies the thickest glacial drift on land in North America. In 

general, the bedrock surface has well defined buried bedrock valley networks with tributaries and 

main bedrock valleys which can run for tens of miles. These often appear to be in inferred preglacial 

bedrock drainage basins with bedrock surface divides. Other buried bedrock valleys cross 

bedrock surface divides and cut through broad bedrock highlands and cuestas. Some bedrock 

valleys are in a nearly parallel pattern over large areas. In other places, the bedrock valleys are 

short, relatively straight disconnected valleys. Sometimes these appear to be imprinted over 

an already existing pre-glacial bedrock valley network. There are also broad regional bedrock 

lowlands and local fjord-like bedrock troughs. Some bedrock valleys and scarps directly overlie 

deeper structural features. Often bedrock valleys are found preferentially in less resistant bedrock 

formations. In addition some areas are essentially devoid of bedrock valleys. 

There is considerable debate as to the origin of bedrock valleys, but no single mechanism 

can account for these widely varying bedrock valley types. The extensive buried bedrock valley 

network suggests that much of the bedrock surface is a slightly glacially modified pre-glacial 

bedrock surface, the result of long history of pre-glacial uplift and erosion (post Pennsylvanian 

and post Jurassic). In other places the bedrock surface has also been sculpted by numerous 

paleo-river channels cut into the bedrock during the numerous glacial ice advances, interglacial 

periods and the postglacial period over the last 2.5 million years. While in other areas, the bedrock 

surface has been significantly eroded by direct glacial erosion removing the bedrock valleys. 


Knowledge of the location of bedrock valleys may assist in exploration for potential glacial 

aquifers in bedrock valleys, and in seismic data processing for oil and gas exploration. These 

bedrock valleys, especially the deeper ones, may contain older glacial, interglacial or pre-Tertiary 

sediments and paleosols which may be of value for geological age dating. 

3-7 10:20 AM Walters, Kent A. [218432] 

A CASE FOR STEP-WISE RETREAT OF THE LAURENTIDE ICE SHEET DURING THE 

YOUNGER DRYAS: CENTRAL UPPER PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 

WALTERS, Kent A., Department of Geology, The University of Cincinnati, 500 Geology 

Physics Building, Cincinnati, OH 45221, walterkr@mail.uc.edu, LOWELL, Thomas V., 

Department of Geology, University of Cincinnati, 500 Geology/Physics Building, University 

of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, and PUTNAM, Aaron E., Lamont-Doherty Earth 

Observatory, Columbia University, 217 Comer, 61 Route 9W - PO Box 1000, Palisades, 

NY 10964 

The Younger Dryas (YD) is a well-known paleoclimatic event from 12.9-11.6 cal ka BP. Although 

the response of small glaciers to climate change is well established, far less is known how large 

glaciers like the Laurentide Ice sheet (LIS) respond to rapid climate change during events like 

the Younger Dryas. This study investigates the right lateral moraines of the Green Bay lobe of the 

Laurentide Ice Sheet in central Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Here and in adjacent Wisconsin, 

the LIS buried two forest beds (Two Creeks and Lake Gribben) and the ages of 13.7 and 11.6 cal 

ka BP, respectively, indicate that the ice sheet occupied this region during Younger Dryas time. 

Hypothesis for ice sheet behavior during this time include (i) retreat some 200 km across Lake 

Superior before the YD and the same length readvance during the YD and (ii) limited readvance 

at the end of the YD. 

To test these possibilities this study employed the USGS 10 m digital elevation model to 

map surficial glacial landforms and added 25 new radiocarbon dates to refine the ice-sheet 

deglaciation chronology. Mapping revealed at least four and perhaps as many as seven 

successive ice-contact margin positions between the Two Creeks and Lake Gribben locations 

suggesting a step-wise retreat. Radiocarbon dates indicate the LIS retreated across the region 

from 12.8 to 11.4 cal ka BP and then readvanced at 11.3 cal ka BP. This implies that during most 

of the YD the ice sheet was in retreat with a readvance occurring after the YD. If the LIS retreated 

in a step wise manner during the YD, it may imply warmer summers or high solar insolation values 

as the mechanism controlling the ice sheet margin at this time. 

3-8 10:40 AM Colgan, Patrick M. [218673] 

EVIDENCE FOR DISTRIBUTION AND THICKNESS OF ATHENS SUB-EPISODE AND OLDER 

SEDIMENTS IN OTTAWA COUNTY, MICHIGAN 

COLGAN, Patrick M., Geology, Grand Valley State University, 132 Padnos Hall of Science, 

1 Campus Drive, Allendale, MI 49401-9403, colganp@gvsu.edu 

Previous researchers have mapped and provided multiple radiocarbon ages for buried organic 

matter below Michigan Sub-episode age glacial tills in Lower Michigan. A 43 meter long rotosonic 

core to bedrock was recovered in August 2012 by Western Michigan University’s Hydrogeology 

Field School at Hemlock Crossing County Park in Ottawa County, Michigan. The core contains 

organic wood fragments in sand lying below the Saugatuck/Ganges tills and lying above Glen 

Shores till, and older unnamed units. The isolated wood fragments yield an AMS radiocarbon 

age of 37,840 ± 400 C14 years BP (41,920 to 42,950 calendar years BP two sigma error, Beta- 

329000). This age is within the uncertainty of three finite ages previously obtained by researchers 

at the Glen Shores Section in Allegan County. This suggests an Athens Sub-episode age for 

the organic sand and a possible pre-Athens Sub-episode age for the Glenn Shores till and 

unnamed units. 

Similar buried organic material in sand between till units are common in Ottawa County, 

occurring in two clusters as reported in water well records. More than 200 water-well-records 

report buried organic materials well below the land surface. Of these well records, 137 appear to 

correlate to the Athens Sub-episode age organics in the Hemlock Crossing County Park core. The 

largest cluster occurs over a broad area north of the Grand River, and a smaller cluster occurs 

south of Pigeon Creek. The average depth of the top of the organic layer is 28 ± 16 m (2 sigma) 

and at an average elevation of 167 ± 28 m (2 sigma) above mean sea level. This is about 10 

meters below the mean lake level of Lake Michigan. The mean thickness of the organic sand is 

about 3 meters. 

Continuing research examining the glacial till(s) of pre-Athens Sub-episode age in the Hemlock 

Crossing Core will attempt to correlate these units to known units. Other yet unnamed units may 

also be defined. These tills could be of any age and could correlate to MIS-4 (early Wisconsin 

Glaciation/Episode), MIS-6 (Illinois Glaciation/Episode), or older pre-Illinoian glaciations recorded 

in the marine oxygen isotope records from ocean sediments and ice cores. 

3-9 11:00 AM Curry, B. Brandon [218573] 

SUPERPOSED ICE-WALLED LAKE DEPOSITS, NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS 

CURRY, B. Brandon, Prairie Research Institute, Illinois State Geological Survey, Champaign, 

IL 61820, b-curry@illinois.edu 

A complex of ice-walled lake plains occurs in and around Woodstock, Illinois. One ice-walled 

lake plain stands out from the rest (-88.4113˚W, 42.2571˚N). It is nearly circular, about 1.1 km 

across, with an unusual central kettle about 0.4 km across. Five cores of this landform have been 

sampled. Facies architecture, radiocarbon ages of entombed tundra plants, and geomorphology 

collectively indicate two stages of ice-walled lake development. Gray, silty clay diamicton of 

the Yorkville Member (Lemont Formation; Livingston Phase) underlies the glaciolacustrine 

complex forming the ice-walled lake plain, but sediment cores sampled adjacent to the landform 

reveal patches of dolomite-rich, pebbly sandy loam diamicton of the Haeger Member (Lemont 

Formation; Woodstock Phase) that cover the fine-grained Yorkville unit. The margin of the icewalled 

lake plain is covered by about 1.7 m of well-sorted, fining-upward medium sand. The sand 

pinches out approaching the kettle’s edge. The underlying fossiliferous lacustrine sediment is as 

much as 7.5 m thick. 

The two stages of development are reflected in five radiocarbon ages (each with < 30 yrs 

sigma-one error) of Dryas integrifolia found in the lacustrine faces. The first stage lasted from 

about 21,870 to 21,460 cal yr BP during deglaciation of the Livingston Phase. The second stage 

occurred from about 18,720 to 17,870 cal yr BP during deglaciation of the Woodstock Phase. 

The lack of 14C ages spanning from about 21,460 to 18,720 cal yr BP also is observed from the 

composite of more than 40 radiocarbon ages associated with ice-walled lakes in Illinois. The 

hiatus is also observed in 15 14C ages of plant fossils from the nearby De Kalb mounds. The lack 

of physical evidence for the nonconformity in sediment cores such as clay mineral alteration or 

changes in bedding or grain-size suggests that the active layer did not thaw; the landscape was 

physically and chemically inert during this time of extremely cold summer temperatures.

3-10 11:20 AM Phillips, Andrew C. [218677] 

MEANDER CUTOFFS, FLOODPLAIN LAKES: GEOLOGIC ARCHIVES IN THE LOWER 

WABASH VALLEY 

PHILLIPS, Andrew C., Illinois State Geological Survey, Prairie Research Institute, 615 E. 

Peabody, Champaign, IL 61820, aphillps@illinois.edu, CARON, Olivier, Illinois State 

Geological Survey, Prairie Research Institute, 615 E. Peabody Drive, Champaign, IL 61820, 

BRYK, Alexander B., Department of Geology, University of Illinois, 1301 W. Green Street, 

Urbana, IL 61801, PROKOCKI, Eric W., Department of Geology, University of Illinois 

(Urbana-Champaign), 208 Natural History Building, 1301 West Green Street, Urbana, IL 

61801, and BEST, James L., Departments of Geology, Geography, Mechanical Science 

and Engineering and Ven Te Chow Hydrosystems Laboratory, University of Illinois (Urbana- 

Champaign), 208 Natural History Building, 1301 West Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801 

Striking geomorphic features, including terraces, scroll bars, and floodplain lakes, in the 

lower Wabash Valley were constructed by Wisconsin Episode slackwater lake and meltwater 

sedimentation, followed by postglacial fluvial systems with episodic aggradation and degradation. 

Previous studies described fluvial and slackwater lake terraces deposited in an island braided 

river system during the last glacial-interglacial transition, between ~14,000 and 10,500 BP ( 14 C). 

Several distinct subsequent meandering systems since 10,500 BP left terraced scroll bar tracts 

and floodplain lakes. We have been mapping fill of the Wabash Valley to refine the existing 

geologic framework and complement ongoing process studies of the active meandering channel 

belt. Meander cutoffs that occur as both relict and extant floodplain lakes are targeted as archives 

of the sedimentation and ecosystem history. The meander fill sequences typically comprise 

2-6 m of fine alluvial and lacustrine sediment with zones of abundant gastropod, bivalve, and 

wood fossils, which overlie 2-3 m of sandy to gravelly point bar and channel bed deposits. Dating 

of individual quartz grains by OSL in the lowermost coarse deposits is expected to provide a 

maximum age for these channel cutoffs, while dating of fossils by 14 C methods, or of intercalated 

very fine sand beds by OSL, in the lacustrine sequence is expected to constrain the sediment 

accumulation rates. The sedimentology and stratigraphy of the cutoff termini will be interpreted in 

terms of cutoff processes. We welcome collaborators to study the biota of these deposits. 



T13. Innovative Earth Science Teacher Professional 

Development 

Fetzer Center, Putney Auditorium 

4-1 8:10 AM Schepke, Chuck [218348] 

SUMMER RESEARCH EXPERIENCE IN EARTH MAGNETISM: THE TEACHERS’ 

PERSPECTIVE 

SCHEPKE, Chuck1 , BLUTH, Gregg J.S. 2 , ANDERSON, Kari3 , SMIRNOV, Aleksey V. 3 , and 

PIISPA, Elisa J. 3 , (1) Roscommon Middle School, 299 West Sunset Drive, Roscommon, MI 

48653, schepkec@gmail.com, (2) MMI Preparatory School, 154 Centre Street, Freeland, 

PA 18224, (3) Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences, Michigan 

Technological University, 630 Dow, ESE Building, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931 

The 2012 summer research experience in Earth magnetism at Michigan Tech allowed for the 

incorporation of two teachers into a research project aimed at quantifying the strength and 

morphology of the Precambrian geomagnetic field via detailed paleomagnetic analyses. As 

teacher participants, we are actively working toward incorporating this experience to showcase 

“real world” applications of electrical and magnetic concepts in a nontraditional manner using 

paleomagnetism as a pedagogical vehicle. In both classrooms, the experience gained from 

being a part of an active research team, participating in field work, data acquisition, and 

interpretation, are providing a means for us to move beyond the textbook, allowing our students 

access to and participation in innovative inquiry-based research. Integration of active research 

into the classroom has resulted in noticeable increases in our students’ ability to engage and 

understand the physics underlying geomagnetism and concepts related to Earth processes. 

Tangible student outcomes, thus far, from our experience have included construction of simple 

magnetometers; classroom discussions related to why the Earth has an atmosphere, the age of 

the inner core, and the interdisciplinary nature of geophysics; and, perhaps most importantly, a 

greater understanding of the scientific method and that the same method is employed in research 

laboratories and the classroom. Students love to go “beyond the textbook” to build on the basic 

Earth composition topics – it is like learning something secret about the Earth that no one else 

has seen, rather than compiling a list of facts. Teachers also love to go “beyond the textbook”, 

allowing for real world presentation of concepts in physics and processes used in scientific inquiry 

and analyses with students. This presentation is an assessment of the 2012 summer research 

experience, and will provide perspectives from us, the teachers, and input from our students 

concerning Earth science projects undertaken during the past year. 

4-2 8:30 AM Zolynsky, Debra L. [218441] 

VIRTUAL VS. VISCERAL FIELD EXPERIENCES: TWO PATHS DIVERGE...TAKE BOTH 

ZOLYNSKY, Debra L., Science, Lake Shore High School, 22980 E. Thirteen Mile Road, 

St. Clair Shores, MI 48082, dzolynsky@lsps.org and KLAWITER, Mark F., Geological and 

Mining Engineering and Sciences, Michigan Technological Univ, 1400 Townsend Drive, 

Houghton, MI 49931 

In his book “Experience and Education” (1938), John Dewey declares that high-quality classroom 

learning can best be delivered when “…the educator views teaching and learning as a continuous 

process of reconstruction of experience.” Such reconstruction, best approached when students 

are exposed to the actual experiences available at a learning site or place (e.g. a “field trip”), has 

grown increasingly prohibitive. Cost, bureaucracy, scheduling logistics, common assessments, 

and inflexible curricular scope and sequence are hurdles in teachers’ efforts to create robust 

experiential learning opportunities. Unable to extricate themselves from these obstacles, many 

teachers have submissively succumbed to more didactic instructional methods. 

SESSION NO. 4 

Several recent developments in both education and technology have provided enhanced 

opportunities for teachers to develop place-based learning opportunities for their students. 

Innovative solutions include local field experiences, conducted within a short walking distance 

from the school, provide students with data acquisition techniques and an understanding of how 

scientists ask questions, conduct investigations, and apply emergent understandings to local 

situations or problems. Electronic methods for data acquisition, manipulation, and communication 

(digital probes, Smartphones, iPod Touch devices, etc.) can provide accessible techniques for 

educators to utilize in “school yard” experiential learning. Finally, initiatives such as the Virtual 

Fieldwork Experiences (VFEs) can be integrated into the school curriculum. These experiences 

utilize pre-existing data and images collected by educators. 

4-3 8:50 AM Klawiter, Mark F. [218435] 

CREATING A MODEL FOR IMPROVING EARTH SCIENCE TEACHING NATIONWIDE: AN 

OVERVIEW OF THE MICHIGAN TEACHER EXCELLENCE PROGRAM (MITEP) NSF MATH- 

SCIENCE PARTNERSHIP 

KLAWITER, Mark F. 1 , MATTOX, Stephen R. 2 , PETCOVIC, Heather L. 3 , ROSE, William I. 4 , 

HUNTOON, Jacqueline E. 4 , ENGELMANN, Carol A. 4 , VYE, Erika C. 4 , GOCHIS, Emily E. 4 , 

MILLER, Ashley E. 4 , and MCKEE, Kathleen F. 4 , (1) Geological and Mining Engineering 

and Sciences, Michigan Technological Univ, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931, 

mfklawit@mtu.edu, (2) Department of Geology, Grand Valley State Univ, Allendale, MI 

49401-9403, (3) Department of Geosciences and The Mallinson Institute for Science 

Education, Western Michigan University, 1903 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5241, 

(4) Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences, Michigan Technological Univ, 1400 

Townsend Dr, Houghton, MI 49931 

The Michigan Teacher Excellence Program (MiTEP) is a multifaceted professional development 

program that targets K-12 Earth science teachers in the public school districts of Grand Rapids, 

Kalamazoo, and Jackson (MI). The goal of the program is to elevate the content knowledge and 

pedagogy skills of teachers with limited Earth science training while inspiring institutional change 

at several partner institutions. This 5-year program is advancing 4 cohorts of 12-24 teachers 

through 3 years of training that includes summer field experiences, professional development 

days, on-line course work, and scaffolded leadership opportunities. Teachers spend 2 summers 

constructing knowledge through field experiences, spending 1 week in the Upper Peninsula and 

1 week near their home district each summer. Field days feature presentations by faculty experts 

and are correlated with Earth Science Literacy Principles, NGSS, state and local standards, 

misconceptions, and district curriculum. Culminating projects include professional conference 

presentations of teacher developed, inquiry-rich lesson plans and authoring of EarthCache 

sites. During the school year teachers attend quarterly professional development days featuring 

pedagogical strategies for presentation of topics they identified as areas of greatest need, and 

participate in on-line Earth science and education courses. Just-in-time content assistance is 

provided through “ask-a-scientist” and “scientists-on-call” features. Teachers can apply course 

work toward a Master’s degree in Earth Science education from Michigan Tech. In their third year 

teachers engage in “capstone” internships in collaboration with Midwest national parks such as 

Isle Royale, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Keweenaw National Historic Park or Pictured Rocks National 

Lakeshore. Teachers have emerged as leaders through involvement in such activities as providing 

profession development for peers in the district, involvement in leadership organizations, and 

presenting their work at state science teacher conferences. Major challenges include out-of-field 

teaching and instability of teacher placement within urban districts. This material is based upon 

work supported by the National Science Foundation through MSP Grant No. NSF 0831948. 

4-4 9:10 AM Mattox, Stephen [218562] 

RELEVANT, PLACE-BASED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR URBAN TEACHERS, 

INSIGHTS FROM THE MICHIGAN TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM 

MATTOX, Stephen, Geology, Grand Valley State University, 133 Padnos, Allendale, MI 

49401-9403, mattoxs@gvsu.edu, PETCOVIC, Heather, Department of Geosciences and 

The Mallinson Institute for Science Education, Western Michigan University, 1187 Rood 

Hall, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, KLAWITER, Mark F., Geological and Mining Engineering 

and Sciences, Michigan Technological Univ, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931, 

GOCHIS, Emily, Geological Engineering & Sciences, Michigan Technological University, 

1400 Townsend Dr, Houghton, MI 49931, and MILLER, Ashley E., Geological and Mining 

Engineering and Sciences, Michigan Technological Univ, 1400 Townsend Dr, Houghton, 

MI 49931 

MTU’s Michigan Teacher Education Program (MITEP) is a multi-year, NSF funded professional 

development program for secondary science teachers from Kalamazoo and Jackson. Cohorts of 

teachers advance through three years of experiences that include field work in the Keweenawan 

Peninsula and downstate, school year professional development, attending and presenting 

at professional meetings, and internships at national parks. Content is aligned with the Earth 

Science Literacy Principles. 

Downstate professional development took place over two weeks in two consecutive years, 

and focused on field work related to hazards, glacial landscapes, energy, water resources, 

and geologic history. In the first year, teachers conducted a water quality study of Woods Lake 

(Kalamazoo) to learn how human activities impact lake systems. They continued with site visits 

to the Kalamazoo River impacted by the 2010 Enbridge oil spill, along with building classroom 

models of oil-water-sediment interaction. A quarry on the Blue Ridge Esker (Jackson) provided 

examples of subglacial deposits and an introduction to aggregate resources. Fossil fuel resources 

were the focus of a visit to the WMU core library. A trip to Grand Ledge provided an introduction 

to the geologic history of Michigan as teachers interpreted the rocks and placed them in geologic 

time. In the second year, teachers investigate how the remnants of Hurricane Ike caused 

extensive flooding in Michigan, through calculations of rainfall volume in the Kalamazoo River 

basin and balancing the input against river output and groundwater recharge. In the field they 

gauged Portage Creek and evaluated impacts of flood events. Classroom models of melting 

glaciers transitioned to the state Quaternary map. Teachers described outwash exposed in a 

quarry in the Kalamazoo Moraine and landforms at the Waterloo Recreational Area. Sources 

of energy were contrasted with visits to a coal power plant in Lansing and a natural gas energy 

facility in Jackson. Water was investigated using classroom models, USGS maps, and touring 

the shallow aquifer water supply for the city of Jackson. To synthesize their field observations 

teachers construct stratigraphic columns of Pennsylvanian and Mississippian rocks at Grand 

Ledge and relate their rock specimens to a geologic cross-section of the state. 


SESSION NO. 4 

4-5 9:50 AM Gochis, Emily E. [218622] 

PROMOTING GEOSCIENCE SKILLS AND CONTENT KNOWLEDGE BY INTEGRATING FIELD- 

BASED EARTHCACHES INTO TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 

GOCHIS, Emily E. 1 , ROSE, William I. 2 , HUNGWE, Kedmon 3 , KLAWITER, Mark F. 1 , MATTOX, 

Stephen R. 4 , PETCOVIC, Heather 5 , and MILLER, Ashley E. 2 , (1) Geological and Mining 

Engineering and Sciences, Michigan Technological Univ, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, 

MI 49931, eegochis@mtu.edu, (2) Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences, 

Michigan Technological Univ, 1400 Townsend Dr, Houghton, MI 49931, (3) Cognitive and 

Learning Sciences, Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, 

MI 49931, (4) Department of Geology, Grand Valley State Univ, Allendale, MI 49401-9403, 

(5) Department of Geosciences and The Mallinson Institute for Science Education, Western 

Michigan University, 1187 Rood Hall, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 

The solutions to many of societies energy, water and climate dilemmas will only be achieved 

through creativity and an understanding of complex Earth System processes by all the nation’s 

citizens. These Earth processes are complicated because they require the knowledge of multiple 

STEM subject areas, geologic time and 3D geo-spatial skills. One method that has been shown to 

effectively increase knowledge and attitude towards Earth Science in k-12 students is to connect 

classroom content to local sites that are familiar to students and which provide observable 

evidence of Earth System phenomena. However, many of today’s teachers have little or no formal 

background in Earth Science concepts and are unaware of the presence of ‘geo-significant’ 

places in their communities. 

The Michigan Teacher Excellence Program (MiTEP) is a NSF funded MSP teacher professional 

development program for urban school educators. The program’s goal is to increase the content 

knowledge and pedagogical skills of educators with limited Earth Science training. As part of the 

three-year program teachers participated in the MiTEP-EarthCache model to promote placebased 

Earth Science education. An EarthCache is an outdoor place found throughout the region 

that provides visitors a lesson on “how the Earth works.” Each EarthCache is accompanied by a 

set of coordinates, an explanation of the natural processes responsible for the formation of the 

geo-significant feature, and questions to evaluate what the visitor has learned during their visit. 

Information for each EarthCache can be found at www.earthcache.org which is maintained by 

the Geological Society of America and Groundspeak. The MiTEP-EarthCache model requires 

participants to visit EarthCache sites established in Michigan and subsequently develop their own 

EarthCache to be reviewed by GSA and published on the website for use by the general public. 

A mixed methods study has been conducted to evaluate the program’s effectiveness to develop 

teachers’ 1) field based geoscience skills, 2) earth science content knowledge 3) awareness of 

regional geological features and 4) Earth Science pedagogical skills. 

This talk will provide an overview of the MiTEP-EarthCache program, discuss program 

outcomes and effectiveness as a profession develop tool in STEM education. 

4-6 10:10 AM Miller, Ashley E. [218642] 

INTEGRATING INQUIRY-BASED INSTRUCTION IN K-12 EARTH SCIENCE CLASSROOMS 

MILLER, Ashley E., Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences, Michigan 

Technological Univ, 1400 Townsend Dr, Houghton, MI 49931, aemiller@mtu.edu and 

MATTOX, Stephen, Geology, Grand Valley State University, 133 Padnos, Allendale, 

MI 49401-9403 

Michigan Teacher Excellence Program (MiTEP) offers cohorts of teachers in Grand Rapids, 

Kalamazoo and Jackson Publics Schools a variety of experiences that are utilized to improve 

the teaching and learning of K-12 Earth Science topics within the classroom. The integration 

of inquiry-based teaching and learning in this setting is facilitated by summer experiences 

throughout the state of Michigan, as well as Pedagogy-Content days. These educator “in-service” 

days allow for teachers to collaborate in the creation or modification of lessons for use within their 

classrooms. This session will outline the introduction of inquiry-based education to the MiTEP 

participant and will also illustrate how it is being utilized as a theme within the MiTEP experience 

for K-12 teachers. 

4-7 10:30 AM Grabemeyer, Nick C. [218639] 

KALAMAZOO AND JACKSON (MI) K-12 TEACHER REFLECTIONS FROM THE MICHIGAN 

TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM 

GRABEMEYER, Nick C. 1 , YOUNG, Julie L. 1 , JENKINS, Julia H. 1 , BRYANT-KUIPHOFF, 

Yonee’ E. 1 , REED, Mark S. 2 , MATTOX, Stephen3 , PETCOVIC, Heather4 , and ROSE, 

William I. 5 , (1) Kalamazoo Public Schools, Kalamazoo, MI 49006, grabemeyernc@ 

kalamazoo.k12.mi.us, (2) Jackson Public Schools, Jackson, MI 49203, (3) Geology, 

Grand Valley State University, 133 Padnos, Allendale, MI 49401-9403, (4) Department 

of Geosciences and The Mallinson Institute for Science Education, Western Michigan 

University, 1187 Rood Hall, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, (5) Geological and Mining Engineering 

and Sciences, Michigan Technological Univ, 1400 Townsend Dr, Houghton, MI 49931 

K-12 teacher participants from cohort-3 of MiTEP (Michigan Teacher Excellence Program) will 

present exemplary lesson plans and EarthCache sites they’ve authored, along with highlights of 

the professional development activities that have enriched their Earth science content knowledge 

and honed their pedagogical skills. Each of these teachers will provide one career-changing 

take-away from their involvement in this 3 year suite of graduate courses, field experiences, and 

leadership opportunities. These teachers will be present at the end of the session to answer 

questions or to further elaborate on their experiences. Their work can be accessed electronically 

at . 

4-8 10:50 AM Ernstes, Joshua D. [218668] 

KALAMAZOO (MI) K-12 TEACHER REFLECTIONS FROM THE MICHIGAN TEACHER 

EXCELLENCE PROGRAM 

ERNSTES, Joshua D. 1 , ERNSTES, Angela L. 1 , KAY, Katherine E. 1 , SELNER, Maria D. 1 , 

KAHLER, Dawn1 , PETCOVIC, Heather2 , MATTOX, Stephen3 , and ROSE, William I. 4 , 

(1) Kalamazoo Public Schools, Kalamazoo, MI 49001, ernstesjd@kalamazoo.k12.mi.us, 

(2) Department of Geosciences and The Mallinson Institute for Science Education, Western 

Michigan University, 1187 Rood Hall, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, (3) Geology, Grand Valley State 

University, 133 Padnos, Allendale, MI 49401-9403, (4) Geological and Mining Engineering 

and Sciences, Michigan Technological Univ, 1400 Townsend Dr, Houghton, MI 49931 

K-12 teachers in cohort-3 of the Michigan Teacher Excellence Program (MiTEP) will share 

experiences from the 3-year suite of professional development activities involving Earth science 

education. In addition to providing exemplary, inquiry-based lesson plans and teacher-authored 

EarthCache sites, each teacher will provide one take-away activity, strategy, or leadership 

opportunity that has been career-changing. These teachers will be available after the session to 

answer questions or to elaborate on their experiences. Their work is available electronically at 

. 


4-9 11:10 AM McLean, Colleen E. [218775] 

MEETING THE NEEDS OF THE MODERN ENVIRONMENTAL ERA: A PARTNERSHIP 

TO ENHANCE TEACHERS’ AND STUDENTS’ UNDERSTANDINGS OF SUSTAINABILITY 

CONCEPTS 

KUMLER, Lori1 , MCLEAN, Colleen E. 2 , and ARMSTRONG, Felicia P. 2 , (1) Political Science 

and International Studies, University of Mount Union, 1972 Clark Ave, Alliance, OH 44601, 

(2) Geological and Environmental Sciences, Youngstown State University, 2120 Moser Hall, 

One University Plaza, Youngstown, OH 44555, cemclean@ysu.edu 

Contemporary challenges in geoscience education require innovative teaching methods and a 

broad understanding of evolving concepts as well as state specific content standards. Ohio’s new 

content standards for social studies and science at the middle and secondary levels for the first 

time include concepts related to economic, social, and environmental sustainability. However, the 

concept of sustainability is relatively new to the standards and most teachers within the classroom 

have not been adequately prepared to address these standards. Through an Ohio Environmental 

Education Fund grant, we partnered with local school districts to offer a graduate course for 

middle and secondary science and social studies teachers focused on sustainability concepts as 

related to their local communities. The course included an intense full week summer workshop 

and additional meetings during the school year in which teachers shared standards-based unit 

plans developed out of the course. During the summer workshop, teachers attended lectures by 

university and outside experts in energy, water quality, air quality/climate, soils and land use; the 

last day included a panel discussion led by local specialists and government officials in land use 

(e.g. abandoned mines, regional council of governments). Teachers also learned how to use a 

basic modeling program (STELLA ©) and learned about new energy initiatives related to solar 

hydrogen production. In the field, teachers visited local sites including a solar company, a LEED 

certified building, a wastewater treatment plant, a local forest, a pervious parking lot, and a farm 

producing food for Cleveland area restaurants. Teachers were then able to integrate updated 

knowledge and field experiences into unit plans that they created for their classes. This workshop 

was geared directly to in-service and pre-service teachers, administrators, teacher preparation 

programs, and state education officers. This partnership demonstrates that university-school 

district partnerships can provide essential professional development opportunities to teachers 

related to the latest technological and economic innovations. 



T18. Recent Advances in the Studies on the Origin of 

Magmatic and Hydrothermal Ore Deposits 


5-1 10:00 AM Mulcahy, Connor [218405] 

RARE EARTH ELEMENT ENRICHED MINERALS IN HYDROTHERMAL COPPER DEPOSITS 

FROM THE KEWEENAW PENINSULA, MICHIGAN, USA 

MULCAHY, Connor1 , HANSEN, Edward C. 1 , RHEDE, D. 2 , and BORNHORST, Theodore J. 3 , 

(1) Geological and Environmental Sciences, Hope College, 35 E 12th Street, Holland, 

MI 49423, connor.mulcahy@hope.edu, (2) Helmholtz-Zentrum Potsdam, Deutsches 

GeoForschungsZentrum (GFZ), Potsdam, 14473, Germany, (3) A. E. Seaman Mineral 

Museum, Michigan Technological University, 1404 E. Sharon Avenue, Houghton, MI 49931 

Low grade hydrothermal metamorphism associated with copper mineralization in Michigan’s 

Keweenaw Peninsula created concentrated masses of calc-silicate minerals in intralayered 

tholeiitic basalts and rhyolite-pebble conglomerates within the fill of the 1.1 Ga Midcontinent rift. 

These masses consist of epidote, pumpellyite, prehnite, and titanite in the basalts and epidote, 

titanite, and sporadic andradite in the conglomerates and were examined by SEM, and electron 

microprobe analyses from five localities (three in basalts; two in conglomerates). Epidote grains 

enriched in REE were found in samples from both conglomerate localities and can be classified 

into: Type I characterized by narrow growth zones with up to 6 wt.% Ce O + La O + Nd O ; Type 

2 3 2 3 2 3 

II characterized by dissolution-reprecipitation zoning consisting of irregular REE-enriched zones 

around fractures or as incomplete rims/embayments at the margins of REE poor crystals; and 

Type III characterized by masses of small, acicular crystals with an allanite component of up to 

47 mole% projecting from the margins of REE-poor epidote crystals or intergrown with titanite/ 

REE poor epidote. Synchysite, REE-fluorocarbonate, occurs with calcite in some conglomerate 

samples that contain little or no epidote. Only one basalt sample was found to contain REEenriched 

minerals as clusters of irregularly shaped patches with up to 4.3 wt.% Ce O + La O + 

2 3 2 3 

Nd O within REE-poor epidote. Type I REE-enrichment represents a brief increase in the activity 

2 3 

of REE-elements during epidote growth. Either a change in the hydrothermal fluid composition or 

a sudden decrease in temperature during the last stages of epidote growth led to super-saturation 

of REE elements that in turn led to the development of Type II and Type III enrichment. The 

hydrothermal fluids may have acquired REE from leaching of rhyolite clasts in conglomerates at 

depth in the source area for the fluids 

5-2 10:20 AM Frank, Mark R. [218392] 

AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF GOLD IN SULFIDE MINERALS 

FRANK, Mark R. and FRALEY, Kendle, Department of Geology and Environmental 

Geosciences, Northern Illinois University, Davis Hall, Room 312, DeKalb, IL 60115, 

mfrank@niu.edu 

Au in magmatic-hydrothermal systems may often co-precipitate with common Cu-Fe sulfide 

minerals. Au has been found within bornite and chalcopyrite in porphyry ore deposits such as at 

Bingham Canyon and as “invisible” Au in pyrite and arsenopyrite samples from the Carlin trend. 

The Au concentrations within these Cu-Fe and Fe sulfide minerals have been explored as a 

function of temperature previously, but no study has systemically varied both temperature and 

sulfur activity in a way that mimics the conditions of porphyry ore formation. The activity of sulfur 

in magmatic-hydrothermal systems controls the stable sulfide mineral assemblage and has been 

shown to impact the solubility and speciation of Cu and Au in a magmatic volatile phase, however, 

its impact on Au in sulfide minerals is unknown. Experiments were conducted at 100 MPa 

with an oxygen fugacity buffered by Ni-NiO, and at temperatures of 500, 600, and 700 °C, to 

determine the solubility of Au within bornite, high-temperature chalcopyrite (intermediate solid 

solution – ISS), and pyrrhotite. The activity of sulfur in the system was buffered by sulfide mineral 

assemblages that induced values between log -11±1 and 0.4±0.8 (1σ). Au capsules were loaded 

with the select mineral assemblage and a 5 wt.% NaCl (eq.) aqueous solution composed of

NaCl+KCl+HCl+H 2 O. Sulfide mineral run products were analyzed by an Electron Microprobe to 

determine the concentration of Au and their textures after quench. Au exsolution features were 

observed in bornite and ISS throughout the mineral grains, whereas no exsolution textures were 

observed in pyrrhotite. Au in pyrrhotite ranged from 300-500 μg/g and did not vary appreciably 

over the entire range of the experiments. The solubility of Au in bornite increased from 1000 μg/g 

at 500 °C to 1800 μg/g at 700 °C and with an increase in the log sulfur activity of -11.0±1 to 

-6.0±0.1. The solubility of Au in ISS increased from 300 μg/g at 500 °C to 4000 μg/g at 700 °C 

with the activity of sulfur exerting the principal control on Au solubility as, at 700 °C, Au increased 

from 1100 to 4000 μg/g as it increased from log -6.0±0.1 to 0.4±0.8 (1σ). Our results demonstrate 

that Au will partition preferentially into ISS relative to pyrrhotite in porphyry systems with an ISS + 

pyrrhotite assemblage and into bornite for the bornite + ISS assemblage. 

5-3 10:40 AM Mateas, Douglas J. [218078] 

HYDROTHERMAL ALTERATION AND MINERALIZATION AMONG THE GOLD ZONES OF THE 

BACK FORTY VOLCANOGENIC MASSIVE SULFIDE DEPOSIT 

MATEAS, Douglas J., Eastern Illinois University, 600 Lincoln Ave, Charleston, IL 61920, 

djmateas@eiu.edu 

The Back Forty Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide (VMS) deposit, located along the Menominee 

River in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, is the second largest deposit in the early Proterozoic 

Penokean Volcanic Belt. The VMS mineralization, which is hosted by felsic volcanic rocks, 

is characterized as Kuroko-style and consists of massive, semi-massive and stringer sulfide 

mineralization. The dominant ore in the VMS deposit is pyrite, a gangue mineral. Valuable ores in 

the deposit consist of sphalerite, chalcopyrite and galena. Adjacent to the main massive sulfide 

mineralization, there are three designated “gold zones” that have proven preferential to precious 

metal mineralization of gold and silver. These precious metals have been remobilized from the 

main area of mineralization. The three gold zones, which are named the Porphyry Margin Zone 

(PM), 90 Zone and Near Surface Zone (NS), have markedly different presentations in hand 

sample. PM Zone deposits are found in a quartz-feldspar porphyry, while 90 Zone and NS Zone 

deposits are found in a rhyolite crystal tuff host rock. The 90 Zone host rock is so intensely 

altered by chlorite, though, that it can be referred to as a chlorite crystal tuff. The objectives for 

this research are three-fold. The first objective is to describe the mineralization and alteration 

in representative samples from each zone in thin section. The second objective is to attempt to 

identify similarities, if they exist, and point out differences in the mineralogy and alteration among 

the zones. The overall objective is to determine if there are any characteristics to suggest that 

the gold mineralization in the zones represent a single mineralizing event or multiple, separate 

pulses of mineralization. At this point, it appears that vast differences in chlorite appearance and 

distribution may signal a different mineralizing event for the PM Zone than in the 90 Zone and 

NS Zone. 

5-4 11:00 AM Hagni, Richard D. [217091] 

ORIGIN OF PLATY GALENA IN THE VIBURNUM TREND, SOUTHEAST MISSOURI 

HAGNI, Richard D., Geological Sciences and Engineering, Missouri University of Science 

and Technology, 161 McNutt Hall, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO 

65409-0410, rhagni@mst.edu 

The Viburnum Trend of Missouri is the world’s largest producer of lead. The lead occurs as 

galena predominantly in two crystallographic forms, octahedrons and cubes. Many studies have 

shown that octahedral galena is paragentically early, the more abundant of the two crystal forms, 

and is commonly modified by the cube. Those studies also have shown that the cubic form is 

paragenetically later, less abundant than the octahedrons, and may exhibit minor octahedral 

modifications. Viburnum Trend galena crystals that exhibit a platy form have received almost no 

study. The reason for their lack of the study is the rarity of their occurrence. This communication 

discusses their character, mine distribution, paragenetic position, trace element contents, nature 

of twinning, and speculated conditions of formation. It also compares their character to similar 

platy galena occurrences in Bulgaria, Russia, Mexico, and the Pine Point District in the Northwest 

Territories of Canada. 

Flat, platy galena crystals have been recognized to occur in very small amounts in the 

Magmont, Buick, Fletcher, Brushy Creek, and Sweetwater mines in the Viburnum Trend. In 

contrast, platy galena has never been observed to occur at the Casteel, West Fork, #27, #28, and 

#29 mines in the Trend. The platy crystals have formed early in the paragenetic sequence of the 

ores, prior to and coated by subsequently deposited cubic galena and drusy quartz. 

Spinel twinning of the octahedron produces flat platy crystals. The platy galena crystals of the 

Viburnum Trend are very similar in crystal morphology to platy galena crystals interpreted to be 

spinel twins in the Dalnegorsk Pb-Zn (skarn deposit) mine in SE Russia, the Madan ore field of 

skarn Pb-Zn-Ag deposits of southern Bulgaria, and the large Naica Pb mine of northern Mexico. 

In some lead districts, less common forms of galena have been ascribed to the incorporation of 

elevated contents of certain trace elements in those galena crystal forms. Analysis of Viburnum 

platy crystals has shown that they contain very low levels of trace elements: 3.1 ppm Ag,

SESSION NO. 6 

reported from areas proximal (< 25 km) to the study area and thus could potentially be hazardous 

to populations and properties. This will largely depend on the adopted building codes and 

engineering designs for urban settlements in the study area. 

6-4 9:00 AM El Kadiri, Racha [218564] 

STATISTICAL AND REMOTE SENSING BASED APPROACH TO DETERMINE DEBRIS FLOWS 

TRIGGERING FACTORS 

EL KADIRI, Racha1 , SULTAN, Mohamed1 , BECKER, Richard2 , KRAWCZYK, Malgorzata1 , 

AL HARBI, Talal1 , and CHOUINARD, Kyle J. 1 , (1) Department of Geosciences, Western 

Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, racha.elkadiri@wmich.edu, (2) Department of 

Environmental Sciences, University of Toledo, 2081 Bancroft Ave, Toledo, OH 43606 

Debris flows represent a significant ecosystem disturbance, particularly in Jazan Mountains in 

Saudi Arabia. The area is subjected to intense precipitation levels related to Indian monsoons and 

high relief (up to 2.5 km a.m.s/l). We were able to characterize the spatial conditions that have 

controlled the occurrence of debris flows events in the area due to the advancement of remote 

sensing and geographic information systems. We extracted terrain characteristics in the area 

from remote sensing datasets, and used them as proxies to the different debris flows triggering 

factors. The remote sensing based parameters enable us to construct a weighted model that is 

calibrated against field based observations. The extracted criteria that enable us to control slope 

instability for shallow debris flows are: slope angle, elevation, topographic wetness index (TWI), 

stream power index (SPI), convergence index (CI), aspect, soil roughness, normalized difference 

vegetation index (NDVI), flow accumulation index, and manmade feature distribution. 

6-5 9:40 AM Mohamed, Lamees [218288] 

STRUCTURAL CONTROL OF GROUNDWATER FLOW, SOUTHERN SINAI, EGYPT: REMOTE 

SENSING CONSTRAINTS 

MOHAMED, Lamees, Geosciences, WMU, Kalamazoo, 49008, lamees.m.mihamed@ 

wmich.edu, SULTAN, Mohamed, Geosciences, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. 

Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5241, and ZAKI, Abotalib, Geosciences, WMU, 

Kalamazoo, MI 49008 

The distribution of dikes and shear zones, their orientation, thickness, and density together with 

the rate and persistency of rainfall, absorptive characteristics of the land surface, permeability 

of the reservoir rocks, and slope gradient of land surface are the main factors that control 

the groundwater distribution and groundwater flow in southern Sinai. Precipitation generally 

occurs over the highly elevated Proterozoic basement rocks, and is channeled down stream as 

surface runoff in the valleys (wadis) or as groundwater flow in the alluvium aquifers flooring the 

valleys. Fractured basement can act as conduits for groundwater flow as well. We examined the 

temporal variations in backscattering values extracted from radar imagery to identify the waterbearing 

shear zones, dyke swarms, and valleys in the study area (southern Sinai). The adopted 

procedures were as follows: (1) spatial and temporal precipitation events over the basement 

complex were identified from Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) data; a major 

precipitation event (34 mm) that occurred on January, 17 2010 was identified and selected for this 

analysis, (2) the shear zones and dyke swarms within the study area were delineated using false 

color Landsat band and band ratio images, (3) four Envisat ASAR (Advanced Synthetic Aperture 

Radar radar) scenes were selected, one before (November, 11 2009 ) and three after (20January 

2010, 5 February 2010 , and 12 March 2010) the identified precipitation event, (4) the four images 

were co-registered, orbital corrected, multilooked, filtered, radiometric calibrated and at last beta 

& sigma nought images were produced. 

Examining the generated backscattering images revealed that following a rain event, the 

water bearing dikes, shear zones, and valleys show evidence of retaining more water (high 

backscattering) than their surroundings. Ongoing research will focus on applying these findings to 

map all such aquifers in southern Sinai and to further test our findings by conducting geophysical 

techniques. 

6-6 10:00 AM Ahmed, Mohamed [218224] 

MONITORING AQUIFER DEPLETION FROM SPACE: CASE STUDIES FROM NUBIAN 

SANDSTONE AQUIFER IN EGYPT AND THE SAQ AQUIFER IN SAUDI ARABIA 

AHMED, Mohamed, SULTAN, Mohamed, and ALHARBI, Talal, Geosciences, Western 

Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, mohamed.ahmed@ 

wmich.edu 

In arid and semi-arid regions of the world the demand for fresh water resources is increasing due 

to increasing populations and scarcity of fresh water supplies. Examples of these regions include 

the Middle East countries where the scarcity of fresh water is contributing to political instability, 

disputes, and conflicts. Many of these countries are blessed by having large amounts of fresh 

water stored in non-renewable and widely distributed aquifers. The majority of these aquifers 

remain poorly investigated for the following reasons: (1) their locations in the less-developed 

parts of the world, (2) the general inaccessibility of many of these regions, and (3) difficulties 

in collecting background information. Given the previous reasons, we developed an integrated 

approach to investigate the hydrologic setting of two main fresh water aquifers, the Nubian 

Sandstone Aquifer System (NSAS; area: 493 x 103 km2 ) in Egypt and the Saq Aquifer System 

(SAS; area: 489 x 103 km2 ) in Saudi Arabia. Specifically, we are addressing aquifer response to 

natural climatic and anthropogenic effects. Monthly (01/2003 – 09/2012) Gravity Recovery and 

Climate Experiment (GRACE) data was processed (destriped, Gaussian smoothed, and soil 

moisture removed) and used in conjunction with other relevant datasets to investigate aquifer 

depletion rates. Results indicate: (1) both NSAS and SAS are experiencing declining GRACE 

trends, (2) time series analyses show a negligible changes between GRACE before and after 

removing soil moisture indicating that the main drivers for GRACE anomalies are the groundwater 

extraction activities, (3) areas with negative GRACE trends are highly spatially correlated with 

irrigated areas, (4) the annual depletion rates based on GRACE data for the NSAS and SAS is 

estimated at 1.8 x 109 m3 (3.6 mm/yr) and 2.3 x 109 m3 (4.8 mm/yr) respectively, and (5) GRACE 

results are consistent with the reported groundwater extraction rates for both aquifers. Given the 

available temporal monthly GRACE solutions for the past eleven years, the global coverage of 

this data set, and the plans underway for the deployment of a GRACE follow-On and GRACE-II, 

we suggest that within the next few years, GRACE will probably become the most practical, 

informative, and cost effective procedure for monitoring aquifer depletion rates across the globe. 


6-7 10:20 AM Zmijewski, Kirk A. [218406] 

USING GRACE DATA TO MONITOR EFFECTS OF ANTHROPOGENIC MODIFICATION AND 

CLIMATE CHANGE ON GROUNDWATER IN THE ARAL SEA REGION: 2002-2012 

ZMIJEWSKI, Kirk A., Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Toledo, 2081 

Bancroft Ave, Toledo, OH 43606, kirk.zmijewski@rockets.utoledo.edu and BECKER, 

Richard H., Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Toledo, 2801 West 

Bancroft Ave, Toledo, OH 43606 

The Aral Sea watershed located in central Asia has seen significant anthropogenic modification 

since the mid 20th century, leading to a decrease in size of the sea by almost 90%. The watershed 

is a closed basin with an area of almost 2 million square kilometers which includes both the Amu 

Darya and Syr Darya river systems. A network of canals and channels has diverted a significant 

amount of flow from both rivers into various agricultural areas and reservoirs. Groundwater is 

an extremely important resource in the region providing the majority of river flow during winter 

months, while glacial melt provides up to 70% during the summer months in hot years. 

GRACE (Gravity and Climate Experiment) data from 2002-2012 was used to monitor total water 

storage trends within the basin using a linear model. The data was normalized with an annual 

periodic function to remove seasonality. The GLDAS (Global Land Data Assimilation Systems) 

model was used to estimate the monthly mass of soil moisture and snow cover. Total surface 

water mass was estimated using satellite imagery and historical topographic maps. 

Much of the water diverted from the Syr Darya and Amu Darya remains stored as groundwater 

recharge and growing artificial lakes which supports the regions agriculture. However, the 

water balance of the whole watershed shows an overall negative trend in water storage due to 

evaporative losses from these diversions. A positive trend in groundwater storage mass was 

observed in agricultural areas and in the vicinity of the reservoirs in the central part of the basin. 

Opposite trends were observed in the headwaters of both glacial-fed rivers within the Aral Sea 

basin. Total summer time snow cover area was determined for both rivers using Landsat imagery. 

An increase in total snow/ice cover in the Amu Darya headwaters was observed and a decrease 

in total snow/ice in the Syr Darya. The Amu Darya receives precipitation from the South Asian 

Monsoon which has increased in the last decade. The more northern headwaters of the Syr 

Darya River receive continental precipitation of which previous studies have shown no significant 

trends, but an increase of 1-2 degrees C over the past century may explain loss in mass due to 

glacial ablation. Future water and food security in the region depends on accurate monitoring and 

predictions of water resources in the future. 

6-8 10:40 AM Becker, Richard H. [218495] 

THE STALLED RECOVERY OF THE MESOPTAMIAN MARSHES 

BECKER, Richard H., Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Toledo, 

2801 West Bancroft Ave, Toledo, OH 43606, richard.becker@utoledo.edu 

The Mesoptamian Marshes, an extensive wetlands system in Iraq which once covered roughly 

twice the area of the Florida Everglades, has been heavily impacted by both human and climate 

forces over the past decades. In the period leading up to the Second Gulf War in 2002, the 

marshlands were shrinking due to both a policy of draining and water diversion, and construction 

of dams upstream on the Euphrates in Turkey. Following the war through 2006, this trend was 

reversed as the diversions were removed and active draining stopped. The recovery reached 

its peak in 2006, but the marshes have been drying since, due to droughts and increased water 

storage upstream. 

A combination of MODIS, Landsat and GRACE datasets were used to determine if the change 

in water storage both in above ground and total storage both upriver in the Tigris and Euphrates 

watersheds, and in the Marshlands. This change in total water storage is used to help partition 

the changes between upstream retention and overall drying of the system. The Grace datasets 

show a gradual decrease in total water in the source water regions for the Euphrates over the 

period of 2002-2010, and a sharp change from increasing water surface area and mass to losing 

in the lower portion of the watershed containing the marshes in 2006. This suggests that the dam 

removal and decrease in pumping only provided a temporary respite for the marshlands and 

that their future is tied more strongly to any climate changes that will affect recharge in the upper 

Tigris-Euphrates system. 



Geoscience Education (Posters) 

Schneider Hall, Courtyard 

7-1 BTH 1 Lane, Joe [218508] 

USING THE HISTORY OF RESEARCH ON THE PHENOMENON OF PLATE TECTONICS TO 

HELP STUDENTS BETTER APPRECIATE THE NATURE OF SCIENCE 

LANE, Joe, Mallinson Institute for Science Education, Western Michigan University, 

1903 West Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, joseph.m.lane@wmich.edu 

This paper provides the reader with a detailed history on the phenomenon of plate tectonics, 

which focuses on the German scientist, Alfred Wegener. Wegener proposed that throughout 

most of geologic time there was only one continental mass, and one ocean. To strengthen his 

argument, Wegener drew perspectives from numerous scientific fields, as well as past works from 

specific scientists. This paper is designed as an educational instrument in order for students to 

examine the physical processes that our planet has undergone over, long, geologic periods of 

time. Students are presented with a Scientific Benchmark, stressing the importance that: ‘science 

is in fact one vast single system, in which everything in the universe occurs in consistent patterns 

that are comprehensible through careful, systematic study.’ This argument includes information on 

the need to explore the work of scientists; as well as, the essential characteristics that scientists 

must obtain when investigating our natural world. It is the primary purpose of this paper to inform 

students of the importance of scientific advancements and to illustrate the benefits of using 

history to support a better understanding of the nature of science.

7-2 BTH 2 Miller, Kurtz K. [218056] 

ANALYZING GLACIAL TILL: AN INQUIRY-BASED PROJECT FOR HIGH SCHOOL EARTH 

SCIENCE STUDENTS 

MILLER, Kurtz K., Department of Teacher Education, University of Dayton, 300 College Park, 

Chaminade Hall Annex 112P, Dayton, OH 45469, KurtzMiller@yahoo.com and COOK, Alex, 

Department of Teacher Education, University of Dayton, 300 College Park, Chaminade Hall, 

Dayton, OH 45469 

According to the National Research Council (NRC) by twelfth grade, high school students 

should have an understanding of the causes of ice ages, including details about the Milankovitch 

Cycles. High school seniors should also be aware of the notion that gradual changes in the 

eccentricity of the Earth’s orbit, axial tilt, and precession of orbit are responsible for orbital forcing 

of Earth’s global climate. There are a variety of ways to teach students about climatic cycles by 

using real data, including but not limited to the study of ice cores, ocean sediment cores, and 

Quaternary glacial deposits. The fact that Quaternary glacial deposits, including glacial till, are 

widely distributed throughout much of the Midwest make it possible for high school earth science 

teachers to instruct students about how glacientic sediments help geologists to interpret climatic 

conditions during the Pleistocene. This poster presentation will outline an inquiry-based, glacial till 

project conducted with junior and senior high school earth science students at the Miami Valley 

Career Technology Center (MVCTC) in Clayton, Ohio. Glacial till for the inquiry-based project 

was collected from Holes Creek Park, which is part of the Centerville-Washington Park District, 

Centerville, Ohio. The glacial till, inquiry-based project empowered earth science students to draw 

connections between the shape, genesis, and composition of till clasts and how the Pleistocene 

Ice Sheet moved through the Miami Valley in Southwestern Ohio. 

7-3 BTH 3 Barney, Jeffrey A. [218796] 

USING SOLID ROCK CORE SAMPLES TO TEACH POROSITY AND PERMEABILITY 

BARNEY, Jeffrey A., Mallinson Institutute for Science Education, Western Michigan 

University, 6575 N 44th St, Augusta, MI 49012, jeffrey.a.barney@wmich.edu 

Teaching science content to K-12 students can be a struggle, especially when student 

engagement with lesson material is a problem. One way teachers can help engage students 

is to use hands-on activities. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress 

(NAEP), teachers who regularly conduct hands-on activities in their classrooms report that 

their students out perform their peers by more than 40% of a grade level in science. At Western 

Michigan University we have developed a geology lesson using rock core samples to teach rock 

characteristics that are somewhat counterintuitive: porosity and permeability. This activity brings 

rock core samples and rock coring tools into the classroom for students to examine. Students 

study different types of sedimentary rocks and learn how layers of these rocks formed as the 

Great Lakes Basin experienced repeated cycles of flooding and evaporation hundreds of millions 

of years ago. Students also learn how petroleum forms and how oil and gas are found in the pore 

spaces of some types of rocks. Finally, the students are shown a variety of sedimentary rock 

cores and are tasked with determining which core would represent the most likely “host rock” for 

petroleum. The students accomplish this by using hand operated air pumps to test the porosity 

and permeability of the rocks by trying to force air through the core samples. The students use 

the results of this activity to evaluate a set of hypothetical well sites, and then vote to decide 

which well site should be developed. This activity teaches identification and formation of common 

sedimentary rocks and the Paleozoic history of the Great Lakes Basin. 

7-4 BTH 4 Barone, Steven [218280] 

TEACHING PALEOCLIMATE AND CLIMATE CHANGE TO FUTURE TEACHERS: AN ACTION 

RESEARCH STUDY 

BARONE, Steven, Geosciences Department, Western Michigan University, 1187 Rood Hall, 

Kalamazoo, MI 49008, steven.barone@wmich.edu and PETCOVIC, Heather, Department 

of Geosciences and The Mallinson Institute for Science Education, Western Michigan 

University, 1187 Rood Hall, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 

The purpose of this action research study is to develop and evaluate a sequence of four 

lessons for an introductory earth science course taken by future elementary teachers. Action 

research is a reflective process of data collection and analysis used by teachers to improve their 

classroom practice. This study’s goal was to produce a series of lessons that align with the course 

philosophy, are effective at improving students’ understanding of climate change, and meet the 

state requirements for elementary teacher preparation. 

The action research cycle began by developing four lessons that follow the course philosophy of 

student-driven learning through guided-inquiry. The first lesson uses a jigsaw teaching approach 

in which students create a model of the carbon cycle. In the second lesson students design an 

experiment to test the effect of carbon dioxide on atmospheric temperature and use a computer 

animation to further investigate the greenhouse effect. In the third lesson, students use Google 

Earth to determine 50-year temperature averages for various cities across the globe. In the fourth 

lesson students examine Vostok ice core data to reconstruct a 300,000 year climate record and 

its relationship to Milankovitch cycles. Although these lessons are designed for and tested in a 

course for future elementary teachers, they could be adapted to other settings as well (e.g. high 

school, college non-majors earth science courses). 

The action research cycle continued with lesson implementation, data collection, analysis/ 

reflection, and revision of the lessons. Three data sets were used to evaluate the lessons: 

1) student knowledge gains on an objective pre- and post-test, 2) students’ self-reported 

confidence with the lesson content, and 3) classroom observations to monitor lesson 

implementation. Data analysis in the spring 2012 and fall 2012 semesters revealed that 

students were able to identify natural mechanisms that cause climate to change, distinguish 

between weather and climate, and identify greenhouse gases as contributing to global warming. 

However, they struggled with interpreting graphs and identifying how natural processes affect the 

concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. These results guide changes for future lesson 

implementation to complete the action research study. 



Paleontology (Posters) 


SESSION NO. 8 

8-1 BTH 5 Johnson, Daryl [218745] 

SIZE-FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION AND TAPHONOMY OF BRACHIOPODA FROM THE 

HUGHES CREEK SHALE (CARBONIFEROUS) OF SOUTHEASTERN NEBRASKA 

JOHNSON, Daryl, WULF, Shane, and HANGER, Rex, Geography & Geology, University of 

Wisconsin-Whitewater, Whitewater, WI 53190, JohnsonDG22@uww.edu 

The Hughes Creek Shale Member of the Foraker Formation (Carboniferous) in Richardson 

County, Nebraska contains a diverse and abundant open-marine fauna. Species of the Phylum 

Brachiopoda dominate, although crinoids and bryozoans are also common, while corals, 

gastropods, trilobites and shark teeth are rare. Two Rhynchonelliform species, the pedunculate 

Spiriferinid, Hustedia mormoni, and the free-living Strophomenate Dyoros sp., were studied 

in greater detail as proxy for taphonomy of the entire fauna. Standard length and width 

measurement was supplemented with articulation ratios as well as qualitative categorizations of 

corrasion, fragmentation and epibiont coverage for all individuals of the target species. Preliminary 

results include: skewed size frequency distributions for both with most juveniles absent; high 

(>95%) articulation for H. mormoni, and moderate (~50%) for D. sp.; low levels of corrasion 

and epibiont coverage suggesting short seafloor residence times; and low fragmentation, 

mostly splayed. These results contrast strongly for all taphonomic metrics for the most common 

brachiopod species of the fauna (e.g. Neospirifer kansasensis, Reticulatia huecoensis)., which 

also are the largest members of the fauna. 

8-2 BTH 6 Day, Jed [218516] 

EARLY CARBONIFEROUS (EARLIEST TOURNAISIAN-KINDERHOOKIAN) BRACHIOPOD 

AND CONODONT FAUNAS OF THE “ELLSWORTH” MEMBER OF THE NEW ALBANY SHALE, 

ILLINOIS BASIN, SOUTHERN INDIANA 

DAY, Jed, Geography & Geology, Illinois State Univ, Normal, IL 61790-4400, jeday@ilstu.edu, 

EVANS, Scott D., Geology, State University of New York at Geneseo, Geneseo, NY 14454, 

OVER, D. Jeffrey, Geological Sciences, S.U.N.Y. Geneseo, Geneseo, NY 14454-1401, 

HASENMUELLER, Nancy R., Indiana Geological Survey, Indiana University, 611 North 

Walnut Grove Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405, and LEONARD, Andrea M., Geography & 

Geology, Illinois State University, 2377 24th St, Moline, IL 61265 

The upper New Albany Shale in southern Indiana consists of the Jacob’s Chapel, Henryville, 

Underwood, and Falling Run beds within the upper Clegg Creek Member and the “Ellsworth” 

Member. The conodont fauna from the upper Clegg Creek Member below the Falling Run Bed 

and “Ellsworth” Member includes Bispathodus aculeatus aculeatus, Branmehla bohlenana, 

Br. inornata, Cryptotaxis culminidirecta, Palmatolepis glabra ssp., Pa. gracilis gracilis, and 

Protognathodus sp. This fauna is latest Famennian (uppermost Devonian praesulcata Zone). The 

“Ellsworth” Member at a roadcut exposure near Rockford, Indiana (locality 9 of Huddle, along US 

Alt. 31, now covered) is the type locality for the lost holotype of conodont Siphonodella sulcata. 

The gray-green brachiopod-bearing shale noted by Huddle at the type locality of Si. sulcata is 

the “Ellsworth” Member, which in Indiana Survey Drill Hole 324, eight km northwest of Huddle 

locality 9, contains specimens of Bispathodus, Branmehla, Polygnathus communis communis, 

and Si. sulcata. This fauna is correlated with the lowest Carboniferous sulcata Zone. At the US 

Highway 31 roadcut, sulcata Zone conodonts occur in association with a brachiopod fauna 

originally described by Huddle that includes:Subglobosochonetes seymorensis, Rhipidomella 

newalbaniensis, Schuchertella sp., Rhynchopora prisca, and Sphenospira sp. cf. S. alta. In the 

Indiana Survey Drill Hole 324 core, brachiopod assemblages in the lower half of the “Ellsworth” 

are comprised almost entirely of S. seymorensis, with moderately diverse assemblages with 

S. seymorensis, R. prisca and R. newalbaniensis in the upper half below the Henryville Bed. 

None of the brachiopod species recovered from the “Ellsworth” fauna of southeastern Indiana are 

known to carryover from older Famennian (praesulcata Zone) strata in the region, although older 

related species of Rhynchopora, Ripidomella, and Schuchertella occur in the latest Famennian 

carbonate platform fauna of the Louisiana Limestone of Illinois and Missouri. The “Ellsworth” 

brachiopod fauna is similar to the earliest-early Tournaisian fauna described from the Glen Park 

Formation of western Illinois Basin in Illinois and eastern Missouri that also yields conodonts of 

the sulcata Zone. 

8-3 BTH 7 Smrecak, Trisha A. [218374] 

COMPARING SCLEROBIONT COVERAGE OF RAFINESQUINA ALTERNATA IN 

HARDGROUND AND SOFT-BOTTOM SUBSTRATE SETTINGS IN THE CINCINNATI ARCH 

REGION (CINCINNATIAN, UPPER ORDOVICIAN) 

SMRECAK, Trisha A., Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48906, 

smrecakt@msu.edu 

Sclerobionts are more sensitive indicators of paleoenvironmental changes than host 

shell substrates upon which they encrust (Lescinsky, 1995). Recent work has established 

sclerobiofacies on the host brachiopod Rafinesquina as an independent bathymetric proxy in 

soft bottom substrates in the Lt. Ordovician Cincinnati Arch region (Smrecak, 2008; Brett, et al., 

2012). Metrics used to establish the sclerobiofacies were applied to bionts on deployed shells off 

the coast of Lee Stocking Island, Bahamas (Brett, et al., 2011) with high agreement, suggesting 

that aspects of sclerobiont coverage may vary predictably with depth through geologic time. 

However, as sessile, filter feeding organisms, sclerobionts are also highly susceptible to the influx 

of sedimentation (Mistiaen, et al., 2011). This work compares sclerobiont suites encrusting on 

Rafinesquina cemented in a hardground (Meyer, 1990, Shroat-Lewis, 2011) with those found 

on the same hosts in shallow euphotic zone soft bottom samples in the Maysvillian (Grant Lake 

Fm., Bellevue and Mt. Auburn Mbrs.), and similar environments in the Richmondian (see Vogel 

and Brett, 2009). Hardgrounds are formed by in situ substrate lithification during times of low 

sedimentation, frequently during widespread marine transgressions (Brett, et al., 2011; Cornell, 

et al., 2004), while soft-bottom substrates reflect a more consistent influx of sediment. Metrics 

including richness, areal coverage, occurrence, and encrustation frequency are used to evaluate 

sclerobiont suites in hardground and soft bottom samples to discern how sedimentation rate 

impacts sclerobiont encrustation. Preliminary analysis suggests low sedimentation rate dampens 

the areal coverage of host shells significantly (from an average of 18%/shell (STD 9.36) in softbottom 

substrates to 7% in the hardground setting). Sclerobiont richness in the hardground 

sample was higher than soft bottom substrate samples, with 3 taxa, including edrioasteroids, 


SESSION NO. 8 

documented only on hardground hosts. Hardground sample occurrence and encrustation 

frequency fall within the expected range for shallow euphotic zone sclerobiont suites, but richness 

is significantly higher than expected. These data suggest that suites or sclerobiont taxa may be 

effective indicators of sedimentation in addition to paleodepth. 

8-4 BTH 8 Green, Jeremy L. [218512] 

THE INFLUENCE OF BITE FORCE ON THE FORMATION OF DENTAL MICROWEAR IN 

XENARTHRANS (MAMMALIA) 

GREEN, Jeremy L., Geology, Kent State University at Tuscarawas, 330 University Dr NE, 

New Philadelphia, OH 446636, jgreen72@kent.edu and MCAFEE, Robert K., Ohio Northern 

University, Department of Biological and Allied Health Sciences, 525 South Main Street, Ada, 

OH 45810 

Xenarthrans are a group of placental mammals (including tree sloths, armadillos, ground sloths, 

and glyptodonts) that lack enamel on their adult teeth, having instead an outer layer of softer 

orthodentine. Prior analyses of microscopic scars (termed “dental microwear”) on the chewing 

surface of xenarthran teeth reveal a correlation between orthodentine microwear patterns 

and feeding ecology, thereby providing a proxy for paleodiet in extinct xenarthrans. However, 

the specific formative mechanism of microwear features (e.g. scratches, pits) on xenarthran 

orthodentine remains poorly understood. It stands to reason that bite force (generated by 

mandibular closure during mastication) should influence the formation of microwear patterns, but 

no studies have specifically tested this hypothesis. We attempt to fill this gap in our knowledge 

by investigating the potential effects of variable bite force on microwear formation in tree sloths. 

Relative ratios of bite force were estimated from 16 skulls of Bradypus (three-toed sloth) and 

Choloepus (two-toed sloth) by applying a geometric model for calculating input forces from 

masticatory muscles (e.g., temporalis and masseter) relative to lever arm moments of the 

mandible. For each skull, microwear was examined on epoxy resin casts of the upper right 

tooth row. Using low-magnification (35×) light microscopy, we analyzed five microwear variables 

(i.e., number of scratches, presence of hypercoarse scratches, gouges, large pits, and crossscratches) 

on four tooth positions (M1–M4) from each skull. ANOVA tests were applied to 

compare each microwear variable with the estimated bite force at each tooth position per taxon. 

While there is some positive correlation of increasing microwear variables and strength of force 

as one moves posteriorly, the pattern is not consistent across the entire tooth row for either taxon. 

The lack of a significant correlation between microwear variables and bite force values suggests 

that tooth scars in sloths are not being generated by pure orthal closure of the mandible, but 

rather are more influenced from other jaw movements. Further analyses that incorporate all 

masticatory muscles to create a more realistic and three-dimensional assessment of the chewing 

cycle should help to clarify how microwear patterns are generated in theses taxa. 

8-5 BTH 9 Guensburg, Thomas E. [218000] 

AGAINST HOMOLOGY OF CRINOID AND BLASTOZOAN ORAL PLATES 

GUENSBURG, Thomas E., Sciences Division, Rock Valley College, 3301 North Mulford 

Road, Rockford, IL 61114, t.guensburg@rockvalleycollege.edu, SPRINKLE, James, 

Department of Geological Sciences, Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas, 

1 University Station C1100, Austin, TX 78712-0254, and MOOI, Rich, Dept. of Invertebrate 

Zoology and Geology, California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive, 

San Francisco, CA 94118 

Cambrian echinoderms include the earliest pentaradiate forms, blastozoans and edrioasteroids 

sensu lato, but no living classes. The earliest unequivocal crinoids appear early in the Ordovician. 

One side in the ongoing debate over crinoid origins recently promoted similar oral region 

morphology as evidence of blastozoan ancestry, the two historically assigned pelmatozoans 

(stemmed echinoderms). Instead we find evidence of ancestry within edrioasteroid-like taxa, 

recently found to also include stemmed forms. 

Does the oral region, and specifically oral plating surrounding the peristome (mouth) provide 

synapomorphies indicating blastozoan-crinoid monophyly? Proponents document morphologic 

similarities including: hydropore position, moveable peristomial and ambulacral cover plates, 2-1-2 

ambulacral symmetry, arrangement of oral plates, and rigid attachment of the oral surface to the 

underlying calyx. These five traits are supposed to represent synapomorphies of some subset 

of blastozoans with crinoids. The early echinoderm record shows the first four of these traits 

actually comprise symplesiomorphies for all pentaradiate echinoderms, including edrioasteroids. 

Therefore they are uninformative for any blastozoan-crinoid linkage. The 2-1-2 symmetry and 

oral arrangement are closely related, the former constraining the latter. Lacking support from 

these similarities, blastozoan-crinoid oral homology becomes conjectural. Lastly, thecal rigidity 

represents an iterative theme in pentaradiate echinoderm evolution across the critical stratigraphic 

interval (Cambro-Ordovician), underscoring potential for homoplasy. Considering evidence from 

all other skeletal regions, we conclude that symplesiomorphy and homoplasy, not phylogenetic 

relationship, explain blastozoan and crinoid similarity, ruling against a pelmatozoan clade. 

8-6 BTH 10 Aucoin, Christopher D. [218100] 

A PRELIMINARY COMPARISON OF THE LATE ORDOVICIAN BUTTER SHALES OF THE 

CINCINNATI ARCH 

AUCOIN, Christopher D., Department of Geology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 

45211-0013, aucoincd@mail.uc.edu, BRETT, Carlton E., Department of Geology, University 

of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0013, MALGIERI, Thomas J., Department of Geology, 

University of Cincinnati, 500 Geology/Physics Building, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0013, and 

THOMKA, James R., Department of Geology, University of Cincinnati, 500 Geology-Physics 

Building, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45220 

The Upper Ordovician Cincinnatian strata of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana contain several 

claystone units, colloquially referred to as “butter shales” or “trilobite shales”. These units are 

widely known for their relative abundance of well preserved trilobites Isotelus and Flexicalymene. 

Previous studies have focused on trilobite taphonomy and bed characteristics of individual 

butter shales; however, there has been little comparison between butter shales to assess lateral 

variation, or broader stratigraphic/facies context. This study takes a comparative approach 

by examining the geographic extent of each claystone unit, as well as lateral variations in 

bed thickness, paleoecology, taphonomy and clay sedimentology within and between various 

butter shales. 

Field study and review of literature has identified three major butter shale units in the 

Waynesville Formation and several minor ones in the older Grant Lake and Arnheim formations. 

The Treptoceras duseri shale, the most extensively studied of the claystones, has produced 

a mollusk-dominated fauna adapted for environments characterized by muddy substrates, 

high turbidity and rapid sedimentation in contrast to the brachiopod dominated fauna of the 

surrounding units. Surprisingly, however, at least three of the butter shales also contain zones with 

corals (Tetradium) and small stromatoporoids, unusual fauna for clay-dominated environments. 


These coral/sponges are frequently overturned and heavily bored and encrusted, indicating 

reworking in relatively shallow water conditions during pauses in sedimentation. In terms of 

sequence stratigraphy, butter shales appear to be consistently situated within highstand portions 

of third-order cycles, apparently amplified by analogous phases of higher-order cycles. We 

suggest that this common position within a 3 rd and 4 th order stacking reflects a sedimentational 

“sweet spot”, in which progradation during shallowing, regressive conditions permitted episodic 

pulses of mud deposition. 

8-7 BTH 11 Zambito, James J. [218267] 

NEW INSIGHTS INTO THE TRILOBITE AND CONODONT BIOSTRATIGRAPHY OF THE 

MIDDLE-UPPER DEVONIAN GENESEE GROUP IN EASTERN NEW YORK STATE 

ZAMBITO, James J. IV, Department of Geology and Geography, West Virginia University, 

330 Brooks Hall, 98 Beechurst Street, Morgantown, WV 26506-6300, james.zambito@ 

mail.wvu.edu and DAY, Jed, Geography & Geology, Illinois State Univ, Normal, IL 

61790-4400 

During the Middle Devonian (Givetian) Global Taghanic Biocrisis, numerous trilobite families 

underwent extinction including the Homalonotidae. In northeastern North America, the last 

occurrence of homalonotid trilobites (Dipleura dekayi) has previously been reported in strata 

deposited during the final stages of the Taghanic Biocrisis (semialternans Zone –latest Middle 

Givetian) including the Tully Formation of the northern Appalachian Basin and the Petoskey 

and Thunder Bay formations of the Michigan Basin. Globally observed low-oxygen conditions 

associated with the Taghanic Biocrisis, represented by the Geneseo and Antrim black shales 

in the Appalachian and Michigan basins, respectively, have been interpreted to be at least in 

part responsible for the local extinction of the Homalonotidae and other trilobite families. Recent 

geologic mapping in eastern New York State (northern Appalachian Basin) has documented the 

occurrence of Dipleura dekayi in siliciclastic-dominated, nearshore post-Taghanic strata that were 

deposited below fair-weather wave base. Although these strata have been mapped as Genesee 

Group, they have yet to be assigned a formation-level designation. An integrated stratigraphic 

approach, including litho-, sequence-, and conodont biostratigraphy has provided new insight into 

the stratigraphic succession in the eastern Genesee Group, representing marine shelf through 

non-marine settings. Lithostratigraphic correlation places the occurrence of Dipleura dekayi 

above the level of the Fir Tree Limestone of western, offshore sections. Application of a sequence 

stratigraphic model has enabled the identification of time-rich intervals such as flooding surfaces 

and sequence boundaries that have yielded conodonts. Preliminary conodont biostratigraphic 

data suggests that Dipleura dekayi persisted into at least the latest Middle Devonian Lower 

subterminus Zone (=Lower disparilis Zone). Preliminary mapping further suggests that Dipleura 

dekayi may have even survived into the Late Devonian. Similar to other northern Appalachian 

Basin taxa that persisted through the Taghanic Biocrisis, Dipleura dekayi apparently found intrabasinal 

refuge in oxygenated, nearshore shelfal settings. 

8-8 BTH 12 Wulf, Shane [218741] 

TESTING SPECIES-ABUNDANCE MODELS OF THE HUGHES CREEK SHALE 

(CARBONIFEROUS) OF SOUTHEASTERN NEBRASKA 

WULF, Shane1 , JOHNSON, Daryl1 , and HANGER, Rex A. 2 , (1) Geography & Geology, 

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Whitewater, WI 53190, WulfSA11@uww.edu, 

(2) Geography & Geology, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, 800 West Main Street, 

Whitewater, WI 53190 

The Hughes Creek Shale Member of the Foraker Formation (Carboniferous) is exposed in 

road and stream cuts in Richardson County of southeastern Nebraska. Two coeval exposures 

separated by approximately 16 km were sampled extensively for (mostly) invertebrate fossil 

specimens, yielding over 5,000 individual specimens. Brachiopods dominate, but Bryozoans, 

Echinoderms, Molluscs , Cnidarians Arthropods and Chordates are also represented among 

the 36 species recovered. All taxa were identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible, then 

counted using (mostly) MNI (minimum number of individuals) methods. Counts of the fauna were 

then compared with the geometric, log-series and log-normal species abundance models. For 

a null hypotheses of no difference between actual data and the models, goodness of fit tests 

of all samples for both exposures were not significant for the geometric and log series models, 

but highly significant (P< 0.005)for the log-normal model. The log-normal model of species 

abundance fits many large, mature communities today, and that assumption is extended to the 

Hughes Creek Shale fauna. At both exposures, maximal faunal diversity occurs less than one 

meter above presumably anoxic, black shales, suggesting that reassembly of these mature 

paleocommunities occurred quickly once oxic conditions returned. 

8-9 BTH 13 Rivera, Alexei A. [218247] 

ECOLOGY OF LATE MESOZOIC HETEROMORPHIC AMMONITES: A CASE FOR ALGAL 

SYMBIOSIS? 

RIVERA, Alexei A., 20404 Peridot Lane, Germantown, MD 20876, alexei.a.rivera@gmail.com 

Once touted as inadaptive products of “racial senility”, the heteromorphs curiously depart 

from the typical planispiral form of ammonites and occupy a radically divergent range of 

shell morphologies. Some resembled hairpins, others snails or even worms. Late Mesozoic 

heteromorphs, which include the ancylocones and hamiticones, probably arose suddenly 

through a single mutation and have been subject to a number of ecological interpretations. The 

recognition that algal symbiosis is widespread among bivalves and gastropods suggests that 

perhaps other molluscan stocks, for instance these aberrant ammonites, also served as hosts for 

photosynthetic unicellular algae. To benefit from this mutualistic relationship, such hosts obviously 

require tissues that are exposed to sunlight. Although ontogeny controls life position, functional 

morphology strongly indicates that the terminal aperture of adult ancyloconic and hamiticonic 

shells were oriented upward towards the ocean surface. These openings conceivably sported a 

radial fan of delicate filtering tentacles, which may have been adapted both for ensnaring plankton 

and providing the extensive surface area necessary for efficient algal photosynthesis. Several 

species possess structural features characteristic of an internal or semi-internal shell, allowing 

for increased mantle exposure. Indeed, most reconstructions of these heteromorphs argue that 

they were shallow-water vertical migrants living in the epipelagic zone, well within the bathymetric 

depths at which light penetrates. While ancylocones and hamiticones were not exclusively 

restricted to tropical latitudes, they were apparently more abundant and competitive in oligotrophic 

habitats. And though massive, robust skeletons and rapid calcification rates are usually 

associated with benthic hosts, such as reef-building corals, giant heteromorphs are known from 

the fossil record. Lastly, geochemical evidence from the Cretaceous hamiticone Polyptychoceras 

reveals a significant inverse correlation between δ18O and δ13C stable isotope values (‰ VPDB), 

which is consistent with the hypothesis of photosymbiosis.

8-10 BTH 14 Rivera, Alexei A. [218060] 

A NEW TEST OF THE PUNCTUATIONAL MODEL USING PRESENTLY RADIATING CLADES 

OF BIVALVE MOLLUSKS AND MAMMALS 

RIVERA, Alexei A., 20404 Peridot Lane, Germantown, MD 20876, alexei.a.rivera@ 

gmail.com 

Critical tests using higher taxa with remarkably disparate evolutionary properties, such as 

bivalve mollusks and mammals, may aid in distinguishing between phyletic gradualism and the 

punctuational model of evolution in the fossil record. Bivariate regression analysis reveals that 

median bivalve lifespan (a more widely measured proxy for generation time) and the fractional 

increase in the number of species per million years, R, are significantly positively correlated for 

thirteen radiating bivalve families and genera, which is precisely the opposite of the relationship 

predicted by gradualism. These molluscan stocks generally represent a single adaptive radiation 

made possible by mantle fusion and siphon formation, which allowed for an astonishing 

expansion of infaunal life habits during the Mesozoic and Cenozoic Eras. Because the elevated 

turnover at the end of the Cretaceous Period about 65 MYA essentially interrupted the taxonomic 

diversification of five siphonate families (Veneridae, Mactridae, Tellinidae, Donacidae, and 

Teredinidae), their times of first appearance were adjusted via a simple rarefaction technique. In 

spite of this correction, no inverse correlation is detected within the Bivalvia. Nor is any identified 

linking median generation time and R among seven radiating mammalian families, again 

contrary to the gradualistic premise. Inasmuch as these results clearly strengthen the empirical 

validity of the punctuational model, there are, in fact, multiple variables that determine rates of 

evolution. Ample abundance data from hundreds of living bivalve and mammalian species can 

theoretically control for the plausible “overriding” effects of population size and stability, but these 

estimates could themselves be influenced by several factors, notably sampling intensity of existing 

populations as well as human-induced activity. 

8-11 BTH 15 Blahnik, Caitlin [218747] 

MOUTH-SIZE ESTIMATION OF THE SHARK, PETALODUS OHIOENSIS, FROM THE HUGHES 

CREEK SHALE (CARBONIFEROUS) OF SOUTHEASTERN NEBRASKA 

BLAHNIK, Caitlin and HANGER, Rex, Geography & Geology, University of Wisconsin- 

Whitewater, Whitewater, WI 53190, BlahnikCE10@uww.edu 

The Chondrichthyan shark, Petalodus ohioensis, is the only carnivorous species commonly 

recovered in the Hughes Creek Shale Member of the Foraker Formation (Carboniferous) of the 

US midcontinent. Teeth are the only body parts known for the species, and their morphology 

suggest that their diet consisted of the shelly invertebrates of the diverse benthic fauna. Despite 

numerous reconstructions actual body size and mouth size remain unknown. Tomita (2011) 

developed a regression method for estimating mouth size (and subsequently body size) from 

isolated tooth elements. Using an extension of the Tomita method on teeth collected from two 

different exposures of the Hughes Creek Shale in Richardson County, Nebraska, supplemented 

by measurements taken from the literature, allow for preliminary estimates to be made for the first 

time on a Paleozoic shark species (upper jaw lengths up to 10cm). Such jaw sizes could easily 

accommodate any potential prey species from the documented fauna of the Member, although 

no actual Petalodus-bite marks have ever been recorded. Tomita (2011) created the method for 

extant and younger fossil species of the Lamniformes, and our uniformitarian extension of the 

method to extinct Petalodontiformes remains tentative. 

8-12 BTH 16 Fontana, Thomas M. [218780] 

EOCENE TURTLES FROM THE DISTAL DEPOSITS OF THE CATHEDRAL BLUFFS TONGUE 

(WASATCH FORMATION), RED DESERT, WYOMING 

FONTANA, Thomas M. and BARTELS, William S., Department of Geological Sciences, 

Albion College, Albion, MI 49224, TMF10@albion.edu 

This study describes an unusual assemblage of fossil turtles from Eocene deposits of the 

Cathedral Bluffs Tongue of the Wasatch Formation in the Green River Basin of Wyoming. 

Cathedral Bluffs deposits range from conglomerates, coarse sandstones, and conglomeratic 

to sandy mudstones deposited by alluvial fans close to the Wind River mountain source (basin 

margin environment), through braided and meandering stream sandstones and mudstones, to 

lake-margin mudflat and meandering stream fine sandstones and mudstones farthest from the 

mountains (basin center environment). The fossils are recovered from the most distal deposits of 

the Cathedral Bluffs Tongue along Bush Rim where it thins, interfingers with, and pinches-out into 

the lacustrine deposits of the Laney Shale Member of the Green River Formation. 

Typical basin center assemblages contain a diverse array of trionychid (soft-shelled), emydid 

(slider, pond, box, and painted), baenid (extinct snapper-like), and dermatemydid (river) turtles. 

The upland deposits of the basin margin contain only an undescribed emydid (informally referred 

to as “Southpassemys”) that was adapted to the faster flowing alluvial fan streams. At Bush Rim, 

however, “Southpassemys” occurs alongside the common basin center (lowland) turtles. Several 

other unusual co-occurrences of mixed upland and lowland reptile and mammal groups have also 

been noted in the Bush Rim assemblage. 

It appears that during the earliest Bridgerian (Br1a), rapid movement on the Wind River Thrust 

may have caused the alluvial fan (upland) environments to rapidly expand into the basin center 

lake-margin environment, bringing together what had been geographically distinct upland and 

lowland vertebrate faunas (“a forced fauna”). 

In other vertebrate groups, where upland and lowland forms have been forced together, it has 

been noted that the most similar animals tend to evolve away from one another morphologically. 

A morphometric analysis of the large sample of Bush Rim “Southpassemys” specimens indicates 

little morphological difference from basin margin populations other than a reduction in size. The 

smaller size of this turtle in the Bush Rim sample, however, may be an evolutionary response to 

competition with the larger bodied basin center emydid species Echmatemys wyomingensis and 

E. septaria. 

8-13 BTH 17 Claes, Christopher [218769] 

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM ANALYSIS OF THE DISTRIBUTION OF LIVING 

REPTILIANS WITH RESPECT TO CLIMATE AND ITS POTENTIAL FOR GENERATING 

QUANTITATIVE PALEOCLIMATIC ESTIMATES 

CLAES, Christopher, BARTELS, William S., and MCRIVETTE, Michael W., Geological 

Sciences, Albion College, 611 E. Porter St, Albion, MI 49224, cac13@albion.edu 

Through the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology (ArcMap), biogeographic 

ranges of North American turtles, lizards, and crocodilians were plotted and overlain to generate 

biodiversity maps for reptilian groups (guilds) which were then analyzed against nine climate 

maps representing measurements of temperature, seasonality, environmental moisture, and 

solar radiation. 

SESSION NO. 8 

When diversity was regressed against climatic parameters, minimum and maximum climatic 

values were linked with the biodiversity of each reptile guild. The X-Y plots produced by linear 

regression analyses provide minimum and maximum climatic values associated with guild 

diversities and the overlap of the ranges of different estimates can then be used to establish 

criteria for assessing paleoclimatic conditions based on reptilian diversity in well sampled fossil 

assemblages. 

Crocodylids are restricted by cool mean annual and cold month temperatures and high 

seasonal temperature change. Lizard diversities have strong positive correlations with high mean 

annual temperature, solar radiation, and low rainfall. Aquatic and semiaquatic turtle diversities 

have strong positive correlations with high mean annual temperature, warm summers, and high 

humidity but are restricted by high seasonal temperature change and low cold month temperature. 

Terrestrial turtles thrive with low seasonality and warm summers but unlike aquatic turtles, are 

less controlled by cold month temperatures and environmental moisture. 

These climatic limits were then applied to fossil assemblages (approximately 60,000 University 

of Michigan Museum of Paleontology specimens) from the Paleocene and Eocene of western 

Wyoming to create paleoclimate estimates. Analysis of these faunas indicate mean annual and 

cold month temperatures, seasonal temperature changes, and mean annual precipitations that 

were similar to conditions that exist today along the Gulf Coast of North America. The current 

data indicates relatively minor climatic change through most of the early Paleogene, but supports 

a warming and wetting of the area into the middle Eocene about 50Ma. This research hopes to 

contribute both to the paleoclimate record and to the understanding of biodiversity as it changes 

in response to a dynamic earth and atmosphere. 

8-14 BTH 18 Baumann, Eric [218204] 

INVESTIGATING THE ECOLOGY OF EXTINCT PROBOSCIDEANS FROM THE CINCINNATI 

REGION USING STABLE ISOTOPES 

BAUMANN, Eric Jr, Geology, University of Cincinnati, 5359 Little Turtle Dr, South Lebanon, 

OH 45065, baumanei@mail.uc.edu and CROWLEY, Brooke, Geology and Anthropology, 

University of Cincinnati, 500 Geology Physics Building, 345 Clifton Court, Cincinnati, OH 

45221 

Like their modern African relatives, the extinct proboscideans of North America likely played 

important ecological roles, including maintaining open grasslands. Yet, the degree to which 

these animals utilized different plant resources and moved across the landscape has not been 

comprehensively investigated in North America. We used stable carbon (δ13C), oxygen (δ18O) and strontium ( 87Sr/ 86Sr) isotopes from tooth enamel to investigate the ecology of four mastodons 

(Mammut americanum) and eight mammoths (Mammuthus spp.) from southwestern Ohio and 

northwestern Kentucky. We also examined 87Sr/ 86Sr ratios in regional water bodies. We aimed 

to answer the following questions: Did these mammoths and mastodons have different dietary 

regimes? Were these proboscideans local residents or simply passing through the region when 

they died? If passing through, from where did they come? 

Based on tooth morphology and previous isotopic work, we expected that mammoths and 

mastodons would have differing δ13C values, indicating C grazing and C browsing niches, 

4 3 

respectively. We compared 87Sr/ 86Sr ratios in waters and proboscideans tooth enamel to identify 

local residents and potential migrants. We then used δ18O values to pinpoint possible origins 

for migrant individuals. As anticipated, mammoths have significantly higher δ13C values than 

mastodons. This suggests that mammoths may have consumed more C grasses, although 

4 

one mammoth has δ13C values suggesting a C -based diet. Overall, strontium isotope ratios 

3 

for proboscideans and local waters are indistinguishable. However, one Mammut molar has 

significantly higher 87Sr/ 86Sr ratios, suggesting this animal immigrated into the area from 

somewhere outside of the Midwest. Combined 87Sr/ 86Sr and δ18O values suggest this animal may 

have migrated from the southern Appalachians. These results will supply a foundation for future 

work on proboscideans and other extinct megafauna from the Midwestern United States. 

