THE EPOCH No. 32 Spring 1998 - January 2000 A Newsletter for Alumni and Students Department of Geology Website: http://www.geology.buffalo.edu The State University of New York at Buffalo E-mail: [email protected] 876 Natural Sciences Complex Telephone: (716) 645-6800, Ext. 6100 Buffalo, New York 14260-3050 Fax: (716) 645-3999

HIGHLIGHTS Geology in 2000 and Beyond By John C. Fountain, Professor & Chairman Departmental News The Fall of 1999 marked a major turning point for the Geology A Review of the Department, not because that is when I began my term as department chair but because, for the first time in five years, the department is fully staffed Last Decade ...... 2 again – and thus for the first time ever, our programmatic model begun under Field Camp Truck Mike Sheridan can fully be implemented. Replacement Fund . . . . . 3 When the department expanded after the formation of the SUNY system, there was one faculty member in each major area (mineralogy, petrology, Meet the NEW Faculty .. 4 structure etc.). The advantages of this model include excellent undergraduate education and a broad range of research interests. The disadvantage of this Duttweiler Geological approach is that each faculty member worked essentially alone, which is a Field Station ...... 7 significant disadvantage in competing for sponsored research funds. When Mike Sheridan was selected to replace Chet Langway as Chair in 1990, he began a reorganization of the department into concentrated Research News research programs. This resulted in the formation of two major programs: Paoha Island environmental geology and volcanology. While not all of our research falls How did it emerge? . . . . . 8 neatly into these two programs, every one of the five new faculty we have recently hired strengthens these research areas. As a result we have SW Pacific Ocean, collaborative research in several areas, and our research groups including the East of New Zealand . . 11 rock fracture group (Becker, Fountain, Jacobi, Peacock and Baker) and the volcanology group (Bursik, Gregg, Sheridan and Parfitt) are large and diverse. Our New EGR Lab . . . 12 In addition we have built strong collaborations with other departments (examples include fluid dynamics: Bursik and Civil Engineering; surface Student News chemistry: Giese, Fountain and Chemistry; Evolutionary Biology: Mitchell Degrees Conferred & and Biology and Anthropology; Risk analysis: Sheridan and Math and Student Honors ...... 13 Geography). The faculty endorsed the concept of organizing into research groups After the Deluge ...... 15 almost 10 years ago, but implementation required hiring new faculty to add strength to the programs. To the credit of SUNY, the department and search committees, we have added five fantastic new faculty members in the last two Alumni News years. Geology & Law Thus, by happy coincidence, I take over the department at a time where A Good Match ...... 16 we finally have the faculty we have been planning for. In contrast to the last four years, in which we were scrambling to cover courses with too few faculty, Alum Notes ...... 17 and trying to compete for grants without faculty in critical areas, we are now well positioned for the future. In the year 2000 and in years to come, the department will continue its

The Epoch 1 DEPARTMENTAL NEWS excellent teaching program, and facilitated. The location on the geology and volcanology. We also will expand its already impressive North Campus has allowed us moved to develop cooperative research efforts. Never, in the to develop computation and research programs with other more than 20 years since I joined information technologies that university units. Reflecting the the faculty, has the department were impossible before. development of these new been in such a strong position. In this period the geology programs and the strength of our Our challenge will now be to deal personnel have greatly changed. current faculty, the department with the new era of reduced State Long term members of our staff may change its name to Earth support. We have chosen not to who left during the 1990's are and Environmental Science next scale back our efforts, but will missed. Following the retirement year. continue our drive for excellence. of Doris Millholland, Alison There has been a major An accompanying article des- Lagowski became the depart- change in our undergraduate cribes our efforts in this area, as mental administrative assistant. curriculum. We have implement- we launch a drive to obtain funds Shortly thereafter, Rachel Costa ed 4 yearlong sequences that to replace our venerable, and took a position in the College of integrate geophysics and geo- now defunct, field camp truck. It Arts & Sciences and was replaced chemistry into the sequence of is important to note that in spite by Marty Roth. Ted Marciniak required courses for undergrad- of the highly computerized nature and Dave Borden retired but uates. We hope this will provide of modern geology, field geology their positions have not yet been a stronger quantitative back- remains an essential component. filled. The university freeze on ground for all students as well as Our students under Drs. Jacobi, new hires will probably postpone a more logical sequence of Sheridan, