Abstracts with Programs - Geological Society of America
Abstracts with Programs - Geological Society of America
Abstracts with Programs - Geological Society of America
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SESSION NO. 31<br />
such as pottery types over time, graphically representing time series. Such graphs have also been<br />
used by a number <strong>of</strong> authors to show changes in stone used for gravestones over time.<br />
Building on use for gravestone analysis, seriation curves can also be used to illustrate changes<br />
in stone and other material used for sculptures, buildings, and other aspects <strong>of</strong> geological material<br />
culture. Seriation curves can be used to plot already existing data gleaned (data-mined) from<br />
publications and websites as well as from newly collected data. What is needed in either case is a<br />
stone type and a date <strong>of</strong> completion, construction, or dedication. Larger data sets are better, but<br />
even smaller data sets can result in illustrative seriation curves.<br />
Seriation curves were constructed for building stone used for the exterior <strong>of</strong> houses <strong>of</strong> worship<br />
in northeastern Ohio (based on Hannibal, 1999) and for stone types (marble, granite, sandstone)<br />
and bronze (and other metal) used for Civil War statuary monuments (based on a Cincinnati<br />
History Library and Archives website on Civil War Monuments in Ohio). Curves for churches<br />
show early dominance <strong>of</strong> sandstone <strong>with</strong> subsequent but episodic dominance <strong>of</strong> limestone and<br />
dolomite. Curves plotting Civil War statuary monuments indicate an early post-war preference for<br />
marble versus granite, but a subsequent preference for granite in the post-war decades. Bronze<br />
and other metal statuary, however, came to dominate stone in the 1920s. The seriation curves<br />
for these and other cultural items made <strong>of</strong> stone <strong>of</strong>fer interesting similarities and differences that<br />
are related to availability, transport, weathering characteristics and other stone properties, and<br />
cultural preferences.<br />
SESSION NO. 31, 1:30 PM<br />
Friday, 3 May 2013<br />
T8. Addressing Environmental Aspects <strong>of</strong> Geology:<br />
Research, Pedagogy, and Public Policy<br />
Fetzer Center, Room 1040/1050<br />
31-1 1:30 PM Sack, Dorothy [218356]<br />
HUMAN IMPACTS ON THE DUNES NEAR LYNNDYL, UTAH<br />
SACK, Dorothy, Department <strong>of</strong> Geography, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701,<br />
sack@ohio.edu<br />
Most studies <strong>of</strong> the impact <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>f-road vehicles (ORVs) on <strong>America</strong>n deserts have been conducted<br />
on nondunal desert landscapes or have emphasized ORV effects on dune wildlife only. Previous<br />
researchers have suggested that documented adverse consequences to desert plains and<br />
alluvial fans should be avoided by restricting ORV use to active sand dunes. The assumption that<br />
ORVs have no significant physical effect on active desert sand dunes, however, has not been<br />
adequately investigated. The research reported on here was undertaken to determine if selected<br />
dune variables differ significantly between dunes used and dunes not used by ORVs.<br />
The Lynndyl dune field, located in west-central Utah about 200 km southwest <strong>of</strong> Salt Lake<br />
City, provides an excellent opportunity to study the effects <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>f-road vehicles on active desert<br />
sand dunes. About 40% <strong>of</strong> the 575 sq km dune field is administered by the Bureau <strong>of</strong> Land<br />
Management as a recreation area. Most <strong>of</strong> the recreation area is open to ORV use, which is<br />
seasonally intensive, but ORVs are prohibited from a designated natural region that covers about<br />
17% <strong>of</strong> the total recreation area. The adjacent used and unused portions <strong>of</strong> the dune field have<br />
the same dune types, sand source, and climate.<br />
Data on vegetation cover, water content, sediment compaction, and grain size distribution<br />