8-15 BTH 19 Thomka, James R. [218106] 

SUBSTRATE-CONTROLLED VARIABILITY WITHIN ATTACHMENT STRUCTURES OF 

CARYOCRINITES (ECHINODERMATA: RHOMBIFERA) FROM THE MIDDLE SILURIAN OF 

SOUTHEASTERN INDIANA 

THOMKA, James R., Department of Geology, University of Cincinnati, 500 Geology-Physics 

Building, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45220, thomkajr@mail.uc.edu and BRETT, 

Carlton E., Department of Geology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0013 

The hemicosmitid rhombiferan Caryocrinites is a common and conspicuous faunal element in 

a variety of Silurian marine environments. Where preserved, the dendritic radicular attachment 

structures of Caryocrinites can reliably be identified by the presence of a distinctive trilobate 

lumen and solid pseudocirrate radicles. A hardground surface within the Wenlock-age 

(Sheinwoodian) Massie Formation, exposed at the New Point Stone quarry near Napoleon, 

southeastern Indiana, is encrusted by a diverse assemblage of crinoid and blastozoan attachment 

structures, including structures that can be confidently attributed to Caryocrinites. This hardground 

is irregular, with slightly elevated, well-sorted, well-winnowed crests and more poorly sorted, 

coarser troughs. The surface is also host to fistuliporoid bryozoan-dominated microbioherms. The 

morphology of Caryocrinites attachments structures reflects local substrate conditions on this 

microbiohermal hardground: holdfasts on hardground crests are simple, approaching conical, 

and often cemented to other macrofossils, commonly diploporite thecal attachments; holdfasts 

on hardground troughs are more “typical,” comprising laterally branching, but thin, dendritic 

radix structures; holdfasts on microbioherms are extremely thickened by secondary stereom 

secretion—this undifferentiated stereom envelops the initial attachment site and proximal radicles. 

This segregation of attachment structure morphology is related to substrate properties. The stable 

and winnowed hardground crests require few radicles for stabilization, in contrast to the shifting, 

unstable bioclastic rubble of hardground troughs, which require greater surface area (i.e., lateral 

branching). The extreme thickening of structures on microbioherms is more enigmatic. Secretion 

of secondary stereom to prevent interaction with anoxic mud is unlikely given the diverse benthic 

fauna, but the swelling may be a response to interactions with microbes or bryozoans on the 

microbioherms. An interesting alternative involves purposeful growth of secondary stereom in 

order to prevent dislodgement from advantageous positions atop elevated microbioherms. 


SESSION NO. 9 



Sedimentology & Stratigraphy (Posters) 


9-1 BTH 20 Thomka, James R. [218312] 

MAGNETIC SUSCEPTIBILITY OF THE LATEST TELYCHIAN-EARLY SHEINWOODIAN 

(MIDDLE SILURIAN) SUCCESSION, SOUTHEASTERN INDIANA AND NORTHERN 

KENTUCKY: IMPLICATIONS FOR STRATIGRAPHIC INTERPRETATION OF DIAGENETICALLY 

ALTERED UNITS 

THOMKA, James R. 1 , LIST, Daniel A. 1 , and BRETT, Carlton E. 2 , (1) Department of Geology, 

University of Cincinnati, 500 Geology-Physics Building, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, 

OH 45220, thomkajr@mail.uc.edu, (2) Department of Geology, University of Cincinnati, 

500 Geology/Physics Building, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0013 

Magnetic susceptibility (MS) values are technically independent of lithology; however, there are 

overarching controls on the distribution of clay minerals, coarser detrital particles, carbonate 

production, and diagenetic processes that genetically link MS patterns to facies shifts that can 

be predicted within a sequence stratigraphic framework. Silurian strata in the Cincinnati Arch 

region, comprising mixed carbonate-siliciclastic deposition in an epeiric ramp, provided an 

opportunity to test these relationships. Samples were collected from the latest Llandovery-early 

Wenlock Osgood, Lewisburg, and Massie Formations, as well as portions of the underlying 

Brassfield and overlying Laurel Formations. Bulk low-field MS measurements of irregular lithic 

fragments revealed consistently low values for the transgressive, carbonate-dominated Brassfield, 

Lewisburg, and Laurel sediments, as well as the silty to calcarenitic falling stage sediments of 

the upper Massie Formation. High MS values are characteristic of the clay-dominated highstand 

sediments of the lower Massie Formation. Most interesting, however, is the upward decrease in 

MS values observed within the Osgood Formation: although the entire formation is characterized 

by rhythmically alternating argillaceous dolostones and dolomitic mudstones, the highest MS 

values of the entire section occur in mudstones and tabular carbonates low in the Osgood, 

whereas values equal to or below those of the Lewisburg occur in mudstones and carbonates 

in the upper Osgood. This suggests that the dolomitized carbonates and mudstones of the 

lower Osgood represent highstand conditions and are highly condensed; high MS values reflect 

increased siliciclastic clay influx, possible oxidation of pyrite during re-working, and potentially 

even deposition of eolian ferromagnetic particles during sediment-starved intervals. In contrast, 

the upper Osgood represents falling stage conditions wherein increased influx of detrital 

carbonate and quartz silt resulted in low MS values. Hence, even in units where dolomitization 

has obscured primary sedimentary fabrics, fossil content, and other facies indicators, MS patterns 

can shed light on eustatic processes and differentiate between carbonates of dramatically 

differing origins. 

9-2 BTH 21 Donoghue, Kellie [218362] 

FLUID INCLUSION STUDIES OF PROMINENT NATURAL FRACTURES IN THE NEW ALBANY 

SHALE, KENTUCKY, USA 

DONOGHUE, Kellie, Geological Sciences, Indiana University, 1005 E 10th Street, 

Bloomington, IN 47405, kdonoghu@indiana.edu and SCHIEBER, Juergen, Geological 

Sciences, Indiana University, 1001 East 10th Street, Bloomington, IN 47405 

The Middle to Upper Devonian New Albany Shale is an organic-rich black shale succession that 

has been of economic interest since the late 1850s for its gas productions. Natural fracture sets 

have been observed in this succession, though little research has been conducted to determine 

their origin. With renewed interest since the advent and use of hydraulic fracturing and horizontal 

drilling, it is of particular importance to investigate existing fractures in the New Albany Shale. 

These fractures are from a few centimeters to more than a decimeter in width, filled with quartz 

and dolomite, and locally contain pockets of bitumen that must have been part of the fluids that 

passed through them from underlying stratigraphic intervals. The dominant fracture set is oriented 

NE and the conjugate set is oriented EW, consistent with the NE trending Wabash Valley fault 

system and the EW trending 38th parallel lineament. The fractures can be seen throughout the 

New Albany Shale, but are particularly prominent in outcrops near the Cincinnati Arch. Vein 

morphology has been affected by post-vein compaction of the New Albany Shale. The veins 

in the lower Blocher member appear strongly contorted, whereas veins in the overlying Camp 

Run and Clegg Creek members have been “telescoped” by compaction. Fluid inclusion analysis 

was initiated to determine the type and temperature of fluids that created the veins. Using a 

Linkam THGMS 600 heating-cooling stage, preliminary analysis shows that primary and pseudosecondary 

fluid inclusion assemblages exist around and in the quartz crystals. Fluid inclusions 

range in size from 1 micron to 30 microns, and daughter minerals, predominantly halite, are 

present in the larger inclusions. No gas bubbles have yet been observed in our preliminary 

sample set, but this could change once a larger sample set is examined. At the moment, absence 

of gas bubbles is interpreted to indicate comparatively low fluid temperatures of 40°C or under. 

Further analysis will address the possibility of multiple episodes of fluid expulsion and vein 

formation in the New Albany Shale. 

9-3 BTH 22 Hess, Rachel [218696] 

VARIATIONS OF FLAT-PEBBLE CONGLOMERATE STRATA IN HINTZE’S SECTION C AND 

MOUNT LAW 

HESS, Rachel, Geography, Geology, and Planning, Missouri State University, Springfield, 

MO 65804, rachelchess@hotmail.com, EVANS, Kevin, Geography, Geology, and Planning 

Department, Missouri State University, 901 S. National Ave, Springfield, MO 65804-0089, 

and DATTILO, Benjamin, Department of Geosciences, Indiana University Purdue University 

Fort Wayne, 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1499 

Flat-pebble conglomerates (FPCs) are deposits that contain various tabular clasts of carbonate 

facies. They are commonly observed in strata of shallow marine successions during the 

Cambrian and Ordovician time periods. They are rarely found in post-Ordovician strata. Previous 

interpretations have suggested they are storm deposits, cycle caps, or products of sea level 

change. Detailed analysis of FPCs may allow better understanding of their origins, including 

events and processes associated with meteorite impacts, tectonic activity, superstorms, slope 

failures, and mass wasting events. 

This study examines FPCs based on intrinsic features and documents patterns of secular 

variation in selected Late Cambrian and Early Ordovician intervals from west-central Utah. The 

principal stratigraphic units include the Steamboat Pass Shale Member of the Orr Formation 


(Furongian Series), upper and lower parts of the Fillmore Formation (Stairsian and Blackhillsian 

series), and Kanosh Shale (Mohawkian Series). Clast heterogeneity, sorting, normal or reverse 

grading, apparent dip and imbrications were measured though descriptions of clasts lithology, 

matrix lithology, lateral distribution of clasts along selected horizons, and observations of stratal 

architecture. Statistical analysis, clast-size frequency analysis, serial sectioning of oriented 

samples and petrography supplements field collections. 

Observations from Hintze’s Section C show various grading patterns of three distinct 

lithological clasts in a grainstone matrix. Clast frequency analysis and scour marks indicate 

a storm deposit. The features in this stratum are consistent with tsunamis; however, initial 

geochemical data favors a storm deposit. In contrast, the FPC from Mt. Law indicates a debris 

flow. This stratum tapers out, clasts features show a flow direction, and clasts are monomictic, 

probably derived from single strata. The differences in these two FPCs strata show multiple 

processes and origins. 

9-4 BTH 23 Elson, Joshua D. [218349] 

CLASTIC DIKES WITHIN THE SWAN CREEK SANDSTONE, SOUTHWEST MISSOURI 

ELSON, Joshua D., LARSON, Mark O., TALARICO, Joe M., and IVES, Brandon T., 

Geography, Geology, Planning, Missouri State University, 901 S. National, Springfield, 

MO 65897, jde419@live.missouristate.edu 

The Swan Creek sandstone is an informal member of the Early Ordovician Cotter Dolomite in 

southwest Missouri. The Cotter generally is a peritidal carbonate, but laminae and interbeds 

of quartz grains become more prevalent near the top. The Swan Creek is the thickest of these 

sandstones and is present locally within the top ~20 m of the Cotter. The Swan Creek is a quartz 

arenite which displays herringbone and low-angle cross bedding, indicating a high-energy, nearshore 

depositional environment. 

Clastic dikes emanating from the Swan Creek intrude the Cotter’s carbonate beds at various 

locations in southwest Missouri, but are ubiquitous in the type area near Sparta, MO. Here dikes 

of various thickness cut across cross bedding within the main sandstone body and with their own 

sets of laminae subparallel to the dike walls. In plan view the thinner dikes form an anastomosing 

network resembling both shrinkage cracks and boxwork weathering, but vertically they span >2m, 

and the material within the dikes is heavily cemented quartz arenite that clearly originated within 

the Swan Creek. 

The age of the dikes is poorly constrained. They formed sometime during or after the Early 

Ordovician and before complete cementation of the main sandstone body. The larger dikes reach 

15 cm in width and have a preferred northwest – southeast orientation, the same approximate 

orientation as the major faults in southwest Missouri. Thus, these dikes may be related to both 

local and regional tectonic events. 

9-5 BTH 24 Wagenvelt, Kirk A. [218718] 

USE OF ORGANIC THERMAL ALTERATION DATA TO INVESTIGATE ANOMALOUS/ 

ACCELERATED MATURATION RELATED TO THE MID-CONTINENT RIFT SYSTEM, 

MICHIGAN BASIN, USA 

WAGENVELT, Kirk A., BARNES, David A., KOMINZ, Michelle A., and SAMSON, Josh B., 

Department of Geosciences, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan Ave, 

Kalamazoo, MI 49008, kirk.a.wagenvelt@wmich.edu 

Large volumes of historic hydrocarbon production (167 million m3 ; 1.4 billion barrels of petroleum 

and over 200 billion m3 ; 7 trillion cubic feet of natural gas) in the Michigan basin indicates the 

presence of major deposits of organic compound (C )-rich rock strata. Geologic processes 

org 

that control the generation of hydrocarbon deposits are either biodegradation (near surface) 

or by heating of the C in source rocks by geothermal processes, normally associated with 

org 

gradual, sedimentary basin subsidence and burial to significant depth in the subsurface. The 

Michigan Basin experienced long-lived subsidence during the Paleozoic Era with the base of 

the sedimentary succession now at ~5000 m. After over 100 years of commercial hydrocarbon 

production in the basin, the geologic controls on time-temperature dependent thermo-maturation 

of commercial hydrocarbons from C -rich source rock strata remain unclear. Previous studies 

org 

have observed anomalous thermal maturity of C -rich strata in the Michigan basin from 

org 

compilations of available data. More recent work has pointed to the Mid-Continent Rift system 

as a possible locus for most anomalous thermal maturity measurements. A detailed study is 

currently underway using a large, newly released organic geochemical data set in order to better 

document and understand the spatial distribution of anomalous thermal maturity of C -rich strata 

org 

in the basin. 

Maps were plotted to determine the spatial distribution of available analytical data relating 

to thermal maturation in the Michigan basin. The data are composed of two general sources. 

The first source is composed of recently published data pertaining to thermal conditions during 

alteration of the basin strata. The second source is newly released (from proprietary hold) 

analytical data generated by industry sampling of curated rock samples. The combination of the 

data sets provides a more comprehensive view of the spatial distribution of thermal anomalies 

associated with C -rich strata and possible insight to the origin of accelerated maturation 

org 

although additional sampling may be needed to document the influence of the deeply buried Mid- 

Continent Rift on thermal alteration. 

9-6 BTH 25 Camaret, B.N [218172] 

DETERMINING STORM EVENTS THROUGH MICROFAUNA-DISTRIBUTION ANALYSIS: 

A SEDIMENTOLOGIC STUDY OF PONDS ON SAN SALVADOR, BAHAMAS 

CAMARET, B.N, KROSSMAN, K.E., MCLEAN, Colleen, and MATTHEUS, C.R., Geological 

and Environmental Sciences, Youngstown State University, One University Plaza, 

Youngstown, OH 44555, bncamaret13@gmail.com 

The Bahamian island of San Salvador is frequented by strong storms and hurricanes that 

influence deposition in coastal hypersaline ponds across the island. Cores were studied from 

ponds along the island’s eastern and southern shores as part of an ongoing investigation into 

effects of shoreline orientation and topography, coastal vegetation, and nearshore morphology on 

storm-sedimentation patterns. Storm deposits in these coastal ponds, traditionally recognized as 

sediment layers containing high sand percentages, were evaluated for their foraminiferal content 

to evaluate the potential of these microscopic organisms as additional storm indicators in the 

sediment record of San Salvador. 

Microscopic analysis of interpreted storm-sediment facies revealed mature and juvenile species 

of benthic foraminifera, which mainly inhabit reef environments around Florida and the Bahamas: 

Archais angulatus, Peneroplis bradyi, Laevipeneroplis proteus, and Homotrema rubrum. Their 

occurrence in these particular sediments suggests that these ocean-dwelling foraminifera 

were deposited by storm-surge and beach over-wash events, making them a suitable proxy for 

investigating down-core trends in storm activity in addition to grain size, which is shown to not 

always demark storm layers clearly from background sedimentation. 

Future analysis of microfauna should play an integral part in resolving San Salvador’s historic 

storm record. A current investigation is underway to evaluate site-specific differences in storm

deposition as a function of the aforementioned geographic variables and how these might also 

influence types and abundances of foraminifera. 

9-7 BTH 26 Fowler, J.K. [218171] 

CONSTRUCTING A DEPOSITIONAL HISTORY OF STORM INFLUENCE FOR COASTAL 

PONDS OF SAN SALVADOR, BAHAMAS 

FOWLER, J.K., MARSEY, C.W., and MATTHEUS, C.R., Geological and Environmental 

Sciences, Youngstown State University, One University Plaza, Youngstown, OH 44555, 

jkfowler@student.ysu.edu 

The Bahamian island of San Salvador, the eastern-most platform of the Bahamian archipelago, is 

subjected to frequent hurricane activity. Numerous low-energy, hypersaline ponds are scattered 

throughout the island’s coastal regions. High-energy storm events generate surges and high 

winds that create distinct sedimentologic signatures to deposits within these sediment sinks. 

Storm layers are distinguishable from ambient sedimentation through facies interpretation and 

microfossil content; whereas the stagnant ponds ordinarily only sequester organic and clay 

materials, storms bring in carbonate beach sand and species of foraminifera that live only in reef 

environments. 

Prior research has focused on resolving a storm history from pond cores collected along the 

eastern side of the island. A high degree of sedimentologic heterogeneity found within different 

ponds in close proximity infers that no single location contains a complete record. This is because 

factors such as shoreline orientation, coastal morphology, vegetation density, and nearshore 

bathymetry heavily influence storm-induced sedimentation. The scope of investigation is now 

expanded to include locations from across the island to reconcile records and elucidate a more 

complete history of storm influence on San Salvador. 

Research currently underway is reconstructing depositional patterns across the island by 

analyzing additional push-cores from select ponds, which will help determine temporal and spatial 

coherence. Requiring an accurate chronology to evaluate storm deposits within a spatio-temporal 

context, samples will be analyzed for Cs137 and Pb210 activity to provide information on the timing 

of storm activity, inferred from high-resolution grain-size and microfaunal studies. Ongoing 

investigations will further reconstruct island-wide depositional patterns while reconciling records 

to yield a more complete chronology of historic storm events in the region. 



T6. Quaternary Time Machine: Methods and Analyses 

of Soils and Sediments to Reveal Secrets of Past 

Environments (Posters) 


10-1 BTH 27 Robert, Joe [218568] 

LATE GLACIAL AND HOLOCENE ENVIRONMENTAL VARIABILITY REVEALED FROM 

CARBON, NITROGEN AND GRAIN SIZE MEASUREMENTS OF A HIGH-RESOLUTION BOG 

CORE FROM THE PáRAMO DE FRONTINO, COLOMBIA 

ROBERT, Joe, Earth Sciences, IUPUI, 723 W. Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN 46202, 

roberjoe@iupui.edu, BIRD, Broxton W., Department of Earth Sciences, Indiana University- 

Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, and ESCOBAR, Jaime H., Department of Civil and 

Environmental Engineering, Universidad del Norte, Apartados Aereos 1569, Barranquilla, 

51820, Colombia 

The objective of this research is to investigate late Glacial and Holocene South American summer 

monsoon (SASM) variability in the Northern Hemisphere tropical Andes. To accomplish this, 

we are developing a decadally resolved multi-proxy record from a 14 m-long peat core from the 

Páramo de Frontino (3460m asl) in the western cordillera of Colombia that spans the last ~17ka. 

Despite its vital importance as a primary freshwater source to millions people and sensitive 

ecosystems, the long-term history of SASM variability is poorly understood in the Northern 

Hemisphere. As part of an ongoing initiative to develop new high-resolution paleoclimate records 

from the Colombian Andes this research will help to fill a gap in knowledge that is the result of 

there being no published decadally resolved paleoclimate records from this region. Here, we 

present the initial results of carbon and nitrogen elemental abundances and isotropic variations as 

well as grain size measurements from the Páramo de Frontino bog core. These data complement 

recent work on the Páramo de Frontino core that utilized pollen and geochemical analyses (XRF) 

to investigate late Glacial and Holocene vegetation and climate changes at the site (Velasquez, 

2005; Munoz, 2013). With these new carbon, nitrogen and grain size data, we investigate 

biological, geochemical and physical changes in the depositional environment at the Páramo de 

Frontino bog site and its watershed, which are linked to SASM variability. In addition, we explore 

the relationship between Northern and Southern Hemisphere SASM variability on millennial 

timescales. 

10-2 BTH 28 Gehrman, Rachael C. [218633] 

HOLOCENE-SCALE TRENDS IN ANDEAN SOUTH AMERICAN SUMMER MONSOON 

VARIABILITY INFERRED FROM A COUPLED LAKE SYSTEM IN THE CENTRAL PERUVIAN 

ANDES 

GEHRMAN, Rachael C., Earth Sciences, Indiana University-Purdue University, 723 West 

Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, rcgehrma@imail.iu.edu, BIRD, Broxton W., 

Department of Earth Sciences, Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, 

ABBOTT, Mark B., Department of Geology and Planetary Science, Univ of Pittsburgh, 4107 

O’Hara St, RM 200 SRCC building, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, STANSELL, Nathan D., Byrd 

Polar Research Center, Ohio State University, 1090 Carmack Rd, Columbus, OH 43202, 

RODBELL, Donald T., Geology, Union College, F. W. Olin Center, Schenectady, NY 12308- 

3107, and STEINMAN, Byron A., Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences, 

Pennsylvania State University, 528 Walker Building, University Park, PA 16802 

The South American summer monsoon (SASM) is a major feature of the global climate system 

that provides fresh water to more than 350 million people in tropical South America. As the 

number of paleoclimate records from tropical South America has increased, our understanding 

of long-term SASM variability on human timescales during the Holocene has improved. Many of 

these studies infer changes in the SASM based on variations in the oxygen isotopic composition 

of precipitation (d18O ) as archived in ice cores, lake sediments and speleothems from the 

precip 

SESSION NO. 11 

tropical Andes. Observational and modeling studies show that Andean d 18 O precip records are 

dominated by synoptic-scale changes SASM variability, leaving the local expression of Andean 

SASM variability poorly represented. Separating local from synoptic-scale variability is critical for 

a clearer understanding of how future climate trends will impact Andean water resources, which is 

essential for those in the Andes living at subsistence levels and for urban and agricultural centers 

located along the hyper-arid Pacific coast. Here, we investigate synoptic-scale and local changes 

in the SASM using two well-dated oxygen isotope records from Laguna Pumacocha and Laguna 

Pucpush, a coupled lake system in the central Peruvian Andes. Previous work on L. Pumacocha 

shows that evaporation exerts a negligible influence on the lake’s modern isotopic mass balance 

and that this has likely been the case for the Holocene. In contrast, L. Pucpush’s isotopic mass 

balance is influenced by evaporation, as well as variations in d 18 O precip . In order to explore local 

changes in humidity, we differenced the L. Pumacocha and L. Pucpush records to produce 

a Dd 18 O Pucpush-Pumacocha time series. With this record, we explore local changes humidity during 

climatically important time periods including the early Holocene, the middle Holocene Neoglacial 

transition at ~5ka, and the SASM maximum during the late Holocene. 

10-3 BTH 29 Doucette, Ikumi D. [218714] 

PRELIMINARY SOIL MINERALOGY OF THE HAGHTANAKH 3 SITE, NORTHERN ARMENIA 

DOUCETTE, Ikumi D. and FADEM, Cynthia M., Geology, Earlham College, 801 National Rd 

W, Campus Drawer #132, Richmond, IN 47374, iddouce09@earlham.edu 

Cultural materials at Haghtanakh 3 lie within the deep soils of a volcanic bluff near the Debed 

River, formerly mined for what are thought to be pedogenic gypsum deposits. Field pedology of 

this Lower Paleolithic archaeological site revealed a series of paleosols rich in precipitates. We 

are currently conducting x-ray diffraction, and organic carbon, sulfate, phosphate, and carbonate 

content analyses of soil profile samples to better understand their mineralogy and chemistry. 

Initial XRD results indicate precipitates are composed of calcium phosphate and carbonate 

rather than sulfate. This mineralogy speaks to a soil chemical environment very different than 

hypothesized and has implications for the soil’s faunal artifact preservation potential. Some 

samples also contain allophane, which - coupled with ash found in soil micromorphological 

samples from a neighboring site - indicates the deposition of volcanic ash at the site and possibly 

throughout the region. Future soil laboratory analyses will continue to address soil formation as 

well as seek to understand the flow of water across and through the bluff, and the physical and 

chemical interaction of the sizable soil precipitate deposits with Lower Paleolithic artifacts. 

This geoarchaeological assessment is part of the Lori Depression Paleoanthropology Project, 

an interdisciplinary effort to increase our understanding of Paleolithic adaptations in this region. 

Our work aims to address the context and environment of archaeological occupation. The deepest 

excavation trench provided a combined soil profile approximately 4 m deep. When coupled with 

ongoing biophysical analyses and planned chronometric and stable isotope analyses, this profile 

will serve as a detailed paleoclimate record possibly spanning the last 1.8 Ma. 

10-4 BTH 30 Nembhard, Nicole S. [218740] 

THERMODYNAMIC INVESTIGATION OF PEDOGENIC MINERALS AT THE PTGHAVAN 4 SITE, 

NORTHERN ARMENIA 

FADEM, Cynthia M. and NEMBHARD, Nicole S., Geology, Earlham College, 801 National Rd 

W, Campus Drawer #132, Richmond, IN 47374, nsnembh10@earlham.edu 

Precipitate masses found in the paleosols of Northern Armenia’s Debed River Valley were 

formerly thought to consist of gypsum; however, powder x-ray diffraction analysis has shown that 

similar precipitates at two Paleolithic sites (Bagratashen 1 and Haghtanakh 3) are predominantly 

composed of the phosphate alternative, brushite. The aim of our current research is to determine 

the thermodynamic and geologic processes which would favor brushite precipitation, and confirm 

the regional nature of these soil relationships through analysis of samples from a third site, 

Ptghavan 4. 

Our work at these three sites is part of the Lori Depression Paleoanthropology Project, which 

aims to understand Lower Paleolithic adaptations in this region. Soil laboratory analyses will 

continue to address the bulk mineralogy and chemistry of deposits at all three sites, and attend 

to the relationship between hydrology and pedogenesis. Overall our findings will inform the 

landscape context and environment of archaeological occupation. Increased understanding of the 

pedo-chemical environment in particular, via mineral thermodynamics, elucidates the potential for 

bone preservation in these site contexts. 



T10. Mapping the Glacial Geology of the Great Lakes 

States (Posters) 


11-1 BTH 31 Ducey, Patrick W. [218620] 

CORE-BASED STUDY OF ERIE LOBE TILL STRATIGRAPHY IN NORTHEASTERN INDIANA: 

IMPLICATIONS FOR ERIE LOBE HISTORY 

DUCEY, Patrick W., Indiana University Department of Geological Sciences, 1001 East 10th 

Street, Bloomington, IN 47405-1405, pducey@indiana.edu and PRENTICE, Michael L., 

Indiana Geological Survey, 611 N. Walnut Grove Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405-2208 

The origin of fine-grained massive till deposited by the Erie lobe in prominent moraines across 

northeastern Indiana is problematic because of its significant thickness. The till in each of these 

moraines is commonly more than 20 m thick and usually explained as deposited from a deforming 

bed at the former ice margin during a single stillstand. Yet, most studies indicate that an individual 

till sheet deposited from a deforming bed is less than a meter thick. We report results from 

a stratigraphic study of Erie lobe till, the Lagro Formation in Indiana, based on several cores 

retrieved from morainal features that indicate the presence of a stratigraphy that constrains 

depositional mechanisms. 

Descriptions of the cores draw on over 120 particle-size analyses combining sieve and 

laser diffraction data, magnetic susceptibility data with 2 cm vertical resolution, 23 m of x-ray 

radiographs, and borehole gamma radiation data. X-ray radiographs were used to distinguish 

structures, clast imbrication, major texture changes, and bed contacts. Magnetic susceptibility 

correlated principally with texture. Massive beds are more common than beds inferred to exhibit a 

preferred clast fabric. 



Considering all properties, Lagro sediments in each core are divisible into several major 

units deposited in both subglacial and ice-marginal environments. The major till units are made 

of subunits on the scale of a meter in thickness that differ sufficiently in character as to reflect 

separate sedimentation conditions and depositional events. We suggest that the relatively 

homogenous subglacial Lagro facies accreted vertically from different subglacial deforming till 

beds that developed successively under the Erie lobe as it evolved. Overall, the evidence justifies 

additional examination of Lagro sediments to resolve a complex ice lobe history. 

11-2 BTH 32 Sanderfoot, Benjamin [218064] 

QUATERNARY GEOLOGIC MAP OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY, WISCONSIN 

MODE, William N., Department of Geology, University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh, Oshkosh, WI 

54901, SANDERFOOT, Benjamin, Department of Geology, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, 

645 Dempsey Trail, Oshkosh, WI 54901-8649, sandeb88@uwosh.edu, and HOOYER, 

Thomas S., Department of Geosciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, P.O. Box 413, 

Lapham Hall 366, Milwaukee, WI 53201 

The new Quaternary geologic map of Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin reveals diverse landscapes 

and surficial deposits, including lowlands underlain by glacial lake sediment and meltwater-stream 

sediment and uplands composed of till and meltwater-stream sediment. Map units combine 

sediment genesis, stratigraphic position, and landform association. Glacial sediments were 

deposited by the Green Bay and Lake Michigan lobes of the Laurentide Ice Sheet between about 

19 and 11 ka BP during ice recession from the region (Syverson and Colgan, 2011). Glacial strata 

are divided into two formations, the Holy Hill and Kewaunee formations, that are distinguishable 

by the color and texture of the tills they contain. Kewaunee Formation deposits are restricted to 

the north-central part of the county. Holy Hill deposits are the surficial material in the southern 

part of the county and also occur beneath Kewaunee deposits in places. Glacial landforms include 

active-ice features (drumlins and end moraines) as well as ice-disintegration features (kettles, 

kames, ice-walled outwash plains, and eskers). Ice-disintegration features dominate the Kettle 

interlobate moraine in the eastern part of the county where the Green Bay and Lake Michigan 

lobes intersected. Glacial lake sediment was deposited in glacial lakes Fond du Lac and Oshkosh. 

Glacial lake Fond du Lac was impounded when the Green Bay Lobe readvanced (during overall 

recession) into Fond du Lac County. This advance terminated at the Eureka moraine and 

deposited till of the Kirby Lake Member of the Kewaunee Formation. A new AMS 14C date on plant 

macrofossils from the base of glacial Lake Fond du Lac sediment places the formation of the 

lake and the Eureka moraine at 15,500 cal yr BP. The ice margin soon receded from the Eureka 

moraine. The next readvance (13,700 cal yr BP), which buried the Two Creeks forest bed farther 

north, terminated north of the county. Glacial Lake Oshkosh persisted in Fond du Lac County until 

the Green Bay Lobe margin receded from the state 13,000 cal yr BP. 

11-3 BTH 33 Pavey, Richard R. [218322] 

EVALUATION OF GLACIAL FEATURES IN NORTHWESTERN OHIO USING LIDAR DATA 

PAVEY, Richard R., Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological Survey, 

2045 Morse Rd, Building C-2, Columbus, OH 43229-6693, rick.pavey@dnr.state.oh.us and 

MARTIN, Dean R., Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Office of Information Technology, 

2045 Morse Rd, Building C, Columbus, OH 43229 

The Ohio Geological Survey’s recent and current STATEMAP projects involve glacial mapping of 

the Defiance and Adrian 1:100,000 quadrangles in northwesternmost Ohio. Since Frank Leverett’s 

mapping of a century ago, geologic understanding and glacial mapping of this area of the state 

has remained largely unchanged. Data preparation for the projects included mosaicking of LiDARderived, 

elevation raster data sets (or DEMs) for the six counties included in the mapping area, 

as well as a hillshade raster produced from the mosaic. Analysis of the resultant regional DEM 

revealed many landforms unusual for Ohio that require stratigraphic and depositional process 

interpretations. The northwest corner of the area includes the Wabash and Ft. Wayne Moraines, 

both deposited on the northwest side of retreating Erie Lobe ice. The highest features on the 

Wabash are flat-topped ‘plateaus’ surrounded by closed depressions. Data from soils mapping 

indicate that the ‘plateaus’ are primarily sand-filled and probably represent ice-walled lake plains. 

Many of the closed depressions contain bogs and/or lakes, with minimal integrated drainage. The 

St. Joseph River valley is between the Ft. Wayne and Wabash Moraines. Multiple, segmented 

linear depressions—perhaps interpreted as abandoned subice tunnels—are oriented subparallel 

to the moraine crests and river valley. Beach ridges mark the edge of the proglacial Maumee 

Lake Plain that dominates the rest of the study area. The final Erie Lobe ice in the area built the 

Defiance Moraine, most of which was submerged by proglacial lakes that occupied the Erie Basin. 

Parts of this moraine contain many small, raised sand flats, which are also probable ice-walled 

lake plains. West of the Defiance Moraine, the moraine-controlled Auglaize and Tiffin Rivers join 

the Maumee River at Defiance, Ohio. Above the confluence, the three rivers meander greatly. The 

river becomes much straighter downstream from the confluence; this is due to the Maumee being 

incised into bedrock. High-level cut terraces on the rivers above the confluence are graded to the 

elevations of the various high-level proglacial lakes that occupied the Erie Basin. 

11-4 BTH 34 Rice, Jessey Murray [218333] 

STRATIGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF AN OPEN PIT EXPOSURE: AN INVESTIGATION OF THE 

WESTERN MARGIN OF THE LAURENTIDE ICE SHEET DURING THE MIDDLE WISCONSIN IN 

THE GREAT SLAVE LAKE REGION 

RICE, Jessey Murray1 , PAULEN, Roger C. 2 , MENZIES, John1 , and MCCLENAGHAN, M.B. 2 , 

(1) Earth Sciences, Brock University, 500 Glenridge Ave, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, 

Canada, jr07ia@brocku.ca, (2) Geological Survey of Canada, Ottawa, 601 Booth St, Ottawa, 

ON K1A 0E8, Canada 

Known 14C age data place the western margin of the Laurentide Ice Sheet (LIS) in the Great 

Slave Lake region, Northwest Territories, approximately along the west margin of the Canadian 

Shield and Western Canada Sedimentary Basin. However, a general paucity of thick (>2 m) 

exposures of quaternary sediments in this part of Canada prevents further delineation of the 

location of the Middle Wisconsin LIS margin. A detailed investigation of a >20 m exposure, in an 

abandoned open pit in the past producing Pb-Zn Pine Point Mining District, NWT, was conducted 

to gain a better understanding of the glacial history of the area. This rare thick till exposure 

consists of four visually distinct till units, and based on observed sedimentology, striation 

measurements and clast fabrics as well as detailed grain size, geochemical, mineralogical, 

micromorphological, and pebble lithological analyses, a refinement for the Middle Wisconsin LIS 

margin is proposed. Since there is no stratigraphic and sedimentological evidence of ice-margin 

advance or retreat fluctuations preserved in the till exposures at Pine Point, we conclude that 

the Middle Wisconsin ice margin was likely north and west of the Pine Point area and probably 

occupied most of the Great Slave Lake basin prior to advancement of the LIS into western 

Canada during the Late Wisconsin. 


11-5 BTH 35 Miao, Xiaodong [218422] 

SAND AND GRAVEL RESOURCE OF MCHENRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS: DISTRIBUTION, 

THICKNESS AND LAND USE 

MIAO, Xiaodong, THOMASON, Jason F., and STOHR, Christopher, Illinois State Geological 

Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 615 E. 

Peabody Dr, Champaign, IL 61820, miao@illinois.edu 

Parts of McHenry County in northeastern Illinois are underlain by extensive deposits of sand 

and gravel, which makes it a leading county in Illinois for sand and gravel production. An up-todate 

aggregate resource map is needed to identify potential resources before it is preempted by 

urbanization.We use borehole data and water well records to prepare a resource map to show 

the thickness, burial depth, distribution and availability of sand and gravel in McHenry County. 

The thickness data of the sand and gravel were exported from the three-dimensional geologic 

framework model of McHenry County, by combining the individual thickness data of multiple, 

interconnected sand and gravel deposits. Depth of burial was extracted from individual deep drill 

hole data maintained by the Illinois State Geological Survey. In addition to the geological aspect of 

the sand and gravel deposits, we also assessed whether these deposits were available for mining 

under current land use practices. For example, the sand and gravel resources are not minable 

in the residential and other developed areas. This map shows that a significant loss of minable 

resources has occurred in McHenry County due to land use, especially in the eastern half of 

the county, which is heavily urbanized and where aggregate resources are most needed.This 

map can help constituents in the sand and gravel industry find needed construction resources 

with implications for aggregate quality, transportation, and economic feasibility. As the Chicago 

metropolitan area population continues to grow, the distribution of economically mineable sand 

and gravel deposits in McHenry County and nearby counties will become increasingly important 

for land use, environmental planning and groundwater resource decisions. 

11-6 BTH 36 Bruegger, Alison [218582] 

ICE-WALLED LAKE PLAINS HIGHLIGHTED ON NEW SURFICIAL GEOLOGY MAP OF KANE 

COUNTY, ILLINOIS 

BRUEGGER, Alison, Illinois State Geological Survey, Prairie Research Institute, 615 E. 

Peabody Dr, Champaign, IL 61820, bruegge1@illinois.edu, CURRY, B. Brandon, Prairie 

Research Institute, Illinois State Geological Survey, Champaign, IL 61820, and GRIMLEY, 

David A., Illinois State Geological Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois, 

615 E. Peabody Dr, Champaign, IL 61820 

A 1:62,500-scale surficial geology map of Kane County, a western collar county of suburban 

Chicago, has recently been digitally compiled from published and unpublished 1:24,000 maps. 

The map’s digital database includes information from more than 200 borings and outcrops 

sampled over the past 45 years by the Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS). Many include 

down-hole natural gamma-ray logs, and core subsample analyses of clay minerals and particlesize 

distribution. Mapping in the digital environment has benefited from new base maps of shaded 

relief from LiDAR-based DEMs. 

Our new map highlights the distribution of ice-walled lake plains which occur primarily between 

the Arlington and Bloomington moraines, and between the St. Charles and Marengo moraines. 

Mapped as a facies of the silty and clayey surficial lacustrine/glaciolacustrine unit (the Equality 

Formation), ice-walled lake plains (IWLPs) include deposits of sand and gravel that occur, relative 

to the core of laminated silty lake sediment at the base (as a lag), on the sides (as ice-contact 

deltas), and in the sub-loess mantle (as solifluction deposits). The total facies package is typically 

4 to 8 m thick. IWLPs rise 1 to 3 m above the surrounding landscape which may include deposits 

of diamicton or younger terraces underlain by younger glaciolacustrine deposits. Glacial Lake 

Pingree, a large proglacial lake mapped originally by Willman and Frye (1970), is a complex 

of IWLPs encased in younger lake sediment. Some lower level terraces may reflect stepwise 

lowering of base level, and could be interpreted as IWLPs. 

Notable features in Kane County include: 1) Seventy-meter thick deposits of clay loam 

diamicton of the Tiskilwa Formation (Wedron Group) forming the Marengo Moraine, 2) High-level 

terraces along the Fox River formed during by catastrophic overflow (“Fox Torrent” of Alden) of 

a proglacial lake dammed by the Woodstock Moraine, 3) Deep bedrock valleys with glaciofluvial 

fills of Illinois Episode sand and gravel, that contain important regional aquifers, and 4) An 

outstanding array of data characterizing Quaternary deposits. Data density is especially high 

at the former Fermi Accelerator Laboratory, which allowed differentiation of three facies of the 

Yorkville Member and the Batestown Member of the Lemont Formation. 

11-7 BTH 37 Phillips, Andrew C. [218681] 

INTERCALATING SLACKWATER LAKE AND OUTWASH DEPOSITS AT A BEDROCK VALLEY 

CONFLUENCE IN THE LOWER WABASH VALLEY 

PHILLIPS, Andrew C., Illinois State Geological Survey, Prairie Research Institute, 615 

E. Peabody, Champaign, IL 61820, aphillps@illinois.edu, ISMAIL, Ahmed, Illinois State 

Geological Survey, Prairie Research Institute, 615 East Peabody Drive, Champaign, IL 

61820, LARSON, Timothy, Illinois State Geological Survey, Prairie Research Institute, 615 E 

Peabody Drive, Champaign, IL 61820, and GEMPERLINE, Johanna, Department of Geology, 

University of Illinois, 1301 West Green St, MC 102, Urbana, IL 61801 

The Grayville 7.5’ Quadrangle, centered on 87.9373°E, 38.3126°N, includes the confluence of 

the buried Bonpas Bedrock Valley (BBV) with the trunk Wabash Valley (WV). The BBV is a short, 

~1.5 km wide, and filled with up to 30 m of Quaternary sediment. The existing Bonpas Creek 

is underfit to the valley and is incised into the BBV fill. Bedrock-cored ridges and isolated hills 

protrude 10-30 m above low relief valley fills. The region was overridden by the Illinois Episode 

and earlier ice sheets but was affected only by proglacial processes during the Wisconsin 

Episode. The architecture of the valley fills was investigated with 3.5 km of shallow seismic 

shear wave profiling (SSW), 1 km of earth electrical resistivity profiling, probing, and study of 

archived well logs. Strong, undular reflections in the SSW profiles delineate a clear thalweg and 

slightly stepped slopes along the margins of the BBV. The BBV and WV were excavated before 

the Illinois Episode. A small tributary to the BBV hangs 4m above the BBV thalweg, possibly 

indicating glacial erosion, bedrock control, or several stages of excavation. Although the high 

ridges are covered by a veneer of Illinois Episode till, sediment of that or earlier glacial episodes 

has not yet been recognized in the BBV fill. During the Wisconsin Episode, rapid glacifluvial 

aggradation in the WV dammed the BBV, causing formation of a slackwater lake. Some of the 

outwash, dominantly sand with gravel, transgressed up the lower BBV as a delta or fan. Silt loam 

to clay sediment was deposited in the lake from eolian and overbank sources. The alluvial and 

lacustrine sedimentation progressively filled the BBV until the end of the Wisconsin Episode. 

Two to eight prominent subhorizontal reflectors in the SSW profiles indicate episodic erosion 

and sedimentation. A late-glacial jökhulhaup overtopped the walls of the WV and formed a wide, 

gently sloping and low relief swath that crosscuts the lower Bonpas Valley. The central portion of 

the swath was deposited from the main flow, whereas the bordering ridges were levee- or fan-like 

deposits that prograded in to the existing slackwater lake. Downcutting of the WV fill may also 

have occurred during this or related events. The modern floodplain of the WV is set ~7 m below 

the tributary valley fill deposits.

SESSION NO. 12, 1:30 PM 


Sedimentology & Stratigraphy 


12-1 1:30 PM Alshahrani, Saeed S. [218727] 

EVIDENCE FOR SHALLOW-WATER ORIGIN OF A DEVONIAN BLACK SHALE, CLEVELAND 

SHALE MEMBER (OHIO SHALE), NORTHEASTERN OHIO 

ALSHAHRANI, Saeed S. and EVANS, James, E., Department of Geology, Bowling Green 

State University, 190 Overman Hall, Bowling Green, OH 43402, evansje@bgsu.edu 

There has long been a debate about whether the Devonian Cleveland Shale Member (Ohio 

Shale) was deposited in shallow- or deep-water depositional environments. This study looked 

at the Cleveland Shale Member (CSM) at 3 stratigraphic sections and 5 well cores from four 

counties in northeastern Ohio. The CSM mostly consists of interbedded dark gray and light gray 

carbonaceous fissile mudstones or claystones. The dark gray shale (mean thickness 13 cm) 

and light gray shale (mean thickness 17 cm) are rhythmically bedded and represent changes in 

carbon content. Three types of event layers are interbedded with the mudrocks: (1) tempestites 

(hummocky stratified fine-grained sandstones overlain by planar laminated very fine-grained 

sandstones overlain by ripple laminated or climbing-ripple laminated very fine-grained 

sandstones); (2) distal turbidites (normally graded normally graded fine-grained sandstones, 

siltstones, and shales); and (3) hyperpycnites (normally graded microlaminae of very fine-grained 

sandstone, siltstone, and shale). The tempestites overlie sole marks such as groove casts, and 

these indicate transport directions NE-SW (n = 56 measurements). The tempestites average 

4.9 cm thick, are common at the base of the unit, and contain a newly observed trace fossil 

(Neonereites). The turbidites average 6.2 cm thick and are more common at the top of the unit. 

The hyperpycnites have been studied primarily using petrography and the SEM. Hyperpycnites 

are common throughout the CSM, for example at least 10 individual hyperpycnites were identified 

within a single stratigraphic interval ~ 1.73 cm thick. The hyperpycnites show uniform thickness 

in the study area, and may be correlated from place to place. The preliminary interpretation is 

that the CSM depositional environment was receiving clastics from the NE, which were primarily 

transported as density underflows (turbidites and hyperpycnites). However, significant storm 

deposits (tempestites) within the CSM indicate deposition occurred on a clastic marine shelf at 

water depths less than storm wave base. 

12-2 1:50 PM Jenschke, Matthew Clay [218503] 

DELTA FRONT AND SHALLOW SUB-TIDAL FACIES IN THE LATE DEVONIAN BEDFORD 

SHALE AND BEREA SANDSTONE, NW OHIO 

JENSCHKE, Matthew Clay and EVANS, James E., Department of Geology, Bowling Green 

State University, Bowling Green, OH 43403, mjensch@bgsu.edu 

Facies analysis of outcrops of the Bedford Shale and Berea Sandstone in Cuyahoga and 

Medina counties (NE Ohio) has described 21 lithofacies. The units are entirely siliciclastic, 

ranging from mudstones and mudshales to coarse-grained and pebbly sandstones. There is a 

general coarsening- and thickening-upwards trend from the Bedford Shale to the overlying Berea 

Sandstone, consistent with previous interpretations of a prograding deltaic environment, however 

there is extensive local variation representing sub-environments such as: (1) storm-dominated 

clastic shelf deposits with tempestites (hummocky and swaley stratification); (2) extensive muddy 

shelf deposits below storm wave-base; (3) gravity-controlled slope deposits with extensive 

syndepositional slump structures and mud diapirs; (4) tidal sandwaves; (5) tidally-influenced 

deposits with heterolithic flaser, wavy, and lenticular bedded sandstones and mud drapes and 

tidal rhythmites; (6) distributary mouth bar deposits with climbing-ripple lamination; and (7) 

channel deposits with mud intraclasts, and tidally-influenced fluvial cross-bedded sandstones. On 

a larger-scale, deltaic distributary lobes exhibit both progradational and retrogradational trends 

(distributary channel abandonment, delta platform subsidence, and wave reworking), consistent 

with a dynamic environment affected by both autocyclic (distributary lobe switching and avulsion) 

and allocyclic controls (eustasy, subsidence, and sediment supply). 

12-3 2:10 PM Shah, Mihir [218663] 

SUBSURFACE FACIES ANALYSIS OF ROSE RUN SANDSTONE (UPPER CAMBRIAN) IN 

EASTERN OHIO 

SHAH, Mihir, Bowling Green State Univerisity, Bowling Green, OH 43403, mshah@bgsu.edu 

and EVANS, James E., Department of Geology, Bowling Green State University, Bowling 

Green, OH 43403 

This study of the Cambrian Rose Run Sandstone conducted lithofacies and microfacies analysis 

from 4 cores from Holmes (well 2892), Coshocton (wells 2989 and 3385), and Morgan (well 2923) 

counties in eastern Ohio. The Rose Run Sandstone is primarily sandstone, but also includes thin 

but common mudstone intervals, and dolostone. There are a total of 13 siliciclastic lithofacies 

and 5 carbonate lithofacies. Intertidal deposits include heterolithic flaser bedded sandstone 

and mudstone (lithofacies SMf), heterolithic wavy bedded sandstone and mudstone (SMw), 

heterolithic lenticular bedded sandstone and mudstone (SMk) and interbedded planar laminated 

sandstone and mudstone (SMl), the latter interpreted as tidalites. Subtidal clastic deposits 

include medium-scale planar tabular cross-bedded sandstone (lithofacies Sp) and herringbone 

cross-bedded sandstone (Sx), massive sandstone (Sm), glauconite-rich sandstones (SMg), 

hummocky stratified sandstone (Sh) and massive (Mm), laminated (Ml) and convoluted bedded 

(MMc) mudstones. Sm is the most common lithofacies and SMg has the highest intergranular 

porosity. Interbedded carbonates include dolomudstones (lithofacies Cm), bioturbated and mottled 

dolo-mudstones (Cmm), dolo-grainstones (Cgmb), dolo-packstones with mud drapes (“cryptalgal 

lamination”) (Cpl), and dolo-packstones with mud rip-up clasts (“flat pebble conglomerates”) 

(Cpmr). Contacts between sandstone and carbonates are gradational, whereas sharp and erosive 

contacts may be found between sandstone and shale intervals (e.g., core 2923). The Rose Run 

Sandstone in this region is interpreted as a shallow marine environment of normal salinity, with 

extensive tidal flats, mixed siliciclastic-carbonate deposition, strong tidal influence, and with 

reworking of carbonate materials. Continuing studies are on reservoir compartmentalization in 

this unit. 


12-4 2:30 PM Malgieri, Thomas J. [218065] 

PRELIMINARY REVISION OF THE SEQUENCE STRATIGRAPHY AND NOMENCLATURE OF 

THE UPPER MAYSVILLIAN-LOWER RICHMONDIAN STRATA EXPOSED IN KENTUCKY 

MALGIERI, Thomas J., Department of Geology, University of Cincinnati, 500 Geology/ 

Physics Building, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0013, Malgietj@mail.uc.edu, BRETT, Carlton E., 

Department of Geology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0013, THOMKA, 

James R., Department of Geology, University of Cincinnati, 500 Geology-Physics Building, 

University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45220, and AUCOIN, Christopher D., Department of 

Geology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45211-0013 

Late Ordovician (Katian) strata of Kentucky, in the Cincinnati Arch region, display a regional 

change in lithologic and faunal gradients corresponding to a southeast-shallowing epicontinental 

ramp. While a detailed sequence stratigraphic framework has been established for the lower 

Cincinnatian, that of the upper Maysvillian-lower Richmondian succession of northern and 

central Kentucky has not been studied in detail. Moreover, locally and inconsistently applied 

lithostratigraphic terms reflecting facies changes along the ramp have complicated precise 

subdivisions of sequences into component cycles and inhibited recognition of regionally 

consistent patterns. 

This study uses high-resolution facies analysis and tracing of distinctive stratigraphic 

markers including biostromal horizons, rhythmic intervals, erosion and flooding surfaces, and 

distinctive fossil epiboles across lithofacies and nomenclatorial boundaries to reveal stratigraphic 

consistencies largely overlooked by previous researchers. By using these methods, it is possible 

to refine the depositional sequences whilst creating a nomenclature that can be applied more 

consistently throughout the region. Preliminary results indicate that much of the past terminology 

can be retained and refined, allowing the use of one unified set of names on the member 

scale level that will be integrated into formations. This will allow easier correlations along the 

Cincinnati arch. Moreover, this will lead to a refined sequence stratigraphic framework for a better 

understating of depositional environments and changes in faunal gradients. Because these 

sequences span offshore to peritidal facies they provide the possibility of testing for changes in 

sequences and their component systems tracts across a proximal-distal gradient. Finally, the 

beds record the onset of the Richmondian invasion and high-resolution stratigraphy will provide a 

framework to examine the details of this important ecological evolutionary event. 

12-5 2:50 PM Huck, Scott W. [218674] 

INFLUENCE OF STORM WAVE BASE FLUCTUATIONS ON CARBONATE SHELF FACIES IN 

THE ORDOVICIAN POINT PLEASANT FORMATION (CENTRAL OHIO) 

HUCK, Scott W. and EVANS, James E., Department of Geology, Bowling Green State 

University, Bowling Green, OH 43403, shuck@bgsu.edu 

The Ordovician Point Pleasant Formation is interpreted as a deepening-upward carbonate shelf 

sequence in central Ohio, based on analysis of the Chevron 1A Prudential core (#3410120196) 

at the Ohio Geological Survey H.R. Collins Core Laboratory. Lithofacies of the Point Pleasant 

Formation are a mixed siliclastic and carbonate depositional system. The base of the Point 

Pleasant Formation (above the Trenton Limestone) is dominated by carbonate tempestites, 

which are interpreted as evidence for shallow-water shelf conditions (above storm wave base). 

The carbonate tempestites are composed of undulated skeletal grainstones (Cgu) that are 2 cm 

thick, light grey, undulated, and are composed primarily of brachiopod shells. Above the skeletal 

grainstones are carbonaceous calcareous wackstones (Cw) that are 2-4 cm thick, organic rich, 

dark brown/black, and contain sparse amounts of fossil fauna. The Point Pleasant Formation 

then transitions upward to mostly mixed siliclastic and carbonate pelagic rhythmites, which is 

interpreted as evidence for deeper water conditions (below storm wave base). The rhythmites 

are composed of siltstone (SS) that is light grey, fine grained, and thinly bedded (


12-7 3:50 PM Santistevan, Fred [218540] 

THE ROLE OF THE SIBERIAN TRAPS IN THE PERMIAN-TRIASSIC MASS EXTINCTION: 

ANALYSIS THROUGH CHEMICAL FINGERPRINTING OF MARINE SEDIMENTS USING RARE 

EARTH ELEMENTS (REES) 

SANTISTEVAN, Fred, Geology, University of Cincinnati, 500 Geology/Physics Bldg, 

Cincinnati, OH 45221, santisfa@mail.uc.edu, ALGEO, Thomas J., Department of Geology, 

University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0013, HANNIGAN, Robyn, Environmental, 

Earth, and Ocean Sciences, University of Massachusetts - Boston, 100 Morrissey Boulevard, 

Boston, MA 02125, and WILLIAMS, Jeremy C., Environmental Earth and Ocean Sciences, 

University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA 02125 

The Permian-Triassic boundary (PTB) mass extinction at ~252 Ma was the largest biotic 

catastrophe in Earth history, resulting in the disappearance of ~90% of marine invertebrate 

species. Recent work has shown that the most likely trigger for this event was eruption of the 

Siberian Traps, the largest sub-aerial flood basalt province of the last 500 million years. However, 

direct evidence linking the Siberian Traps to the marine mass extinction has been lacking. 

Volcanic units are commonly characterized by unique rare earth element (REE) signatures, and 

published studies show that the Siberian Traps had an unusual REE chemistry (Lightfoot et al., 

1990, 1993; Arndt et al., 1993, 1995, 1998; Federenko et al., 1997, 2000). In this study, we are 

examining the REE chemistry of eight marine PTB sections having a wide global distribution 

with the goal of determining whether the characteristic REE signature of the Siberian Traps can 

be recognized in ash beds or in background sediments of these successions. If recognized, 

this signature could provide information regarding the geographic dispersal of volcanic ash, 

its relationship to regional environmental changes, and its effects on marine and terrestrial 

ecosystems. Our work is currently in progress, but preliminary results suggest that REE 

signatures potentially characteristic of Siberian Traps source material are present in some, but 

not all, marine PTB sections. 

12-8 4:10 PM Voice, Peter J. [218491] 

THE GLOBAL DETRITAL ZIRCON DATABASE: AN UPDATE 

VOICE, Peter J., Department of Geosciences, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. 

Michigan Ave, MS 5241, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, peter.voice@wmich.edu, KOWALEWSKI, 

Michal, Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, 

and ERIKSSON, Kenneth A., Department of Geosciences, Virginia Tech, 4044 Derring Hall, 

Blacksburg, VA 24061 

A flood of new detrital zircon U-Pb age data has allowed for a rapid growth of the Global Detrital 

Zircon Database (GDZD). The latest version of the database includes over 284,000 single age 

determinations from U-Pb dating of detrital zircons. These zircons represent ~5,600 detrital 

zircon age frequency distributions that come from all continents and range in age from modern 

sediment samples to Archean metasedimentary rocks. Host rock compositions are dominated 

by siliciclastics, though a small fraction of the samples are derived from carbonates and other 

chemical/biochemical sedimentary units. For all age frequency distributions, the GDZD also 

records a best estimate of the host sediment maximum and minimum age independent of the 

detrital zircon U-Pb ages. 

The large amount of data has allowed us to empirically derive relationships between host 

sediment age and sample size of analyzed zircons. Detrital zircons are an excellent example of 

the principle of inclusions; they are always as old as, or older than, the host sediment. A simple 

quantitative metric can be used to measure the offset between the maximum host sediment 

age and the youngest detrital zircon age recorded. We have found that as a function of tectonic 

setting, relatively small sample sizes are required to best estimate the age of the host sediment 

with the smallest offset. Tectonic settings with syn-volcanism tend to require sample sizes of 40 

grains or less in order to provide the best constraint on the age of the sample – a grain that is 

relatively contemporaneous with deposition of the unit. Passive margins and intracratonic basins 

tend to exhibit much greater offsets between the host sediment age and the youngest detrital 

zircon and require larger samples of dated zircons to find these young zircons. 

12-9 4:30 PM Hayden, Travis G. [218404] 

ESTIMATING LAST GLACIAL MAXIMUM ICE THICKNESS USING POROSITY AND DEPTH 

RELATIONSHIPS: EXAMPLES FROM AND-1B, MCMURDO SOUND, ANTARCTICA 

HAYDEN, Travis G., Department of Geosciences, Western Michigan University, 1187 Rood 

Hall, 1903 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, t4hayden@wmich.edu, KOMINZ, 

Michelle A., Department of Geosciences, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan 

Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, and NIESSEN, Frank, Geosciences, Alfred Wegener Institute, 

Columbusstrasse, Building D-1170, Bremerhaven, D-27568, Germany 

We have estimated ice thicknesses at the AND-1B drillsite during the Last Glacial Maximum by 

adapting an existing technique used to calculate eroded overburden. We analyze the porosity as 

a function of depth and lithology from measurements taken on the AND-1B core, and compare 

these results to reference data obtained on Ocean Drilling Program Legs 178, Leg 188, and 

Integrated Ocean Drilling Project Leg 318. These reference datasets are deep marine sediments 

of similar lithology and have not been overcompacted by overriding ice sheets. Using these 

reference datasets we estimate the amount of overburden required to compact the sediments 

to the porosity observed in AND-1B. This analysis is a function of lithology, depth and porosity, 

and generates sediment-equivalent overburden estimates between 500 and 900 meters. These 

are translated into ice thickness estimates by accounting for differences in sediment and ice 

densities. The lithologies analyzed are most likely to compact consistently and predictably, and 

result in a range of ice thickness between 1,059 – 1,984 meters, with a best-fit estimate of 1,630 

meters of ice at Last Glacial Maximum. These values compare well with mass-balance corrected, 

independently calculated, ice-thicknesses estimates of 1,730 meters based on exposures of Last 

Glacial Maximum till deposits. While this analysis can only specifically estimate ice thicknesses 

during Last Glacial Maximum, due to the overprinting effect of Last Glacial Maximum ice on 

previous ice advances, it also has implications for previous maximum ice thickness during earlier 

Pleistocene glacial maximums. Lastly, as ice thickness at Last Glacial Maximum is unknown in 

existing ice sheet reconstructions, this analysis provides constraint on model predictions. 

12-10 4:50 PM Cupples, William B. [218372] 

UPLAND GRAVELS OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER VALLEY AND THEIR INSIGHTS TO 

PREGLACIAL DRAINAGE IN CENTRAL NORTH AMERICA 

CUPPLES, William B., Department of Earth Sciences, University of Memphis, 1 Johnson 

Hall, Memphis, TN 38152, wcupples@memphis.edu and VAN ARSDALE, Roy B., Earth 

Sciences, Univ. of Memphis, 1 Johnson Hall, Memphis, TN 38152 

The upland Tertiary gravels of the Mississippi River Valley have puzzled geologists for many 

decades. These gravels are generally interpreted to be terrace deposits of the pre-glacial 

Mississippi and Ohio rivers. The gravels are called the Citronelle Formation in Louisiana, Preloess 

gravels in Mississippi, Upland Complex in Tennessee and Arkansas, and the Mounds and 


Grover in Illinois and possibly the Windrow in Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota. The base of these 

predominantly chert gravels are approximately 75 m above the base of the Mississippi River 

Quaternary alluvium. Previous investigators have identified large wavelength paleo-meanders in 

the upland gravels of northwestern Mississippi that indicate a discharge as much as 5 to 10 times 

greater than the modern Mississippi River. This larger river suggests that the drainage basin of the 

pre-glacial Mississippi River may have been much larger than today and perhaps extended north 

into Canada. This current study explores that possibility by mapping bedrock surface elevation 

and gravel data from 99 wells in Illinois and bedrock elevations from 980 wells in Minnesota 

that we have interpreted to mark the base of the pre-glacial Mississippi River. The distribution of 

these upland gravels in conjunction with previous studies allows a partial reconstruction of the 

course of the pre-glacial Mississippi River system and its elevation from central Minnesota to 

Memphis, Tennessee. The elevation of this pre-glacial Mississippi River profile allows us to test 

the hypothesis that the ancestral (Pliocene) Mississippi River flowed south from Canada. 



T6. Quaternary Time Machine: Methods and Analyses 

of Soils and Sediments to Reveal Secrets of Past 

Environments 


13-1 1:35 PM Sipola, Maija E. [218640] 

MINERALOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF SOLO RIVER TERRACE DEPOSITS AT 

NGANDONG, CENTRAL JAVA, INDONESIA 

SIPOLA, Maija E., Department of Geoscience, University of Iowa, 121 Trowbridge Hall, 

Iowa City, IA 52242, maija-sipola@uiowa.edu 

The Ngandong Homo erectus site in Central Java, Indonesia is of great interest to 

paleoanthropologists and geoarchaeologists. The morphology of the H. erectus crania first 

discovered there in the 1930’s suggests those fossils may be of the most recently-living Homo 

erectus known in the world, yet numerous studies have been unable to confidently date the 

age of the fossils or the timing of site formation. In addition, thousands of fossils of non-hominin 

macrofauna have been collected during early excavations of the Ngandong site without a 

comprehensive geoarchaeological assessment of their relationship to the terrace stratigraphy, 

preventing an understanding of the depositional processes responsible for site formation. 

Recently, a thorough excavation of the site was undertaken by a team of Indonesian and 

American scientists with special focus on documenting and analyzing the site stratigraphy. In this 

study I summarize the results of a mineralogical analysis of the stratigraphic layers present at the 

site in an effort to delineate possible depositional facies boundaries based on different sediment 

sources. I combine these mineralogical data with results of grain-size and grain-shape analyses to 

characterize the sediment source(s) and depositional conditions that produced the fossil-bearing 

terrace deposits present at Ngandong. This information improves our understanding of the Solo 

River fluvial dynamics at the time of site formation and may potentially inform as to the location 

and condition of other fossil-bearing deposits in the region. 

13-2 1:55 PM Miao, Xiaodong [218408] 

USING OSL AND RADIOCARBON DATING TO CONSTRAIN THE TIME OF SOIL 

DEVELOPMENT 

MIAO, Xiaodong1 , WANG, Hong1 , HANSON, Paul R. 2 , MASON, Joseph A. 3 , and LIU, 

Xiaodong4 , (1) Illinois State Geological Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University 

of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 615 E. Peabody Dr, Champaign, IL 61820, miao@ 

illinois.edu, (2) School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, 68588, 

(3) Department of Geography, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 550 N. Park St, 160 Science 

Hall, Madison, WI 53706, (4) SKLLQG, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of 

Sciences, Xi’an, 710075 

Time, one of the five factors in soil development along with climate, parent material, organisms, 

and topography, is theoretically defined as the time elapsed since the parent materials were 

deposited and subaerially exposed, according to Jenny’s model. Soil time was estimated 

previously based on the degree of soil development, but in many environments the soil ages have 

not been practically calculated. We propose that the best method for estimating the time of soil 

development is subtraction of the Pyrolysis-Volatile (Py-V) 14C dates of soil’s uppermost A horizon 

from OSL dates of C horizon of parent material. The Py-V 14C dates represent most mobile soil 

organic carbon that is least resistant to biodegradation in soil environment, therefore yielding 

youngest ages potentially, while OSL dating on the C horizon estimates the depositional time 

of the parent material. We tested this new approach in four scenarios: 1. Modern soil developed 

downward in loess; 2. Cumulative Soil formed upward in loess; 3. Soil formed in dune sand; 

4. A counterexample to show that simple subtraction is not always appropriate. This approach 

constrains soil time more reasonably than using either OSL or radiocarbon dates alone. If no old 

carbon contamination is assumed, the difference between the Py-V ages at the uppermost and 

lowermost sola of a soil almost certainly underestimates the time of soil development, and the 

difference between OSL ages taken from above and below a soil most likely overestimates it. 

Combination of OSL and radiocarbon can best constrain soil development time. 

13-3 2:15 PM Reinhardt, Jason [218513] 

INVESTIGATING THE INFLUENCE OF LAND USE HISTORY ON SAVANNA SOILS IN LOWER 

MICHIGAN: IMPLICATIONS FOR MANAGEMENT, RESTORATION, AND CONSERVATION 

REINHARDT, Jason1 , HOBBS, Trevor2 , and NAGEL, Linda M. 1 , (1) School of Forest 

Resources and Environmental Science, Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend 

Dr, Houghton, MI 49931, jrreinha@mtu.edu, (2) Huron-Manistee National Forest, GeoCorps 

Participant, 1755 S. Mitchell St, Cadillac, MI 49601 

Prior to European settlement, mixed oak savanna was a naturally occurring ecosystem in 

Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Maintained by wildfire, these savanna openings likely migrated over 

space and time on excessively-drained sandy soils. Most of this plant community type has been 

lost due to early land management practices, especially agriculture and timber. Decades of fire 

suppression have led to degradation of what remains. Remnant examples are an important part 

of the ecological landscape and provide refuge for a multitude of early-successional species, 

most notably the Federally-Endangered Karner Blue Butterfly (KBB; Lycaeides melissa samuelis).

Because of this, the US Forest Service implements a variety of management techniques, such 

as controlled burns, bulldozing, masticating, and partial harvesting, to restore and maintain oak 

savanna ecosystems. However, attainment of desirable levels of plant species diversity and 

abundance following restoration activity has proven difficult. We hypothesized that land use 

history and its influence on soils play a significant role in the potential for restoration success, 

especially with respect to resultant floristic composition. The purpose of this research was 

to 1) establish site-specific historic land use and 2) determine impacts on soil morphology, 

soil chemistry, and current savanna communities in the southern Manistee National Forest. 

Preliminary results suggest that land use history helps explain variation in soil A horizon 

thickness, and the presence/absence of important savanna plants such as wild lupine (Lupinus 

perennis). Preliminary results support our hypothesis that historic land use and its influence on 

soil morphology significantly impact floristic diversity and abundance in savanna ecosystems. This 

insight has the potential to help prioritize potential management and habitat restoration sites, and 

can be incorporated into existing savanna ecosystem management techniques by land managers 

and government agencies. Soil sample processing is currently underway in the laboratory, and 

analysis of the effects of land use history on further soil morphological characteristics and soil 

chemistry will follow. 

13-4 2:35 PM Rovey, Charles W. [218231] 

PALEOSOLS WITHIN THE PRE-ILLINOIAN TILL SEQUENCE IN NORTHERN MISSOURI 

RECORD CHANGES IN PLEISTOCENE CLIMATE 

ROVEY, Charles W. II, Geography, Geology, and Planning, Missouri State University, 

901 S. National, Springfield, MO 65897, charlesrovey@missouristate.edu 

Exposures in northern Missouri preserve the Sangamon Geosol developed in Loveland Silt 

above the Yarmouth Geosol in till. Reasons for the distinctive red coloration within these two 

paleosols (temperature vs. time) have been debated for many years, but previous workers did not 

have a sequence of older paleosols for comparison. Here, four pre-Yarmouth paleosols are also 

preserved locally within the Pre-Illinoian till sequence, and cosmogenic isotope dates for these 

tills also provide the age of the soils along with the duration of soil development. Generally, the 

older paleosols formed over a much longer time than the younger. For example, the oldest till 

(Atlanta Formation) was deposited at ~2.4 Ma and was buried by the overlying Moberly Formation 

at ~1.3 Ma. Thus, the Atlanta paleosol developed over ~1.1 myr, compared to no more than 

~0.1 myr for the Sangamon. 

The oldest paleosols rarely developed hues redder than 10YR, but rubification increases 

within the younger sola, despite shorter durations of weathering, culminating in bright red hues 

near 5YR within the Yarmouth and Sangamon Geosols. Thus, these paleosols record increasing 

interglacial temperatures, beginning in the Middle Pleistocene. 

Caliche is nearly always present within the older weathering profiles, but is absent within 

the modern and Sangamon soils in this area. Thus, the older paleosols developed under 

drier conditions than the more recent climates. The depth to the top of caliche also increases 

systematically with younger age, recording increases in mean annual precipitation during the 

Early and Middle Pleistocene. In summary the paleosol sequence in northern Missouri records a 

trend toward warmer and moister climates during the Pleistocene. 

13-5 2:55 PM Kerr, Phillip J. [218759] 

THROUGH A WOOLY LENS: INVESTIGATIONS FROM A MAMMOTH BURIAL IN IOWA 

KERR, Phillip J. 1 , BETTIS, E. Arthur III1 , and BAKER, Richard G. 2 , (1) Department of 

Geoscience, University of Iowa, 121 Trowbridge Hall, Iowa City, IA 52242, phillip-kerr@ 

uiowa.edu, (2) Department of Geoscience, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242 

Investigations sponsored by the Iowa Museum of Natural History have discovered the remains of 

three mammoths eroding from alluvium in a small tributary of the South Skunk River in southern 

Iowa. Coring, examination of excavation walls, radiocarbon dating, and macrofossil analyses 

are providing a preliminary picture of the paleoenvironment occupied by the mammoths and the 

processes responsible for formation of the fossil deposit. Excavations to date have recovered 

fossils from early Holocene alluvium that filled a plunge pool cut into an older terrace fill that 

apparently contains in-situ mammoth remains. The pristine condition of bone recovered to date 

and a lack of size or density sorting suggests a very short transport distance. An exposure of the 

older terrace fill and cores from the terrace surface adjacent to the excavation show a sequence 

of fine-grained late glacial alluvium separated from sand and gravel by an organic-rich zone that 

yielded a radiocarbon date of 13,120+50 B.P. Plant macrofossils recovered from the organic zone 

indicate a marshy area within a spruce forest. On-going investigations are focused on refining 

a sedimentary model for the site and determining the location of the in-place deposition of the 

mammoth remains. 

13-6 3:30 PM Harrison, Jeffrey M. [218615] 

LINKING 2,000 YEARS OF SEDIMENTATION IN THE WESTERN ARCTIC OCEAN TO AN 

ATMOSPHERIC TEMPERATURE PROXY RECORD FROM A GLACIAL LAKE IN THE BROOKS 

RANGE, AK 

HARRISON, Jeffrey M. 1 , ORTIZ, Joseph D. 1 , ABBOTT, Mark B. 2 , BIRD, Broxton W. 3 , 

HACKER, David B. 1 , GRIFFITH, Elizabeth M. 1 , and DARBY, Dennis A. 4 , (1) Department of 

Geology, Kent State University, 221 McGilvrey Hall, Kent, OH 44242, jharri72@kent.edu, 

(2) Department of Geology and Planetary Science, Univ of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, 

(3) Department of Earth Sciences, Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN 

46202, (4) Department of Ocean, Earth, & Atmospheric Sciences, Old Dominion University, 

Norfolk, VA 23529 

The delivery of sediment to the Alaskan continental shelf is largely associated with ice drift and 

wind driven Arctic Ocean circulation patterns that have varied during the Holocene. This study 

presents a comparison of two continuous, high-resolution proxy records from the western Arctic 

over the past 2,000 years. Direct correlations were made between marine grain size, related to 

shifts in depositional mechanisms, and terrestrial atmospheric climate in northern Alaska. To 

provide variations of sedimentation patterns in the Arctic Ocean (e.g., sea-ice transport, density 

flows, ocean currents), the grain size distributions were measured in a piston core (HLY02-04 

JPC16) from the eastern Chukchi Sea at a higher resolution than previously reported. A revised 

JPC16 age-depth model was used in this analysis (Darby et al., 2012). The sediment core, 

collected on the east flank of Barrow Canyon (72.1555°N, 153.50817°W), preserves a record of 

local variations in sedimentation mechanisms in the Chukchi-Beaufort Seas. 

A Varimax-rotated Principle Component Analysis (VPCA) was conducted on JPC16. We 

inferred three principal components (PCs) of sediment deposition at the core site related 

to anchor ice, nepheloid flows, and suspension freezing based on variations in grain-size 

distributions. This interpretation is consistent with previous downcore analysis by Darby et al. 

(2009). A fourth, less significant mode, is related to resuspension and deposition connected to 

intermittent suspension. While all components showed increased variability since 200 yr BP, 

factors related to sea-ice showed the highest positive loadings between 2000-1300 cal yr BP. The 

high-resolution record of sediment deposition in the Arctic Ocean allowed for direct correlation 


with the atmospheric climate proxy as recorded by varve thickness in the Brooks Range (Bird 

et al., 2009). The time interval investigated here shows a significant relationship of marine 

sea-ice sedimentation with variability in atmospheric temperature (r = 0.7). Additionally, marine 

sedimentation appears to lag the atmospheric temperature proxy, indicating that temperature is a 

primary forcing mechanism in sea-ice variation. This analysis suggests that warmer intervals are 

likely correlated with greater sea-ice melt and favor sedimentation of entrained sediments. 

13-7 3:50 PM Matzke, Jeffrey A. [218043] 

A NEW VIEW OF THE STONE ZONE ON THE IOWA EROSION SURFACE 

MATZKE, Jeffrey A. 1 , BETTIS, E. Arthur III2 , WEIRICH, Frank1 , and VOGELGESANG, 

Jason3 , (1) Department of Geoscience, University of Iowa, 121 Trowbridge Hall, Iowa City, 

IA 52242, jeffrey-matzke@uiowa.edu, (2) Geoscience, University of Iowa, 121 Trowbridge 

Hall, Iowa City, IA 52242, (3) Iowa Geological and Water Survey, Iowa Department of Natural 

Resources, 109 Trowbridge Hall, Iowa City, IA 52242 

The processes that generated the distinctive landscape of the Iowa Erosion Surface (IES) 

of northeastern Iowa have been debated for over a century. A number of researchers have 

concluded that the IES experienced a periglacial environment and was underlain by continuous 

permafrost during the last glacial maximum. Ubiquitous throughout the IES is a stone zone that 

lies 60-100cm below the surface. Several explanations for the genesis of the stone zone have 

been proposed, including a lag concentrate, biomantle processes, and cryogenesis. We utilized 

a combination of coring and trenching, ground penetrating radar and resistivity to investigate 

the 3D distribution of the stone zone, overlying “pedisediment” and the underlying contact with 

dense till across a 100 m2 area on a typical IES hillslope in east-central Iowa . Our preliminary 

results indicate that the stone zone occurs in the basal few decimeters of pedisediment that 

rests uncomformably and abruptly on eroded, dense till. Ice wedge casts extend from the stone 

zone into the underlying till. The depth of the stone zone below the modern surface increases 

downslope and the stone zone dissipates and eventually is replaced by relatively thick loamy sand 

beneath the footslope. These relationships argue against the stone zone being of biogenic origin. 

The occurrence of ice wedge casts associated with the stone zone and systematic changes in the 

thickness and texture of the pedisediment suggest to us that stone zone on the IES was formed 

by a combination of cryogenic and active zone erosive processes during the full glacial period. 

13-8 4:10 PM Artz, Joe Alan [218799] 

MULTI-PROXY MID-HOLOCENE FLUVIAL PROCESSES AT TWO LOCALITIES IN CENTRAL 

IOWA 

ARTZ, Joe Alan, Earthview Environmental, LLC, 310 Second Street, Coralville, IA 522411, 

joe@earthviewenvironmental.com 

The Palace site (13PK966) is a buried Middle Archaic site in the Des Moines River valley near 

the city of Des Moines in central Iowa. Several relatively tightly stratified and stratigraphically 

separated occupation surfaces were inhabited ca. 7,000 BP. Houses were present, and a human 

burial was also encountered. The archaeological deposits are buried in a silty clay loam overbank 

facies that veneers a former point bar. The overbank veneer grades laterally to a clay to silty clay 

channel-fill that was perhaps a wetland, occupying a nearly-filled-in paleochannel at the time of 

occupation. 

Other than an occasional coarse-textured splay or chute deposit, the overbank deposits exhibit 

no macroscopically visible stratigraphy. Soil thin sections, however, reveal micromorphological 

evidence for sedimentary bedding in the form of changes in size and sorting of sand grains, 

for short-lived periods of surface stability in the form of channel microstructures created by 

bioturbation. d13C ratios for the 250 cm thick overbank facies are primarily between -23 and 

-20 o/oo, values that are intermediate between warm- and cool- season plants. There is, however, 

a significant excursion in C4 grasses in a 50-cm-thick zone, with ratios of -15 to -17 o/oo. This 

zone immediately overlies the 7,000-year-old cultural horizon. It may therefore, be the signature 

of a mid-Holocene warming episode. Pollen records from other central-Iowa sites indicate that the 

prairie expanded across central Iowa in this approximate time range. 

Other recent work by the author on the Middle Raccoon River, about 50 km west of the Palace 

site, show evidence of a major fluvial discontinuity at ca. 7,000 BP, based on radiocarbon ages 

from channel and channel-fill facies at the bottom of a 4-5 m thick upward-fining sequence. Largescale 

sedimentary structures observe in core and cutbank profiles indicate high energy deposition 

between ca. 7,000 and 6,500 BP. 

13-9 4:30 PM Grimley, David A. [218205] 

PLEISTOCENE MOLLUSCAN ASSEMBLAGES TO AID UNDERSTANDING OF 

PALEOENVIRONMENT, PALEOCLIMATE AND CHRONOLOGY: EXAMPLES FROM ILLINOIS 

GRIMLEY, David A., Illinois State Geological Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University 

of Illinois, 615 E. Peabody Dr, Champaign, IL 61820, dgrimley@illinois.edu and OCHES, 

Eric A., Department of Natural & Applied Sciences, Bentley University, 175 Forest St, 

Waltham, MA 02452 

Across the southern Midwest region, Pleistocene mollusks are locally found in relatively unaltered 

loess or lacustrine sediment (particularly slackwater deposits) synchronous with central U.S.A. 

glaciations. More rarely, molluscan faunas are preserved in interglacial lake deposits. The 

assemblage of gastropods and bivalves provides important information about past environments, 

climate, and ecology that complements other paleoenvironmental data. In addition, the shell 

material can be used in chronological studies. Paleoenvironmental interpretations aided by 

molluscan occurrences include differentiation of terrestrial vs. aquatic conditions; seasonal vs. 

perennial lake; deep vs. shallow water; and flowing vs. quiet water. Faunas tend to vary spatially 

and stratigraphically between distal and ice-proximal environments. Such observations can 

complement or refine interpretations from sedimentological, geomorphic, and other fossil records 

(e.g., pollen, ostracodes), thus providing a clearer picture of the paleoenvironment. In some 

cases, such as in oxidized sediments, molluscan assemblages are preserved where other records 

are lacking or poorly preserved. Some species of minute terrestrial gastropod genera (Vertigo, 

Pupilla, Columella, Gastrocopta) have climatic sensitivity and, by comparisons with modern 

distribution patterns (Nekola and Coles, 2010), can aid in general paleoclimate estimations. 

Aquatic species are generally less affected by climate but some species have sensitivity. 

Carbon and oxygen isotopic analyses of shell carbonate can aid with interpretations 

of paleovegetation, paleotemperature, or paleohumidity, though other factors should be 

considered. Chronologically, radiocarbon dating of Wisconsin Episode terrestrial mollusks in 

loess or lakeshore records are more precise and considered by many to be more accurate than 

luminescence dating. With the development of multiple amino acid assays in recent years, amino 

acid geochronology (using terrestrial or aquatic species) is proving valuable in differentiating 

Wisconsin, Illinois, and pre-Illinois episode deposits in Illinois, as was initially suggested in 

western Indiana (Miller et al. 1987). Comparisons of glutamic and aspartic acid D/L ratios with 

Succinea and Hendersonia are most fruitful thus far. 



13-10 4:50 PM Herrmann, Edward W. [218688] 

GEOMORPHOLOGICAL CONTROLS AFFECTING THE CREATION AND PRESERVATION OF A 

BURIED WETLAND ENVIRONMENT DURING THE PLEISTOCENE/HOLOCENE TRANSITION: 

A GEOARCHAEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE 

HERRMANN, Edward W., Anthropology, Indiana University, 2420 Canada Dr, Bloomington, 

IN 47401, edherrma@indiana.edu 

Geoarchaeological investigations within the White River Valley in south-central Indiana revealed 

the controlling geomorphological factors that led to the formation and preservation of a buried 

wetland environment just prior to, and throughout the Younger Dryas. Coring transects within 

a local segment of the West Fork of the White River were used to analyze the subsurface 

sediments, identify paleosurfaces, and correlate the fluvial landforms along the White River. In 

one local river segment, late Wisconsin river meanders eroded into outwash terraces and left 

abandoned channels that infilled with organic debris after 13kBP. By 10kBP, local conditions 

created a local wetland/peat bog containing preserved organic matter that can be used for 

paleoenvironmental reconstructions during the Younger Dryas. Subsequently, a wet grassland/ 

prairie developed after 10kBP and lasted until about 4kBP, after which the site was buried 

and preserved by mid-Holocene alluvium. Major river adjustments related to downcutting and 

entrenchment altered the extent of the mid-Holocene meander belt, limiting meandering and 

erosion through the site. Late Pleistocene and early Holocene meander scars at the site provide 

data important to archaeological site predictive modeling and to understanding where buried and 

preserved archaeological sites may occur during the Paleoindian (11.5-10kBP) and Early Archaic 

(10-8kBP) Periods. 

13-11 5:10 PM Rocheford, M. Kathryn [218135] 

FRAMEWORK FOR IDENTIFYING LANDUSE EFFECTS ON SOIL RESILIENCE 

ROCHEFORD, M. Kathryn, Geosciences, University of Iowa, 121 Trowbridge Hall, Iowa City, 

IA 52242, kat-rocheford@uiowa.edu 

Soil is an interface between the atmosphere, biosphere, and hydrosphere, acting as buffer and 

filter for the air we breathe, the crops we harvest, and the water we drink. Perturbations in any 

one of these spheres can affect soil properties as well as its resilience. The ecological landscape 

of the Midwest has been extensively altered by both natural and human modifications (e.g. 

erosion, climate change, fire, vegetation change, land-use change, etc.). Land-use activities can 

have significant impacts on the physical, biological and chemical processes of soil that alter its 

resilience and its role in the global carbon cycle. Furthermore, a complex history of changing use 

patterns makes it difficult to differentiate the effects of individual land-use activities on modern 

soils using traditional physico-chemical soil science methods. To better model potential mitigation 

practices for soil sustainability, it is critical to differentiate between physico-chemical properties 

of soils resulting from natural processes and those from early historic land-use, as well as those 

resulting from modern agricultural or other modern landscape modifications. Presented here is 

a methodological framework that begins to incorporate the geomorphological and geochemical 

perspectives that can be utilized to reveal land-use activities for areas that have limited or no 

record of past land-use. 



T10. Mapping the Glacial Geology of the 

Great Lakes States 


14-1 1:30 PM Brown, Steven E. [218189] 

FROM START TO FINISH: THREE-DIMENSIONAL GEOLOGIC MAPS AND MODELS OF LAKE 

COUNTY, ILLINOIS 

BROWN, Steven E., Illinois State Geological Survey, Prairie Research Institute, 

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 615 E. Peabody Dr, Champaign, IL 61820, 

steebrow@illinois.edu 

The Great Lakes Geologic Mapping Coalition is a partnership that includes the state geological 

surveys of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin; 

the Ontario Geological Survey; and the U.S. Geological Survey. The partnership builds on the 

collective knowledge of these scientific organizations to map the glacial geology of the of the 

Great Lakes states in high priority areas. Geologists and other staff use innovative computer 

aided mapping, drilling, and geophysical technologies and methods to discover and document 

complex stratigraphic and depositional relationships. Cornerstones of the Coalition are 

three-dimensional mapping and modeling and the application of maps and models to solving 

societal issues. 

A three-dimensional geologic model for Lake County, Illinois has been made by the Illinois State 

Geological Survey (ISGS) based on analysis of more than 200 exploration boreholes, 24,000 

water-well and engineering borehole records, and several miles of geophysical transect data. A 

data-sharing agreement with the county has facilitated the exchange of digital data, including 

access to county-wide, high-accuracy datasets that facilitate mapping and quality control of public 

domain information, such as water-well records. 

In Lake County, the variability of the continuity and physical characteristics of deposits, typically 

associated with a number of inset proglacial depositional sequences, necessitates application of 

both lithostratigraphy and allostratigraphy to map and model geologic surfaces. A number of map 

units are defined based on genesis, as a practical matter, where bounding surfaces are more 

readily identified than the boundaries of discrete lithologic units. 

Throughout the mapping process, ISGS staff have interacted with local decision makers to 

both gain an understanding of local natural resource issues, and to provide geologic information 

to those making decisions. Interactions have included presentations to the county board, local 

municipalities, industry, and the general public. Future challenges include the design and 

presentation of the three-dimensional model for the end user, noting users may not have the 

software and hardware capabilities used to make the maps and models. 


14-2 1:50 PM Aden, Douglas J. [218321] 

MAPPING KARST IN THE NORTH-CENTRAL OHIO REGION 

ADEN, Douglas J., Ohio Geological Survey, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, 2045 

Morse RD., BLDG. C-2, Columbus, OH 43229-6693, Doug.Aden@dnr.state.oh.us 

Since 2009, the Ohio Geological Survey has undertaken reconnaissance mapping of karst areas 

in Ohio, beginning with the cities of Delaware and Springfield and their vicinities. Currently, karst 

is being mapped near the cities of Bellevue, Castalia, and Clyde in north-central Ohio—a densely 

karstic area featuring some of the largest sinkholes in the state. To locate these sinkholes, LiDAR 

(Light Detection and Ranging) data is used to generate a digital elevation model (DEM). This DEM 

pinpoints depressions that may have internal drainage. These depressions are cross referenced 

with known karst locations, bedrock geology, aerial photography, soil maps, drift thickness 

maps, and water well logs. Many features were dismissed by using both aerial photography and 

knowledge gained from previous field verification of how LiDAR interacts with streams, culverts, 

and infrastructure as opposed to sinkholes. LiDAR lows and areas that could not be eliminated 

remotely are being visited in the field and documented. 

In total there are 1,208 distinct locations under review for karst in this 428-km2 area. To date, 

the Ohio Geological Survey has confirmed 52 sinkholes and 24 springs, and eliminated 142 

suspect sites either remotely or in the field. In addition to the newly located features, 240 karst 

points that were field verified by previous workers will be rechecked against the LiDAR and in the 

field. The remaining suspect locations will be field checked to determine if they are karst or not. 

Also, records on size and depth of 218 features from a 1980 project are being compared to the 

LiDAR to see if change over time can be observed. 

Karst regions are highly susceptible to pollution, and structures built near them may subside. 

Karst features in the Bellevue region have also served as conduits of groundwater discharge 

during periods of unusually high precipitation. This groundwater discharge has led to severe, 

localized flooding. The maps produced from this effort will allow areas of land development near 

karst features to be better planned and maintained. 

14-3 2:10 PM Carson, Eric C. [218823] 

SURFICIAL GEOLOGIC MAPPING AND LANDSCAPE EVOLUTION RESEARCH IN THE 

DRIFTLESS AREA OF SOUTHWESTERN WISCONSIN 

CARSON, Eric C., Department of Environmental Sciences, Wisconsin Geological and 

Natural History Survey, Madison, WI 53705, eccarson@wisc.edu and ATTIG, John W., 

Department of Environmental Sciences, Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey, 

3817 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI 53705 

On-going surficial geology projects in the Driftless Area of southwestern Wisconsin are heavily 

invested in the concept of the valuable synergies between high-quality research and highquality 

geologic mapping. Accurate and detailed mapping provides a basis to guide and inform 

original research; focused research leads to a better understanding of geologic process, events, 

chronology, stratigraphy and materials in a mapping area, and thus a better mapping product. 

To exemplify this, mapping along the lower Wisconsin River valley has provided the impetus to 

investigate the glacial deposits that define the boundaries of the unglaciated Driftless Area, and 

the Quaternary geologic history archived by those deposits. 

Along the Mississippi River, south of the confluence with the Wisconsin River, coring has 

defined the easternmost extent of pre-Illinoian glacial deposits. Compact gray clay-rich till and 

associated outwash were recognized within 1 km of the modern Mississippi River underlying the 

ubiquitous Peoria loess. Coring through the pre-Illinoian Bridgeport moraine (Knox and Attig, 

1988) identified a brown sandy till overlying a gray clay-rich till similar to that found farther south. 

This implies that multiple pre-Illinoian glacial advances, depositing markedly different till, extended 

eastward to a point roughly coincident with the modern Mississippi River. 

In the Baraboo Hills area at the eastern margin of the Driftless Area, coring the late Wisconsin 

Johnstown moraine where it blocks the south end of the Devils Lake gorge has revealed the 

stratigraphy of the moraine and helped refine the history of the advance of ice to its maximum 

position. The moraine is composed of ~5 m of till overlying more than 75 m of sand and gravel 

(outwash). The stratigraphy suggests that ice was stable just short of its maximum extent and 

depositing outwash that the ice ultimately advanced over to deposit till on the outwash. 

These data likely would not have been collected if not for the surficial geology mapping being 

conducted, and the insights gained from the data will improve the final mapping product. This 

highlights the concept that taking a research-driven approach to mapping facilitates developing 

priorities and long-term goals, and developing a greater understanding of key aspects of the 

geology of the area being mapped. 

14-4 2:30 PM Fleming, Anthony H. [218325] 

A TALE OF TWO LOBES: THE PLEISTOCENE EVOLUTION OF INDIANA’S LARGEST 

INTERLOBATE LAKE BASIN 

FLEMING, Anthony H., 2275 E300S, Albion, IN 46701, loneswantony@cs.com and 

KARAFFA, Marni D., Indiana Geological Survey, Indiana University, 611 North Walnut Grove 

Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405 

Lake Wawasee has the largest surface area of any natural lake in Indiana, while nearby 

Tippecanoe Lake is the deepest. They are among a group of large, deep lakes (and dozens 

of smaller ones) concentrated in a distinctly rugged, ~100 mi2area that defines the interlobate 

boundary between the Saginaw and Erie Lobes in Kosciusko County, north-central Indiana. 

Ongoing geologic mapping indicates that this more southerly part of the boundary experienced 

a sharply different history than the segment further to the northeast, which generally lacks large 

lakes, has more subdued topography, and in most places is characterized by the relatively simple 

onlap of large Erie Lobe fans into basins produced by the withdrawal of the Saginaw Lobe into 

Michigan. 

Several lines of evidence indicate that extensive tracts of stagnant Erie Lobe ice were well 

established in these lake basins before the Saginaw Lobe arrived, and long before deposition of 

the large eastern fans (Topeka, Leesburg, Rochester) that followed. Individual ice blocks occupied 

basins as great as 10-12 mi2and were (minimally) hundreds of feet thick; moreover, they persisted 

for most of the late Wisconsin, greatly altering the behavior of subsequent glaciers and ultimately 

controlling the distributions and character of younger deposits of both the Saginaw and Erie 

Lobes. 

The deposits from this earliest Erie Lobe event thicken southwestward into eastern Marshall 

and extreme western Kosciusko Counties, where they form an extensive region of Erie Lobe 

moraines and fans known as the Bourbon upland. As such, they seem to define a discrete 

southern edge of the interlobate area—one that lies significantly further north than suggested 

by historical interpretations. Moreover, these relations reinforce the growing recognition that the 

history of the interlobate area is not monolithic, but instead consists of a heterogeneous group of 

smaller regions, each defined by local ice margins competing for space.

14-5 2:50 PM Hobbs, Trevor [218481] 

USING GIS TO INVENTORY COMMON VARIETY MINERAL MATERIALS FOR THE HURON- 

MANISTEE NATIONAL FOREST, MI 

HOBBS, Trevor, Huron-Manistee National Forest, GeoCorps Participant, 1755 S. Mitchell St, 

Cadillac, MI 49601, trevor.c.hobbs@gmail.com 

The Huron-Manistee National Forest (HMNF) is relatively well endowed with aggregate resources 

such as gravel, sand, clay, boulders and stone. These common variety mineral materials are 

useful to the HMNF for projects such as road repairs, stream crossings, trail maintenance, and 

canoe landing sites. The development of aggregate resources on Federal lands of the HMNF has 

been a decreasing priority in recent decades. Since the 1980’s, an increasing number of Forest 

Service pits have been closed and reclaimed, in favor of more ecologically and aesthetically 

pleasing land management practices. Fragmented land and mineral ownership patterns within 

the HMNF proclamation boundary also hinder the development and management of mineral 

material pits. For these reasons, there has been an increase in the number of commercial pits in 

the surrounding area, from which the HMNF now purchases aggregate resources to complete 

construction, maintenance, and engineering projects. The increasing reliance on commercial 

aggregate suppliers throughout the years has resulted in a fragmentation of knowledge about 

the distribution and quality of common variety minerals on HMNF lands. Information about the 

location of quality aggregate resources has become somewhat antiquated and often occurs in 

dispersed file cabinets or as informal knowledge in the minds of District personnel. At this time, 

it is unclear whether it makes more economic sense to extract these materials from NFS lands, 

or continue purchasing aggregate from commercial suppliers. Moreover, there are no detailed 

geologic maps covering the HMNF at this time, which adds an additional level of uncertainty 

about the quality and quantity of aggregate resources at depth. Since 2011, the HMNF has 

utilized the GeoCorps America program to put intern geoscientists to work on assimilating data 

and information about common variety minerals on Forest Service lands. This information is 

currently being gathered and stored in an ArcGIS geodatabase. When complete, the geodatabase 

will serve as a useful tool for project planning, and advance the ongoing effort to inventory 

common variety minerals across the HMNF. This presentation will highlight the methods used to 

inventory and map historic and existing pits, as well as discuss practical uses of the geodatabase 

for HMNF land managers. 

14-6 3:10 PM Kincare, Kevin A. [218539] 

A HIGH-LEVEL PROGLACIAL LAKE IN WEXFORD COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ITS 

SIGNIFICANCE FOR THE BOUNDARY OF THE LAKE BORDER MORAINE IN NORTHWEST 

LOWER MICHIGAN 

KINCARE, Kevin A., U.S. Geological Survey, 926 A National Center, Reston, VA 20192, 

kkincare@usgs.gov 

The Lake Border moraine in northwestern lower Michigan has recently been reexamined in 

western Wexford County. Leverett and Taylor (1915) mapped the Lake Border moraine (much 

of which exceeds 400 m altitude in Wexford County) in contact with the Valparaiso/Charlotte 

interlobate moraine at the latter’s northwest corner near Harrietta. Just south of Wexford County, 

they mapped a convex to the west trending reentrant (67 km long, 45 km wide) in the Lake Border 

moraine that bends back to the east in Newaygo County. 

Recent mapping of deposits in the Lake Border moraine in Wexford County reveal glaciodeltaic 

deposits from topset sand and gravel through to bottomset (varves) silt and clay. The ice-margin 

configuration suggested by Leverett and Taylor (1915) cannot support a proglacial lake at the 

altitudes indicated by recent mapping and drill holes. At the maximum extent of the Lake Border 

glacier, a high level (~380 m altitude) proglacial lake must have been bounded by the glacier on 

the west and southwest, older interlobate deposits to the southeast, and possibly the Saginaw 

lobe to the east. The reentrant as currently drawn could not have held a proglacial lake at the 

altitude demonstrated by this project. The drainage divide exposed by the reentrant is 100m below 

the lake level of the lacustrine sediments in the glaciodeltaic morphosequence. 

On the basis of this evidence, the Lake Border moraine is mapped without a reentrant. That is, 

it remains close to the western edge of the Valparaiso-Charlotte interlobate moraine through to 

the Lake-Newaygo County line where preliminary mapping indicates that the western edge of the 

uplands is also composed of similar glaciodeltaic deposits. 

14-7 3:50 PM Burt, Abigail K. [218484] 

THREE-DIMENSIONAL GLACIAL GEOLOGY OF THE INTERLOBATE ORANGEVILLE 

MORAINE, SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO, CANADA 

BURT, Abigail K., Ontario Geological Survey, 933 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 6B5 

Canada, abigail.burt@ontario.ca 

The Ontario Geological Survey is undertaking regional scale 3-D hydrostratigraphic mapping of 

glacial sediments in select areas of Southern Ontario. This is part of a broader initiative designed 

to provide geoscience information for the identification, protection and sustainable use of the 

provincial groundwater resource. The full workflow comprises the assembly and standardization 

of existing subsurface data; acquisition of new geological and geophysical information; the 

development of a conceptual geological model; the interpretation of the subsurface data; and the 

generation of products for scientific, technical and non-technical clients. 

The Orangeville-Fergus project area encompasses 1550 km2 centred on the Late Wisconsinan 

interlobate Orangeville moraine. Bedrock dips to the southwest and deep buried bedrock valleys 

extending back from the Niagara Escarpment host important sediment aquifers. Eight key 

regional-scale sediment packages comprise: 1) older tills and localized coarse-textured stratified 

sediments; 2) a pre-Late Wisconsinan aquifer that sporadically contains organic material; 3) the 

main Late Wisconsinan Nissouri Phase Catfish Creek Till that forms a key stratigraphic marker 

across the region; 4) Erie Phase aquifers and aquitards deposited during and following the 

break-up of Catfish Creek ice consisting of coarse-textured glaciofluvial and subaquatic fan 

sediments, fine-textured glaciolacustrine sediments and diamicton. This package includes the 

Orangeville moraine and Rockwood buried-bedrock valley fill; 5) Port Bruce Phase Tavistock, Port 

Stanley and upper sandy tills and upper Maryhill drift, deposited during lobate advances from the 

northwest, northeast and southeast, and forming the upper aquitard across much of the study 

area; 6) outwash gravels deposited in incised channels; 7) Mackinaw Phase Wentworth Till and 

debris flows forming the Paris moraine and recording the maximum extent of the Erie–Ontario ice 

lobe during this ice advance; and 8) glaciofluvial and coarse-textured glaciolacustrine sediments 

overlying Wentworth Till in the far southeast of the study area. Closed depressions within the 

granular deposits of the Orangeville and Paris moraines facilitate recharge and ensure a healthy 

groundwater flow system at the head of three watersheds. 


14-8 4:10 PM Bajc, A.F. [218725] 

THE PRE-LATE WISCONSINAN SEDIMENT RECORD OF THE SOUTHERN PART OF SIMCOE 

COUNTY, SOUTH-CENTRAL ONTARIO, CANADA 

BAJC, A.F., Ontario Geological Survey, 933 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 6B5, 

Canada, andy.bajc@ontario.ca and MULLIGAN, R.P.M., School of Geography and Earth 

Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada 

Recent deep drilling in support of government funded 3-D investigations for groundwater 

management has resulted in an improved understanding of the sediment record pre-dating 

the Late Wisconsinan advance of ice into the southern part of Simcoe County, an area of 

approximately 1500 km2 . Late Wisconsinan Newmarket Till, deposited by southwest-flowing 

Simcoe lobe ice, is underlain by a thick sequence of glaciolacustrine sediments deposited in a 

large basin bordered to the south and north by the advancing Ontario and Georgian Bay/Simcoe 

ice lobes, respectively. AMS dating constrains this glaciolacustrine event to between about 39.8 

and 1795 couplets counted) interrupted by as many as 3 cycles of sand deposition which 

may extend laterally in the subsurface for more than 10 kms. The glaciolacustrine sequence, 

which is correlated to the Thorncliffe Formation as defined in the Scarborough bluffs in Toronto, 

blankets a regional unconformity surface dated at 39.8 to >54.7 ka BP. Organic-bearing alluvial 

and lacustrine deposits containing macrofossils and pollen characteristic of newly deglaciated 

landscapes are frequently intercepted in borings along this unconformity. The opening of low-level 

outlets in response to significant ice retreat resulted in the observed subaerial conditions at this 

time within the region. These deposits rest on an older fine-textured till, the upper surface of which 

is often weathered, and whose outer limit may extend across the southern part of the county. This 

Georgian Bay lobe drift sequence may be equivalent to the Sunnybrook Drift of the Lake Ontario 

basin and of Early Wisconsinan age. An older, stony, coarse-textured till interbedded with stratified 

sands, some organic-bearing, underlies this unit and rests on an incised bedrock surface. 

The ages of these deposits are not known. AMS dating of wood recovered from these older 

stratified deposits often yield ages beyond the limits of radiocarbon dating (>50 ka BP). Improved 

understanding of the regional distribution and character of the subsurface units will be achieved 

as part of the 3-D modelling process. This information will assist hydrogeologists as they strive to 

better understand the groundwater flow system of the region. 

14-9 4:30 PM Prentice, Michael L. [218612] 

ERIE LOBE TILL STUDIES IN INDIANA REVEAL A DYNAMIC ICE MARGIN 

PRENTICE, Michael L. 1 , DUCEY, Patrick W. 2 , ISMAIL, Ahmed3 , LETSINGER, Sally L. 4 , 

SARGENT, Steve5 , and FENERTY, B.S. 1 , (1) Indiana Geological Survey, 611 N. Walnut 

Grove Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405-2208, mlprenti@indiana.edu, (2) Indiana University 

Department of Geological Sciences, 1001 East 10th Street, Bloomington, IN 47405-1405, 

(3) Illinois State Geological Survey, Prairie Research Institute, 615 East Peabody Drive, 

Champaign, IL 61820, (4) Center for Geospatial Data Analysis, Indiana University, Indiana 

Geological Survey, 611 N. Walnut Grove Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405-2208, (5) Illinois 

State Geological Survey, 615 East Peabody Drive, Champaign, IL 61820 

The prominent end-moraine landsystem in northeastern Indiana made up of Erie lobe tills fades 

out 20 km north of the Wabash-Erie channel and is replaced by a composite landsystem that 

covers the extensive northern margin of Erie lobe deposits. We studied this composite landsystem 

to improve understanding of Erie lobe and adjacent Saginaw lobe history. This work facilitates 

mapping of Erie lobe tills in Indiana where they are referred to as the Lagro Formation. The 

principal data consist of geomorphic observations, microstratigraphic studies on several highquality 

cores, and 12 km of high-resolution shear-wave seismic reflection profiles. 

The composite Lagro landsystem is dominated by sinuous meltwater channels of several 

scales that are discontinuous across the landscape and cut through most topographic features 

made of Lagro till. Their morphology and distribution, as well as the seismic profiles intersecting 

one channel, are indicative of subglacial formation. Likewise, the characteristics of the Lagro 

subunit that surfaces parts of the composite landsystem are consistent with subglacial deposition. 

We surmise that the composite landsystem is largely subglacial in origin. 

Subglacial landsystem elements cut ridges that are cored by an ice-marginal facies of the 

Lagro Formation as indicated by core stratigraphy. Seismic profiles over one such ridge are 

consistent with deposition of a deep Lagro subunit as ice-marginal moraine. We infer that several 

ridges in the composite landsystem are palimpsest Erie lobe ice-marginal moraines. 

We suggest that the composite Lagro landsystem reflects a sequence of Erie lobe events that 

are older than the Erie lobe stillstands represented by the end-moraine landsystem to the south. If 

correct, the margin of this lobe fluctuated on a significant spatial scale more rapidly than currently 

believed. 

14-10 4:50 PM Kozlowski, Andrew L. [218782] 

GLACIAL GEOLOGIC MAPPING OF THE MONTEZUMA WETLANDS COMPLEX IN CENTRAL, 

NY: DEVELOPING 3D GEOLOGIC FRAMEWORKS TO RESOLVE HYDROSTRATIGRAPHIC 

AND GLACIAL CHRONOLOGIC PROBLEMS 

KOZLOWSKI, Andrew L., Geologic Survey, New York State Museum, 3140 Cultural 

Education Center, Albany, NY 12230, akozlows@mail.nysed.gov and BIRD, Brian, Geological 

Survey, New York State Museum, 3140 Cultural Education Center, Albany, NY 12230 

North of Cayuga Lake, the second largest and deepest of the Finger Lakes in central New York 

State is the Montezuma Wetlands Complex. Over 40,000 acres of federal, state and private 

wetland occupy a broad dendritic system of channels in the heart of the Ontario Drumlin field. 

Glacial and postglacial deposits between 4 and 60 meters thick overlie rugged channelized 

bedrock topography, carved into Devonian carbonates and Ordovician shales. 

Excavations completed in 2008 revealed a complex stratigraphy inclusive of multiple buried 

peat horizons containing well preserved buried trees and abundant organic materials of Younger 

Dryas age. Follow up investigations revealed the presence of anomalous salt springs distributed 

throughout the wetlands. Detailed geologic field mapping in concert with LIDAR data, exploratory 

drilling and integrated geophysics provide robust information to understand complex glacial 

stratigraphic frameworks that govern surface water groundwater interaction. 

As the Ontario Lobe of the Laurentide Ice Sheet retreated large high energy ice marginal 

channels routed meltwater into a drumlinized archipelago of early phase Lake Iroquois. Robust 

radiocarbon dates coupled with internally consistent stratigraphy from numerous boreholes 

provide a powerful set of data to constrain ice marginal positions, meltwater pulses and proglacial 

lake successions in central New York. 

As one of the largest wetland systems in the Great Lakes region, detailed three-dimensional 

geologic mapping of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex provides natural resource officials an 

invaluable tool to manage ecosystems and water resources, understand the natural history, and 

plan for potential impacts of climate change. 



14-11 5:10 PM Misterovich, Gregory [218781] 

MAPPING GLACIAL FEATURES USING STATIGRAPHIC FIELD OBSERVATIONS AND GIS 

MISTEROVICH, Gregory, NA, NA, 1810 Oak Ave, Birmingham, MI 48009, 

gmist@comcast.net 

Past textural and geomorphic interpretations of glacial features in the Birmingham Quadrangle 

do not correspond well with the observed stratigraphy of those glacial features. To study these 

differences, the observed stratigraphy data was mapped as points on a Geographic Information 

System (GIS), and then displayed on Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data to gain a greater 

understanding of the subsurface structure and the surface features. 

The mapping revealed a hard packed massive clay layer that closely follows the surface 

elevation, and is covered by a surface layer of till. A variety of contacts and layers exist between 

the clay and till layer which include: direct contact, armored contact, bedding sand/gravel layer, 

cross bedded sand/gravel layer, silt layer, massive sand layer and a combination of layers and 

conditions. The complexity of the stratigraphy, multiple bedding and cross bedded sand/gravel 

layers, increased as the surface elevation of the sampling points decreased and approach the 

current surface drainage collection areas. The bedding lines of the sand/gravel remained in-phase 

with the clay layer as the contact surface of the clay layer became wavy. 

The hard packed massive clay layer shows no indications of horizontal deposition and due 

to it’s variance in elevation has been interpreted as lodgment till. The armored contact on the 

lodgment till is seen as the beginning of a subglacial meltwater flow with the smaller sediment 

being transported out from the bottom of the surface till matrix and deposited as a sand/gravel 

bedding layers in a subglacial cavity. When mapped the armored contact areas progressed from 

the direct contact areas and into the multiple bedding and cross bedded sand/gravel layer areas 

indicating a direction of subglacial meltwater flow. The preservation of the bedding structures 

suggest that the overlying till is the product of a passive melt-out and that the continuous till plain 

is a melt-out till. 

Clay, silt, sand, gravel, and till deposits found below the elevation of the Maumee Shoreline 

within the Birmingham Quadrangle were deposited by direct glacial contact and subglacial 

fluvial discharge. Studies of past climate change rely upon the timing and location of ice in past 

glaciations; greater details of these events are needed. 



T14. Teaching and Learning Earth Science: K–16 

Educational Pedagogy 


15-1 1:30 PM Salmons, Charles R. [218216] 

GEOLOGICAL WALK THROUGH TIME: A NEW EXHIBIT FOR 21ST CENTURY STATE 

SCIENCE STANDARDS 

SALMONS, Charles R., Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological 

Survey, 2045 Morse Rd, Bldg. C-1, Columbus, OH 43229, Chuck.Salmons@dnr.state.oh.us 

The new Geological Walk Through Time (or “Geo Walk”) at the Ohio State Fairgrounds provides 

Ohio educators and students a unique teaching and learning experience that compliments the 

new State of Ohio Revised Science Standards and Model Curriculum. Adopted in 2012, the new 

standards re-envision what Ohio students should know to become scientifically literate citizens 

equipped for higher education and the twenty-first century workforce. Dedicated in 2012, the 

new Geo Walk is a 286-ft-long brick path that takes visitors through 450 million years of Ohio’s 

geologic history. The interactive exhibit features large rock specimens characteristic of each 

geologic period, from the Cambrian through Pennsylvanian, which visitors can touch and examine 

up close. Other specimens include industrial minerals, such as coal and salt; building and canal 

stones; and other rock types, such as flint, that have been important in Ohio’s cultural and 

economic development. Central to the Geo Walk is a map of the state’s bedrock geology—thought 

to be the largest outdoor geological map in the world—where visitors can stand and pinpoint 

their home counties and learn what lies beneath their backyards and neighborhood streets. 

Posted URL codes enable visitors using personal electronic devices to learn more as they follow 

the pathway. Ohio educators will find the Geo Walk adaptable to many instructional methods, 

especially when combined with other educational materials available from the Ohio Geological 

Survey. Consequently, the Geo Walk is suitable for helping to meet state science standards 

for such topics as fossils; rocks types; energy and mineral resources; landforms; geologic 

processes; glacial geology; and geologic time. Guided tours also can be tailored to meet other 

state standards, such as those for social studies, by demonstrating the vital connections between 

geology and Ohio’s development as a state. 

15-2 1:50 PM Jagoda, Susan Kaschner [218207] 

DISTANCE-LEARNING AT DENALI NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE: A GEOCORPS 

EXPERIENCE 

JAGODA, Susan Kaschner, Lawrence Hall of Science (Retired), University of California, 

Avon Lake, OH 44012, skjagoda@gmail.com 

Distance learning via the Internet has become a component of many national park education 

programs (http://www.nps.gov/learn/distance.cfm). Since funding for field trips is often not 

available, and many students don’t have opportunities to visit national parks, distance learning 

provides a chance to have the next best thing to a firsthand experience, a nearly close encounter 

with an educator/naturalist who lives and works in a national park. Through the Geological Society 

of America, GeoCorps Program and the National Park Service, I spent the summer of 2013 at 

Denali National Park and Preserve helping develop a distance-learning program on the subject of 

Denali’s (Mt. McKinley’s) geology. This presentation will include a look at the materials that were 

created and their development, including a PowerPoint program that is delivered via Skype and 

supporting teacher, student, and ranger resources. An update on how the program has been used 

over the past 6 months will also be included. 


15-3 2:10 PM Lewandowski, Katherine J. [218542] 

FOSTERING GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP IN THE SECONDARY CLASSROOM 

LEWANDOWSKI, Katherine J. 1 , O’MALLEY, Christina E. 2 , and JAQUES, Charlie A. 1 , 

(1) Department of Geology-Geography, Eastern Illinois University, 600 Lincoln Ave, 

Charleston, IL 61920, kjlewandowski@eiu.edu, (2) Department of Earth And Environmental 

Sciences, Wright State University, Brehm Lab 260, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Dayton, OH 

45435 

The Next Generation Science Standards (2013) have a vision of science that emphasizes 

“1) science and engineering practice, 2) cross cutting concepts, and 3) disciplinary core ideas.” 

To this end, we have developed units for the high school classroom. Two units of lessons in 

issues-based science with a goal of producing integrated learning were developed by pre-service 

teachers during the course of teacher preparation programs. Each unit consists of various lessons 

targeting different skills and learning styles, from the application of mathematics to determine 

appropriate flood mitigation to the construction of a model of an island to understand biomes. The 

aim is for students to learn about different concepts, such as flood processes, plate tectonics, 

and island biogeography, in a geographical context. Students gain a deeper understanding of 

an unfamiliar region of the world by first understanding local processes, and then applying that 

knowledge to a place that is further afield and unfamiliar to them. This approach will help students 

to see both what is different about these regions, as well as what is similar, and accomplishes a 

better awareness of regional and global issues. 

15-4 2:30 PM Rice, Jane [218607] 

A FEW GOOD IDEAS: INTEGRATING EARTH SCIENCE WITH LIFE SCIENCE AND PHYSICAL 

SCIENCE 

RICE, Jane1 , RUSTEM, Stephanie2 , JACKSON, Susan3 , MARKHAM, Laura4 , MALDONADO, 

Patricia3 , and ANDERSON, Charles W. 5 , (1) Geological Sciences, Michigan State University, 

354 Farm Lane Room 120, East Lansing, MI 48824, rice@msu.edu, (2) Community 

Sustainability, Michigan State University, 354 Farm Lane Room 113, East Lansing, MI 48824, 

(3) Center for Integrative Studies in General Science, Michigan State University, 354 Farm 

Lane Room 112, East Lansing, MI 48824, (4) Center for Integrative Studies in General 

Science, Michigan State University, 354 Farm Lane Room 115, East Lansing, MI 48824, 

(5) Teacher Education, Michigan State University, 620 FARM LN ROOM 319A, East Lansing, 

MI 48824 

Earth science, like any science discipline, can appear to be a million disjointed facts, or it 

can be seen as a few, integrating ideas that can be used in everyday life to make informed 

decisions about health, consumer choices, and environmental issues. We designed a course 

for elementary and middle school pre-service teachers based on a few good ideas, namely 

matter conservation, energy conservation, and the interaction between matter and energy. We 

call these ideas “foundational big ideas” because, while specific to chemistry, they also form the 

foundation of any science discipline. These big ideas were used to build a coherent framework 

for learning that was supported with targeted teaching strategies and instructional activities. We 

emphasized a conceptual understanding of these foundational big ideas as well as the ability 

to use this understanding as a tool for reasoning about science phenomena in a variety of 

disciplinary contexts, including geology. For example, we applied conservation of matter to the 

use of Earth’s material resources from mining through processing, manufacturing, and consumer 

use to disposal. We applied conservation of energy to the use of energy resources with the 

resultant transformation of chemical energy to thermal energy. While conservation may seem 

obvious in these examples, we found that college students hold many misconceptions, including 

a belief that mining is a thing of the past since factories can make everything people need. We 

also found that students’ informal use of matter and energy terms in everyday life often leads to 

these misconceptions, such as “we’re running out of energy”, or “we’re running out of aluminum 

so we need to recycle”, both of which can lead students to think that matter and energy can be 

destroyed. We will report on our students’ ability to apply these foundational big ideas to new 

contexts and to integrate them across disciplines, such as meteorology, hydrology, ecology, 

and human physiology. The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support of NSF (DUE- 

0941820) for support of this project. 

15-5 3:10 PM Mattox, Stephen [218476] 

THE VALUE OF TEACHING A METHODS COURSE FOR EARTH SCIENCE PRESERVICE 

TEACHERS 

MATTOX, Stephen, Geology, Grand Valley State University, 133 Padnos, Allendale, MI 

49401-9403, mattoxs@gvsu.edu 

Michigan Earth science teachers address content in nature of science, astronomy, weather, and 

geology. A “methods” course was developed to bridge the gap between content courses and the 

practice of teaching. The course assists in meeting accreditation requirements for the program 

and for preparation for the MTTC. Course work consists of pre-/post-tests, addressing state and 

Next Generation science standards, experience with existing teaching materials, design of new 

inquiry-based instructional materials, class projects that incorporate nature of science, observing 

a science teacher, and the opportunity to attend a MSTA meeting. 

Pre-/post-tests include the Astronomy Diagnostic Test and the Geology Concept Inventory. The 

tests evaluate student understanding and prior experiences, role of required college courses, and 

impact of current instruction. Standards are introduced at the start of each discipline and within 

lessons. During most classes students work through exceptional existing curriculum that address 

key concepts or content, such as NASA Astrobiology, American Metrological Society DataStreme, 

or materials from NSTA or SERC. Students use the BSCS description of writing 5E, inquirybased 

lessons and are required to write a lesson to address a standard or need. Some students 

elevate their writing to materials that are presented at science teacher meetings or published 

in peer-reviewed science education journals. To address larger projects all students work on a 

single lesson. Topics have included the 1904 flood in Grand Rapids, how science is presented in 

newspapers, how geoscientists are portrayed in college textbooks, and the historical development 

and teaching of absolute time. The class exercise provides insights into the nature of science and 

in collaborative writing, peer review, and presentation of scientific work. Students are required 

to observe a local teacher and report on content, teaching style, classroom management, and 

success of the lesson. Students are encouraged to join and attend meetings of science teacher 

associations. 

Student evaluations and alums are positive regarding the course. Students are better prepared 

for their College of Education teaching experiences and do better on certification exams. They 

establish professional habits that carry forward in their careers.

15-6 3:30 PM Rudge, David W. [217867] 

EARTH SCIENCE IN AN ON-LINE ENVIRONMENT 

RUDGE, David W., Biological Sciences & The Mallinson Institute for Science Education, 

Western Michigan University, 3134 Wood Hall, M.S. 5410, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5410, 

david.rudge@wmich.edu and PETCOVIC, Heather L., Department of Geosciences and 

The Mallinson Institute for Science Education, Western Michigan University, 1903 W 

Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5241 

SCI 5900 Earth Science for Sch. Sci. Ed. is a graduate level on-line geoscience course offered 

at a large mid-Western university taken by area high school science teachers for the purpose 

of their on-going professional development. It was created collaboratively by a science educator 

with some previous experience developing on-line courses (but no formal training in the earth 

sciences), and an earth science educator who kept him honest. The course was developed 

against the possibility it would be taken by a single student at a time. Students take a series 

of learning modules that feature films on introductory earth science content, multiple choice 

quizzes and concept mapping. Students write occasional reflection essays with reference to 

select readings on typical misconceptions associated with earth science concepts. Students are 

also responsible for a five part term paper, which includes: (1) an explanation of a chosen earth 

science concept/process and identification of common misconceptions students have about that 

concept/process, (2) an argument for why a scientifically literate person should know the concept/ 

process, (3) an assessment instrument that could be used to determine whether how proficient 

a student is with regard to the scientific concept/process, (4) a unit plan that details how the 

concept/process would be taught, and (5) an argument that defends why teaching the concept/ 

process in the way described will indeed help students learn the concept/process. A mandatory 

rewrite of the entire paper is required of all students. During the presentation the authors will 

share the story of how the course was developed with particular attention to the strengths and 

limitations of teaching earth science in an on-line environment. They will also share their attempts 

to assess both student learning of science content and student comfort with the mode by which it 

is being delivered. 

15-7 3:50 PM Keen, Kerry L. [218768] 

AN ACTIVE WORKSHOP ON PRINCIPLES OF GROUNDWATER FLOW EMBEDDED IN A 

“NORMAL” UNDERGRADUATE HYDROGEOLOGY COURSE 

KEEN, Kerry L., Plant and Earth Science Dept, University of Wisconsin-River Falls, 410 S. 

3rd Street, River Falls, WI 54022, kerry.l.keen@uwrf.edu 

After some years of struggling with how best to help students develop a solid and integrated 

understanding of fundamental principles in my Hydrogeology course, I decided a different 

approach was needed. The topics to focus on include subsurface water zones, head, gradients, 

potentiometric surfaces, and flow. The revised approach incorporates a mix of short lectures 

and exercises, followed immediately by feedback, and structured so that each builds on the prior 

mini-lecture and exercise. I could have simply kept forcing this into the existing standardized time 

structure for this course (two 2-hour classes per week), but that was inefficient and ineffective. 

The long time gaps between class sessions worked against developing student abilities to 

process and synthesize these concepts. 

Instead I created a 1-day weekend workshop focused on the topics specified above. We 

purposefully meet in a different classroom. A substantial set of workshop handouts: lecture notes 

plus exercises, are picked up at the beginning. We start by defining subsurface water zones, 

in the form of a group ice-breaker activity. This is followed by discussing head in the saturated 

and unsaturated zone, which leads directly to applying these definitions to an exercise on head 

measurements in a vertical cross-section through a field of nested piezometers and tensiometers. 

Once head values are contoured across both zones, flow can be diagrammed. While students 

work individually or in pairs, I answer questions and provide guidance. This is followed by 

projecting the exercise key, with further discussion/clarification. After a hearty and varied lunch 

(provided by me – and critical to workshop “success”), we build to more complex geology and 

systems of multiple potentiometric surfaces. Toward the end of the approximately 6-hour day, we 

return to analyze a data set of water-level measurements at a field site of nested piezometers, 

in the context of what has been learned earlier. Last year, I incorporated a follow-up exercise 

at the start of the next regular class session to help solidify what they learned in the workshop. 

Although students are tired by the end of the workshop, many make significant strides toward an 

enlightened understanding of the key concepts. 

15-8 4:10 PM Zimmerman, Alexander N. [216805] 

INTRODUCTION TO SEQUENCE STRATIGRAPHY: A PROJECT-BASED UNDERGRADUATE 

UPPER DIVISION COURSE 

POLLARD, Alexander KH Sr, Geology Department, Lake Superior State University, 650 W. 

Easterday Ave, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, ZIMMERMAN, Alexander N. Jr, Geology 

Department, Lake Superior State University, 650 W. Easterday Ave, Sault Ste Marie, MI 

49783, azimmerman1@lssu.edu, BROWN, Lewis M., Geology and Physics, Lake Superior 

State University, 650 W. Easterday Ave, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, and KELSO, Paul, 

Department of Geology and Physics, Lake Superior State University, Sault Ste. Marie, 

MI 49783 

Introduction to Sequence Stratigraphy is an upper division course developed at Lake Superior 

State University Geology Department as a part of a NSF sponsored undergraduate curricular 

revision. It is designed to teach the basic concepts of sequence stratigraphy in the context of 

clastic and carbonate systems. Based on constructivist educational philosophy, this course 

integrates lecture and laboratory utilizing diverse active learning strategies that focus on real-life 

experiences and problems. Course objectives include gaining an understanding of the concepts 

and applications of sequence stratigraphy and learning the basic methods of stratigraphic 

correlation using well logs. A further goal is for students to use geologic computer software to 

develop graphic representation of sedimentary rock sequences including construction of crosssections, 

fence diagrams, isopach and structure contour maps, ect. Lecture material focuses 

on the development of sequence stratigraphy concepts, mechanisms, descriptions of cycles of 

varying episodicies within the Pennsylvanian, shallow marine clastic and carbonate cyclicity, 

and time correlation applications. Students engage in laboratory exercises and work in teams of 

two on a semester-long project. This project requires students to interpret the stratigraphy and 

develop a petroleum prospect in the Powder River Basin, Wyoming. Target formations are those 

the students examine in outcrop in their prerequisite sophomore-level field course to the Black 

Hills, South Dakota. Each team works on a different specified field and they compete to generate 

the best prospect. Students model real life experience by downloading borehole data from the 

Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission website and entering it into Rockworks software. 

Teams present weekly progress reports which include work completed, such as pertinent maps 

and cross sections, and plans for future work. A final individually written paper and a team 

oral presentation are required. When engaged in project-based activities, students uniformly 

report heightened interest and motivation. Student’s skills in data analysis, interpretation and 

presentation increase throughout the project as do interpersonal skills related to group dynamics 

in an industry modeled, development team approach. 



T22. Topics in Vertebrate Paleontology 



16-1 1:35 PM Deuter, Leigh H. [218052] 

A REVIEW OF THE CHONDRICHTHYANS FROM THE MISSISSIPPIAN SYSTEM OF 

NORTHERN ALABAMA, USA 

CIAMPAGLIO, C.N., Earth and Environmental Science, Wright State University - Lake 

Campus, 7600 Lake Campus Drive, Celina, OH 45885, CICIMURRI, David J., Curator, 

South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC 29201, and DEUTER, 

Leigh H., Earth and Environmental Sciences, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn 

Hwy, Dayton, OH 45435, deuter.2@wright.edu 

It has been over a century and a half since Tuomey’s (1858) seminal work on the geology 

and paleontology of Alabama, wherein he provided the first descriptions of Mississippian 

chondrichthyans in the state. Since that time very little has been published on the subject, 

which is surprising given the extensive Mississippian age exposures found throughout northern 

Alabama. Casual observation of the limestone benches in and around north-central Alabama has 

revealed diverse and abundant chondrichthyan faunas, and vertebrate fossil occurrences appear 

to be well known to local collectors. 

Recent fieldwork and examination of several museum and private collections has revealed that 

the number of chondrichthyan species occurring in upper Mississippian (primarily Chesterian) 

rocks of northern Alabama is greater than previously known. Combined with taxa documented 

prior to the present report, 26 distinct chondrichthyan taxa are found in calcareous strata within 

the Monteagle Limestone, Pride Mountain Formation, Bangor Limestone, Hartselle Sandstone, 

and Tuscumbia Limestone. 

We emend several earlier taxonomic identifications, with Cladodus newmani herein reassigned 

to C. sp. cf. C. bellifer, and C. magnificus is Saivodus striatus. Newly documented species include 

Polyrhizodus sp., cf. Ctenoptychius apicalis, Deltodus sp. cf. D. undulatus, and Deltoptychius sp. 

cf. D. acutus. In addition, occurrences of Carcharopsis wortheni are corroborated. 

Additionally, a cursory inspection of micro-remains from the Pride Mountain Formation have 

revealed the presence of Cooleyella and Isacrodus. We have no doubt that additional species 

will be uncovered, especially when rock exposures are more carefully inspected for macro- and 

micro-vertebrate remains. 

16-2 1:55 PM Gottfried, Michael D. [218331] 

EXCEPTIONAL 3D PRESERVATION IN A TARPON-LIKE FISH FROM THE CRETACEOUS OF 

THE CHATHAM ISLANDS, NEW ZEALAND 

GOTTFRIED, Michael D. 1 , FORDYCE, R. Ewan2 , and LEE, Daphne2 , (1) Geological Sciences 

and Museum, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1045, gottfrie@msu.edu, 

(2) Department of Geology, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand 

We report on a large tarpon-like fish [Elopomorpha] from the Cretaceous of Pitt Island, Chatham 

Islands, New Zealand. The 3D-preserved specimen is the most complete and informative fossil 

elopomorph reported to date from the Southern Hemisphere. Features supporting elopomorph 

affinities include the lack of a separate retroarticular ossification on the lower jaw, and a 

primitively retained median gular. Affinity with the Family Megalopidae (tarpons) is indicated by 

the superior mouth position, large posttemporal fossae, and laterally compressed body covered 

in large and extensively overlapping cycloid scales. The specimen’s elongate body, high and 

strongly developed coronoid process on the mandible, enlarged median gular, and relatively 

low-profile head indicate that the Pitt Island fish represents a distinctive new taxon within 

megalopids. The specimen also possesses two distinctive and unusual features: a cluster of thin 

scale-like anamestic bones in the cheek region between the infraorbitals and preoperculum, and 

a continuation of the lateral line scales on a tapering lobe that extends posterior to the caudal 

peduncle and onto the base of the caudal fin. The nature of the exceptional 3D preservation of 

the specimen suggests that the carcass was subaerially exposed and ‘mummified’ prior to burial 

in the tuffaceous matrix. The overall morphology of the specimen indicates a fish similar in many 

respects to the extant tarpons Megalops atlanticus and M. cyprinoides but with a lower, more 

shallow head profile and a more attenuated body, along with several unique skeletal features not 

previously reported on megalopid fishes. 

16-3 2:15 PM Jeffery, David L. [218645] 

A NEW PERMIAN VERTEBRATE TRACKWAY SITE IN THE DUNKARD GROUP OF THE 

APPALACHIAN BASIN 

JEFFERY, David L., Dept Petroleum Eng & Geo, Marietta College, 215 Fifth Street, Marietta, 

OH 45750, jefferyd@marietta.edu 

A new tetrapod trackway site in the Appalachian Basin has yielded at least five ichnogenera within 

the Marietta Sandstone member of the Washington Formation, a part of the Pennsylvanian to 

Permian Dunkard Group. Preliminary identification of specimens that have numerous consecutive 

prints forming trackways includes the ichnogenera Limnopus, Dromopus, Dimetropus, 

Batrachichnus, and Laoporus. Numerous stray prints that are not part of distinct trackway sets 

are also present, although difficult to ascribe to a genus. The tracks are convex casts on the 

bases of successive layers of thinly bedded, fine grained sandstone that are discontinuous 

and each being up to several centimeters thick. The sandstone is interbedded with thin layers 

of shale on the order of one centimeter thick. The sandstone must be pried up to reveal the 

prints as casts on the underside of the slabs. The sandstone slabs also display mudcrack casts, 

raindrop impressions, and have numerous fern frond impressions. The overall succession of 

thinly interbedded sandstone and shale is as much as a meter thick and covers an area of 30 

meters along the outcrop and back 3-4 meters along an excavated bench, before extending 

beneath overlying strata, a fortunate result of recent road improvements. This succession is the 

top-most meter of a large, complex ten meter thick sandstone channel fill that makes up the 

Upper Marietta Sandstone. Overlying strata consist of a thick succession of shales interpreted as 

floodplain deposits that are primarily paleosols and red beds with thin, discontinuous greywackes. 

The trackways are interpreted to have been preserved in successive fining upward flood or 

splay deposits. The sandstone casts are the initial sands at the base of a splay deposit that 

filled trackways impressed into fine muds capping the previous splay. This apparently happened 

during the final filling of the large erosional channel scour making up the Marietta Sandstone that 

formed during a significant downcutting event, likely cuased by a drop in base level. The channel 

subsequently filled with sands. Trackways are preserved in the transition from the coarse grained 



channel fill to the finer grained deposits of floodplain deposition as erosional topography was 

filled, perhaps because of a subsequent rise in base level. 

16-4 2:35 PM Farlow, James O. [218338] 

ON THE MAKERS OF “METATARSAL” TRIDACTYL DINOSAUR FOOTPRINTS OF THE PALUXY 

RIVER (GLEN ROSE FORMATION, DINOSAUR VALLEY STATE PARK, SOMERVELL COUNTY, 

TEXAS) 

FARLOW, James O., Department of Geosciences, Indiana-Purdue Univ, Fort Wayne, IN 

46805, farlow@ipfw.edu, KUBAN, Glen J., 4746 Grayton Road, Cleveland, OH 441345, and 

CURRIE, Philip J., Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, 11759 Groat 

Road NW, Edmonton, AB T5M 3K6, Canada 

Atypical tridactyl dinosaur footprints with elongate extensions of the “heel” are known from 

Mesozoic tracksites around the world. Many such elongate footprints were likely made during 

contact of the metatarsus with the substrate, sometimes in the course of an atypical mode of 

progression by the dinosaur. Such “metatarsarsal” (MT) prints are a common feature of dinosaur 

tracksites of the Glen Rose Formation (Early Cretaceous), as exposed along the Paluxy River 

in and near Dinosaur Valley State Park, and are the basis for the belief that tracks of gigantic 

humans occur alongside dinosaur footprints at those sites (especially when digit impressions of 

such MT tracks are subdued due to infilling or sediment collapse). 

When MT tracks record the entire length of the dinosaur’s foot, it is possible to compare their 

proportions with those of foot skeletons of potential makers of tridactyl dinosaur footprints. Some 

dinosaur groups (basal theropods, allosauroids, basal ornithopods, Tenontosaurus, iguanodonts, 

basal ceratopsians) have a relatively long digit III compared with the length of metatarsal III, while 

other groups (tyrannosauroids, ornithomimosaurs) have a relatively short digit III; hadrosaurs 

vary in this comparison. Basal theropods, allosauroids, tyrannosauroids, basal ornithopods, 

Tenontosaurus, and basal ceratopsians all have a digit I likely to leave an impression in footprints 

in which the metatarsus touched the substrate, while derived iguanodonts (including hadrosaurs) 

and most ornithomimosaurs have lost digit I. 

Two distinct morphotypes of MT prints have so far been recognized in footprints from the Glen 

Rose Formation. One of these has a relatively long digit III free length compared with the length 

of the metatarsal portion of the print, and also has a distinct hallux impression. This morphotype 

matches expectations in shape and size for an allosauroid. The second morphotype has a 

relatively short digit III free length compared with the length of the metatarsal portion of the print, 

and shows no sign of a hallux impression. In both size and shape it matches expectations for an 

ornithomimosaur. Both allosauroids and possible ornithomimosaurs have been recognized from 

the Lower Cretaceous skeletal fauna of the Gulf Coast region. These groups thus are the most 

likely makers of Paluxy River MT prints. 

16-5 3:15 PM Aucoin, Christopher D. [218350] 

VIRTUAL FOOTPRINTS: CREATING DIGITAL MAPS OF DINOSAUR TRACKS AND 

SEDIMENTARY STRUCTURES 

AUCOIN, Christopher D., Department of Geology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 

45211-0013, aucoincd@mail.uc.edu and HASBARGEN, Leslie, Department of Earth and 

Atmospheric Sciences, SUNY College at Oneonta, 219 Science 1 Building, Oneonta, NY 

13820 

Fossil footprints are an important area of study for understanding animal behavior. To study these 

footprints and to get a better understanding of the behavior they represent, high quality maps are 

required. This means shifting away from the stylized maps using generic track shapes to more 

sophisticated digital maps which preserve actual track morphology. 

We developed a method using georeferenced photographs to create scaled maps of tracks 

and trackways. None of the photographs overlap. Rather, once georeferenced, they create a 

scattered mosaic of pertinent features which maintain proper spatial relations and scale. For 

each photograph, we surveyed ground control points (GCP) using a reflectorless total station. 

The GCP consisted of known points on a compass aligned to geographic north placed next to a 

feature of interest. We tied the total station survey into a georeferenced frame using two locations 

determined with differential GPS receivers. 

We tested our mapping method at the Dinosaur Footprint Reservation near Holyoke, MA. At this 

Jurassic aged site we mapped 135 of the over 1000 dinosaur tracks, as well as 12 ripple marked 

zones. We georectified each photograph using the GCP, allowing us to construct a unified digital 

map of the site from which we could measure tracks, ripple marks and plant fossils. With these 

maps, we have collected measurements of the tracks including orientations, widths and lengths. 

The measurements have been checked for accuracy by taking advantage of the scale on the 

compass. We find errors in length on the order of a few mm (0.01-0.05 cm) while the orientations 

show a +/- 2 degree error. Manual measurements of track shape and ripple crest can be assigned 

to various data types in GIS, and this facilitates rendering characteristics including size, track type 

and preservation effectively with color, line styles, etc. 

This methodology is broadly applicable for macro-sized features and will soon be tested with 

smaller scale features. 

16-6 3:35 PM Masters, Simon [218373] 

A NEW SPECIMEN OF ORTHOGENYSUCHUS FROM THE UINTA FORMATION OF UTAH 

MASTERS, Simon, Vertebrate Paleontology, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 

1 Wade Oval Dr, Cleveland, OH 44106, masters.simon@gmail.com and SANDAU, Stephen, 

Intermountain Paleo-Consulting, Vernal, UT 84078 

In 2009, during a paleontological reconnaissance survey in the Uinta B (Wagonhound Member) 

of the Uinta Formation, a unique Crocodylian was discovered and collected. As reported on 

at the 2010 Society of Vertebrate Paleontology annual meeting, the specimen (BYU 18904) 

consists of associated maxilla, partial left and right dentaries, vertebrae, and many loose teeth. 

Known Crocodylia, from the geographic area of the Uinta Basin, include Allognathosuchus, 

Procaimanoidea, Brachychampsa, Crocodylus, 3 species of Leidyosuchus, Pristichampsus 

(Green River Formation), and potentially Borealosuchus. These crocodylians are typically larger, 

more derived, have distinctive non-bladelike teeth, pitted rugosity, and significantly different skull 

morphology when compared to BYU 18904. 

Preliminary osteological comparisons suggest the specimen belongs to the genus 

Orthogenysuchus. BYU 18904 displays similar apomorphies with the only known specimen 

of Orthogenysuchus (AMNH 5178) from Wasatchian Beds of the Big Horn Basin, Wyoming. 

Similarities include: small, slender, angled teeth; the anterior portions of the dentaries expand and 

compress latero-ventrally; proximal dentary avoleii expand laterally, not dorsally; and slight, rolling 

rugose depressions (not pits) on cranial material. The dentaries are tubular when compared to 

other Uinta Basin Crocodylians. 

If the BYU 18904 specimen is an additional specimen of Orthogenysuchus, this discovery 

increases the temporal range of the genus by ~15 million years and a substantial extension of 

the geographic region. The new specimen is considered to be an adult based on fusions in the 

vertebrae and lack of visible sutures on the skull and dentaries, however, it is significantly smaller 


than the known specimen AMNH 5178. The new specimen’s preserved skull is approximately 

187mm long, compared with 333mm of the known. BYU 18904 is only moderately well preserved 

and sutures may be obstructed. Further taxonomic investigation is needed to determine if BYU 

18904 is a paratype to AMNH 5178, or if it represents a derived species. This new specimen 

has the potential to add significant morphological data to the genus Orthogenosuchus and shed 

further taxonomic light on basal Crocodylian phylogeny, paleoecology, and paleogeography. 

16-7 3:55 PM Guenther, Merrilee F. [218527] 

NEW EVIDENCE FOR HATCHLING AND JUVENILE HADROSAUROIDS IN THE SAN JUAN 

BASIN, NEW MEXICO 

GUENTHER, Merrilee F., MCCARTHY, Stephanie M., and WOSIK, Mateusz, 

Department of Biology, Elmhurst College, 190 Prospect Avenue, Elmhurst, IL 60126, 

guentherm@elmhurst.edu 

The record of dinosaurs and specifically, ornithopods, in the San Juan Basin of New Mexico 

is limited. In contrast to the record in the Northern part of the United States and Southern 

Canada, represented by well preserved specimens, the hadrosauroid record of New Mexico is 

comparatively sparse. Also limited in the San Juan Basin record, are growth series and evidence 

of juvenile and subadult hadrosauroid individuals. The previous record of hatchling hadrosauroids 

in the San Juan Basin has been restricted to a single humerus, referred to Parasaurolophus 

tubicen, from the De-na-zin Member of the Kirtland Formation. 

A reexamination of specimens collected from the San Juan Basin in 1922 by Charles H. 

Sternberg has revealed new evidence of the presence of hatchling and juvenile hadrosauroids 

in the region. The collection, housed at the Field Museum of Natural History, is composed 

of disarticulated elements from the Kirtland Formation of McKinley County, New Mexico, 

approximately 85 miles northeast of Thoreau, New Mexico. 

The juvenile elements consist of postcrania including ribs, femora, and scapulae, and 

fragmentary skull elements, such as a dentary, partial quadrate, and quadratojugal. The smallest 

element, a scapula (PR 1295) that is approximately 66 mm in length, is comparable in size to 

those of hatchling individuals of Maiasaura and Hypacrosaurus. The lateral profile of the dorsal 

margin of this scapula is craniocaudally straight, suggesting that the hatchling represents a 

basal hadrosauroid taxon. The scapula is well preserved and lacks abrasions that would signify 

transport, suggesting that the hatchling elements were buried near their origin, possibly near a 

nesting site. The presence of these specimens in the San Juan Basin indicates that hadrosauroid 

growth series may be preserved in the region. 

16-8 4:15 PM Scott, Evan E. [218214] 

WHY BONE BEDS ARE BETTER INDICATORS OF HOW CERATOPSIDS LIVED THAN HOW 

THEY DIED 

RYAN, Michael J., Dept. of Vertebrate Paleontology, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 

1 Wade Oval Dr, University Circle, Cleveland, OH 44106, SCOTT, Evan E., Department 

of Vertebrate Paleontology, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval Drive, 

University Circle, Cleveland, OH 44106, ees20@case.edu, CHIBA, Kentaro, Department of 

Natural History Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita 10, Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 

060-0810, Japan, and EVANS, David C., Dept. of Natural History, Royal Ontario Museum, 

100 Queen’s Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C6, Canada 

Gregarious behavior in Ceratopsia, as inferred from bone beds (BBs), or the close association 

of multiple skeletal remains, was a shared trait throughout their history (Yinlong, early Late 

Jurassic to Triceratops, latest Cretaceous). Although many ceratopsids are known from typically 

monodominant BBs, centrosaurine BBs are generally larger (>MNI), more numerous, and found 

over larger geographical ranges than chasmosaurine BBs. Almost every derived centrosaurine 

taxa is known from multiple BBs. 

Numerous detailed sedimentological and taphonomic analyses have been conducted on 

BBs of the late Campanian Albertan centrosaurs Centrosaurus (20+), Coronosaurus (2), 

Pachyrhinosaurus (2), and Styracosaurus (1); however, not all of the data has been published. 

Although the BBs are found in different formations, their entombing lithosomes are invariably 

channel sandstones or overbank mudstones reflecting the alluvial to coastal plain environments 

in which they were living during the Campanian transgressive phase of the Western Interior 

Seaway (WIS). Material in the BBs is always disarticulated with the exceptions of the highly fused 

skulls of Pachyrhinosaurus, or the fused nasals and supraorbitals of the other taxa. Abrasion 

is typically moderate although the ends of limb elements are broken, and the smaller, lighter 

skeletal elements are usually recovered in relatively reduced numbers suggesting winnowing. 

Shed large theropod teeth are common (up to ~10%) in the BBs, but tooth-marked bones are 

rare (~

ecognizing additional post-cranial elements of Mylodon and will further aid in our understanding 

of this extinct giant. 



Geophysics, Geochemistry & Oil (Posters) 


17-1 BTH 1 Haque, Md. Aminul [214421] 

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF NUTRIENT FLUX FROM AREAS OF VARIABLE LAND USE 

PRACTICES WITHIN A WATERSHED 

HAQUE, Md. Aminul, Environmental Programs, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 

50614, haquem@uni.edu and IQBAL, Mohammad, Dept. of Earth Science, Univ of Northern 

Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614 

This study was conducted in a small suburban watershed in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Hydrologic units 

like prairie, wetland, and stream in a watershed interact with each other under the influence 

of urban and agricultural activities. Exchange between hydrologic units is a key factor that 

determines the level of pollution within a watershed. To understand the dynamics of their 

interactions soil and water samples were collected from prairie, wetland, stream, urban areas and 

agricultural lands over a period of four weeks. Soil and water samples were analyzed for nitrate, 

chloride and sulfate along with the percentages of organic matter. In the first set of soil samples, 

about 67 % of those collected from stream banks had nitrate concentration below detection level 

with the highest value of 109 mg/kg. The overall nitrate concentration increased in the second 

set of samples. Soil samples from active agricultural lands had maximum nitrate concentration of 

437 mg/kg, which showed a considerable increase in the second set. Similarly, though nitrate was 

not detected in the first set of prairie soils, the median value during the second set was recorded 

as 32 mg/kg. About 92 % of the first set of stream bank sediments had Chloride concentration 

below detection level. In the second set, 50% of them had chloride detected with the highest value 

of 97 mg/kg. Initial chloride concentrations in agricultural lands ranged between 8 and 61 mg/kg 

while most of them (72%) didn’t show any chloride during the next sampling. In prairie samples, 

although chloride showed temporal increase in concentration sulfate showed an opposite trend 

in all sites (i.e., down from a range of 12 - 96 mg/kg to below detection). Urban soil showed an 

increasing trend of organic matter percentage whereas the other units showed a decreasing 

trend. The median value of dissolved nitrate in the stream decreased gradually from 45 mg/L to 

6 mg/L. Groundwater and surface water from other sources didn’t show any significant amount of 

nitrate. The seasonal trends of the two sets of samples demonstrate that all hydrologic units within 

the watershed are actively interacting with one another. 

17-2 BTH 2 Molitor, Timothy H. [218429] 

ASSESSING THE IMPACTS OF URBAN ROAD SALTING ON TRIBUTARIES OF THE 

CHIPPEWA RIVER NEAR EAU CLAIRE, WISCONSIN 

MOLITOR, Timothy H. 1 , GRANT, Kathryn F. 1 , FRANKO, Kelsey M. 1 , GUSTAFSON, Alan J. 1 , 

KELLY, Bridget B. 2 , and GROTE, Katherine R. 1 , (1) Geology, University of Wisconsin-Eau 

Claire, 105 Garfield Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54702, molitoth@uwec.edu, (2) Geology, Red Flint 

Group, LLC, 1 American Blvd, Eau Claire, WI 54701 

Road salting is a necessary means of improving road conditions in cold weather regions with 

frequent winter precipitation. In Wisconsin, over 1 billion pounds of salt are applied to roadways 

during each winter season. This salt can enter local streams during periods of increased 

runoff and can negatively impact aquatic ecosystems. To assess how road salting is impacting 

waterways near Eau Claire, Wisconsin, electrical conductivity measurements and water samples 

were collected from five streams during the 2012 winter season. The streams were chosen due 

to their proximity to urban areas; three of the stream sites are located near bridges along Eau 

Claire urban roadways. During the 2013 winter season, four new monitoring stations were added. 

Two of the new locations are upstream from previously established sites, in areas with less urban 

development. The other sites are on the two rivers, the Chippewa and the Eau Claire, that flow 

through the city of Eau Claire. 

Data from the 2012 monitoring season showed that there is an excellent correlation between 

electrical conductivity measurements and chloride concentrations. Therefore conductivity 

measurements can be used as a reliable proxy for determining actual chloride levels in local 

streams. Conductivity measurements increased during snowfall events and decreased during 

warmer periods, showing that road salt is affecting chloride concentrations in these streams. 

The 2012 monitoring period was unusually warm and had little snowfall, and the conductivity 

values were generally less than the EPA established value for surface water degradation due to 

road salting. The 2013 season has had more typical precipitation, and higher conductivity values 

were observed. The sampling sites added in 2013 have shown that chloride concentration is 

influenced by adjacent development, as more rural upstream sites show lower concentrations 

than downstream urban sites. 

17-3 BTH 3 Dasgupta, Rajarshi [218483] 

ASSESSING HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION OF SURFACE WATER BODIES ALONG THE 

MANALI-LEH HIGHWAY, NORTHERN INDIA 

DASGUPTA, Rajarshi, Department of Geology, University of Cincinnati, 500 Geology-Physics 

Building, 345, Clifton Court, Cincinnati, OH 45221, dasgupri@mail.uc.edu, CROWLEY, 

Brooke, Geology and Anthropology, University of Cincinnati, 500 Geology Physics Building, 

345 Clifton Court, Cincinnati, OH 45221, and CARRILLO-CHAVEZ, Alejandro, Universidad 

Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM), Campus Juriquilla, Juriquilla, 76230, Mexico 

Aquatic resources are being polluted in many parts of the world. Heavy metal ions are potentially 

dangerous pollutants because of their acute toxicity, carcinogenicity and non-biodegradability. 

The aim of this study is to assess the heavy metal (Pb, Cu, Co, Cd, Cr, Zn, Ni, V, Be, Se, As 

and Ag) concentrations and possible contamination of surface water bodies along the Manali- 

Leh Highway in northwestern India. Eight unfiltered water samples were collected from rivers, 

streams and lakes from relatively urban and pristine areas along 170 km of the Highway. 

Samples were collected in plastic bottles that were pre-cleaned and acidified with H SO to 

2 4 

kill microbes and stabilize the metals in the collected samples. In the laboratory, the pH of the 

samples was reduced to < 2 using 90-95% concentrated H SO Metal concentrations in the 

2 4. 

samples were measured by ICP-OES. With the exception of one sample, waters did not have high 

concentrations of metals by EPA standards. The sample with the high metal content appears to 

be a significant outlier and we have excluded this sample from further analysis. In the remaining 


samples, Be, Se, Cd and Ag were below detection limit, and the concentrations of Cr, Co, Ni, 

Cu, Zn and V were very low. These low concentrations may be considered to be background 

values, derived from geological processes. In two of these samples, the level of As was below that 

recommended by EPA for drinking purposes (10 ppb) but was considerable nonetheless (4.57 

and 6.13 ppb respectively). The source of this As is unknown and needs further investigation. In 

urban areas, Pb is a metal of great concern. However, the concentration of Pb was either below 

detection limit or very low (0.42-4.07 ppb) in these samples; the EPA recommended threshold for 

drinking water being 15 ppb. This suggests that lead contamination due to vehicular pollution is 

minimal along the highway. Overall, this pilot study suggests the surface water bodies along the 

Manali-Leh Highway appear to be unpolluted by anthropogenic heavy metals. 

17-4 BTH 4 Gant, Michael T. [218777] 

KINEMATIC ANALYSIS AND PROVISIONAL MIDDLE SILURIAN AGE CONSTRAINTS ON 

DECATURVILLE STRUCTURE, CENTRAL MISSOURI 

GANT, Michael T. 1 , HEALY, Scott M. 2 , NANDI, Sourav K. 2 , MILLER, James F. 3 , and EVANS, 

Kevin4 , (1) Missouri State University, 312 Fox Den Dr, 910 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway, 

Springfield,MO 65897, Ballwin, MO 63021, banjomike360@gmail.com, (2) Missouri State 

University, 910 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway, Springfield, MO 65897, (3) Geography, 

Geology, & Planning Dept, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO 655897, (4) Geography, 

Geology, and Planning Department, Missouri State University, 901 S. National Ave, 

Springfield, MO 65804-0089 

The Decaturville structure is as a meteorite impact site located within Laclede and Camden 

counties, approximately 20 km north of Lebanon, Missouri. The structure is 5.5-km in diameter 

with a well-developed central uplift and surrounding moat regions. During the 1960s, the 

structure was interpreted as having a “cryptovolcanic” origin, and later, in the 1970s, structural 

and mineralogical analyses, breccia distributions, shatter cones, and shocked quartz supported 

an impact interpretation. Previous age dating of the impact has been controversial. Recent 

paleomagnetic results purport to constrain the origin to the Pennsylvanian or Permian. 

New conodont biostratigraphic age constraints indicate a significantly older age of Middle 

Silurian, which is consistent with the youngest faunal ages previously reported. Middle and 

possibly Early Silurian conodonts were recovered from matrix and a large, isolated sandy 

limestone clast in a polymict breccia along a new road cut on Highway 5 northeast of the central 

uplift. These new ages are consistent with an impact event that pre-dated the widespread sub- 

Mississippian regional unconformity. 

This study also examined structures along a newly widened 300-m-long road cut southeast of 

the central uplift, where the upper part of the lower Ordovician Jefferson City Dolomite crops out 

in a structurally deformed and depressed area. Extensive outcrop mapping as well as strike and 

dip measurements and stereonet plots show that there are four important structural components 

consistent with an impact origin: (1) a tight anticlinal fold, oriented radially to the central uplift; 

(2) thick accumulations of breccia on the crest of the anticline and along thrust faults; (3) at 

least six inward-directed thrust faults; and (4) normal faults. The radial fold is interpreted to have 

developed during the early modification phase, when the overriding forces were directed inward 

toward the central uplift. Both excavation and modification stages most likely led to extensive 

brecciation. Thrust faults were formed later during the modification stage because a thrust fault 

truncated the crest of the anticline. Finally, normal faults occurred during the late modification 

stage as a relaxation response after thrust faulting. 

17-5 BTH 5 Tatum, Stephen [218430] 

A GRAVITY INVESTIGATION OF THE TOBACCO ROOT BATHOLITH IN SOUTHWEST 

MONTANA 

TATUM, Stephen, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49006, 

stephen.c.tatum@wmich.edu 

The Tobacco Root batholith, a satellite pluton of the larger Boulder batholith, is the easternmost 

of the late Cretaceous plutons of the North American Cordillera. It was emplaced into Archean 

metamorphic basement rocks during the Laramide orogeny (ca. 75 Ma). 

A gravity survey was done to delineate the subsurface shape of the batholith and ultimately 

better understand its mode of emplacement. 232 gravity stations were made across the batholith 

and across the host rocks with 24 samples collected for density determination of the batholith 

and host rocks. Gravity station coordinates were obtained using differential GPS techniques, 

and the data were reduced using a standard crustal density of 2.67 g/cm3 . The regional gravity 

was subtracted from a larger regional Bouguer anomaly map to produce a residual gravity map 

showing a negative anomaly that has a NW-SE trending, semi-elliptical pattern. Four NE-SW 

profiles across the gravity map indicate that the negative anomaly is greater and batholith is 

thicker (-51 mGal, 30 km) in the northwestern portion of the batholith than the southeast portion 

(-5 mGal, 3 km), which suggests a source to the northwest. A negative anomaly of -18 mGal is 

evident on the NE-SW profile located outside of the batholith outcrops on the northwest. 

Each profile was modeled with 2D techniques to determine the subsurface shape of the 

batholith. Density contrasts used in modeling account for variation in composition from both the 

batholith and host rocks. The northwestern model outside of the outcrops of the batholith, strongly 

suggest that the batholith continues below the host rock outcrops, dipping towards the northwest 

parallel to foliation in the host rocks and it may connect with the Boulder batholith at depth. The 

models also imply the emplacement of the batholith was controlled buy coeval movement along 

large NW-trending faults. 

17-6 BTH 6 Pethe, Swardhuni [218704] 

GEOPHYSICAL ANALYSIS OF THE SUMATRA BASINS: SOURCE ROCKS, STRUCTURAL 

TRENDS, AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF OIL FIELDS 

PETHE, Swardhuni, Geological Sciences, Ball State University, Muncie, IN 47306, spethe@ 

bsu.edu, FLUEGEMAN, Richard H., Dept. of Geological Sciences, Ball State University, 

Muncie, IN 47306-0475, GRIGSBY, Jeffry D., Department of Geological Sciences, Ball State 

University, Muncie, IN 47304, and NICHOLSON, Kirsten N., Geology, Ball State University, 

Muncie, IN 47306 

According to the Ade hypothesis 95% of all commercial oil fields in the Sumatra region occur 

within 17km of seismically mappable structural grabens in the producing basins. The hypothesis 

proposes a link between the subsidence of the source rocks (the Talang Akar Formation) in the 

grabens and the maturity of the organic material. To test the validity of the hypothesis, subsurface 

mapping of the region is being carried out by using geophysical logs and seismic sections. The 

depths to the formation tops, basement and the information about the type of wells are being 

used to create isopach maps as well as cross sections of the entire Sunda shelf region. 

Using the well log information, basement and the formation tops have been mapped with 

a special emphasis on Talang Akar and Air Benakat Formations. The isopach maps of these 

formations show that most of the producing wells on the Sunda shelf are in fact located in and 

around the major structural basins. Trends in the occurrence of the oil fields have also been 

observed which are analogous to the orientation of the grabens. Further study of the data will 



enable us to determine the spatial distribution of the producing oil fields and the frequency of their 

occurrence in the given distance margin. Identifying the source rocks in this 17km window will 

enhance the success rate of oil exploration in Sumatra and throughout the Sundaland craton. 



T2. Applications of Near-Surface Geophysics (Posters) 


18-1 BTH 7 Van Dam, Remke L. [218657] 

CHARACTERIZATION OF LARGE-SCALE GLACIOTECTONIC DEFORMATION IN THE 

LUDINGTON RIDGE, MICHIGAN, USING ELECTRICAL GEOPHYSICAL METHODS 

VAN DAM, Remke L., Department of Geological Sciences, Michigan State University, 

206 Natural Science Building, East Lansing, MI 48824, rvd@msu.edu and AYLSWORTH, 

Robert L., Ingrain, Inc, 3733 Westheimer Rd., 2nd Floor, Houston, TX 77027 

A bluff along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan south of Ludington contains Late Wisconsin 

deformation structures. Differential loading associated with a glacial re-advance caused 

glaciolacustrine loamy material to deform into several narrow anticlinal structures that rise from 

below beach level to near the top of the nearly 50 m high bluff. The anticlines separate broad 

synclines that control local ground water flow and impact bluff stability. The objective of this 

study was to characterize the orientation and lateral extent of the structures beneath the NW-SE 

trending ridge. We used different galvanic electrical resistivity methods that exploit the large 

electrical contrast between the glaciolacustrine loams and overlying coarse sandy outwash 

material. Electrical resistivity methods have long been part of the geophysical tool set. Recent 

advances, including the availability of multi-electrode systems and advanced data processing 

software, have made electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) a popular tool to obtain 2D models 

of subsurface resistivity. In this study, vertical electrical soundings (VES) were combined with 

borehole logs and lab-derived petrophysical relationships to characterize the site stratigraphy. 

Constant-spread traverses (CST) and ERT data were then used to map the spatial extent of the 

deformation structures. Field, lab, and modeling results presented in this work identify various 

strengths and limitations of electrical resistivity methods for the characterization of deformation 

structures in general and glaciotectonic landforms in particular. 

18-2 BTH 8 Maike, Christopher [218606] 

SUBSURFACE GEOPHYSICAL PROFILING OF THE OAK OPENINGS SAND RIDGE 

MAIKE, Christopher1 , FUGATE, Joseph M. 2 , KRANTZ, David E. 3 , STIERMAN, Donald4 , 

LIU, Xiuju5 , BROTHERS, Candice E. 6 , and SEARS, Lindsey6 , (1) Environmental Sciences 

(Geology), University of Toledo, 1760 N. Westwood Ave, Apt L, Toledo, OH 43607, 

ccgeology@gmail.com, (2) Environmental Sciences (Geology), University of Toledo, 629 N. 

Reynolds Rd, Apt 20, Toledo, OH 43615, (3) Department of Environmental Sciences, 

University of Toledo, 2801 West Bancroft Street MS604, Toledo, OH 43606, (4) Environmental 

Sciences, University of Toledo, 2801 W. Bancroft St. #604, Toledo, OH 43606, (5) Department 

of Environmental Sciences, University of Toledo, 2801 West Bancroft St, MS#604, Toledo, OH 

43606, (6) Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Toledo, 2801 W. Bancroft St, 

Toledo, OH 43606 

The Oak Openings Preserve extends from northwest Ohio into southeast Michigan. This 

unique area was shaped through glacial and glaciolacustrine processes to create a diversity of 

ecosystems including oak savannah, wet prairie, and sand barrens. The Oak Openings Sand 

Ridge is the primary landform within the preserve, and contrasts with the surrounding lake-bed 

plain to create these unique environments. Evidence suggests that the sand ridge was once 

a barrier bar system that developed during pro-glacial lakes Warren and Wayne. The area is 

home to more than a third of Ohio’s rare plant species and is on the Nature Conservancy’s list 

of Last Great Places. The environment that created these ecosystems is rare, and it is essential 

to understand the underlying geology and aquifer system in support of habitat restoration. Data 

was collected at Irwin Prairie, Shaffer Road, and Kitty Todd Nature Preserve which are all located 

just west of Toledo, Ohio. The data consisted of ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electrical 

resistivity transects, and a vibracore for ground truth. The stratigraphy at Irwin Prairie consists 

of a thick sand layer at the surface with a glacial till layer at a depth of 3.25m which acts as an 

aquitard. Irwin Prairie appears to be located in the back-barrier portion of the barrier bar complex. 

GPR data from Kitty Todd Nature Preserve indicates that it is situated on the ridge of the barrier 

bar complex, which is evidenced by large-scale sigmoidal bedding of a progradational spit. In 

contrast, the depositional environment of the Shaffer Road site is a shoreface that is prograding 

basinward, to the northeast. The modern investigative techniques allowed imaging of the 

subsurface to interpret the depositional environments and to characterize the surficial aquifer that 

created the physical setting of this unique and valuable ecosystem. 

18-3 BTH 9 Jol, Harry M. [218793] 

STRATIGRAPHY OF COASTAL AEOLIAN SAND DUNES: MODELS VS. GPR IMAGING 

JOL, Harry M., Department of Geography and Anthropology, University of Wisconsin- 

Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI 54702, jolhm@uwec.edu 

The genesis and internal stratigraphy of coastal aeolian sand dunes are often inferred from 

models based on dune geometry and sedimentary processes, shallow trenches, natural scours, 

and/or interpretations of ancient strata. However, there is some difficulty of directly observing 

the stratigraphy of aeolian landforms, particularly in large dunes, and those containing complex 

bedforms and/or multiple reactivation surfaces. The distinctive nature of the aeolian environment, 

that is the relative homogeneity of sediments (quartzitic sand), provides a unique opportunity 

for ground penetrating radar (GPR) to reveal subsurface details. The noninvasive GPR method 

provides near-surface, high-resolution, near continuous profiles within these increasingly 

sensitive, depositional settings. PulseEKKO 100 and 1000 GPR acquisition systems were used 

with 200, 400 and 1000 volt transmitters. Step size and antennae separation varied depending on 

antennae frequency and site conditions. Each trace was vertically stacked and the digital profiles 

were processed and plotted using pulseEKKO software. The transects were topographically 

corrected based on laser level surveys. To measure depth, near surface velocity measurements 

were calculated from common midpoint (CMP) surveys. 

The application of radar stratigraphic analysis on the collected GPR data provided the 

framework to investigate both lateral and vertical stratigraphic variations within these coastal 

aeolian deposits. Radar images were interpreted as showing dune cross-stratification (dip 

orientation and dip angle varied), scoured bounding surfaces, buried paleosols (where present), 


as well as the position of the water table. The internal dune structures revealed by GPR 

graphically demonstrate the response of aeolian dunes through time and to variations in wind 

regime, sediment supply, and human interference. Data will presented from selected study sites 

with in the US (California, Michigan, Oregon, North Carolina, Washington, Wisconsin) and other 

locations worldwide. Where possible, comparisons to available data and/or models will be made. 

18-4 BTH 10 Larson, Mark [218721] 

ARCHAEOLOGICAL GEOPHYSICS AT THE NATHAN BOONE HOMESTEAD STATE HISTORIC 

SITE, SW MISSOURI 

MICKUS, Kevin L., Geosciences, Missouri State Univ, 901 S National Ave, Springfield, 

MO 65804-0087, LARSON, Mark, Geology, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO 

65897, Mark3@live.missouristate.edu, and SOBEL, Elizabeth, Department of Sociology, 

Anthropology, and Criminology, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO 65897 

The Nathan Boone Homestead was established by Nathan Boone, his family, and enslaved 

African Americans in Ash Grove, Missouri in the 1830s. Nathan Boone was the son of famed 

frontiersman Daniel Boone and was a significant figure in Euroamerican settlement of the 

trans-Mississippi west. Previous archaeological excavations and geophysical studies indicated 

a number of cultural features (both identified and anomalous) at the site. In this study, we 

synthesize the results of new and previous geophysical research at the site including GPR, 

resistivity, magnetic, and electromagnetic surveys. The results clarify the location and composition 

of cultural features including the Boone family cemetery, slave cemetery, pathways, domestic 

structures, and agricultural structures. These findings will aid management and research at the 

site by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. 

18-5 BTH 11 Kuhl, Alexandria [218744] 

COUPLED INVERSION OF ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY AND HYDROLOGICAL MODELS TO 

QUANTIFY SOIL MOISTURE DYNAMICS BELOW A MICHIGAN ECOTONE 

KUHL, Alexandria, Department of Geological Sciences, Michigan State University, 206 

Natural Sciences Building, East Lansing, MI 48824, kuhlalex@msu.edu and VAN DAM, 

Remke L., Department of Geological Sciences, Michigan State University, 206 Natural 

Science Building, East Lansing, MI 48824 

Anticipating how changes in land use and climate will impact water budgets requires 

understanding the relationship between soil moisture and vegetation across space and time. 

Unfortunately, traditional geophysical methods for capturing field-scale processes of this nature, 

such as remote sensing and in situ point measurements, have their limitations. Electrical 

resistivity (ER) however, has been identified as a potentially powerful geophysical tool for studying 

root-zone moisture dynamics at sub watershed scales. Despite recent advances, interpretation of 

geophysical data often occurs independently from hydrological observations, causing uncertainty 

and propagating measurement errors. This research uses 1D ER soundings with a coupled 

hydrogeophysical inversion model to determine the impact of changing vegetation types on soil 

moisture. The goal is to develop a more universal method for improving predictions of hydrological 

properties at field-scales through the use of coupled inversion techniques. 

The Kellogg Biological Station near Battle Creek, MI, provides a unique setting for this study, 

with a shift from mature forest to young forest, shrub, and finally grass. Across this ecotone, 

graphite electrodes have been permanently installed at 1.5m intervals along a 166.5m transect, 

with additional electrodes for the 1D soundings. Six sounding locations, roughly corresponding 

to each vegetation type, allow for shallow ER measurements. Reciprocal ER measurements 

with a-spacings of .5, .75, 1.5, 3, 4.5, 6, 7.5, 10.5, and 13.5m were conducted at each sounding 

location in June, August, and October 2012. Deeper measurements with a-spacings of 18, 

24, 36, and 54m were collected in August and October only. Early interpretations suggest that 

seasonal and vegetative differences impact soil moisture distribution and plant water use. The 

coupled inversion model integrates four components. A hydrological model takes in parameters 

such as temperature, precipitation, soil and vegetation type, and outputs water content, which a 

petrophysical model converts to obtain 1D resistivity profiles. A forward geophysical model uses 

those values to determine apparent resistivities for comparison to those measured in the field. 

The outcome is then used for optimizing the hydrological model parameters. 

18-6 BTH 12 Ma, Yuteng [218346] 

SPATIAL VARIABILITY OF SOIL MOISTURE IN A DECIDUOUS FOREST: INTEGRATING TIME- 

LAPSE RESISTIVITY, TEMPERATURE, AND THROUGHFALL MEASUREMENTS 

MA, Yuteng, Geological Sciences, Michigan State University, 206 natural science building, 

East Lansing, MI 48824, mayuteng@msu.edu and VAN DAM, Remke, Department of 

Geological Sciences, Michigan State University, 206 Natural Science Building, East Lansing, 

MI 48824 

In deciduous forests, soil moisture is an important driver of energy and carbon cycling, as 

well as ecosystem dynamics. The amount and distribution of soil moisture also influences soil 

microbial activity, nutrient fluxes, and groundwater recharge. Characterizing the interactions 

between vegetation and soil moisture is critical to forecast water resources and ecosystem 

health in a changing climate. However, these interactions are difficult to measure, both in 

time and space. Recent studies have shown the ability of electrical resistivity tomography to 

characterize the spatial and temporal dynamics of soil moisture dynamics below a range of 

different vegetation types. In this study, we investigated the spatial variability of the soil water 

budget of a deciduous forest in lower Mid-Michigan. For the duration of the 2012 growing season, 

bi-weekly measurements of canopy throughfall, soil temperature and soil moisture were collected 

along a 125 m long transect that extended from the forest into an adjacent grassland. The 

canopy throughfall data were collected using a series of 24 innovative funnels that integrated 

over four-week time periods. At the same locations (19 in the forest and 5 in the grassland), soil 

temperature was measured at 5 cm depth. Subsurface distribution of soil moisture was estimated 

by inversion of weekly electrical resistivity datasets. Additional equipment and data included two 

tipping bucket rain gauges, leaf area index measurements, vertical soil temperature profiles, 

and capacitance water content probes. Fluid salinity, temperature, and pressure (depth) were 

continuously monitored for the water table below the forest and grassland. Our results highlight 

the strong correlation of the shallow subsurface soil moisture distribution with rainfall intensity and 

vegetation cover. 

18-7 BTH 13 Hart, J. [218661] 

GEOPHYSICAL ASSESSMENT OF LANDFILL CAP INTEGRITY AND LEACHATE LEAKAGE AT 

A MIXED WASTE LANDFILL 

HART, J., CIOPPA, M.T., and YANG, Jianwen, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University 

of Windsor, 401Sunset Avenue, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada, hartn@uwindsor.ca 

Concerns have been expressed about a closed, mixed-waste landfill in Southwestern Ontario 

regarding precipitation infiltration, because of a non-contiguous cap and potential leachate

leakage. This study aims to use two surface geophysical techniques (conductivity and resistivity 

profiling) to delineate the thickness of the landfill cap and locate any leachate plumes. The 

electrical imaging survey was conducted on 6 parallel E-W lines across the length of the landfill, 

using an ABEM Lund Imaging System. The surveys were made using a Wenner-α array with 

2 meter electrode spacing. A conductivity survey, using a DualEM2S and DualEM4S, was 

conducted over the same lines, followed by a survey conducted on 15 N-S lines perpendicular 

to the original six lines. Several conductivity profiles were also made in a field just to the south 

of the landfill. ArcGIS geospatial analysis modeling software was used to produce conductivity 

maps for depths of 1, 2.2, 2.8 and 5.8 m (DualEM2S PRP, HCP and DualEM4S PRP and HCP, 

respectively). All showed similar patterns. The conductivity values varied considerably (2.2- 

461mS/m). Several N-S linear anomalies were evident extending outside of the landfill towards 

the adjacent field. On the resistivity profiles, a number of low resistivity anomalies, near the 

surface, suggested that the landfill cap was not intact. Deeper low resistivity anomalies (> 5 

meters) suggested the presence of leachate and was consistent with the known position of 

leachate within the landfill. The conductivity data correlated well with the resistivity surveys to 

delineate inconsistencies in the landfill cover and indicated the presence of leachate which may 

affect the field adjacent to the landfill. 

18-8 BTH 14 Joshi, Siddharth Dilip [218499] 

GEO-ELECTRIC INVESTIGATION OF UNDERGROUND LEACHATE DISTRIBUTION AT A 

CLOSED LANDFILL IN SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO, CANADA 

JOSHI, Siddharth Dilip1 , YANG, Jianwen1 , SERERES, Clayton2 , and TAMR, Radwan2 , 

(1) Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue - University 

of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada, joshis@uwindsor.ca, (2) GENIVAR Inc, 4510 

Rhodes Driver, Suite 720, Windsor, ON N8W 5K5, Canada 

Contamination due to landfill leachate can cause disastrous effects to aquifers used for 

groundwater supply. In this study, two geo-electric techniques were employed to investigate the 

underground leachate distribution and the subsurface geology at a closed site in southwestern 

Ontario, Canada. Conductivity mapping was first conducted over the study site using a frequencydomain 

EM terrain conductivity meter, which reveals an anomalous zone with the apparent 

conductivity values ranging between 130-500mS/m, concentrated in the 200m (S-N) by 80m 

(W-E) rectangle area at western half of the site. The DC resistivity survey was then carried 

out in the same area with 8 S-N profiles and 3 W-E profiles measuring 200m in length using a 

Wenner-α configuration. This arrangement of electrodes has an approximate exploration depth of 

30m, which aids in outlining the waste and upper sand aquifer, the underlying silt/sand aquitard, 

and the lower sand aquifer. Our resistivity survey results exhibit an inconsistency in the clay cap 

thickness on almost all the profiles conducted. The results also indicate that the contamination 

plume is mainly travelling southwards at the base of the upper aquifer just below the waste, with 

a minor vertical component into the upper weathered portion of the silt/sand aquitard at some 

locations. No contamination plumes seem to exist in the lower sand aquifer. These findings are 

critical in assessing the current leachate conditions and in evaluating the existing compliance 

monitoring plan for potential implementation at the site or other sites in elsewhere. 

18-9 BTH 15 Estifanos, Biniam Haileab [218655] 

GEOPHYSICAL PROSPECTING FOR CONCEALED KARST NEAR BELLEVUE, OH 

ESTIFANOS, Biniam Haileab and STIERMAN, Donald J., Department of Environmental 

Sciences, University of Toledo, 2801 West Bancroft Street MS604, Toledo, OH 43606, 

Biniam.Estifanos@rockets.utoledo.edu 

The Bellevue area, Ohio is characterized by sinkholes and dolines that allow surface water to 

rapidly drain into the carbonate aquifer. During episodes of excessive precipitation, part of the 

state Route 269 floods due to groundwater welling up. Ver Steeg and Yunck (1932) report water 

seeping in areas without visible sinkholes causing 3-4 foot high flood during the spring of 1930. 

We are using gravity and electrical resistivity methods to investigate concealed karst and 

underground conduits north of Bellevue. We occupied closely spaced (20 and 50 m) gravity 

stations along three east-west profiles, two adjacent to a topographic depression we interpret 

as a sinkhole complex. At this stage there is only a marginal suggestion of gravity lows that 

might indicate subsurface voids. Four dipole-dipole resistivity profiles totaling 2 km show only 

one obvious void, adjacent to a sinkhole. However, most resistivity measurements were made 

during the drought of summer 2012, making the distinction between voids and carbonate 

bedrock difficult. Repeat measurements will be conducted when the groundwater rises. A rise in 

groundwater level will convert air-filled voids (high resistivity) to water-filled voids (low resistivity). 

Electrical resistivity was used to detect air and water filled cavities at Seneca Caverns to the 

south, confirming this methodology. 

In January 2013, the static water level at USGS monitoring well at Bellevue rose 10 feet in 

response to 2 inches of precipitation. Stage level recorded at the Huron River east of the city 

shows a strong agreement with the static water level rise but dropped fast after the peak flow 

while the groundwater water level remained constant. The strong response of the groundwater 

to precipitation suggests that karstic porosity is quite low. Knowledge of the size and extent 

of the concealed karst will help in reducing impact of pollution on groundwater resources and 

delineating hazard prone areas. 

18-10 BTH 16 Gerson, Laura M. [218426] 

USING GEOPHYSICAL METHODS TO STUDY KARST IN URBAN SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI 

GERSON, Laura M., Geoscience, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO 65897, 

gerson9576@live.missouristate.edu, MICKUS, Kevin, Geology, Missouri State University, 

Springfield, MO 65897, and GOUZIE, Douglas, Department of Geology, Missouri State 

University, 901 S. National Ave, Springfield, MO 65897 

Southwestern Missouri is located on the Springfield Plateau which mainly consists of Paleozoic 

carbonates and minor amounts of siliceous sediments. The dominant formation exposed in the 

area is the Mississippian Burlington-Keokuk Limestone which is nearly horizontal and susceptible 

to the formation of karst features such as sinkholes and caves. Near surface geophysical methods 

are useful in determining the location and nature of karst features, especially those that are not 

visible on the surface. 

Electrical resistivity, gravity, and very low frequency electromagnetics have been collected 

along a trend of mapped sinkholes where previous dye traces have indicated a large, long 

underground passage. Inverse modeling of the electrical resistivity profiles indicates pinnacles 

of highly resistive material with areas of low resistive material between them, indicating possible 

fractures in the bedrock. Some of the resistivity lows could be buried sinkholes. Depth of karst 

features varies from 5-12 meters and deeper. Two-dimensional gravity modeling shows a 

similar trend in subsurface topography. Both methods show a similar roughly linear trend that 

correlates with known sinkholes. Very low frequency electromagnetics does not correlate as 

well due to its susceptibility to noise, but one-third of the profiles do correlate with the electrical 

resistivity profiles. 


18-11 BTH 17 Yaqoob, Muthanna Yousif [218626] 

DETECTION OF BEDROCK FRACTURES AND JOINTS BENEATH COVER: GEOPHYSICAL 

APPROACHES TO AN ENGINEERING GEOLOGY PROBLEM 

YAQOOB, Muthanna Yousif and SAUCK, William A., Geosciences, Western Michigan Univ, 

Kalamazoo, MI 49008, muthanna.y.yaqoub@wmich.edu 

This research used geophysical methods to detect the presence of sub-vertical failure planes, 

their direction(s), and their frequency in bedrock beneath soil or glacial drift overburden. Azimuthal 

measurements using the seismic, electrical resistivity (ER), electromagnetic conductivity and 

ground penetrating radar (GPR) were made to evaluate which techniques might provide the best 

indication of the bedrock joints, faults, or shear zones. Measurements were made at multiple 

sites near each of three locations: Jackson, Alpena, and Grand Ledge, Michigan. The first two 

are former limestone quarries and the third is underlain by sandstone. Seismic measurements 

began with one or two linear refraction spreads, used to establish thickness of overburden and 

identify the S waves. The azimuthal seismic was done by placing the 24 geophones around a 

10 or 15m radius circle (15 degree intervals), with the shot point in the center, measuring arrival 

times of the P and S waves. The EM-31 conductivity was used to quickly determine that there 

were no wires or pipes in or near the survey circle, as well as to profile along the diameters of the 

circle at 12 different azimuths. The square array was used for the resistivity measurements in the 

same circle, with the diagonal of the square being the circle diameter. This array was rotated to 12 

unique azimuths at 15° intervals. GPR was tested at one site using 100 MHz antennae. The Rx 

was at the center, and the Tx was moved around the circumference of the circle at 15° intervals, 

to measure the arrival times of the ground wave. Reference measurements of the strikes of failure 

planes were made using a Brunton compass and photographs at adjacent bedrock exposures. 

Verification of results was done by comparing the geophysical results and the measured 

strikes and dips of the nearby exposures of the joint systems. The preliminary analyses of the 

results showed coincidence of the tests results with the strike measurements in some areas, 

whereas others did not. Some of the methods are very sensitive to variations in thickness of the 

overburden. These effects, as well as lateral resistivity gradients in the bedrock and overburden 

can apparently cause false indications of fracture systems. 

18-12 BTH 18 Mogren, Saad [217949] 

REACTIVATION OF THE ABU-JIFAN FAULT BORDERING THE RAYN ANTICINES IN EASTERN 

SAUDI ARABIA: GRAVITY MODELING OF A SEISMOGENIC CRUST 

MOGREN, Saad and MUKHOPADHYAY, Manoj, Geology and Geophysics Department, King 

Saud University, PO Box 2455, Riaydh, 11451, Saudi Arabia, smogren@ksu.edu.sa 

The Abu-Jifan Fault truncates the Rayn anticlines along an 1100 km long margin within the 

Rayn Microplate in eastern Saudi Arabia. This set of anticlines is comprised of six sub-parallel 

super-giant anticlines, including the Ghawar uplift. Crust on either side of the fault is seismically 

active; width of the seismic zone varies from 170 – 220 km. The Ghawar anticline is however 

seismically intensely active which is supposed to be an outcome of fluid-extraction induced 

seismicity. Top part of this seismogenic crust is currently intensely deformed in consequence 

to induced seismicity below the Rayn anticlines and prevailing east-west stress. Here we argue 

that induced seismicity plays an important role in reactivating the Proterozoic east-west faults 

in the deeper crust. An integrated geophysical modeling approach is next adopted to derive the 

deeper geometry of the Abu-Jifan Fault that slices the seismogenic crust south of the Ghawar 

anticline. Geophysical data sets include: seismic velocity analysis for crust and top- lithosphere, 

IRIS seismic line interpretation for the Arabian Platform as well as the crustal structure and upper 

mantle stratigraphy from receiver function analysis and shear-wave splitting studies, conventional 

seismic interpretation for deep sedimentary layers, isopach map prepared for the major sediment 

lithologies, and the relevant density information for the major formations deduced from density 

logs obtained from drill holes in the oil fields. Their combined use is found to be a potentially 

powerful tool for investigating the deeper fault geometry which is modeled by gravity inversion 

along a profile in central part of the fault. Gravity modeling suggests that the Abu-Jifan Fault is a 

deep penetrative strike-slip fault, demarcating a denser crust along its north margin. 