parameters were collected from multiple barchanoid dunes distributed between the used and<br />
unused portions <strong>of</strong> the dune field. Results show that the used dunes are significantly more<br />
compacted than the unused dunes, including when controlling for grain size differences between<br />
the two samples. In addition, variations in dune form and migration rates are explored <strong>with</strong><br />
sequential aerial photographs.<br />
31-2 1:50 PM Bleeker, Tyler [218382]<br />
EFFICACY OF SAND FENCES IN STABILIZING A STEEP ACTIVE DUNE BLOWOUT<br />
BLEEKER, Tyler, MICELI, Cassandra, NIEUWSMA, Josh, and PRATHER, Eleighna,<br />
Geology, Geography and Environmental Studies, Calvin College, 3201 Burton Street SE,<br />
Grand Rapids, MI 49546, tmb29@students.calvin.edu<br />
Sand fences are a common management technique used to mitigate wind erosion and stabilize<br />
sand dunes. This project investigates the efficacy <strong>of</strong> sand fences in stabilizing an active dune<br />
blowout on the eastern shore <strong>of</strong> Lake Michigan. Research was conducted on a 50-meter high<br />
active dune at the Castle Park Preserve south <strong>of</strong> Holland, Michigan. In the spring <strong>of</strong> 2012, two<br />
sand fences were placed on the steep windward face <strong>of</strong> the dune in an attempt to stabilize the<br />
dune surface. In the fall <strong>of</strong> 2011 and 2012, erosion pins were used to measure rates <strong>of</strong> sand<br />
erosion and deposition along the axis <strong>of</strong> the dune. In the fall <strong>of</strong> 2012, Leatherman sand traps and<br />
grids <strong>of</strong> erosion pins were used to assess sand movement in proximity to the new sand fences.<br />
Along the axis <strong>of</strong> the dune, rates <strong>of</strong> sand erosion and deposition showed a decrease from 2011<br />
to 2012, although there was little visual evidence <strong>of</strong> sand accumulation around the sand fences.<br />
Sand trap measurements demonstrated greater aeolian sand movement on the windward side <strong>of</strong><br />
sand fences than the leeward side. However, rates <strong>of</strong> erosion and deposition near the sand fences<br />
were variable, showing areas <strong>of</strong> both erosion and deposition. Visual observations noted the<br />
tendency <strong>of</strong> deposited sand to slide down the steep face <strong>of</strong> the blowout. This study demonstrates<br />
that sand fences appear to be effective at reducing aeolian sand movement at this site, but they<br />
appear to be having a more limited effect on reducing the overall movement <strong>of</strong> sand on the active<br />
blowout face. When stabilizing steep slopes, dune managers should consider using sand fences<br />
in conjunction <strong>with</strong> another technique that reduces the downslope mass movements <strong>of</strong> sand.<br />
31-3 2:10 PM Arevalo, Joseph M. [218683]<br />
EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES AT MT. PISGAH<br />
AREVALO, Joseph M., EMMONS, Taylor A., HAREFA, Sarah C., VAN WYK, Ashley L., and<br />
ZONDAG, Jacob A., Geology, Geography, and Environmental Studies, Calvin College, 3201<br />
Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, jma24@students.calvin.edu<br />
Although many Great Lakes coastal dunes possess some level <strong>of</strong> management, few studies<br />
examine whether or not the techniques employed are successful. This project evaluates the<br />
effectiveness <strong>of</strong> management techniques implemented on a highly popular dune on Lake<br />
Michigan. Mt. Pisgah is a large parabolic dune in Holland, Michigan that locals suspected was<br />
being degraded by overuse, prompting the application <strong>of</strong> management techniques such as<br />
planted vegetation, sand fences, stairs, and viewing platforms. This study’s methods included<br />
using sand traps and erosion pins to measure sand transport, mapping management techniques<br />
68 2013 GSA <strong>Abstracts</strong> <strong>with</strong> <strong>Programs</strong><br />
and human impacts, and distributing a questionnaire on visitors’ perceptions <strong>of</strong> management.<br />
Despite the remnant <strong>of</strong> Hurricane Sandy occurring during the study, little sand movement was<br />