T8. Addressing Environmental Aspects of Geology: 

Research, Pedagogy, and Public Policy (Posters) 


19-1 BTH 19 Musch, Steven C. [218735] 

INTERACTIONS BETWEEN DUNE TRAILS AND CIRSIUM PITCHERI HABITAT 

MUSCH, Steven C., HILVERDA, Elaine, LEGGE, Evan A., STRYDHORST, Natasha A., and 

VANDERBILT, Lucas E., Geology, Geography and Environmental Studies, Calvin College, 

3201 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, scm3@students.calvin.edu 

This study looked closely at the conditions of a threatened species habitat when it exists among 

unmanaged dune trails. A fourteen-acre plot of land on the eastern coast of Lake Michigan was 

recently purchased for conversion from private land into a dune preserve. This property includes 

hummocky foredunes, blowouts, and two stabilized parabolic dunes, and it serves as critical 

habitat for the threatened species Cirsium Pitcheri (Pitcher’s Thistle). To determine the condition 

of the habitat, a study was done to locate all specimens, gauge the age of the population, and 

explore the effects of anthropogenic disturbance. GPS mapping was used to create an inventory 

of all specimen locations and all observed trails through the property. Measurements were taken 

of each plant to gauge the age of the population and the GPS results were assembled in a map to 

observe the density. Our results showed 206 Cirsium Pitcheri specimens, most of which appeared 

to range from three to six years of age. Spatial analysis of the GPS data showed two distinct 

groupings of plants along with numerous unmanaged trails. The largest trail, which divided the 

two groups of plants, extended from the low point between two large parabolic dunes out to the 

beach. We observed that the heavy use of this trail combined with an extension of the stabilized 

portion of the dunes produced unfavorable conditions for Cirsium Pitcheri. With these results we 

were able to provide the new property owners with important information regarding critical habitat 

of Cirsium Pitcheri. 



19-2 BTH 20 Doughty, Travis M. [218754] 

TRACE METAL CHEMISTRY AND MINERALOGY OF SEDIMENTS HOSTED IN CAVES OF 

THE SPRINGFIELD (MO) PLATEAU: A LINK TO SUBTERRANEAN BIODIVERSITY? 

DOUGHTY, Travis M., Natural Sciences, Northwest Missouri State University, 800 University 

Dr, Maryville, MO 64468, s507452@nwmissouri.edu and JOHNSON, Aaron W., Natural 

Sciences, Northwest Missouri State University, 800 University Drive, Maryville, MO 64468 

We used X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to compare the heavy metal 

chemistry and mineralogy of sediments accumulating in caves in rural and urban areas to the 

chemistry and mineralogy of sediments from a control cave in a relatively undisturbed watershed 

in the Springfield (MO) Plateau. Sediment from the control cave exhibited the smallest peak 

sizes for Zn and Mn and a moderately-sized Pb peak. Sediment from the rural caves exhibited 

larger peaks of Zn and Mn and a smaller Pb peak. Sediment from the urban cave had the largest 

Zn, Mn and Pb peaks. X-ray diffraction indicated that all samples contained calcite and quartz, 

which is unsurprising since the caves are hosted in the Burlington Limestone, which is noted for 

abundant chert nodules. However, minor mineralogy varied widely, and included traces of clay 

minerals, metal oxides, metal hydroxides, garnet, and complex aluminum-sulfates. Additionally 

the carbon content of some samples was high enough to trigger an elemental carbon peak that 

was not consistent with graphite or diamond. These data indicate that trace amounts of base and 

heavy metals present in sediment are not hosted in sulfides or other primary phases. Instead, 

these metals likely occur as cations adsorbed onto the surfaces of clay minerals or as metal 

hydroxides such as wulfingite, an amphoteric zinc hydroxide mineral that was indicated by XRD 

analysis. Metals hosted in these phases may be liberated by dilute acid solutions. This finding 

has important implications for the health of troglobitic species, and may explain the apparent 

relationship between species presence and low metal concentrations in cave sediments outlined 

in an earlier pilot study. The presence of metals as hydroxides or adsorbed phases in sediments 

could prove harmful to troglobites that spend a significant portion of their life cycle in sediment 

(e.g. isopods), especially those species that digest sediment. The acidic digestive tract may 

increase metal concentrations in primary consumers, potentially reducing fecundity. In addition, 

secondary consumers may suffer from bioaccumulation as they prey upon species with higher 

tissue metal concentrations. 

19-3 BTH 21 Norton, M.S. [218357] 

MODELING SOIL EROSION WITHIN THE MILL CREEK WATERSHED, YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO 

NORTON, M.S. and MATTHEUS, C.R., Geological and Environmental Sciences, Youngstown 

State University, One University Plaza, Youngstown, OH 44555, msnorton@student.ysu.edu 

Mill Creek Park, established in 1896, is one of the largest metro-parks in the US, providing a 

variety of outdoor activities to the city of Youngstown, Ohio, and its surrounding areas. Popular 

attractions within the park include a number of man-made ponds and lakes, which have rapidly 

silted in since their construction, forcing several sediment-excavation projects. An investigation 

is underway to elucidate information from lake deposits to help develop an erosion model for 

contributing watersheds. 

A preliminary erosion model based on the Universal Soil Loss Equation was established for 

a small subset of the Mill Creek watershed. This model incorporates existing datasets on soil 

characteristics, topography, and climate in an effort to constrain a parameter for land cover; 

information on sediment yield was used to solve for this unconstrained factor. Lily Pond is a 3-acre 

catch basin that receives sediment from surrounding forested hillslopes, typical terrain and landcover 

types within the park. A 1974 excavation of the pond provided a baseline for assessing 

subsequent sediment sequestration, quantified from detailed bathymetric surveys and cores. 

Sediment-yield calculations were compared to the watershed-erosion model and provided a 

refined land-cover factor for future modeling within the park. 

Current research is now underway to provide additional model-parameter constraints 

utilizing similar methodologies. Differences in sediment yield between watersheds of similar 

size, topography, and soil characteristics provide clues regarding the influence of land-cover 

types, which vary tremendously across the region. The Indian Run watershed, for example, is 

characterized by 21% urban land cover and 23% agricultural land cover whereas the Bears 

Den watershed is characterized by 66% and 0%, respectively. Improving individual parameters 

using comparison studies that incorporate empirical data on sediment yield are critical to the 

development of an erosion model that is regionally applicable. 



T19. Hydrogeologic Investigations for Improved 

Assessment of Water Availability and Use in the 

Glaciated United States (Posters) 


20-1 BTH 22 Wyman, Davina A. [218128] 

THE EFFECTS OF ROAD SALT ON ASYLUM LAKE GEOCHEMISTRY 

WYMAN, Davina A., Geosciences Department, Western Michigan University, 1187 Rood 

Hall, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, davina.a.wyman@wmich.edu and KORETSKY, Carla M., 

Geosciences Department, Western Michigan University, 1903 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, 

MI 49008-5241 

Asylum Lake is a 19.8 ha kettle lake located in Kalamazoo, MI near three major roadways, thus 

it is expected to receive runoff with significant concentrations of road salts in winter and spring. 

Road salts contribute unreactive Cl-to surface and groundwaters, which can accumulate and 

significantly increase water density. Typical lakes in Michigan experience turnover events in fall 

and spring, during which water from the epilimnion is mixed with water from the hypolimnion. With 

enough of an increase in water density, lake turnover events may be delayed or prevented (e.g. 

Wetzel, 2001, Limnology). The objective of this study is to determine if road salts in Asylum Lake 

are preventing turnover events and, if so, how this changes the lake geochemistry. 

Lake water column samples have been collected monthly at the deepest point in the lake, 

beginning in September 2012; sampling will continue for one year. In situ measurements of 

dissolved oxygen (DO), conductivity, temperature, and pH are measured at .5 m intervals. Four 

water samples per 1 m depth are collected at 1m intervals, filtered (.2 μM), and two are preserved 

with HNO . Samples are immediately analyzed upon return to the lab for Fe 3 2+ , Mn2+ 3- + , PO , NH4 , 

4 


alkalinity, and H S via colorimetry. Within one week of collection, samples are analyzed on an 

2 

ICP-OES for Ca2+ , Mg2+ , K + , and Na + . Within two weeks, samples are analyzed for Cl- on an ion 

2- chromatograph and for SO via a turbidity technique. 

4 

Data thus far shows Asylum Lake to be a eutrophic lake with anoxic benthic waters throughout 

+ 2+ 3- summer and early fall. In the anoxic hypolimnion, there is a build-up of NH , Mn , PO4 , and H2S 4 

to levels as high as 220, 40, 11, and 87 μM, respectively, but Fe2+ levels are always at or below 

detection limits of 3.5 μM. Concentrations of Cl-reach up to 180ppm. Conductivity increases with 

depth in the summer and fall but becomes nearly constant during one sampling event in early 

winter. On this date, temperature and DO also vary much less with depth, which suggests that fall 

turnover occurred, but was significantly delayed. 

20-2 BTH 23 Lotimer, Leslea [218488] 

THE NATURE OF TILL AND DRUMLINS IN PETERBOROUGH AND THE IMPLICATIONS FOR 

DEVELOPING A COMMUNITY GROUNDWATER SUPPLY 

LOTIMER, Leslea, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S4L8, lotimelp@mcmaster.ca 

In the Peterborough area of Ontario, Canada, there is a well-documented and extensive drumlin 

field. While the origin of the drumlins is widely debated despite many years of study, one aspect 

remains certain; drumlins and till have significant implications for groundwater movement and 

public water supply. The late Wisconsin Northern Till, deposited by the Laurentide Ice Sheet, 

is found in the area of the Peterborough drumlin field, and is considered to be a deformation 

till up to 65 meters thick. The till overlies proglacial and glaciolacustrine sediments and shows 

considerable textural and thickness variability within the drumlin field. Coarse-grained interbeds 

are common within the till and allow it to function as a ‘leaky aquitard’ as opposed to most till 

units which are considered to be regional aquitards. The presence of significant coarse-grained 

interbeds within the till produces groundwater flow pathways that are not easy to predict and 

which can have significant implications for contaminant transport and groundwater supply. A First 

Nations community located within the Peterborough Drumlin field has been attempting to find a 

more sustainable groundwater supply in the drumlizined terrain. Currently, homes are supplied 

by private wells. Options are being considered for improving individual wells or developing a 

communal water supply. A recent field program involved drilling a fully cored and geophysically 

logged borehole through till on the flanks of a large drumlin as well as the construction of a 

well by air rotary. The extracted core consists primarily of sand-rich till with interbeds of sand 

and gravel. Correlation of data between the two recently drilled wells and lithological and 

hydrogeological data obtained from local water well records allows analysis of the till stratigraphy 

within this portion of the drumlin field. This till stratigraphy provides a foundation for understanding 

local groundwater movement and the potential for public water supply. This preliminary 

interpretation of the local stratigraphy will guide further field work and provide the basis for 

improving the supply of drinking water for the community. 

20-3 BTH 24 Bunda, Jacob [218445] 

QUALITY AND DYNAMICS OF THE MINK RIVER ESTUARY 

BUNDA, Jacob, UW-River Falls, River Falls, WI 54022, jacob.bunda@my.uwrf.edu 

The Mink River Estuary (MRE) is a freshwater environment connecting with Rowley’s Bay on 

the northeast side of Door County, Wisconsin. Spring complexes originating in the surrounding 

wetland exchange mineral enriched groundwater with the water of Lake Michigan within the 

estuary. Seiche motion originating in the body of Lake Michigan is pronounced in the calm 

water of the MRE and encourages mixing of spring and Lake Michigan waters. A gradational 

geochemical pattern exists throughout the estuary from the spring to its mouth and is influenced 

by the lake’s water level. Water level data show a direct relationship between Lake Michigan 

water level and the water level within the MRE. In-situ water quality data reveal the composition of 

spring and estuary water. Temperature data is included and show variation over time in different 

parts of the estuary and northwest spring complex. Linear regression of the MRE’s chemical 

gradient over time reveals change in the variation of the chemical pattern along the estuary axis. 

The state of the estuary is dependent on its quality and quantity of water, monitoring of water 

levels and other parameters in the MRE is helpful for understanding how the environment may be 

affected by groundwater influences and Lake Michigan water level. This project builds on studies 

done by the Wisconsin Geological & Natural History Survey (WGNHS). 

20-4 BTH 25 Nagelkirk, Ryan L. [218198] 

PREDICTING THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON AGRICULTURAL YIELDS AND WATER 

RESOURCES IN THE MAUMEE RIVER WATERSHED 

NAGELKIRK, Ryan L. 1 , KENDALL, Anthony D. 2 , BASSO, Bruno2 , and HYNDMAN, Dave3 , 

(1) Geological Sciences, Michigan State University, 288 Farm Lane, East Lansing, MI 48824, 

nagelki4@msu.edu, (2) Department of Geological Sciences, Michigan State University, 206 

Natural Sciences Bldg, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, (3) Geological 

Sciences, Michigan State University, 206 Natural Science, East Lansing, MI 48824 

Climate change will likely have considerable effects on agriculture in the Midwestern United 

States. Under current climate projections, end-of-century temperatures rise by approximately 

4°C, while precipitation stays relatively unchanged despite a potential increase in heavy rainfall 

events. These trends have already been observed over the last century: rising temperatures have 

extended the growing season two days per decade and heavy rainfall events have become twice 

as common. In an effort to understand the likely effects of climate change on agriculture, maize 

and soybean yields in the Maumee River Watershed were simulated using the Systems Approach 

to Land Use Sustainability (SALUS) crop model. SALUS calculates daily crop growth in response 

to changing climate, soil, and management conditions. We test the hypotheses that 1) despite any 

positive effects of CO2 fertilization and allowing for higher yielding varieties, longer and warmer 

growing seasons will lead to excessive water- and heat-stress, lowering yields under current 

management practices, and 2) that double-cropping maize and soybeans successively in the 

same season to offset these losses may become feasible if sufficient late-season soil moisture 

is made available. Outputs of daily Leaf Area Index (LAI) and root mass from a range of SALUS 

models are then distributed spatially to drive regional hydrologic simulations using the Integrated 

Landscape Hydrology Model (ILHM). These coupled simulations demonstrate the response of 

streamflow and groundwater levels to different management strategies.

Be Part of the 125th Anniversary Celebration! 

1888 8 22013 

0 

CELEBRATING ADVANCES IN GEOSCIENCE 

North-CeNtral GSa SeCtIoN MeetING 

2–3 May 2013 ◆ Fetzer Center, Western Michigan University 

Kalamazoo, Michigan, USa 

Looking southwest from N. Edwards Street in downtown Kalamazoo, Michigan. Round-topped towers are the Radisson Plaza hotel. Photo used with permission via Wikimedia Commons. 

2013 Program ◆ Volume 45, Number 4 ◆ ISSN 0016-7592


North-Central Section 

47 th Annual Meeting 

North-Central Section of the Geological Society of America 

Kalamazoo, Michigan 

2–3 May 2013 

Fetzer Center, Western Michigan University 

Kalamazoo, Michigan 

Meeting Committee 

Meeting Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alan Kehew 

Vice Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Duane Hampton 

Technical Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Duane Hampton 

Field Trip Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robb Gillespie 

Exhibits and Sponsorship Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tom Howe 

Judging Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michelle Kominz 

Budget Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathyrn Wright 

Coordinator of Student Volunteers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .John Junod 

Section Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Joseph T . Hannibal 

North-Central Section GSA Officers 

Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alan Kehew 

Vice-Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Duane Hampton 

Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Joseph T . Hannibal 

Past Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chuck Ciampaglio 

Past Vice-Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John P . Szabo 

Members-at-large . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Douglas Aden, Kirsten N . Nicholson, Paul R . Hanson 

Travel Grants Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John P . Szabo 

50% Total Recovered Fiber 

10% Post-Consumer

Sponsors 

Sapphire Level 

Topaz Level 

Quartz Level 


The 2013 North-Central Section GSA Meeting is being 

held at the Fetzer Center on the campus of Western Michigan 

University . The accompanying map shows the location of the 

Fetzer Center along with the two conference hotels . Detailed 

directions to the Fetzer Center can be found at: http://www . 

wmich .edu/fetzer/gps-location . 

Location 

Easily accessible by interstate highway, bus, plane and air, 

Kalamazoo is a vibrant small city with a relaxed atmosphere 

and a variety of restaurants, microbreweries and cultural 

attractions . The meeting venue is the Fetzer Center, the university’s 

conference center . The Keynote address and the 

poster sessions are located in Schneider Hall and several additional 

events are being held in Rood Hall (see map below) . 

These are both next to the Fetzer Center . 

Accomodations 

Local sleeping rooms can be found at the Holiday Inn 

Kalamazoo West, 2747 S . 11th Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan 

49009, USA; +1-269-484-4950, and also at the Red Roof 

Inn Kalamazoo West, 5424 W . Michigan Ave ., Kalamazoo, 

Michigan 49009, USA; +1-269-375-7400 . 

Parking 

The Fetzer Center parking lot, Lot 72F, is directly adjacent 

to the Fetzer Center building . Complimentary parking 

is available within this parking lot . Handicap parking is also 

available within this same parking lot . As this is semester 

break, parking should also be permitted in the surrounding 

parking lots . 


General Information 

Registration 

All participants in the GSA meeting events must be official 

registrants . Pre-registrants may pick up their badges at the 

GSA registration booth in the Fetzer Center lobby . On-site 

registration also occurs at the same location . Students and 

K–12 professionals must show current ID to qualify for 

reduced rates . Guest registration is required for any guest 

attending meeting activities, including technical sessions and 

field trips . A professional or student registrant must accompany 

guests . Badges must be worn to all activities Wednesday 

through Saturday . All requests for registration changes or 

cancellations must have been made in writing and received 

at headquarters by 8 April . No refunds will be made after 

this time . 

Registration 

On-site registration fees . All fees are in US dollars . 

Full Mtg. One Day 

Professional Member . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$215 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $135 

Professional Nonmember . . . . . . . . . . . . .$235 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $155 

Student Member . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $60 

Student Nonmember . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $85 

K–12 Teacher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $40 

Guest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NA 

Short Course/Field Trip only . . . . . . . .$55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NA 

Continuing Education Credits (CEU) 

The Meeting offers an excellent opportunity to earn CEUs 

toward your general continuing education requirements for 

your employer or K–12 school . Credits are available for technical 

sessions, short courses and field trips . Ten contact hours 

are required for one CEU . For example, one day (8 hours) of 

technical sessions equals 0 .8 CEUs . After the Meeting contact 

William Cox, wcox@geosociety .org, to receive a meeting 

evaluation form . Within 2 weeks of completion of the meeting 

evaluation a Certificate will be mailed to you . 

Special Events 

Wednesday, May 1, 2013. 

Welcoming Reception. Wednesday, May 1, 6:30–8:30 p .m ., 

in Room 1035–1055 . You are cordially invited to the Fetzer 

Center as you visit with friends and colleagues . Refreshments 

and a cash bar available . 

Thursday, May 2, 2013. 

North-Central Section GSA Management Board 

Meeting. 7–8:30 a .m . Room 1060 .

Kal-Haven Trail 

9TH ST 

10TH ST 

M43 EXIT 

38 

To 

South 

Haven 

EXIT 

72 

 

EXIT 

41 

Maple 

Hill 

To 

Paw Paw, 

Benton Harbor & 

Chicago 

I-94 

MAPLE HILL 

KL AVE 

KDRAKE RD 

3 W. MICHIGAN 

EXIT 

36 

2 

STADIUM DR 

11TH ST N 

 

To 

Grand 

Rapids 

US 

131 

 

US 

131 

CENTRE ST 

131 BUSINESS ROUTE 

PARKVIEW AVE 

EXIT 

74 

EXIT 

32 

W MAIN ST 

W. MICHIGAN 

 

GREENLEAF BLVD 

Kalamazoo 

County 

Visitors Map 

MILHAM RD 

WMU 

1 

Kalamazoo 

College 

W. MICHIGAN 

STADIUM DR 

OAKLAND DR 

To Schoolcraft, Three Rivers & 

Indiana Toll Road 

EXIT 

75 

DOUGLAS AVE 

OAKLAND DR 

HOWARD ST 

WHITES RD 

WESTNEDGE AVE 

Markin Glen 

Park 

Stuart Area 

Historic District 

 

I-94 

WESTNEDGE 

SHAVER RD 

PARK ST 

KALAMAZOO AVE 

MICHIGAN AVE 

Southland Mall 

Crossroads Mall 

1 Fetzer Center at Western Michigan University (WMU) 

2 Holiday Inn West 

3 Red Roof Inn West 

 

 

 

 

EXIT 

76 

Kalamazoo 

Nature 

Center 

PARK ST 

Rose St 

LOVELL 

KILGORE RD 

Map not to Scale 

Radisson/ 

Kalamazoo 

Center 

 

Garden Lane 

Celery 

Flats 

Kalamazoo 

Valley 

Museum 

H H 

PORTAGE RD 

BRONSON 

RIVERVIEW 

LOVERS LN 

ROMENCE RD 

PORTAGE RD 

H H 

EXIT 

78 

BORGESS 

CORK ST 

CENTRE ST 

Gull Rd. (M-43) 

E. MAIN ST 

Kilgore Svc. Rd. 

KING HWY 

LAKE ST 

Airview Blvd. 

Airport 

Air Zoo 

Pfizer 

Gilmore Car Museum 

Expo Center 

Olmstead 

I-94 

BS LOOP 

I-94 

Wings 

Stadium 

2013 GSA North-Central Section Meeting 31 

SPRINKLE RD 

EASY ST 

KILGORE 

EXIT 

80 

SPRINKLE RD 

 

 

To 

Richland 

& 

Gull 

Lake 

M96 

To 

Battle 

Creek 

& 

Detroit 

EXIT 

81 

Retail Plc. 

 

BISHOP RD

32 2013 GSA Abstracts with Programs

Paleontology Society Get-together with Snacks at 

Paleontology Posters. 9–11 a.m. 

Roy J. Shlemon Mentors in Applied Geoscience. Noon– 

1:30 p.m., Room 2016/2018. 

Screening of the film, “Switch.” Noon–1:30 p.m., Rood 

Hall, Room 1118 (a 2-minute walk from the Fetzer Center). 

Texas State Geologist Scott Tinker’s excellent film about 

energy production and alternatives for the future. A ticket for 

a box lunch can be purchased at the registration desk. 

Reception and Annual Business Meeting of the Great 

Lakes Section–SEPM. Thurs., 2 May, 5:30–6:30 p.m., 

Exhibition Hall. Join friends and colleagues at the Great 

Lakes Section–SEPM exhibit booth for a reception and 

Annual Business meeting to share laughs and to guide the 

organization forward. 

North-Central GSA Business Meeting. 6:15–6:30 p.m., 

Brown Auditorium. Reception to follow in Rooms 1035– 

1055. Cash bar available. 

NAGT Luncheon. Noon–1:30 p.m., Room 1060. 

Keynote Address. 6:30 p.m., Brown Auditorium, 

Schneider Hall. Dr. William F. Ruddiman. “When Did We 

Transform Earth’s Surface?” Dr. Ruddiman’s many contributions 

include the early anthropogenic hypothesis for climate 

change. He is the author or editor of 137 papers and eight 

books. In 2012 he received the Distinguished Career Award 

of the American Quaternary Association. 

Friday May 3, 2013. 

North-Central GSA Campus Representatives, Meeting 

Planning and Technical Program Advisory Board, and 

Local Committees Meeting. 7–8 a.m., Room 1060. 

John Mann Mentors in Applied Hydrogeology Student 

Luncheon. Noon–1:30 p.m. Room 2016/2018. 

Screening of the film, “Switch.” Noon–1:30 p.m., Rood 

Hall, Room 1118 (a 2-minute walk from the Fetzer Center). 

Schneider Hall 

Fetzer Center 

Rood Hall 

Texas State Geologist Scott Tinker’s excellent film about 

energy production and alternatives for the future. A ticket for 

a box lunch can be purchased at the registration desk. 

Geomorphology of the Great Lakes Theories. Noon– 

1:30 p.m., near 1137 Rood Hall. Geomorphologists and anyone 

else interested can gather at the large wall photograph to 

discuss with each other speculative theories about the landforms 

visible and their geologic history. Robb Gillespie will 

lead this adventure. Can you match his imagination? A ticket 

for a box lunch can be purchased at the registration desk. 

Reception. 3–6 p.m., Room 1035–1055. Cash bar 

available. 

Saturday, May 4, 2013 

Paleontological Society Council Mid-Year Meeting. 8 a.m.– 

5 p.m., Room 1060. 

Student Activities 

The Student Volunteer check-in room is located in Room 

2050. Please contact John Junod, john.c.junod@wmich.edu. 

for more information. 

Student presentations are being reviewed for recognition 

of excellence. Awards are given for best student oral 

(undergraduate and graduate) and poster (undergraduate 

and graduate) presentations. To be eligible, students must be 

lead authors and presenters and should clearly identify their 

abstracts as student work. 

Roy J. Shlemon Mentor Program in Applied Geoscience. 

Cosponsored by the GSA Foundation. 2 May, Thursday, noon– 

1:30 p.m., Room 2016/2018. The Shlemon Mentor Program 

is designed to extend the mentoring reach of individual professionals 

from applied geology to undergraduates and graduate 

students attending GSA meetings. Over a free lunch, 

mentors discuss the professional opportunities and challenges 

that await students after graduation. Every registered student 


will receive a free ticket to the Shlemon Luncheon along 

with her/his badge; however, attendance is limited, and meals 

are distributed on a first come, first served basis . 

The John Mann Mentors in Applied Hydrogeology 

Program. Cosponsored by the GSA Foundation. 3 May, Friday, 

noon–1:30 p .m ., Room 2016/2018 . The Mann Mentors in 

Applied Hydrogeology Program presents mentoring opportunities 

for undergraduate, graduate, and recent graduate 

students who hold a strong interest in applied hydrogeology 

as a career to interact and network with practicing hydrogeology 

professionals . This small-scale event features a free lunch 

for student and professional participants . Every registered student 

will receive a free ticket to the Mann Luncheon along 

with her/his badge; however, attendance is limited, and meals 

are distributed on a first come, first served basis . 

Technical Program 

Oral Sessions 

Oral presentations are located on the first and second 

floors of the Fetzer Center . The Speaker Ready Room is located 

in Room 1030 . Signage and meeting staff are available to 

assist you in orienting yourself for quick access to all events . 

PowerPoint is available for oral presentations . Operating 

systems are PC-based; Mac-generated presentations should 

be formatted for PC compatibility . Presenters may not use 

their own laptops . Speakers should preferably provide their 

presentations on either CD-R or flash drive . Presentations 

must be uploaded in the Speaker Ready Room during the 

preceding half-day to a scheduled session . Slide shows for 

Thursday morning sessions are to be uploaded between 4 and 

8 p .m . Wednesday, 1 May . Slide shows for Friday morning are 

to be uploaded by 5 p .m . of the preceding afternoon . Talks for 

afternoon sessions are to be uploaded between 7 and 11 a .m . 

daily . In the unfortunate incidence of a late arrival, proceed 

to the Speaker Ready Room for individual aid . Please make 

every effort to upload your slide show by the session deadline 

of the preceding half-day . 

Poster Sessions 

Poster sessions are located in the courtyard of Schneider 

Hall . Individual poster space will be a 4' by 8' board, and you 

can only use pushpins to tack up your poster . The boards do 

not accept Velcro . Free pushpins will be available . Morning 

posters are to be displayed at 8 a .m . and removed at noon; 

while afternoon posters are to be displayed at 1:30 p .m . and 

removed at 5 p .m . Authors are to be present between 9 and 

11 a .m . for morning sessions, and between 2:30 and 4:30 p .m . 

for afternoon sessions . 

Keynote Address 

Thursday, May 2, 6:30 p .m ., Willard A . Brown Jr . Auditorium, 

2000 Schneider Hall . “When Did We Transform Earth’s 

Surface?” 

Dr . William F . Ruddiman, Department of Environmental 

Sciences (Emeritus Professor) University of Virginia, 

Charlottesville, VA . Dr . Ruddiman’s distinguished career 

includes the authorship of over 130 papers . He has edited or 


co-edited 3 books and 4 Ocean Drilling Volumes . His books 

include: “Earth’s Climate: Past and Future” 1st edition 2001, 

2nd edition 2007, 3rd edition in 2013; “Plows, Plagues, and 

Petroleum” (2005, Princeton Univ . Press; 2nd release in 

2010 with new afterword; and “Earth Transformed”: to be 

published in 2013, WH Freeman . Among his awards are the 

2010 Lyell Medal, Geological Society of London, and the 

2012 Distinguished Career Award, American Quaternary 

Association . 

Theme Sessions 

T1 . Advances in Glacial Sediment Characterization: 

Implications for Groundwater Flow and Contaminant 

Transport Modeling. Larry Lemke, Wayne State University, 

ldlemke@wayne .edu; Remke Van Dam, Michigan State 

University, rvd@msu .edu . 

T2 . Applications of Near-Surface Geophysics. Bill 

Sauck, Western Michigan University, sauck@wmich .edu; 

Remke Van Dam, Michigan State University, rvd@msu .edu . 

T4 . Quaternary Research in the Great Lakes Region I: 

The Pleistocene. Randy Schaetzl, Michigan State University, 

soils@msu .edu; Catherine Yansa, Michigan State University, 

yansa@msu .edu . 

T5 . Quaternary Research in the Great Lakes Region II: 

The Holocene. Catherine Yansa, Michigan State University, 

yansa@msu .edu; Randy Schaetzl, Michigan State University, 

soils@msu .edu . 

T6 . Quaternary Time Machine: Methods and 

Analyses of Soils and Sediments to Reveal Secrets of Past 

Environments. M . Kathyrn Rocheford, University of Iowa, 

kat-rocheford@uiowa .edu; Maija Sipola, University of Iowa, 

maija-sipola@uiowa .edu . 

T7 . Cultural Geology: Heritage Stone, Buildings, Parks, 

Exhibits, and More. Co-sponsored by the Heritage Stone Task 

Group of the IUGS. Nelson Shaffer, Indiana Geological 

Survey, shaffern@indiana .edu; Joe Hannibal, Cleveland 

Museum of Natural History, jhanniba@cmnh .org . 

T8 . Addressing Environmental Aspects of Geology: 

Research, Pedagogy, and Public Policy. Mike Phillips, 

Illinois Valley Community College, mike_phillips_ivcc .edu . 

T9 . Sources, Transport, and Fate of Trace Elements and 

Organics in the Environment. Co-sponsored by International 

Association of GeoChemistry . Ryan Vannier, Michigan State 

University, vannierr@msu .edu; Colleen McLean, Youngstown 

State University, cemclean@ysu .edu . 

T10 . Mapping the Glacial Geology of the Great Lakes 

States. Co-sponsored by the Great Lakes Geologic Mapping 

Coalition. Kevin Kincare, U .S . Geological Survey, kkincare@ 

usgs .gov; Dick Berg, Illinois State Geological Survey, berg@ 

isgs .illinois .edu . 

T11 . Working With Pre-Service Teachers—Issues 

and Ideas. Kyle Gray, University of Northern Iowa, kyle . 

gray@uni .edu; Anthony Feig, Central Michigan University, 

anthony .feig@cmich .edu . 

T12 . Research in Earth Science Education (Co-sponsored 

by Central NAGT). Heather Petcovic, Western Michigan

University, heather .petcovic@wmich .edu; Sandra Rutherford, 

University of Wisconsin, srutherford@wisc .edu . 

T13 . Innovative Earth Science Teacher Professional 

Development. Mark Klawiter, Michigan Technological 

University, mfklawit@mtu .edu; Carol Engelmann; Emily 

Gochis; Erika Vye; Heather Petcovic; Stephen Mattox . 

T14 . Teaching and Learning Earth Science: K–16 

Educational Pedagogy. Co-sponsored by NC NAGT. Katie 

Johnson, Eastern Illinois University, kjohnson4@eiu .edu; 

Stephen Mattox, Grand Valley State University, mattoxs@ 

gvsu .edu . 

T15 . Paleontology as a Murder Mystery: How the 

Study of Predation and Taphonomy Reveals the Means, 

Motives & Opportunities of Ancient Perpetrators and 

Their Victims. Karen Koy, Missouri Western University, 

kkoy@missouriwestern .edu; Joseph E . Peterson, University of 

Wisconsin–Oshkosh, petersoj@uwosh .edu . 

T17 . Special Poster Session on Undergraduate Research. 

Ed Hansen, Hope College, hansen@hope .edu; Robert 

Schuster, University of Nebraska, rshuster@unomaha .edu . 

T18 . Recent Advances in the Studies on the 

Origin of Magmatic and Hydrothermal Ore Deposits. 

Joyashish Thakurta, Western Michigan University, 

joyashish .thakurta@wmich .edu . 

T19 . Hydrogeologic Investigations for Improved 

Assessment of Water Availability and Use in the Glaciated 

United States. Randall Bayless, U .S . Geological Survey, 

ebayless@usgs .gov; Howard Reeves, U .S . Geological Survey . 

T20 . Applied Geology: Engineering, Environmental, 

Geotechnical and Hydrogeology. Co-sponsored by Association 

of Environmental and Engineering Geologists. Terry R . West, 

Purdue University, trwest@purdue .edu . 

T21 . Field Trips, Guidebooks, and Apps: Exploring 

the Present, Past and Future of Geological Field Trips and 

Field Trip Guidebooks. Joe Hannibal, Cleveland Museum 

of Natural History, jhanniba@cmnh .org . Kevin R . Evans, 

Missouri State University, KevinEvans@missouristate .edu . 

T22. Topics in Vertebrate Paleontology. Michael J . 

Ryan, Cleveland Museum of Natural History (mryan@ 

cmnh .org); Evan Scott, Case Western Reserve University 

(ees20@case .edu) . 

T23 . Remote Sensing Applications in Environmental 

Sciences. Mohamed Sultan, Western Michigan University, 

mohamed .sultan@wmich .edu; Richard Becker, University of 

Toledo, rbecker7@utnet .utoledo .edu . 

Disciplinary Sessions 

CO 2 Storage and Greenhouse Gases . Charles W . Rovey II, 

Missouri State University, charlesrovey@missouristate .edu . 

Geophysics, Geodynamics, etc. Christopher J . Schmidt, 

Western Michigan University, christopher .schmidt@ 

wmich .edu . 

Geoscience Education (Posters). 

Paleontology (Posters). 

Sedimentology & Stratigraphy (Posters). 

Sedimentology & Stratigraphy. Peter J . Voice, Western 

Michigan University, peter .voice@wmich .edu . 

Geophysics, Geochemistry & Oil (Posters). 

Short Courses And Workshops 

Short Course 

Rationale and Methods For Regional 3d Geological 

Mapping. Harvey Thorleifson, Minnesota Geological Survey; 

Richard Berg, Illinois State Geological Survey; Hazen Russell, 

Geological Survey of Canada . 

This course will provide an introductory conceptual and 

methodological guide for regional 3D geological mapping of 

sediments and undeformed sedimentary basins . It is intended 

for geological survey agency staff, and persons in allied 

activity, who wish to justify and design or expand a 3D mapping 

program, and will emphasize widely available software . 

The course will address regional scales of 1:24,000 and less 

detailed, and will cover rationale, principles, data compilation, 

geophysics, drilling, model construction, and applications 

such as regional groundwater protection, modeling, and 

management . Parking is available at the Fetzer Center . 

Date and Time: 1 May 2013 (Wednesday) 8 a .m .–5 p .m . 

Cost: $50, includes Workshop manual and breaks, lunch 

not included . Limit: 40 . CEU:0 .8 . 

Location: Room 1122, Rood Hall . 

Core Workshop 

The Carboniferous of the Michigan Basin: Mississippian 

(Osagean) Marshall through the Pennsylvanian 

(Morrowan-Atokan) Saginaw Formations. Shannon Towne, 

Michigan Geological Survey/Geosciences, Western Michigan 

University, shannon .m .towne@wmich .edu; Dave Barnes, 

Michigan Geological Survey/Geosciences, Western Michigan 

University, dave .barnes@wmich .edu; William B . Harrison III, 

Michigan Geological Repository for Research and Education, 

harrison@wmich .edu 

Date and Time: 5 May 2013 (Sunday) 9a.m.–4 p.m. 

Cost: $75, includes: workshop manual, Lunch, and 

Breaks . 

Location: MGRRE Facility . The location of the facility 

is detailed on: http://wsh060 .westhills .wmich .edu/MGRRE/ 

index .shtml . Free Parking is available at MGRRE . 

There is a core workshop being held at the Michigan 

Repository for Research and Education (MGRRE), Western 

Michigan University, as part of the annual North-Central 

regional GSA meeting . The workshop focuses on the 

Carboniferous of the Michigan Basin with special emphasis 

on lithostratigraphy and chronostratigraphy associated with 

the Mississippian-Pennsylvanian unconformity . Analysis of 

core material on the basis of dominant lithofacies and biostratigraphy 

is being explored using a collection of cores from 

the southern Michigan Basin . Recently identified Chesterian 

strata from subsurface cores are being examined . Cores that 

illustrate the variability of the Kaskaskia/Absaroka megasequence 

boundary (Mississippian/Pennsylvanian systemic 

boundary) are also be on display . 

Field Trips 

All field trips will leave from the front entrance to the 

Fetzer Center) . Park at the Fetzer Center Lot . 


1 . Kentland Quarry & Kentland, Indiana Impact 

Structure. John Weber, Grand Valley State University, 

weberj@gvsu .edu . 

Date and Time: 4 May 2013 (Saturday) 8 a .m .–6 p .m . 

Cost: $115, includes: field trip guide, transportation, 

lunch, and refreshments . 

2 . The Detroit Salt Mine. William B . Harrison III, 

Director, Michigan Geological Repository for Research and 

Education (MGRRE), harrison@wmich .edu; on-site leader: 

E .Z . Manos, President, Detroit Salt Mine Company . 




3 . Contrasting Terrains of the Lake Michigan and 

Saginaw Lobes in Southern Michigan. Alan Kehew, Western 

Michigan University, alan .kehew@wmich .edu; Andrew 

Kozlowski, New York State Museum–Albany, akozlows@ 

mail .nysed .gov; Brian Bird, New York State Museum, bbird@ 

nysed .gov; John Esch, Michigan Dept . of Environmental 

Quality, eschj@michigan .gov . 




4 . Pennsylvanian Fluvial-Deltaic Depositional Systems 

in Central Lower Michigan: Sedimentology, Stratigraphy, 

and Hydrogeology of the Saginaw Aquifer. Peter J . Voice, 

Western Michigan University, peter .voice@wmich .edu; 


David Barnes, Michigan Geological Survey/Geosciences, 

Western Michigan University, dave .barnes@wmich .edu; 

Dave Westjohn; Amanda Walega, Niah Venable . 




5 . Michigan Sand Dunes. Edward Hansen, Hope College, 

hansen@ hope .edu . 




6 . Geology and Slope Stability along the Lake Michigan 

Coastal Zone. Ronald Chase, Western Michigan University, 

ronald .chase@wmich .edu . 

James .P . Selegean, U .S . Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit 

District 




7 . Spouse/Guest Trip to Frederik Meijer Gardens and 

Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids. This trip will visit the 

132-acre Meijer gardens and outdoor sculpture park in Grand 

Rapids, Michigan . http://www .meijergardens .org/ . 


Cost: $50, includes: transportation and admission . Lunch 

is available at the park but is not included in the cost .

Schedule of Events 

EvEnt timE Location 

WEdnEsday, may 1, 2013 

Welcoming Reception and Exhibits 6:30–8:30 p.m. Rm 1035–1055, Fetzer Center 

short course: Rationale and Methods for Regional 3D Geological Mapping 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Rood Hall, Room 1122 

speaker Ready Room 4–8 p.m. Room 1030 

Registration 4–8 p.m. Lobby, Fetzer Center 

thuRsday may 2, 2013 

Registration 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Lobby, Fetzer Center 

speaker Ready Room 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Room 1030 

meeting office 7 a.m.–4 p.m. 

north central section management Board meeting 7–8:30 a.m. Room 1060 

Paleontology society Get-together with snacks at Paleontology 

Posters 

Director’s Conference Room, 

Fetzer Center 

9–11 a.m. Schneider Hall, Courtyard 

naGt Luncheon noon–1:30 p.m. Room 1060 

screening of the movie “switch” noon–1:30 p.m. Rood Hall, Room 1118 

Roy J. schlemon mentors in applied Geoscience noon–1:30 p.m. Room 2016/2018 

north-central Gsa Business meeting 6:15–6:30 p.m. Brown Auditorium 

Reception and annual Business meeting of the Great Lakes section– 

sEPm 

5:30–6:30 p.m. Exhibition Hall 

Reception in Exhibits area 5:45–6:30 p.m. Room 1035-1055 

Keynote address: dr. William Ruddiman 6:30–8 p.m. Brown Auditorium, Schneider Hall 

oral technical sessions 

moRninG (thuRsday) 

tEchnicaL sEssions 

Geophysics, Geodynamics, etc. 8–10 a.m. Room 2040 

T4. Quaternary Research in the Great Lakes Region I: The Pleistocene 8 a.m.–noon Kirsch Auditorium 

T13. Innovative Earth Science Teacher Professional Development 8 a.m.–noon Putney Auditorium 

T23. Remote Sensing Applications in Environmental Sciences 8 a.m.–noon Room 2020 

CO 2 Storage and Greenhouse Gases 8 a.m.–noon Room 1040/1050 

T18. Recent Advances in the Studies on the Origin of Magmatic 

and Hydrothermal Ore Deposits 

Poster technical sessions (authors present 9–11 a.m.) 

10 a.m.–noon Room 2040 

Geoscience Education (Posters) 8–noon Schneider Hall, Courtyard 

Paleontology (Posters) 8–noon Schneider Hall, Courtyard 

Sedimentology & Stratigraphy (Posters) 8–noon Schneider Hall, Courtyard 



T6. Quaternary Time Machine: Methods and Analyses of Soils and 

Sediments to Reveal Secrets of Past Environments (Posters) 


8–noon Schneider Hall, Courtyard 

T10. Mapping the Glacial Geology of the Great Lakes States (Posters) 8–noon Schneider Hall, Courtyard 

oral technical sessions: 

aftERnoon (thuRsday) 


Sedimentology & Stratigraphy 1:30–5:30 p.m. Room 2020 


Sediments to Reveal Secrets of Past Environments 

1:30–5:30 p.m. Room 1040/1050 

T10. Mapping the Glacial Geology of the Great Lakes States 1:30 p.m. Kirsch Auditorium 

T14. Teaching and Learning Earth Science: K–16 Educational Pedagogy 1:30–5:30 p.m. Putney Auditorium 

T22. Topics in Vertebrate Paleontology 1:30–5:30 p.m. Room 2040 

Poster technical sessions (authors present 2:30–4:30 p.m.) 

Geophysics, Geochemistry & Oil (Posters) 1:30–5:30 p.m. Schneider Hall, Courtyard 

T2. Applications of Near-Surface Geophysics (Posters) 1:30–5:30 p.m. Schneider Hall, Courtyard 

T8. Addressing Environmental Aspects of Geology: Research, Pedagogy, 

and Public Policy (Posters) 

T19. Hydrogeologic Investigations for Improved Assessment of Water 

Availability and Use in the Glaciated United States (Posters) 

T20. Applied Geology: Engineering, Environmental, Geotechnical and 

Hydrogeology (Posters) 

1:30–5:30 p.m. Schneider Hall, Courtyard 



T23. Remote Sensing Applications in Environmental Sciences (Posters) 1:30–5:30 p.m. Schneider Hall, Courtyard 

fRiday, may 3, 2013 

Registration 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Lobby, Fetzer Center 

speaker Ready Room 7 a.m.–noon Room 2030 

meeting office 7 a.m.–4 p.m. Director’s Conference Room 

north-central Gsa campus Representatives meeting 7–8:30 a.m. Room 1060 

screening of the movie“switch” noon–1:30 p.m. Rood Hall, Room 1118 

John mann mentors in applied hydrogeology noon–1:30 p.m. Room 2016/2018 

Geomorphic theories noon–1:30 p.m. near 1137 Rood Hall 


T1. Advances in Glacial Sediment Characterization: Implications for 

Groundwater Flow and Contaminant Transport Modeling 

moRninG (fRiday) 


8 a.m.–noon Kirsch Auditorium 

T5. Quaternary Research in the Great Lakes Region II: The Holocene, Part I 8 a.m.–noon Putney Auditorium 

T9. Topics in Environmental Geochemistry 8 a.m.–noon Room 1040/1050 

T11. Working With Pre-Service Teachers—Issues and Ideas 8 a.m.–noon Room 2020


T15. Paleontology as a Murder Mystery: How the Study of Predation 

and Taphonomy Reveals the Means, Motives & Opportunities of Ancient 

Perpetrators and Their Victims 

Poster technical sessions (authors present 9-11 a.m.) 

8 a.m.–noon Room 2040 

T17. Special Poster Session on Undergraduate Research (Posters) 8 a.m.–noon Schneider Hall, Courtyard 


aftERnoon (fRiday) 

T5. Quaternary Research in the Great Lakes Region II: The Holocene, 

Part II 

1:30–5:30 p.m. Putney Auditorium 

T7. Cultural Geology: Heritage Stone, Buildings, Parks, and More 1:30–3 p.m. Room 2040 

T8. Addressing Environmental Aspects of Geology: Research, Pedagogy, 

and Public Policy 

1:30–5:30 p.m. Room 1040/1050 

T12. Research in Earth Science Education 1:30–5:30 p.m. Room 2020 

T19. Hydrogeologic Investigations for Improved Assessment of Water 

Availability and Use in the Glaciated United States 

T20. Applied Geology: Engineering, Environmental, Geotechnical and 

Hydrogeology 

T21. Field Trips, Guidebooks, and Apps: Exploring the Present, Past and 

Future of Geological Field Trips and Field Trip Guidebooks 

satuRday may 4, 2013 

1:30–3:30 p.m. Kirsch Auditorium 

3:30–5:30 p.m Kirsch Auditorium 

3–5:30 p.m Room 2040 

Paleontological society council mid-year meeting. 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Room 1060 

field trips 

Departures (All Field Trips leave from the entrance to Fetzer Center) 

Field Trips 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 leave at 8 a.m. Please be present at 7:30 a.m. Field trip 5 leaves at 7 a.m. and Field Trip 7 leaves at 9 a.m. 

Field Trip #1 Kentland Quarry & Kentland, Indiana Impact Structure 

Field Trip #2 The Detroit Salt Mine 

Field Trip #3 Contrasting Terrains of the Lake Michigan and Saginaw Lobes in Southern Michigan 

Field Trip #4 Pennsylvanian Fluvial-Deltaic Depositional Systems in Central Lower Michigan: Sedimentology, Stratigraphy, and 

Hydrogeology of the Saginaw Aquifer 

Field Trip #5 Michigan Sand Dunes 

Field Trip #6 Geology and Slope Stability along the Lake Michigan Coastal Zone 

Field Trip #7 Spouse/guest trip to Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids. 

Workshop 

CORE WORKSHOP 

sunday, may 5, 2013 

The Carboniferous of the Michigan Basin: Mississippian (Osagean) Marshall through the Pennsylvanian (Morrowan-Atokan) Saginaw 

Formations 

9a.m. – 4 p.m. (Michigan Geological Repository for Research and Education (MGRRE) The location of the facility is detailed at: 

http://wsh060.westhills.wmich.edu/MGRRE/index.shtml 


sEssion no. 1 

moRninG oRaL 


CO 2 Storage and Greenhouse Gases 

8:00 AM, Fetzer Center, Room 1040/1050 

Charles W. Rovey, Presiding 

1-1 8:00 AM Shields, Stephen A.*; Plymate, Thomas: PEtRoGRaPhic 

anaLysis of thE LamottE sandstonE: PotEntiaL 

foR caRBon sEQuEstRation 

1-2 8:20 AM Sosulski, John H.*; Barnes, David A.: co stoRaGE 

2 

REsouRcE PotEntiaL of a dEEP saLinE aQuifER: 

st. PEtER sandstonE, michiGan Basin, usa 

1-3 8:40 AM Bull, Nicholas*; Hampton, Duane R.; Barnes, David A.: 

anaLyZinG thE co sEQEstRation PotEntiaL of 

2 

thE middLE dEvonian syLvania sandstonE usinG 

numERicaL simuLations 

1-4 9:00 AM Johns, Elizabeth K.*; Gouzie, Douglas R.: sitE sPEcific 

GEochEmicaL modELinG of GRoundWatER, RocK 

and caRBon dioXidE intERactions: imPLications 

foR GEoLoGic caRBon sEQuEstRation 

1-5 9:20 AM Mayle, Emme*; Rovey, Charles W. II.: RELationshiP 

BEtWEEn dEPth and hydRauLic conductivity 

Within thE st. fRancois aQuifER, missouRi 

9:40 AM Break 

1-6 10:00 AM Stratton, Stephanie L.*; Rovey, Charles W. II.: simuLation of 

co inJEction into st. fRancois aQuifER, GREEnE 

2 

county, missouRi 

1-7 10:20 AM Smolenski, Rebecca Lynn*; Beaulieu, Jake; Townsend- 

Small, Amy: GREEnhousE Gas Emissions fRom a 

tEmPERatE aGRicuLtuRaL REsERvoiR 


Technical Sessions 

Meeting policy prohibits the use of cameras 

or sound-recording equipment at technical 

sessions and poster sessions . 

A no-smoking policy has been established by 

the Program Committee and will be followed in 

all meeting rooms for technical sessions . 

NOTICE 

In the interest of public information, the Geological Society of America provides a forum for the presentation 

of diverse opinions and positions . The opinions (views) expressed by speakers and exhibitors at these sessions 

are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the Geological Society of America . 

NOTE INDEx SYSTEM 

Numbers (3-4, 15-4) indicate session and order of presentation within that session. 

*denotes speaker 

thuRsday, 2 may 2013 

sEssion no. 2 

Geophysics, Geodynamics, etc. 

8:00 AM, Fetzer Center, Room 2040 

Christopher J. Schmidt, Presiding 

2-1 8:00 AM Larson, Mark*; Mickus, Kevin: GRavity and maGnEtic 

anaLysis of PLutons, RinG PLutons and mafic 

BodiEs in thE st fRancois mountains, sE missouRi 

2-2 8:20 AM Evans, Kevin R.*; Bassett, Damon J.; Ethington, Raymond L.; 

Manger, Walter L.; Mickus, Kevin L.; Miller, James F.: PREouachita 

tEctonism, dEvELoPmEnt of a BacKstEPPinG 

shELf maRGin, and syn-tEctonic 

sEdimEntation (middLE dEvonian thRouGh 

mississiPPian) on southERn LauREntia: a 

REGionaL synthEsis of thE oZaRKs 

2-3 8:40 AM Pennington, Wayne D.*; Waite, Gregory P.: thE mEnominEE 

cRacK and cLintonviLLE Booms: sEismic EvEnts in 

michiGan’s uPPER PEninsuLa and noRthEastERn 

Wisconsin 

2-4 9:00 AM Tupper, M. Tobias*; Green, Douglas H.: idEntification of 

LoW-LEvEL sEismicity in ohio 

2-5 9:20 AM Malcuit, Robert J.*: a JuPitER oRBit -- LunaR oRBit 

REsonancE modEL: PossiBLE causE foR thE 

BEGinninG of thE modERn styLE of PLatE 

tEctonics 

sEssion no. 3 

T4. Quaternary Research in the Great Lakes Region I: The 

Pleistocene 

8:00 AM, Fetzer Center, Kirsch Auditorium 

Randall Schaetzl and Catherine Yansa, Presiding 

3-1 8:00 AM Lepper, Kenneth*; Fisher, Timothy G.; Lowell, Thomas V.: 

aGE constRaints foR an uPdatEd LaKE aGassiZ 

PaLEohydRoGRaPh

3-2 8:20 AM Fisher, Timothy G.*; Blockland, Joseph; Higley, Melinda; 

Anderson, Brad; Goble, Ronald J.; Lepper, Kenneth: REcEnt 

stRatiGRaPhic and chRonoLoGic REsuLts fRom 

thE huRon-ERiE LaKE PLain of ancEstRaL LaKE 

ERiE, ohio 

3-3 8:40 AM Lowell, Thomas V.*: do thE icE maRGin chanGEs of 

thE LauREntidE GREat LaKE LoBEs match thE 

GREEnLand isotoPE REcoRd? 

3-4 9:00 AM Carson, Eric C.*; Attig, John W.: RadiocaRBon contRoL 

foR thE advancE of thE GREEn Bay LoBE to its 

LatE Wisconsin (mis 2) maXimum Position at dEviLs 

LaKE, south-cEntRaL Wisconsin 

3-5 9:20 AM Schaetzl, Randall*; Forman, Steven L.; Attig, John W.: osL 

aGEs on LoEss constRain thE advancE of thE 

chiPPEWa vaLLEy LoBE in WEstERn Wisconsin, usa 

9:40 AM Break 

3-6 10:00 AM Esch, John M.*: BuRiEd BEdRocK vaLLEys of michiGan 

3-7 10:20 AM Walters, Kent A.*; Lowell, Thomas V.; Putnam, Aaron E.: a 

casE foR stEP-WisE REtREat of thE LauREntidE 

icE shEEt duRinG thE younGER dRyas: cEntRaL 

uPPER PEninsuLa of michiGan 

3-8 10:40 AM Colgan, Patrick M.*: EvidEncE foR distRiBution and 

thicKnEss of athEns suB-EPisodE and oLdER 

sEdimEnts in ottaWa county, michiGan 

3-9 11:00 AM Curry, B. Brandon*: suPERPosEd icE-WaLLEd LaKE 

dEPosits, noRthEastERn iLLinois 

3-10 11:20 AM Phillips, Andrew C.*; Caron, Olivier; Bryk, Alexander B.; 

Prokocki, Eric W.; Best, James L.: mEandER cutoffs, 

fLoodPLain LaKEs: GEoLoGic aRchivEs in thE 

LoWER WaBash vaLLEy 

sEssion no. 4 

T13. Innovative Earth Science Teacher Professional Development 

8:00 AM, Fetzer Center, Putney Auditorium 

Mark F. Klawiter, Carol Engelmann, Emily E. Gochis, Erika C. Vye, Heather Petcovic, 

and Stephen Mattox, Presiding 

8:00 AM introductory Remarks 

4-1 8:10 AM Schepke, Chuck*; Bluth, Gregg J.S.; Anderson, Kari; 

Smirnov, Aleksey V.; Piispa, Elisa J.: summER REsEaRch 

EXPERiEncE in EaRth maGnEtism: thE tEachERs’ 

PERsPEctivE 

4-2 8:30 AM Zolynsky, Debra L.*; Klawiter, Mark F.: viRtuaL vs. 

viscERaL fiELd EXPERiEncEs: tWo Paths divERGE... 

taKE Both 

4-3 8:50 AM Klawiter, Mark F.*; Mattox, Stephen R.; Petcovic, Heather L.; 

Rose, William I.; Huntoon, Jacqueline E.; Engelmann, Carol A.; 

Vye, Erika C.; Gochis, Emily E.; Miller, Ashley E.; McKee, 

Kathleen F.: cREatinG a modEL foR imPRovinG EaRth 

sciEncE tEachinG nationWidE: an ovERviEW of thE 

michiGan tEachER EXcELLEncE PRoGRam (mitEP) 

nsf math-sciEncE PaRtnERshiP 

4-4 9:10 AM Mattox, Stephen*; Petcovic, Heather; Klawiter, Mark F.; 

Gochis, Emily; Miller, Ashley E.: RELEvant, PLacE-BasEd 

PRofEssionaL dEvELoPmEnt foR uRBan tEachERs, 

insiGhts fRom thE michiGan tEachER Education 

PRoGRam 

9:30 AM Break 

4-5 9:50 AM Gochis, Emily E.*; Rose, William I.; Hungwe, Kedmon; 

Klawiter, Mark F.; Mattox, Stephen R.; Petcovic, Heather; 

Miller, Ashley E.: PRomotinG GEosciEncE sKiLLs 

and contEnt KnoWLEdGE By intEGRatinG fiELd- 

BasEd EaRthcachEs into tEachER PRofEssionaL 

dEvELoPmEnt 

SESSION NO. 6 

4-6 10:10 AM Miller, Ashley E.*; Mattox, Stephen: intEGRatinG 

inQuiRy-BasEd instRuction in K-12 EaRth sciEncE 

cLassRooms 

4-7 10:30 AM Grabemeyer, Nick C.*; Young, Julie L.; Jenkins, Julia H.; Bryant- 

Kuiphoff, Yonee’ E.; Reed, Mark S.; Mattox, Stephen; Petcovic, 

Heather; Rose, William I.: KaLamaZoo and JacKson 

(mi) K-12 tEachER REfLEctions fRom thE michiGan 

tEachER Education PRoGRam 

4-8 10:50 AM Ernstes, Joshua D.*; Ernstes, Angela L.; Kay, Katherine E.; 

Selner, Maria D.; Kahler, Dawn; Petcovic, Heather; Mattox, 

Stephen; Rose, William I.: KaLamaZoo (mi) K-12 tEachER 

REfLEctions fRom thE michiGan tEachER 

EXcELLEncE PRoGRam 

4-9 11:10 AM Kumler, Lori; McLean, Colleen E.*; Armstrong, Felicia P.: 

mEEtinG thE nEEds of thE modERn EnviRonmEntaL 

ERa: a PaRtnERshiP to EnhancE tEachERs’ and 

studEnts’ undERstandinGs of sustainaBiLity 

concEPts 

11:30 AM discussion 

sEssion no. 5 

T18. Recent Advances in the Studies on the Origin of Magmatic 

and Hydrothermal Ore Deposits 


Joyashish Thakurta, Presiding 

5-1 10:00 AM Mulcahy, Connor*; Hansen, Edward C.; Rhede, D.; Bornhorst, 

Theodore J.: RaRE EaRth ELEmEnt EnRichEd 

minERaLs in hydRothERmaL coPPER dEPosits 

fRom thE KEWEEnaW PEninsuLa, michiGan, usa 

5-2 10:20 AM Frank, Mark R.*; Fraley, Kendle: an EXPERimEntaL study 

of GoLd in suLfidE minERaLs 

5-3 10:40 AM Mateas, Douglas J.*: hydRothERmaL aLtERation 

and minERaLiZation amonG thE GoLd ZonEs of 

thE BacK foRty voLcanoGEnic massivE suLfidE 

dEPosit 

5-4 11:00 AM Hagni, Richard D.*: oRiGin of PLaty GaLEna in thE 

viBuRnum tREnd, southEast missouRi 

5-5 11:20 AM Scott, Henry P.*; Compton, John G.; Hasan, Maggie; Frank, 

Mark R.: co cycLinG in thE dEEP EaRth 

2 

sEssion no. 6 

T23. Remote Sensing Applications in Environmental Sciences 


Mohamed Sultan and Richard Becker, Presiding 

6-1 8:00 AM Siemer, Kyle W.*; Becker, Richard: usinG diffEREntiaL 

synthEtic aPERtuRE RadaR intERfERomEtRy 

(dinsaR) to dEtEct suBsidEncE RELatEd to 

aBandonEd undERGRound minEs (aums) in 

southEastERn ohio 

6-2 8:20 AM Bouali, El Hachemi Y.*; Sultan, Mohamed; Becker, Richard H.; 

Chouinard, Kyle J.: suBsidEncE of thE niLE dELta, 

EGyPt: oPtimiZinG intERfERomEtRic synthEtic 

aPERtuRE RadaR (insaR) REsuLts ovER uRBan 

cEntERs in vEGEtatEd REGions 

6-3 8:40 AM Zaki, Abotalib; Mohamed, Lamees*; Sultan, Mohamed: 

invEstiGatinG thE PhysicaL EnviRonmEnt of 

GEBEL EL-hamZa aREa, nE caiRo, EGyPt: a REmotE 

sEnsinG aPPRoach 

6-4 9:00 AM El Kadiri, Racha*; Sultan, Mohamed; Becker, Richard; 

Krawczyk, Malgorzata; Al Harbi, Talal; Chouinard, Kyle J.: 

statisticaL and REmotE sEnsinG BasEd aPPRoach 

to dEtERminE dEBRis fLoWs tRiGGERinG factoRs 

9:20 AM Break 


SESSION NO. 6 

6-5 9:40 AM Mohamed, Lamees*; Sultan, Mohamed; Zaki, Abotalib: 

stRuctuRaL contRoL of GRoundWatER fLoW, 

southERn sinai, EGyPt: REmotE sEnsinG 

constRaints 

6-6 10:00 AM Ahmed, Mohamed*; Sultan, Mohamed; Alharbi, Talal: 

monitoRinG aQuifER dEPLEtion fRom sPacE: casE 

studiEs fRom nuBian sandstonE aQuifER in EGyPt 

and thE saQ aQuifER in saudi aRaBia 

6-7 10:20 AM Zmijewski, Kirk A.*; Becker, Richard H.: usinG GRacE 

data to monitoR EffEcts of anthRoPoGEnic 

modification and cLimatE chanGE on 

GRoundWatER in thE aRaL sEa REGion: 2002-2012 

6-8 10:40 AM Becker, Richard H.*: thE staLLEd REcovERy of thE 

mEsoPtamian maRshEs 

moRninG PostER 


sEssion no. 7 

Geoscience Education (Posters) 

8:00 AM, Schneider Hall, Courtyard 

Authors will be present from 9 to 11 AM 

Booth # 

7-1 1 Lane, Joe*: usinG thE histoRy of REsEaRch on thE 

PhEnomEnon of PLatE tEctonics to hELP studEnts 

BEttER aPPREciatE thE natuRE of sciEncE 

7-2 2 Miller, Kurtz K.*; Cook, Alex: anaLyZinG GLaciaL tiLL: an 

inQuiRy-BasEd PRoJEct foR hiGh schooL EaRth 

sciEncE studEnts 

7-3 3 Barney, Jeffrey A.*: usinG soLid RocK coRE samPLEs to 

tEach PoRosity and PERmEaBiLity 

7-4 4 Barone, Steven*; Petcovic, Heather: tEachinG PaLEocLimatE 

and cLimatE chanGE to futuRE tEachERs: an action 

REsEaRch study 

sEssion no. 8 

Paleontology (Posters) 



Booth # 

8-1 5 Johnson, Daryl*; Wulf, Shane; Hanger, Rex: siZE-fREQuEncy 

distRiBution and taPhonomy of BRachioPoda 

fRom thE huGhEs cREEK shaLE (caRBonifERous) of 

southEastERn nEBRasKa 

8-2 6 Day, Jed*; Evans, Scott D.; Over, D. Jeffrey; Hasenmueller, Nancy R.; 

Leonard, Andrea M.: EaRLy caRBonifERous (EaRLiEst 

touRnaisian-KindERhooKian) BRachioPod and 

conodont faunas of thE “ELLsWoRth” mEmBER of thE 

nEW aLBany shaLE, iLLinois Basin, southERn indiana 

8-3 7 Smrecak, Trisha A.*: comPaRinG scLERoBiont covERaGE 

of RAFINESQUINA ALTERNATA in haRdGRound and soft- 

Bottom suBstRatE sEttinGs in thE cincinnati aRch 

REGion (cincinnatian, uPPER oRdovician) 

8-4 8 Green, Jeremy L.*; McAfee, Robert K.: thE infLuEncE of BitE 

foRcE on thE foRmation of dEntaL micRoWEaR in 

XEnaRthRans (mammaLia) 

8-5 9 Guensburg, Thomas E.*; Sprinkle, James; Mooi, Rich: aGainst 

homoLoGy of cRinoid and BLastoZoan oRaL PLatEs 

8-6 10 Aucoin, Christopher D.*; Brett, Carlton E.; Malgieri, Thomas J.; 

Thomka, James R.: a PRELiminaRy comPaRison of thE LatE 

oRdovician ButtER shaLEs of thE cincinnati aRch 


8-7 11 Zambito, James J. IV.*; Day, Jed: nEW insiGhts into thE 

tRiLoBitE and conodont BiostRatiGRaPhy of thE 

middLE-uPPER dEvonian GEnEsEE GRouP in EastERn 

nEW yoRK statE 

8-8 12 Wulf, Shane*; Johnson, Daryl; Hanger, Rex A.: tEstinG sPEciEsaBundancE 

modELs of thE huGhEs cREEK shaLE 

(caRBonifERous) of southEastERn nEBRasKa 

8-9 13 Rivera, Alexei A.*: EcoLoGy of LatE mEsoZoic 

hEtERomoRPhic ammonitEs: a casE foR aLGaL 

symBiosis? 

8-10 14 Rivera, Alexei A.*: a nEW tEst of thE PunctuationaL 

modEL usinG PREsEntLy RadiatinG cLadEs of BivaLvE 

moLLusKs and mammaLs 

8-11 15 Blahnik, Caitlin*; Hanger, Rex: mouth-siZE Estimation of thE 

shaRK, PETALODUS OHIOENSIS, fRom thE huGhEs cREEK 

shaLE (caRBonifERous) of southEastERn nEBRasKa 

8-12 16 Fontana, Thomas M.*; Bartels, William S.: EocEnE tuRtLEs 

fRom thE distaL dEPosits of thE cathEdRaL BLuffs 

tonGuE (Wasatch foRmation), REd dEsERt, WyominG 

8-13 17 Claes, Christopher*; Bartels, William S.; McRivette, Michael W.: 

GEoGRaPhic infoRmation systEm anaLysis of thE 

distRiBution of LivinG REPtiLians With REsPEct 

to cLimatE and its PotEntiaL foR GEnERatinG 

QuantitativE PaLEocLimatic EstimatEs 

8-14 18 Baumann, Eric Jr.*; Crowley, Brooke: invEstiGatinG thE 

EcoLoGy of EXtinct PRoBoscidEans fRom thE 

cincinnati REGion usinG staBLE isotoPEs 

8-15 19 Thomka, James R.*; Brett, Carlton E.: suBstRatE-contRoLLEd 

vaRiaBiLity Within attachmEnt stRuctuREs of 

CARYOCRINITES (EchinodERmata: RhomBifERa) fRom thE 

middLE siLuRian of southEastERn indiana 

sEssion no. 9 

Sedimentology & Stratigraphy (Posters) 



Booth # 

9-1 20 Thomka, James R.*; List, Daniel A.; Brett, Carlton E.: maGnEtic 

suscEPtiBiLity of thE LatEst tELychian-EaRLy 

shEinWoodian (middLE siLuRian) succEssion, 

southEastERn indiana and noRthERn KEntucKy: 

imPLications foR stRatiGRaPhic intERPREtation of 

diaGEnEticaLLy aLtEREd units 

9-2 21 Donoghue, Kellie*; Schieber, Juergen: fLuid incLusion studiEs 

of PRominEnt natuRaL fRactuREs in thE nEW aLBany 

shaLE, KEntucKy, usa 

9-3 22 Hess, Rachel*; Evans, Kevin; Dattilo, Benjamin: vaRiations 

of fLat-PEBBLE conGLomERatE stRata in hintZE’s 

sEction c and mount LaW 

9-4 23 Elson, Joshua D.*; Larson, Mark O.; Talarico, Joe M.; Ives, 

Brandon T.: cLastic diKEs Within thE sWan cREEK 

sandstonE, southWEst missouRi 

9-5 24 Wagenvelt, Kirk A.*; Barnes, David A.; Kominz, Michelle A.; Samson, 

Josh B.: usE of oRGanic thERmaL aLtERation data to 

invEstiGatE anomaLous/accELERatEd matuRation 

RELatEd to thE mid-continEnt Rift systEm, michiGan 

Basin, usa 

9-6 25 Camaret, B.N*; Krossman, K.E.; McLean, Colleen; Mattheus, C.R.: 

dEtERmininG stoRm EvEnts thRouGh micRofaunadistRiBution 

anaLysis: a sEdimEntoLoGic study of 

Ponds on san saLvadoR, Bahamas 

9-7 26 Fowler, J.K.*; Marsey, C.W.; Mattheus, C.R.: constRuctinG 

a dEPositionaL histoRy of stoRm infLuEncE foR 

coastaL Ponds of san saLvadoR, Bahamas

sEssion no. 10 


Sediments to Reveal Secrets of Past Environments (Posters) 



Booth # 

10-1 27 Robert, Joe*; Bird, Broxton W.; Escobar, Jaime H.: LatE GLaciaL 

and hoLocEnE EnviRonmEntaL vaRiaBiLity REvEaLEd 

fRom caRBon, nitRoGEn and GRain siZE mEasuREmEnts 

of a hiGh-REsoLution BoG coRE fRom thE PáRamo dE 

fRontino, coLomBia 

10-2 28 Gehrman, Rachael C.*; Bird, Broxton W.; Abbott, Mark B.; Stansell, 

Nathan D.; Rodbell, Donald T.; Steinman, Byron A.: hoLocEnEscaLE 

tREnds in andEan south amERican summER 

monsoon vaRiaBiLity infERREd fRom a couPLEd LaKE 

systEm in thE cEntRaL PERuvian andEs 

10-3 29 Doucette, Ikumi D.*; Fadem, Cynthia M.: PRELiminaRy soiL 

minERaLoGy of thE haGhtanaKh 3 sitE, noRthERn 

aRmEnia 

10-4 30 Fadem, Cynthia M.; Nembhard, Nicole S.*: thERmodynamic 

invEstiGation of PEdoGEnic minERaLs at thE PtGhavan 

4 sitE, noRthERn aRmEnia 


T10. Mapping the Glacial Geology of the Great Lakes States 

(Posters) 



Booth # 

11-1 31 Ducey, Patrick W.*; Prentice, Michael L.: coRE-BasEd study of 

ERiE LoBE tiLL stRatiGRaPhy in noRthEastERn indiana: 

imPLications foR ERiE LoBE histoRy 

11-2 32 Mode, William N.; Sanderfoot, Benjamin*; Hooyer, Thomas S.: 

QuatERnaRy GEoLoGic maP of fond du Lac county, 

Wisconsin 

11-3 33 Pavey, Richard R.*; Martin, Dean R.: EvaLuation of GLaciaL 

fEatuREs in noRthWEstERn ohio usinG LidaR data 

11-4 34 Rice, Jessey Murray*; Paulen, Roger C.; Menzies, John; 

McClenaghan, M.B.: stRatiGRaPhic anaLysis of an oPEn 

Pit EXPosuRE: an invEstiGation of thE WEstERn 

maRGin of thE LauREntidE icE shEEt duRinG thE middLE 

Wisconsin in thE GREat sLavE LaKE REGion 

11-5 35 Miao, Xiaodong*; Thomason, Jason F.; Stohr, Christopher: sand 

and GRavEL REsouRcE of mchEnRy county, iLLinois: 

distRiBution, thicKnEss and Land usE 

11-6 36 Bruegger, Alison*; Curry, B. Brandon; Grimley, David A.: icE- 

WaLLEd LaKE PLains hiGhLiGhtEd on nEW suRficiaL 

GEoLoGy maP of KanE county, iLLinois 

11-7 37 Phillips, Andrew C.*; Ismail, Ahmed; Larson, Timothy; Gemperline, 

Johanna: intERcaLatinG sLacKWatER LaKE and outWash 

dEPosits at a BEdRocK vaLLEy confLuEncE in thE 

LoWER WaBash vaLLEy 

aftERnoon oRaL 



Sedimentology & Stratigraphy 

1:30 PM, Fetzer Center, Room 2020 

Peter J. Voice, Presiding 

12-1 1:30 PM Alshahrani, Saeed S.*; Evans, James, E.: EvidEncE foR 

shaLLoW-WatER oRiGin of a dEvonian BLacK 

shaLE, cLEvELand shaLE mEmBER (ohio shaLE), 

noRthEastERn ohio 


12-2 1:50 PM Jenschke, Matthew Clay*; Evans, James E.: dELta fRont 

and shaLLoW suB-tidaL faciEs in thE LatE 

dEvonian BEdfoRd shaLE and BEREa sandstonE, 

nW ohio 

12-3 2:10 PM Shah, Mihir*; Evans, James E.: suBsuRfacE faciEs 

anaLysis of RosE Run sandstonE (uPPER 

camBRian) in EastERn ohio 

12-4 2:30 PM Malgieri, Thomas J.*; Brett, Carlton E.; Thomka, James R.; 

Aucoin, Christopher D.: PRELiminaRy REvision of thE 

sEQuEncE stRatiGRaPhy and nomEncLatuRE 

of thE uPPER maysviLLian-LoWER Richmondian 

stRata EXPosEd in KEntucKy 

12-5 2:50 PM Huck, Scott W.*; Evans, James E.: infLuEncE of 

stoRm WavE BasE fLuctuations on caRBonatE 

shELf faciEs in thE oRdovician Point PLEasant 

foRmation (cEntRaL ohio) 

3:10 PM Break 

12-6 3:30 PM Keith, Brian D.; Thompson, Todd A.*: tRansition fRom 

dELtaic to caRBonatE PLatfoRm dEPosition – 

RamP cREEK foRmation (mississiPPian) of cEntRaL 

indiana 

12-7 3:50 PM Santistevan, Fred*; Algeo, Thomas J.; Hannigan, Robyn; 

Williams, Jeremy C.: thE RoLE of thE siBERian tRaPs in 

thE PERmian-tRiassic mass EXtinction: anaLysis 

thRouGh chEmicaL finGERPRintinG of maRinE 

sEdimEnts usinG RaRE EaRth ELEmEnts (REEs) 

12-8 4:10 PM Voice, Peter J.*; Kowalewski, Michal; Eriksson, Kenneth A.: 

thE GLoBaL dEtRitaL ZiRcon dataBasE: an uPdatE 

12-9 4:30 PM Hayden, Travis G.*; Kominz, Michelle A.; Niessen, Frank: 

EstimatinG Last GLaciaL maXimum icE thicKnEss 

usinG PoRosity and dEPth RELationshiPs: 

EXamPLEs fRom and-1B, mcmuRdo sound, 

antaRctica 

12-10 4:50 PM Cupples, William B.*; Van Arsdale, Roy B.: uPLand GRavELs 

of thE mississiPPi RivER vaLLEy and thEiR insiGhts 

to PREGLaciaL dRainaGE in cEntRaL noRth 

amERica 



Sediments to Reveal Secrets of Past Environments 

1:30 PM, Fetzer Center, Room 1040/1050 

M. Kathryn Rocheford and Maija Eliina Sipola, Presiding 

1:30 PM introductory Remarks 

13-1 1:35 PM Sipola, Maija E.*: minERaLoGicaL chaRactERiZation 

of soLo RivER tERRacE dEPosits at nGandonG, 

cEntRaL Java, indonEsia 

13-2 1:55 PM Miao, Xiaodong*; Wang, Hong; Hanson, Paul R.; Mason, 

Joseph A.; Liu, Xiaodong: usinG osL and RadiocaRBon 

datinG to constRain thE timE of soiL 

dEvELoPmEnt 

13-3 2:15 PM Reinhardt, Jason*; Hobbs, Trevor; Nagel, Linda M.: 

invEstiGatinG thE infLuEncE of Land usE histoRy 

on savanna soiLs in LoWER michiGan: imPLications 

foR manaGEmEnt, REstoRation, and consERvation 

13-4 2:35 PM Rovey, Charles W. II.*: PaLEosoLs Within thE PREiLLinoian 

tiLL sEQuEncE in noRthERn missouRi 

REcoRd chanGEs in PLEistocEnE cLimatE 

13-5 2:55 PM Kerr, Phillip J.*; Bettis, E. Arthur III.; Baker, Richard G.: 

thRouGh a WooLy LEns: invEstiGations fRom a 

mammoth BuRiaL in ioWa 

3:15 PM Break 

13-6 3:30 PM Harrison, Jeffrey M.*; Ortiz, Joseph D.; Abbott, Mark B.; Bird, 

Broxton W.; Hacker, David B.; Griffith, Elizabeth M.; Darby, 

Dennis A.: LinKinG 2,000 yEaRs of sEdimEntation in 

thE WEstERn aRctic ocEan to an atmosPhERic 



tEmPERatuRE PRoXy REcoRd fRom a GLaciaL LaKE 

in thE BRooKs RanGE, aK 

13-7 3:50 PM Matzke, Jeffrey A.*; Bettis, E. Arthur III.; Weirich, Frank; 

Vogelgesang, Jason: a nEW viEW of thE stonE ZonE on 

thE ioWa ERosion suRfacE 

13-8 4:10 PM Artz, Joe Alan*: muLti-PRoXy mid-hoLocEnE fLuviaL 

PRocEssEs at tWo LocaLitiEs in cEntRaL ioWa 

13-9 4:30 PM Grimley, David A.*; Oches, Eric A.: PLEistocEnE 

moLLuscan assEmBLaGEs to aid undERstandinG 

of PaLEoEnviRonmEnt, PaLEocLimatE and 

chRonoLoGy: EXamPLEs fRom iLLinois 

13-10 4:50 PM Herrmann, Edward W.*: GEomoRPhoLoGicaL contRoLs 

affEctinG thE cREation and PREsERvation 

of a BuRiEd WEtLand EnviRonmEnt duRinG 

thE PLEistocEnE/hoLocEnE tRansition: a 

GEoaRchaEoLoGicaL PERsPEctivE 

13-11 5:10 PM Rocheford, M. Kathryn*: fRamEWoRK foR idEntifyinG 

LandusE EffEcts on soiL REsiLiEncE 


T10. Mapping the Glacial Geology of the Great Lakes States 

1:30 PM, Fetzer Center, Kirsch Auditorium 

Kevin A. Kincare and Richard Berg, Presiding 

14-1 1:30 PM Brown, Steven E.*: fRom staRt to finish: thREEdimEnsionaL 

GEoLoGic maPs and modELs of 

LaKE county, iLLinois 

14-2 1:50 PM Aden, Douglas J.*: maPPinG KaRst in thE noRthcEntRaL 

ohio REGion 

14-3 2:10 PM Carson, Eric C.*; Attig, John W.: suRficiaL GEoLoGic 

maPPinG and LandscaPE EvoLution REsEaRch in 

thE dRiftLEss aREa of southWEstERn Wisconsin 

14-4 2:30 PM Fleming, Anthony H.*; Karaffa, Marni D.: a taLE of tWo 

LoBEs: thE PLEistocEnE EvoLution of indiana’s 

LaRGEst intERLoBatE LaKE Basin 

14-5 2:50 PM Hobbs, Trevor*: usinG Gis to invEntoRy common 

vaRiEty minERaL matERiaLs foR thE huRonmanistEE 

nationaL foREst, mi 

14-6 3:10 PM Kincare, Kevin A.*: a hiGh-LEvEL PRoGLaciaL LaKE in 

WEXfoRd county, michiGan, and its siGnificancE 

foR thE BoundaRy of thE LaKE BoRdER moRainE in 

noRthWEst LoWER michiGan 

3:30 PM Break 

14-7 3:50 PM Burt, Abigail K.*: thREE-dimEnsionaL GLaciaL 

GEoLoGy of thE intERLoBatE oRanGEviLLE 

moRainE, southWEstERn ontaRio, canada 

14-8 4:10 PM Bajc, A.F.*; Mulligan, R.P.M.: thE PRE-LatE Wisconsinan 

sEdimEnt REcoRd of thE southERn PaRt of 

simcoE county, south-cEntRaL ontaRio, canada 

14-9 4:30 PM Prentice, Michael L.*; Ducey, Patrick W.; Ismail, Ahmed; 

Letsinger, Sally L.; Sargent, Steve; Fenerty, B.S.: ERiE LoBE 

tiLL studiEs in indiana REvEaL a dynamic icE 

maRGin 

14-10 4:50 PM Kozlowski, Andrew L.*; Bird, Brian: GLaciaL GEoLoGic 

maPPinG of thE montEZuma WEtLands comPLEX 

in cEntRaL, ny: dEvELoPinG 3d GEoLoGic 

fRamEWoRKs to REsoLvE hydRostRatiGRaPhic 

and GLaciaL chRonoLoGic PRoBLEms 

14-11 5:10 PM Misterovich, Gregory*: maPPinG GLaciaL fEatuREs 

usinG statiGRaPhic fiELd oBsERvations and Gis 



T14. Teaching and Learning Earth Science: K–16 Educational 

Pedagogy 

1:30 PM, Fetzer Center, Putney Auditorium 

Katherine Lewandowski and Stephen Mattox, Presiding 

15-1 1:30 PM Salmons, Charles R.*: GEoLoGicaL WaLK thRouGh timE: 

a nEW EXhiBit foR 21st cEntuRy statE sciEncE 

standaRds 

15-2 1:50 PM Jagoda, Susan Kaschner*: distancE-LEaRninG at 

dEnaLi nationaL PaRK and PREsERvE: a GEocoRPs 

EXPERiEncE 

15-3 2:10 PM Lewandowski, Katherine J.*; O’Malley, Christina E.; Jaques, 

Charlie A.: fostERinG GLoBaL citiZEnshiP in thE 

sEcondaRy cLassRoom 

15-4 2:30 PM Rice, Jane*; Rustem, Stephanie; Jackson, Susan; Markham, 

Laura; Maldonado, Patricia; Anderson, Charles W.: a fEW 

Good idEas: intEGRatinG EaRth sciEncE With LifE 

sciEncE and PhysicaL sciEncE 

2:50 PM Break 

15-5 3:10 PM Mattox, Stephen*: thE vaLuE of tEachinG a mEthods 

couRsE foR EaRth sciEncE PREsERvicE tEachERs 

15-6 3:30 PM Rudge, David W.*; Petcovic, Heather L.: EaRth sciEncE in 

an on-LinE EnviRonmEnt 

15-7 3:50 PM Keen, Kerry L.*: an activE WoRKshoP on PRinciPLEs 

of GRoundWatER fLoW EmBEddEd in a “noRmaL” 

undERGRaduatE hydRoGEoLoGy couRsE 

15-8 4:10 PM Pollard, Alexander KH Sr.; Zimmerman, Alexander N. Jr.*; 

Brown, Lewis M.; Kelso, Paul: intRoduction to 

sEQuEncE stRatiGRaPhy: a PRoJEct-BasEd 

undERGRaduatE uPPER division couRsE 


T22. Topics in Vertebrate Paleontology 


Michael J. Ryan, Evan E. Scott, and Chuck Ciampaglio, Presiding 

1:30 PM introductory Remarks 

16-1 1:35 PM Ciampaglio, C.N.; Cicimurri, David J.; Deuter, Leigh H.*: 

a REviEW of thE chondRichthyans fRom thE 

mississiPPian systEm of noRthERn aLaBama, usa 

16-2 1:55 PM Gottfried, Michael D.*; Fordyce, R. Ewan; Lee, Daphne: 

EXcEPtionaL 3d PREsERvation in a taRPon-LiKE 

fish fRom thE cREtacEous of thE chatham 

isLands, nEW ZEaLand 

16-3 2:15 PM Jeffery, David L.*: a nEW PERmian vERtEBRatE 

tRacKWay sitE in thE dunKaRd GRouP of thE 

aPPaLachian Basin 

16-4 2:35 PM Farlow, James O.*; Kuban, Glen J.; Currie, Philip J.: on thE 

maKERs of “mEtataRsaL” tRidactyL dinosauR 

footPRints of thE PaLuXy RivER (GLEn RosE 

foRmation, dinosauR vaLLEy statE PaRK, 

somERvELL county, tEXas) 

2:55 PM Break 

16-5 3:15 PM Aucoin, Christopher D.*; Hasbargen, Leslie: viRtuaL 

footPRints: cREatinG diGitaL maPs of dinosauR 

tRacKs and sEdimEntaRy stRuctuREs 

16-6 3:35 PM Masters, Simon*; Sandau, Stephen: a nEW sPEcimEn of 

ORTHOGENYSUCHUS fRom thE uinta foRmation of 

utah 

16-7 3:55 PM Guenther, Merrilee F.*; McCarthy, Stephanie M.; Wosik, 

Mateusz: nEW EvidEncE foR hatchLinG and JuvEniLE 

hadRosauRoids in thE san Juan Basin, nEW mEXico 

16-8 4:15 PM Ryan, Michael J.; Scott, Evan E.*; Chiba, Kentaro; Evans, 

David C.: Why BonE BEds aRE BEttER indicatoRs of 

hoW cERatoPsids LivEd than hoW thEy diEd

16-9 4:35 PM McAfee, Robert K.*: on thE Post-cRaniaL anatomy 

of MYLODON DARWINII, and imPLications foR thE 

functionaL moRPhoLoGy of thE foRELimB 

4:55 PM concluding Remarks 


aftERnoon PostER 


Geophysics, Geochemistry & Oil (Posters) 

1:30 PM, Schneider Hall, Courtyard 

Authors will be present from 2:30 to 4:30 PM 

Booth # 

17-1 1 Haque, Md. Aminul*; Iqbal, Mohammad: comPaRativE study 

of nutRiEnt fLuX fRom aREas of vaRiaBLE Land usE 

PRacticEs Within a WatERshEd 

17-2 2 Molitor, Timothy H.*; Grant, Kathryn F.; Franko, Kelsey M.; Gustafson, 

Alan J.; Kelly, Bridget B.; Grote, Katherine R.: assEssinG thE 

imPacts of uRBan Road saLtinG on tRiButaRiEs of thE 

chiPPEWa RivER nEaR Eau cLaiRE, Wisconsin 

17-3 3 Dasgupta, Rajarshi*; Crowley, Brooke; Carrillo-Chavez, Alejandro: 

assEssinG hEavy mEtaL contamination of suRfacE 

WatER BodiEs aLonG thE manaLi-LEh hiGhWay, 

noRthERn india 

17-4 4 Gant, Michael T.*; Healy, Scott M.; Nandi, Sourav K.; Miller, James F.; 

Evans, Kevin: KinEmatic anaLysis and PRovisionaL 

middLE siLuRian aGE constRaints on dEcatuRviLLE 

stRuctuRE, cEntRaL missouRi 

17-5 5 Tatum, Stephen*: a GRavity invEstiGation of thE toBacco 

Root BathoLith in southWEst montana 

17-6 6 Pethe, Swardhuni*; Fluegeman, Richard H.; Grigsby, Jeffry D.; 

Nicholson, Kirsten N.: GEoPhysicaL anaLysis of thE 

sumatRa Basins: souRcE RocKs, stRuctuRaL tREnds, 

and thE distRiBution of oiL fiELds 


T2. Applications of Near-Surface Geophysics (Posters) 



Booth # 

18-1 7 Van Dam, Remke L.*; Aylsworth, Robert L.: chaRactERiZation 

of LaRGE-scaLE GLaciotEctonic dEfoRmation in 

thE LudinGton RidGE, michiGan, usinG ELEctRicaL 

GEoPhysicaL mEthods 

18-2 8 Maike, Christopher*; Fugate, Joseph M.; Krantz, David E.; 

Stierman, Donald; Liu, Xiuju; Brothers, Candice E.; Sears, Lindsey: 

suBsuRfacE GEoPhysicaL PRofiLinG of thE oaK 

oPEninGs sand RidGE 

18-3 9 Jol, Harry M.*: stRatiGRaPhy of coastaL aEoLian sand 

dunEs: modELs vs. GPR imaGinG 

18-4 10 Mickus, Kevin L.; Larson, Mark*; Sobel, Elizabeth: 

aRchaEoLoGicaL GEoPhysics at thE nathan BoonE 

homEstEad statE histoRic sitE, sW missouRi 

18-5 11 Kuhl, Alexandria*; Van Dam, Remke L.: couPLEd invERsion of 

ELEctRicaL REsistivity and hydRoLoGicaL modELs to 

Quantify soiL moistuRE dynamics BELoW a michiGan 

EcotonE 

18-6 12 Ma, Yuteng*; Van Dam, Remke: sPatiaL vaRiaBiLity of soiL 

moistuRE in a dEciduous foREst: intEGRatinG timE- 

LaPsE REsistivity, tEmPERatuRE, and thRouGhfaLL 

mEasuREmEnts 

18-7 13 Hart, J.*; Cioppa, M.T.; Yang, Jianwen: GEoPhysicaL 

assEssmEnt of LandfiLL caP intEGRity and LEachatE 

LEaKaGE at a miXEd WastE LandfiLL 


18-8 14 Joshi, Siddharth Dilip*; Yang, Jianwen; Sereres, Clayton; Tamr, 

Radwan: GEo-ELEctRic invEstiGation of undERGRound 

LEachatE distRiBution at a cLosEd LandfiLL in 

southWEstERn ontaRio, canada 

18-9 15 Estifanos, Biniam Haileab*; Stierman, Donald J.: GEoPhysicaL 

PRosPEctinG foR concEaLEd KaRst nEaR BELLEvuE, 

oh 

18-10 16 Gerson, Laura M.*; Mickus, Kevin; Gouzie, Douglas: usinG 

GEoPhysicaL mEthods to study KaRst in uRBan 

sPRinGfiELd, missouRi 

18-11 17 Yaqoob, Muthanna Yousif*; Sauck, William A.: dEtEction of 

BEdRocK fRactuREs and Joints BEnEath covER: 

GEoPhysicaL aPPRoachEs to an EnGinEERinG GEoLoGy 

PRoBLEm 

18-12 18 Mogren, Saad*; Mukhopadhyay, Manoj: REactivation of 

thE aBu-Jifan fauLt BoRdERinG thE Rayn anticinEs 

in EastERn saudi aRaBia: GRavity modELinG of a 

sEismoGEnic cRust 


T8. Addressing Environmental Aspects of Geology: Research, 

Pedagogy, and Public Policy (Posters) 



Booth # 

19-1 19 Musch, Steven C.*; Hilverda, Elaine; Legge, Evan A.; Strydhorst, 

Natasha A.; VanderBilt, Lucas E.: intERactions BEtWEEn 

dunE tRaiLs and CIRSIUM PITCHERI haBitat 

19-2 20 Doughty, Travis M.*; Johnson, Aaron W.: tRacE mEtaL 

chEmistRy and minERaLoGy of sEdimEnts hostEd 

in cavEs of thE sPRinGfiELd (mo) PLatEau: a LinK to 

suBtERRanEan BiodivERsity? 

19-3 21 Norton, M.S.*; Mattheus, C.R.: modELinG soiL ERosion Within 

thE miLL cREEK WatERshEd, younGstoWn, ohio 


T19. Hydrogeologic Investigations for Improved Assessment of 

Water Availability and Use in the Glaciated United States (Posters) 



Booth # 

20-1 22 Wyman, Davina A.*; Koretsky, Carla M.: thE EffEcts of Road 

saLt on asyLum LaKE GEochEmistRy 

20-2 23 Lotimer, Leslea*: thE natuRE of tiLL and dRumLins in 

PEtERBoRouGh and thE imPLications foR dEvELoPinG 

a community GRoundWatER suPPLy 

20-3 24 Bunda, Jacob*: QuaLity and dynamics of thE minK RivER 

EstuaRy 

20-4 25 Nagelkirk, Ryan L.*; Kendall, Anthony D.; Basso, Bruno; Hyndman, 

Dave: PREdictinG thE imPacts of cLimatE chanGE on 

aGRicuLtuRaL yiELds and WatER REsouRcEs in thE 

maumEE RivER WatERshEd 

20-5 26 Lee, Charlotte I.*; Martin, Sherry L.; Kendall, Anthony D.; Hyndman, 

David W.: histoRicaL cLimatE and stREamfLoW tREnds 

of thE GRand tRavERsE Bay REGion 


T20. Applied Geology: Engineering, Environmental, Geotechnical 

and Hydrogeology (Posters) (Association of Environmental and 

Engineering Geologists) 



Booth # 

21-1 27 Bouali, El Hachemi Y.*; Kaunda, Rennie B.; Chase, Ronald B.; Kehew, 

Alan E.: thE staBiLity of thE LaKE michiGan BLuffs in 

aLLEGan county, michiGan, and thE RELationshiPs 



BEtWEEn aiR tEmPERatuRE, GRoundWatER LEvELs, and 

doWnsLoPE disPLacEmEnt 

21-2 28 Lightfoot, Randall E.*: anaLyZinG thE stRuctuRaL 

PRoPERtiEs, GEoLoGic conditions, and fRiaBiLity of 

GaRnEt sands fRom fouR minE souRcEs aRound thE 

WoRLd: imPLications foR thE dRy-aiR aBRasivE sand 

BLast-cLEaninG industRy 

21-3 29 Baratta, Vanessa M.*; Bettis, E. Arthur III.; Ward, Adam S.; Weirich, 

Frank: thE EffEcts of fREEZE-thaW cycLEs and 

stoRmWatER Runoff inPut on thREE BiosWaLE soiL 

miXtuREs 

21-4 30 Erich, Kyla J.*: WoLf cREEK dam: a casE study of 

foundation REmEdiation foR dams BuiLt on KaRst 

foundations 

21-5 31 Crane, Renee*; Cassidy, Daniel: aLLoWinG timE foR 

activatEd caRBon conditioninG in contaminatEd 

soiLs incREasEs thE EffEctivEnEss of staBiLiZation/ 

soLidification 

21-6 32 Townsend Small, Amy; Disbennett, Douglas*; Weiss Ransohoff, 

Rebecca; MacKay, Ross; Bourbonnierre, Rick: RELativE 

contRiButions of hyPoXia and natuRaL Gas 

EXtRaction to atmosPhERic mEthanE Emissions 

fRom LaKE ERiE 


T23. Remote Sensing Applications in Environmental Sciences 

(Posters) 



Booth # 

22-1 33 Mattheus, C.R.*; Stowe, M.S.: cLimatE infLuEncE on LaKE 

ERiE nEaRshoRE-sEdimEnt accumuLation and BEach 

PRoGRadation: a LooK at ohio haRBoR JEttiEs and 

adJacEnt hEadLand BEachEs 

22-2 34 Jasinski, Briana L.*; Hyndman, David W.; Kendall, Anthony D.; Martin, 

Sherry L.: a histoRy of BEavER activity in thE JoRdan 

RivER WatERshEd: sPatiaL distRiBution, succEssion, 

and sEdimEnt 

22-3 35 Wagner, Kaleb*: Gis-mEdiatEd REmotE sPatiaL anaLysis of 

RiBBEd moRainE moRPhoLoGy and distRiBution Within 

noRthERn canada 

22-4 36 Alharbi, Talal*; Sultan, Mohamed; Ahmed, Mohamed: cLimatE 

chanGE ovER thE aRaBian PEninsuLa: infEREncEs 

fRom tRmm data 

22-5 37 Manche, Cameron*; Sultan, Mohamed; Becker, Richard; Chouinard, 

Kyle; Tinigin, Laura: intEGRatEd aPPRoach to BEttER 

dEtERmininG aLGaL BLooms in casE ii WatERs in thE 

KuWait Bay: a REmotE sEnsinG BasEd aPPRoach 

22-6 38 Sanders, Jonathon D.*; Becker, Richard H.; Sigler, Von; Pekalska, 

Aneta; Lis, Jill: WatERshEd dELinEation foR contaminants 

in thE PoRtER cREEK WatERshEd 

22-7 39 Chiasera, Brandon*; Shahpurwala, Aiman; Koroleski, Kraig K.; 

Raslich, Frank; Rooney, Tyrone O.: GEochEmicaL anaLysis 

of thE dicKinson GRouP of thE uPPER PEninsuLa, 

michiGan: a study of an accREtEd tERRanE of thE 

suPERioR PRovincE 

22-8 40 Liu, Xiuju*; Fisher, Timothy G.; Lepper, Kenneth; Lowell, Thomas V.: 

usinG LacustRinE sEdimEnt to tEst thE EvaPoRation 

hyPothEsis foR thE mooRhEad LoW WatER PhasE of 

LaKE aGassiZ 


fRiday, 3 may 2013 

moRninG oRaL 



T1. Advances in Glacial Sediment Characterization: Implications for 

Groundwater Flow and Contaminant Transport Modeling 

8:00 AM, Fetzer Center, Kirsch Auditorium 

Lawrence D. Lemke and Remke Van Dam, Presiding 


23-1 8:10 AM Russell, Hazen A.J.*; Sharpe, David; Cummings, Don I.: 

aPPLyinG thE “PLay” concEPt to aRchEtyPaL 

canadian suRficiaL aQuifERs 

23-2 8:35 AM Dunkle, Kallina M.*; Hart, David J.; Anderson, Mary P.: 

GRoundWatER fLoW modEL caLiBRation 

difficuLtiEs in aREas With GLaciaLLy-dEPositEd 

aQuitaRds: an EXamPLE fRom GLaciaL LaKE 

oshKosh 

23-3 8:55 AM Slomka, Jessica M.*; Eyles, Carolyn H.: dEconstRuctinG 

thE suBsuRfacE: aRchitEctuRaL ELEmEnt 

anaLysis of QuatERnaRy GLaciofLuviaL dEPosits, 

LimEhousE, ontaRio, canada 

23-4 9:15 AM Lemke, Lawrence D.*; Frahm, Andrew L.; Pappas, 

Lena K.: dRaWinG thE doG: dEtERministic 

hydRostRatiGRaPhic modELinG of a 

comPLEX GLaciaL aQuifER systEm usinG an 

aLLostRatiGRaPhic aPPRoach 

23-5 9:35 AM Pappas, Lena K.*; Lemke, Lawrence D.: addinG thE sPots: 

stochastic modELinG Within a dEtERministic 

hydRostRatiGRaPhic fRamEWoRK to account foR 

smaLL-scaLE vaRiaBiLity and uncERtainty in a 

comPLEX GLaciaL aQuifER systEm 

9:55 AM discussion - 1 

10:05 AM Break 

23-6 10:25 AM Keefer, Donald A.*; Thomason, Jason F.; Brown, Steven E.: 

sEdimEntoLoGic modELinG and tRansmissivity 

maPPinG to suPPoRt GRoundWatER fLoW and 

contaminant tRansPoRt modELinG in GLaciaL 

sEdimEnts 

23-7 10:50 AM Mulligan, Riley P.M.*; Eyles, Carolyn H.; Bajc, Andy F.: 

dEtERmininG thE 3-d GLaciaL sEdimEntoLoGy and 

hydRostRatiGRaPhy of thE southERn PaRt of thE 

county of simcoE, southERn ontaRio 

23-8 11:10 AM Weaver, Laura K.*; Arnaud, Emmanuelle; Abbey, Daron; 

Shikaze, Steven; Meyer, Jessica R.; Parker, Beth L.: 

EXamininG thE infLuEncE of EnhancEd 

hydRoGEoLoGic KnoWLEdGE on stRuctuRaL 

uncERtainty in thREE-dimEnsionaL 

REconstRuctions of GLaciGEnic sEdimEnt 

23-9 11:30 AM Dogan, Mine*; Van Dam, Remke L.; Hyndman, David W.; Butler, 

James J. Jr.: intEGRatinG 3d GPR faciEs anaLysis 

and hiGh REsoLution hydRauLic conductivity 

data: imPLications foR tRansPoRt modELinG in 

hEtERoGEnEous mEdia 

11:50 AM discussion - 2


T5. Quaternary Research in the Great Lakes Region II: The 

Holocene, Part I 

8:00 AM, Fetzer Center, Putney Auditorium 

Catherine Yansa and Randall Schaetzl, Presiding 

24-1 8:00 AM Hladyniuk, Ryan*; Dildar, Nadia; Longstaffe, Fred J.: thE 

N-aLKanE and caRBon-isotoPE siGnatuREs of 

oRGanic caRBon in LaKE ontaRio sincE 14,000 caL 

yR BP 

24-2 8:20 AM Loope, Walter L.*: can PaLEoEcoLoGicaL PRoXiEs 

adEQuatELy foREcast suRfacE covER acRoss 

noRth cEntRaL noRth amERica? (a cautionaRy 

taLE) 

24-3 8:40 AM Yansa, Catherine H.*; Rawling, J. Elmo III.: a 8500-yEaR 

REcoRd of LaKE-EffEct cLimatE fRom minER LaKE, 

southWEstERn LoWER michiGan 

24-4 9:00 AM Sonnenburg, Elizabeth*: PaLEoEnviRonmEntaL 

REconstRuction of thE aLPEna-amBERLEy RidGE 

suBmERGEd LandscaPE duRinG thE LaKE stanLEy 

LoWstand (ca. 8.4-9 Ka caL BP), LaKE huRon 

9:20 AM Break 

24-5 9:40 AM Thompson, Todd A.*; Johnston, John W.; Lepper, Kenneth: 

thE ELEvation of thE PEaK niPissinG PhasE (mid 

hoLocEnE) at outLEts of thE uPPER GREat LaKEs 

24-6 10:00 AM Hanson, Paul R.*; Rawling, J.E. III.: imPact of thE 

niPissinG and aLGoma hiGh LaKE PhasEs fRom osL 

datinG of Baymouth BaRRiER systEms in thE dooR 

PEninsuLa, Wisconsin 

24-7 10:20 AM Johnston, John W.*; Argyilan, Erin P.; Thompson, Todd A.; 

Baedke, Steve J.; Lepper, Kenneth; Wilcox, Douglas A.; 

Forman, Steven L.: a sauLt-outLEt-REfEREncEd midto 

LatE-hoLocEnE PaLEohydRoGRaPh foR LaKE 

suPERioR constRuctEd fRom stRandPLains of 

BEach RidGEs 


T9. Topics in Environmental Geochemistry 

8:00 AM, Fetzer Center, Room 1040/1050 

Ryan Vannier, Colleen McLean, and Eliot Atekwana, Presiding 

25-1 8:00 AM Tangtong, Chaiyanun*; Long, David T.; Voice, Thomas C.: 

EvaLuation thE PotEntiaL of EXPosuRE PathWays 

of aRistoLochic acids inducEd BaLKan EndEmic 

nEPhRoPathy 

25-2 8:20 AM Haque, Md. Aminul*; Hasan, M. Aziz: minERaLoGy and 

WatER chEmistRy of shaLLoW aQuifER of matLaB 

south, chandPuR distRict, BanGLadEsh 

25-3 8:40 AM Brown, Diana*; Long, David T.; Li, Shu-Guang; Voice, 

Thomas C.: undERstandinG souRcEs foR dissoLvEd 

chLoRidE in michiGan GRoundWatER 

25-4 9:00 AM Mohammed, Abdelmawgoud*; Krishnamurthy, R.V.; Kehew, 

A.E.; Sultan, Mohamed; Crossey, Laura J.; Karlstrom, Karl E.: 

PRELiminaRy intERPREtations of isotoPE and 

chEmicaL data of samPLEs fRom thE nuBian 

sandstonE and adJacEnt aQuifERs in EGyPt 

25-5 9:20 AM Gebrehiwet, Tsigabu*; Krishnamurthy, R.V.; Krishnamurthy, 

R.V.: EvoLution of δ13c vaLuEs duRinG aBiotic 

oXidation of oRGanic comPounds in ciRcumnEutRaL 

anaERoBic conditions undER 

BicaRBonatE and PhosPhatE BuffEREd systEms 

9:40 AM Break 

25-6 10:00 AM Atekwana, Eliot*; Abongwa, Pride: assEssinG thE 

tEmPoRaL EvoLution of dissoLvEd inoRGanic 

caRBon in suRfacE WatERs that intERact With 

atmosPhERic co2(G) SESSION NO. 27 

25-7 10:20 AM Robinson, Amanda*; Vannier, Ryan; Long, David T.; Voice, 

Thomas C.; Giesy, John P.; Bradley, P.W.; Kannan, K.: sPatiaL 

and tEmPoRaL tREnds of PoLycycLic aRomatic 

hydRocaRBon LoadinGs acRoss thE statE of 

michiGan 

25-8 10:40 AM Vannier, Ryan*; Long, D.; Robinson, Amanda: EvaLuatinG 

REcEnt tREnds in EnviRonmEntaL tRacE mEtaL 

EnRichmEnt usinG inLand LaKE sEdimEnts 

25-9 11:00 AM Conway, Maura C.*; Schroeder, Lauren A.; McLean, Colleen E.; 

Armstrong, Felicia P.: datinG a sEdimEnt coRE usinG 

sPhERoidaL caRBonacEous PaRticLE chRonoLoGy 

suPPLEmEntEd With tRacE mEtaL and diatom 

community stRuctuRE anaLysEs 


T11. Working With Pre-Service Teachers—Issues and Ideas 


Kyle Gray and Anthony D. Feig, Presiding 


26-1 8:10 AM Mathai, Rani V.*: EnviRonmEntaL studiEs in india and 

consERvation Education at Judson univERsity: 

a comPaRativE anaLysis of tWo ELEmEntaRy 

Education cuRRicuLa 

26-2 8:30 AM Honeycutt, Christina Ebey*; Varelas, Maria: intEGRativE 

LEaRninG in a contEnt couRsE: dEvELoPinG 

futuRE tEachER undERstandinG of coRE 

concEPts and sciEncE PRacticEs 

26-3 8:50 AM Francek, Mark*: EnGaGinG, Easy to incoRPoRatE 

dEmonstRations foR thE EaRth sciEncE 

cLassRoom 

26-4 9:10 AM Feig, Anthony D.*; Cooperrider, Leah: macGyvER WEEK 

and othER novEL tasKs in a mEthods cLass foR 

PREsERvicE EaRth sciEncE tEachERs 

26-5 9:30 AM Cooperrider, Leah*; Feig, Anthony D.; Francek, Mark: 

REfLEctions fRom an undERGRaduatE PREsERvicE 

EaRth sciEncE tEachER 

26-6 9:50 AM Ludwig, Matthew A.*: WE couLd aLL usE a LittLE “cPR” 

to REsuscitatE ouR cLassRoom assEssmEnt 


T15. Paleontology as a Murder Mystery: How the Study of Predation 

and Taphonomy Reveals the Means, Motives & Opportunities of 

Ancient Perpetrators and Their Victims 


Karen A. Koy and Joseph E. Peterson, Presiding 

27-1 8:00 AM El-Sherif, Noran*: PaLEoEcoLoGy of thE dEcLinE of 

stRomatoLitEs in thE oRdovician 

27-2 8:20 AM Dattilo, Benjamin*; Freeman, Rebecca L.; Gerke, Tammie L.; 

Brett, C.E.; McLaughlin, Patrick I.; Schramm, Thomas J.; Meyer, 

David L.; Morse, Aaron; Mason, Milam: fRom LaGERstÄttE 

to LaG: PRELiminaRy BEddinG-scaLE taPhonomic 

and GEochEmicaL anaLysis of PhosPhatE 

distRiBution in thE cincinnatian 

27-3 8:40 AM Babcock, Loren E.*; Brandt, Danita S.: caRnivoRous 

tRiLoBitEs: moRPhoLoGic, ichnoLoGic, and 

taPhonomic EvidEncE 

27-4 9:00 AM Brandt, Danita S.*: ichnoLoGic EvidEncE foR 

PREdatoRy tRiLoBitEs: hoW LitERaLLy can WE 

REad thE REcoRd? 

27-5 9:20 AM Peteya, Jennifer A.*; Babcock, Loren E.: diEtaRy 

PREfEREncEs of thE camBRian tRiLoBitE ELRATHIA 

KINGII: infEREncEs fRom fossiLiZEd diGEstivE 

tRacts 

27-6 9:40 AM Devera, Joseph*: dEath By common housEhoLd 

tooLs: mEchanicaL anaLoGy and thE functionaL 

moRPhoLoGy of thE hyPostomE in GEnus 


SESSION NO.27 

10:00 AM Break 

ISOTELUS (dEKay) EvidEncE fRom ISOTELUS 

IOWENSIS (oWEn) 

27-7 10:20 AM Drumheller, Stephanie K.*; Stocker, Michelle R.; Nesbitt, 

Sterling: no animaL Was safE in thE tRiassic: 

muLtiPLE PREdation attEmPts on a LaRGE (5-6 

mEtER) caRnivoRous “Rauisuchian” fRom thE 

LatE tRiassic of nEW mEXico 

27-8 10:40 AM Peterson, Joseph E.*; Coenen, Jason: fLuviaL tRansPoRt 

PotEntiaL of aRchosauR tEEth: a PRELiminaRy 

invEstiGation in shEd tooth taPhonomy 

27-9 11:00 AM Noto, Christopher*; Main, Derek J.; Drumheller, Stephanie K.; 

King, Lorin: PREdatoRy BEhavioR of a Giant 

cRocodyLifoRm fRom thE WoodBinE foRmation 

(cEnomanian) of tEXas 

27-10 11:20 AM Koy, Karen A.*; Helwig, Zane: taPhonomy of 

vERtEBRatEs in a tEmPERatE foREst sEttinG: a 

timE-tRansGREssivE sEQuEncE 

moRninG PostER 



T17. Special Poster Session on Undergraduate Research (Posters) 



Booth # 

28-1 1 Osman, Matthew*; Markle, Bradley: δ18o and δd fRactionation 

tREnds in suRfacE snoW acRoss thE matthEs- 

LLEWELLyn dividE, JunEau icEfiELd, aLasKa and BRitish 

coLumBia 

28-2 2 Smith, Matthew D.*; Johnson, Aaron W.; Dorale, Jeffrey; Mottaleb, M. 

Abdul: tRacE ELEmEnt concEntRations in sPELEothEms 

fRom RivER BLuff cavE, GREEnE county, missouRi: 

PRELiminaRy REsuLts 

28-3 3 Kuhn, Ryan M.*; Seaney, Derek L.; Brake, Sandra S.; Burch, 

Kyle R.; Latimer, Jennifer C.: tRacE ELEmEnt distRiBution 

in PREciPitatEs foRmEd at vaRious Ph vaLuEs: GREEn 

vaLLEy coaL minE, indiana 

28-4 4 Nichols, Cody A.*; Rohs, C. Renee: minERaLoGicaL 

comPaRison of mEtamoRPhosEd RocKs fRom thE 

BaLLantRaE oPhioLitE and thE sLishWood GaP 

sERPEntinitE, uK and iRELand 

28-5 5 Jilek, Ellen*; Bessler, Stephanie A.; Eichstedt-Anderson, Ethan M.; 

Arriola, Leon M.; Bhattacharyya, Prajukti: numERicaL modELinG 

and EXPERimEntaL oBsERvations of Lava fLoW 

cooLinG 

28-6 6 Birren, Thomas H.*; Haileab, Bereket; Gibbons, Jack: 

GEochEmistRy of thE nicKEL LaKE macRodiKE and 

imPLications foR cu-ni suLfidE EXPLoRation 

28-7 7 Targos, Courtney*; Huysken, Kristin T.; Knipe, Dawn: 

GEochEmistRy and minERaLoGy of thE uBEhEBE 

voLcanic fiELd, dEath vaLLEy 

28-8 8 Henderlong, Peter J.*; Huysken, Kristin T.: comPaRinG 

thE chEmistRy of thE ELZEviR BathoLith to thE 

WEsLEmKoon and noRthBRooK BathoLiths, ontaRio, 

canada 

28-9 9 Conner, Jeremy*; Morgan, Sven; Student, James J.; Horsman, 

Eric: ams and imaGE anaLysis data at muLtiPLE scaLEs 

suPPoRt a muLtiPLE shEEt EmPLacEmEnt modEL foR 

thE maidEn cREEK siLL, hEnRy mountains, utah 

28-10 10 Elson, Joshua D.*; Cauthon, Matthew J.; Evans, Kevin R.: 

EdmaP-suPPoRtEd GEoLoGic maPPinG of thE JanE 

QuadRanGLE, mcdonaLd county, missouRi 


28-11 11 Larson, Mark O.*; Mickus, Kevin; Evans, Kevin: hiGh REsoLution 

GRavity suRvEy to dEtERminE Location and EXtEnt of 

fauLts in thE JanE 7.5-minutE QuadRanGLE, missouRi 

28-12 12 Cook, Tamara J.*: JavascRiPt tRavEL timE simuLatoR 

28-13 13 DeWolf, Cris L.*; Fujita, Kazuya; Schepke, Chuck; Ruddock, Judy; 

Sinclair, Jay; Svoboda, Michele R.; Waite, Greg: miQuaKEs: 

shaKinG uP EaRth sciEncE, mathEmatics, & Physics 

Education in michiGan 

28-14 14 Fordyce, Samuel W.*; Fadem, Cynthia M.: visuaLiZinG EaRLham 

coLLEGE’s miLLER faRm: a visitoR’s maP and GuidE 

28-15 15 Couts, Kimberly E.*; Crisp, Alexis A.; Goodwin, Grant M.; Hagen, 

Benjamin P.; Mobley, Tilden J.; Wilson, Elizabeth L.; Fortner, Sarah K.: 

sEasonaL and LonG-tERm (1996-2012) tREnds in thE 

concEntRations and Ratios of dissoLvEd siLica and 

dissoLvEd inoRGanic nitRoGEn in thE GREat miami 

RivER at miamisBuRG, ohio 

28-16 16 Gilliom, Alden Jane*; Henck Schmidt, Amanda; Andermann, 

Christoff; Rothenberg, Miriam: GRoundWatER stoRaGE in 

WEstERn china and EastERn tiBEt oBsERvEd fRom 

PREciPitation-dischaRGE hystEREsis 

28-17 17 Schmus, Matthew*; Bhattacharyya, Prajukti; Hart, David J.: 

EffEcts of fRactuREs on GRoundWatER fLoW today 

28-18 18 Richardson-Coy, Robin*; Teed, Rebecca: diatom idEntification 

handBooK foR thE GLEn hELEn natuRE PREsERvE, 

yELLoW sPRinGs, ohio 

28-19 19 Brinkmann, Sarah*; Brake, Sandra S.; Stone, Jeffery: diatom 

communitiEs nEaR acid minE dRainaGE at GREEn vaLLEy 

LaKE, WEst tERRE hautE, indiana 

28-20 20 Smart, Saundra M.*; Stone, Jeffery; Brake, Sandra S.: infLuEncE 

of diatom divERsity in an indiana stREam imPactEd By 

acid minE dRainaGE 

28-21 21 Burns, Anastasia Marie*; Grote, Katherine R.: EvaLuation of 

factoRs infLuEncinG nitRatE concEntRations in 

GRoundWatER in Eau cLaiRE county 

28-22 22 Peters, Carl E.*: GEochEmicaL anaLysis of hEavy mEtaLs 

in sEdimEnts suRRoundinG thE Bautsch-GRay minE 

suPERfund sitE, Jo daviEss county, iLLinois 

28-23 23 Krehel, Austin W.*; Yurk, Brian; Hansen, Edward C.: Wind 

stEERinG and sEdimEnt tRansfER associatEd With 

stoRms in a BLoWout dunE at sauGatucK haRBoR 

natuRaL aREa, michiGan 

28-24 24 Salzwedel, Mitchell*; Dolliver, Holly A.S.: thE EffEct of LonGtERm 

Land usE chanGEs on soiL oRGanic caRBon in 

southERn Wisconsin 

28-25 25 Hein, Jordan A.*; Kendall, Anthony D.; Budd, Blaze M.: 

QuantifyinG BanK ERosion and channEL 

sEdimEntation on thE toRch, RaPid and GRass RivERs 

in noRthERn LoWER michiGan 

28-26 26 Freeman-Ballew, Elizabeth*; Deuter, Leigh H.; Teed, Rebecca: 

PRELiminaRy Loss-on-iGnition data fRom cRystaL LaKE, 

ohio 

28-27 27 Morrison, Sean M.*; Struve, Matthew W.; Roeglin, Lauren E.; 

Jol, Harry M.; Faulkner, Douglas J.; Running, Garry Leonard IV.: 

incision and LatERaL miGRation aLonG tERRacEs 

of thE LoWER chiPPEWa RivER vaLLEy, Wi, usa: a GPR 

invEstiGation 

28-28 28 Warbritton, Matthew J.*; Nilges, Tayloy P.; Londoño, Ana C.: 3-d 

modELinG on thE EffEcts of BasELEvEL chanGE on 

RivER dELtas 

28-29 29 Cullen, Patrick*; Milewski, Stormy; Baumann, Eric Jr.; Algeo, 

Thomas J.; Maynard, J. Barry; Herrmann, Achim D.; Heckel, 

Philip H.: asymmEtRy of LatE PEnnsyLvanian GLacio- 

Eustatic fLuctuations in thE noRth amERican 

midcontinEnt 

28-30 30 Carnes, Jennifer L.*; Gierlowski-Kordesch, Elizabeth; Tabor, Neil J.; 

Rasmussen, David Tab: caRBonatE LaKEs on BasaLt fLoWs

(miocEnE KiRi KiRi foRmation, LaKE tuRKana REGion, 

KEnya) 

28-31 31 Baumann, Eric Jr.*; Cullen, Patrick; Milewski, Stormy; Algeo, 

Thomas J.: intEnsifiEd WEathERinG at thE PERmiantRiassic 

BoundaRy in thE BaLaton REGion of hunGaRy 

28-32 32 Woodford, Libby R.*; Regis, Robert S.: PaLEoGEoGRaPhic 

intERPREtation of thE LatE camBRian GRovELand minE 

stRatiGRaPhy, dicKinson county, michiGan 

28-33 33 Moore, Rebecca J.*; Rasmussen, Amy K.; Mahoney, J. Brian; 

Syverson, Kent M.: PEtRoGRaPhic anaLysis of 

camBRian sandstonE cEmEnt in WEstERn Wisconsin: 

imPLications foR thE comPosition and QuaLity of 

fRac sand 

28-34 34 Kunz, Stephen E.*; Sands, Jonathan; Marks, Adam; McMullen, John; 

Leonard, Karl W.: sEQuEncE stRatiGRaPhy of thE tyLER 

foRmation (LoWER PEnnsyLvanian/moRRoWan) in thE 

WiLListon Basin, noRth daKota 

28-35 35 White, Nathan*: siGnificancE of LatE tRiassic chaRcoaL, 

and LatE tRiassic and LatE JuRassic Wood 

PEtRification PRocEssEs and minERaLoGy, southcEntRaL 

utah 

28-36 36 Milewski, Stormy*; Cullen, Patrick; Baumann, Eric Jr.; Algeo, 

Thomas J.; Maynard, J. Barry; Herrmann, Achim D.; Heckel, Philip H.: 

thE noRth amERican stRatiGRaPhic REcoRd of LatE 

PEnnsyLvanian GLacio-Eustasy 

28-37 37 Meidlinger-Chin, Vernon*: BRaincasE and EndocRaniaL 

anatomy of CRYOLOPHOSAURUS ELLIOTI (dinosauRia: 

thERoPoda) fRom thE EaRLy JuRassic of antaRctica 

28-38 38 Fisher, Elizabeth A.*: chaRactER anaLysis of thERoPoda: 

a BRiEf study confinEd to BRaincasE chaRactERs and 

focusinG on BasaL taXa 

28-39 39 Yeider, Lindsey*: a nEW mEthod of aGE dEtERmination of 

MAMMUTHUS COLUMBI 

28-40 40 Fadem, Cynthia M.; Endicott, Robert E.*: cERamic PEtRoLoGy 

and soiL micRomoRPhoLoGy of thE daniLo BitinJ and 

PoKRovniK sitEs, daLmatia, cRoatia 

aftERnoon oRaL 



T5. Quaternary Research in the Great Lakes Region II: The 

Holocene, Part II 

1:30 PM, Fetzer Center, Putney Auditorium 

Catherine Yansa and Randall Schaetzl, Presiding 

29-1 1:30 PM Van Dam, Remke L.*; Storms, Joep E.A.; Yansa, Catherine H.: 

dEPositionaL histoRy of thE LaKE st. cLaiR dELta, 

michiGan, usinG GEoPhysics and coREs 

29-2 1:50 PM Fulton, Albert E. II.*: hoLocEnE PaLEoZooLoGicaL 

REcoRds of thE aLLEGhEny WoodRat (NEOTOMA 

MAGISTER) at thE noRthEastERn PERiPhERy of its 

foRmER RanGE: a BioGEoGRaPhic anaLysis 

29-3 2:10 PM Loope, Henry M.*; Liesch, Matthew E.; Loope, Walter L.; 

Jol, Harry M.; Goble, Ronald J.; Arnevik, Arik L.; Legg, 

Robert J.: EaRLy hoLocEnE EoLian activity, huRon 

mountains, uPPER michiGan 

29-4 2:30 PM Brinks, Linden E.*; Gerber, Kathryn E.; Sin, Jen-Li; Swineford, 

Jacob T.; Zapata, Alek K.: thE EffEcts of tWo faLL 

stoRms on a LaKE michiGan foREdunE 

29-5 2:50 PM Baca, Kira J.; Fisher, Timothy G.*; Gottgens, Johan F.: 

tEmPoRaLLy constRainEd aEoLian sand siGnaLs 

and thEiR RELationshiP to cLimatE, oXBoW LaKE, 

sauGatucK, michiGan 

3:10 PM Break 


29-6 3:30 PM Grote, Todd*: hoLocEnE fLoodPLain EvoLution in 

noRthWEstERn PEnnsyLvania 

29-7 3:50 PM Karsten, James W.*; LePage, Gabriel; Messina, Michael G.; 

Shisler, Daniel Jay; Smith, Jory: sand tRansPoRt and 

vEGEtation on tWo LaKE michiGan coastaL 

BLoWouts 

29-8 4:10 PM Monaghan, G. William*; Arbogast, Alan F.; Lovis, William A.; 

Kowalski, Daniel: miLLEnniaL-scaLE cycLEs of 

coastaL dunE foRmation duRinG thE LatE 

hoLocEnE, LaKE michiGan 


T7. Cultural Geology: Heritage Stone, Buildings, Parks, and More 

(Heritage Stone Task Group of the IUGS) 


Nelson Shaffer and Joseph T. Hannibal, Presiding 

30-1 1:30 PM Rose, William I.*; Gochis, Emily E.; Klawiter, Mark F.; Vye, 

Erika C.: BuiLdinG GRassRoots foR a KEWEEnaW 

GEoPaRK 

30-2 1:50 PM Freeman, V. Rocky*; Hannibal, Joseph T.; Bartlett, Wendy: thE 

mathER suRvEy coLLEction at maRiEtta coLLEGE: 

a RaRE assEmBLaGE of EaRLy ninEtEEnthcEntuRy 

GEoLoGic samPLEs and its imPoRtancE 

in intERPREtinG ninEtEEnth-cEntuRy GEoLoGic 

tERminoLoGy 

30-3 2:10 PM Saja, David B.*: WELLinGton dimEnsion stonE 

coLLEction at thE cLEvELand musEum of natuRaL 

histoRy: a RaRE EXamPLE of a WELL-documEntEd 

coLLEction of 20th cEntuRy dimEnsion stonEs 

30-4 2:30 PM Hannibal, Joseph T.*: QuantifyinG tREnds in stonE 

usEd foR BuiLdinGs, statuaRy, and othER usEs 

ovER timE With aRchaEoLoGicaL sERiation cuRvEs 


T8. Addressing Environmental Aspects of Geology: Research, 

Pedagogy, and Public Policy 

1:30 PM, Fetzer Center, Room 1040/1050 

Michael A. Phillips, Presiding 

31-1 1:30 PM Sack, Dorothy*: human imPacts on thE dunEs nEaR 

LynndyL, utah 

31-2 1:50 PM Bleeker, Tyler*; Miceli, Cassandra; Nieuwsma, Josh; Prather, 

Eleighna: Efficacy of sand fEncEs in staBiLiZinG a 

stEEP activE dunE BLoWout 

31-3 2:10 PM Arevalo, Joseph M.*; Emmons, Taylor A.; Harefa, Sarah C.; 

Van Wyk, Ashley L.; Zondag, Jacob A.: EvaLuatinG thE 

EffEctivEnEss of manaGEmEnt tEchniQuEs at 

mt. PisGah 

31-4 2:30 PM Parkin, Ann*; Kurtz, Alexander; Perry, Krystal; Schultz, 

Veronika; Williams, Matthew: unmanaGEd tRaiLs and 

manaGEmEnt on a GREat LaKEs dunE 

31-5 2:50 PM Griffey, Denisha*; Koretsky, Carla M.: thE EffEcts of 

Road saLt dEicERs on REdoX stRatification and 

saLiniZation of EutRoPhic LaKEs in southWEst mi, 

usa 

31-6 3:10 PM Ransohoff, Rebecca Weiss*; Soderlund, Lily; Townsend-Small, 

Amy: caRBon stoRaGE and nitRous oXidE and 

mEthanE Emissions in manaGEd and unmanaGEd 

uRBan LaWns and foREsts 

3:30 PM Break 

31-7 3:50 PM Wagner, Zachary C.*; Triplett, Laura D.; Kettenring, Karin M.: 

thE REduction of RivERinE siLica tRansPoRt duE 

to invasivE RiPaRian vEGEtation 

31-8 4:10 PM Wilch, T.I.*; Lincoln, T.N.: monitoRinG and 

chaRactERiZation of thE uPPER KaLamaZoo 

WatERshEd, mi: undERGRaduatE REsEaRch in a 

LocaL natuRaL LaBoRatoRy 



31-9 4:30 PM Syverson, Kent M.*: WatER REsouRcE imPacts 

associatEd With thE sand-mininG Boom in 

WEstERn Wisconsin: a comPaRison BEtWEEn 

aGRicuLtuRaL activitiEs and sand PRocEssinG 

31-10 4:50 PM Vye, Erika C.*; Rose, William I.; MacLennan, Carol A.: 

oPEninG a cLEaR and EQuitaBLE diaLoGuE on 

thE issuE of mininG in michiGan’s KEWEEnaW 

PEninsuLa 

31-11 5:10 PM Phillips, Michael A.*: PRovidinG GEoLoGic EXPERtisE 

to LocaL communitiEs facinG EnviRonmEntaL 

concERns 


T12. Research in Earth Science Education 


Heather Petcovic and Sandra Rutherford, Presiding 

32-1 1:30 PM Gilchrist, Ann M.*: studEnt suRvEys: usEfuL tooLs 

to EnGaGE non-sciEncE maJoRs in LaB activity 

REvisions 

32-2 1:50 PM Barney, Jeffrey A.*; Petcovic, Heather; Fynewever, Herb; 

Henderson, Charles; Mutambuki, Jacinta M.: do ouR 

GRadinG PRacticEs sEnd thE RiGht mEssaGE? 

32-3 2:10 PM Petcovic, Heather L.*; Stokes, Alison; Caulkins, Joshua L.: 

GEosciEntists’ PERcEPtions of thE vaLuE of 

fiELdWoRK 

32-4 2:30 PM Rowbotham, Katherine L.*; Petcovic, Heather L.; Koretsky, 

Carla M.: GEnERatinG contEnt KnoWLEdGE Gains 

that sticK: cRacKinG thE codE in a fiELd-BasEd 

WatER QuaLity couRsE 

32-5 2:50 PM Callahan, Caitlin N.*; Petcovic, Heather L.; Baker, Kathleen M.: 

hoW a GEoLoGist can GEt LEad astRay: a 

vidEo LoG study EXamininG hoW ERRoRs in 

oBsERvations and intERPREtations yiELd ERRoRs 

in GEoLoGic maPs 

32-6 3:10 PM Steffke, Christy*; Libarkin, Julie: convEyinG infoRmation 

With maPs: a function of symBoLoGy 

32-7 3:30 PM Martin, Nicholas*; Libarkin, Julie; Geraghty Ward, Emily M.; 

Jardeleza, Sarah: unintEndEd cuinG in tEst dEsiGn: 

coLLEGE studEnt data and sPatiaL anaLysis of 

EyE tRacKinG 


T19. Hydrogeologic Investigations for Improved Assessment of 

Water Availability and Use in the Glaciated United States 


E. Randall Bayless and Howard W. Reeves, Presiding 

33-1 1:30 PM Reeves, Howard W.*: usGs GLaciaL aQuifER systEm 

GRoundWatER avaiLaBiLity study 

33-2 1:50 PM Bayless, E. Randall*: a standaRdiZEd dataBasE of 

WELL-dRiLLERs’ REcoRds foR thE GLaciatEd 

unitEd statEs 

33-3 2:10 PM Unterreiner, Gerald*: nEW LidaR-BasEd indiana dnR 

PotEntiomEtRic suRfacE maPs 

33-4 2:30 PM Naylor, Shawn*; Gustin, Andrew R.; Letsinger, Sally L.; Ellett, 

Kevin; Olyphant, Greg A.: QuantifyinG hydRoLoGic 

BudGEt comPonEnts in indiana usinG a nEtWoRK 

of mEtEoRoLoGicaL and vadosE-ZonE instRumEnt 

aRRays 


33-5 2:50 PM Lingle, Derrick*; Kehew, A.E.: oRiGin of hiGh LEvELs of 

ammonium in GRoundWatER, ottaWa county, mi 


T20. Applied Geology: Engineering, Environmental, Geotechnical 

and Hydrogeology (Association of Environmental and Engineering 

Geologists) 


Terry R. West, Presiding 

34-1 3:30 PM West, Terry R.*: REcEnt studiEs in aPPLiEd GEoLoGy, 

a continuinG stoRy, tiPPEcanoE county, 

noRthWEst indiana 

34-2 3:50 PM Alfaifi, Hussain J.*; Hampton, Duane R.: comPaRinG sLuG 

tEst REsuLts in unconfinEd aQuifERs anaLyZEd 

usinG diffEREnt mEthods 

34-3 4:10 PM Salim, Rachel*; Hampton, Duane R.: LaBoRatoRy 

mEasuREmEnts of caPiLLaRy RisE in sands 

and siLts 

34-4 4:30 PM Jha, Rajan*: EstaBLishmEnt of univERsaL 

REGREssion modELs foR PREdiction of stREam 

moRPhoLoGy BasEd on RELiEf, cLimatE & 

WatERshEd vaRiaBLEs 

34-5 4:50 PM Byer, Gregory*: discovERy of concEaLEd 

suBsuRfacE stRuctuREs and contamination at 

histoRic industRiaL sitEs thRouGh intEGRation 

of GEoPhysicaL EXPLoRation into thE 

invEstiGation PRocEss 

34-6 5:10 PM Mickelson, David*; Laumann, Jason: usinG LidaR to maP 

staBLE sLoPE sEtBacKs on LaKE suPERioR shoRE 

BLuffs in iRon and douGLas countiEs, Wisconsin 


T21. Field Trips, Guidebooks, and Apps: Exploring the Present, Past 

and Future of Geological Field Trips and Field Trip Guidebooks 


Joseph T. Hannibal and Kevin Evans, Presiding 

35-1 3:00 PM Evans, Kevin R.*: mEmoiRs of an unREPEntant 

GEoLoGic fiELd tRiP LEadER 

35-2 3:20 PM Savina, Mary E.*: fiELd tRiPs: a “siGnatuRE 

PEdaGoGy” foR GEosciEncE’s “tanGLEd BanKs” 

35-3 3:40 PM Rawling, J. Elmo III.*; Rowley, Rex; Gultch, Ben; 

McCartney, M. Carol; Attig, John W.: dEviL’s LaKE 

fiELdtRiPs REBootEd: miXinG tRadition and 

tEchnoLoGy 

35-4 4:00 PM Huysken, Kristin T.*; Argyilan, Erin P.; Votaw, Robert: PaiREd 

PRoJEct-BasEd fiELd tRiPs to thE staRvEd RocK 

aREa, matthEissEn and BuffaLo RocK statE 

PaRKs, and thE iLLinois and michiGan canaL statE 

tRaiL – iLLinois 

35-5 4:20 PM Kay, Suzanne Mahlburg*; Coira, Beatriz: diGitaL and onsitE 

fiELd tRiP GuidEs to thE cEntRaL andEan 

Puna PLatEau 

4:40 PM Break 

35-6 4:50 PM Saja, David B.*: GoLd PanninG: a musEum fiELd 

tRiP, EducationaL EXPERiEncE, and REsEaRch 

oPPoRtunity 

35-7 5:10 PM Hannibal, Joseph T.*: GuidELinEs foR succEssfuL 

infoRmaL GEoLoGic WaLKinG touRs and fiELd 

tRiPs

20-5 BTH 26 Lee, Charlotte I. [218773] 

HISTORICAL CLIMATE AND STREAMFLOW TRENDS OF THE GRAND TRAVERSE BAY 

REGION 

LEE, Charlotte I., Geological Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, 

leechar3@msu.edu, MARTIN, Sherry L., Department of Geological Sciences, Michigan 

State University, 206 Natural Sciences Bldg, East Lansing, MI 48824, KENDALL, Anthony D., 

Department of Geological Sciences, Michigan State University, 206 Natural Sciences Bldg, 

Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, and HYNDMAN, David W., Department of 


MI 48824 

The natural environment of the Grand Traverse Bay Region is not only accredited by residents 

as a top contributing factor to a high quality of life, it contributes to the region’s economy through 

recreation and tourism. Water is an extremely important part of the natural environment, as well 

as human use, and can be affected by climatic conditions. Because of the strong economic 

link, it is vital to study the Grand Traverse Bay Region‘s water resources and climate to better 

understand the complex relationships between driving and response factors. This in turn will 

help stakeholders assess potential impacts that a continually changing climate could have 

on the precious water resources this region depends on. Analyzing data collected by stream 

gauging and climate monitoring stations over the past century in the Boardman and Charlevoix 

River Watersheds provides insight on streamflow, temperature, and precipitation trends of this 

region have shifted. Cross-examination of climate change driver and response trends along with 

ecological and anthropological data can be used to assess the past, present, and possible future 

impacts of regional change in stream flow and climate. 



T20. Applied Geology: Engineering, Environmental, 

Geotechnical and Hydrogeology (Posters) 

(Association of Environmental and Engineering 

Geologists) 


21-1 BTH 27 Bouali, El Hachemi Y. [218213] 

THE STABILITY OF THE LAKE MICHIGAN BLUFFS IN ALLEGAN COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND 

THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN AIR TEMPERATURE, GROUNDWATER LEVELS, AND 

DOWNSLOPE DISPLACEMENT 

BOUALI, El Hachemi Y. 1 , KAUNDA, Rennie B. 2 , CHASE, Ronald B. 1 , and KEHEW, Alan E. 1 , 

(1) Department of Geosciences, Western Michigan University, 1903 West Michigan Avenue, 

Kalamazoo, MI 49008, el.h.bouali@wmich.edu, (2) SRK Consulting (U.S.), Inc, Suite 3000, 

7175 West Jefferson Avenue, Lakewood, CO 80235 

Unstable bluffs composed of heterogeneous glacial sediments account for approximately 60 

percent of the Great Lakes shoreline. This instability has been attributed to toe erosion, soil 

saturation, surface water flow, and/or misguided human intervention. The U.S. Army Corps of 

Engineers and Western Michigan University conducted a joint study between 1996 and 2008 that 

resulted in a temporal dataset allowing significant insight into the causes of bluff failure. Electronic 

instrumentation, installed in 2003 within the bluffs of Lake Michigan, north of South Haven, MI, 

has led to data that grants explanations for the mechanisms and causes of failure. Instruments 

include subsurface arrays of in-situ inclinometers, vibrating wire piezometers, thermistors, and 

weather stations. Over the 12-year acquisition of displacement, groundwater, wave, precipitation, 

and temperature data, the damaging effects of groundwater activity, especially during times 

of freeze/thaw cycles, have been adequately observed. Groundwater was also discharged 

from vertical pumping wells during the winter seasons of 2003 and 2005. The vertical pumping 

wells were located in a dewatering site next to a (non-dewatered) control site. Downslope 

displacements were reduced by as much as 400 percent when compared to the control zone 

displacements during the dewatering times. 

Statistical evaluation of the data has emphasized the erosional effects during freeze/thaw 

cycles. Correlation and kernel density studies of: (1) air temperature versus downslope rotational 

displacement, (2) air temperature versus perched ground water potentiometric surface elevations, 

and (3) groundwater-level fluctuations verses downslope rotational displacements, have 

demonstrated instantaneous displacement activity when air temperatures cross 0° Celsius. The 

freezing of bluff surfaces produces a barrier to perched water discharge, which then raises pore 

pressures to produce a factor of safety of less than one; this results in simple shear displacement 

within the bluff. As the frozen bluffs thaw there is a rapid discharge of stored groundwater, which 

creates an additional lagged downslope displacement that accompanies the increase of flow 

pressure. The second pulse of displacements tends to be back rotations that accompany block 

movements of coherent soil. 

21-2 BTH 28 Lightfoot, Randall E. [218233] 

ANALYZING THE STRUCTURAL PROPERTIES, GEOLOGIC CONDITIONS, AND FRIABILITY 

OF GARNET SANDS FROM FOUR MINE SOURCES AROUND THE WORLD: IMPLICATIONS 

FOR THE DRY-AIR ABRASIVE SAND BLAST-CLEANING INDUSTRY 

LIGHTFOOT, Randall E., Augustana College, 1411 Dahlgren Lane, Minooka, IL 60447, 

randalllightfoot09@augustana.edu 

Due to its relatively high specific gravity, chemical inertness, isometric geometry, nontoxicity, 

lack of crystalline silica, ability to be recycled, low friability, and high hardness, garnet sand 

(var. almandine–pyrope) is one of the leading non-metallic abrasive media being used in the 

dry-air abrasive sand blast-cleaning industry. The primary task of this industry is to blast-clean 

steel infrastructure, remove all mill-scale and rust/corrosion, while simultaneously preparing 

the steel for a top-coating, which increases the integrity and longevity of the steel. Marco 

Industries (Davenport, IA) has provided five garnet sand samples from four localities. Two of 

the five samples are of hard rock origin while the remaining three samples were mined from 

fluvial systems. One hard rock garnet sample was mined from khondalites in the granulite belt 

of the North China Craton, Inner Mongolia, and the other from a meta-gabbro-derived garnetamphibolite 

from Gore Mountain, New York, U.S.A. Two of the three fluvial garnet sands were 


mined from the Thamirabarani River feeding into Bengal Bay, Eastern India, and the other from 

the Hutt River emptying into Port Gregory, Western Australia. X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, 

scanning electron microscopy, and grain size analysis methods were used to determine bulk 

and trace element compositions, change in geometry, percent degradation, percent dusting, and 

friability of each garnet sample. In order of increasing friability, the sample rank: 1: NY-garnet 

sample, 2: India (1) garnet sample, 3: India (2) garnet sample, 4: Australia garnet sample, and 

5: Mongolia garnet sample. Data show that the superior garnet sand with the lowest friability is 

from Gore Mountain and the most inferior, highest friability, is from Mongolia. Another rank was 

assigned to each garnet in terms of increasing dust created during one blast operation, with 

particles ranging from 1 to 100 μm in diameter. India (2) garnet sand created 7.7% dust, New 

York garnet sand created 8.9% dust, India (1) garnet sand created 12.7% dust, garnet sand from 

Australia created 14.4% dust and garnet from Mongolia created 26.8% dust. The percentages 

show how much of the garnet sand degraded after one blast operation, and provide insight about 

the friability of each garnet sand. 

21-3 BTH 29 Baratta, Vanessa M. [218415] 

THE EFFECTS OF FREEZE-THAW CYCLES AND STORMWATER RUNOFF INPUT ON THREE 

BIOSWALE SOIL MIXTURES 

BARATTA, Vanessa M., Geoscience, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, 

vanessa-baratta@uiowa.edu, BETTIS, E. Arthur III, Geoscience, University of Iowa, 

121 Trowbridge Hall, Iowa City, IA 52242, WARD, Adam S., Department of Geoscience, 

University of Iowa, 121 Trowbridge Hall, Iowa City, IA 52240, and WEIRICH, Frank, 

Department of Geosciences, University of Iowa, 121 Trowbridge Hall, Iowa City, IA 52242 

Urbanization and the growth of suburbs are world-wide phenomena. One product of this 

development is a dramatic increase in impermeable surfaces and a consequent increase in 

stormwater runoff. Bioretention cells (biocells) are one best management practice frequently 

used to mitigate the impacts of urban stormwater runoff. To ensure that a biocell will continue to 

perform adequately in the long term, it is imperative that the varieties of conditions it will sustain 

through time are considered during its initial design. Although biocells are frequently used for 

stormwater management, very few quantitative data exist on how they perform through time and 

in varied physical environments. In regions with seasonal freeze-thaw cycles, it is important to 

understand the physical effects of freeze-thaw cycles on biocell materials so that the integrity 

of the design will not be compromised by seasonal change. This project utilizes manufactured 

laboratory columns to investigate the effects of freeze-thaw cycles and runoff sediment input on 

the infiltration capacity of three different biosoil mixtures. These tests will provide an analog for 

long-term changes in biocell infiltration rates due to seasonal variations, which will provide critical 

data on which soil mixture would be best implemented in geographic regions susceptible to 

freeze-thaw activity. Furthermore these results will inform design standards for biocells to insure 

their long-term use. 

21-4 BTH 30 Erich, Kyla J. [218479] 

WOLF CREEK DAM: A CASE STUDY OF FOUNDATION REMEDIATION FOR DAMS BUILT ON 

KARST FOUNDATIONS 

ERICH, Kyla J., Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO 65409, 

kje6f4@mail.mst.edu 

Wolf Creek Dam was completed in 1952 as a 5,736 ft long and 258 ft high combination 

embankment-concrete gravity dam. Its storage capacity of 6 million acre feet makes it the ninth 

largest reservoir in the nation. The dam was built on a heavily karstified limestone foundation and 

began exhibiting signs of excess foundation seepage in late 1967. This led to extensive corrective 

work beneath the earthen core of the right abutment embankment to reduce underseepage. In 

2006 an independent assessment by the Dam Safety Action Classification Peer Review Panel 

recommended that Wolf Creek Dam exhibited “Urgent and Compelling” foundation seepage 

issues that required immediate attention. This classification triggered the most complex dam 

foundation remediation project of any dam in the world, with an estimated total cost of $594 

million, requiring six years of construction. The drilling and grouting techniques being applied 

insitu beneath the embankment section will likely establish new standards of practice for 

remediation and foundation beneficiation for hydraulic structures built on karst sites, specifically 

embedded barrier walls. 

21-5 BTH 31 Crane, Renee [218684] 

ALLOWING TIME FOR ACTIVATED CARBON CONDITIONING IN CONTAMINATED SOILS 

INCREASES THE EFFECTIVENESS OF STABILIZATION/SOLIDIFICATION 

CRANE, Renee, 1070 Claymoor Drive, Apartment 2A, Kalamazoo, MI 49009, 

renee.e.crane@wmich.edu and CASSIDY, Daniel, Geosciences, Western Michigan 

University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 

Stabilization and Solidification (S/S) can be a cost-effective remediation tool for contaminated 

soils and sediments, and is considered an accepted technology by the US EPA. S/S involves 

mixing amendments into the contaminated material which reduce the leachability of the 

contaminants. Though originally designed for inorganic contaminants, S/S is increasingly being 

used for sites contaminated with organic compounds. 

Two amendments commonly used for organics are Portland cement (or other pozzolanics 

like quick lime or fly ash) and powdered activated carbon (PAC). Cementing agents reduce the 

leaching of organic contaminants by reducing the permeability of leachate, and by encapsulating 

soil particles to which contaminants are adsorbed. The PAC serves as surface area to which 

organic contaminants adsorb very strongly. Ideally, PAC should be given time to adsorb 

contaminants before cementing agents are added, called PAC conditioning. However, in practice 

both amendments are typically added at the same time to reduce costs. Laboratory studies 

conducted on phenol suggest that there is no benefit by allowing PAC conditioning before adding 

cementing agents. However, these studies were done on soils artificially contaminated with 

phenols, whereas aged contaminated soils tend to behave quite differently. Moreover, phenols are 

not very common contaminants of soils. 

We will present results from laboratory studies on 6 different soils with aged contamination 

from BTEX (i.e., benzene, toluene, ethyl benzenes, and xylenes). The studies measured leaching 

(using the synthetic precipitation leaching procedure, or SPLP) in soils amended with PAC and 

Portland cement simultaneously, and compared PAC conditioning times of 1 month, 3 months, 

6 months, 9 months, and 1 year. Results demonstrate that pre-treatment with PAC before 

cement dosing dramatically reduces leaching and increases the effectiveness of S/S for organic 

contaminants. 



21-6 BTH 32 Disbennett, Douglas [218761] 

RELATIVE CONTRIBUTIONS OF HYPOXIA AND NATURAL GAS EXTRACTION TO 

ATMOSPHERIC METHANE EMISSIONS FROM LAKE ERIE 

TOWNSEND SMALL, Amy 1 , DISBENNETT, Douglas 1 , WEISS RANSOHOFF, Rebecca 1 , 

MACKAY, Ross 2 , and BOURBONNIERRE, Rick 2 , (1) Geology, University of Cincinnati, 

500 Geology Physics, Cincinnati, OH 45221, disbenda@mail.uc.edu, (2) Environment 

Canada, Burlington, ON, Canada 

Reduced oxygen availability in lakes due to summer stratification events can contribute to 

atmospheric methane emissions, and Lake Erie has a persistent low oxygen event in bottom 

waters during late summer. Lake Erie also has substantial subsurface natural gas deposits that 

are currently being extracted from areas in Canadian waters. We hypothesized that the lake 

would be a source of methane to the atmosphere in late summer, prior to fall turnover, and that 

natural gas wells and pipelines would contribute to additional methane emissions from resource 

extraction areas in Canadian waters. 

Sampling was conducted at a total of 21 sites in central and western Lake Erie during early 

September, 2012. Sites were selected to collect samples from a wide range of environmental 

conditions in order to better establish the baseline flux from these areas. We selected an array of 

sites in the offshore environment, sites from a very shallow bay and sites within the Canadian gas 

fields. Air samples were gathered using floating flux chambers tethered to the research vessel. 

Dissolved gas water samples were collected using a Van Dorn bottle. 

Preliminary results show a consistent but small flux of methane throughout the lake, with flux 

rates adjacent to natural gas pipelines about an order of magnitude greater than elsewhere. 

Samples are currently being analyzed for stable isotope ratios of methane, which can distinguish 

between fossil fuel and biological sources of methane. 

This project has two goals; first it is an effort to constrain the global warming potential of 

hypoxia in the Great Lakes, and secondly it is an attempt to constrain fugitive emissions of 

methane from resource extraction areas within Lake Erie. These two sources of methane may 

contribute to increased greenhouse gas emission rates regionally, and fugitive methane is taking 

on increased importance due to the expansion of natural gas extraction activities in Lake Erie. 



T23. Remote Sensing Applications in Environmental 

Sciences (Posters) 


22-1 BTH 33 Mattheus, C.R. [217252] 

CLIMATE INFLUENCE ON LAKE ERIE NEARSHORE-SEDIMENT ACCUMULATION AND 

BEACH PROGRADATION: A LOOK AT OHIO HARBOR JETTIES AND ADJACENT HEADLAND 

BEACHES 

MATTHEUS, C.R. and STOWE, M.S., Geological and Environmental Sciences, Youngstown 

State University, One University Plaza, Youngstown, OH 44555, crmattheus@ysu.edu 

Erosion problems for the sediment-starved U.S. Lake Erie shoreline reflect the lake’s shallow 

nature, water-level changes, bluff exposures of unconsolidated glacial and glaciolacustrine 

materials, human influences, and lake orientation with respect to prevailing wind, wave, and 

current directions. Despite the absence of substantial nearshore sand sources, sections of 

the southern Lake Erie shoreline have prograded over the last 100 years in response to jetty 

construction and sand trapping. This study investigates the evolution of two actively prograding 

beaches along the Lake Erie shoreline of Ohio: Mentor Headlands Beach and Walnut Beach. 

A total of 56 nautical charts of the harbor areas from 1901 to 2005 were georeferenced to 

provide insight into the timing of hard structure installation, historic shoreline positions, and 

temporal changes in nearshore bathymetry. Nearshore-surface models, gridded from bathymetric 

points in ArcGIS using a nearest neighbor interpolation algorithm, provide net-change maps. 

Bathymetry was not surveyed as regularly as shoreline position, providing only three time-slices 

per harbor area over the 100-year timeframe of interest; however, nearshore-surface models 

document a lake-ward translation of shoreline and nearshore environments through time with little 

change in shoreface morphology. Beach area gained is therefore utilized as a metric for volume 

change in our timeseries analysis. 

Our studied beaches show a paralleled evolution with respect to shoreline progradation and 

nearshore sand-volume gain, which does not appear to correlate to anthropogenic activity, but 

could reflect a decadal-scale climate variance. A pronounced decrease in beach gain from the 

mid-1930s through the late 1940s coincides with regional drought conditions, lower lake levels, 

and possibly milder wave climate. Historic lake levels have fluctuated between ~173 and 175 

meters above mean sea level since 1901 with similar low-level periods in the mid-1960s that do 

not show a change in the rate of beach progradation, warranting an investigation into whether 

changes in nearshore-sediment supply by either reduced bluff erosion or longshore transport play 

a role. 

22-2 BTH 34 Jasinski, Briana L. [218792] 

A HISTORY OF BEAVER ACTIVITY IN THE JORDAN RIVER WATERSHED: SPATIAL 

DISTRIBUTION, SUCCESSION, AND SEDIMENT 

JASINSKI, Briana L., Department of Geological Sciences, Michigan State University, 

206 Natural Sciences Building, East Lansing, MI 48824, jasinsk7@gmail.com, HYNDMAN, 

David W., Department of Geological Sciences, Michigan State University, 206 Natural 

Science Building, East Lansing, MI 48824, KENDALL, Anthony D., Department of Geological 

Sciences, Michigan State University, 206 Natural Sciences Bldg, Michigan State University, 

East Lansing, MI 48824, and MARTIN, Sherry L., Geological Sciences, Michigan State 

University, East Lansing, MI 48824 

Beavers are exceptional environmental engineers, second only to humans in the modification 

of their environment. However, their historical response to changing habitat conditions is often 

difficult to classify due to lack of past spatial and population data. In this study, we demonstrate 

how combined aerial photo classification, GIS analysis, and in-field ground truthing can be used 

to model the spatio-temporal rebound of a beaver population previously decimated by the fur 

trade and habitat destruction in the Jordan River Watershed in northern Michigan. Aerial and 

high-resolution satellite imagery spanning the period 1938-2011 were digitized and georeferenced 

to map the fluctuating numbers and distributions of beaver dams in the watershed. By linking 

these dam counts with statewide beaver harvest estimates, we demonstrate that GIS mapping 

provides a robust population estimate which can then be spatially analyzed and related to long- 


term beaver behavioral trends and forest management practices. Additionally, understanding 

changing spatial sequences of beaver dams is critical for quantifying historical rates of sediment 

retention at the watershed scale. Overall, this study demonstrates the utility of using a GIS 

approach to capture the historical spatial and population dynamics of a rebounding beaver 

population in a post-logging habitat. 

22-3 BTH 35 Wagner, Kaleb [218707] 

GIS-MEDIATED REMOTE SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF RIBBED MORAINE MORPHOLOGY AND 

DISTRIBUTION WITHIN NORTHERN CANADA 

WAGNER, Kaleb, Dept. of Earth Sciences, Brock University, 500 Glenridge Ave, 

St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1 Canada, kw11wm@brocku.ca 

Ribbed (a.k.a. Rogen) moraines are arcuate, subglacially-formed ridges oriented transverse to 

local palaeo-ice flow direction. Such features appear organized in fields, primarily throughout 

the former core-interior sectors of the Laurentide, British-Irish, and Fennoscandian Ice Sheets. 

Awareness of these landforms dates back well over a century, yet the process or processes 

responsible for their formation remain largely undetermined. Much research has endeavored to 

associate ribbed moraine genesis with specific subglacial ‘zones’ and their attendant basal ice 

flow regimes, though past efforts have lacked an explicit and reproducible means of assessing 

and comparing geomorphometric properties between discrete populations of landforms. More 

recent investigations incorporate geomatic techniques, and have contributed more generalizable 

insights, though the inherent spatial qualities of ribbed moraine fields have yet to be objectively 

examined. The current approach addresses these gaps by introducing quantitative measures of 

intra-field ribbed moraine distribution and morphology for three distinct locations within northern 

Canada. Continuous residual relief raster surfaces are derived from 0.75 arc-second Canadian 

Digital Elevation Data (CDED) digital elevation models (DEMs) and are used to digitize individual 

ribbed moraines directly into a geographic information system (GIS). High resolution (15 m, band 

8 - panchromatic) Landsat 7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) scenes are consulted 

as a secondary reference for feature verification and mapping in areas of particularly complex 

terrain. Morphometric parameters are calculated for digitized landforms using routine GIS 

measuring tools, and directional tendencies in feature incidence and certain attribute magnitudes 

are explored. Statistical measures of feature clustering, orientation, and parallel conformity are 

computed and presented as a quantitative basis for inter-field comparison of glacial landform 

distributions. Findings garnered by this research place more accurate constraints on regional ice 

flow history in northern Canada, and contribute new understandings to the vacillating literature on 

subglacial dynamics and landform genesis. 

22-4 BTH 36 Alharbi, Talal [218335] 

CLIMATE CHANGE OVER THE ARABIAN PENINSULA: INFERENCES FROM TRMM DATA 

ALHARBI, Talal, SULTAN, Mohamed, and AHMED, Mohamed, Geosciences, Western 

Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, tgalharbi@yahoo.com 

The Arabian Peninsula, like many parts of the world, is apparently witnessing the impacts of 

global climate change. The spatial and temporal variations in precipitation extracted from the 

3-hourly Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission data (TRMM) acquired (2002-present) over the 

Arabian Shield was used to investigate the nature and magnitude of these changes. Examination 

of trend images extracted from monthly precipitation data revealed a general increase in 

precipitation along the coastal zones. In some areas the trend image showed an annual increase 

in precipitation amounting to more than 5 mm/yr. The Red Sea hills, like many parts of the 

Arabian Peninsula’s coastal areas, show an increase in precipitation on the trend images. The 

precipitation in the Arabian Shield occurs during one of two seasons, the first occurs in April 

through September and is monsoonal in origin. Trend images produced for these months show 

an increase of more than 5mm in the Jazan area, and along the eastern margin of Yemen and the 

southeast coastal areas of Oman. The second season is from October to March and is caused 

by the Westerlies. Trend images for these months show an increase in precipitation exceeding 

6mm/yr in Jeddah, southern Yemen and Oman. 

22-5 BTH 37 Manche, Cameron [218585] 

INTEGRATED APPROACH TO BETTER DETERMINING ALGAL BLOOMS IN CASE II WATERS 

IN THE KUWAIT BAY: A REMOTE SENSING BASED APPROACH 

MANCHE, Cameron1 , SULTAN, Mohamed1 , BECKER, Richard2 , CHOUINARD, Kyle1 , and 

TINIGIN, Laura1 , (1) Department of Geosciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, 

MI 49008, cameron.j.manche@wmich.edu, (2) Environmental Sciences, University of Toledo, 

2801 W. Bancroft, Toledo, OH 43606 

Observations extracted from satellite sensors, namely the Moderate Resolution Imaging 

Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and the Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) as 

well as field data was applied to detect the spatial and temporal variations in the distribution of 

algal blooms in the Kuwait Bay. To date the total collection (39,800 scenes) of MODIS images 

acquired (07/2002 to 07/2012) over the Kuwait Bay were examined whereas only a small 

subset (330 scenes) of MERIS data (07/2003 to 12/2005) was processed. Kuwait Bay waters 

are optically complex Case II waters that are more turbid or productive with high concentrations 

of various constituents such as colored dissolved organic matter, sediments, and nutrients. 

Given the complexities of the Kuwait Bay various chlorophyll-a algorithms (e.g. Ocean Color2, 

Ocean Color3, GSM, GIOP, Chlor-a (MERIS), Chlor-a (MODIS) have been employed to select 

the optimum algorithm that can best identify the distribution of the algal blooms and accurately 

measure their chlorophyll-a concentration. This is being accomplished by correlating the various 

satellite-based distribution and chlorophyll-a concentration of the blooms with those measured 

in the field (from 09/1999 to 07/2011). Preliminary results show that out of all 3 MODIS-based 

algorithms, the Chlor-a product shows the highest correspondence between field and satellitebased 

chlorophyll-a concentration, so does the Chlor-a MERIS-based product. Caution should be 

exercised regarding the latter as only a small subset of MERIS data was analyzed. Processing of 

the remaining images acquired by MERIS over the Kuwait Bay is underway. 

22-6 BTH 38 Sanders, Jonathon D. [218653] 

WATERSHED DELINEATION FOR CONTAMINANTS IN THE PORTER CREEK WATERSHED 

SANDERS, Jonathon D. 1 , BECKER, Richard H. 2 , SIGLER, Von1 , PEKALSKA, Aneta1 , 

and LIS, Jill3 , (1) Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Toledo, 2081 West 

Bancroft Ave, Toledo, OH 43606, jonathon.sanders@rockets.utoledo.edu, (2) Department of 

Environmental Sciences, University of Toledo, 2801 West Bancroft Ave, Toledo, OH 43606, 

(3) Cuyahoga County Board of Health, 5550 Venture Drive, Parma, OH 44130 

Porter Creek in Cuyahoga County, Ohio contains high densities of Escherichia coli and plays 

a major role in transporting bacteria pollution to Huntington Beach, on the Lake Erie shoreline. 

Closer inspection of the storm-sewershed showed high densities of E. coli draining from storm 

drains directly into Porter Creek, whose outlet is in close proximity to the beach.

To identify areas in the watershed which are significant contributors to concentrations in the 

creek, a GIS exercise was conducted to map drainages feeding into storm drains throughout the 

towns of Bay Village and Westlake. Using the TOPAZ delineation technique in the WMS software 

package and storm-sewer maps of each town, a combination of 2.5 and 10 foot LiDAR data 

from OSIP was used to map drainage patterns of 28 outfalls and determine the area drained by 

each outfall. The drainage areas were then used to identify the sub-watersheds responsible for 

providing the highest densities of E. coliper area. 

Of the 28 outfalls sampled, 22 had storm-sewershed basins of sufficient size to allow further 

analysis, with the basins ranging from 25.06 square kilometers to 10 square meters in size. Within 

these areas, concentrations of E. coli were found to range between 0 and 1,687,308 colonies/ 

100 ml/ in of rain/ square kilometer. 

Policy makers may employ this method in areas facing high pollutant discharge in rivers and 

streams, allowing them to target problem areas when they have limited resources. 

22-7 BTH 39 Chiasera, Brandon [218742] 

GEOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF THE DICKINSON GROUP OF THE UPPER PENINSULA, 

MICHIGAN: A STUDY OF AN ACCRETED TERRANE OF THE SUPERIOR PROVINCE 

CHIASERA, Brandon, SHAHPURWALA, Aiman, KOROLESKI, Kraig K., RASLICH, Frank, 

and ROONEY, Tyrone O., Dept. of Geological Sciences, Michigan State University, 288 Farm 

Lane (Room 206), East Lansing, MI 48824, chiasera@msu.edu 

The lithospheric development of North America is intimately linked to the evolution of the Superior 

Province. The Superior Province, an Archean age craton located to the north of Lake Superior, 

has been generated through the accretion of multiple terranes. The nature of the terranes 

associated with these accretion events is poorly constrained. The Dickinson group, located in 

central Dickinson County in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, is largely a metasedimentary 

formation that includes mafic flow units and is cross cut by mafic dikes. The Dickinson group is 

composed of three primary stratigraphic units: the East Branch arkose, the Solberg schist, and 

the Six-Mile Lake amphibolites. Mafic dikes and flows within the East Branch arkose are the focus 

of this study. The East Branch arkose, which lies at the base of the Dickinson group, is bound 

by unconformities that place its age between 3.6 and 2.58 Ga. We have analyzed the major and 

trace element geochemistry of a suite of 20 samples collected from the Dickinson group and 

determined the dikes and flows to be of a transitional composition between olivine tholeiite and 

alkali-olivine basalt. In some instances there is a geochemical correlation between the flows and 

a subset of dikes. For other dikes there appears to be little correlation with the flows through 

which they pass suggesting temporal diversity in dike emplacement and heterogeneity in magma 

generation mechanisms. We explore the correlation between mafic units in the contemporaneous 

Minnesota River Valley terrane and the Dickinson group to examine accretionary processes along 

the southern margin of the Superior Province. 

22-8 BTH 40 Liu, Xiuju [218825] 

USING LACUSTRINE SEDIMENT TO TEST THE EVAPORATION HYPOTHESIS FOR THE 

MOORHEAD LOW WATER PHASE OF LAKE AGASSIZ 

LIU, Xiuju1 , FISHER, Timothy G. 1 , LEPPER, Kenneth2 , and LOWELL, Thomas V. 3 , 

(1) Environmental Sciences, University of Toledo, MS #604, Toledo, OH 43606, Xiuju.Liu@ 

utoledo.edu, (2) Department of Geosciences, North Dakota State University, P.O. Box 6050, 

Dept. #2745, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, (3) Department of Geology, University of Cincinnati, 

Cincinnati, OH 45221 

Glacial Lake Agassiz was fed by terrestrial runoff and meltwater from the Laurentide Ice Sheet 

at the end of the last glacial period. The cause of the ~50 m draw down to the Moorhead lowwater 

Phase, ~10,7 00 14C yr B.P.( ~12,400 cal yr B.P.), close to the beginning of the Young 

Dryas chronozone remains elusive. An active outlet routing water eastward or northwestward 

was recently tested and rejected from available field data. Without evidence for an active outlet, 

the evaporation hypothesis is being pursued. Here we present initial results for increased aridity 

during the Younger Dryas from Rabbit Lake, Minnesota. 

Rabbit Lake is located just above the Herman strandline, in the southeastern corner of the 

Lake Agassiz basin. It is expected to record similar hydrological conditions as in Lake Agassiz 

itself. From a Livingstone core with a radiocarbon age of 11,800 ± 45 14C yr B.P. (13,700 ±114 

cal yr B.P.), preliminary results indicate increased aridity. The dated unit consists of uniform dark 

gray mud and is overlain by massive, red-brownish mud with intermixed salts assumed to be of 

Younger Dryas age. Preliminary results from XRF measurements (ITRAX X-ray Fluorescence 

Core Scanner) of the S/Ti, Ca/Ti, and Si/Ti profiles are well correlated. High sulfur content 

together with high calcium content may suggest formation of gypsum within the sediments, a 

signature of a dry climate. The high Si/Ti ratio may represent a higher quartz content, consistent 

with gypsum formation during a drier climate. 

In addition to the Rabbit Lake cores, sediment cores containing YD-aged sediment and 

samples for OSL dating were collected from Fargo, ND, within the Lake Agassiz basin. The results 

of bulk elemental composition (XRF), LOI, and grain size, do not show evidence for evaporative 

enrichment. However, this does not exclude the closed basin hypothesis due to the planar 

erosional unconformity at these sites. 

To further test the evaporation hypothesis, our future work involves examining a sampling 

transect north of Grand Forks to an elevation below the lowest point of the Moorhead low. 


Friday, 3 May 2013 

T1. Advances in Glacial Sediment Characterization: 

Implications for Groundwater Flow and Contaminant 

Transport Modeling 


23-1 8:10 AM Russell, Hazen A.J. [218638] 

APPLYING THE “PLAY” CONCEPT TO ARCHETYPAL CANADIAN SURFICIAL AQUIFERS 

RUSSELL, Hazen A.J., Geological Survey of Canada, 601 Booth Street, Ottawa, ON K1A 

0E8, Canada, hrussell@nrcan.gc.ca, SHARPE, David, Geological Survey of Canada, 

601 Booth Street, Ottawa, ON K1A OE8, Canada, and CUMMINGS, Don I., DC Geoscience, 

12 Rue Décarie, Gatineau, QC QC J9H 2M3, Canada 

The Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) is currently assessing 30 key Canadian aquifers. This 

represents a small fraction of the aquifers in Canada. Consequently, there is a need for an aquifer 


classification that can synthesize information on archetypal surficial aquifers. A simple glacial 

landform or depositional facies model approach does not suffice, because it fails to integrate the 

complexity of geographic, geological and hydrological controls on the occurrence of aquifers. One 

approach is the play concept used in the petroleum industry that involves the three components 

of source, reservoir, and trap (seal). These concepts have direct parallels to aquifers, namely 

as hydrology, aquifer geology, and geology of confining units. Data for characterization of the 

play type may be drawn form legacy, and archival sources along with project specific data 

collection of data on sediment facies, physical properties, geophysical signatures, geochemistry, 

hydrochemistry, hydrology, etc within a basin analysis framework. Characterization of these three 

elements is used to formulate aquifer play types common to the surficial (glacial) sediment cover 

of Canada, and in doing so highlight the benefits and drawbacks inherent with development of 

each. The aquifer play type is identified by a compound play term based on landforms and/or 

stratigraphic architecture followed by depositional environment (e.g. moraine, subaqueous fan). 

In the embryonic application of the play concept to aquifer studies completed primarily by the 

GSC, but also described in the broader literature, we provide a cursory review of play types for 

archetypal surficial aquifers within the list of 30 key Canadian Aquifers. Specifically, four play types 

are reviewed: i) bedrock interface buried valleys, ii) sediment hosted buried valleys, iii) stratified 

moraines, iv) glacilacustrine / glacimarine basin eskers. 

Application of the play concept to hydrogeology offers the same opportunity as in the 

hydrocarbon context, of providing an analogue for aquifers that may have received less study 

but have similar characteristics. The play concept can also provide a framework to discuss 

groundwater extraction from different areas based on similar aquifer and hydraulic conditions. 

23-2 8:35 AM Dunkle, Kallina M. [218395] 

GROUNDWATER FLOW MODEL CALIBRATION DIFFICULTIES IN AREAS WITH GLACIALLY- 

DEPOSITED AQUITARDS: AN EXAMPLE FROM GLACIAL LAKE OSHKOSH 

DUNKLE, Kallina M., Department of Geosciences, Austin Peay State University, PO Box 

4418, Clarksville, TN 37044, dunklek@apsu.edu, HART, David J., Wisconsin Geological and 

Natural History Survey, University of Wisconsin-Extension, 3817 Mineral Point Rd, Madison, 

WI 53705, and ANDERSON, Mary P., Geoscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1215 W 

Dayton St, Madison, WI 53706-1692 

In Outagamie County, Wisconsin, glacio-lacustrine sediments form a regional aquitard comprised 

of very low hydraulic conductivity (K) lacustrine clays with embedded sand and gravel bodies. 

Several techniques were used to infer preferential flow paths occurring through connected 

high K zones at this study site. A combination of hard and soft data was used to create 300 

three-dimensional hydrostratigraphic models of the site using multiple-point geostatistics. A 

representative set of six hydrostratigraphic models was selected, imported into groundwater flow 

models, and calibrated to head data. Results from particle tracking indicated preferential flow 

of individual particles moving through high K units in faster time than nearby particles moving 

through low K units. 

During the calibration process, several problems arose related to boundary conditions that 

did not occur in previous models of glacial aquifers in Wisconsin. Specified head boundaries 

obtained using telescopic mesh refinement from a larger regional model were much too high for 

the glacial Lake Oshkosh site, likely due to a lack of calibration data in that area, less detailed 

information for the glacial deposits in the larger regional model relative to the telescoped model, 

the large volume of low K material, and, most importantly, the existence of strong vertical flow at 

this site. Additionally, a soil-water balance model and baseflow estimates at the basin scale gave 

recharge rates that were higher than calibrated recharge values. Comparison of particle tracking 

results and isotope values from previous studies suggests that a lower value for K of clay is more 

appropriate than was used in the calibration, which would allow higher values of recharge in the 

model. In general, when working in areas with vertical flow through thick glacial aquitards, local 

stream gaging data are essential for model calibration at the site scale and caution should be 

used in assigning boundaries from a larger regional model. 

23-3 8:55 AM Slomka, Jessica M. [218334] 

DECONSTRUCTING THE SUBSURFACE: ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF 

QUATERNARY GLACIOFLUVIAL DEPOSITS, LIMEHOUSE, ONTARIO, CANADA 

SLOMKA, Jessica M. and EYLES, Carolyn H., School of Geography and Earth Sciences, 

McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada, slomkaj@mcmaster.ca 

Thick successions of glacial deposits host significant aquifers in northern North America. 

However, glacial depositional environments are dynamic and result in complex sedimentary 

successions that make characterization of the aquifers they host, difficult. This paper utilizes 

architectural element analysis (AEA) to characterize heterogeneity within a Quaternary age 

coarse-grained glaciofluvial deposit exposed in the Limehouse Pit, Ontario and provides an 

analogue for the analysis of more deeply buried aquifers in the region. 

AEA is a methodology that involves identification of the scale and form of sedimentary units 

and their bounding surfaces and allows documentation of three-dimensional textural variability 

(heterogeneity) in sedimentary successions. Exposures of glaciofluvial sediment were logged in 

an active aggregate pit in Limehouse, recording grain size, sedimentary structure, clast lithology, 

shape, size, and orientation, thickness, unit contacts, and facies types. Nine facies were identified, 

including gravel facies (Gm, Gp, Gt), sand facies (Sr, Sp, St, Ss) and fine-grained facies (Fl 

and Fd). Variations in facies associations and the geometry of unit contacts (4th-order bounding 

surfaces) allowed demarcation of five architectural elements (AEs), including gravel sheet (GS), 

sand complex (SC), concave fill (CF), fine-grained sheet (FS), and gravel foreset body (GFB) 

elements. The spatial arrangement of AEs and higher order bounding surfaces also allowed the 

discrimination of six larger scale element associations (EAs), including those representing sandy 

braided river (EA1), delta front (EA2), gravelly braided river/ delta top (EA3), delta front/ lacustrine 

(EA4), braided river/ deltaic (EA5), and sand-dominated fluvial (EA6) environments. 

AEA is utilized here to both enhance paleoenvironmental reconstructions of the study area 

and to also capture three levels of heterogeneity in the exposed glaciofluvial deposits that can 

be applied to detailed aquifer characterization and computer-based modeling. Outcrop analogue 

studies such as this provide insight to the architecture of more deeply buried coarse-grained 

deposits that form important aquifers, and can be utilized to enhance paleoenvironmental 

reconstruction of subsurface alluvial deposits elsewhere. 

23-4 9:15 AM Lemke, Lawrence D. [218475] 

DRAWING THE DOG: DETERMINISTIC HYDROSTRATIGRAPHIC MODELING OF A COMPLEX 

GLACIAL AQUIFER SYSTEM USING AN ALLOSTRATIGRAPHIC APPROACH 

LEMKE, Lawrence D., Department of Geology, Wayne State University, 0224 Old Main, 4841 

Cass, Detroit, MI 48202, ldlemke@wayne.edu, FRAHM, Andrew L., Dept. of Geology, Wayne 

State University, 0224 Old Main, 4841 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, and PAPPAS, Lena K., 

Dept. of Geology, Wayne State University, 0224 Old Main, 4841 Cass, Detroit, MI 48202 

Complexity and glacial sediments go hand in hand. Consequently, modeling three-dimensional 

variability in glacial aquifer systems can require considerable experience, perseverance, and 



imagination, even when abundant subsurface data are readily available. In practice, subsurface 

information is usually sparse, and evaluating model uncertainty constitutes a significant challenge. 

This study employs hybrid models incorporating stochastic variability within a deterministic 

hydrostratigraphic framework to model spatial variability of physical hydrogeologic properties and 

assess contaminant transport prediction uncertainty in a complex glacial aquifer system. 

The approach is illustrated with a case study in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA, where plumes 

of groundwater containing 1,4-dioxane have migrated several kilometers in different directions 

through 80m of underlying glacial drift. The deepest known plume appears to be advancing 

toward the Huron River beneath a groundwater Prohibition Zone established in 2005. 1,4-Dioxane 

is readily soluble in water but resistant to microbial degradation and adsorption to soil particles. 

Thus, it provides a tracer-like record of solute transport. More than 130 monitoring wells and 20 

extraction wells have been drilled to detect, trace, and remediate 1,4-dioxane in the area. These 

wells form the basis of an allostratigraphic interpretation of the three-dimensional distribution of 

aquifer and aquitard units, constrained by available hydraulic head and contaminant concentration 

data, that is described in this presentation. Stochastic modeling of aquifer and aquitard properties 

within that deterministic hydrogeologic framework is described in a companion presentation. 

23-5 9:35 AM Pappas, Lena K. [218547] 

ADDING THE SPOTS: STOCHASTIC MODELING WITHIN A DETERMINISTIC 

HYDROSTRATIGRAPHIC FRAMEWORK TO ACCOUNT FOR SMALL-SCALE VARIABILITY 

AND UNCERTAINTY IN A COMPLEX GLACIAL AQUIFER SYSTEM 

PAPPAS, Lena K., Dept. of Geology, Wayne State University, 0224 Old Main, 4841 Cass, 

Detroit, MI 48202, lkpappas@wayne.edu and LEMKE, Lawrence D., Department of Geology, 

Wayne State University, 0224 Old Main, 4841 Cass, Detroit, MI 48202 

Glacial sediments contain variable and complex textures and sedimentary structures that can 

impede attempts to predict field scale subsurface groundwater flow or contaminant transport 

behavior. Refinement of deterministic hydrostratigraphic models to account for small-scale 

variability using stochastic modeling provides a means to assess flow and transport uncertainty. 

This study illustrates the application of a hybrid modeling approach integrating deterministic and 

stochastic components to assess uncertainty in selected contaminant transport metrics. The 

site is located in central Washtenaw County, Michigan, USA, where monitoring wells have been 

installed in more than 130 locations as part of an ongoing remediation effort. 

Natural gamma radiation counts were recorded in monitoring well logs located throughout 

the site. Measurement intervals in each well were classified as aquifer or aquitard based on 

their position within a deterministic allohydrostratographic interpretation. Sequential Gaussian 

simulation was used to create an ensemble of realizations of gamma values conditioned to 

gamma well log measurements within a 14km2 area of a regional groundwater model. Aquifer 

and aquitard simulations were generated separately and merged into a single 3D model honoring 

the original allohydrostratographic interpretation. Hydraulic conductivity was then assigned in 

each 30x30x3m MODFLOW model cell based on an experimentally determined exponential 

relationship between hydraulic conductivity and gamma count values. 100 stochastic realizations 

were ranked a priori using harmonic mean K values for flow paths along the primary migration 

direction between the source area and the Huron River, a potential groundwater discharge 

location at the site. Relevant transport metrics (e.g., first arrivals and breakthrough times at the 

river calculated using MODPATH and MT3D) were compared among realizations to evaluate the 

degree to which stochastic variability influences transport and whether a priori rankings can be 

used to identify realizations representing the range of transport behavior uncertainty predicted 

using the full ensemble. 

23-6 10:25 AM Keefer, Donald A. [218826] 

SEDIMENTOLOGIC MODELING AND TRANSMISSIVITY MAPPING TO SUPPORT 

GROUNDWATER FLOW AND CONTAMINANT TRANSPORT MODELING IN GLACIAL 

SEDIMENTS 

KEEFER, Donald A., THOMASON, Jason F., and BROWN, Steven E., Illinois State 

Geological Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 

615 E. Peabody Dr, Champaign, IL 61820, dkeefer@illinois.edu 

Over the past decade, geologists and hydrogeologists at the Illinois State Geological Survey 

(ISGS) have been trying to provide users with maps and accompanying information that better 

support decisions about groundwater quantity and quality problems. Recent advances within the 

ISGS into new methods in 3-D geologic and hydrogeologic mapping have provided opportunities 

to push out new map products that further benefit hydrogeologic problem solving. 

A strategy is evolving at the ISGS where sedimentologic models of varying complexity are used 

with 3-D maps of sand/gravel aquifer distribution and thickness to produce sets of transmissivity 

maps that provide insight on the predicted ranges and distributions of hydraulic conductivity. 

The complexity of the sedimentologic models are based on the quantity and quality of available 

data, confidence in the conceptual models governing the overall glacial framework, and the 

objectives being addressed by the mapping efforts. On one end, transmissivity maps reflect 

general sedimentologic shifts, such as proximal to distal relationships based on distance from ice 

margins, together with broad ranges in hydraulic conductivity from published table-based sources. 

This approach results in generalized maps reflecting broad zonation of estimated maximum 

and minimum transmissivity values. At the other end of the complexity spectrum, geostatistical 

methods are used with the traditionally-developed 3-D maps to simulate a number of possible 

distributions of sediment lithotypes or facies within aquifers. Then these lithotype distributions are 

populated with geostatistically-simulated values of porosity and permeability to create a range of 

possible 3-D models of the aquifer hydraulic properties. These can be ranked and upscaled as 

appropriate for the groundwater problem at hand. 

23-7 10:50 AM Mulligan, Riley P.M. [218370] 

DETERMINING THE 3-D GLACIAL SEDIMENTOLOGY AND HYDROSTRATIGRAPHY OF THE 

SOUTHERN PART OF THE COUNTY OF SIMCOE, SOUTHERN ONTARIO 

MULLIGAN, Riley P.M., School of Geography and Earth Science, McMaster University, 1280 

Main St. West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada, mulligrp@mcmaster.ca, EYLES, Carolyn H., 

School of Geography and Earth Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, and 

BAJC, Andy F., Ontario Geological Survey, 933 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 6B5, 

Canada 

Increasing urban expansion and agricultural growth are placing growing stresses on existing 

groundwater reserves hosted within Quaternary sediments in southern Ontario. Preserving 

the quality of groundwater resources requires a detailed knowledge of the three-dimensional 

distribution of subsurface geologic units. In the South Simcoe region of Ontario this is made 

possible through integration of data from fully-cored boreholes and sediment outcrops. 