measured. Mapping showed that planted vegetation has significantly decreased the amount <strong>of</strong><br />
bare sand. The presence <strong>of</strong> litter and a network <strong>of</strong> unmanaged trails indicate that people are still<br />
going places they are not allowed. Nonetheless, questionnaire results showed a positive public<br />
reaction to dune management and a willingness to cooperate <strong>with</strong> guidelines posted on the<br />
dune. In general, the management techniques have lowered the possibility <strong>of</strong> unwanted erosion,<br />
increased control over access to the dune, and preserved many natural habitats and features.<br />
However, there is room for improvement in the control <strong>of</strong> litter and unmanaged trails.<br />
31-4 2:30 PM Parkin, Ann [218686]<br />
UNMANAGED TRAILS AND MANAGEMENT ON A GREAT LAKES DUNE<br />
PARKIN, Ann, KURTZ, Alexander, PERRY, Krystal, SCHULTZ, Veronika, and WILLIAMS,<br />
Matthew, Department <strong>of</strong> Geology, Geography and Environmental Studies, Calvin College,<br />
3201 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, aep25@students.calvin.edu<br />
While there have been many studies <strong>of</strong> Michigan coastal dunes, few studies have focused on<br />
the interactions between dune management and human impacts. This project investigates how<br />
management actions affect the unmanaged trails on the North Beach Dune, a large parabolic<br />
dune in Ottawa County, MI. In 2004, the dune was advancing towards an important access road<br />
at 0.67 m/year; subsequently the managers implemented a combination <strong>of</strong> stabilization strategies<br />
including installing sand fences, extending the elevated boardwalk, planting vegetation, and<br />
constructing signs limiting access to the dune. In Fall 2012, we examined the characteristics <strong>of</strong><br />
the unmanaged trails to evaluate whether the management efforts were successful, leading to a<br />
more stabilized dune. We mapped all <strong>of</strong> the unmanaged trails on the dune using GPS. We also<br />
measured the width <strong>of</strong> the unmanaged trails and the density <strong>of</strong> vegetation near the trails. We<br />
compared photographs from 2007, 2009, and 2011 to look for changes. Our results showed an<br />
increase in the number <strong>of</strong> unmanaged trails, but a decrease in trail widths. This stabilization <strong>of</strong><br />
the unmanaged trails contributes to the stabilization <strong>of</strong> the entire dune. The highest trail density<br />
occurred in the area <strong>of</strong> the dune where the pre-2007 boardwalk ended; this suggests that<br />
visitors climbed over the railing at the end <strong>of</strong> the boardwalk. We conclude that the severity <strong>of</strong> the<br />
unmanaged trails has lessened since the management efforts have been implemented on the<br />
dune. Our study shows that management can successfully reduce human impacts in the form <strong>of</strong><br />
unmanaged trails on a coastal dune.<br />
31-5 2:50 PM Griffey, Denisha [218765]<br />
THE EFFECTS OF ROAD SALT DEICERS ON REDOX STRATIFICATION AND SALINIZATION<br />
OF EUTROPHIC LAKES IN SOUTHWEST MI, USA<br />
GRIFFEY, Denisha, Geosciences Department, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI<br />
49008, denisha.c.griffey@wmich.edu and KORETSKY, Carla M., Geosciences Department,<br />
Western Michigan University, 1903 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5241<br />
Eutrophication in lakes can be caused by agricultural and residential run<strong>of</strong>f, due to an excess<br />
<strong>of</strong> nutrients, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen. Previous studies suggest that seasonal<br />
applications <strong>of</strong> the road salt deicers result in the increase <strong>of</strong> chloride concentrations which may<br />
impact lake aquatic ecosystems and geochemistry. The goal <strong>of</strong> this study is to examine the<br />
effects that road salt deicers have on the geochemistry <strong>of</strong> Woods and Wintergreen Lake, two<br />
kettle lakes located in Southwest MI, USA. Woods Lake is located in urban Kalamazoo, MI it has<br />