Analysis of 56 outcrop exposures in cutbanks along the Nottawasaga River and 6 fully-cored 

boreholes within the former Lake Algonquin plain have led to the identification of six lithofacies 

associations (FA1–6). The stratigraphy is floored by the late Wisconsin Newmarket Till (FA1) which 

is locally overlain by ice-proximal debris flows (FA2). These glacial sediments are overlain by 

glaciolacustrine silt rhythmites (FA3) that pass upwards into deltaic sand (FA4) and channelized 

fluviodeltaic sand and gravel (FA5). Lying above the fluvial deposits are widespread sand and silt 

rhythmites (FA6), which coarsen up-section toward the ground surface. Qualitative observations 

of groundwater discharge through these FAs at outcrop faces has yielded important data on 

the internal heterogeneity of subsurface units, as well as possible preferential groundwater 

flow pathways through both aquifer and aquitard units within the region. The sand-rich surficial 

layers (FAs 4-6) within the Lake Algonquin plain form an unconfined aquifer system that permits 

extensive infiltration of surface water. The lower aquitard units (FAs 1 and 3) form a regionally 

significant hydraulic barrier for surficial water sources, directing shallow groundwater laterally 

into the Nottawasaga River. Coarse-grained interbeds are observed within the lower aquitard 

units and create layers or conduits of high hydraulic conductivity that permit transport of shallow 

groundwater. The potential connection of coarse-grained layers could create hydraulic windows 

through the aquitards, allowing surficial water sources to reach more deeply buried aquifer units. 

Understanding the geometry and interconnectedness of these subsurface sediments is essential 

for planning drinking water supply for growing urban communities in the region and for the 

prediction of contaminant migration pathways. 

23-8 11:10 AM Weaver, Laura K. [218660] 

EXAMINING THE INFLUENCE OF ENHANCED HYDROGEOLOGIC KNOWLEDGE ON 

STRUCTURAL UNCERTAINTY IN THREE-DIMENSIONAL RECONSTRUCTIONS OF 

GLACIGENIC SEDIMENT 

WEAVER, Laura K. 1 , ARNAUD, Emmanuelle2 , ABBEY, Daron1 , SHIKAZE, Steven1 , 

MEYER, Jessica R. 3 , and PARKER, Beth L. 3 , (1) Matrix Solutions Inc, 31 Beacon Point 

Court, Breslau, ON N1B 1M0, Canada, lweaver@matrix-solutions.com, (2) G360 Centre for 

Applied Groundwater Research, School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, 

Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada, (3) G360 Centre for Applied Groundwater Research, School 

of Engineering, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada 

Three-dimensional (3D) hydrogeologic representations of the subsurface focus on the spatial 

distribution and interconnectedness of hydrogeologic units inferred from lithology, primary and 

secondary structures, fluid chemistry, hydraulic head, and hydraulic conductivity data, in addition 

to other data sources. These conceptual models are guided by a hydrogeologic framework 

developed from depositional environment interpretations and may form the basis for numerical 

groundwater flow modeling. Although sophisticated 3D interpolation software and numerical 

efficient of modeling codes enable parameterization and simulation of complex systems, 

the availability and quality subsurface data limits the modeled complexity. Uncertainty in the 

distribution and geometries of subsurface units between field data points may be reduced through 

the inclusion of stratigraphic knowledge in the interpolation process. 

To explore the influence of enhanced (hydro)geologic understanding on framework 

development, three conceptual block models were constructed for glacial sediment associated 

with ice marginal deposition. Unit volumes were generated using: 1) associations based on 

sediment texture, b) an imposed conceptual framework on genetically-linked, texturally similar 

sediment, and 3) an imposed framework on genetically-linked, texturally similar sediment with 

the addition of control points. Increasing amounts of “expert” knowledge is incorporated into 

each model, moving from a model developed solely on the available data, through the inclusion 

of regional stratigraphic knowledge, and furthered with additional inferences based on expected 

facies associations. The distribution and interconnectedness of sediment were interpolated across 

the study area using interpolation algorithms in a 3D software environment. 

The resulting hydrogeologic unit geometries were evaluated for plausibility given the 

established glacial history of the area and error associated with the interpolation. The influence of 

hydrogeologic knowledge on output unit distributions and the resulting structural uncertainty was 

investigated by comparison of unit distributions and geometries, relative unit volumes, and fit of 

the top of unit elevations to borehole observations across the three conceptual block models. 

23-9 11:30 AM Dogan, Mine [218733] 

INTEGRATING 3D GPR FACIES ANALYSIS AND HIGH RESOLUTION HYDRAULIC 

CONDUCTIVITY DATA: IMPLICATIONS FOR TRANSPORT MODELING IN HETEROGENEOUS 

MEDIA 

DOGAN, Mine1 , VAN DAM, Remke L. 1 , HYNDMAN, David W. 1 , and BUTLER, James J. Jr2 , 

(1) Department of Geological Sciences, Michigan State University, 206 Natural Science 

Building, East Lansing, MI 48824, minedoga@msu.edu, (2) Kansas Geological Survey, 

University of Kansas, 1930 Constant Ave, Lawrence, KS 66047 

The transport of solutes through aquifers is primarily controlled by the spatial distribution of 

hydraulic conductivity (K). With limited availability of K data, as is common in many field studies, it 

is not possible to accurately simulate transport using the classical advection-dispersion equation, 

particularly in heterogeneous deposits. Although alternative approaches for simulating transport 

through such deposits may provide reasonable representations of average plume behavior, 

they do not replicate observed concentration histories at observation wells. We postulate that a 

suite of novel high-resolution characterization methods may provide the necessary subsurface 

data to significantly improve flow and transport simulations through heterogeneous porous 

media. To this end, we combined 3D ground-penetrating radar (GPR) data with high-resolution 

K (HRK) and electrical conductivity (EC) data from direct-push profiles, at a heterogeneous 

fluvial deposit in northeastern Mississippi. The full-resolution GPR data cubes, collected using 

standard field equipment, were used to generate 3D facies models, which include information on 

major bounding surfaces, dip angles and directions, and connectivity. The HRK and EC profiles, 

collected using equipment mounted on Geoprobe drilling rigs, provided information on vertical 

distribution of hydraulic and electric properties at intervals of a few centimeters. Comparative 

analysis of the geophysical and drilling data reveals a good correlation at the major facies 

boundaries. Data integration has enabled construction of hydrostratigraphic models of these 

heterogeneous deposits and realistic modeling of flow and transport.



T5. Quaternary Research in the Great Lakes Region II: 

The Holocene, Part I 


24-1 8:00 AM Hladyniuk, Ryan [218332] 

THE N-ALKANE AND CARBON-ISOTOPE SIGNATURES OF ORGANIC CARBON IN LAKE 

ONTARIO SINCE 14,000 CAL YR BP 

HLADYNIUK, Ryan, DILDAR, Nadia, and LONGSTAFFE, Fred J., Department of Earth 

Sciences, The University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street, Biological and 

Geological Sciences Building, London, ON N6A5B7, Canada, rhladyni@uwo.ca 

The n-alkane abundances and carbon-isotope compositions of organic matter (OM) from Lake 

Ontario sediments reveal a complex history of variation in both source and lacustrine productivity 

over the last 14,000 cal yr BP. Glacial sediments containing ~0.2-0.3 % organic carbon (OC) are 

dominated by C23 through C29 n-alkanes. These compositions most likely represent allochtonous 

contributions of peat, higher terrestrial plant matter and clay-associated OM delivered by glacial 

meltwaters from the periglacial environment. Subordinate amounts of C17-C19 n-alkanes 

may indicate limited primary lacustrine productivity at this time. Transition from glacial to postglacial 

conditions in the Lake Ontario basin was marked by a lowering of water levels, rising 

OC contents, and increased abundances of C17-19 n-alkanes. Little systematic carbon isotopic 

variation was found for individual n-alkanes in the glacial and transitional sediments: C17-C19, 

–30 per mil; C21, –33 to –30 per mil; and C23+, –33 to –32 per mil, which likely reflects wellmixed, 

multiple OM sources. Hydraulic closure of Lake Ontario beginning at about 12,300 cal yr 

BP produced its lowest recorded levels. Approximately equal abundances of C17-C19, C23-C25, 

and C27+ n-alkanes at this time are tentatively interpreted to indicate lacustrine, (submergent) 

macrophyte and terrestrial OM contributions. C17-C19 n-alkanes showed little carbon isotopic 

variation from the older sediments. However, a 2 per mil decrease in carbon-13 for C23 and 

enrichments of ≤8 per mil for C25+ n-alkanes (C25> C27> C29) occurred by the end of hydraulic 

closure. Increased littoral zone productivity may have been favoured by low lake levels. Warming 

beginning at 8,300 cal yr BP triggered a transition from cold/dry to warm/wet conditions, during 

which water levels gradually rose. OC in associated lake sediments reaches 2 % and contains the 

highest fraction of C27+ n-alkanes, which have carbon isotopic compositions of –33 to –30 per 

mil. These data suggest that Lake Ontario received significant terrestrial OM from its catchment 

at this time. The progressive 5 per mil depletion of carbon-13 in C17 and C25 n-alkanes upwards 

through this interval remains to be explained. 

24-2 8:20 AM Loope, Walter L. [218627] 

CAN PALEOECOLOGICAL PROXIES ADEQUATELY FORECAST SURFACE COVER ACROSS 

NORTH CENTRAL NORTH AMERICA? (A CAUTIONARY TALE) 

LOOPE, Walter L., United States Geological Survey, N8391 Sand Point Road, P.O. Box 40, 

Munising, MI 49862, wloope@usgs.gov 

Pollen stratigraphy provides the core body of paleoecological perspective across north central 

North America. Pollen based methodologies have matured over nearly a century and are 

now joined by a vast and vetted literature focused on paleolimnology, wetland dynamics, soil 

stratigraphy and landscape ecology. The COHMAP project of the 1970s and 80s placed these 

data sets in spatial context across the continent and more recent updates and refinements of 

these maps have been developed. The utility and importance of paleoecological models are more 

apparent given recognition of anthropogenic climate forcing. Concurrent with their adoption and 

broad use in discussions of such forcing, however, caveats and limitations of paleoecological 

data, prominently voiced by their authors, must be honored. Linda Brubaker, a pioneer in the 

application of pollen stratigraphy to Upper Michigan, recognized in 1975 that patchy habitats 

often impose permanent control on vegetation pattern on varying spatial scales. The scale of 

patchiness varies across landscapes and greatly complicates their classification as well as 

any assessment of their projected behavior. In broad and roughly uniform landscapes these 

complications may be minimal; in patchy landscapes, they may defy intuition and interpretation. 

As Brubaker pointed out, some of the more obvious drivers of patchiness in the upper Midwest 

are differences in soil texture and development and in the nature of regolith. These differences 

are invisible in broad pattern but detectable on a local level. Pollen-based maps of surface cover 

in eastern Upper Michigan prove inadequate in detecting the major climatic anomaly that drove 

hydrologic closure of the Upper Great Lakes ~10-8 ka. In contrast, an intensive study of 2 ponds 

within a small sandy tract in Alger County clearly identifies this and other major droughts at that 

time, albeit on different scales. Maps of Quaternary vegetation at sub-continental scales are 

useful across uniform environments but may fail to portray important local and even regional 

differences. This has long been recognized and expressed by pollen practitioners but may be 

glossed over by modelers who need to summarize projected change across the continent. 

24-3 8:40 AM Yansa, Catherine H. [218716] 

A 8500-YEAR RECORD OF LAKE-EFFECT CLIMATE FROM MINER LAKE, SOUTHWESTERN 

LOWER MICHIGAN 

YANSA, Catherine H., Department of Geography, Michigan State University, 227 Geography 

Building, East Lansing, MI 48824-1117, yansa@msu.edu and RAWLING, J. Elmo III, 

Geography/Geology, University of Wisconsin Platteville, 1 University Plaza, Platteville, WI 

53818 

Miner Lake (42.7°N, 85.8°W) in Allegan County, southwestern Lower Michigan, is located 

30 km east of Lake Michigan. Today, the local vegetation is comprised of primarily beech-maple 

forest and has a lake-mediated climate characterized by higher snowfall and warmer winter 

temperatures than inland locations. The objective of our research was to test whether the lakeeffect 

climate in the past was a more dominant influence on the local climate of the Miner Lake 

area than regional paleoclimate patterns. We did this by analyzing sediment cores from Miner 

Lake for pollen, plant macrofossils and sedimentology (particle size, % organic matter (OM), and 

% calcium carbonate (CaCO )), and compared these data to paleoclimate data from two lakes 

3 

from inland locations with similar latitudes. 

Over the past 8500 cal yr BP, the sedimentology and paleobotany of Miner Lake indicate that 

there has been little environmental change in the area. In general, the %OM increases from ~25 

to 40%, %CaCO decreases from ~20 to 10% and the median grain size ranges from ~10 to 25 

3 

microns. The high %OM and CaCO , and fine median grain size in the sediments of Miner Lake 

3 


suggest that this lake received little influx of clastic material. The pollen and plant macrofossil 

records indicate four intervals of vegetation change. A pine-oak forest characterizes Zone I 

(~8500 to 7000 cal yr BP), prior to the arrival of beech in the region. Zone II (~7000-3200 cal yr 

BP) is that of a beech-maple forest with oak patches. Percentages of beech and maple are higher 

than in the two comparative pollen records, indicating that moisture provided by the lake-effect 

climate prevailed in the Miner Lake area during the peak Holocene warmth. Zone III (~3200-200 

cal yr BP) is characterized by cooler and moister conditions, as suggested by expansion of the 

beech-maple forest. Median grain size is most variable in Zone III. Zone IV (last 200 years) is 

distinguished by a spike in disturbance weeds, a sharp decrease in %OM, a dramatic increase 

in %CaCO 3 , and a sharp decrease in median grain size, likely resulting from agriculture. In 

summary, the paleoclimate record of Miner Lake was, for the most part, invariant during the past 

several millennia, which suggests that a “lake effect” climate induced by nearby Lake Michigan 

was a more dominant control than the regional climate for this site. 

24-4 9:00 AM Sonnenburg, Elizabeth [218504] 

PALEOENVIRONMENTAL RECONSTRUCTION OF THE ALPENA-AMBERLEY RIDGE 

SUBMERGED LANDSCAPE DURING THE LAKE STANLEY LOWSTAND (CA. 8.4-9 KA CAL 

BP), LAKE HURON 

SONNENBURG, Elizabeth, Museum of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ruthven 

Museums Building 4016, 1109 Geddes Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, esonnenb@umich.edu 

The Great Lakes basin has high potential for submerged archaeological sites due to considerable 

water level changes during deglaciation and as a result of Holocene climate change. The 

Holocene period in the Great Lakes basin (ca. last 12,000 years) was marked by several phases 

of drier climate and low lake levels (lowstands) including major events between ca. 11,300-8,400 

cal BP recorded in sediments in Lake Huron and Georgian Bay (Lake Hough and Lake Stanley 

lowstands). During the Lake Stanley phase water levels in the Lake Huron basin were up to 

70-100 m below present and large areas of the lake bed were exposed terrestrial landscapes. 

In 2007 and 2008, a 300 meter-long series of boulders was discovered on the Alpena-Amberley 

Ridge in 30 m of water in Lake Huron during a side-scan sonar survey. The boulders, when 

mapped, resembled caribou drive lanes which are well-documented in the Arctic. During the Lake 

Stanley lowstand phase, the Ridge was a sub-aerially exposed causeway separating the lake into 

two basins, and the discovery of the potential drive lanes provides compelling albeit circumstantial 

evidence that the Ridge supported human habitation during the early Holocene. Little is known 

about the paleogeography and environment of the Ridge since there is limited sedimentation, 

and most lake-level and paleoenvironmental research in Lake Huron has focused on the more 

sediment loaded basins of the Georgian and Saginaw Bays. In 2011 and 2012, a total of sixtyseven 

core, sediment and rock samples were collected by divers and ponar sampler on an 

ROV. Thirty-six surface sediment grab samples and six short (10-25 cm) cores were obtained 

for analysis of microdebitage, microfossils, grain size, and organic content. Cores were subsampled 

at 2 cm intervals for analysis, lithofacies logged in detail and photographed. Preliminary 

paleoenvrionmental reconstructions based on results from these samples indicate that during the 

last Lake Stanley phase, the Ridge was a relatively stable landscape with sub-artic vegetation, 

small shallow ponds, sphagnum bogs, wetlands and rivers, and would have provided numerous 

potential resources for both caribou and pre-historic hunter-gathers. 

24-5 9:40 AM Thompson, Todd A. [218327] 

THE ELEVATION OF THE PEAK NIPISSING PHASE (MID HOLOCENE) AT OUTLETS OF THE 

UPPER GREAT LAKES 

THOMPSON, Todd A., Indiana Geological Survey, Indiana University, 611 North Walnut 

Grove, Bloomington, IN 47405-2208, tthomps@indiana.edu, JOHNSTON, John W., 

Department of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of Toronto Mississauga, 

3359 Mississauga Road N, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada, and LEPPER, Kenneth, 

Department of Geosciences, North Dakota State University, P.O. Box 6050, Dept. #2745, 

Fargo, ND 58108-6050 

The Nipissing phase of ancestral Lakes Michigan, Huron, and Superior was the last pre-modern 

highstand of the upper Great Lakes. Reconstructions of past lake-level change and glacial 

isostatic adjustment (GIA), as well as activation and abandonment of outlets is dependent on 

an understanding of the elevation of the lake at each outlet. More than one hundred years of 

study has established the gross elevation of the Nipissing phase at each outlet, but the mixing 

of geomorphic and sedimentologic data has produced interpreted outlet elevations varying by 

least several meters. Vibracore facies, optically stimulated luminescence and radiocarbon age 

control, and ground-penetrating radar transects from new and published studies were collected to 

determine peak Nipissing water-level elevations for the Port Huron (Lake Huron), Chicago (Lake 

Michigan), and Sault (Lake Superior) outlets. These data and published relative hydrographs 

were combined to produce one residual hydrograph for the Port Huron outlet from 6,000 to 

3,500 calendar years ago that best defines the rise, peak, and rapid fall of the Nipissing phase. 

Establishing accurate elevations at the only present-day unregulated outlet of the Great Lakes 

and the only ancient outlet that has played a critical role in draining the upper Great Lakes 

since the middle Holocene is a critical step to better understand GIA and water-level change 

geologically and historically. The geologic context may provide the insight required for water 

managers to make informed decisions to best manage the largest freshwater system in the world. 

24-6 10:00 AM Hanson, Paul R. [218692] 

IMPACT OF THE NIPISSING AND ALGOMA HIGH LAKE PHASES FROM OSL DATING OF 

BAYMOUTH BARRIER SYSTEMS IN THE DOOR PENINSULA, WISCONSIN 

HANSON, Paul R., School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 3310 

Holdrege Street, Lincoln, NE 68583, phanson2@unl.edu and RAWLING, J.E. III, Geography 

and Geology Program, University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Platteville, WI 53818 

This study focuses on the geomorphology and geochronology of three baymouth barrier systems 

at Clark, Europe and Kangaroo Lakes in the Door Peninsula of Wisconsin. The Lake Michigan 

shoreline in the peninsula contains abundant evidence for fluctuations in lake level as evidenced 

by strandplains and beach ridges that lie up to ~ 7 m above the present shoreline. Our study was 

conducted on three baymouth barriers that contain beach ridges that were buried by varying 

depths of eolian sand in the form of sandsheets, as well as parabolic and transverse dunes with 

relief of up to 21 m. The purpose of this study was to document when the barriers were deposited 

and when the subsequent eolian activity occurred. Our chronology for barrier emplacement and 

dune development is based on 65 OSL samples which were collected from lacustrine sediment 

within the barrier fills (n = 17) and the overlying eolian sand (n = 48). Sediment samples were 

collected using bucket augers or a vibracoring device at depths ranging from 0.5 to 4.1 m below 

the ground surface. Our OSL ages show that baymouth barriers in each of our study sites were 

constructed between ~ 5.9 to 3.9 ka, and most of our ages correspond closely to the Nipissing 

high lake level phase. Both geomorphic and geochronological evidence from the Kangaroo Lake 

site shows portions of this barrier were re-occupied after the Nipissing phase. Our OSL ages 

from lacustrine sediment taken from within the barrier suggest this occurred at 3.3 to 2.5 ka, 



correspondingly closely with the Algoma high lake level phase. The majority of our eolian ages 

fall into two primary groups that overlap with or are slightly younger than the ages acquired from 

the barriers. OSL ages from dune crests and sand sheets suggest that dune formation most likely 

ceased between 4.5-3.7 (n = 20 OSL ages) and again around 2.5-1.8 (n = 11 ages) ka. Both 

geomorphic and geochronological evidence suggests that dune development was rapid, and 

that dunes were primarily active during recessional phases of Lake Michigan when sand supply 

was elevated. This project was carried out in large part through the efforts of undergraduate 

researchers and was funded through the National Science Foundation’s Research Experience for 

Undergraduates (REU) program. 

24-7 10:20 AM Johnston, John W. [218447] 

A SAULT-OUTLET-REFERENCED MID- TO LATE-HOLOCENE PALEOHYDROGRAPH FOR 

LAKE SUPERIOR CONSTRUCTED FROM STRANDPLAINS OF BEACH RIDGES 

JOHNSTON, John W., Department of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of 

Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road N, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada, 

john.johnston@utoronto.ca, ARGYILAN, Erin P., Dept. of Geosciences, Indiana University 

Northwest, 3400 W. Broadway, Gary, IN 46408, THOMPSON, Todd A., Indiana Geological 

Survey, Indiana University, 611 North Walnut Grove, Bloomington, IN 47405-2208, BAEDKE, 

Steve J., Department of Geology and Environmental Science, James Madison University, 

MSC 6903, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, LEPPER, Kenneth, Department of Geosciences, North 

Dakota State University, P.O. Box 6050, Dept. #2745, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, WILCOX, 

Douglas A., Dept. of Env. Science and Biology, The College at Brockport, State University of 

New York, 350 New Campus Drive, Brockport, NY 14420, and FORMAN, Steven L., Earth 

and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 845 W. Taylor Street, Chicago, 

IL 60607 

The most detailed Lake Superior paleohydrograph relative to the current outlet near Sault 

Ste. Marie, Ontario/Michigan, was constructed from four strandplains of beach ridges. This 

provides a history of water-level, glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA), and the active outlet prior to 

monitoring and regulation. Four relative paleohydrographs that are offset and subparallel owing to 

differences in GIA were produced from 321 basal foreshore elevations and 56 optically stimulated 

luminescence ages. Subtracting modeled elevations in defined millennial lake phases between 

relative paleohydrographs and similarity between an inferred Sault Ste. Marie (hereafter, Sault) 

paleohydrograph and data near the zero isobase corroborates rates of GIA derived from waterlevel 

gauges. A change in trend in the Sault paleohydrograph is related to the final separation 

of Lake Superior from Lake Michigan/Huron and is the youngest age reported at 1,060 +/- 100 

years. A near-horizontal trend in the Sault paleohydrograph for the past millennium has an 

intercept that is close to the historical average for Lake Superior. A consistently linear trend from 

about 2 to 1 ka suggests a relatively stable outlet similar to the past millennium, but a decreasing 

trend from 3 to 1 ka suggests an outlet other than the Sault. Although intercept data beyond the 

last millennium are similar in elevation to the reported bedrock sill near Chicago (Hansel et al. 

1985), we argue that the Port/Huron outlet was the active outlet during this time and the inferred 

paleohydrograph of Baedke and Thompson (2000) requires reevaluation. 



T9. Topics in Environmental Geochemistry 


25-1 8:00 AM Tangtong, Chaiyanun [218459] 

EVALUATION THE POTENTIAL OF EXPOSURE PATHWAYS OF ARISTOLOCHIC ACIDS 

INDUCED BALKAN ENDEMIC NEPHROPATHY 

TANGTONG, Chaiyanun, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, 

Engineering Building, 428 S. Shaw Lane, East Lansing, MI 48824, tangtong@msu.edu, 

LONG, David T., Geological Sciences, Michigan State University, 206 Natural Science, East 

Lansing, MI 48824, and VOICE, Thomas C., Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan 

State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 

Aristolochic acids (AAs) were proposed as chemicals that induced Balkan endemic nephropathy 

(BEN) which is a kidney disease that occurs in certain rural villages in Balkan countries. Scientists 

suggested the consumption of bread contaminated with AAs during the harvest may be the 

exposure pathway. Aristolochic acids is known as a nephrotoxic and carcinogen in human and 

confirmed as a cause of Chinese herb nephropathy (CHN) which is renal failure disease in 

patients taking Chinese herb medicine. The recent toxicological studies clearly showed the link 

between BEN and Aristolochic acids but the exposure pathway is still not understand. In this 

study, fate and transport of Aristolochic acids in soil will be explored. The sources of AAs in the 

area are hypothesized to be released from the plant as root exudates or their decomposed bodies 

to soil and we hypothesized that uptake and accumulation of AAs by crop plants may response 

as contaminated food. To evaluate this hypothesis, octanol-water (K ) and soil-water (K ) 

ow d 

partition coefficient was measured. The K was directly measured by the shake flask method and 

ow 

indirectly by HPLC method. The soil sorption/desorption kinetic and isotherm was assessed by 

batch experiment method using soils with greatly difference of organic matter and clay contents. 

The plant uptake was investigated by growing the food plants in AAs nutrient solution. The results 

show that AA I and II were slightly hydrophilic ( log K 4). Behavior is affected by ionization of AAs which is 

ow 

controlled by pH. Thus, AA can be mobile in the environment condition. The sorption isotherm was 

fitted well with Freundlich equation. The sorption capacity factors (K ) had positive correlation with 

f 

organic matter content but not with the clay. The linearized, organic-carbon normalized partition 

coefficient (log K ) was found to be over than 3. This means the main sorption mechanism is 

oc 

hydrophobic interaction between AA and functional groups of organic phase in the soil. AA was 

also found to sorb to dissolved organic carbon (DOC) which could enhance transport As in 

environment. From the K and K , we expect that AA will adsorb and accumulate in the plants. 

ow oc 

However, additional study is required to fully understand the plant uptake processes. 


25-2 8:20 AM Haque, Md. Aminul [214417] 

MINERALOGY AND WATER CHEMISTRY OF SHALLOW AQUIFER OF MATLAB SOUTH, 

CHANDPUR DISTRICT, BANGLADESH 

HAQUE, Md. Aminul, Environmental Programs, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 

50614, haquem@uni.edu and HASAN, M. Aziz, Department of Geology, University of Dhaka, 

Bangladesh, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh 

The study was done in Matlab South Upazila in SE Bangladesh where the main source of 

drinking water is groundwater from shallow alluvial aquifers. Groundwater chemistry is linked 

to subsurface sediment characteristics like lithofacies distribution and mineral composition of 

aquifer sands. Study of these sedimentological properties along with hydrochemical analysis of 

groundwater samples have been carried out to find out the relation of sediment characteristics 

with groundwater chemistry. Lithofacies distribution has been delineated using grain size and 

sediment colors. In general two main lithofacies groups, channel fill (sandy) and over bank (siltclay) 

deposits, have been identified. These deposits were further subdivided on the basis of 

color such as white, off-white, red and black. Red and off-white colors are the characteristics of 

oxidized/less reduced sediments whereas the black color indicates a more reducing condition. 

Mineral composition significantly varies with the sediment color and grain size. Red color 

sediments contain less metastable minerals (hornblende, actinolite, kyanite and pyroxenes 

etc.) than off-white and black sediments. Biotite and chlorite is relatively high in black and white 

sediments than red or off-white sediments. Mineral composition and sediment color also vary 

within different size fractions of the same sediment facies. Finer fractions have more metastable 

minerals than coarser fractions. 

Hydrochemical analyses of groundwater samples collected from aquifers of respective 

color groups shows that the red and off-white sands yield Na–Ca–Cl–HCO to Na-Ca–Cl or 

3 

Na–Cl type water whereas black/white sands yield Ca-Mg-HCO to Ca-Na-HCO type water. 

3 3 

Groundwater of red and off-white sediments contain low amount of dissolved arsenic (As) but 

high manganese (Mn) and black sediments shows very high concentration of As but relatively low 

Mn. The black group of sediments represent a reducing geochemical environment indicated by 

high concentrations of dissolved As, NH ¯, PO ³¯ and HCO ¯, and very low SO ²¯ in groundwater. 

4 4 3 4 

Whereas, the groundwater from red, white/off-white group of sediments show low As, NH ¯, 4 

PO ³¯, and HCO ¯ concentrations but relatively high SO ²¯ indicating a less reducing/oxidizing 

4 3 4 

environment. 

25-3 8:40 AM Brown, Diana [218480] 

UNDERSTANDING SOURCES FOR DISSOLVED CHLORIDE IN MICHIGAN GROUNDWATER 

BROWN, Diana1 , LONG, David T. 2 , LI, Shu-Guang3 , and VOICE, Thomas C. 3 , (1) Geological 

Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MN 48824, browndi7@msu.edu, 

(2) Geological Sciences, Michigan State University, 206 Natural Science, East Lansing, 

MI 48824, (3) Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East lansing, 

MI 48824 

No natural near-surface mineral sources exist for Cl in groundwater systems of the State 

of Michigan. Yet elevated concentrations are observed and suspected to be related to both 

anthropogenic activities and hydrogeochemical dynamics. The wide spread use of halite from 

road salting is clearly one type of anthropogenic source. Previous work has documented the high 

Cl concentrations in near-surface groundwater in the Saginaw Bay lowland area to be related 

to the up-welling of lower saline solutions. Through cooperation between the State of Michigan 

and Michigan State University, a water chemical data base is being developed for the state. The 

data base allows for a more detailed study of groundwater Cl distribution in the state and testing 

of hypotheses for two Cl sources, halite and brine. The data from the state were studied in light 

of data collected by the U.S. Geological Survey (Michigan RASA Project). Data were reduced 

by creating iso-concentration plots, geochemical modeling (Phreeqc), solute-solute plots and 

solute-Cl/Na ratio plots. The results in general support the hypotheses. Na/Cl ratios indicate the 

influence of halite and brines, iso-concentration and vertical concentration plots indicate the 

presence of brine in the Michigan lowland area as had been suspected and is consistent with 

the hydrogeology of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. However, the Cl/Na ratios indicated more 

diverse patterns. Using data from Allegan County as an example, at low Cl concentrations, molar 

Cl/Na ratios span a wide range that is greater and lower than 1 (halite stoichiometry). As Cl 

concentrations increase, ratios approach 1 and then at higher concentrations ratios trend above 

1 (brine). The distribution of data above and below the Na/Cl ratios of 1 are constrained within 

an envelope that indicate mixing. Trends in the ratios 1, the nature of the very high ratio/ low Cl 

concentration end-member is unclear to help establish a mixing model, however, geochemical 

modeling indicates these ratios may in part be related to ion-exchange reactions. Finally, a 

positive correlation was found between Cl and Ca concentrations indicating possible increased 

dissolution of calcite in the aquifer as a result of increasing ionic strength. 

25-4 9:00 AM Mohammed, Abdelmawgoud [218548] 

PRELIMINARY INTERPRETATIONS OF ISOTOPE AND CHEMICAL DATA OF SAMPLES FROM 

THE NUBIAN SANDSTONE AND ADJACENT AQUIFERS IN EGYPT 

MOHAMMED, Abdelmawgoud1 , KRISHNAMURTHY, R.V. 1 , KEHEW, A.E. 1 , 

SULTAN, Mohamed1 , CROSSEY, Laura J. 2 , and KARLSTROM, Karl E. 2 , 

(1) Department of Geosciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, 

abdelmawgoud.m.mohammed@wmich.edu, (2) Department of Earth and Planetary 

Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131 

The importance of studying groundwater in arid regions has increased in recent decades due to 

larger human populations in desert areas. The Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System of northeastern 

Africa is a case in point as one of the largest confined aquifer systems in the world with several 

nations relying on this water resource (Egypt, Libya, Sudan and Chad). Groundwater has been 

identified as the biggest and in some cases the only future source of water to meet growing 

demands and the development goals of each Nubian Sandstone Aquifer country, and evidence 

shows that massive volumes of groundwater are still potentially available. This study focuses on 

select Nubian aquifer derived groundwater samples and other shallow and surface water bodies 

from Egypt using chemical and isotopic characteristics. 

The isotopic composition of groundwater samples from wells tapping the Nubian Sandstone 

Aquifer in the Eastern Desert (-49.5‰ to -58.2 ‰ for δD and -5.6‰ to -7.9‰ for δ18O respectively) 

is enriched compared to the samples from wells in the Western Desert (-72.3‰ to -82.7‰ for δD 

and -9.4‰ to -11.1‰ for δ18O respectively). This might be due to the influence of recharge from 

modern precipitation and anthropogenic activities. Groundwater samples from the Quaternary 

aquifer in the Eastern Desert can be separated into those influenced by irrigation canals in 

hydraulic communication with the Nile River and those that are not in contact with surface water. 

The former has a range of isotope values of -4.1‰ to -29.6 ‰ for δD and 1.1‰ to -3.4‰ for δ18O respectively, and the latter has the range of 24.7‰ to 21.8 ‰ for δD and 4.0‰ to 3.3‰ for δ18O respectively. The implications of chemical and isotopic data will be discussed in a regional context.

25-5 9:20 AM Gebrehiwet, Tsigabu [218798] 

EVOLUTION OF δ 13 C VALUES DURING ABIOTIC OXIDATION OF ORGANIC COMPOUNDS IN 

CIRCUM-NEUTRAL ANAEROBIC CONDITIONS UNDER BICARBONATE AND PHOSPHATE 

BUFFERED SYSTEMS 

GEBREHIWET, Tsigabu 1 , KRISHNAMURTHY, R.V. 2 , and KRISHNAMURTHY, R.V. 2 , 

(1) Biogeochemical Systems, University of Idaho, 2785 Eagle Dr. Apt B-206, Ammon, ID 

83406, tsigab@gmail.com, (2) Department of Geosciences, Western Michigan University, 


We conducted experiments to investigate abiotic oxidation of organic compounds as a function 

of electron acceptors, media composition, and pH in the presence and absence of fluorescent 

light. Methodologies involved were time series determinations of aqueous iron (II)/(III), dissolved 

inorganic carbon (DIC) and its carbon isotope ratio (d 13 C). The evolution of DIC and stable isotope 

of carbon were used as proxies for the oxidation of citrate and lactate under strict anaerobic 

conditions, variable pH (5-9) and 30 ° C, dark and light (fluorescent) conditions. Ferric citrate 

(δ 13 C, -25‰), citric acid (δ 13 C, -32‰) and sodium lactate (δ 13 C, -25‰) were used as organic 

compounds, while HFO and Ferric citrate were used as electron acceptors. Sodium bicarbonate 

(δ 13 C, +10‰) or potassium phosphate was used as buffering agent. Mixing between carbon 

isotopes from the added bicarbonate and carbon dioxide produced from the oxidation of organic 

compounds were observed. Type of buffer showed little effect on the redox process. HFO media 

generated more DIC compared to ferric citrate containing media. Light and pH played major 

roles in the oxidation of citrate and lactate in the presence of ferric iron. Under dark conditions 

in the presence or absence of Fe (III) the DIC produced was very low in all pH conditions. The 

slower redox processes observed in our study, compared to previous studies, could be due to 

the inhibiting effect of chloride ions on photochemical reactions due to the scavenging effect of 

chloride ion on hydroxyl radicals. d 13 C values of DIC in both bicarbonate and phosphate buffered 

systems, at neutral pH condition, approached the 13 C values of citrate/lactate used. Inhibition of 

DIC production was also observed upon photo exposure when Fe (III) was absent. Isotopically, 

the bicarbonate system showed mixing between the bicarbonate and the carbon dioxide produced 

from the oxidation. Such studies have implications in understanding geochemical processes and 

their reaction mechanisms in waste water treatment, enhancing in situ degradation of organic and 

inorganic compounds, cycling of nutrients in wetland ecosystems, sources and sinks of chemicals 

in the atmosphere, and are also important in extreme environments and even on other planetary 

atmospheres. 

25-6 10:00 AM Atekwana, Eliot [218690] 

ASSESSING THE TEMPORAL EVOLUTION OF DISSOLVED INORGANIC CARBON IN 

SURFACE WATERS THAT INTERACT WITH ATMOSPHERIC CO2(G) ATEKWANA, Eliot, Boone Pickens School of Geology, Oklahoma State University, 105 Noble 

Research Center, Stillwater, OK 74078, eliot.atekwana@okstate.edu and ABONGWA, Pride, 

School of Geology, Oklahoma State University, 105 Noble Research Center, Stillwater, OK 

74078 

Documenting the transformation of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) during the interaction of 

surface waters (e.g., rivers, lakes) with atmospheric CO is vital to understanding carbon cycling. 

2(g) 

We exposed an artificial solution of NaHCO and groundwater (potential source of surface water) 

3 

and lake water samples to the atmosphere in a laboratory setting for 850 to 1000 hrs, until they 

attained chemical and isotopic equilibrium with atmospheric CO All samples were prepared in 

2(g). 

duplicate and one set was agitated to simulate mixing in surface waters. The DIC concentrations 

of the NaHCO samples increased with no C loss and the δ 3 13C was enriched to a steady state 

DIC 

for the mixed sample. We modeled the increase in the DIC concentrations as evaporation and the 

increases in the δ13C as equilibrium carbon isotopic exchange with atmospheric CO . The DIC 

DIC 2(g) 

concentrations in the mixed groundwater samples initially decreased due to CO outgassing 

2(g) 

and the accompanying increases in δ13C was modeled as kinetic isotopic fractionation. After 

DIC 

the initial decrease, the DIC concentrations increased continuously while the δ13C increased 

DIC 

to a steady state. The increasing DIC concentrations was modeled as evaporation and the 

increasing δ13C as equilibrium carbon isotopic exchange with atmospheric CO . Overall, the 

DIC 2(g) 

unmixed samples showed similar temporal trends to the mixed samples, even though the samples 

did not achieve chemical and isotopic equilibrium with atmospheric CO . Both the mixed and 

2(g) 

unmixed lake samples showed only small increases in temporal DIC concentrations and a slight 

initial decrease, followed by a small increase in the δ13C during the experiment. The minor 

DIC 

changes suggests that these samples were closer to chemical and carbon isotopic equilibrium 

with atmospheric CO . Our models based on the DIC concentrations and δ 2(g) 13C can be used 

DIC 

to assess processes and their temporary trajectory during carbon cycling in surface waters with 

variable water residence times. 

25-7 10:20 AM Robinson, Amanda [218732] 

SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL TRENDS OF POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBON 

LOADINGS ACROSS THE STATE OF MICHIGAN 

ROBINSON, Amanda1 , VANNIER, Ryan1 , LONG, David T. 1 , VOICE, Thomas C. 2 , GIESY, 

John P. 3 , BRADLEY, P.W. 4 , and KANNAN, K. 5 , (1) Geological Sciences, Michigan State 

University, 206 Natural Science, East Lansing, MI 48824, robin672@msu.edu, (2) Civil and 

Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, (3) Zoology, 

Michigan State University, 203 Natural Science, East Lansing, MI 48824, (4) Animal Science, 

Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, (5) Albany, NY 12201 

Previous works on large lakes, i.e. for the upper Great Lakes region, indicate atmospheric 

deposition as the key pathway for PAH loading; greatly influenced by local source emissions, e.g. 

the Chicago-Gary industrial complex. The underlying hypothesis is that PAH loadings have been 

reduced with emission legislation, leading to the evolution of a more well-mixed atmospheric 

system with reflection of a more regional pattern of deposition. Sediments from several inland 

lakes through Michigan were analyzed temporally for PAHs and Pb-210, attaining inventories 

and accumulation rates. If the hypothesis is true, (1) during peak concentration of PAH loadings 

a decreasing industrious south to north spatial depositional gradient will be observed, (2) a 

consistent regional signature will be observed. Corrected PAH accumulation rates and inventories 

were used to assess aerial accumulation of the upper Great Lakes region and their subsequent 

watersheds. The corrected inventories and correlating dates of initial appearance of PAHs show 

a spatial depositional gradient. The later, suggests northern migration of PAH onset over the 

region, influenced by local atmospheres rather than a regional pattern. PAH accumulation rates, 

concentrations and peak historical date trends do not follow the regional pattern indicating local 

watershed influences. 


25-8 10:40 AM Vannier, Ryan [218117] 

EVALUATING RECENT TRENDS IN ENVIRONMENTAL TRACE METAL ENRICHMENT USING 

INLAND LAKE SEDIMENTS 

VANNIER, Ryan, LONG, D., and ROBINSON, Amanda, Geological Sciences, Michigan State 

University, 206 Natural Science Building, East Lansing, MI 48824, milakes@msu.edu 

Environmental regulation has reduced the loadings of metals to the environment since the 

advent of the Clean Air and Water Acts in the 1970’s. Reducing emissions may have changed 

transport pathways since this legislation targeted major sources of metals which influenced the 

environment on a regional scale. Watershed-scale processes may now provide the significant 

contribution to metals loadings. Thus, our working hypothesis is that the reduction of major 

emission sources has allowed local influences and watershed features to affect metal transport 

pathways. If true then there should be differences in watershed attributes/influences (e.g., 

%urban, population density) changed the pathways of metals transport of these metals. In this 

study we examine Pb, Cu, Zn, and Ni because these metals 1) build from previous studies, 2) 

exhibit similar environmental behaviour but separate pathways, 3) represent various degrees of 

contaminant enrichment. To test this hypothesis, sediment accumulation rates of these metals 

at decadal intervals were compared to selected watershed attributes. Sediment cores were 

collected from the deepest portion of 35 inland lakes representing diverse land uses. Cores 

were sectioned; microwave digested, and analyzed using mass spectrometry. Sedimentation 

rates, ages and sediment focusing were determined via 210Pb/137Cs/stable Pb profile analysis. 

Similar to the previous work, the data show regional sources of the metals studied to subside 

upon introduction of environmental legislation in the 1970’s. However, watershed-scale sources 

provide a more significant portion contaminant loading in nearly all lakes studied, preventing lakes 

from reacquisition of reference condition values. When compared to landscape attributes, these 

patterns provide some insights into the causes for the continued contaminant loading. Population 

density and percent urban provide excellent predictors for recent metals loadings. Lead also 

showed excellent correlation with slope percent. Unexpectedly all metals showed a change in 

watershed attributes influencing accumulation rates between the two decades, even though some 

have not had a significant atmospheric transport pathway or contaminant loading. The reasons for 

this are subject to further study. 

25-9 11:00 AM Conway, Maura C. [218734] 

DATING A SEDIMENT CORE USING SPHEROIDAL CARBONACEOUS PARTICLE 

CHRONOLOGY SUPPLEMENTED WITH TRACE METAL AND DIATOM COMMUNITY 

STRUCTURE ANALYSES 

CONWAY, Maura C. 1 , SCHROEDER, Lauren A. 1 , MCLEAN, Colleen E. 2 , and 

ARMSTRONG, Felicia P. 2 , (1) Youngstown State University, Youngstown, OH 44555, 

mcconway@student.ysu.edu, (2) Geological and Environmental Sciences, Youngstown 

State University, 2120 Moser Hall, One University Plaza, Youngstown, OH 44555 

Spheroidal carbonaceous particles (SCPs), a type of insoluble fly-ash, are produced from the 

incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and are deposited in lake sediments. They are not damaging 

to the environment, but they are associated with detrimental agents such as heavy metals, sulfur, 

and organic pollutants. SCPs are not influenced by chemical and biological decomposition; 

therefore, they provide a baseline reference for ecosystem disturbance from atmospheric pollution 

deposition. We hypothesize that using SCPs will track anthropogenic inputs of atmospheric 

pollution; and that they can be used as a proxy for human influence as well as a primary dating 

tool since different SCP concentrations in lake sediments archive the local historical occurrence 

of industrial fossil fuel combustion. This allows for the opportunity of cores from reservoirs in 

regions with a history of steel mills (e.g. Northeast Ohio’s Mahoning Valley) to be dated primarily 

by a SCP chronology instead of costly alternatives, such as 137Cs and 210Pb dating methods. 

Developing a method to date cores using a SCP chronology is significant to the historical 

environment reconstruction process since it fills in data gaps by describing historical variables 

and their effects in the environment. 

To examine this hypothesis, a sediment core was taken from the depositional basin of Mosquito 

Creek Reservoir using a 5-cm diameter piston corer and was immediately sectioned at 1.12cm 

resolution on shore. Mosquito Creek Reservoir, which is located in Trumbull County and in part of 

the Mahoning Valley industrial region, was dammed in accordance with the Federal Flood Control 

Act in 1944 to alleviate floods on the Mahoning River. Even though Mosquito Creek Reservoir 

is relatively young, significant anthropogenic atmospheric inputs are able to be recorded. A 

chronology was constructed by comparing SCP concentrations to a local historical timeline of 

events involving industrial fossil fuel combustion, and it was supplemented with trace metal and 

diatom community structure analyses for validation. This study will lend a better understanding of 

using a SCP chronology to date cores while filling in data gaps for similar regions and reservoirs 

where steel mills were or are prevalent today. 



T11. Working With Pre-Service Teachers—Issues 

and Ideas 


26-1 8:10 AM Mathai, Rani V. [218294] 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES IN INDIA AND CONSERVATION EDUCATION AT JUDSON 

UNIVERSITY: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF TWO ELEMENTARY EDUCATION CURRICULA 

MATHAI, Rani V., School of Education, Judson University, 1151 N. State Street, Elgin, IL 

60123, rmathai@judsonu.edu 

By the date of this conference, I should be back in the US after a Fulbright Fellowship term of 

six months at the Indira Gandhi Open University (IGNOU) in Delhi, India. IGNOU’s School of 

Education provides teacher training through Open and Distance Education (ODE) mode. My 

project was to help the School with the creation of online teaching materials using virtual teaching 

platforms such as the Blackboard, Moodle, etc, in Science Education, and to prepare resource 

manuals for K-12 Science education. I also organized and led several teaching workshops for 

schoolteachers in the best practices of curriculum planning. One such workshop has been 

designed specifically for the elementary school teachers in the teaching of Environmental Studies. 

Indian school curriculum blends sciences and social sciences for elementary students. Their 

teachers train accordingly, with their own curriculum designed to develop growing “environmental 

care and concern” in the student. 



At Judson University, in the Elementary Education Program has a required course in 

“Conservation Education”, which is essentially an Environmental Studies Curriculum. After a 

week-long intense, experiential learning in Environmental education, students prepare and teach 

a Social Studies unit in an elementary classroom. Here again, there is a Science-Social Sciences 

connection. 

I propose to do a comparative analysis of the IGNOU and Judson University curricula for 

Environmental Education for elementary training and thus provide fresh ideas for pre-service and 

in-service training for Earth/Environmental Science teaching and learning. 

26-2 8:30 AM Honeycutt, Christina Ebey [218186] 

INTEGRATIVE LEARNING IN A CONTENT COURSE: DEVELOPING FUTURE TEACHER 

UNDERSTANDING OF CORE CONCEPTS AND SCIENCE PRACTICES 

HONEYCUTT, Christina Ebey, Earth and Environmental Science, University of Illinois at 

Chicago, 845 W. Taylor, Chicago, IL, IL 60607, cebey1@uic.edu and VARELAS, Maria, 

Department of Curriculum and Instruction, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1040 W. Harrison, 

Chicago, IL 60607 

The recent publication “A Framework for K-12 Science Education” by the National Research 

Council (2012) emphasizes three critical dimensions that should guide teaching, learning, and 

assessment of science: science practices, crosscutting concepts, and core ideas. To prepare 

teachers to meet the expectations outlined in this framework, UIC has developed a series of 

interdisciplinary science content courses. One of these courses, Physical Systems in Earth 

and Space Science (Physical Systems), integrates core concepts from both Earth and physical 

science (see Ebey-Honeycutt, 2012). Physical Systems places an emphasis on integrative 

learning by not only addressing connections between physics, astronomy, and Earth science, but 

also integrating practices and crosscutting concepts into the story of these sciences. 

Using the Physical Systems curriculum as a model, we discuss how science practices can be 

integrated into courses aimed at pre-service teachers. Examples of practices outlined in the K-12 

Framework include: asking questions; developing and using models; analyzing and interpreting 

data; and constructing explanations. 

The final project of the course highlights this integration. Students are given the choice of 

seven science narratives. They are prompted to explore not only what the scientist discovered but 

also how the scientist used science practices to construct a hypothesis and gather supporting 

evidence. Students are required to submit both a report and a graphic novel. The students used 

their graphic novel to illustrate their narratives with relevant scientific plots, graphs, and maps. 

26-3 8:50 AM Francek, Mark [218407] 

ENGAGING, EASY TO INCORPORATE DEMONSTRATIONS FOR THE EARTH SCIENCE 

CLASSROOM 

FRANCEK, Mark, Geography, Central Michigan University, Dow 285, Central Michigan 

University, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859, Mark.Francek@cmich.edu 

Pre-service teachers can acquire greater understanding of course material when traditional 

lectures and lesson plans are combined with interactive demonstrations. Demonstrations have 

the capacity to promote student interest, stimulate inquiry, and render abstract earth science 

concepts more concrete. The three steps in interactive demonstrations: prediction, experience, 

and reflection move the student beyond the role of passive observer, encouraging the student to 

challenge or confirm prior beliefs in light of the demonstration. The author will display a number of 

easy to incorporate demonstrations for weather, geology, astronomy, and hydrology. 

26-4 9:10 AM Feig, Anthony D. [218157] 

MACGYVER WEEK AND OTHER NOVEL TASKS IN A METHODS CLASS FOR PRESERVICE 

EARTH SCIENCE TEACHERS 

FEIG, Anthony D. and COOPERRIDER, Leah, Department of Geography, Central Michigan 

University, CMU DOW 278, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859, anthony.feig@cmich.edu 

Methods courses are typically the first (and all too often the last) opportunity for preservice 

teachers to integrate content knowledge with training in writing lesson plans and conducting 

presentations. Writing and running mock trials of lesson plans are important, but methods classes 

lend themselves to a variety of other experiential methods, especially in unplanned and/or 

spontaneous formats. Such activities can be cooperative, collaborative, or individualistic, and can 

hone skills and move students out of their comfort zones. 

Several tasks are described: during MacGyver Week, students are given a random 

assortment of materials scavenged from instructional laboratories, and they must devise 

relevant demonstrations of Earth/physical science processes. During the Microteach, students 

are assigned an Earth science topic and must focus on a fundamental scientific principle. The 

Nanoteach is similar in format, but more tightly focused and more kinesthetic. Students narrate 

uncaptioned Earth science graphics during Explain-the-Figure Day. To study the teaching of 

evolution, students read the Kitzmiller V. Dover legal decision and conduct an asynchronous, 

guided discussion. 

Some patterns emerge from the application of these tasks. Students are able to replicate 

compelling demonstrations during MacGyver Week, but are often at a loss to explain the 

fundamental scientific concept(s) behind the demos. Elementary education (ELE) students show 

greater skill and comfort than secondary (SEC) students in spontaneous activity, but generally 

lower levels of content knowledge. SEC students are more resistant to spontaneity and activities 

that allow for little planning time. All students express some degree of dissonance between the 

methods setting and a “real classroom.” This translates into some students not following up 

on their content gaps/delivery deficiencies. Regardless, tudents do engage in metacognitive 

reflection, thinking about a teacher’s workload by classifying themselves as either “planners” 

or “wingers.” 

26-5 9:30 AM Cooperrider, Leah [218179] 

REFLECTIONS FROM AN UNDERGRADUATE PRESERVICE EARTH SCIENCE TEACHER 

COOPERRIDER, Leah1 , FEIG, Anthony D. 1 , and FRANCEK, Mark2 , (1) Department 

of Geography, Central Michigan University, CMU DOW 278, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859, 

coope2lm@cmich.edu, (2) Geography, Central Michigan University, Dow 285, Central 

Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859 

There are numerous misconceptions about many topics in the field of Earth science. These 

include seasonality, groundwater, the water cycle, ozone, the greenhouse effect, and cloud 

composition. Undergraduate preservice training in both science content and science methods 

courses often ignores misconceptions or only mentions them indirectly. Research shows that 

some preservice teachers maintain these misconceptions into their careers, perpetuating the 

cycle of erroneous knowledge. 

Preservice teachers who receive extensive training in theory and foundations are often at a 

loss when it comes to applying those theories, writing lessons and classroom management. 


Preservice field experience typically consists of observation, “midtier” and student teaching 

experiences. However, placements are often made unrelated to students’ majors. This creates 

internal dissonance for many students that may lead to their attrition. 

The following recommendations are made based on student experience. Students should 

actively participate in their learning by communicating what they want to learn and by seeking 

guidance and assistance from faculty. Students should also convey when they are struggling and 

express their thought processes about topics. Faculty in content courses should actively address 

misconceptions in their teaching. Faculty in methods courses must train preservice teachers in 

strategies for addressing misconceptions and reducing their persistence among young learners. 

Methods courses should also train students to address and respond to the religiosity of students 

and parents, especially in rural settings. One way to accomplish these goals is through an 

advanced methods course, or an apprenticeship/shadow experience with science faculty in a 

college classroom. 

26-6 9:50 AM Ludwig, Matthew A. [218730] 

WE COULD ALL USE A LITTLE “CPR” TO RESUSCITATE OUR CLASSROOM ASSESSMENT 

LUDWIG, Matthew A., The Mallinson Institute for Science Education, Western Michigan 

University, 3325 Wood Hall, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, 

matthew.a.ludwig@wmich.edu 

This session will be a short workshop on implementing peer evaluation using the Calibrated Peer 

Review website. 

Calibrated Peer Review is an instructional website that allows instructors to assign, collect, 

and evaluate complex writing assignments. For each CPR cycle, students submit assignment text 

electronically, review calibrations of instructor produced work samples, and finally anonymously 

evaluate randomly assigned anonymized peer work samples. Although CPR was born in science 

courses, CPR is discipline and level independent. 

CPR has been successfully implemented by the author in secondary general and elementary 

science methods courses. CPR provides the ideal solution to reach at least three important goals. 

1) Students are required to read and analyze their peers efforts. 2) Pre-service teachers are given 

an authentic opportunity to evaluate real student work. 3) A significant portion of the grading 

workload is meaningfully offloaded onto the students. 

The remainder of the talk will be a short tutorial of the CPR website. 



T15. Paleontology as a Murder Mystery: How the Study 

of Predation and Taphonomy Reveals the Means, 

Motives & Opportunities of Ancient Perpetrators and 

Their Victims 


27-1 8:00 AM El-Sherif, Noran [218563] 

PALEOECOLOGY OF THE DECLINE OF STROMATOLITES IN THE ORDOVICIAN 

EL-SHERIF, Noran, 2209-6 Zink Rd, Fairbourn, OH 45234, el-sherif.2@wright.edu 

A stromatolite is a “laminated benthic microbial deposit.” Its uniqueness arises from surviving 

since 3.5 billion years ago, and never disappearing. Stromatolites recorded a peak time during 

the Mesoproterozoic (from 1600 to 1000 Ma), after which it witnessed abrupt rises and falls in 

abundance with the steepest decline in the Ordovician period (from 495 to 443 Ma), from which 

it never recovered from until the present day. A number of researchers have hypothesized the 

reasons behind the decline of stromatolites, but a consensus has not been reached yet. Thus 

the decline of stromatolites remains an enigma to be solved. Additionally, a literature gap exists 

regarding the reasons that specifically led to the Ordovician decline. Accordingly, the focus of 

this literature-based MSc. thesis is to find the reasons that led to the stromatolites decline in the 

Ordovician – through merging abiotic and biotic palaeoecological tools of that time – an approach 

that has not been implemented before in the study of stromatolites. 

27-2 8:20 AM Dattilo, Benjamin [218788] 

FROM LAGERSTÄTTE TO LAG: PRELIMINARY BEDDING-SCALE TAPHONOMIC AND 

GEOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF PHOSPHATE DISTRIBUTION IN THE CINCINNATIAN 

DATTILO, Benjamin1 , FREEMAN, Rebecca L. 2 , GERKE, Tammie L. 3 , BRETT, C.E. 4 , 

MCLAUGHLIN, Patrick I. 5 , SCHRAMM, Thomas J. 6 , MEYER, David L. 7 , MORSE, Aaron8 , 

and MASON, Milam4 , (1) Department of Geosciences, Indiana University Purdue University 

Fort Wayne, 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1499, dattilob@ipfw.edu, 

(2) Earth & Environmental Sciences Department, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 

40506, (3) Department of Geology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0013, 

(4) Department of Geology, University of Cincinnati, 500 Geology/Physics Building, 

Cincinnati, OH 45221-0013, (5) Bedrock Division, Wisconsin Geological and Natural History 

Survey, 3817 Mineral Point Rd, Madison, WI 53705-5100, (6) Department of Geology 

and Geophysics, Louisiana State University, E235 Howe-Russell Geoscience Complex, 

Baton Rouge, LA 70803, (7) Dept of Geology, Univ of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, 

(8) Department of Geological Sciences, Ball State University, 2000 W. University Ave, 

Muncie, IN 47306 

Phosphate particles in the Upper Ordovician (Cincinnatian) of the Cincinnati region are common, 

originate as

distribution of P and other elements was determined by scanning XRF analysis of polished slabs 

and by SEM/EDS analysis of polished thin sections. 

These analyses revealed interesting relationships between fossils and P. Live-buried fossils and 

calcareous concretions formed around such fossils are enriched in P compared to surrounding 

silt or mud. This P is associated with concentric rings of pyrite and/or Mn. Winnowed shell beds 

contain visibly recognizable grains with far higher P concentrations than those of articulated 

remains, yet some disarticulated columnals contain similarly high concentrations of P only in the 

stereom around the lumen. 

These observations suggest that obrution of macrofossils contributed and/or fixed P in the 

sediment, and that P was mobile after deposition. The concordance between P and pyrite or Mn 

confirms that Eh gradients influenced precipitation. The fact that visibly-high concentrations of P 

are limited to disarticulated remains may signify that phosphogenesis progresses over cycles of 

winnowing, but the similarly high concentration of P in the lumen regions of some disarticulated 

columnals hints that the process was initiated in the earliest stages of decay when organic-rich 

lumenal tissues were still present. 

27-3 8:40 AM Babcock, Loren E. [218789] 

CARNIVOROUS TRILOBITES: MORPHOLOGIC, ICHNOLOGIC, AND TAPHONOMIC 

EVIDENCE 

BABCOCK, Loren E., School of Earth Sciences, The Ohio State University, 275 Mendenhall 

Laboratory, 125 S. Oval Mall, Columbus, OH 43210, loren.babcock@geol.lu.se and BRANDT, 

Danita S., Department of Geological Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 

48824 

Mounting evidence from polymerid trilobites and their trace fossils suggests that many, and 

perhaps the majority, of taxa were active predators or scavengers. Morphologic evidence from 

the exoskeleton includes attachment mechanisms allowing active movement of the hypostome, 

and in some, hypostome morphology (e.g., forked serrated blades capable of slicing prey). 

Spiny appendages may have assisted in restraining prey. 

Numerous Rusophycus-Planolites trace fossil associations representing the interactions 

of trilobites and ‘worms’ provide clear documentation of trilobite attack strategy and prey 

manipulation. A large variety of Rusophycus predation traces are now known. The trilobites’ 

incursions into the sediment for purposes of feeding are remarkably precise, suggesting that 

chemosensory skills may have played a large role in locating prey that was concealed within 

sediment. 

Fossilized alimentary tracts, preserved through early diagenetic mineralization, provide another 

source of information about trilobite ‘paleogastronomy,’ the dietary habits of trilobites. Numerous 

trilobites are now known to preserve digestive tracts, and nearly all have mineralized (not 

sediment-filled or sclerite-filled) guts. This implies that the guts were fluid-filled at the time of death 

and burial, a condition common in extant carnivorous arachnomorph arthropods. 

27-4 9:00 AM Brandt, Danita S. [218616] 

ICHNOLOGIC EVIDENCE FOR PREDATORY TRILOBITES: HOW LITERALLY CAN WE READ 

THE RECORD? 

BRANDT, Danita S., Department of Geological Sciences, Michigan State University, East 

Lansing, MI 48824, brandt@msu.edu 

Superimposition of trilobite trace fossils (Rusophycus) with “worm” burrows (e.g, Paleophycus) is 

used to support interpretations of trilobite predatory behavior. However, the stratigraphic range of 

these “trilobite hunting burrows” is not entirely coincident with the stratigraphic range of trilobite 

taxa presumed to have been predatory, based on the morphological criterion of having had 

spinose gnathobases. Trilobites with spinose gnathobases reportedly range from the Cambrian 

through the Permian; Rusophycus is also known over the same range. Trilobite/worm burrow 

associations are relatively rare. Specimens interpreted as showing this predator/prey interaction 

have been described from four different stratigraphic localities ranging from the Cambrian to the 

Silurian. If trilobites with spinose gnathobases were predatory, why are there no trilobite hunting 

burrows from post-Silurian strata? If the correlation of possession of spinose gnathobases with 

a predatory habit is causal, then a literal reading of the fossil record of trilobite hunting burrows 

suggests that our characterization of post-Silurian trilobite limbs is incomplete, and that, after the 

Silurian, trilobites did not occupy the predator niche. The elimination of this trophic option would 

have reflected the reduction of trilobite diversity through the Mid-to-Late Paleozoic. 

27-5 9:20 AM Peteya, Jennifer A. [218506] 

DIETARY PREFERENCES OF THE CAMBRIAN TRILOBITE ELRATHIA KINGII: INFERENCES 

FROM FOSSILIZED DIGESTIVE TRACTS 

PETEYA, Jennifer A. and BABCOCK, Loren E., School of Earth Sciences, The Ohio State 

University, 275 Mendenhall Laboratory, 125 S. Oval Mall, Columbus, OH 43210, peteya.2@ 

osu.edu 

Specimens of the common trilobite Elrathia kingii from the Wheeler Formation (Cambrian Series 

3) of western Utah were studied for their digestive tract contents using standard microscopic, 

computed tomographic (CT) imaging, and microtomographic (micro-CT) imaging techniques. 

Specimens showing fossilized alimentary tracts are complete dorsal exoskeletons retaining the 

librigenae, preserved in cone-in-cone calcite concretions. Examined specimens have collapsed 

glabellas that approximate the margins of the stomach cavity. Remains of the digestive system 

are outlined by a thin crust of pyrite, perhaps reflecting early mineralization of a biofilm associated 

with decay early in the taphonomic process. Similar pyritic crusts have been observed on the 

hypostome and near the exoskeletal margin. A circular stomach is located in the anterior part of 

the glabella, and it is followed by a thin, slightly tapering tube that extends the length of the axis. 

Neither sediment fill nor macerated sclerites have been found in the gut of E. kingii, which tends 

to rule out the possibility that this trilobite was either a sediment deposit-feeder or a scleriteingesting 

durophagous carnivore. Instead, the presence of an open, pyrite-lined gut suggests 

a fluid-filled alimentary tract at the time of death, and implies a carnivorous feeding strategy 

involving separation of the skeletal parts of prey prior to ingestion. 

27-6 9:40 AM Devera, Joseph [218330] 

DEATH BY COMMON HOUSEHOLD TOOLS: MECHANICAL ANALOGY AND THE 

FUNCTIONAL MORPHOLOGY OF THE HYPOSTOME IN GENUS ISOTELUS (DEKAY) 

EVIDENCE FROM ISOTELUS IOWENSIS (OWEN) 

DEVERA, Joseph, Illinois State Geological Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of 

Illinois, 5776 Coal Drive, Suite 121, Carterville, IL 62918, j-devera@illinois.edu 

The forked morphology of the hypostome in the Genus Isotelus (DeKay) is analogous to the 

common straight claw hammer. The claw portion of the hammer is strikingly similar in form and 

function to that of the isotelid hypostome. Cross-sections of both isotelid hypostome and claw 

hammer reveal a flat to slightly curved ventral surface and a beveled, dorsal surface on the inner 


side of each tine. The notch of the fork in the hypostome narrows toward the anterior end of the 

structure, identical to a claw hammer. This morphology implies a prying function for the isotelid 

hypostome. The forked morphology together with the partially arched, enrollment habit observed 

in Isotelus iowensis(Owen) fossils, suggests a dual prying/digging habit for feeding purposes. 

All isotelid cephalons are convex, spade-like and were well adapted for digging in soft, lime-mud 

environments where they are typically preserved. This idea supports the predatory habits for 

asaphid trilobites proposed by Forety and Owens. 

Isotelid species including I. maximus, I. gigas, I. rex and I. iowensis all attain a relatively large 

size compared to other trilobites. This relates to food intake that had high nutritional value. A 

number of specimens of I. iowensis have been found in association with Chondrites isp. burrows. 

In the Maquoketa Shale, a distal tempestite bed containing anoxic mud (now pyritic shale) yields 

trilobites “frozen” in time. They appear to have been feeding at the level of an abundance of 

Chondrites isp.burrows. 

The forked shape of the isotelid hypostome was an adaptation for infaunal polychete worm 

extraction. The flattened shovel-like cephalon was well adapted for digging into soft sediment. 

The morphological fits between common household tools i.e. claw hammer and spade and the 

hypostome and cephalon in the Genus Isotelus is remarkable. This strategy made the isotelids 

highly successful as predators on and in muddy infaunal environments. 

27-7 10:20 AM Drumheller, Stephanie K. [218637] 

NO ANIMAL WAS SAFE IN THE TRIASSIC: MULTIPLE PREDATION ATTEMPTS ON A LARGE 

(5-6 METER) CARNIVOROUS “RAUISUCHIAN” FROM THE LATE TRIASSIC OF NEW MEXICO 

DRUMHELLER, Stephanie K., Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, The University 

of Tennessee, 306 EPS Building, 1412 Circle Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996, sdrumhel@utk.edu, 

STOCKER, Michelle R., Jackson School of Geosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, 

Austin, TX 78712-0254, and NESBITT, Sterling, Department of Geology, Field Museum of 

Natural History, Chicago, IL 60605 

Hypotheses of past diets and feeding behaviors are informed by important, but rare, direct 

evidence of trophic interactions in the fossil record (e.g. bite marks). We present evidence of 

three independent predation events on a single femur from a large loricatan (=”rauisuchian”) 

from the Upper Triassic Chinle Formation (~210 MYA). The predation events consist of 1) at 

least one failed predation attempt by a large phytosaur; 2) a feeding event by a large predator 

at or soon after death; and 3) a second possible feeding event peri- or postmortem. Evidence 

of the first attack is in the form of partially healed punctures and a large embedded tooth crown 

(>5 cm in length based on CT data) in the proximolateral portion of the femur. We identify the 

tooth as phytosaurian based on a rounded cross section and a straight long axis. Reaction tissue 

in the punctures and surrounding the tooth indicates that the loricatan survived those injuries. 

The second event is represented by a group of bite marks on opposing sides of the femur; all 

are roughly 8 by 5 mm in size and fusiform, indicating that the trace maker’s teeth were laterally 

compressed and had carinae that possibly were serrated. The spacing and morphology of these 

marks indicates that the actor was a large predator, but the taxonomic identification is unclear. 

These bite marks exhibit obvious impact trauma with no reaction tissue, indicating that the attack 

occurred at or near time-of-death. The third event consists of scores present near midshaft that 

are oriented roughly perpendicular to the long axis of the femur. No reaction tissue is present, 

which suggests that this event also occurred at or after time-of-death. This specimen provides 

a rare opportunity to interpret ancient feeding and predation by multiple actors on a single prey 

animal over a period of the life and death history of that individual. Our analysis of this specimen 

indicates 1) loricatans had the potential to survive major predation attacks and 2) seemingly 

top predators clearly were targeted by other members of the fauna. Though the Late Triassic 

loricatans often are interpreted as top terrestrial predators in part because of their large size 

(most loricatans are ~3-6 m total length), the attacks recorded by this specimen demonstrate that 

size alone should not be the sole factor in determining trophic status. 

27-8 10:40 AM Peterson, Joseph E. [218101] 

FLUVIAL TRANSPORT POTENTIAL OF ARCHOSAUR TEETH: A PRELIMINARY 

INVESTIGATION IN SHED TOOTH TAPHONOMY 

PETERSON, Joseph E. and COENEN, Jason, Department of Geology, University of 

Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Harrington Hall 211, Oshkosh, WI 54901, petersoj@uwosh.edu 

The rate of tooth replacement in dinosaurs has been well-studied as a part of paleobiology. The 

tooth replacement rates for sauropods have been determined to be very rapid, replacing teeth in 

as little as 30 days. Theropods have a considerably lower replacement rate, replacing teeth over 

a nine-month span. In the Late Jurassic Morrison formation the shed teeth of large theropods 

such as Allosaurus are more abundant than the shed teeth of sauropods. However, this is at odds 

with the relatively higher abundance of sauropod skeletal remains. While this disparity may be 

due to ecological or behavioral influences, such as predator/prey ratios or migratory strategies, 

taphonomic processes, such as fluvial transport potential, may also be influential. To investigate 

taphonomic influences on shed tooth abundances, an experiment was designed to test the 

fluvial transport potential of shed theropod and sauropod teeth. Teeth of Alligator mississipiensis 

were utilized to model dinosaur teeth; shed crowns of A. mississippiensis represented conicalshaped 

theropod teeth, and full teeth were used to model peg-shaped teeth of diplodocids. Teeth 

were placed in a recirculating flume parallel to flow and measured for entrainment velocity and 

relative transport distance prior to burial. Preliminary results show a significant difference in the 

entrainment velocities of shed theropod and diplodocid teeth. Sauropod teeth exhibit greater 

relative transport distances with increases in flow velocity, while theropod teeth show variable 

relative transport distances and entrainment velocities; theropod teeth are transported farthest 

at a relatively low velocity (14.2 cm/sec). Based on these preliminary data, distinct differences 

are expected in the preservation conditions and abundances of shed teeth; sauropod teeth are 

expected to be more abundant in the fossil record, and perhaps found as lag clusters while 

theropod teeth are expected to be in lower relative abundance and exhibit abrasion and fracturing 

due to prolonged transport. Further investigations are planned to expand flume experiments 

with resin casts of larger teeth of Allosaurus, Diplodocus, and Camarasaurus to more accurately 

model tooth shape. 

27-9 11:00 AM Noto, Christopher [218496] 

PREDATORY BEHAVIOR OF A GIANT CROCODYLIFORM FROM THE WOODBINE 

FORMATION (CENOMANIAN) OF TEXAS 

NOTO, Christopher, Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Parkside, 900 Wood 

Rd, PO Box 2000, Kenosha, WI 53141, noto@uwp.edu, MAIN, Derek J., Earth and 

Environmental Science, University of Texas at Arlington, Box 19049, 500 Yates St, Arlington, 

TX 76019, DRUMHELLER, Stephanie K., Department of Geoscience, The University of 

Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, and KING, Lorin, Dept. of Science, Math and Physical Education, 

Western Nebraska Community College, 1601 E. 27th Street, Scottsbluff, NE 69361 

There is little direct evidence of feeding behavior in Mesozoic crocodyliforms. Here we report 

the remains of a possible crocodyliform feeding ground from the Cretaceous of Texas. The fossil 



locality, known as the Arlington Archosaur Site (AAS), occurs in exposures of the Woodbine 

Formation in Tarrant County. The AAS preserves components of a coastal delta-plain ecosystem, 

including dinosaurs, crocodyliforms, turtles, and lungfish. Feeding traces consist of pits, scores, 

and a puncture that occur on multiple turtle shell fragments and two dinosaur limb bones. These 

traces are attributed to a crocodyliform based on diagnostic bite marks and comparisons to 

the morphology of the AAS crocodyliform. Marks on shells suggest an inertial feeding strategy 

followed by crushing. Dinosaur bones come from juvenile individuals and the marks are consistent 

with traces produced during disarticulation of prey by living crocodylians. The feeding ecology 

implied by these traces is similar to that of modern generalist crocodylians inhabiting similar 

environments. Considering the number of diagnosable crocodyliform feeding traces, numerous 

shed crocodyliform teeth, and the comparative absence of feeding traces from other predators, 

the AAS crocodyliform is interpreted as the apex predator. 

In association with the vertebrate fossils, 150 coprolites were recovered, demonstrating 

cylindrical, spiral, and scroll morphologies. The cylindrical coprolites are interpreted as 

crocodyliform intestinal tract material while scroll morphologies are assigned to general reptilian 

and possible crocodyliform. The coprolites are not deformed, and retain their original shape. 

This is indicative of rapid burial in a low energy environment soon after defecation. In modern 

coastal plains, crocodylians live and feed together in regions referred to as feeding grounds. 

The coprolites, turtle shells, teeth, and archosaur remains were mapped within a single horizon, 

and were disarticulated. Their association is interpreted as evidence of a crocodyliform feeding 

ground. Crocodyliforms therefore are not only important predators in ecosystems but also played 

an important taphonomic role in the assembly of vertebrate remains from the surrounding 

community through the formation of feeding grounds. 

27-10 11:20 AM Koy, Karen A. [218344] 

TAPHONOMY OF VERTEBRATES IN A TEMPERATE FOREST SETTING: A TIME- 

TRANSGRESSIVE SEQUENCE 

KOY, Karen A. and HELWIG, Zane, Biology, Missouri Western State University, 4525 Downs 

Drive, Saint Joseph, MO 64507, kkoy@missouriwestern.edu 

For the last four years, a juvenile pig carcass was placed near a prairie/forest boundary were 

placed within a forest-prairie border environment. In the summer of 2012 the four carcasses were 

recovered for examination. The skeletal remains were collected, cleaned and reconstructed in the 

lab. Missing and damaged bones were recorded and photographed. The major bone elements 

(skull, mandible, and long bones) were evaluated for taphonomic grade, using the Behrensmeyer 

evaluation criteria. The time-transgressive series showed the sequence of bone decay within 

a temperate forest setting. Bone decomposition for the two carcasses exposed the longest 

reached beyond Stage 5, with full destruction. The two least exposed carcasses did not advance 

beyond stage 3. The highest level of damage occurred in the head and scapula. These carcasses 

experienced faster bone weathering in a temperate setting compared to the setting in Amboseli 

National Forest, where the decay scale was originally developed. 



T17. Special Poster Session on Undergraduate 

Research (Posters) 


28-1 BTH 1 Osman, Matthew [218434] 

δ18O AND δD FRACTIONATION TRENDS IN SURFACE SNOW ACROSS THE MATTHES- 

LLEWELLYN DIVIDE, JUNEAU ICEFIELD, ALASKA AND BRITISH COLUMBIA 

OSMAN, Matthew, Geology Department, Augustana College, 639 38th St, Rock Island, IL 

61201, matthewosman10@augustana.edu and MARKLE, Bradley, Department of Earth and 

Space Sciences, University of Washington, 4000 15th Avenue NE, Seattle, WA 98195 

A lack of understanding of parameters that govern stable isotope fractionation in precipitation 

in regions of particularly complex meteorological conditions and high relief has long presented 

problems for paleoclimate and hydrologic studies. With a goal of obtaining high resolution data 

of local orographic effects on isotopic variation in precipitation, 123 surface snow samples were 

taken at 0.5 to 1 km increments along a 35 km transect spanning the Matthes and Llewellyn 

glaciers in southeast Alaska and British Columbia. These samples were obtained during late 

July to early August 2012 at elevations ranging from ~1260 m to 1870 m and were analyzed for 

δ18O and δD onsite using an LGR Liquid Water Isotope Analyzer. δ18O and δD were found to 

decrease with elevation, as expected. Isotopic plots show a strong correlation and are similar to 

the theoretical global meteoric water line, displaying a linear trend of y = 7.86x – 19.48 and r2 = 

0.898. In hopes of determining the dominant types of localized weather systems causing these 

fractionation trends, results are compared alongside open-system Rayleigh fractionation models, 

NOAA back trajectory air-mass simulations, and nearby-recorded meteorological data. We 

attempt to place these weather systems into synoptic-scale meteorological contexts as a proxy for 

delineating orographic fractionation parameters on the Juneau Icefield. 

28-2 BTH 2 Smith, Matthew D. [218611] 

TRACE ELEMENT CONCENTRATIONS IN SPELEOTHEMS FROM RIVER BLUFF CAVE, 

GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI: PRELIMINARY RESULTS 

SMITH, Matthew D. 1 , JOHNSON, Aaron W. 1 , DORALE, Jeffrey2 , and MOTTALEB, M. Abdul3 , 

(1) Natural Sciences, Northwest Missouri State University, 800 University Drive, Maryville, 

MO 64468, s508653@mail.nwmissouri.edu, (2) Department of Geoscience, University of 

Iowa, 121 Trowbridge Hall, Iowa City, IA 52242-1379, (3) Natural Sciences, 800 University 

Drive, Maryville, MO 64468 

River Bluff Cave in Greene County, Missouri contains numerous speleothems that have not 

been touched by humans. Speleothem ages range from 1.8 million years ago to the present, 

making it an ideal location in which to investigate recent climate variation. Speleothem samples 

were collected from two locations in the cave. Powdered carbonate samples were collected by 

dental drill from growth zoning visible in the cross section of the speleothems. Sample masses 

ranging from 11 to 27 mg were dissolved in aqua-regia and analyzed for Ba, Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, 

Mn, Pb, Sr, and Zn, using ICP-OES. Total metal concentrations were adjusted for dilution 

during dissolution and are reported here as micrograms metal per gram of sample (ppm). 

Trace metal concentrations varied widely. Barium, copper, and zinc were not found to occur at 

concentrations above the detection limit. Lead occurred only intermittently, ranging from 0 to 


44.1 ppm. Other metals present include (in ppm): cobalt (0.3-113); iron (6.56-80.7); magnesium 

(93.5-151.5); manganese (0.17-1.99); and strontium (9.3-24.0). Studies indicate that variations 

in magnesium, iron, and strontium concentrations may be used to infer relative changes in the 

volume of water moving through the cave system. Since most cave water is meteoric in origin, 

these variations may indicate wetting or drying climates. The relationship to concentration is 

inverse for magnesium and strontium and direct for iron. Samples from River Bluff cave show an 

increase in Sr and corresponding decrease in Fe, indicating drying over the time period during 

which speleothem growth occurred. Mg concentrations do not exhibit a similar trend, likely due 

to thermal variation which changes the mg-calcite partitioning coefficient. In addition, samples 

exhibited spikes in Pb and Co concentrations. These spikes may be the result of high flows 

which tend to enrich metals that commonly are associated with colloids. Both Pb and Co may be 

adsorbed to the surfaces of clays or as amorphous metal oxides that can be mobilized during 

high water flow events. These data hint at an overall climate drying event punctuated by periods 

of increased moisture. The next step will be to link these data to geologic ages and to stable 

isotope compositions in an effort to account for the impact of temperature change on speloethem 

chemistry over time. 

28-3 BTH 3 Kuhn, Ryan M. [218515] 

TRACE ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION IN PRECIPITATES FORMED AT VARIOUS PH VALUES: 

GREEN VALLEY COAL MINE, INDIANA 

KUHN, Ryan M., SEANEY, Derek L., BRAKE, Sandra S., BURCH, Kyle R., and LATIMER, 

Jennifer C., Department of Earth and Environmental Systems, Indiana State University, Terre 

Haute, IN 47809, rkuhn1@sycamores.indstate.edu 

This study evaluates the distribution of trace elements in precipitates formed from acid mine 

drainage (AMD) adjusted to various pH levels. AMD was collected from the Green Valley 

abandoned coal mine site in western Indiana from three locations (upper, mid-, and lower 

sections) in a constructed channel lined with carbonate rip-rap. Effluent pH at the sampling sites 

was 3.8, 3.5, and 3.4, respectively. The AMD was transported on ice to the laboratory and initially 

treated with hydrogen peroxide to oxidize ferrous Fe to ferric Fe. Sodium hydroxide was then 

titrated into the AMD solutions from each site to incrementally increase pH to induce precipitation. 

Samples were centrifuged to separate precipitates and aggregated into 1 pH increments. Dried, 

powered precipitate samples were analyzed using a hand-held X-ray florescence (XRF) analyzer. 

Elements detected above the analytical detection limit in order of abundance were S>Fe>Al>C 

a>Mg>Mn>Si>Cl>Zn>K>Cr>Ba>Cu>W>Ti>V>Te>Cs>Co>Sc>Nb>Sn>Bi>Sr>Ni>Cd>Mo>Sb> 

Zr>Rb>Pb>U. Data indicate that S, Al, Ca, Si, Cl, K, Cr, Cu, Ti, V, Sr, and Rb were detected in 

precipitates that formed over the entire tested pH range from 3 to 12. Iron, Ba, Te, Cs, Sn, Bi, and 

Sb showed peak co-precipitation/adsorption in precipitates forming at pH

the leading edges of an artificial lava flow poured out from a furnace to create a solid barrier to 

contain and ultimately stop the flow. 

For our numerical modeling, we are using a modified Navier-Stokes equation to account for the 

non-uniform temperature profile throughout the lava flow, in combination with a simplified heat 

flow equation to determine how the physical properties of the flowing lava might be affected by 

varying the cooling rates. Those equations, however, use simplified assumptions such as radial 

flow of lava, uniform cooling rate, uniform flow rate, etc., which may not always hold true for reallife 

lava flows. We are testing those assumptions by changing the boundary conditions of our 

physical experiments, such as changing slope of the lava flow, using water or ice to induce nonuniform 

cooling rates, etc. 

We are also exploring how liquid rocks can be used as a medium for art. Despite the obvious 

beauty of natural lava flows, there are very few artists, notably the artists associated with the 

Syracuse University Lava Project, who are working with lava as a medium for sculpture. We are 

exploring the potential use of the molten rocks as an artistic material by letting molten rocks flow 

over other shaped materials. 

Our presentation will focus on the preliminary results of our numerical and physical models, and 

discuss potential ways to address lava flow hazards. We will also present lava in a new light as a 

sculptural medium to broaden the aesthetic vision of this powerful force. 

28-6 BTH 6 Birren, Thomas H. [218109] 

GEOCHEMISTRY OF THE NICKEL LAKE MACRODIKE AND IMPLICATIONS FOR CU-NI 

SULFIDE EXPLORATION 

BIRREN, Thomas H., Carleton College, 300 N. College St, Northfield, MN 55057, birrent@ 

carleton.edu, HAILEAB, Bereket, Geology, Carleton College, One North College Street, 

Northfield, MN 55057, and GIBBONS, Jack, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721 

1.1 billion years ago, the Nickel Lake Macrodike(NLM) intruded various Archean and 

Paleoproterozoic country rock units in association with failed Midcontinent Rift magmatism. The 

NLM is a member of the Layered Series of the Duluth Complex and was the conduit to the sulfidebearing 

South Kawishiwi Intrusion (SKI). The SKI and other related intrusions are currently the 

focus of fevered exploration and as the feeder dike to the SKI, the NLM is an area of important 

study. The NLM intruded in three main phases: a heterogeneous and locally sulfide-bearing 

troctolite phase, an oxide-gabbro phase, and a layered troctolite phase. The dike is roughly 1 km 

wide and extends northeast to southwest for 6 km through swamp and dense forest straddling the 

border of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in northern Minnesota. 

Crustal contamination is the major source of sulfur in the sulfide deposits of the various 

intrusive suites in the Duluth Complex. The Paleoproterozoic Biwabik Iron Formation and the 

Virginia Formation (1.8 Ga) are incorporated as the main sources of sulfur. The goal of this study 

is to conceive a plausible model of country rock incorporation. Do trace element (specifically 

REE) values differ significantly between the three main phases of the Nickel Lake Macrodike? 

Assuming the parental magmas had the same initial values (North Shore Volcanic Group) can 

country rock incorporation be qualified? What are the consequences of these findings in aiding 

exploration for magmatic Ni-Cu ore deposits? 

Rock chemistry, particularly trace elements, indicates that the NLM became increasingly 

more evolved with each phase of intrusion. The heterogeneous troctolite exhibits greater crustal 

contamination than the earlier phases. Because this is the sulfide-bearing phase of the NLM, this 

indicates that REE analysis may be an effective tool in aiding exploration. 

28-7 BTH 7 Targos, Courtney [218723] 

GEOCHEMISTRY AND MINERALOGY OF THE UBEHEBE VOLCANIC FIELD, DEATH VALLEY 

TARGOS, Courtney1 , HUYSKEN, Kristin T. 2 , and KNIPE, Dawn2 , (1) Department of 

Geosciences, Indiana University Northwest, 3400 Broadway, Marram Hall, Room 243, Gary, 

IN 46408, cattargos@att.net, (2) Department of Geosciences, Indiana University Northwest, 

3400 Broadway, Gary, IN 46408-1197 

The Ubehebe Volcanic Field is located in northern Death Valley occupying an area of about 

3 km2 . The area contains at least twelve recognizable volcanic craters that formed through 

phreatomagmatic eruptions, some of which dissect previously formed cinder and spatter cones. 

Eruption of the youngest, largest crater (Ubehebe; 700-800 m wide, 235 m deep) blanketed the 

crater rim and surrounding area (15 km2 ) with at least 50 layers of basaltic scoria and ash. Recent 

research has put the timing of the eruptions between 0.8 and 5.1ka and relates them to the local 

groundwater table. However, while they have been classified as basalts, there has been very little 

work focused on the geochemical variation of the rocks that make up the volcanic field. 

Samples were collected from three craters in the southern cluster. Among our findings are 

mineralogical and textural differences from crater to crater, including disequilibrium features in 

orthopyroxene phenocrysts and quartz xenocrysts. Major and trace element analysis of 22 basalt 

samples is currently underway to determine the complete compositional range, and whether 

compositional differences exist among these three craters with the goal of understanding the 

nature of the magma and the geologic processes that operated when this volcanic field was 

produced. 

28-8 BTH 8 Henderlong, Peter J. [218554] 

COMPARING THE CHEMISTRY OF THE ELZEVIR BATHOLITH TO THE WESLEMKOON AND 

NORTHBROOK BATHOLITHS, ONTARIO, CANADA 

HENDERLONG, Peter J., Dept. of Geosciences, Indiana University Northwest, 3400 W. 

Broadway, Gary, IN 46408, phenderl@umail.iu.edu and HUYSKEN, Kristin T., Department of 

Geosciences, Indiana University Northwest, 3400 Broadway, Gary, IN 46408-1197 

The Elzevir Batholith is located about 200 km northeast of Toronto, ON, Canada. It is part of a 

suite of tonalitic batholiths that intruded approximately 1270 Ma as part of a magmatic arc. Similar 

ages and major element compositions have led studies to suggest that these batholiths may be 

petrogenetically related. The purpose of this study is to compare new data from the Elzevir to 

already published data from earlier works and to compare the composition of the Elzevir to the 

nearby tonalitic batholiths in the suite. 

Eleven samples were analyzed to find major oxide and 11 trace element concentrations using 

X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF). Our major oxides lie on the same chemical trend as the published 

data, but have a narrower range (67.50 - 71.45 wt.% SiO compared with 64.76 - 75.70 wt.% SiO 2 2 

for published values). 

The Elzevir samples show the greatest similarity to the Weslemkoon batholith located directly 

north. When comparing the Elzevir and Weslemkoon Batholiths, the major oxides show chemical 

similarities. However, elements Zr, Zn and Ti present differences between the two batholiths. Our 

Elzevir samples occupy a compositional gap that exists in the Weslemkoon. Most of the published 

data matches a lower Zr compositional trend also found in the Weslemkoon samples. 

The Elzevir and Northbrook Batholiths have chemical similarities with respect to major oxides. 

However, Elzevir data have lower Sr concentrations relative to the Northbrook. Rb/Sr ratios also 

show a distinct division between the batholiths. 


Elzevir samples are currently being analyzed for 29 trace elements using Laser Ablation 

Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). These analyses will help further 

distinguish between the Elzevir and surrounding batholiths. The Weslemkoon and Northbrook 

batholiths can be distinguished from one another based on trace elements Sm, Y, Nb and Th. We 

anticipate our results will allow us to determine how the Elzevir compares. 

28-9 BTH 9 Conner, Jeremy [218778] 

AMS AND IMAGE ANALYSIS DATA AT MULTIPLE SCALES SUPPORT A MULTIPLE SHEET 

EMPLACEMENT MODEL FOR THE MAIDEN CREEK SILL, HENRY MOUNTAINS, UTAH 

CONNER, Jeremy, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Central Michigan University, 314 Brooks 

Hall, Mount Pleasant, MI 48858, conne2jm@cmich.edu, MORGAN, Sven, Department 

of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Central Michigan University, 314 Brooks Hall, Mount 

Pleasant, MI 48859, STUDENT, James J., Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Central 

Michigan Univ, 314 Brooks Hall, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859, and HORSMAN, Eric, Dept. of 

Geological Sciences, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858 

Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility (AMS) and image analysis data have been used to 

investigate possible contacts across magma sheets in the Maiden Creek Sill (MCS) from the 

Henry Mountains, Utah, USA. Thirty-one cores were drilled along an 8 m vertical traverse on 

the margin of the sill. The MCS is composed of at least two sheets which are locally divided by 

a thin sliver of sandstone. The AMS data illustrate there is an abrupt 10x change in magnetic 

susceptibility (K) across the sheet-on-sheet contact where the sandstone sliver is absent. This 

contact is also defined by a 1-2 cm thick solid-state shear zone. There are also several “drop offs” 

(~10x) in K possibly indicating several different sheets, or contacts at lower levels. 

The magnetic foliation changes from subvertical to subhorizontal at the sheet-on-sheet contact. 

To further investigate the Shape Preferred Orientation (SPO) of the minerals, and to determine 

the controls on the magnetic foliation, image analysis was done using the Auto-Correlation 

Function (ACF) and Intercepts method. We used the 3rd contour of the ACF image, which 

correlated with the finer grains, to calculate the SPO and we used cm-scale images to determine 

the SPO using intercepts. These SPO’s conflict with the AMS foliation data although we are 

continuing to collect more SPO data at different scales to determine which grain size carries the 

AMS foliation. The AMS foliation data are consistent with multiple sheets being emplaced and 

possibly reflects a bull-dozer track-like emplacement model. Further research on the AMS and 

image analysis is being conducted to test emplacement models. 