a surface area <strong>of</strong> ~ 9.7 ha and a max depth ~ 14m. Wintergreen Lake is located in rural Augusta,<br />
MI, has a surface area <strong>of</strong> ~16.4 ha and a max depth <strong>of</strong> ~ 7.9 m. Water column samples were<br />
collected during May, June, September, November, and December at 1 m intervals, using a van<br />
Dorn sampler. The water samples were filtered <strong>with</strong> two samples from each depth acidified and<br />
two un-acidified, and analyzed colorimetrically for Fe2+ , Mn2+ + 3- , total alkalinity, ΣNH , and ΣPO4 ,<br />
4<br />
by IC for anions (Cl- , Br- - 2- - 3- , NO , SO4 , F , PO4 ), and by ICP-OES for major ions and trace metals<br />
3<br />
(Ca, Mg, K, Na, Co, Cd, Zn, Ni, Al). Using an YSI 650MDS/600QS probe, pH, temperature,<br />
dissolved oxygen, and conductivity were measured in situ at 0.5 m intervals. Nutrient and redoxsensitive<br />
species pr<strong>of</strong>iles demonstrate that both Woods and Wintergreen Lake are eutrophic, in<br />
agreement <strong>with</strong> results reported in prior studies. In Woods Lake, DO drops from >100% sat in<br />
the epilimnion to < 2% in the hypolimnion. In fall, as DO decreases, dissolved Fe2+ , Mn2+ + , ΣNH , 4<br />
3- and ΣPO increase below 8 to 12 m depth, reaching ~230, ~50, ~950, and ~65 μM, respectively.<br />
4<br />
Conductivity increases from 475 μS/cm at the surface to >1000 μS/cm which suggests salinity is<br />
contributed from road salt inputs. DO similarly decreases from >100% sat at the surface to ~4%<br />
in the bottom waters <strong>of</strong> Wintergreen Lake during the summer. In contrast, in fall, it is ~86% at 6 m.<br />
In summer, dissolved Mn2+ + and ΣNH are present at Wintergreen Lake, but smaller concentrations<br />
4<br />
(16 and ~25μM, respectively, at 5 m) compared to Woods Lake. Conductivity is much lower<br />
than at Woods Lake, increasing slightly from ~237 μS/cm in the epilimnion to ~392 μS/cm at<br />
6 m. Continued sampling will be used to assess seasonal changes in lake stratification and to<br />
determine whether these two lakes are dimictic.<br />
31-6 3:10 PM Ransoh<strong>of</strong>f, Rebecca Weiss [218619]<br />
CARBON STORAGE AND NITROUS OXIDE AND METHANE EMISSIONS IN MANAGED AND<br />
UNMANAGED URBAN LAWNS AND FORESTS<br />
RANSOHOFF, Rebecca Weiss, Earlham College, Department <strong>of</strong> Geology, Richmond, IN<br />
47374, bwranso08@earlham.edu, SODERLUND, Lily, Department <strong>of</strong> Geology, University <strong>of</strong><br />
Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, and TOWNSEND-SMALL, Amy, Department <strong>of</strong> Geology<br />
and Department <strong>of</strong> Geography, University <strong>of</strong> Cincinnati, 605 Geology-Physics Building,<br />
Cincinnati, OH 45221<br />
Urban lawns may be beneficial for the uptake <strong>of</strong> organic carbon (OC) to mitigate excess carbon<br />
dioxide in the atmosphere. However, lawn maintenance may also contribute to atmospheric<br />
greenhouse gas emissions. This study looks at OC stocks and GHG flux rates from urban forest<br />
soils and both managed and unmanaged urban lawns in Cincinnati, OH to evaluate and quantify<br />
the amount <strong>of</strong> carbon that is being sequestered over time, and to measure the emission and<br />
uptake <strong>of</strong> GHG in the different kinds <strong>of</strong> soils in relation to overall emissions <strong>of</strong> GHG. OC stocks<br />
were measured by collecting transects from lawns <strong>of</strong> varying ages to develop a chronosequence<br />
to determine the amount that the soils can store over time. Both forest soils and lawns can<br />
sequester CO , but it appears that unmanaged and forest soils have higher carbon stocks than<br />
2<br />
managed lawns, and the ability <strong>of</strong> a managed lawn to sequester OC has a cap between 20 to<br />
30 years. Flux data was collected following USDA-ARS chamber-based protocols, using static<br />
chambers placed randomly at sites. It was hypothesized that the urban lawns, both managed<br />
and unmanaged, would have a lessened ability to uptake GHG relative to the urban forest<br />
soil. Although preliminary data upholds this hypothesis, further data are needed to study the<br />
relationship between lawn maintenance and the inherent capacity <strong>of</strong> a lawn to uptake GHG.