28-10 BTH 10 Elson, Joshua D. [218746] 

EDMAP-SUPPORTED GEOLOGIC MAPPING OF THE JANE QUADRANGLE, MCDONALD 

COUNTY, MISSOURI 

ELSON, Joshua D., CAUTHON, Matthew J., and EVANS, Kevin R., Geography, Geology, 

Planning, Missouri State University, 901 S. National, Springfield, MO 65897, jde419@ 

live.missouristate.edu 

The Jane quadrangle is located in south-central McDonald Co., Missouri, in the southwest corner 

of the Springfield Plateau. This project updates an earlier, incomplete geologic map published 

in 1959. Our map is based on more than 800 data points collected using a handheld GPS aided 

with the use of a stratigraphic column measured along US Hwy 71. The resulting geologic map 

provides new insights to the structure and stratigraphy of the area. 

The Lower Ordovician Cotter Dolomite is the lowest unit exposed in the area; only the 

uppermost 20m is exposed in the Jane quadrangle. A disconformity separates the Cotter from the 

overlying Upper Devonian Chattanooga shale which is approximately 15m thick. A disconformity 

separates the Chattanooga from the overlying Mississippian complex which forms the caprock for 

much of the Springfield Plateau. The first succession within the Mississippian is the Kinderhookian 

shelf sequence consisting of 12 cm of the Bachelor Formation, 2.5-7.5m of the Compton 

Formation, and 1-3m of the Northview Formation. The upper succession is the Osagean shelf 

sequence which is gradational and consists of 4-14m of the Pierson Formation, 22m of the Reeds 

Spring Formation, 50m of the Elsey Formation, and 3-10m of the Burlington-Keokuk limestone. 

Several faults were mapped in the area including two major faults: the Brush Creek Fault trends 

east-west across the quadrangle with the up-thrown side to the south displacing approximately 

10-15m of strata, and the Pineville Fault trends southwest-northeast in the northwest corner of the 

quadrangle with the up-thrown side to the southeast displacing approximately 15-20m of strata. 

Soft sediment deformations, including slump mounds, are present in the Compton with major 

bed truncations in the Compton and Pierson. These structures reflect tectonism occurring on the 

passive margin of Southern Laurentia during the early to mid-Mississippian. 

28-11 BTH 11 Larson, Mark O. [218649] 

HIGH RESOLUTION GRAVITY SURVEY TO DETERMINE LOCATION AND EXTENT OF 

FAULTS IN THE JANE 7.5-MINUTE QUADRANGLE, MISSOURI 

LARSON, Mark O., Geography, Geology, Planning, Missouri State University, 901 S. 

National, Springfield, MO 65897, mol@live.missouristate.edu, MICKUS, Kevin, Geology, 

Missouri State University, Springfield, MO 65897, and EVANS, Kevin, Geography, Geology, 

and Planning Department, Missouri State University, 901 S. National Ave, Springfield, MO 

65804-0089 

Detailed geological and geophysical mapping of the Jane 7.5-minute quadrangle in SW MO was 

undertaken by a group at Missouri State University in 2012. The area is composed of Lower 

Ordovician and Early Mississippian limestone, dolostone, and shale. Numerous low amplitude 

structural features and faults were found by surficial geological mapping. 

In order to further investigate these structural features, a high resolution gravity survey, 

including a number of profiles at 0.1 mile spacing, was conducted to determine the extent and 

subsurface nature of the faults in the region. An initial Bouguer gravity anomaly map shows a a 

general low anomaly in the northern portion of the map, and higher gravity in the southern portion 

which is probably caused thinning of the Paleozoic sediments toward the south. A horizontal 

derivative map gravity anomaly map amplifies an anomaly that lines up with an extensive 

surficially mapped fault. Residual gravity anomaly maps constructed using wavelength filtering 

and horizontal derivatives and 2-D forward models constrained by surface mapping and density 

measurements will be constructed in order to better understand the geometry and location of 

identified and unidentified faults. 

28-12 BTH 12 Cook, Tamara J. [218449] 

JAVASCRIPT TRAVEL TIME SIMULATOR 

COOK, Tamara J., Plant and Earth Science Department, University of Wisconsin - River 

Falls, 805 Juniper Dr, Somerset, WI 54025, tamara.cook@my.uwrf.edu 

A seismogram may appear to be a chaotic record of noise, but amidst the noise there are 

unidentified earthquake onsets (UEOs). These UEOs are the wave phases before they are 

identified. Currently, to identify these, one would have to use the Jeffreys-Bullen tables to 



manually look up and correct the travel time for each of these UEOs to determine which phase 

they belong to. With the use of JavaScript and HMTL, a website calculator was made to achieve 

these travel times in a more convenient way. The code uses the spherical law of cosines and 

bilinear interpolation to complete the task. The only thing necessary of the user, is to input the 

latitude and longitude of the observation site (seismic station) and the earthquake site, along with 

the focal depth of the earthquake. The program then outputs the travel times for all the possible 

wave phases. A once tedious task has now been made simple, allowing geologists to focus on 

the implications of these travel times for the phases, rather than using valuable time to manually 

calculate them. 

28-13 BTH 13 DeWolf, Cris L. [218122] 

MIQUAKES: SHAKING UP EARTH SCIENCE, MATHEMATICS, & PHYSICS EDUCATION IN 

MICHIGAN 

DEWOLF, Cris L., Chippewa Hills High School, 3226 Arthur Rd, Remus, MI 49340, 

cdewolf@chsd.us, FUJITA, Kazuya, Department of Geological Sciences, Michigan State 

University, 206 Natural Science Building, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824- 

1115, SCHEPKE, Chuck, Roscommon Middle School, 299 West Sunset Drive, Roscommon, 

MI 48653, RUDDOCK, Judy, Michigan Earth Science Teachers Association, Flushing, MI 

48433, SINCLAIR, Jay, Ida Middle School, 3145 Prairie Street, Ida, MI 48140, SVOBODA, 

Michele R., Mill Creek Middle School, 100 Betty Street, NE, Comstock Park, MI 49321, and 

WAITE, Greg, Gmes, Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Dr, Houghton, 

MI 49931 

MIQuakes, a regional educational seismograph network, is part of the Seismographs in Schools 

(SIS) program of the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS). The Michigan 

Earth Science Teachers Association (MESTA) sponsors the network in cooperation with IRIS, 

Michigan State University and Michigan Technological University. MIQuakes follows the MESTA 

philosophy of “teachers helping teachers”. Experienced teachers help other teachers maintain 

instrumentation and provide professional development. The universities provide technical and 

content support. 

MESTA teachers in the IRIS SIS program developed MIQuakes in 2010. In 2011, recipients 

of 5 more seismometers were chosen based on geographic distribution, and cross-grade level 

and interdisciplinary teams. Today, MIQuakes includes 17 K-14 schools operating AS-1 and EAI- 

S102 seismometers. One station shares “live” data on-line, while others upload data from specific 

events to the SIS website. 

Having instruments able to show students when and where earthquakes occur can stimulate 

interest and foster deeper exploration of Earth science topics. As not all teachers want to have 

a seismometer of their own, professional development features activities that allow teachers to 

use seismic data in many science disciplines. With AmaSeis, teachers view and work off-line 

with earthquake data from multiple sources, including MIQuakes. Plans exist to update to newer 

software as IRIS or other academic sources release it. 

Five teacher workshops were held in 2011-2013. A science presentation, teacher-led activity, 

and discussion of recent seismic events was a goal of each. Attendance has included teachers 

with seismometers as well as those interested in learning more about seismology. 

Developing, and/or adopting previously developed classroom activities relating mathematics, 

physics, and Earth Science continues. Adapting lessons to use data from MIQuakes stations 

is a goal. Development and vetting of activities prior to workshops is a challenge, especially 

as the group has grown. The experience and needs of participants has become more variable 

and providing meaningful content to the entire group has become more difficult. One solution 

may be to have workshops targeted at specific sub-groups depending on their desired level of 

involvement. 

28-14 BTH 14 Fordyce, Samuel W. [218705] 

VISUALIZING EARLHAM COLLEGE’S MILLER FARM: A VISITOR’S MAP AND GUIDE 

FORDYCE, Samuel W. and FADEM, Cynthia M., Geology, Earlham College, 801 National Rd 

W, Campus Drawer #132, RIchmond, IN 47374, swfordy08@earlham.edu 

Miller Farm is located on roughly 40 acres of land along the Whitewater river. A digital elevation 

model produced from differential GPS data will form the basis for an educational sign and map 

displayed the farm’s entrance, highlighting the farm and surrounding forest, marshes, streams, 

and historical ruins. This educational display, funded by Earlham College’s Student Action 

Research Grant Initiative, will raise awareness of the farm’s rich heritage and resources, and 

encourage community participation in the farm’s programs. 

We used a Magellan DGPS to collect elevation and location data, and processed them in 

ArcGIS. Our digital elevation model will be printed on a durable outdoor signboard, along with 

background information for and photographs of the features highlighted on the map. This project 

is an interdisciplinary effort of Earlham’s Miller Farm, Geology Department, and Center for 

Environmental Action, combining collection of field topographic data, processing in GIS, and 

exhibit design with the goal of encouraging and welcoming visitors to explore the farm. 

28-15 BTH 15 Couts, Kimberly E. [218713] 

SEASONAL AND LONG-TERM (1996-2012) TRENDS IN THE CONCENTRATIONS AND 

RATIOS OF DISSOLVED SILICA AND DISSOLVED INORGANIC NITROGEN IN THE GREAT 

MIAMI RIVER AT MIAMISBURG, OHIO 

COUTS, Kimberly E. 1 , CRISP, Alexis A. 1 , GOODWIN, Grant M. 1 , HAGEN, Benjamin P. 1 , 

MOBLEY, Tilden J. 1 , WILSON, Elizabeth L. 2 , and FORTNER, Sarah K. 3 , (1) Geology, 

Wittenberg, P.O. Box 720, Springfield, OH 45501, ce.kcouts@exchange.wittenberg.edu, 

(2) Geology, Wittenberg University, Springfield, OH 45501, (3) Department of Geology, 

Wittenberg University, Springfield, 45501 

Nutrient balance controls the health and survival of ecosystems. A low ratio (80%), but includes several major urban areas. The ratio of DSi 

to DIN shows a significant decrease through time associated with a corresponding significant 

decrease in DIN concentrations. There was no significant trend in Si concentrations through the 

long-term record. Seasonally, the lowest mean monthly DSi:DIN (

as geology, ecology, biology, and resource conservation. With such a wide variety of educational 

opportunities, this ecosystem brings together students and researchers from many branches of 

science. 

This study was conducted as a service learning project to collect diatom samples from Glen 

Helen, to relate the diatom species to water chemistry data, and to provide teaching materials for 

the numerous education activities taking place in Glen Helen. Permanent slides will be made from 

samples collected from water, macrophytes, and sediments. Diatoms will be identified, sketched, 

and photographed to develop a teaching set of diatom identification for the Glen Helen area that 

will be published as a handbook for use in the Glen Helen educational activities. The diatoms 

will provide an additional layer of data to complement the ongoing water chemistry study being 

conducted by Wright State University and Antioch College students. 

28-19 BTH 19 Brinkmann, Sarah [218522] 

DIATOM COMMUNITIES NEAR ACID MINE DRAINAGE AT GREEN VALLEY LAKE, WEST 

TERRE HAUTE, INDIANA 

BRINKMANN, Sarah, BRAKE, Sandra S., and STONE, Jeffery, Department of Earth and 

Environmental Systems, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN 47809, sbrinkmann@ 

sycamores.indstate.edu 

Green Valley Lake is located in West Terre Haute, Indiana, near an abandoned coal mine. Acid 

mine drainage (AMD) leaching from the site of the abandoned mine has impacted this area for 

almost 55 years. Seasonally, the pH of effluent streams drops as low as 3 in some areas. Elevated 

levels of SO , Fe, Al, and heavy metals occur in streams (and groundwater) that may contaminate 

4 

Green Valley Lake. 

Diatoms are a golden-brown algae with a siliceous skeleton; they are an important primary 

producers that are abundant and typically well-preserved as fossils in most lake systems. To 

explore the environmental impact of AMD on this system, we sampled the lake plankton and 

sediments for fossil diatoms, which are known to be highly sensitive to acidity in lakes and 

streams. The purpose of this study is to analyze the spatial distribution of diatoms in the lake and 

sediments. Samples were collected from the plankton and sediment from 11 locations around 

the lake. Our hypothesis is that diatom diversity should increase away from areas of riverine 

discharge into the lake. Results from this study will help determine how AMD has influenced 

the structure of the diatom community in the lake and provide a baseline measurement for the 

modern lake system so that the long-term resilience of these communities can be analyzed in 

future studies. 

28-20 BTH 20 Smart, Saundra M. [218589] 

INFLUENCE OF DIATOM DIVERSITY IN AN INDIANA STREAM IMPACTED BY ACID MINE 

DRAINAGE 

SMART, Saundra M., STONE, Jeffery, and BRAKE, Sandra S., Department of Earth 

and Environmental Systems, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN 47809, ssmart1@ 

sycamores.indstate.edu 

Acid mine drainage (AMD) associated with the abandoned Green Valley coal mine site in West 

Terre Haute, IN, discharges into West Little Sugar Creek (WLSC), a nearby natural stream. 

The area has been impacted by AMD for nearly 55 years, denoting WLSC as one of Indiana’s 

most contaminated water systems. Despite various remedial efforts, AMD still discharges into 

WLSC, where pH drops to as low as 3. The acidic effluent and stream water contains elevated 

concentrations of SO , Fe, Al, and trace elements, many of which exceed state and federal 

4 

surface water quality standards. Local aquatic life is adversely impacted by the high acidity and 

high concentrations of dissolved constituents. Downstream of the mines site, metal concentrations 

decrease and pH increases due to dilution from surface water runoff and groundwater discharge 

into the stream. 

To assess the environmental impact of AMD on the ecology of the WLSC stream system, this 

study evaluates changes in diatom species upstream and downstream of the discharge zone. 

Diatoms were selected because of their abundance in most water systems, high diversification, 

and siliceous frustules, the latter of which is often preserved in sediment. Diatoms are known 

to be highly sensitive to environmental changes, such as toxic metal concentrations and acidity. 

We hypothesize that the low pH and highly toxic conditions of WLSC will decrease species 

diversification downstream. Specifically, we examine changes in riverine diatom communities 

downstream from the discharge site to determine how far downstream the influence of acid 

mine drainage persists and to establish a baseline for seasonal fluctuations to help evaluate the 

resilience of these communities. 

28-21 BTH 21 Burns, Anastasia Marie [218664] 

EVALUATION OF FACTORS INFLUENCING NITRATE CONCENTRATIONS IN GROUNDWATER 

IN EAU CLAIRE COUNTY 

BURNS, Anastasia Marie, UW-Eau Claire, 1824 1/2 Brackett Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701, 

burnsam@uwec.edu and GROTE, Katherine R., Geology, University of Wisconsin-Eau 

Claire, 105 Garfield Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54702 

In Eau Claire County, about 6.4% of private wells have nitrate concentrations exceeding 

the Enforcement Standard (ES) of 10 mg/L. This project investigates whether high nitrate 

concentrations can be correlated to geologic and hydrologic parameters or to land management. 

If such correlations are found, they can be used to develop a risk assessment map for Eau Claire 

County that could be used to predict areas that are at an elevated risk for nitrate contamination. 

To aid in this study, the Eau Claire County Health Department provided nearly 6,000 nitrate 

concentrations from groundwater samples acquired in private wells over a period from 1999 to 

2004 and again from 2005 to 2009. Using GIS, these data sets were joined to maps of depth 

to bedrock, depth to water table, soil texture, soil taxonomy, geomorphology, and land use. The 

resulting data sets enabled correlations to be made between these parameters and nitrate 

concentrations, and to observe how these correlations changed with time between the two data 

sets. The factors which appeared to have the most impact on nitrate concentrations were land 

use, depth to the water table, and depth to bedrock. Agricultural land typically had the highest 

nitrate values, although the nitrate concentrations in urban areas increased significantly with time. 

Areas with higher bedrock tended to have higher nitrate values, while areas with shallow water 

tables had lower average nitrate values. 

To better investigate the factors controlling nitrate contamination, combinations of factors that 

independently appeared to influence nitrate concentration were considered. These analyses 

helped to show which combinations of natural and anthropogenic conditions were most likely 

to result in high nitrate concentrations. Although analysis of different combinations of factors is 

ongoing, the areas which seem most likely to have high nitrate concentrations are rural areas with 

intermediate water tables (5-50 ft beneath the surface), highly developed (more urban) areas with 

shallow bedrock, and areas with both shallow bedrock and shallow water tables. 


28-22 BTH 22 Peters, Carl E. [218462] 

GEOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF HEAVY METALS IN SEDIMENTS SURROUNDING THE 

BAUTSCH-GRAY MINE SUPERFUND SITE, JO DAVIESS COUNTY, ILLINOIS 

PETERS, Carl E., Geology Department, Augustana College, 639 38th Street, Rock Island, IL 

61201, carlpeters09@augustana.edu 

Mining operations at the Bautsch-Gray lead mine site, located near Galena, IL, for the last 

eighty-six years have resulted in elevated levels of lead, zinc, and arsenic within the surface 

materials surrounding the mine property. Although remediation began in September of 2010 

with the removal of 2600 m3 of contaminated soil from the mine site and neighboring residential 

properties, there has been continued migration of mine tailings. This has prompted a need to 

better understand the extent of contamination in the properties surrounding the mine tailings, 

at depth, and within particle sizes of mine tailings. A total of 29 surface soil samples, six depth 

samples, and two grain size analysis samples were taken from properties west, northeast, 

north, and south of the mine site. Samples were analyzed for heavy-metal contamination with an 

X-Ray Fluorescence spectrometer (XRF). Of the 29 surface samples, three samples exceeded 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulatory limits for heavy-metals in soils, and 24 

samples exceeded background levels for heavy-metals. The highest concentrations of lead, zinc, 

and arsenic contamination were measured at 510ppm, 3024ppm, and 100ppm respectively. 

No migration of heavy-metals was seen to occur downward through the soil profile, suggesting 

that transportation of contaminants is occurring primarily due to runoff directly from the mine 

tailings. From this research it was determined that heavy-metals have continued to migrate into 

the properties west and north of the mine, with lead, zinc, and arsenic levels still exceeding EPA 

regulatory limits and background levels. 

28-23 BTH 23 Krehel, Austin W. [218634] 

WIND STEERING AND SEDIMENT TRANSFER ASSOCIATED WITH STORMS IN A BLOWOUT 

DUNE AT SAUGATUCK HARBOR NATURAL AREA, MICHIGAN 

KREHEL, Austin W., Geological and Environmental Sciences, Hope College, Holland, 

MI 49423, austin.krehel@hope.edu, YURK, Brian, Department of Mathematics, Hope 

College, PO Box 9000, Holland, MI 49422-9000, and HANSEN, Edward C., Geological and 

Environmental Sciences, Hope College, 35 E 12th Street, Holland, MI 49423 

The effects of 8 extratropical cyclones on wind directions, wind speeds, sand erosion, and 

sand deposition were studied in a blowout dune in the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area on the 

southeastern shore of Lake Michigan during Fall, 2010 and Spring and Fall, 2011. The blowout 

is on the limb of a parabolic dune isolated from the beach by an established foredune ridge. It is 

53m long, 8 m high, SE trending and opens to the northwest with two notches on the western 

limb. Wind speeds and directions were measured with anemometers and wind vanes at 6 different 

localities within the dune while erosion and deposition were measured with an array of 211 pins. 

Regional wind directions at a high angle (E, NE, S, SSW) to the opening of the dune, led to 

bifurcated flow of relatively low velocity winds within the trough, which can sweep sand out of the 

trough and deposit it in the northwest notch. Regional winds at a lower angle to the dune opening 

(WSW, W, NW, N), were steered up the axis of the trough with the loss of wind energy increasing 

with increasing steering angle. These winds are associated with erosion along the trough axis 

and deposition on the southern outer slope. Winds with a strong westerly component are also 

funneled through the notches leading to scoring along the inner limbs of the dune and deposition 

within the trough and eastern outer limb. The exact response of a dune to a given storm is the 

result of a complex interplay between wind direction, which depends on cyclone track, and local 

topography. 

28-24 BTH 24 Salzwedel, Mitchell [218651] 

THE EFFECT OF LONG-TERM LAND USE CHANGES ON SOIL ORGANIC CARBON IN 

SOUTHERN WISCONSIN 

SALZWEDEL, Mitchell and DOLLIVER, Holly A.S., Department of Plant and Earth Science, 

University of Wisconsin-River Falls, 410 S. 3rd St, River Falls, WI 54022, mitchell.salzwedel@ 

my.uwrf.edu 

Transformation of undisturbed Wisconsin prairies to agricultural soils has resulted in a loss 

of soil carbon. Tillage of agricultural soils exposes soil organic matter (SOM) to oxygen, and 

the carbon in SOM will oxidize to the atmosphere. Soil carbon greatly improves the physical, 

chemical, and biological properties of the soil. Equally as important, carbon locked in the 

soil does not impact carbon concentrations in the atmosphere, which contributes to global 

climate change. The objective of the study was to quantify the amount of organic carbon in 

undisturbed versus agricultural soils. A total of six paired sites were selected for this research. 

Undisturbed soils were classified as areas that have not been disturbed for 50+ years. In all cases 

disturbed and undisturbed areas were less than 100 meters apart and sampled at three depth 

intervals: 0-10 cm, 10-40 cm, 40-100 cm. Total organic carbon was on average 44.3% lower in 

agricultural versus undisturbed soils. Data from the depth intervals also shows that differences 

in carbon concentrations between undisturbed and agricultural soils were most significant in the 

40-100 cm interval (57% higher in undisturbed) compared to the 0-10 cm interval (22% higher 

in undisturbed). This data supports that a tremendous amount of carbon has been lost to the 

atmosphere due to land use conversion. 

28-25 BTH 25 Hein, Jordan A. [218760] 

QUANTIFYING BANK EROSION AND CHANNEL SEDIMENTATION ON THE TORCH, RAPID 

AND GRASS RIVERS IN NORTHERN LOWER MICHIGAN 

HEIN, Jordan A. 1 , KENDALL, Anthony D. 2 , and BUDD, Blaze M. 2 , (1) Department of 


MI 48823, heinjord@msu.edu, (2) Department of Geological Sciences, Michigan State 

University, 206 Natural Sciences Bldg, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 

Rapid sedimentation and bank erosion have steadily reduced the navigability of the rivers in the 

Chain of Lakes watershed in Northern Lower Michigan during the last several decades. Historical 

documentation indicates that these rivers were once deep enough for steamboat travel, but now 

are all but impassable by even shallow draft watercraft. Beyond the navigational issues presented 

by sedimentation, bank erosion threatens property and water access. This study focuses on three 

rivers: the Torch, the Rapid, and the Grass. Each of these rivers have been affected by dramatic 

anthropogenic changes during the last 150 years, including extensive land cover change, channel 

modification, and base level changes via damming the terminal lake on the Chain. 

Here we present work that quantifies bank erosion over the last eight decades via aerial 

and satellite imagery analysis, along with the current channel bottom depths via bathymetric 

measurements. This work demonstrates that significant changes have occurred, and continue to 

occur, to bank positions. Sections of the river with the most bank change are also the shallowest, 

indicating that the channel continues to evolve toward a new dynamic equilibrium. We illustrate 

how sections with the least change are those that have had the most active management, and 



suggest means by which further erosion and shallowing could be prevented, and potentially 

reversed. 

28-26 BTH 26 Freeman-Ballew, Elizabeth [218722] 

PRELIMINARY LOSS-ON-IGNITION DATA FROM CRYSTAL LAKE, OHIO 

FREEMAN-BALLEW, Elizabeth, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Wright State University, 

Dayton, OH 45435-0001, freeman.48@wright.edu, DEUTER, Leigh H., Earth and 

Environmental Sciences, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Dayton, OH 

45435, and TEED, Rebecca, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Wright State 

University, 260 Brehm Labs, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH 45435 

Crystal Lake located in Medway, Ohio (39°N 53’, 84°W 01’), is an 11 meter deep kettle lake, 

formed during the Wisconsinan glacial event, close to the glacial ice boundary. Lake sediment 

cores extending from 1130 to 2000 cm below the lake surface were collected in 2008. Loss 

of ignition (LOI) is a method used to estimate the amount of organic matter and carbonate in 

the sediment. The results from an LOI analysis, of the upper levels of the core indicate a high 

frequency variation in the percentage of organic material in the sediment (1200-1550cm) of 

4 to 18% with an average of five to six fluctuations per meter. Previous studies of gastropod 

and diatom species indicate lake level change; perhaps these lake level changes affected 

the percentage of organic material. The current investigation includes: 1) LOI analysis of the 

remaining sediment (1650-2000cm), to determine if the variations continue or change in older 

sediments 2) radiocarbon dating of a wood fragment found at 1302cm 3) collaboration with 

researchers who are trying to understand the modern trophic status and groundwater system of 

the lake. Continued research at this site will enrich the overall understanding of the sedimentary 

history of the lake, while also shedding light on the paleoclimate of southwestern Ohio during the 

last glaciation. 

28-27 BTH 27 Morrison, Sean M. [218779] 

INCISION AND LATERAL MIGRATION ALONG TERRACES OF THE LOWER CHIPPEWA 

RIVER VALLEY, WI, USA: A GPR INVESTIGATION 

MORRISON, Sean M. 1 , STRUVE, Matthew W. 1 , ROEGLIN, Lauren E. 2 , JOL, Harry M. 2 , 

FAULKNER, Douglas J. 3 , and RUNNING, Garry Leonard IV4 , (1) Departmet of Geography 

and Anthropology, University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI 54702, morrissm@ 

uwec.edu, (2) Department of Geography and Anthropology, University of Wisconsin-Eau 

Claire, Eau Claire, WI 54702, (3) Geography and Anthropology, University of Wisconsin, 

Eau Claire, WI 54701, (4) Geography and Anthropology, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, 

Eau Claire, WI 54702 

The Lower Chippewa River Valley in west-central Wisconsin displays numerous terraces formed 

by episodes of incision and followed by lateral migration. Sediments deposited during the lateral 

migration of the river are primarily composed of sand while the underlying sediments consist 

of a mix of sand and gravel deposited by glaciofluvial process as the paleo-Chippewa River 

aggraded during the late Wisconsinan. Using high resolution ground penetrating radar (GPR) 

data, the depth to which the Chippewa River laterally migrated following each episode of incision 

was determined. GPR data was collected along numerous terraces using Sensors and Software 

PulseEkko 100 and 1000 GPR systems while laser leveling was used to determine topographic 

changes. High frequency antennae were used to attain the level of detail needed to determine 

the depth of deposits related to lateral migration. Step size varied from 0.1 m to 0.5 m, while 

antennae separation ranged from 0.5 m to 1.0 m. Common midpoint surveys (CMP) were 

conducted and resulted with a near surface velocity of 0.10-0.11 m/ns at most sites. The radar 

facies of the top most depositional layer were examined in order to better understand the nature 

of the river during times of lateral migration. The reflections show horizontal to sub-horizontal, 

semi-continuous reflections to a depth of three to four meters. The radar stratigraphic analysis 

suggests a well-defined episode of incision followed by lateral migration [braided river process] on 

all investigated terraces. 

28-28 BTH 28 Warbritton, Matthew J. [218377] 

3-D MODELING ON THE EFFECTS OF BASELEVEL CHANGE ON RIVER DELTAS 

WARBRITTON, Matthew J. 1 , NILGES, Tayloy P. 1 , and LONDOÑO, Ana C. 2 , (1) Earth and 

Atmospheric Science Department, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63103, mwarbrit@ 

slu.edu, (2) Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Saint Louis University, 205 O’Neil Hall, 3642 

Lindell Blvd, Saint Louis, MO 63108 

Climate change may impart changes to river deltas and surrounding areas that may have a 

detrimental effect on coastal cities. Three dimensional models can be used to observe and 

predict changes in delta structure by changing parameters thought to be affected by climate 

change. Using an Em-4 stream table we will investigate the effects of varying parameters on 

the delta. We will be recording delta measurements and images to construct 3-D models in 

order to better understand and visualize the changes occurring to the deltas. Being able to 

control baselevel, sediment grain size, discharge, and other variables will allow us to conduct 

experiments addressing several different scenarios. We expect to find a significant change in delta 

progradation, number of lobes, and water cover over the delta with changes in baselevel. This 

research will have implications for understanding how the rise in baselevel may affect surrounding 

land and population areas due to flooding, possible changes in delta and stream patterns, and 

potential delta migration. 

28-29 BTH 29 Cullen, Patrick [218528] 

ASYMMETRY OF LATE PENNSYLVANIAN GLACIO-EUSTATIC FLUCTUATIONS IN THE 

NORTH AMERICAN MIDCONTINENT 

CULLEN, Patrick1 , MILEWSKI, Stormy1 , BAUMANN, Eric Jr2 , ALGEO, Thomas J. 3 , 

MAYNARD, J. Barry4 , HERRMANN, Achim D. 5 , and HECKEL, Philip H. 6 , (1) Geology, 

University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, cullenpj@mail.uc.edu, (2) Geology, University 

of Cincinnati, 5359 Little Turtle Dr, South Lebanon, OH 45065, (3) Department of Geology, 

University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0013, (4) Department of Geology, University 

of Cincinnati, 345 Clifton Court, Cincinnati, OH 45221, (5) Geology & Geophysics, Louisiana 

State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, (6) Department of Geoscience, University of Iowa, 

Iowa City, IA 52242 

The growth and decay of continental icesheets are highly asymmetric processes. During the 

Pleistocene, growth proceeded slowly (for up to 100 kyr) as ice mass built up over large areas, 

whereas decay proceeded quickly (~8-12 kyr) in response to global warming and icesheet 

disintegration. Similar patterns have been inferred for icesheets during pre-Pleistocene ice 

ages, but the evidence for differential rates of growth and decay is mainly circumstantial, 

e.g., the greater thickness of regressive versus transgressive facies in Upper Pennsylvanian 

cyclothems of the North American Midcontinent region. In this study, we quantified relative rates 

of eustatic regression (= icesheet growth) and transgression (= icesheet decay) in Midcontinent 


cyclothems on the basis of fine-scale (5-10-cm) cyclicity. Although the exact origin of this cyclicity 

is not known with certainty, it is unquestionably (quasi-)periodic and record the ~21-kyr orbital 

precession cycle. At any given locale on the Midcontinent Shelf, the onset and termination of 

black shale deposition marked, respectively, the transgression and regression of the chemocline. 

Relative rates of chemocline transgression and regression can be assessed based on the 

number of small-cycles below and above the maximum flooding surface of each cyclothem. We 

analyzed two Upper Pennsylvanian cyclothemic black shales, the Hushpuckney and Heebner, 

along transects from SW Iowa to central Oklahoma in order to reconstruct lateral changes in 

transgression-regression patterns. Although the number of cycles with each study unit varies 

somewhat as a function of position on the shelf, the transgressive and regressive portions of the 

black shale facies typically contain ~4±1 and ~8±2 cycles, respectively. On this basis, we infer 

that transgressions proceeded roughly twice as quickly as regressions. It should be noted that 

our conclusions are limited to only the late transgressive and early regressive stages of glacioeustatic 

cycles recorded by the black shale facies of cyclothems, and that rates of glacio-eustatic 

change during peak intervals of transgression and regression may have been different. Highresolution 

stratigraphic analysis of cyclothems, as undertaken in this study, has the potential to 

provide insights into contemporaneous icesheet dynamics. 

28-30 BTH 30 Carnes, Jennifer L. [218367] 

CARBONATE LAKES ON BASALT FLOWS (MIOCENE KIRI KIRI FORMATION, LAKE TURKANA 

REGION, KENYA) 

CARNES, Jennifer L., Department of Geological Sciences, Ohio University, 316 Clippinger 

Labs, Athens, OH 45701-2979, jc458707@ohio.edu, GIERLOWSKI-KORDESCH, Elizabeth, 

Department of Geological Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979, TABOR, 

Neil J., Roy M. Huffington Department of Earth Sciences, Southern Methodist University, 

3225 Daniel Ave, Dallas, TX 75275-0395, and RASMUSSEN, David Tab, Anthropology, 

Washington University, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130 

The formation of lakes directly upon basalt flows is a rare phenomenon because of the high 

porosity and permeability of these volcanic rocks. Accumulation of lake sediments can only 

occur where the regional groundwater table intersects the lava flow; in this case, carbonate 

sedimentation occurs because of the weathering of Ca-rich feldspars as groundwater flows 

through and on the basalt. A modern example in Kenya is present at the volcanic area at the 

southern end of Lake Turkana with a Miocene example preserved approximately 85 km to the 

west within the Kiri Kiri Formation. Round outcrops of limestone occur within basalt depressions in 

this formation over a several square kilometer area. Each circular to semi-circular depression filled 

with limestone ranges on a scale from one meter to tens of meters wide. The thickness of these 

carbonate pond and lake deposits ranges from decimeters to several meters. Four main facies are 

present with many vertebrate and invertebrate fossils. Vertebrate remains include a monkey skull, 

crocodile scutes or scales, turtle shell fragments, and related bones. Invertebrate remains include 

a diversity of gastropods. Carbonate facies, as determined from thin section petrography, include 

fossiliferous massive micrite, microbial mounds, rhizolith-rich micrite, and debris-rich limestone. 

Textures indicate mostly subaqueous conditions with only very rare mudcracked horizons. The 

high groundwater table maintained these lakes and ponds, establishing a complex ecosystem. 

28-31 BTH 31 Baumann, Eric [218536] 

INTENSIFIED WEATHERING AT THE PERMIAN-TRIASSIC BOUNDARY IN THE BALATON 

REGION OF HUNGARY 

BAUMANN, Eric Jr1 , CULLEN, Patrick2 , MILEWSKI, Stormy2 , and ALGEO, Thomas J. 3 , 

(1) Geology, University of Cincinnati, 5359 Little Turtle Dr, South Lebanon, OH 45065, 

baumanei@mail.uc.edu, (2) Geology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, 

(3) Department of Geology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0013 

The Permian-Triassic boundary (PTB) mass extinction, the largest biocrisis in Earth history, 

has been intensively investigated in marine and terrestrial sections in many parts of the world. 

However, marginal marine deposits, representing the interface between the marine and terrestrial 

environments, have received relatively little attention. In this study, we analyzed samples from 

the Balaton region of southwestern Hungary, representing marginal-marine facies (mainly finegrained 

limestone and dolostone) of latest Permian-Early Triassic age and open-marine facies 

(mainly fossiliferous wackestones and packstones) of Middle-Late Triassic age. Redox conditions 

were uniformly oxic throughout the study interval, as indicated by uniformly low concentrations of 

pyrite S (

(orthoconic cephalopod-like) fossils, as well as the brachiopods. The fossil assemblage, 

sedimentology and stratigraphy here appear to represent an equatorial shallow marine, nearshore 

to transitional (deltaic) tidal-influenced environment. Paleogeographic models place this area of 

Michigan on the southern coast of Laurentia during the Sauk I transgression. The moderate relief 

of the Proterozoic basement rock in this area most likely led to shallow embayments as the Sauk 

Sea transgressed onto the land, accentuated by tidal ebb and flow. We attempt to paint a clearer 

picture of the paleogeography of this portion of Laurentia during the Late Cambrian. 

28-33 BTH 33 Moore, Rebecca J. [218699] 

PETROGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF CAMBRIAN SANDSTONE CEMENT IN WESTERN 

WISCONSIN: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE COMPOSITION AND QUALITY OF FRAC SAND 

MOORE, Rebecca J., Geology, University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI 54702, 

moorerj@uwec.edu, RASMUSSEN, Amy K., Geology, University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, 

Eau Claire, WI 54702, MAHONEY, J. Brian, Department. of Geology, University of Wisconsin 

Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI 54702, and SYVERSON, Kent M., Dept. of Geology, University of 

Wisconsin, Eau Claire, WI 54702 

Industrial sand mining has been expanding rapidly in western Wisconsin as demand for frac 

sand has increased. Concerns have been expressed about the potential for dust from the mining 

process causing non-occupational silicosis. Because the sand grains are large and hard, most 

respirable dust is likely derived from the sandstone cement. The purpose of this study is to use 

petrographic analysis to determine the cement mineralogy for major sandstone units in western 

Wisconsin. 

Samples have been collected from the Mount Simon, Wonewoc, Jordan, and St. Peter 

Formations (Cambrian Period, listed from oldest to youngest) in western Wisconsin. Samples 

were cut, impregnated with epoxy, and made into polished thin sections. Thin sections were 

examined using a petrographic microscope. Standard point counting and photomicrograph 

techniques are used to determine the mineralogy and relative percentages of the grains, cement, 

and voids. 

Qualitative observations (11 thin sections thus far) for each formation reveal authigenic K-spar, 

hematite, and quartz cements. The most abundant cement is authigenic K-spar, and the majority 

of samples have high porosity and little cement. Mount Simon Fm. sandstone (the oldest unit) 

contains large amounts of hematite and authigenic K-spar cement, with or without sericite. 

Wonewoc Fm. cement compositions vary, but abundant hematite and authigenic K-spar are 

present throughout the formation. Jordan Fm. cements differ markedly. Some rocks are primarily 

cemented by calcite. One sample from the upper Jordan Fm. is completely cemented with quartz, 

which has eliminated primary porosity and makes the rock extremely difficult to disaggregate and 

process. St. Peter sandstone has polycrystalline quartz grains rimmed with minor amounts of 

hematite and authigenic K-spar. 

A more extensive suite of samples is currently being analyzed. Quantitative results will 

presented at the meeting. The relative abundance of K-spar and hematite cements should reduce 

the concentration of crystalline silica in the respirable dust fraction. Also, multiple generations of 

cement and the high porosity values suggest repetitive cycles of cementation and diagenesis. 

28-34 BTH 34 Kunz, Stephen E. [218784] 

SEQUENCE STRATIGRAPHY OF THE TYLER FORMATION (LOWER PENNSYLVANIAN/ 

MORROWAN) IN THE WILLISTON BASIN, NORTH DAKOTA 

KUNZ, Stephen E. 1 , SANDS, Jonathan1 , MARKS, Adam1 , MCMULLEN, John1 , and 

LEONARD, Karl W. 2 , (1) Anthropology and Earth Science, Minnesota State University 

Moorhead, 1104 7th Avenue South, Moorhead, MN 56563, kunzst@mnstate.edu, 

(2) Anthropology and Earth Science, Minnesota State Univsity Moorhead, 1104 7th 

Avenue South, Moorhead, MN 56563 

This research is being done because Carboniferous rocks in North America are commonly 

cyclical (repeating lithofacies) because of changing climate conditions resulting in sea level 

changes during an “Icehouse” world. The Tyler Formation (Upper Carboniferous: Morrowan) 

occurs in the Williston Basin of Western North Dakota. It contains meter-scale cycles of repeating 

lithofacies. A sequence stratigraphic analysis of this formation would improve temporal and spatial 

resolution of this interval, as well as provide environmental and climatic significance to the nature 

of the cycles. 

The examination of core samples and well logs of the Tyler Formation examined along multiple 

transects from the basin center to the edges has shown cyclical lithofacies patterns repeating 

throughout the formation. These cycles begin with calcareous mudstones overlying a brecciated 

carbonate, then show carbonaceous shales and interbedded mudstones and limestone, and 

are capped with a brecciated carbonate interval. Lower cycles contains fossils (inarticulate 

brachiopods, bivalves) that indicate more restricted or shallow marine conditions, whereas middle 

and upper part fossils (crinoids, brachiopods, bryozoans) indicate more open-marine conditions. 

The lower cycles indicate a transgressing sea, whereas the middle and upper cycles occur above 

a maximum flooding surface or horizon. It’s expected that the middle and upper Tyler cycles will 

show greater lateral basin extent than the lower cycles. 

An enhanced stratigraphic framework is expected from this analysis, which will aid in future 

studies of fossil distribution patterns of the Tyler, may provide more insight into the climatic 

conditions of the Carboniferous in the Williston Basin, and improve the economic development of 

this formation. 

28-35 BTH 35 White, Nathan [218368] 

SIGNIFICANCE OF LATE TRIASSIC CHARCOAL, AND LATE TRIASSIC AND LATE JURASSIC 

WOOD PETRIFICATION PROCESSES AND MINERALOGY, SOUTH-CENTRAL UTAH 

WHITE, Nathan, Geology, Augustana College, 639 38th St, Rock Island, IL 61201, nathanwhite@augustana.edu 

The Late Triassic Chinle Formation and Late Jurassic Morrison Formation crop out extensively 

near the town of Hanksville, Utah, and contain an abundance of well-preserved petrified 

wood. Enclosing rock types include siltstones, sandstones, conglomeratic sandstones, and 

conglomerates. Petrified wood samples were collected and analyzed using thin section 

microscopy and x-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) in order to describe the petrification 

processes and mineralogy of the samples. Of particular interest is the presence of a nearly 

complete charcoal rind encasing one of the in-situ petrified logs. Triassic-aged charcoal is 

extremely rare, not only in Utah, but throughout the world. Due to the rarity of Triassic charcoal, 

scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used in order to validate that the sample was indeed 

charcoal. SEM analysis revealed structures that are indicative of charcoal, even after being 

mineralized, without a significant amount of silica like the petrified log it encased. All petrified 

wood samples show a combination of replacement and impregnation, however, Triassic petrified 

wood shows mostly replacement of cell walls by silica and other accessory minerals probably due 

to high wood decay rates, whereas Jurassic petrified wood shows mostly cell impregnation by 

silica and other accessory minerals due to lack of wood decay. 


28-36 BTH 36 Milewski, Stormy [218385] 

THE NORTH AMERICAN STRATIGRAPHIC RECORD OF LATE PENNSYLVANIAN GLACIO- 

EUSTASY 

MILEWSKI, Stormy1 , CULLEN, Patrick1 , BAUMANN, Eric Jr2 , ALGEO, Thomas J. 3 , 

MAYNARD, J. Barry4 , HERRMANN, Achim D. 5 , and HECKEL, Philip H. 6 , (1) Geology, 

University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, sladesl@mail.uc.edu, (2) Geology, University 

of Cincinnati, 5359 Little Turtle Dr, South Lebanon, OH 45065, (3) Department of Geology, 

University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0013, (4) Department of Geology, University 

of Cincinnati, PO Box 210013, Cincinnati, OH 45221, (5) Geology & Geophysics, Louisiana 

State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, (6) Department of Geoscience, University of Iowa, 

Iowa City, IA 52242 

During the Late Paleozoic Ice Age (LPIA), the Southern Hemisphere continent of Gondwana 

was heavily glaciated. However, the number and size of continental icesheets then in existence 

has been a matter of debate. The Midcontinent region of North America provides a potentially 

detailed record of changes in continental ice volume during the LPIA in the form of glacio-eustatic 

fluctuations. The Midcontinent was extensively flooded during highstand intervals (= ice-volume 

minima) and largely subaerially exposed during lowstand intervals (= ice-volume maxima), 

indicative of regular changes in continental ice mass thought to have been driven mainly by the 

Earth’s ~400-kyr long-eccentricity orbital cycle (Heckel, 1986, Geology, 14:330-334). We analyzed 

compositional variation through the Edmonds drillcore from northeastern Kansas, which spans 

the ~6-Myr-long interval from the mid-Desmoinesian through early Virgilian. This core contains 

15 to 20 major cyclothems that record regular fluctuations in continental ice mass, representing 

one climate mode. Additionally, the core contains two thick siliciclastic intervals, comprised mainly 

of the Tacket and Weston shales, that represent extended lowstand intervals coinciding with the 

Desmoinesian-Missourian and Missourian-Virgilian stage boundaries, respectively. Each of these 

lowstand intervals contains several lithologic cycles documenting the continued influence of 

the 400-kyr orbital period. On this basis, we calculate that each lowstand interval lasted ~1.2 to 

1.6 Myr. These lowstand intervals represent a second climate mode characterized by a lesser 

volume of continental ice, presumably due to melting of one or more icesheets in the Southern 

Hemisphere, relative to the highstand intervals that comprise the majority of the study interval. An 

analysis of this type, if extended over a wider stratigraphic interval, has the potential to provide a 

highly detailed record of changes in continental ice volume during the LPIA. 

28-37 BTH 37 Meidlinger-Chin, Vernon [218390] 

BRAINCASE AND ENDOCRANIAL ANATOMY OF CRYOLOPHOSAURUS ELLIOTI 

(DINOSAURIA: THEROPODA) FROM THE EARLY JURASSIC OF ANTARCTICA 

MEIDLINGER-CHIN, Vernon, Geology, Augustana College, 3401 6th Avenue, Rock Island, 

IL 61201, vernonmeidlinger-chin09@augustana.edu 

Cryolophosaurus ellioti, a theropod dinosaur discovered in 1991, represents both the most 

complete dinosaur skeleton from Antarctica and the largest theropod from the Early Jurassic. 

Previous studies of the anatomy of Cryolophosaurus have focused on the postcranial anatomy 

and the bony aspects of the skull (Smith et al., 2007). No research has hitherto been conducted 

on the soft tissue anatomy of the brain. The holotype skull contains a nearly complete and 

undistorted cranial cavity, roughly approximating the shape and size of the living brain. Through 

the use of noninvasive CT scanning methods, we have created a digital endocast, which forms 

the basis of this study. This research provides a detailed comparative anatomical description 

of the braincase and endocranial anatomy of Cryolophosaurus, including the position of the 

cranial nerves, the angles of the pontine and cephalic flexures, and relative position of the major 

lobes. These data allow us, for the first time, to estimate the intelligence of Cryolophosaurus 

through calculations of encephalization quotient. Additionally, the introduction of phylogenetically 

informative endocast features clarifies the position of Cryolophosaurus within the theropod 

evolutionary tree; the dissimilarity of the endocast of Cryolophosaurus to those of Allosauroids 

and Coelurosaurs suggests that Cryolophosaurus occupies the basal position in Theropoda 

hypothesized by Smith et al. (2007). Thus, this research reveals new behavioral, paleobiological, 

and phylogenetic insights of Cryolophosaurus, with implications for the rest of Theropoda. 

28-38 BTH 38 Fisher, Elizabeth A. [218454] 

CHARACTER ANALYSIS OF THEROPODA: A BRIEF STUDY CONFINED TO BRAINCASE 

CHARACTERS AND FOCUSING ON BASAL TAXA 

FISHER, Elizabeth A., Geology, Augustana College, 639 38th St, Rock Island, IL 61201, 

elizabethfisher09@augustana.edu 

Phylogenetic study of basal Theropoda has largely been ignored historically due to a paucity of 

specimens, but recent discoveries of many basal theropods and development of new technologies 

have encouraged a new interest in the study of these early theropods. Because paleontology 

is limited by the specimens available for study, the effort to collect more data often results in 

the attempt to find and use as many characters as possible in phylogenetic studies. This study 

arises from an interest in assisting researchers in the use of braincase characters for their 

analyses. Until recently, braincases where considered to be conservative and of not much use for 

phylogenetic studies. In this study, 51 braincase characters derived from 3 recent phylogenetic 

studies (Carrano, Benson, and Sampson 2012; Smith, et al. 2007; Turner, et al. 2007) were 

analyzed by tracing the character history in the phylogenetic program Mesquite against a tree 

constructed from the aforementioned papers. This analysis aims to identify characters falling into 

1 of 3 groups: 1) characters which support this phylogeny, 2) characters which contradict the 

hypothesized relationships between taxa or suggest that the characters reflect environmental 

rather than genetic constraints, and 3) characters which require a more complete scoring to 

provide information on the type of pattern reflected by the character history. At least 16 characters 

are possible synapomorphies or generally support the tree and at least 5 characters seem to be 

contrary to the relationships hypothesized in the tree. 

28-39 BTH 39 Yeider, Lindsey [218427] 

A NEW METHOD OF AGE DETERMINATION OF MAMMUTHUS COLUMBI 

YEIDER, Lindsey, Geology, Augustana College, 639 38th St, Rock Island, IL 61201, 

lindseyyeider09@augustana.edu 

Numerous hypotheses have been proposed as to the aging of ancient proboscideans, namely 

Mammuthus columbi, the Columbian mammoth. Of the proposed hypotheses, none has 

been proven in terms of accuracy. These methods leave a large margin of error resulting from 

application to a large range of species, in particular their use for fossil assemblages that may be 

missing specific anatomical features used for age determining methods. Richard Law’s (1966) 

work on African Elephant Age (AEY) and Sylvia Sikes’ (1966a) foramen mentale hypothesis 

employ measurements and visual comparisons to make rough estimates about the ages of 

Mammuthus columbi, but these methods may only be used when the lower mandible is present. 

My research introduces another technique that may prove to be more accurate and less 

destructive. It focuses on measurements of Columbian tusks in comparison with lower mandibular 



ages (AEY) to create a trend for use with only isolate tusks when the rest of the anatomy is 

disarticulated or not associated. I expect more accurate age profiles of kill sites and natural death 

scenarios because this method would encompass a larger portion of the population that was 

not accounted for due to missing anatomical features. In addition, it would save specimens from 

destructive age dating techniques that may be utilized on the tusks otherwise. 

28-40 BTH 40 Endicott, Robert E. [218757] 

CERAMIC PETROLOGY AND SOIL MICROMORPHOLOGY OF THE DANILO BITINJ AND 

POKROVNIK SITES, DALMATIA, CROATIA 

FADEM, Cynthia M. and ENDICOTT, Robert E., Geology, Earlham College, 801 National Rd 

W, Campus Drawer #132, Richmond, IN 47374, fademcy@earlham.edu 

Ongoing analysis of materials from the Danilo Bitinj and Pokrovnik sites is part of the Early 

Farming in Dalmatia Project, an interdisciplinary effort toward understanding the origins of 

European agriculture. These Neolithic sites host ceramic, faunal, and lithic artifacts. Danilo 

Bitinj is the type-site for the Danilo Phase of the Middle Neolithic. As such it has long been 

recognized for its archaeological significance and appreciated for its rich ceramic record. Earlier 

work on ceramic samples and thin sections yielded a typology based on paste and temper 

attributes. Spectroscopic and petrologic analyses focused on fabric type, mineral inclusion type 

and diversity, and inclusion size. Preliminary petrologic and x-ray diffraction analyses indicated 

ceramic raw materials may have been sourced on-site. 

Our current work expands this investigation to include a high-resolution soil XRD dataset 

and further soil micromorphology. We are also re-examining ceramic thin sections and using 

appearance in thin section and bulk mineralogy to compare natural and cultural materials. 

Petrologic analysis confirms mineralogical uniformity amongst soil and ceramic samples, the chief 

constituents being quartz and calcite. Comparative analysis allows better understanding of the 

relationship between Dalmatian Neolithic soil materials and ceramic artifacts. Confirmation of the 

ceramic typology also enables archaeological analysis of the pottery assemblages from these 

sites and provides a framework for analysis of Early and Middle Neolithic ceramic assemblages 

in the region. 



T5. Quaternary Research in the Great Lakes Region II: 

The Holocene, Part II 


29-1 1:30 PM Van Dam, Remke L. [218666] 

DEPOSITIONAL HISTORY OF THE LAKE ST. CLAIR DELTA, MICHIGAN, USING GEOPHYSICS 

AND CORES 

VAN DAM, Remke L., Department of Geological Sciences, Michigan State University, 

206 Natural Science Building, East Lansing, MI 48824, rvd@msu.edu, STORMS, Joep E.A., 

Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Department of Geoscience and Engineering, 

Delft University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, Delft, 2628 CN, Netherlands, and YANSA, 

Catherine H., Department of Geography, Michigan State University, 227 Geography Building, 

East Lansing, MI 48824-1117 

Lake St. Clair, located between Michigan and Ontario, is the smallest of the Great Lakes. The 

evolution of Lake St. Clair has been influenced by Late-Wisconsin ice re-advances, isostacy, and 

changes in outlet points of the Great Lakes system during deglaciation. A shift to the Port Huron 

outlet during the Nipissing-I highstand around 5500 years BP, prior to which Lake St. Clair was a 

separate basin, resulted in Lake Huron/Michigan draining through the St. Clair and Detroit Rivers 

to Lake Erie. Loss of stream competence at the inflow of Lake St. Clair led to the formation of a 

deltaic system, which currently has a surface area of approximately 230 km2 . Compared to the 

other Great Lakes, the postglacial history of the lake and depositional history of the delta are 

poorly studied. We used coring, ground-penetrating radar, and electrical resistivity methods to 

characterize this deltaic system. Our results show four main depositional phases. The sequence 

starts with Wisconsin-age glacial till (Phase I), followed by late glacial (glacio-) lacustrine deposits 

(Phase II). Phase III is an Early Holocene swamp environment (Scirpus & Brassicaceae seeds 

were dated at 9620 +/- 50 years BP). Phase IV is a typical coarsening upward delta progradation 

sequence with lacustrine clays, silts and sands. A paleosol (Eleocharis & Scirpus seeds dated at 

1630 +/- 50 years BP) in the upper part of the deltaic sequence indicates a possible lake-level low. 

29-2 1:50 PM Fulton, Albert E. [218486] 

HOLOCENE PALEOZOOLOGICAL RECORDS OF THE ALLEGHENY WOODRAT (NEOTOMA 

MAGISTER) AT THE NORTHEASTERN PERIPHERY OF ITS FORMER RANGE: A 

BIOGEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS 

FULTON, Albert E. II, Department of Geography, Michigan State University, 673 Auditorium 

Road, East Lansing, MI 48824-1117, fultona2@msu.edu 

Bones of the regionally-extirpated Allegheny woodrat (Neotoma magister) have been recovered 

from zooarchaeological and paleontological contexts in Holocene-age deposits at twelve cave 

and rockshelter sites at the northeastern periphery of its former range in New York State and 

Connecticut. Analysis of the physical characteristics and geographic context of these sites 

indicates a species preference for areas with extensive rock outcrop and talus, particularly 

those containing carbonate, conglomerate, sandstone, and gneiss bedrock. Paleofaunas 

associated with woodrat fossils demonstrate an affinity with the historically dominant oakchestnut 

climax forest association, although some paleofaunas indicate the local presence of 

mixed conifer-northern hardwood forests. Radiocarbon age estimates of woodrat bones are at 

present unavailable, although indirect age estimates based on stratigraphic provenience indicate 

the presence of woodrats in the region since at least 8290±100 14C yrs B.P. Many Holocene 

paleozoological occurrences are either located beyond the species’ known historic distributional 

limits or are situated in areas of marginal habitat outside of known historic metapopulations. A 

geographic information systems (GIS) analysis of the study area using digitized soil survey data 

indicates soil map units containing extensive areas of rock outcrop – a critical limiting factor in 

Allegheny woodrat distribution – constitute potentially suitable woodrat habitat. By combining 

digitized soils data with historic woodrat records and paleozoological occurrences, four historic 

and two prehistoric metapopulations have been delineated that refine and expand the probable 

extent of the woodrat’s former Holocene range within the region. By the time of the woodrat’s 

extirpation in New York State in 1987, only two of the six metapopulations were still active. The 


relationship between woodrat metapopulation expansion and contraction and palynological 

records of changes in regional forest composition during the Holocene is explored. 

29-3 2:10 PM Loope, Henry M. [218305] 

EARLY HOLOCENE EOLIAN ACTIVITY, HURON MOUNTAINS, UPPER MICHIGAN 

LOOPE, Henry M. 1 , LIESCH, Matthew E. 2 , LOOPE, Walter L. 3 , JOL, Harry M. 4 , GOBLE, 

Ronald J. 5 , ARNEVIK, Arik L. 4 , and LEGG, Robert J. 6 , (1) Department of Geography, 

University of Wisconsin-Madison, 550 N. Park St, 160 Science Hall, Madison, WI 53706, 

loope@wisc.edu, (2) Department of Geography and Institute for Great Lakes Research, 

Central Michigan University, Dow Science Complex 284, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, 

(3) United States Geological Survey, N8391 Sand Point Road, P.O. Box 40, Munising, MI 

49862, (4) Department of Geography and Anthropology, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, 

Eau Claire, WI 54702, (5) Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of 

Nebraska - Lincoln, 214 Bessey Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588, (6) Earth, Environmental and 

Geographical Sciences Department, Northern Michigan University, 3113 New Science 

Facility, 1401 Presque Isle Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855 

Multiple lines of evidence document dry climatic conditions in the upper Great Lakes region 

during the early Holocene (ca. 9 ka), including hydrologic closure of lakes in the Michigan, 

Huron and Superior basins. The terrestrial response to early Holocene dry climate was recently 

investigated in eastern Upper Michigan through optical (OSL) dating of eolian sand. Ages from 

eastern Upper Michigan document dune activity and synchronous reduction in ground cover 

between 10 and 8 ka (Loope et al., 2012). This project, located within the Huron Mountains 

in west-central Upper Michigan, aims to extend the potential spatial distribution of terrestrial 

response to early Holocene dry climate. Data collection included: 1) surficial geological mapping 

through use of soil survey data and bucket augering, 2) nine ground penetrating radar (GPR) 

transects totaling three kilometers in length documenting subsurface stratigraphy, 3) highresolution 

topographic mapping of a large (10 m high) parabolic dune using a total station, 

4) collection of six samples for optical dating of eolian sand from three sites, 5) particle size 

analysis of eolian and glaciolacustrine sediments. Results from augering, GPR, topographic 

surveying, and particle size analysis indicate eolian sand (from 0 to >6 m in thickness) overlies 

coarse-grained (medium sand to pebbles) and fine-grained (fine silt) glaciolacustrine sediment. 

We interpret the glaciolacustrine sediment as nearshore (coarse-grained) and offshore (finegrained) 

deposits of an unnamed glacial lake that stood at ca. 255 m asl in the study area. Based 

on its altitude and location north of the Yellow Dog Plains (presumed Marquette Stadial ice margin 

ca. 11,500 cal yr BP), the unnamed glacial lake existed sometime between 11,500 and 10,600 cal 

yr BP. Optical ages on eolian sand range between 9.6 and 8.6 ka (mean of 9.2 ka), indicating a 

gap between glacial lake drainage and eolian activity. Optical ages from the Huron Mountains are 

in alignment with those from eastern Upper Michigan, suggesting a westward extension of dune 

activity and terrestrial response to early Holocene dry climate. 

29-4 2:30 PM Brinks, Linden E. [218452] 

THE EFFECTS OF TWO FALL STORMS ON A LAKE MICHIGAN FOREDUNE 

BRINKS, Linden E., GERBER, Kathryn E., SIN, Jen-Li, SWINEFORD, Jacob T., and ZAPATA, 

Alek K., Geology, Geography, and Environmental Studies, Calvin College, 3201 Burton SE, 

Grand Rapids, MI 49546, leb25@students.calvin.edu 

Storms have an effect in shaping beach-dune systems but few studies describe specific effects 

of storms on a foredune environment. We studied changes that autumn storms made to a 

foredune located at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park on the east coast of Lake Michigan. We used a 

number of methods including on-site anemometers and a wind vane, erosion pins, GPS, photos, 

observations, and storm data from the National Weather Service. Two storms were observed 

during our study period with a week of lower wind speeds between them. The first storm, 

remnants of Hurricane Sandy, lasted several days with very strong winds and little precipitation. 

The second storm had more precipitation, was shorter in duration, and had higher maximum wind 

speeds. During the storms, high waves reduced the wind’s access to loose sand on the beach. 

Nevertheless, there were large amounts of sand transport from the backbeach to the foredune 

with deposition occurring on the windward slope of the dune. Both storms were responsible for 

a significant amount of dune change, whereas very little change took place in the week between 

the storms. 

29-5 2:50 PM Fisher, Timothy G. [218613] 

TEMPORALLY CONSTRAINED AEOLIAN SAND SIGNALS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO 

CLIMATE, OXBOW LAKE, SAUGATUCK, MICHIGAN 

BACA, Kira J. 1 , FISHER, Timothy G. 2 , and GOTTGENS, Johan F. 1 , (1) Department of 

Environmental Sciences, University of Toledo, 2801 West Bancroft Street MS604, Toledo, 

OH 43606, (2) Environmental Sciences, University of Toledo, MS #604, Toledo, OH 43606, 

timothy.fisher@utoledo.edu 

Interrelationships among late Holocene climate, the dynamics of coastal dunes and sedimentation 

in adjacent small lakes along coasts of the upper Great Lakes have been studied for over a 

decade. Nonetheless, many questions remain as to relationships between climate variability and 

dune activity. In this study wind, temperature, precipitation, drought, evaporation, and lake level 

are correlated individually with 210Pb/ 137Cs/ 7Be dated sand deposits from core samples taken in 

a small lake in the lee side of small dune ridges near Saugatuck, Michigan. Linear regressions 

were run to evaluate the strength of their relationship year-by-year, and at offsets of one to two 

years. Visual correlations were also attempted by evaluating the trends in the annual data sets. 

While year-by-year R2 values were not strong, or mixed results made them inconclusive, visually 

examined trends showed more promising correlations. The strongest correlations exist among 

sand percent by weight, winter drought, and lake level. While small discrepancies among trends 

occur, results show a relationship among rising or high lake levels, wet conditions, and strong 

eolian activity (based on increased presence of sand in lake sediment). The implications of this 

research are that dune activity is linked to periods of wet conditions and storminess. Results can 

be used as a modern analogue for coastal dune activity during times of high lake level. 

29-6 3:30 PM Grote, Todd [218695] 

HOLOCENE FLOODPLAIN EVOLUTION IN NORTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA 

GROTE, Todd, Department of Geography and Geology, Eastern Michigan University, 

205 Strong Hall, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, tgrote@emich.edu 

Multiple cutbank and back-hoe trench exposures throughout the French Creek watershed in 

northwestern Pennsylvania were used to reconstruct floodplain evolution during the Holocene. 

Two distinct stratigraphic units are recognized within the French Creek watershed; a prehistoric 

unit and a historic unit of post-settlement alluvium (PSA). Land conversion from forest to largely 

agricultural cover beginning in the late 1700s and peaking in the mid to late 1800s is largely 

responsible for the production and deposition of PSA as modern point bars and vertically accreted

alluvium. Usually a distinctive dark, and sometimes over-thickened, buried A horizon developed 

in fine-grained vertical accretion deposits marks the contact between the prehistoric and historic 

units within vertical stratigraphic exposures. Thirteen 14 C assays derived from the French Creek 

floodplain and two tributaries suggest the prehistoric alluvial fills are multi-aged, a phenomenon 

typical along laterally mobile, meandering streams. 

Numerous archaeological sites and pedological data suggest a relatively stable floodplain 

environment for the past several thousand years. The dark prehistoric soil that usually separates 

the historic and prehistoric stratigraphic units, or is at other times the surface soil, may be the 

product of Native American utilization of the floodplain environment. Although archaeological 

and pedological evidence indicates some patches of pre-late Holocene alluvium exist, a lack of 

widespread alluvium older than ~ 4-5 ka suggests that lateral migration has removed much of the 

earlier Holocene fill. The removal of alluvium from the alluvial valley has thus hindered a thorough 

understanding of geomorphic, paleoenvironmental and archaeological records. 

29-7 3:50 PM Karsten, James W. [218698] 

SAND TRANSPORT AND VEGETATION ON TWO LAKE MICHIGAN COASTAL BLOWOUTS 

KARSTEN, James W., LEPAGE, Gabriel, MESSINA, Michael G., SHISLER, Daniel Jay, 

and SMITH, Jory, Geology, Geography, and Environmental Studies, Calvin College, 3201 

Burton St, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, jwk9@students.calvin.edu 

Sand transport and vegetation are very important influences on blowout evolution, but not much 

research has been done on how these two elements affect Lake Michigan coastal blowouts. 

This study investigated the patterns of vegetation and sand transport on two large, saucer-type 

blowouts in Fall 2012. The study location was Kitchel-Lindquist Dunes Preserve in Ottawa County, 

Michigan, which is separated from Lake Michigan by a road and a row of houses. A variety of 

methods were used including erosion pins, sand traps, GPS mapping, and observation and 

classification of vegetation. The two blowouts are active, with significant sand movement over 

the rims from the southwest in the direction of the prevailing winds. There was no sand observed 

moving into the dune system from the west, so any sand transported was being reworked 

locally. The wind patterns and areas of erosion and deposition within the blowouts were variable. 

The floors of the blowouts were bare sand and the vegetation was concentrated on the rims 

and leeward slopes. The vegetation observed was mostly American Beach Grass (Ammophila 

brevilugata) and Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium). The plant communities suggest the 

blowouts are relatively young(less than 200 years old) and the area was stable before blowout 

development. The geomorphology of the Kitchel-Lindquist blowouts and others like them is 

dynamic, and more study is needed to better understand the processes at work in these coastal 

landforms. 

29-8 4:10 PM Monaghan, G. William [218748] 

MILLENNIAL-SCALE CYCLES OF COASTAL DUNE FORMATION DURING THE LATE 

HOLOCENE, LAKE MICHIGAN 

MONAGHAN, G. William1 , ARBOGAST, Alan F. 2 , LOVIS, William A. 3 , and KOWALSKI, 

Daniel2 , (1) Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology, Indiana Univ, 423 North Fess Ave, 

Bloomington, IN 47405, gmonagha@indiana.edu, (2) Geography, Michigan State University, 

121 Geography Building, East Lansing, MI 48824, (3) Department of Anthropology, Michigan 

State University, 354 Baker Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824 

Published OSL (n=107) and 14C (n=123) assays from the northern and eastern shores of Lake 

Michigan indicate that coastal dunes were constructed during six episodes that were identified 

through a Probability Density Distribution (PDD) of the OSL ages. PDD peaks mark times when 

dunes were more active. PDD lows represent intervals of dune stability. OSL PDD peaks are 

cyclical on millennial scale (5.5, 4.3, 3.3, 2, 1, and 0.3 ka). The 14C ages were collected from 

paleosols and archaeological sites stratified within dunes and mark intervals of dune stability. 

A PDD of 14C ages was also created. OSL PDD peaks mark times of relative dune stability and 

should be inversely associated with lows in 14C PDD if the coastal dune system is generally 

regionally consistent. Comparing both PDDs shows that 14C PDD peaks only occur after peaks 

(or within lows) of the OSL PDD, which indicates Lake Michigan coastal dunes are regionally 

consistent. 

The OSL and 14C PDDs were also compared to reconstructed middle and late Holocene lakelevel 

hydrographs and to a composite 7000-year-long continous record of El Niño events from 

coastal South America. These data provide clues about what drives the millennial-scaled cycles 

of coastal dunes along Lake Michigan. Three of the dune-building events are associated with 

significant rising lake level (transgressive) events (5.5, 3.3, and 2.3 ka) while others occurred 

during regressive (4.3 and 0.5 ka) or uncertain lake level events. Although likely important, the 

specific connection between water level change and coastal dune building is more complex than 

just “transgressive or regressive.” 

The link between El Niño events and dune activity is clearer. Comparison of OSL and 14C PDD with the El Niño record shows that dunes grew during intervals when El Nino events were 

uncommon (i.e., 10-15 events/ 

century) and have greater oscillation. Collectively, these data suggest that dunes are built or 

stabilized when a complex set of climate, water-level, and sand-supply factors intersect within the 

coastal zones to create the proper conditions to construct dunes. 



T7. Cultural Geology: Heritage Stone, Buildings, Parks, 

and More (Heritage Stone Task Group of the IUGS) 


30-1 1:30 PM Rose, William I. [218567] 

BUILDING GRASSROOTS FOR A KEWEENAW GEOPARK 

ROSE, William I. 1 , GOCHIS, Emily E. 2 , KLAWITER, Mark F. 2 , and VYE, Erika C. 2 , 

(1) Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences, Michigan Technological Univ, 1400 

Townsend Dr, Houghton, MI 49931, raman@mtu.edu, (2) Geological and Mining Engineering 

and Sciences, Michigan Technological Univ, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931 

Geoparks are nationally or globally significant geologic areas which have identities similar to 

national heritage areas. They are defined by spectacular geologic features and processes in 


tandem with rich culture and history. They transcend boundaries of protected areas and operate 

as a partnership of people and land managers to promote earth heritage through education 

and sustainable tourism. Geoparks are numerous in Europe and Asia, but largely unknown in 

the USA. In Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula and Isle Royale, with geology defined by Middle 

Protoerozoic Rifting of Rodinia and Pleistocene to Anthropocene climate change, geology has 

influenced human settlement and history in profound ways which makes the place ideal for a 

Geopark. 

Geopark development in the USA addresses an under appreciation (and perhaps ignorance) 

of earth science which leaves America struggling to compete with the rest of the world in 

issues such as energy resources, sustainability and global warming. These shortcomings in 

earth science literacy have been addressed through an active NSF sponsored Math Science 

Partnership focused on earth science education. University faculty, graduate students, middle 

and high school teachers and students have made connections with national and state parks, 

municipalities and citizen groups to develop geologic interpretations in order to engage the 

public. These initial efforts include: 1. EarthCaches in our hometowns, 2. self-guided and android 

Geowalks sponsored by local municipalities, 3.internships for Earth Science teachers in Midwest 

national parks and 4. special recognition and educational applications for spots which capture 

“sense of place”. Each of these activities has built local commitment to geological education which 

resonates with communities where geology has historically driven and shaped culture. It is our 

hope that these grassroots efforts will build a strong foundation for America’s first geopark. 

http://www.geo.mtu.edu/~raman/Geopark http://mitep.mtu.edu/earthcache.php http://www.geo. 

mtu.edu/~raman/SilverI/HoughtonEC 

30-2 1:50 PM Freeman, V. Rocky [218728] 

THE MATHER SURVEY COLLECTION AT MARIETTA COLLEGE: A RARE ASSEMBLAGE 

OF EARLY NINETEENTH-CENTURY GEOLOGIC SAMPLES AND ITS IMPORTANCE IN 

INTERPRETING NINETEENTH-CENTURY GEOLOGIC TERMINOLOGY 

FREEMAN, V. Rocky1 , HANNIBAL, Joseph T. 2 , and BARTLETT, Wendy1 , (1) Marietta College, 

Petroleum Engineering and Geology, 215 5th Street, Marietta, OH 45750, freemanv@ 

marietta.edu, (2) Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval Drive, Cleveland, OH 

44106-1767 

The first Ohio Geological Survey, known as the Mather Survey, produced two pioneering volumes 

on Ohio Geology, both published in 1838. Geologic terminology has changed since that time, 

however, resulting in some difficulty in determining exactly what these early Ohio geologists 

meant by their use of terms such as buhrstone (used for manufacture of millstones), hornstone, 

kidney and other types of iron ore, and hydraulic lime. Such items were of great economic 

importance at the time of the Survey and some of them continued to be important into the 

later nineteenth century. In February of 1842, a catalog of geological specimens collected by 

the Mather Survey was submitted to the Ohio Legislature. This catalog listed labeled suites of 

specimens, two of which were to be held in the State Cabinet, and the rest of which were to be 

distributed to colleges in Ohio. Only one of these collections, the one sent to Marietta College, is 

known to be extant. The Marietta College collection consists of 166 specimens from 16 counties 

in Ohio. The Pennsylvanian Series is especially well represented; specimens collected in Jackson, 

Tuscarawas, and Vinton counties account for close to half of the specimens. There are also 

specimens from other areas of Ohio, however, and two specimens are from Indiana. 

The specimens in the Marietta College collection provide objective evidence for early 

nineteenth-century geologic terminology and rock and ore identifications. The Mather catalog 

lists many additional specimens that may or may not still exist. Still, the catalog itself is important 

as it contains locality information that complements the locality information in the 1838 Mather 

Survey reports. Both the collection and the catalog are key elements in the interpretation of early 

nineteenth-century geologic reports. 

30-3 2:10 PM Saja, David B. [218636] 

WELLINGTON DIMENSION STONE COLLECTION AT THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF 

NATURAL HISTORY: A RARE EXAMPLE OF A WELL-DOCUMENTED COLLECTION OF 20TH 

CENTURY DIMENSION STONES 

SAJA, David B., Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval Drive, Cleveland, OH 

44106-1767, dsaja@cmnh.org 

The Department of Mineralogy at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History houses the Wellington 

Dimension Stone Collection that contains just over 1,200 slabs of granite, diabase, gabbro, slate, 

phyllite, marble, limestone, serpentine, travertine, and schists. There are 533 different slabs, some 

with multiple samples that show different polished, honed and flame-etched surfaces, and a range 

of available colors and patterns. Robert E. Wellington was an engineer and sales representative 

of the Alberene Stone Company. A year after his death in 1987, the Museum acquired his entire 

collection of papers and 1,137 sales samples. He was involved in the construction of over a 

thousand buildings spanning a two decade period between 1967 and 1987. He sold products 

from several stone companies including Georgia Marble, Green Mountain Marble, Tennessee 

Marble, Alabama Limestone, Carthage Marble Corp., Georgia Granite Co., Vermont Structural 

Slate Co., The Structural Slate Co., and Natural Slate Blackboard Co. His accounts covered 

hundreds of orders from personal residences to Corporate Headquarters (e.g. Goodyear Tire, 

Procter & Gamble), as well as churches, museums, hospitals, fire stations, city halls, universities, 

high schools, restaurants, and cemeteries. Most of these buildings are located across Ohio, but 

include others in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, West Virginia, Kentucky, Delaware, and 

Texas. This collection is a significant resource for Historical Preservation, in addition to Economic 

Geology, because it also contains the bills of sale and stone installation diagrams for nearly 

every building for which he sold material. These sheets list dates of installation, dimension stone 

names, number of panels, and even notes on their installation. The collection is also unique in 

that it is one of only a few surviving major collections available for research in the United States. 

Already scanned in high resolution on a flatbed scanner, we are preparing to put these images 

online as a searchable internet database with images and both trade names and geologic names. 

Eventually we will have digital copies of the building data and a thin section made to accompany 

each sample. The collection is available at the Museum for viewing by researchers (academic and 

industry alike) who wish to use it. 

30-4 2:30 PM Hannibal, Joseph T. [217675] 

QUANTIFYING TRENDS IN STONE USED FOR BUILDINGS, STATUARY, AND OTHER USES 

OVER TIME WITH ARCHAEOLOGICAL SERIATION CURVES 

HANNIBAL, Joseph T., Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval Drive, Cleveland, 

OH 44106-1767, jhanniba@cmnh.org 

Many publications have discussed trends in stone use over time, but such discussions have been, 

for the most part, qualitative. Such trends can be shown in a quantitative manner using seriation 

curves, a methodology commonly used by archaeologists and anthropologists, but underused by 

geologists. The technique was originally developed for use in plotting changes in cultural items 



such as pottery types over time, graphically representing time series. Such graphs have also been 

used by a number of authors to show changes in stone used for gravestones over time. 

Building on use for gravestone analysis, seriation curves can also be used to illustrate changes 

in stone and other material used for sculptures, buildings, and other aspects of geological material 

culture. Seriation curves can be used to plot already existing data gleaned (data-mined) from 

publications and websites as well as from newly collected data. What is needed in either case is a 

stone type and a date of completion, construction, or dedication. Larger data sets are better, but 

even smaller data sets can result in illustrative seriation curves. 

Seriation curves were constructed for building stone used for the exterior of houses of worship 

in northeastern Ohio (based on Hannibal, 1999) and for stone types (marble, granite, sandstone) 

and bronze (and other metal) used for Civil War statuary monuments (based on a Cincinnati 

History Library and Archives website on Civil War Monuments in Ohio). Curves for churches 

show early dominance of sandstone with subsequent but episodic dominance of limestone and 

dolomite. Curves plotting Civil War statuary monuments indicate an early post-war preference for 

marble versus granite, but a subsequent preference for granite in the post-war decades. Bronze 

and other metal statuary, however, came to dominate stone in the 1920s. The seriation curves 

for these and other cultural items made of stone offer interesting similarities and differences that 

are related to availability, transport, weathering characteristics and other stone properties, and 

cultural preferences. 



T8. Addressing Environmental Aspects of Geology: 

Research, Pedagogy, and Public Policy 


31-1 1:30 PM Sack, Dorothy [218356] 

HUMAN IMPACTS ON THE DUNES NEAR LYNNDYL, UTAH 

SACK, Dorothy, Department of Geography, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, 

sack@ohio.edu 

Most studies of the impact of off-road vehicles (ORVs) on American deserts have been conducted 

on nondunal desert landscapes or have emphasized ORV effects on dune wildlife only. Previous 

researchers have suggested that documented adverse consequences to desert plains and 

alluvial fans should be avoided by restricting ORV use to active sand dunes. The assumption that 

ORVs have no significant physical effect on active desert sand dunes, however, has not been 

adequately investigated. The research reported on here was undertaken to determine if selected 

dune variables differ significantly between dunes used and dunes not used by ORVs. 

The Lynndyl dune field, located in west-central Utah about 200 km southwest of Salt Lake 

City, provides an excellent opportunity to study the effects of off-road vehicles on active desert 

sand dunes. About 40% of the 575 sq km dune field is administered by the Bureau of Land 

Management as a recreation area. Most of the recreation area is open to ORV use, which is 

seasonally intensive, but ORVs are prohibited from a designated natural region that covers about 

17% of the total recreation area. The adjacent used and unused portions of the dune field have 

the same dune types, sand source, and climate. 

Data on vegetation cover, water content, sediment compaction, and grain size distribution 

parameters were collected from multiple barchanoid dunes distributed between the used and 

unused portions of the dune field. Results show that the used dunes are significantly more 

compacted than the unused dunes, including when controlling for grain size differences between 

the two samples. In addition, variations in dune form and migration rates are explored with 

sequential aerial photographs. 

31-2 1:50 PM Bleeker, Tyler [218382] 

EFFICACY OF SAND FENCES IN STABILIZING A STEEP ACTIVE DUNE BLOWOUT 

BLEEKER, Tyler, MICELI, Cassandra, NIEUWSMA, Josh, and PRATHER, Eleighna, 

Geology, Geography and Environmental Studies, Calvin College, 3201 Burton Street SE, 

Grand Rapids, MI 49546, tmb29@students.calvin.edu 

Sand fences are a common management technique used to mitigate wind erosion and stabilize 

sand dunes. This project investigates the efficacy of sand fences in stabilizing an active dune 

blowout on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. Research was conducted on a 50-meter high 

active dune at the Castle Park Preserve south of Holland, Michigan. In the spring of 2012, two 

sand fences were placed on the steep windward face of the dune in an attempt to stabilize the 

dune surface. In the fall of 2011 and 2012, erosion pins were used to measure rates of sand 

erosion and deposition along the axis of the dune. In the fall of 2012, Leatherman sand traps and 

grids of erosion pins were used to assess sand movement in proximity to the new sand fences. 

Along the axis of the dune, rates of sand erosion and deposition showed a decrease from 2011 

to 2012, although there was little visual evidence of sand accumulation around the sand fences. 

Sand trap measurements demonstrated greater aeolian sand movement on the windward side of 

sand fences than the leeward side. However, rates of erosion and deposition near the sand fences 

were variable, showing areas of both erosion and deposition. Visual observations noted the 

tendency of deposited sand to slide down the steep face of the blowout. This study demonstrates 

that sand fences appear to be effective at reducing aeolian sand movement at this site, but they 

appear to be having a more limited effect on reducing the overall movement of sand on the active 

blowout face. When stabilizing steep slopes, dune managers should consider using sand fences 

in conjunction with another technique that reduces the downslope mass movements of sand. 

31-3 2:10 PM Arevalo, Joseph M. [218683] 

EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES AT MT. PISGAH 

AREVALO, Joseph M., EMMONS, Taylor A., HAREFA, Sarah C., VAN WYK, Ashley L., and 

ZONDAG, Jacob A., Geology, Geography, and Environmental Studies, Calvin College, 3201 

Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, jma24@students.calvin.edu 

Although many Great Lakes coastal dunes possess some level of management, few studies 

examine whether or not the techniques employed are successful. This project evaluates the 

effectiveness of management techniques implemented on a highly popular dune on Lake 

Michigan. Mt. Pisgah is a large parabolic dune in Holland, Michigan that locals suspected was 

being degraded by overuse, prompting the application of management techniques such as 

planted vegetation, sand fences, stairs, and viewing platforms. This study’s methods included 

using sand traps and erosion pins to measure sand transport, mapping management techniques 


and human impacts, and distributing a questionnaire on visitors’ perceptions of management. 

Despite the remnant of Hurricane Sandy occurring during the study, little sand movement was 

measured. Mapping showed that planted vegetation has significantly decreased the amount of 

bare sand. The presence of litter and a network of unmanaged trails indicate that people are still 

going places they are not allowed. Nonetheless, questionnaire results showed a positive public 

reaction to dune management and a willingness to cooperate with guidelines posted on the 

dune. In general, the management techniques have lowered the possibility of unwanted erosion, 

increased control over access to the dune, and preserved many natural habitats and features. 

However, there is room for improvement in the control of litter and unmanaged trails. 

31-4 2:30 PM Parkin, Ann [218686] 

UNMANAGED TRAILS AND MANAGEMENT ON A GREAT LAKES DUNE 

PARKIN, Ann, KURTZ, Alexander, PERRY, Krystal, SCHULTZ, Veronika, and WILLIAMS, 

Matthew, Department of Geology, Geography and Environmental Studies, Calvin College, 

3201 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, aep25@students.calvin.edu 

While there have been many studies of Michigan coastal dunes, few studies have focused on 

the interactions between dune management and human impacts. This project investigates how 

management actions affect the unmanaged trails on the North Beach Dune, a large parabolic 

dune in Ottawa County, MI. In 2004, the dune was advancing towards an important access road 

at 0.67 m/year; subsequently the managers implemented a combination of stabilization strategies 

including installing sand fences, extending the elevated boardwalk, planting vegetation, and 

constructing signs limiting access to the dune. In Fall 2012, we examined the characteristics of 

the unmanaged trails to evaluate whether the management efforts were successful, leading to a 

more stabilized dune. We mapped all of the unmanaged trails on the dune using GPS. We also 

measured the width of the unmanaged trails and the density of vegetation near the trails. We 

compared photographs from 2007, 2009, and 2011 to look for changes. Our results showed an 

increase in the number of unmanaged trails, but a decrease in trail widths. This stabilization of 

the unmanaged trails contributes to the stabilization of the entire dune. The highest trail density 

occurred in the area of the dune where the pre-2007 boardwalk ended; this suggests that 

visitors climbed over the railing at the end of the boardwalk. We conclude that the severity of the 

unmanaged trails has lessened since the management efforts have been implemented on the 

dune. Our study shows that management can successfully reduce human impacts in the form of 

unmanaged trails on a coastal dune. 

31-5 2:50 PM Griffey, Denisha [218765] 

THE EFFECTS OF ROAD SALT DEICERS ON REDOX STRATIFICATION AND SALINIZATION 

OF EUTROPHIC LAKES IN SOUTHWEST MI, USA 

GRIFFEY, Denisha, Geosciences Department, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 

49008, denisha.c.griffey@wmich.edu and KORETSKY, Carla M., Geosciences Department, 

Western Michigan University, 1903 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5241 

Eutrophication in lakes can be caused by agricultural and residential runoff, due to an excess 

of nutrients, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen. Previous studies suggest that seasonal 

applications of the road salt deicers result in the increase of chloride concentrations which may 

impact lake aquatic ecosystems and geochemistry. The goal of this study is to examine the 

effects that road salt deicers have on the geochemistry of Woods and Wintergreen Lake, two 

kettle lakes located in Southwest MI, USA. Woods Lake is located in urban Kalamazoo, MI it has 

a surface area of ~ 9.7 ha and a max depth ~ 14m. Wintergreen Lake is located in rural Augusta, 

MI, has a surface area of ~16.4 ha and a max depth of ~ 7.9 m. Water column samples were 

collected during May, June, September, November, and December at 1 m intervals, using a van 

Dorn sampler. The water samples were filtered with two samples from each depth acidified and 

two un-acidified, and analyzed colorimetrically for Fe2+ , Mn2+ + 3- , total alkalinity, ΣNH , and ΣPO4 , 

4 

by IC for anions (Cl- , Br- - 2- - 3- , NO , SO4 , F , PO4 ), and by ICP-OES for major ions and trace metals 

3 

(Ca, Mg, K, Na, Co, Cd, Zn, Ni, Al). Using an YSI 650MDS/600QS probe, pH, temperature, 

dissolved oxygen, and conductivity were measured in situ at 0.5 m intervals. Nutrient and redoxsensitive 

species profiles demonstrate that both Woods and Wintergreen Lake are eutrophic, in 

agreement with results reported in prior studies. In Woods Lake, DO drops from >100% sat in 

the epilimnion to < 2% in the hypolimnion. In fall, as DO decreases, dissolved Fe2+ , Mn2+ + , ΣNH , 4 

3- and ΣPO increase below 8 to 12 m depth, reaching ~230, ~50, ~950, and ~65 μM, respectively. 

4 

Conductivity increases from 475 μS/cm at the surface to >1000 μS/cm which suggests salinity is 

contributed from road salt inputs. DO similarly decreases from >100% sat at the surface to ~4% 

in the bottom waters of Wintergreen Lake during the summer. In contrast, in fall, it is ~86% at 6 m. 

In summer, dissolved Mn2+ + and ΣNH are present at Wintergreen Lake, but smaller concentrations 

4 

(16 and ~25μM, respectively, at 5 m) compared to Woods Lake. Conductivity is much lower 

than at Woods Lake, increasing slightly from ~237 μS/cm in the epilimnion to ~392 μS/cm at 

6 m. Continued sampling will be used to assess seasonal changes in lake stratification and to 

determine whether these two lakes are dimictic. 

31-6 3:10 PM Ransohoff, Rebecca Weiss [218619] 

CARBON STORAGE AND NITROUS OXIDE AND METHANE EMISSIONS IN MANAGED AND 

UNMANAGED URBAN LAWNS AND FORESTS 

RANSOHOFF, Rebecca Weiss, Earlham College, Department of Geology, Richmond, IN 

47374, bwranso08@earlham.edu, SODERLUND, Lily, Department of Geology, University of 

Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, and TOWNSEND-SMALL, Amy, Department of Geology 

and Department of Geography, University of Cincinnati, 605 Geology-Physics Building, 

Cincinnati, OH 45221 

Urban lawns may be beneficial for the uptake of organic carbon (OC) to mitigate excess carbon 

dioxide in the atmosphere. However, lawn maintenance may also contribute to atmospheric 

greenhouse gas emissions. This study looks at OC stocks and GHG flux rates from urban forest 

soils and both managed and unmanaged urban lawns in Cincinnati, OH to evaluate and quantify 

the amount of carbon that is being sequestered over time, and to measure the emission and 

uptake of GHG in the different kinds of soils in relation to overall emissions of GHG. OC stocks 

were measured by collecting transects from lawns of varying ages to develop a chronosequence 

to determine the amount that the soils can store over time. Both forest soils and lawns can 

sequester CO , but it appears that unmanaged and forest soils have higher carbon stocks than 

2 

managed lawns, and the ability of a managed lawn to sequester OC has a cap between 20 to 

30 years. Flux data was collected following USDA-ARS chamber-based protocols, using static 

chambers placed randomly at sites. It was hypothesized that the urban lawns, both managed 

and unmanaged, would have a lessened ability to uptake GHG relative to the urban forest 

soil. Although preliminary data upholds this hypothesis, further data are needed to study the 

relationship between lawn maintenance and the inherent capacity of a lawn to uptake GHG.

31-7 3:50 PM Wagner, Zachary C. [218764] 

THE REDUCTION OF RIVERINE SILICA TRANSPORT DUE TO INVASIVE RIPARIAN 

VEGETATION 

WAGNER, Zachary C., Geology, Gustavus Adolphus College, 800 W College Ave, 

Saint Peter, MN 56082, zwagner@gustavus.edu, TRIPLETT, Laura D., Department of 

Geology and Environmental Studies Program, Gustavus Adolphus College, 800 W College 

Ave, St Peter, MN 56082, and KETTENRING, Karin M., College of Natural Resources, Utah 

State University, 5210 Old Main Hill, NR 210, Logan, UT 84322 

The plant Phragmites australis subs. australis, also known as the common reed, has spread 

widely across the United States after its introduction on the eastern coast. On the Platte River 

in central Nebraska, one effect of Phragmites invasion is that previously unvegetated or lightly 

vegetated banks and islands have become stabilized by the vegetation. This has allowed 

sediment to accumulate where it might otherwise have been transported downstream. Phragmites 

may additionally reduce the amount of dissolved silica in rivers with riparian zones dominated by 

it due to the production of silica phytoliths by the plant. Also, the dense growth habit of Phragmites 

may locally slow river velocity and cause deposition of the river’s suspended load, which contains 

some biogenic silica like diatoms, freshwater sponge spicules and phytoliths that have been 

washed into the river. The combination of the biological and physical effects could significantly 

decrease the total load of silica flowing down the river. This study explored the differences in 

biogenic silica concentration in Platte River sediments occupied by live Phragmites, recently 

killed Phragmites, native Salix (willow), and unvegetated tracts. A sodium hydroxide digestion 

was used to dissolve biogenic silica in sediment, the silica was then quantified using a molybdate 

colormetric test UV visualization and also inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry 

(ICP-MS). The study showed that biogenic silica concentrations are higher in places dominated 

by live Phragmites, indicating a loss of bioavailable silica in the river system. Biogenic silica 

concentrations in sediments underlying killed Phragmites are lower, suggesting that when 

the vegetation has died the silica is re-released back to the river system on a relatively short 

time scale. 

31-8 4:10 PM Wilch, T.I. [218694] 

MONITORING AND CHARACTERIZATION OF THE UPPER KALAMAZOO WATERSHED, MI: 

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH IN A LOCAL NATURAL LABORATORY 

WILCH, T.I. and LINCOLN, T.N., Geological Sciences, Albion College, 611 East Porter St, 

Albion, MI 49224, twilch@albion.edu 

For more than 10 years, Albion College students and faculty have been engaged in monitoring 

and research of the Upper Kalamazoo Watershed in Calhoun and Jackson Counties, MI. Our 

initial studies were a response to citizen concerns about piping of effluent from a local village’s 

sewage lagoons directly into Rice Creek, a tributary of the upper Kalamazoo River. The research 

evolved into a multi-faceted watershed monitoring project supported in part by an EPA section 

319 grant through the local conservation district. More recent studies have focused on diel 

cycling of multiple water quality parameters and the interaction between the stream system 

and groundwater systems in riparian zone wetlands. Detailed studies have largely been facultymentored, 

student-centered projects and have included individualized directed studies during the 

academic year and college-sponsored, 10-week summer research experiences. 

The Upper Kalamazoo Watershed provides an ideal natural laboratory for undergraduate 

research. Stream reaches include 5th to 1st order tributaries of the Kalamazoo River, draining 

an 1163 km2 , mostly rural watershed. The watershed includes reaches that appear “natural” 

and others that have been intensely altered by dredging and straightening, as well as multiple 

in-stream dams that have altered the gradient. 

Some of the basic findings of our research are novel and important in terms of watershed 

processes and management. Students discovered and carefully documented diel turbidity 

cycles and hypothesized that the turbidity cycles were driven by a biological wetlands pump that 

intercepted groundwater for plant use during daytime hours. Much student work continues to 

focus on testing this hypothesis. Other students’ work suggests that nitrate levels in the river result 

primarily from a series of springs with quite high nitrate levels, while the bulk of the river water 

derives from distributed base flow with much lower nitrate concentrations. Future work includes 

building a foundational GIS database for the Upper Kalamazoo Watershed which will put in place 

a much needed overarching structure for the local watershed research. 

31-9 4:30 PM Syverson, Kent M. [218689] 

WATER RESOURCE IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SAND-MINING BOOM IN WESTERN 

WISCONSIN: A COMPARISON BETWEEN AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES AND SAND 

PROCESSING 

SYVERSON, Kent M., Dept. of Geology, University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, WI 54702, 

syverskm@uwec.edu 

The sand-mining industry has been booming in western Wisconsin to meet the demand for frac 

sand. New sand facilities are located outside of the recently glaciated area where the upper 

Cambrian Mt. Simon, Wonewoc, and Jordan formations are exposed. These units are quartz-rich 

(commonly >95%) and have large tonnages of the strong, well-rounded 20/50- and 40/70-mesh 

sand grains prized in the oil and gas industry. 

The rapid increase in sand mining has led to concerns about truck traffic, reclamation, 

generation of respirable dust, and water resources. Water quantity and quality issues rarely are 

compared to familiar agricultural activities. 

Dairy cattle drink between 20 and 50 gallons of water per day. A 1000-head industrial dairy 

operation requires 20,000 to 50,000 gal/day for drinking water alone. A center-pivot irrigation 

system can pump 1000 gal/minute from the ground. An irrigation system watering a corn field for 

24 hours extracts 1.4 million gallons of water. 

Industrial sand must be washed before it is shipped to users. EOG runs ~2 million gal/day 

through its sand plant in Chippewa Falls, WI. Most of this water is recycled, so the plant requires 

~18,000 gal/day of “make-up water.” 

Flocculants quickly remove clay particles from the water, permit effective water recycling, 

and greatly reduce the water demands for sand processing. Polyacrylamide, the most common 

flocculant, is safe and used in most municipal wastewater treatment facilities. However, 

polyacrylamide commonly has trace amounts of acrylamide -- a neurotoxin. If acrylamide gets into 

the ground water, is it likely to cause health problems? 

Acrylamide degrades to carbon dioxide and ammonia rather quickly in the environment 

(US EPA, 1985). In oxygen-rich soils, 74-94% of the acrylamide breaks down within 14 days. 

In oxygen-poor soils, 64-89% of the acrylamide breaks down in 14 days. In river water, 10-20 

ppm levels of acrylamide degrade completely in 12 days. Because horizontal ground-water flow 

velocities are typically on the order of centimeters/day, acrylamide will not persist long within the 

ground water. This reduces, but does not eliminate, the chances for adverse health impacts. Other 

activities such as applications of manure, nitrate fertilizers, and pesticides also must be monitored 

carefully to protect water resources. 


31-10 4:50 PM Vye, Erika C. [218678] 

OPENING A CLEAR AND EQUITABLE DIALOGUE ON THE ISSUE OF MINING IN MICHIGAN’S 

KEWEENAW PENINSULA 

VYE, Erika C., Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences, Michigan Technological 

University, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931, ecvye@mtu.edu, ROSE, William I., 

Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences, Michigan Technological Univ, 1400 

Townsend Dr, Houghton, MI 49931, and MACLENNAN, Carol A., Social Sciences, 

Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49930 

The long mining history in Michigan’s Keweenaw leaves a shadow of environmental issues 

which are threatening to some residents; others see mining as a hope for needed jobs. With 

approximately 200 million tons of copper in the Keweenaw, recent exploration by Highland Copper 

Company Inc. has triggered urgent public interest. As Earth scientists we recognize that mining is 

a necessity, as is the need to do so in an environmentally responsible manner. The general public 

needs to know more about Earth science in order to make informed decisions for a sustainable 

and high quality future. How can universities better communicate geoscience information? We 

wish to gain insight into what the general public knows about mining (environmental concerns, 

mining practices, economic benefits) and what their attitudes are toward mining in this region 

(do people want this? why or why not?). 

Methodologies include a survey administered to the general public by random sample that 

addresses what the public knows about mining; this will be followed by semi-structured interviews 

with select respondents in order to deepen understanding of attitudes toward mining and the way 

place attachment may affect peoples’ position and decisions on land use issues. Additional data 

will be generated from an open discussion at a public meeting organized specifically to discuss 

concerns and misconceptions identified throughout this process. We wish to use this data to 

open a clear, genuine and equitable dialogue to discuss the issue of mining in our community. 

Understanding misconceptions, concerns, and attitudes toward mining among all stakeholders 

involved is critical in order to guide and develop open channels of communication within the 

Keweenaw community. 

31-11 5:10 PM Phillips, Michael A. [218466] 

PROVIDING GEOLOGIC EXPERTISE TO LOCAL COMMUNITIES FACING ENVIRONMENTAL 

CONCERNS 

PHILLIPS, Michael A., Natural Sciences, Illinois Valley Community College, 815 N. Orlando 

Smith Ave, Oglesby, IL 61348-9692, mike_phillips@ivcc.edu 

Tens of thousands of sites where environmentally hazardous substances have been released 

into the environment or where industrial or mining operations are being proposed can be found 

in communities across the North America. These sites are investigated by professionals under 

the oversight of state and local environmental protection agencies. The oversight agencies have 

programs to keep impacted people informed. Unfortunately, these efforts may not succeed 

because local citizens and elected officials lack the technical expertise to understand what is 

being done and why. The lack of understanding combined with investigations that can take years 

can lead to resentment and mistrust. 

Offering geologic expertise to a community working through an environmental investigation 

can be both rewarding and educational. Environmental reports include a variety of basic geologic 

information including stratigraphy, well logs, maps of surficial and bedrock deposits, and cross 

sections. The reports may contain more detailed geologic material such as hydrogeologic 

analyses, river discharge forecasts, estimates of minable reserves, and coastal erosion 

projections. Communities impacted by these reports may lack the resources to hire their own 

consultant and welcome input from academic professionals and students. The resulting effort can 

provide benefits to all participants. 

The community benefits from having an objective review and someone on their side. Students 

benefit from working with real-world data; seeing how that data is collected, analyzed, and 

presented by professionals; and by preparing summaries and critiques that are accurate and 

easily understood. Academic professionals benefit from access to data they may utilize in 

teaching or further research, helping local communities understand their environment, and by 

working with other geologists to develop solutions to environmental issues. 

This talk will conclude with several examples of community outreach including an analysis of 

a mine proposal, a long-term consultation with a community advisory group seeking remediation 

of a Superfund site, and the examination of a groundwater contamination concern. Effective 

outreach can result in long-term professional relationships and access to additional opportunities 

to provide assistance. 



T12. Research in Earth Science Education 


32-1 1:30 PM Gilchrist, Ann M. [217999] 

STUDENT SURVEYS: USEFUL TOOLS TO ENGAGE NON-SCIENCE MAJORS IN LAB 

ACTIVITY REVISIONS 

GILCHRIST, Ann M., Geosciences Department, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, 

MI 49008, ann.m.gilchrist@wmich.edu 

Like most universities, WMU offers an introductory-level geology course for general-education 

students (non-majors). In early 2012, declining enrollment, poor student evaluations and negative 

teaching assistant feedback drove the formation of a committee to revise this course. The issues 

were: a lab that was not coordinated with lecture, a computer tutorial that was not engaging, and 

a focus on memorization. The committee selected the Earth Science Literacy Initiative (ESLI) “Big 

Ideas” as a guide for reform. New course goals were to help students develop an understanding 

of how earth works, how it influences them and how their choices influence it. A revised course 

developed in spring and summer was implemented in fall. 

To ensure that the original issues were rectified, student surveys were developed and 

completed for each lab session. These consisted of modified Likert ratings for overall lab quality, 

6-9 Likert items such as was lab connected with lecture, did it have a clear purpose and improve 

understanding, and concluded with open-ended questions on what was most helpful, least 

enjoyable and recommendations for improvement. 

As a member of the committee, the lab coordinator compiled data and reported the results. 

Highest overall rated labs were stream tables, Michigan fossils, earth hazards and pit mining. 

Comments indicated these were popular since most of the period was hands-on exercises and 

student teams were larger. 



Survey feedback requested a brief introduction to each subject, so videos from the American 

Geosciences Institute on the ESLI Big Ideas became the opening for labs. Surveys also indicated 

students did not like getting dirty; plastic gloves are now available in labs. 

Though it is too early to tell if enrollment will increase, it is evident that survey data permitted 

swift modifications for course improvement. Content learning with pre-test and post-test allow 

educators to ascertain retention, but does not provide data for making adjustments during 

instruction. Data-driven course reform using surveys provides rapid, easy to interpret feedback 

and the opportunity to make adjustments during the instruction period. 

32-2 1:50 PM Barney, Jeffrey A. [218790] 

DO OUR GRADING PRACTICES SEND THE RIGHT MESSAGE? 

BARNEY, Jeffrey A., Mallinson Institutute for Science Education, Western Michigan 

University, 6575 N 44th St, Augusta, MI 49012, jeffrey.a.barney@wmich.edu, PETCOVIC, 

Heather, Department of Geosciences and The Mallinson Institute for Science Education, 

Western Michigan University, 1187 Rood Hall, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, FYNEWEVER, Herb, 

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Calvin College, 3201 Burton SE, Grand Rapids, 

MI 49546, HENDERSON, Charles, Physics Department, Western Michigan University, 1903 

West Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, and MUTAMBUKI, Jacinta M., The Mallinson 

IOnstitute for Science Education, Western Michigan UNiversity, 3225 Wood Hall, Kalamazoo, 

MI 49008 

Grading practices can send a powerful message to students about what is expected. Research 

in physics education has identified a misalignment between the goals of faculty instructors and 

their actual scoring of student solutions: instructors encourage students to show their work when 

solving numerical problems, yet sometimes grade student work in a way that can discourage them 

from showing their work. This previous research identified three values that guide faculty when 

making grading decisions: (1) a desire to see students’ reasoning, (2) a reluctance to deduct 

points from solutions that might be correct, and (3) a tendency to assume correct reasoning. 

When these values are in conflict, the conflict is resolved by placing the burden of proof on either 

the instructor or the student. When the burden of proof is placed on the instructor, points are not 

deducted for student work unless the instructor can find evidence of mistakes or incorrect student 

reasoning. When the burden of proof is placed on the student, points are not awarded unless the 

student shows evidence of correct reasoning. 

In this study, we verified that this gap exists among earth science faculty and that the same 

three values are present. We interviewed nine Earth Science instructors from two Midwest 

research universities about their grading practices. Overall, we found that only 33% of earth 

science instructors placed the burden of proof on students, requiring the students to demonstrate 

correct reasoning in order to earn points. Similar to the physics study, we found that although all 

of the instructors stated that they valued seeing student reasoning, over 50% of them placed the 

burden of proof on themselves, and graded work in such a way that could actually discourage 

students from showing their reasoning. This work may contribute toward a better alignment 

between values and practice in grading student work, and promote learning environments that are 

more likely to encourage students to show their work when solving numerical problems. 

32-3 2:10 PM Petcovic, Heather L. [218647] 

GEOSCIENTISTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF THE VALUE OF FIELDWORK 

PETCOVIC, Heather L., Department of Geosciences and The Mallinson Institute for Science 

Education, Western Michigan University, 1903 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008- 

5241, heather.petcovic@wmich.edu, STOKES, Alison, School of Geography, Earth and 

Environmental Sciences, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, United 

Kingdom, and CAULKINS, Joshua L., RITES Project, University of Rhode Island, 9 East 

Alumni Avenue, 116 Woodward Hall, Kingston, RI 02881 

A perception exists that fieldwork, either in the form of course trips, multi-day excursions, 

residential camps, or research, is essential to gaining expertise in the geosciences. Given the 

financial, logistical, and liability challenges of extended field-based instruction, we ask: why does 

the geoscience community view fieldwork as such an essential experience? And what particular 

types of fieldwork are considered most valuable? 

To address these questions, we developed a mixed open- and closed-response survey 

asking about perceptions of fieldwork (including field camps and courses). Data were collected 

anonymously at the 2010 and 2011 Geological Society of America national meetings where 

participants (n=172; 46% female, 88% Caucasian, 89% working in the USA) completed surveys 

in a booth in the exhibit hall. Survey participants responded to questions as a member of one 

of three groups; 50% self-identified as learners (about half undergraduate and half graduate 

students), 36% as instructors (dominantly holding academic positions), and 14% as industry 

professionals (dominantly working in government or industry). 

Over 90% of all respondents indicated that fieldwork should be an integral and required part 

of undergraduate education. However, while 80% agreed that a residential field camp should be 

required, only 35% supported the inclusion of bedrock mapping. Thematic coding of the openended 

items suggests that fieldwork is valued across all groups in promoting cognitive gains, 

affective responses, and preparation for further study and/or work in the geosciences. When 

rating the importance of possible fieldwork learning outcomes, all groups highly valued developing 

a better understanding of geologic concepts, improving problem-solving skills, and increasing 

confidence in problem-solving skills. Instructors also highly valued integrating knowledge from 

different disciplines, whereas industry professionals placed high value in developing a better 

understanding of how geologists think. This work will help the geoscience community identify 

long-term goals and outcomes of educational fieldwork experiences. 

32-4 2:30 PM Rowbotham, Katherine L. [218708] 

GENERATING CONTENT KNOWLEDGE GAINS THAT STICK: CRACKING THE CODE IN A 

FIELD-BASED WATER QUALITY COURSE 

ROWBOTHAM, Katherine L., Mallinson Institute for Science Education, Western Michigan 

University, 1903 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5444, katerowbot@gmail.com, 



and KORETSKY, Carla M., Geosciences Department, Western Michigan University, 1903 W 

Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5241 

In order to help students develop a holistic understanding of complex aquatic systems, 

biogeochemical cycling, and the process of eutrophication, we created an upper level, field- and 

lab-based course for undergraduates. Geoscience and Environmental Studies majors enrolled in 

the course conduct an authentic, collaborative assessment of water quality, investigating urban 

lakes with a history of eutrophication in Kalamazoo, MI. 


Primary data collection during the first two offerings of the course (Fall 2009 and Fall 2010) 

included experience, attitude, and knowledge instruments and a series of four semi-structured 

interviews with approximately 25% of enrolled students. The multiple-choice knowledge 

instrument functioned as a pre-/post-test, assessing students’ knowledge of lake systems and 

relevant biogeochemistry. As measured by this instrument, students enrolled during the first two 

offerings of the course demonstrated substantial content knowledge gains – a 57% mean gain in 

2009 and a 43.5% mean gain in 2010. 

As we considered these content knowledge gains, several research questions emerged: 

(1) Which aspects of the course might be responsible for promoting these knowledge gains? 

(2) Might student engagement be connected to knowledge gained in some way? (3) Are these 

gains durable? These questions generated several changes in the data collection procedure 

for the third and fourth offerings of course (Fall 2011 and Fall 2012). The attitude survey was 

eliminated and an engagement survey (deployed five times over the course of the semester) 

was added. Further, semi-structured interviews included both content- and engagement-related 

questions/probes. In addition to deploying the content knowledge instrument pre- and postcourse, 

we deployed it again approximately four months after the conclusion of the course 

(along with an abbreviated experience survey). After completing these two instruments, students 

participated in a final semi-structured interview. 

Here, we will focus on content knowledge gained and retained by students in the third and 

fourth offerings of the course and the specific aspects of the course that students report affect 

their engagement with the course and its content. 

32-5 2:50 PM Callahan, Caitlin N. [218731] 

HOW A GEOLOGIST CAN GET LEAD ASTRAY: A VIDEO LOG STUDY EXAMINING HOW 

ERRORS IN OBSERVATIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS YIELD ERRORS IN GEOLOGIC MAPS 

CALLAHAN, Caitlin N., The Mallinson Institute for Science Education, Western Michigan 

University, 3225 Wood Hall, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, caitlin.n.callahan@wmich.edu, 



and BAKER, Kathleen M., Department of Geography, Western Michigan University, 3238 

Wood Hall, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 

In this study, we integrate data capturing the physical actions, spoken thoughts, and navigation 

paths of geologists as they make a geologic map. Eight geologists, from novice (undergraduate) 

to expert (professional), wore a head-mounted video camera with an attached microphone to 

record their visible actions and their spoken thoughts, creating “video logs” while in the field. Two 

of the eight geologists, one novice and one expert, made similar errors on their final maps. Here 

we focus on their two video logs as sources of insight into the origin and evolution of those errors; 

we also contrast their spoken thoughts and actions with those recorded in two other video logs by 

participants (also one novice and one expert) who produced more accurate maps. 

The participants mapped a field area for which there exists a consensus understanding of the 

underlying geology (i.e., an “answer key”). In addition to a head-mounted camera, participants 

also wore a GPS unit to record their position throughout the day. Both the GPS data and video 

logs are time-stamped, enabling the data sets to be synchronized. The videos were coded both 

for instances of visible actions (e.g., measuring strike and dip, breaking a rock sample for a fresh 

surface, or testing a rock sample with HCl) and for themes in spoken thoughts (e.g., procedural 

and declarative knowledge, reasoning, or metacognition). 

From analyses of the video logs, we find that for the two novices, data collection drives model 

development. The differences in the accuracy of their maps are determined more by their 

interpretations of the data. Both experts use an aerial photograph of the field area to propose an 

initial interpretation of the underlying geology; their initial interpretations guide later data collection 

and model refinement. The difference in the accuracy of their maps reflects the differences in their 

initial interpretations and subsequent model development. 

32-6 3:10 PM Steffke, Christy [218737] 

CONVEYING INFORMATION WITH MAPS: A FUNCTION OF SYMBOLOGY 

STEFFKE, Christy, Geocognition Research Laboratory, Michigan State University, 

Department of Geological Sciences, 206 Natural Sciences, East Lansing, MI 48824, 

steffkec@msu.edu and LIBARKIN, Julie, Geocognition Research Laboratory, Michigan State 

University, Department of Geological Sciences, 288 Farm Lane, 206 Natural Science, East 

Lansing, MI 48824 

Spatial data models are often represented using common cartographic schemes which may 

not be the most effective for conveying information. For instance, map viewer experience and 

understanding may be influenced by the way continuous-value data within a map is symbolized. 

The impact of cartographic design characteristics has long been considered in disciplines specific 

to map design or cartography, but much is left to be desired for map and image design across 

the natural and spatial sciences as a whole. Effective symbology is pertinent for conveying 

continuous-value data, but there also exists a need to balance efficacy with map aesthetics in 

order to effectively communicate across various audiences. Similarly, Edward Tufte emphasized 

the importance of symbolizing data using operative color schemes: “…avoiding catastrophe 

becomes the first principle in bringing color to information: Above all, do no harm” (Envisioning 

Information by Edward Tufte, 1990). Geoscience educators, for example, often use illustrated 

depictions for conveying information to their students, but can neglect cartographic design 

principles which may limit image efficacy or worse yet, distract the image viewer. 

In this paired study, we used eye tracking and Amazon Mechanical Turk to illuminate participant 

ability to estimate map values from a continuous-value dataset as a function of color ramp 

used to symbolize the data. In Part 1 of this study, we carried out an eye tracking experiment 

in which we quantified differences in apparent visual attention of experts and novices across 

images symbolized using varying common color palettes. Eye tracking data from these free gaze 

sessions indicated that participants interact differently when viewing continuous-value datasets 

symbolized using different ramps. In Part 2 of this study, we used the Amazon Mechanical Turk 

internet crowdsourcing tool to examine participants’ ability to estimate map values based on 

the color ramp used to symbolize continuous-value map data. Amazon Mechanical Turk results 

indicated that participant estimation of map values is strongly related to the color ramp used to 

symbolize the data. As a product of this study, we hope to better guide symbology selection so as 

to produce more effective maps for conveying information.

32-7 3:30 PM Martin, Nicholas [218658] 

UNINTENDED CUING IN TEST DESIGN: COLLEGE STUDENT DATA AND SPATIAL ANALYSIS 

OF EYE TRACKING 

MARTIN, Nicholas, Geological Sciences, Michigan State University, 288 Farm Lane, 

206 Natural Science, East Lansing, MI 48824, mart1275@msu.edu, LIBARKIN, 

Julie, Geocognition Research Laboratory, Michigan State University, Department of 

Geological Sciences, 288 Farm Lane, 206 Natural Science, East Lansing, MI 48824, 

GERAGHTY WARD, Emily M., Department of Geology, Rocky Mountain College, 1511 Poly 

Drive, Billings, MT 59102, and JARDELEZA, Sarah, Geocognition Research Laboratory, 

Michigan State University, Department of Geological Sciences, 354 Farm Lane, 100 North 

Kedzie Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824 

The design of a test itself may be just as important for performance as a student’s knowledge 

of the material being tested. In this study, a set of multiple choice questions containing common 

test designer idiosyncrasies was created to evaluate the extent to which design influences 

performance. Common idiosyncrasies included: longer answers, answers containing technical 

language, and answers that correspond to language in the stem of the question. Results from 

roughly 700 incoming college freshmen indicate that long or technical answers are chosen 

much more often than other answers. Eye tracking data from 15 students indicate that attention 

is unequal across all answer options; for example, participants spend much less time gazing 

at response option “d” than at other options. Differences in attention to salient features of long 

or technical answers provide evidence for mechanisms underlying the test taking observed in 

college freshmen. These results suggest that some students are using underlying signals to 

improve test performance. As a consequence, test scores are likely to be reflective of not only 

the student’s knowledge of the material, but their ability to pick up on cues in the questions 

themselves. 



T19. Hydrogeologic Investigations for Improved 

Assessment of Water Availability and Use in the 

Glaciated United States 


33-1 1:30 PM Reeves, Howard W. [218617] 

USGS GLACIAL AQUIFER SYSTEM GROUNDWATER AVAILABILITY STUDY 

REEVES, Howard W., USGS Michigan Water Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, 

6520 Mercantile Way, Suite 5, Lansing, MI 48911-5991, hwreeves@usgs.gov 

USGS Groundwater Resources Program is coordinating regional groundwater availability studies 

for principal aquifer systems across the nation. These studies focus on assessment of the status 

of groundwater resources and quantification of the response of these systems to development 

and climate change. Each study provides groundwater resource information in a regional context 

that is designed to help support local decisions. When completed, these studies will provide 

insight on the major groundwater resources of the nation. The glacial aquifer system study is 

challenged by the large spatial extent of the system, extreme spatial heterogeneity, climatic 

range from semi-arid to humid, and the potential for strong hydraulic connection of shallow glacial 

aquifers to surface-water features. In meeting these challenges, the study aims to provide analysis 

for characterizing limitations on groundwater availability in regions within the glacial aquifer 

system arising from climatic setting, hydrogeologic conditions, water quality issues, constraints 

imposed by the desire to maintain environmental flows, or other features of the system. 

33-2 1:50 PM Bayless, E. Randall [218125] 

A STANDARDIZED DATABASE OF WELL-DRILLERS’ RECORDS FOR THE GLACIATED 

UNITED STATES 

BAYLESS, E. Randall, U.S. Geological Survey, ebayless@usgs.gov 

A standardized database of well-drillers’ records in the glaciated United States and adjacent 

portions of Canada is being compiled as part of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) WaterSMART 

program. The glacial aquifer system is the single largest aquifer system in the United States and 

is present in parts of 25 states, stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific Coasts and along the 

International Boundary between the United States and Canada. For this effort, about 11.5 million 

well-driller’s records have been acquired from State-managed databases and from the USGS 

National Water Information System (NWIS) database. The number of well-drillers’ records per 

state retrieved by this effort ranges from a few hundred in Maine to a few million in Minnesota. The 

standardization of the well-driller’s database utilizes several computer programs that reduce the 

compilation to well-drillers’ records that meet standards for completeness, accuracy, and contain 

consistent terminology. Most importantly, the driller’s descriptions are translated into standardized 

lithologic terms used in the NWIS Ground Water Site Inventory system. In addition to lithologic 

descriptions, the database includes well-construction, pump-test, and water-use information that 

is applicable to a wide variety of hydrogeologic studies. Maps will be generated for each state 

that portray relative horizontal and vertical hydraulic conductivity, measured horizontal hydraulic 

conductivity, transmissivity, thickness of unconsolidated deposits, and bedrock elevation, the 

total thickness of sand and gravel. The project plans to make the information in the standardized 

database publically accessible through a web portal. 

33-3 2:10 PM Unterreiner, Gerald [218140] 

NEW LIDAR-BASED INDIANA DNR POTENTIOMETRIC SURFACE MAPS 

UNTERREINER, Gerald, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water, 

402 W Washington St, Rm W264, Indianapolis, IN 46204, gunterreiner@dnr.in.gov 

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Water (DOW) began a 

new county-based potentiometric surface mapping project in 2011. A DOW customer survey 

conducted in 2010 showed that potentiometric surface maps were rated the most important future 


water resource product. The potentiometric surface project was begun upon completion of the 

county-based statewide aquifer systems mapping. As with groundwater availability mapping, the 

potentiometric surface mapping project relies heavily on the DOW water well database, which is 

freely available online and contains over 400,000 water well records. All of the DOW groundwater 

assessment maps and publications are posted on the Internet and are free for viewing, printing, 

and downloading from the DOW main page at http://www.in.gov/dnr/water. The new potentiometric 

surface mapping project utilizes airborne obtained LIDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) data 

for surficial high-resolution digital elevation maps (DEMs). The LIDAR obtained point elevations 

are assigned to located water wells within a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) program. 

The static water well level obtained from the water well record is subtracted from the surface 

elevation to obtain the potentiometric surface elevation. Geocoding was used in conjunction with 

county parcels and address points to increase the number of located water well records available 

for mapping. The products for the new potentiometric surface map series include: maps and 

digital coverage of unconsolidated and/or bedrock potentiometric surface lines; text describing 

potentiometric surface mapping; a spreadsheet of water well data used for potentiometric surface 

mapping, with a separate lithology tab; GIS shapefiles of pertinent geographic and hydrologic 

features displayed on the maps; and a potentiometric surface line Keyhole Markup Language 

compressed (KMZ) file. 

33-4 2:30 PM Naylor, Shawn [218497] 

QUANTIFYING HYDROLOGIC BUDGET COMPONENTS IN INDIANA USING A NETWORK OF 

METEOROLOGICAL AND VADOSE-ZONE INSTRUMENT ARRAYS 

NAYLOR, Shawn, Center for Geospatial Data Analysis, Indiana Geological Survey, 611 North 

Walnut Grove Ave, Bloomington, IN 47405-2208, snaylor@indiana.edu, GUSTIN, Andrew R., 

Center for Geospatial Data Analysis, Indiana Geological Survey, Indiana University, 611 

Walnut Grove, Bloomington, IN 47405, LETSINGER, Sally L., Center for Geospatial Data 

Analysis, Indiana University, Indiana Geological Survey, 611 N. Walnut Grove Avenue, 

Bloomington, IN 47405-2208, ELLETT, Kevin, Indiana Geological Survey, 611 Walnut Grove 

Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405, and OLYPHANT, Greg A., Geological Sciences, Indiana 

University, Center for Geospatial Data Analysis, 1001 East Tenth Street, Bloomington, IN 

47405 

Weather stations in the United States that collect reliable, long-term meteorological data sets 

are now widely distributed owing to advances in both instrumentation and remote data-server 

technology. However, with the exception of Illinois, sites collecting soil-moisture and soiltemperature 

data remain sparse in the Midwest, and fewer locations exist where complete 

meteorological data are collected along with vadose-zone data. Coupled monitoring networks are 

important for establishing reliable land surface water and energy budgets and estimating deep 

drainage in the soil profile. They also provide essential data for expanding our understanding of 

soil moisture-climate coupling. 

Accordingly, a network of 11 monitoring stations has been developed in Indiana. Nine of the 

stations are located in glaciated environments including: ground moraine, moraine crest, outwash 

terrace, and alluvial terrace settings with the remaining two sites situated in reclaimed-mine and 

unglaciated highland settings. Each instrument array employs standard meteorological sensors, 

including pyranometers used to measure incoming shortwave solar radiation at seven of the 

sites and net radiometers at four of the sites. The resulting data are used to calculate potential 

evapotranspiration (PET) using standard methods by the Food and Agriculture Organization 

(FAO) of the United Nations. Vadose-zone instrumentation is installed at six of the glaciated sites 

and includes time-domain reflectometry soil-moisture and temperature sensors at 0.3-m depth 

intervals down to a depth of 1.8 m, in addition to matric-potential sensors at 0.15, 0.3, 0.6, and 

1.2 m. Shallow water-table aquifers are present at three of the sites, and piezometers are used to 

measure water-table fluctuations. 

Beyond providing PET estimates using the FAO guidelines, the data will be used to determine 

groundwater recharge using the soil-water-balance approach. The significance of quantifying 

these hydrosphere components is especially important with more frequent drought conditions 

creating increasing stresses on groundwater resources and agriculture in Indiana. Future landbased 

modeling efforts aimed at improving our understanding of soil-moisture and recharge 

distribution will also benefit from having an established empirical data network. 

33-5 2:50 PM Lingle, Derrick [218282] 

ORIGIN OF HIGH LEVELS OF AMMONIUM IN GROUNDWATER, OTTAWA COUNTY, MI 

LINGLE, Derrick, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, derrick.a.lingle@ 

wmich.edu and KEHEW, A.E., Geosciences Department, Western Michigan University, 


Wells located in and around Hemlock Crossing Park in Ottawa County, MI have elevated levels 

+ of ammonium (NH ) in the groundwater. Ammonium can interfere with drinking water disinfection 

4 

+ processes and lead to the eutrophication of surface water bodies. Elevated NH concentrations 

4 

generally originate from anthropogenic sources. Agricultural activity is common around Hemlock 

Crossing Park. Manure, spread on fields for fertilizer purposes, could be leaching into the 

+ + subsurface and providing a source for the NH . Another possible source of the NH4 is from the 

4 

decay of buried organic matter that was deposited during the ice-free mid-Wisconsin glacial 

episode. 

To determine if organic matter is present in the subsurface below Hemlock Crossing Park, a 

complete core was recovered during the installation of a monitoring well using Rotasonic drilling. 

The well boring tagged the Coldwater Shale bedrock, with the intent of acquiring a complete 

record of glacial sediment in the area. Initial grain size analysis reveals that the local glacial 

stratigraphy includes sediment from Glacial Lake Chicago, the Saugatuck till, possible Ganges 

till, and Glenn Shores till. Of interest in the core was a layer of compacted peat. Organic matter 

in the peat layer was dated at ~41,000 yr before present (B.P.) using radiocarbon analysis. The 

peat layer is bounded by two sandy confined aquifers; both of which park and residential wells 

draw water from. Results from water samples collected from park wells confirm that both aquifers 

have elevated concentrations of Fe2+ + and NH . This is indicative of a favorable environment for 

4 

anaerobic microbes, which can break down buried organic material into ammonium. 

Future work will involve sampling from park and nearby residential wells and running analysis 

for major ions and redox parameters. This will give a better understanding of factors that are 

influencing the water quality. A through isotopic investigation, involving 3H and 14C dating as well 

as δ18O-δ2H and δ15 + N-NH4 signatures, will be used to determine if the elevated NH + originates 

4 

from manure applied to fields or from the decay of the buried peat layer. Results will be beneficial 

to formerly glaciated regions with similar hydrological conditions where significant amounts of 

+ buried organic matter and NH may be present. 

4 





T20. Applied Geology: Engineering, Environmental, 

Geotechnical and Hydrogeology (Association of 

Environmental and Engineering Geologists) 


34-1 3:30 PM West, Terry R. [218203] 

RECENT STUDIES IN APPLIED GEOLOGY, A CONTINUING STORY, TIPPECANOE COUNTY, 

NORTHWEST INDIANA 

WEST, Terry R., Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Purdue University, 550 Stadium Mall Drive, 

West Lafayette, IN 47907, trwest@purdue.edu 

Tippecanoe County, Indiana, home of Purdue University, is a convenient location for field studies 

in applied geology for students and faculty. Undergraduate research projects of a short duration, 

master’s studies and continuing field investigations by faculty members are facilitated by the close 

vicinity of the field sites. Over the years, the author has had numerous opportunities to be involved 

in this work. Studies have included ground water supply problems where shallow siltstone bedrock 

prevails, the ancestral Wabash River channel location, wetlands associated with agricultural 

farming, fields with drainage tiles versus those in undrained areas, environmental concerns 

along the Wabash River floodway, siting of a new sanitary landfill and environmental concerns 

for existing ones, gravel deposits in glacial terrain , soil erosion from residential construction 

yielding sediment transport and deposition, consideration of the Lafayette dam and reservoir 

proposed by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, right of way concerns for highway relocation, 

expansion of university ownership into a former gravel pit property, eminent domain issues with 

local government and Purdue University, evaluation of the geology and terrain at the Battle of 

Tippecanoe, November 1811 and age dating of gravel deposits in the Wea Outwash Plain. A 

brief summary of these projects will be presented with emphasis on the influence of geology and 

topography of Tippecanoe County. 

34-2 3:50 PM Alfaifi, Hussain J. [218648] 

COMPARING SLUG TEST RESULTS IN UNCONFINED AQUIFERS ANALYZED USING 

DIFFERENT METHODS 

ALFAIFI, Hussain J., Geosciences, Western Michigan University, 4129 Chelten Ave, 

Kalamazoo, MI 49006, hussainjaber.a.alfaifi@wmich.edu and HAMPTON, Duane R., 

Dept. of Geosciences, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan Avenue, MS 5241, 


Slug test methods are used to determine aquifer hydraulic conductivity (K) in situ more quickly 

and economically than with a pump test. This study compares slug test methods for unconfined 

aquifers, including Bouwer and Rice (1976), Kansas Geological Survey (1994), Hvorslev (1951) 

and Dagan (1978). Slug test data from several wells in two separate unconfined aquifers is 

analyzed to examine the effects of having well screens either entirely submerged or crossing the 

water table. This study attempts to answer questions such as: Does the Bouwer and Rice method 

work? Does a big slug yield better results than a small slug? Does the option of assuming a well 

skin make a significant difference in the slug test results? 

To address these questions, experiments were conducted in a 7-foot diameter culvert installed 

vertically in a 7.5-foot deep hole and then backfilled with uniform sand. Six monitoring wells were 

installed in this uniform man-made unconfined aquifer, and two sizes of slug rods were used in 

testing these wells. One rod was five feet long and 1 inch in diameter. The larger rod was almost 

7 feet long and 1.5 inches in diameter, with an embayment in the bottom and a slot in one side 

to make room for a pressure transducer and its cable. Tests also were conducted on five closelyspaced 

wells installed in a natural unconfined aquifer with different screen lengths and depths 

relative to the water table. All wells tested at both sites were two inches in diameter. 

Hydraulic conductivity (K) values calculated from tests in the culvert and the natural aquifer 

show that the Bouwer and Rice method results are closer to the KGS results than to the Hvorslev 

values. Bouwer and Rice K’s are noticeably smaller than KGS or Hvorslev K’s; the difference is 

statistically significant. Bouwer and Rice K values have a smaller standard deviation than the 

KGS or Hvorslev values. Hydraulic conductivity values obtained from tests using the big slug rod 

are significantly bigger than K’s obtained using a smaller slug rod, regardless of analysis method 

chosen. Since slug test K’s are invariably smaller than pump test K’s, the larger K’s obtained using 

the big slug are believed to be more accurate. This means that better results are obtained when 

slug size is maximized. 

34-3 4:10 PM Salim, Rachel [218691] 

LABORATORY MEASUREMENTS OF CAPILLARY RISE IN SANDS AND SILTS 

SALIM, Rachel, Geosciences, Western Michigan University, 1903 W Michigan Ave MS 

5241, Kalamazoo, MI 49009, salimr@michigan.gov and HAMPTON, Duane R., Dept. of 

Geosciences, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan Avenue, MS 5241, Kalamazoo, 

MI 49008 

Literature values for the height of capillary rise in fine sands, silts, and clays are contradictory. The 

late C.W. Fetter (Applied Hydrogeology, 3rd ed., 1994) claimed that the height of capillary rise 

varies from 1.5 cm in fine gravel to 100 cm in “very fine sand” up to 750 cm in “fine silt”. We found 

these numbers for finer materials unbelievable. Our research goal is to measure capillary rise in 

sands and silts, and use our data to identify believable equations and values in the literature for 

sands, silts and clays. 

Uniform sand grains 0.4-0.7 mm in diameter were carefully packed into two-inch diameter 

glass columns. These were placed into clear tanks with water level held constant. The average 

height of capillary rise observed above the constant water level was 13.5 cm, similar to Fetter’s 

15 cm for a similar size sand. The sand was also treated with a water-repellent spray to test 

capillary rise in a hydrophobic porous medium. This was done to show the effects that wettability 

has on capillary rise. The capillary fringe was observed to be below the free water level in the 

tank. In four hydrophobic sand columns, the average depression of the saturated zone was 

5.75 cm. Capillary rise in a finer uniform 0.3-0.6 mm sand is currently being measured. Capillary 

rise in silt with average grain size below 40 microns was also measured after the silt was mixed 

with equal volumes of the 0.4-0.7 sand to make the column packing work better. The columns 

are up to 264 cm high. In several silt column experiments, the silt cracked. All of the tests above 

were repeated using kerosene instead of water; in two silt columns, the capillary rise of kerosene 


was 134 cm and there was no cracking. This value for kerosene scales to a water capillary rise of 

228 cm. 

We hope to identify equations for calculating capillary rise that come close to data values we 

believe. We are focusing on the equation Fetter used as well as the Polubarinova-Kochina (1952) 

(P-K) equation which is: hc = 0.45 ((1 – n) / n)/ d10 , with n = porosity, hc = capillary rise and d10 

= effective grain diameter (hc and d10 in cm). Our tests with water in sand averaged hc = 13.5 cm 

for 5 tests; the P-K value is 14.8 cm. The capillary rise in silt calculated using P-K was 181 cm; 

Fetter’s value would be 188 cm. We hope to add water to a 25% silt, 75% sand column without 

cracking to measure capillary rise and compare with these values. 

34-4 4:30 PM Jha, Rajan [218794] 

ESTABLISHMENT OF UNIVERSAL REGRESSION MODELS FOR PREDICTION OF STREAM 

MORPHOLOGY BASED ON RELIEF, CLIMATE & WATERSHED VARIABLES 

JHA, Rajan, Environmental & Water Resource Engineering, Virginia Tech, 800 newport 

terrace, Blacksburg, VA 24060, rajan@vt.edu 

Are stream properties decoupled from watershed characteristics? Or else do watershed 

characteristics dictate the channel morphology? If they dictate then can we predict the values 

of stream properties (Bankfull discharge, Width, Depth, Channel slope, Sinuosity and Meander 

wavelength) based on the value of its watershed variables (namely: Rainfall/Runoff intensity, 

Relief, Drainage area , Valley slope , Sediment supply , Watershed elevation , Forest cover, 

Urban cover, Grass Cover , type of vegetation, Bank material, Soil type, Tectonic events)? The 

answer to these questions can be very critical in establishing universal relationships that could 

help us predict the values of hydraulic geometry for any stream across the globe. This research is 

exactly based on finding answers to these questions and quantitatively figuring out the degree of 

dependency of the watershed inputs to the stream variables. In “Part I” we do a qualitative study 

of the watershed characteristics and reason how perturbations in any one of the characteristic 

can lead to change in one or all of the stream properties. We try figuring the threshold values 

of change of each stream property (width, depth, channel gradient and others) and thereby 

determining how a stream accomplishes its objective of maintaining a “Quasi-Equilibrium state.”In 

“Part II” we do an empirical study of formulating dimensionless regression equations in order to 

predict bankfull hydraulic geometry. The results from Part II can be very helpful in deciding which 

dimensionless watershed variable has the most dominant affect on each dimensionless channel 

property. Based on a large data set of 600 data points, a cumulative universal regression model 

is developed. Later the data set is segregated into state/region wise and equations are developed 

separately for streams of 20 different states mainly belonging to USA, Canada, UK & New 

Zealand. The regression results clearly indicate “annual average rainfall with distribution, drainage 

area and mean basin elevation” as the most important and significant parameters which when 

combined integrate the effects of other watershed variables namely: urban cover, forest cover, 

sediment supply, etc. 

34-5 4:50 PM Byer, Gregory [218354] 

DISCOVERY OF CONCEALED SUBSURFACE STRUCTURES AND CONTAMINATION AT 

HISTORIC INDUSTRIAL SITES THROUGH INTEGRATION OF GEOPHYSICAL EXPLORATION 

INTO THE INVESTIGATION PROCESS 

BYER, Gregory, ARCADIS U.S., Inc, 132 East Washington Street, Suite 600, Indianapolis, 

IN 46204, gregory.byer@arcadis-us.com 

Performance of environmental investigations on properties containing historic industrial 

operations is a common occurrence. Guided by historic documents, the investigator must 

endeavor to align past features with current site characteristics that often differ from one another. 

In some situations, subsurface geophysical exploration helps the environmental geoscientist 

make informed decisions about the placement of soil borings, wells, or test pits, and provides a 

visceral image of the site. 

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate to geoscience professional some of the circumstances 

for which there may be tangible benefit from the use of geophysical techniques. Most often, the 

geophysical survey is performed as a series of regularly spaced measurements within a defined 

area of interest - measurements of electrical conductivity, magnetic field, and metal content are 

the most widely used reconnaissance mapping techniques. Ground penetrating radar is also 

frequently employed to provide 2D or 3D imaging of features discovered by reconnaissance 

mapping. In some cases resistivity or seismic imaging are selected as a means of adding 

geologic details, particularly when shallow bedrock is present. 

The geophysical objectives often include the need for discovery of buried fuel, process 

chemical, or waste containment vessels. Associated infrastructure often includes pipes for 

conveyance of fluids to dispensing or treatment areas. Sumps, dry wells, and septic tanks are 

often the target of interest due to liquid waste disposal into drain systems. Sewers and other 

utilities often provide mobile contaminants a pathway for spreading away from the source area 

and entering aquifers or streams. Knowledge of buried foundations provides confirmation of 

the location of above or below ground storage, processing or treatment facilities from which 

contamination originated. 

The examples provided illustrate a variety of geologic settings, types of historical facilities, 

contaminants, and site-specific characteristics and objectives. Tangible benefits resulted in each 

situation shown. Whether to guide additional sampling activities or estimation of remediation 

costs, the inclusion of geophysical exploration in site investigation activities may be well advised 

for historic industrial facilities. 

34-6 5:10 PM Mickelson, David [218388] 

USING LIDAR TO MAP STABLE SLOPE SETBACKS ON LAKE SUPERIOR SHORE BLUFFS IN 

IRON AND DOUGLAS COUNTIES, WISCONSIN 

MICKELSON, David, Geology and Geophysics, U. of Wisconsin - Madison, 1215 W. 

Dayton St, Madison, WI 53706-1692, mickelson@geology.wisc.edu and LAUMANN, Jason, 

Northwest Regional Planning Commission, 1400 South River St, Spooner, WI 54801 

Primarily because of its proximity to the Minneapolis-St. Paul population center, there is 

increasing development pressure on this part of the Lake Superior shoreline. Much of the 

shoreline of Iron and Douglas counties has bluffs from about 30 to almost 100 feet (10-30m) high. 

Our setback line is based on stable slope angle, rate of past recession, and a facility setback. 

The bluffs consist almost entirely of clayey till, sandy, stony till or sand and gravel. The geology 

of the bluff has been described in two earlier studies, and we use that vertical distribution of 

sediment, modified by field observations in 2011, as the basis for interpretation of sediment type. 

Stable slope angles for each sediment were established by measuring natural slopes in the area 

and determining what angle appears to separate stable from unstable slopes. The stable slope 

component of setback is the horizontal distance from the base of the bluff to where the stable 

slope angle intersects the bluff top. This is calculated in a GIS. Most past shoreline recession 

rates range from almost zero to about 6 feet (2 m) per year. Past annual recession rates, 

determined in a separate study by comparison of orthophotos taken at least two different times

in the past, are multiplied by 50 years. These are added to the stable slope setback and a 75 foot 

facility setback to produce a total setback line. 



T21. Field Trips, Guidebooks, and Apps: Exploring the 

Present, Past and Future of Geological Field Trips and 

Field Trip Guidebooks 


35-1 3:00 PM Evans, Kevin R. [217195] 

MEMOIRS OF AN UNREPENTANT GEOLOGIC FIELD TRIP LEADER 

EVANS, Kevin R., Geography, Geology, & Planning Dept, Missouri State University, 

Springfield, MO 65897, kevinevans@missouristate.edu 

Geologic field trips fall into three categories: student, professional, and recreational. Geoscience 

teachers generally agree that student field trips offer some of the best opportunities for student 

learning. This is perhaps attributable to the novelty for students and the immersive aspects that 

enhance engagement. They clearly provide an opportunity for development of experiential skill 

sets from observation, interpretation, and feedback through the Socratic method. Professional and 

recreational field trips share many of the same attributes but tend to address more controversial 

content or require greater physical exertion. 

So how does one learn to plan and lead geologic field trips? Budgeting and liability advice 

are available in the Geological Society of America Section Handbook, which is available online 

(http://www.geosociety.org/sectionmanual/toc.htm#ft), but there are few other resources and 

checklists for field trip leaders. Experience is not always the best teacher, but anecdotes can give 

insight into the variety of mishaps that can befall a trip. This talk provides personal and secondhand 

examples of inclement weather, poor road conditions, bad navigation, vehicle breakdowns, 

medical risks, natural hazards, and potential liabilities. All-in-all, there are few field trips where 

negative extrinsic factors have not served to make them memorable — if not treasured — in 

hindsight. 

35-2 3:20 PM Savina, Mary E. [218743] 

FIELD TRIPS: A “SIGNATURE PEDAGOGY” FOR GEOSCIENCE’S “TANGLED BANKS” 

SAVINA, Mary E., Geology, Carleton College, 1 N. College St, Northfield, MN 55057, 

msavina@carleton.edu 

According to Lee Shulman, each profession has a “signature pedagogy,” a type of assignment or 

experience that sets that discipline apart. In geology, one of the signature pedagogies is the field 

trip. As all of us know, outcrops, modern geologic environments and, in fact, other data sources 

used by geoscientists are complex: much is missing, some things are overrepresented, etc. The 

challenge of sorting it all out is what enticed many of us to geoscience in the first place. We don’t 

have to search beyond our local exposures for the kind of messy, real-life problems that make 

for excellent instructional material, both for geoscience students and others taking our classes. 

At Carleton College, we base our undergraduate teaching on multiple field experiences: starting 

early, happening often, and set up as inquiries. Because professional geoscientists use the “field 

trip” signature pedagogy too, not only with their students, but with each other, writing a field trip 

guidebook is something we can ask our students to do, along with writing in other professional 

formats such as literature reviews, grant proposals and research results. Doing the research and 

writing ahead of the trip gives students more ownership when the trip happens. Moreover, the 

students responsible for the guidebook entries can then lead the problem-solving and discussion 

at the field trip sites. 

35-3 3:40 PM Rawling, J. Elmo [218641] 

DEVIL’S LAKE FIELDTRIPS REBOOTED: MIXING TRADITION AND TECHNOLOGY 

RAWLING, J. Elmo III1 , ROWLEY, Rex1 , GULTCH, Ben1 , MCCARTNEY, M. Carol2 , and 

ATTIG, John W. 3 , (1) Geography/Geology, University of Wisconsin Platteville, 1 University 

Plaza, Platteville, WI 53818, rawlingj@uwplatt.edu, (2) Wisconsin Geological and Natural 

History Survey, University of Wisconsin - Extension, 3817 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI 

53705, (3) Department of Environmental Sciences, Wisconsin Geological and Natural History 

Survey, 3817 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI 53705 

A field trip to Devil’s Lake State Park is an important legacy in Wisconsin’s earth science tradition. 

By 1872, T.C. Chamberlain was leading educational field trips to the park while he was faculty 

at the Whitewater Normal School (now UW-Whitewater). The combination of Precambrian and 

Quaternary geology in the park results in a physical geography unique in the upper-Midwest 

including steep bluffs with talus, moraines, folded rock, and an unconformity, all in close proximity. 

Today more than 100 colleges and universities lead earth science field trips to Devil’s Lake 

State Park and more than a million people visit the park each year for recreation. A field trip 

there has been conducted as a part of the Geoscience curriculum at UW-Platteville since at 

least the 1930’s. The trips are included in courses ranging from general education to advanced 

undergraduate courses. Most of the general education students are non-science majors, and this 

is one of the few science experiences they will have as an undergraduate. Therefore, this field trip 

is a crucial link for STEM recruitment and successful student exposure to science content and 

skills. However, every year several students are not able to meet the physical demands of the 

trip due to a variety of reasons (disabilities, sports injuries, physical fitness, etc.). To address this, 

we used mobile GIS to develop an interactive set of maps to allow these students to experience 

Devil’s Lake virtually along with their classmates. Building on this work, we are creating an 

interactive map-based mobile app and website for self-guided geology tours of the park, intended 

for the broader audience of smart-phone and tablet users that visit the park for recreation. As 

many as 31% of adults own tablets and 45% own smart-phones and they often use their mobile 

devices for “just-in-time” information. The app and mobile website will provide that real-time 

information about the geology of the park and it will expand access to science content and skills 

to recreational park users. 


35-4 4:00 PM Huysken, Kristin T. [218665] 

PAIRED PROJECT-BASED FIELD TRIPS TO THE STARVED ROCK AREA, MATTHEISSEN 

AND BUFFALO ROCK STATE PARKS, AND THE ILLINOIS AND MICHIGAN CANAL STATE 

TRAIL – ILLINOIS 

HUYSKEN, Kristin T., ARGYILAN, Erin P., and VOTAW, Robert, Department of Geosciences, 

Indiana University Northwest, 3400 Broadway, Gary, IN 46408-1197, khuysken@iun.edu 

As pedagogies in undergraduate education shift toward an emphasis on discovery- and projectbased 

learning, incorporating field-based exercises into field trips and field trip guidebooks can 

enhance the application of project-centered instruction. By nature, field investigations require 

simultaneous application of multiple geological concepts and pedagogies (e.g., hypothesis 

development, data collection, application of content knowledge, interpretation, graphical/spatial 

analyses), and demonstrate the relevance of geo-scientific concepts in local and regional 

contexts. 

We have developed a pair of field-based projects that make use of State Parks and Natural 

Areas in the Starved Rock area near LaSalle, IL, including excellent exposures in Mattheissen 

State Park, Buffalo Rock State Park, and the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail. Our intent is to 

give students level-appropriate experience in approaching real field problems and themes. We 

have used these field-based projects for all levels of geology students, and pre- and in-service 

teachers – sometimes revisiting or adding to previous projects to support student learning at 

a variety of levels. The projects are independently scalable in the sense that the breadth and 

length can be modified to accommodate different learning levels, student populations, and time 

allotments. They can also be paired - providing opportunities for scaffolding of geologic concepts 

from basic observation in two dimensions at the local scale to interpretations in three-dimensional 

space at the regional scale, and provide a reflective component where intellectual advancement 

can be demonstrated. Proximity of many Midwestern institutions to the Starved Rock area makes 

it an ideal location around which to develop this project. 

35-5 4:20 PM Kay, Suzanne Mahlburg [218102] 

DIGITAL AND ON-SITE FIELD TRIP GUIDES TO THE CENTRAL ANDEAN PUNA PLATEAU 

KAY, Suzanne Mahlburg, EAS, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, smk16@cornell.edu 

and COIRA, Beatriz, Conicet, Universidad de Jujuy, Jujuy, Argentina 

Leading field trips to remote localities with difficult logistics is a challenging aspect of viewing 

some of the world’s most spectacular geology. The increase in digital technology including the 

ability to download and modify PDF images, use satellite imagery including that freely available 

on Google and other websites and low cost on-line annotated color images has greatly enhanced 

opportunities for digital field trips that provide an alternative to print field guides. A challenge 

is to produce versatile field guides that allow access to these areas through digital technology 

in parallel with print guides to use on site where access to digital technology can be limited or 

expensive. A challenge in producing digital guides is adapting to constantly changing technology 

that make those based on free web sites hard to sustain in comparison with print guides that 

last for decades. In 2008, we attempted such a 7 day guide to the central Andean Puna plateau; 

which was published along with four others from the 2006 Meeting of the Americas in Argentina 

in Geological Society of America Field Guide 13. The guide contains a disclaimer that support 

for vehicles is absent in most of the region, fuel may be unavailable, there are hazards in a 

high altitude desert at elevations of 3500-4500meters and 4-wheel vehicles with experienced 

drivers are needed. A road log is not provided; field sites are identified on maps with WSGS84 

geographic coordinates. While in a remote region, the trip features some of the world’s largest 

ignimbrites on the Earth’s second highest and most important volcanic plateau, mafic cinder 

cones, andesitic to dacitic volcanic centers including the world’s highest active center, internally 

drained salar and sedimentary basins, well exposed normal, thrust and strike faults, incredible 

alluvial fans and erosional features on the plateau margins, a complexly deformed pre-Cenozoic 

basement and breath taking scenery. Enough time has passed to view the guide with hindsight. 

We don’t know if anyone has attempted the entire trip since the guide was published, but 

know that parts of the guide have been used. The supporting Google site has changed with 

improvements in higher resolution images in some areas and deterioration of the larger view in 

the free version as local images have been added. 

35-6 4:50 PM Saja, David B. [218644] 

GOLD PANNING: A MUSEUM FIELD TRIP, EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE, AND RESEARCH 

OPPORTUNITY 

SAJA, David B., Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval Drive, Cleveland, OH 

44106-1767, dsaja@cmnh.org 

“Gold! Gold! Gold!!!” announced the first gold panning fieldtrip run by the Cleveland Museum 

of Natural History in the summer of 1986. Run nearly every year since, it was originally led by 

two museum educators (Robert Bartolotta and JoAnn Coburn), and is now led by Bartolotta 

and by the Museum’s Curator of Mineralogy. Originally, the trip visited local parks just to look 

and not collect, but now it is run in collaboration with the Buckeye Chapter of the Gold Panning 

Association of America (GPAA), and travels to the Swank Claim in Richland County, a private 

claim registered with the state. Rivers in northern Ohio are influenced by glacially carved valleys 

and till deposits. Their sediment is dominated by various types and ages of glacial material from 

clay beds to a wide variety of erratics brought from Canada. Mining at the Swank deposit is limited 

to just the stream bed, which erodes an outwash valley deposit of possible pre-Wisconsinan till. 

During the drive from Cleveland to the claim, glacial geology, the glacial history of Ohio, and the 

physical geography of the glacial-outwash valley that cradles the prospect are discussed. Past 

human exploitation of the deposit and how it is now maintained and regulated by the state EPA 

and GPAA is also covered. At the claim, members of the GPAA demonstrate the technique of 

panning for gold (acquire gravel from the river bottom and classify it by size and density to obtain 

concentrated heavy sand) first with a simple plastic gold pan, and then with a small dredge. A 

field microscope setup on the river bank allows participants to view their finds and learn the 

mineralogy of sand using identified prepared slides. They are surprised to learn that sand is a size 

classification and that its composition varies to include minerals like diamond, garnet, and rutile. 

Each year unique glacial cobbles and a few kilograms of concentrate, discarded after panning, 

are collected for research and museum specimens. The heavy black sands hold clues to the 

origin of these glacial sediments. From composition, sphericity, and angularity one can discern 

an original glacial-sand and two recent sand populations derived from the decomposition of the 

glacial cobbles and from local sandstones. Despite advertising “do not expect to find nuggets”, 

this trip remains very popular, especially in today’s economy with gold at $1,670 tr. oz. 



35-7 5:10 PM Hannibal, Joseph T. [217200] 

GUIDELINES FOR SUCCESSFUL INFORMAL GEOLOGIC WALKING TOURS AND FIELD 

TRIPS 

HANNIBAL, Joseph T., Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval Drive, Cleveland, 

OH 44106-1767, jhanniba@cmnh.org 

The best informal geologic walking tours and field trips for members of the general public combine 

aspects of formal (professional/for fellow geologists) and student geologic field trips with aspects 

of commercial walking tours and trips. As with formal geologic trips and commercial tours, it 

is important that the leader is authoritative and knows the topics covered inside out. It is even 

better if the leader is an expert on the geology of the site or sites visited. Expertise, however, is 

not enough. A good trip leader must also be engaging, entertaining, and prepared (as are good 

commercial guides). Use of personal anecdotes and humorous stories help create rapport with 

attendees. Optimal group sizes are between ~7 and 25 people (critical mass is necessary to 

develop group synergy, but it is difficult to maintain a personal touch with a group >25). A leader 

must also be attentive, making sure that she or he is heard and seen by all attendees as much as 

possible. A simple megaphone is helpful. Pacing (not too much time at any one spot) is important 

A 

Abbey, Daron 23-8 

Abbott, Mark B. 10-2, 13-6 

Abongwa, Pride 25-6 

Aden, Douglas J. 14-2* 

Ahmed, Mohamed 6-6*, 22-4 

Al Harbi, Talal 6-4 

Alfaifi, Hussain J. 34-2* 

Algeo, Thomas J. 12-7, 28-29, 28-31, 28-36 

Alharbi, Talal 6-6, 22-4* 

Alshahrani, Saeed S. 12-1* 

Andermann, Christoff 28-16 

Anderson, Brad 3-2 

Anderson, Charles W. 15-4 

Anderson, Kari 4-1 

Anderson, Mary P. 23-2 

Arbogast, Alan F. 29-8 

Arevalo, Joseph M. 31-3* 

Argyilan, Erin P. 24-7, 35-4 

Armstrong, Felicia P. 4-9, 25-9 

Arnaud, Emmanuelle 23-8 

Arnevik, Arik L. 29-3 

Arriola, Leon M. 28-5 

Artz, Joe Alan 13-8* 

Atekwana, Eliot 25-6* 

Attig, John W. 3-4, 3-5, 14-3, 35-3 

Aucoin, Christopher D. 8-6*, 12-4, 16-5* 

Aylsworth, Robert L. 18-1 


B 

Babcock, Loren E. 27-3*, 27-5 

Baca, Kira J. 29-5 

Baedke, Steve J. 24-7 

Bajc, A.F. 14-8* 

Bajc, Andy F. 23-7 

Baker, Kathleen M. 32-5 

Baker, Richard G. 13-5 

Baratta, Vanessa M. 21-3* 

Barnes, David A. 1-2, 1-3, 9-5 

Barney, Jeffrey A. 7-3*, 32-2* 

Barone, Steven 7-4* 

Bartels, William S. 8-12, 8-13 

Bartlett, Wendy 30-2 

Bassett, Damon J. 2-2 

Basso, Bruno 20-4 

Baumann, Eric Jr. 8-14*, 28-29, 28-31*, 

28-36 

Bayless, E. Randall 33-2* 

Beaulieu, Jake 1-7 

Becker, Richard 6-1, 6-4, 22-5 

Becker, Richard H. 6-2, 6-7, 6-8*, 22-6 

Bessler, Stephanie A. 28-5 

Best, James L. 3-10 

Bettis, E. Arthur III 13-5, 13-7, 21-3 

Bhattacharyya, Prajukti 28-5, 28-17 

Bird, Brian 14-10 

Bird, Broxton W. 10-1, 10-2, 13-6 

Birren, Thomas H. 28-6* 

to keep the audience engaged. Props, including samples (minerals, fossils, rocks), poster-sized 

illustrations (e.g., a cityscape with buildings and their stone types labeled), large maps, simple 

sections, etc., help explain items seen, and are as important for informal tours and trips as they 

are for formal trips. Handouts covering salient aspects of a trip are appreciated by attendees. 

Some interactivity (not to the extent of student trips) should be included; this could be posing 

simple questions or providing opportunities for the audience to make their own observations. 

As with any good formal geologic field trip, it is important to add some kind of cultural aspect to 

informal walking tours and field trips. 

Informal walking tours and field trips must be publicized to be successful. Targeted audiences 

work well (museum newsletters and websites, cemetery newsletters for cemetery geology trips, 

brochures, handouts) but a feature article in a major media outlet is even better. Good tours and 

trips also generate word-of-mouth advertising. With adequate promotion, the same tour or trip can 

be offered year after year. Publication of guidebooks and articles covering these tours and trips do 

not seem to diminish the audience for expert-led informal trips and can be used in whole or part 

as trip handouts. 

Index of Authors 

How to use the indexing system: 

The first number (preceding the dash) represents the session number in which the paper will be presented. 

The second number (following the dash) indicates the presentation order of the paper within its session. 

Example: Barone, Steven ….. 7-4* 

Find Session #7 in either the Abstracts volume or the Technical Session portion of the 

Program, and look at the fourth paper in the session. 

Page numbers are not listed in this index. Refer to session number and order of presentation to locate the 

author you are searching for. 

*denotes presenter 

Blahnik, Caitlin 8-11* 

Bleeker, Tyler 31-2* 

Blockland, Joseph 3-2 

Bluth, Gregg J.S. 4-1 

Bornhorst, Theodore J. 5-1 

Bouali, El Hachemi Y. 6-2*, 21-1* 

Bourbonnierre, Rick 21-6 

Bradley, P.W. 25-7 

Brake, Sandra S. 28-3, 28-19, 28-20 

Brandt, Danita S. 27-3, 27-4* 

Brett, C.E. 27-2 

Brett, Carlton E. 8-6, 8-15, 9-1, 12-4 

Brinkmann, Sarah 28-19* 

Brinks, Linden E. 29-4* 

Brothers, Candice E. 18-2 

Brown, Diana 25-3* 

Brown, Lewis M. 15-8 

Brown, Steven E. 14-1*, 23-6 

Bruegger, Alison 11-6* 

Bryant-Kuiphoff, Yonee’ E. 4-7 

Bryk, Alexander B. 3-10 

Budd, Blaze M. 28-25 

Bull, Nicholas 1-3* 

Bunda, Jacob 20-3* 

Burch, Kyle R. 28-3 

Burns, Anastasia Marie 28-21* 

Burt, Abigail K. 14-7* 

Butler, James J. Jr. 23-9 

Byer, Gregory 34-5* 

C 

Callahan, Caitlin N. 32-5* 

Camaret, B.N 9-6* 

Carnes, Jennifer L. 28-30* 

Caron, Olivier 3-10 

Carrillo-Chavez, Alejandro 17-3 

Carson, Eric C. 3-4*, 14-3* 

Cassidy, Daniel 21-5 

Caulkins, Joshua L. 32-3 

Cauthon, Matthew J. 28-10 

Chase, Ronald B. 21-1 

Chiasera, Brandon 22-7* 

Chiba, Kentaro 16-8 

Chouinard, Kyle 22-5 

Chouinard, Kyle J. 6-2, 6-4 

Ciampaglio, C.N. 16-1 

Cicimurri, David J. 16-1 

Cioppa, M.T. 18-7 

Claes, Christopher 8-13* 

Coenen, Jason 27-8 

Coira, Beatriz 35-5 

Colgan, Patrick M. 3-8* 

Compton, John G. 5-5 

Conner, Jeremy 28-9* 

Conway, Maura C. 25-9* 

Cook, Alex 7-2 

Cook, Tamara J. 28-12* 

Cooperrider, Leah 26-4, 26-5* 

Couts, Kimberly E. 28-15*

Crane, Renee 21-5* 

Crisp, Alexis A. 28-15 

Crossey, Laura J. 25-4 

Crowley, Brooke 8-14, 17-3 

Cullen, Patrick 28-29*, 28-31, 28-36 

Cummings, Don I. 23-1 

Cupples, William B. 12-10* 

Currie, Philip J. 16-4 

Curry, B. Brandon 3-9*, 11-6 

D 

Darby, Dennis A. 13-6 

Dasgupta, Rajarshi 17-3* 

Dattilo, Benjamin 9-3, 27-2* 

Day, Jed 8-2*, 8-7 

Deuter, Leigh H. 16-1*, 28-26 

Devera, Joseph 27-6* 

DeWolf, Cris L. 28-13* 

Dildar, Nadia 24-1 

Disbennett, Douglas 21-6* 

Dogan, Mine 23-9* 

Dolliver, Holly A.S. 28-24 

Donoghue, Kellie 9-2* 

Dorale, Jeffrey 28-2 

Doucette, Ikumi D. 10-3* 

Doughty, Travis M. 19-2* 

Drumheller, Stephanie K. 27-7*, 27-9 

Ducey, Patrick W. 11-1*, 14-9 

Dunkle, Kallina M. 23-2* 

E 

Eichstedt-Anderson, Ethan M. 28-5 

El Kadiri, Racha 6-4* 

El-Sherif, Noran 27-1* 

Ellett, Kevin 33-4 

Elson, Joshua D. 9-4*, 28-10* 

Emmons, Taylor A. 31-3 

Endicott, Robert E. 28-40* 

Engelmann, Carol A. 4-3 

Erich, Kyla J. 21-4* 

Eriksson, Kenneth A. 12-8 

Ernstes, Angela L. 4-8 

Ernstes, Joshua D. 4-8* 

Esch, John M. 3-6* 

Escobar, Jaime H. 10-1 

Estifanos, Biniam Haileab 18-9* 

Ethington, Raymond L. 2-2 

Evans, David C. 16-8 

Evans, James E. 12-2, 12-3, 12-5 

Evans, James, E. 12-1 

Evans, Kevin 9-3, 17-4, 28-11 

Evans, Kevin R. 2-2*, 28-10, 35-1* 

Evans, Scott D. 8-2 

Eyles, Carolyn H. 23-3, 23-7 

F 

Fadem, Cynthia M. 10-3, 10-4, 28-14, 28-40 

Farlow, James O. 16-4* 

Faulkner, Douglas J. 28-27 

Feig, Anthony D. 26-4*, 26-5 

Fenerty, B.S. 14-9 

Fisher, Elizabeth A. 28-38* 

Fisher, Timothy G. 3-1, 3-2*, 22-8, 29-5* 

Fleming, Anthony H. 14-4* 

Fluegeman, Richard H. 17-6 

Fontana, Thomas M. 8-12* 

Fordyce, R. Ewan 16-2 

Fordyce, Samuel W. 28-14* 

Forman, Steven L. 3-5, 24-7 

Fortner, Sarah K. 28-15 

Fowler, J.K. 9-7* 

Frahm, Andrew L. 23-4 

Fraley, Kendle 5-2 

Francek, Mark 26-3*, 26-5 

Frank, Mark R. 5-2*, 5-5 

Franko, Kelsey M. 17-2 

Freeman, Rebecca L. 27-2 

Freeman, V. Rocky 30-2* 

Freeman-Ballew, Elizabeth 28-26* 

Fugate, Joseph M. 18-2 

Fujita, Kazuya 28-13 

Fulton, Albert E. II 29-2* 

Fynewever, Herb 32-2 

G 

Gant, Michael T. 17-4* 

Gebrehiwet, Tsigabu 25-5* 

Gehrman, Rachael C. 10-2* 

Gemperline, Johanna 11-7 

Geraghty Ward, Emily M. 32-7 

Gerber, Kathryn E. 29-4 

Gerke, Tammie L. 27-2 

Gerson, Laura M. 18-10* 

Gibbons, Jack 28-6 

Gierlowski-Kordesch, Elizabeth 28-30 

Giesy, John P. 25-7 

Gilchrist, Ann M. 32-1* 

Gilliom, Alden Jane 28-16* 

Goble, Ronald J. 3-2, 29-3 

Gochis, Emily 4-4 

Gochis, Emily E. 4-3, 4-5*, 30-1 

Goodwin, Grant M. 28-15 

Gottfried, Michael D. 16-2* 

Gottgens, Johan F. 29-5 

Gouzie, Douglas 18-10 

Gouzie, Douglas R. 1-4 

Grabemeyer, Nick C. 4-7* 

Grant, Kathryn F. 17-2 

Green, Douglas H. 2-4 

Green, Jeremy L. 8-4* 

Griffey, Denisha 31-5* 

Griffith, Elizabeth M. 13-6 

Grigsby, Jeffry D. 17-6 

Grimley, David A. 11-6, 13-9* 

Grote, Katherine R. 17-2, 28-21 

Grote, Todd 29-6* 

Guensburg, Thomas E. 8-5* 

Guenther, Merrilee F. 16-7* 

Gultch, Ben 35-3 

Gustafson, Alan J. 17-2 

Gustin, Andrew R. 33-4 

H 

Hacker, David B. 13-6 

Hagen, Benjamin P. 28-15 

Hagni, Richard D. 5-4* 

Haileab, Bereket 28-6 

Hampton, Duane R. 1-3, 34-2, 34-3 

Hanger, Rex 8-1, 8-11 

Hanger, Rex A. 8-8 

Hannibal, Joseph T. 30-2, 30-4*, 35-7* 

Hannigan, Robyn 12-7 

Hansen, Edward C. 5-1, 28-23 

Hanson, Paul R. 13-2, 24-6* 

Haque, Md. Aminul 17-1*, 25-2* 

Harefa, Sarah C. 31-3 

Harrison, Jeffrey M. 13-6* 

Hart, David J. 23-2, 28-17 

Hart, J. 18-7* 

Hasan, M. Aziz 25-2 

Hasan, Maggie 5-5 

Hasbargen, Leslie 16-5 

Hasenmueller, Nancy R. 8-2 

Hayden, Travis G. 12-9* 

Healy, Scott M. 17-4 

Heckel, Philip H. 28-29, 28-36 

Hein, Jordan A. 28-25* 

Helwig, Zane 27-10 

Henck Schmidt, Amanda 28-16 

Henderlong, Peter J. 28-8* 

Henderson, Charles 32-2 

Herrmann, Achim D. 28-29, 28-36 

Herrmann, Edward W. 13-10* 

Hess, Rachel 9-3* 

Higley, Melinda 3-2 

Hilverda, Elaine 19-1 

Hladyniuk, Ryan 24-1* 

Hobbs, Trevor 13-3, 14-5* 

Honeycutt, Christina Ebey 26-2* 

Hooyer, Thomas S. 11-2 

Horsman, Eric 28-9 

Huck, Scott W. 12-5* 

Hungwe, Kedmon 4-5 

Huntoon, Jacqueline E. 4-3 

Huysken, Kristin T. 28-7, 28-8, 35-4* 

Hyndman, Dave 20-4 

Hyndman, David W. 20-5, 22-2, 23-9 

I 

Iqbal, Mohammad 17-1 

Ismail, Ahmed 11-7, 14-9 

Ives, Brandon T. 9-4 

J 

Jackson, Susan 15-4 

Jagoda, Susan Kaschner 15-2* 

Jaques, Charlie A. 15-3 

Jardeleza, Sarah 32-7 

Jasinski, Briana L. 22-2* 

Jeffery, David L. 16-3* 

Jenkins, Julia H. 4-7 

Jenschke, Matthew Clay 12-2* 

Jha, Rajan 34-4* 

Jilek, Ellen 28-5* 

Johns, Elizabeth K. 1-4* 

Johnson, Aaron W. 19-2, 28-2 

Johnson, Daryl 8-1*, 8-8 

Johnston, John W. 24-5, 24-7* 

Jol, Harry M. 18-3*, 28-27, 29-3 

Joshi, Siddharth Dilip 18-8* 

K 

Kahler, Dawn 4-8 

Kannan, K. 25-7 

Karaffa, Marni D. 14-4 

Karlstrom, Karl E. 25-4 

Karsten, James W. 29-7* 

Kaunda, Rennie B. 21-1 

Kay, Katherine E. 4-8 

Kay, Suzanne Mahlburg 35-5* 

Keefer, Donald A. 23-6* 

Keen, Kerry L. 15-7* 

Kehew, A.E. 25-4, 33-5 

Kehew, Alan E. 21-1 

Keith, Brian D. 12-6 

Kelly, Bridget B. 17-2 

Kelso, Paul 15-8 

Kendall, Anthony D. 20-4, 20-5, 22-2, 28-25 

Kerr, Phillip J. 13-5* 

Kettenring, Karin M. 31-7 

Kincare, Kevin A. 14-6* 

King, Lorin 27-9 

Klawiter, Mark F. 4-2, 4-3*, 4-4, 4-5, 30-1 

Knipe, Dawn 28-7 

Kominz, Michelle A. 9-5, 12-9 

Koretsky, Carla M. 20-1, 31-5, 32-4 

Koroleski, Kraig K. 22-7 

Kowalewski, Michal 12-8 

Kowalski, Daniel 29-8 

Koy, Karen A. 27-10* 

Kozlowski, Andrew L. 14-10* 

Krantz, David E. 18-2 

Krawczyk, Malgorzata 6-4 

Krehel, Austin W. 28-23* 

Krishnamurthy, R.V. 25-4, 25-5, 25-5 

Krossman, K.E. 9-6 

Kuban, Glen J. 16-4 

Kuhl, Alexandria 18-5* 

Kuhn, Ryan M. 28-3* 

Kumler, Lori 4-9 

Kunz, Stephen E. 28-34* 

Kurtz, Alexander 31-4 

L 

Lane, Joe 7-1* 

Larson, Mark 2-1*, 18-4* 

Larson, Mark O. 9-4, 28-11* 

Larson, Timothy 11-7 

Latimer, Jennifer C. 28-3 

Laumann, Jason 34-6 

Lee, Charlotte I. 20-5* 

Lee, Daphne 16-2 

Legg, Robert J. 29-3 

Legge, Evan A. 19-1 

Lemke, Lawrence D. 23-4*, 23-5 

Leonard, Andrea M. 8-2 

Leonard, Karl W. 28-34 

LePage, Gabriel 29-7 

Lepper, Kenneth 3-1*, 3-2, 22-8, 24-5, 24-7 

Letsinger, Sally L. 14-9, 33-4 

Lewandowski, Katherine J. 15-3* 

Li, Shu-Guang 25-3 

Libarkin, Julie 32-6, 32-7 

Liesch, Matthew E. 29-3 

Lightfoot, Randall E. 21-2* 

Lincoln, T.N. 31-8 

Lingle, Derrick 33-5* 

Lis, Jill 22-6 

List, Daniel A. 9-1 

Liu, Xiaodong 13-2 

Liu, Xiuju 18-2, 22-8* 

Londoño, Ana C. 28-28 

Long, D. 25-8 

Long, David T. 25-1, 25-3, 25-7 

Longstaffe, Fred J. 24-1 

Loope, Henry M. 29-3* 

Loope, Walter L. 24-2*, 29-3 

Lotimer, Leslea 20-2* 

Lovis, William A. 29-8 

Lowell, Thomas V. 3-1, 3-3*, 3-7, 22-8 

Ludwig, Matthew A. 26-6* 

M 

Ma, Yuteng 18-6* 

MacKay, Ross 21-6 

MacLennan, Carol A. 31-10 

Mahoney, J. Brian 28-33 

Maike, Christopher 18-2* 

Main, Derek J. 27-9 

Malcuit, Robert J. 2-5* 

Maldonado, Patricia 15-4 

Malgieri, Thomas J. 8-6, 12-4* 

Manche, Cameron 22-5* 

Manger, Walter L. 2-2 

Markham, Laura 15-4 

Markle, Bradley 28-1 

Marks, Adam 28-34 

Marsey, C.W. 9-7 

Martin, Dean R. 11-3 

Martin, Nicholas 32-7* 

Martin, Sherry L. 20-5, 22-2 

Mason, Joseph A. 13-2 

Mason, Milam 27-2 

Masters, Simon 16-6* 

Mateas, Douglas J. 5-3* 

Mathai, Rani V. 26-1* 

Mattheus, C.R. 9-6, 9-7, 19-3, 22-1* 

Mattox, Stephen 4-4*, 4-6, 4-7, 4-8, 15-5* 

Mattox, Stephen R. 4-3, 4-5 

Matzke, Jeffrey A. 13-7* 

Mayle, Emme 1-5* 

Maynard, J. Barry 28-29, 28-36 

McAfee, Robert K. 8-4, 16-9* 

McCarthy, Stephanie M. 16-7 

McCartney, M. Carol 35-3 

McClenaghan, M.B. 11-4 

McKee, Kathleen F. 4-3 

McLaughlin, Patrick I. 27-2 

McLean, Colleen 9-6 

McLean, Colleen E. 4-9*, 25-9 

McMullen, John 28-34 

McRivette, Michael W. 8-13 

Meidlinger-Chin, Vernon 28-37* 

Menzies, John 11-4 

Messina, Michael G. 29-7 

Meyer, David L. 27-2 

Meyer, Jessica R. 23-8 

Miao, Xiaodong 11-5*, 13-2* 

Miceli, Cassandra 31-2 

Mickelson, David 34-6* 

Mickus, Kevin 2-1, 18-10, 28-11 

Mickus, Kevin L. 2-2, 18-4 

Milewski, Stormy 28-29, 28-31, 28-36* 

Miller, Ashley E. 4-3, 4-4, 4-5, 4-6* 

Miller, James F. 2-2, 17-4 

Miller, Kurtz K. 7-2* 

Misterovich, Gregory 14-11* 

Mobley, Tilden J. 28-15 

Mode, William N. 11-2 

Mogren, Saad 18-12* 

Mohamed, Lamees 6-3*, 6-5* 

Mohammed, Abdelmawgoud 25-4* 

Molitor, Timothy H. 17-2* 

Monaghan, G. William 29-8* 

Mooi, Rich 8-5 

Moore, Rebecca J. 28-33* 

Morgan, Sven 28-9 

Morrison, Sean M. 28-27* 

Morse, Aaron 27-2 

Mottaleb, M. Abdul 28-2 

Mukhopadhyay, Manoj 18-12 

Mulcahy, Connor 5-1* 

Mulligan, R.P.M. 14-8 

Mulligan, Riley P.M. 23-7* 

Musch, Steven C. 19-1* 

Mutambuki, Jacinta M. 32-2 

N 

Nagel, Linda M. 13-3 

Nagelkirk, Ryan L. 20-4* 

Nandi, Sourav K. 17-4 

Naylor, Shawn 33-4* 

Nembhard, Nicole S. 10-4* 

Nesbitt, Sterling 27-7 

Nichols, Cody A. 28-4* 

Nicholson, Kirsten N. 17-6 

Niessen, Frank 12-9 


Nieuwsma, Josh 31-2 

Nilges, Tayloy P. 28-28 

Norton, M.S. 19-3* 

Noto, Christopher 27-9* 

O 

O’Malley, Christina E. 15-3 

Oches, Eric A. 13-9 

Olyphant, Greg A. 33-4 

Ortiz, Joseph D. 13-6 

Osman, Matthew 28-1* 

Over, D. Jeffrey 8-2 

P 

Pappas, Lena K. 23-4, 23-5* 

Parker, Beth L. 23-8 

Parkin, Ann 31-4* 

Paulen, Roger C. 11-4 

Pavey, Richard R. 11-3* 

Pekalska, Aneta 22-6 

Pennington, Wayne D. 2-3* 

Perry, Krystal 31-4 

Petcovic, Heather 4-4, 4-5, 4-7, 4-8, 7-4, 

32-2 

Petcovic, Heather L. 4-3, 15-6, 32-3*, 

32-4, 32-5 

Peters, Carl E. 28-22* 

Peterson, Joseph E. 27-8* 

Peteya, Jennifer A. 27-5* 

Pethe, Swardhuni 17-6* 

Phillips, Andrew C. 3-10*, 11-7* 

Phillips, Michael A. 31-11* 

Piispa, Elisa J. 4-1 

Plymate, Thomas 1-1 

Pollard, Alexander KH Sr. 15-8 

Prather, Eleighna 31-2 

Prentice, Michael L. 11-1, 14-9* 

Prokocki, Eric W. 3-10 

Putnam, Aaron E. 3-7 

R 

Ransohoff, Rebecca Weiss 31-6* 

Raslich, Frank 22-7 

Rasmussen, Amy K. 28-33 

Rasmussen, David Tab 28-30 

Rawling, J. Elmo III 24-3, 35-3* 

Rawling, J.E. III 24-6 

Reed, Mark S. 4-7 

Reeves, Howard W. 33-1* 

Regis, Robert S. 28-32 

Reinhardt, Jason 13-3* 

Rhede, D. 5-1 

Rice, Jane 15-4* 

Rice, Jessey Murray 11-4* 

Richardson-Coy, Robin 28-18* 

Rivera, Alexei A. 8-9*, 8-10* 

Robert, Joe 10-1* 


Robinson, Amanda 25-7*, 25-8 

Rocheford, M. Kathryn 13-11* 

Rodbell, Donald T. 10-2 

Roeglin, Lauren E. 28-27 

Rohs, C. Renee 28-4 

Rooney, Tyrone O. 22-7 

Rose, William I. 4-3, 4-5, 4-7, 4-8, 30-1*, 

31-10 

Rothenberg, Miriam 28-16 

Rovey, Charles W. II 1-5, 1-6, 13-4* 

Rowbotham, Katherine L. 32-4* 

Rowley, Rex 35-3 

Ruddock, Judy 28-13 

Rudge, David W. 15-6* 

Running, Garry Leonard IV 28-27 

Russell, Hazen A.J. 23-1* 

Rustem, Stephanie 15-4 

Ryan, Michael J. 16-8 

S 

Sack, Dorothy 31-1* 

Saja, David B. 30-3*, 35-6* 

Salim, Rachel 34-3* 

Salmons, Charles R. 15-1* 

Salzwedel, Mitchell 28-24* 

Samson, Josh B. 9-5 

Sandau, Stephen 16-6 

Sanderfoot, Benjamin 11-2* 

Sanders, Jonathon D. 22-6* 

Sands, Jonathan 28-34 

Santistevan, Fred 12-7* 

Sargent, Steve 14-9 

Sauck, William A. 18-11 

Savina, Mary E. 35-2* 

Schaetzl, Randall 3-5* 

Schepke, Chuck 4-1*, 28-13 

Schieber, Juergen 9-2 

Schmus, Matthew 28-17* 

Schramm, Thomas J. 27-2 

Schroeder, Lauren A. 25-9 

Schultz, Veronika 31-4 

Scott, Evan E. 16-8* 

Scott, Henry P. 5-5* 

Seaney, Derek L. 28-3 

Sears, Lindsey 18-2 

Selner, Maria D. 4-8 

Sereres, Clayton 18-8 

Shah, Mihir 12-3* 

Shahpurwala, Aiman 22-7 

Sharpe, David 23-1 

Shields, Stephen A. 1-1* 

Shikaze, Steven 23-8 

Shisler, Daniel Jay 29-7 

Siemer, Kyle W. 6-1* 

Sigler, Von 22-6 

Sin, Jen-Li 29-4 

Sinclair, Jay 28-13 

Sipola, Maija E. 13-1* 

Slomka, Jessica M. 23-3* 

Smart, Saundra M. 28-20* 

Smirnov, Aleksey V. 4-1 

Smith, Jory 29-7 

Smith, Matthew D. 28-2* 

Smolenski, Rebecca Lynn 1-7* 

Smrecak, Trisha A. 8-3* 

Sobel, Elizabeth 18-4 

Soderlund, Lily 31-6 

Sonnenburg, Elizabeth 24-4* 

Sosulski, John H. 1-2* 

Sprinkle, James 8-5 

Stansell, Nathan D. 10-2 

Steffke, Christy 32-6* 

Steinman, Byron A. 10-2 

Stierman, Donald 18-2 

Stierman, Donald J. 18-9 

Stocker, Michelle R. 27-7 

Stohr, Christopher 11-5 

Stokes, Alison 32-3 

Stone, Jeffery 28-19, 28-20 

Storms, Joep E.A. 29-1 

Stowe, M.S. 22-1 

Stratton, Stephanie L. 1-6* 

Struve, Matthew W. 28-27 

Strydhorst, Natasha A. 19-1 

Student, James J. 28-9 

Sultan, Mohamed 6-2, 6-3, 6-4, 6-5, 6-6, 

22-4, 22-5, 25-4 

Svoboda, Michele R. 28-13 

Swineford, Jacob T. 29-4 

Syverson, Kent M. 28-33, 31-9* 

T 

Tabor, Neil J. 28-30 

Talarico, Joe M. 9-4 

Tamr, Radwan 18-8 

Tangtong, Chaiyanun 25-1* 

Targos, Courtney 28-7* 

Tatum, Stephen 17-5* 

Teed, Rebecca 28-18, 28-26 

Thomason, Jason F. 11-5, 23-6 

Thomka, James R. 8-6, 8-15*, 9-1*, 12-4 

Thompson, Todd A. 12-6*, 24-5*, 24-7 

Tinigin, Laura 22-5 

Townsend Small, Amy 21-6 

Townsend-Small, Amy 1-7, 31-6 

Triplett, Laura D. 31-7 

Tupper, M. Tobias 2-4* 

U 

Unterreiner, Gerald 33-3* 

V 

Van Arsdale, Roy B. 12-10 

Van Dam, Remke 18-6 

Van Dam, Remke L. 18-1*, 18-5, 23-9, 29-1* 

Van Wyk, Ashley L. 31-3 

VanderBilt, Lucas E. 19-1 

Vannier, Ryan 25-7, 25-8* 

Varelas, Maria 26-2 

Vogelgesang, Jason 13-7 

Voice, Peter J. 12-8* 

Voice, Thomas C. 25-1, 25-3, 25-7 

Votaw, Robert 35-4 

Vye, Erika C. 4-3, 30-1, 31-10* 

W 

Wagenvelt, Kirk A. 9-5* 

Wagner, Kaleb 22-3* 

Wagner, Zachary C. 31-7* 

Waite, Greg 28-13 

Waite, Gregory P. 2-3 

Walters, Kent A. 3-7* 

Wang, Hong 13-2 

Warbritton, Matthew J. 28-28* 

Ward, Adam S. 21-3 

Weaver, Laura K. 23-8* 

Weirich, Frank 13-7, 21-3 

Weiss Ransohoff, Rebecca 21-6 

West, Terry R. 34-1* 

White, Nathan 28-35* 

Wilch, T.I. 31-8* 

Wilcox, Douglas A. 24-7 

Williams, Jeremy C. 12-7 

Williams, Matthew 31-4 

Wilson, Elizabeth L. 28-15 

Woodford, Libby R. 28-32* 

Wosik, Mateusz 16-7 

Wulf, Shane 8-1, 8-8* 

Wyman, Davina A. 20-1* 

Y 

Yang, Jianwen 18-7, 18-8 

Yansa, Catherine H. 24-3*, 29-1 

Yaqoob, Muthanna Yousif 18-11* 

Yeider, Lindsey 28-39* 

Young, Julie L. 4-7 

Yurk, Brian 28-23 

Z 

Zaki, Abotalib 6-3, 6-5 

Zambito, James J. IV 8-7* 

Zapata, Alek K. 29-4 

Zimmerman, Alexander N. Jr. 15-8* 

Zmijewski, Kirk A. 6-7* 

Zolynsky, Debra L. 4-2* 

Zondag, Jacob A. 31-3

Abstracts with Programs - Geological Society of America

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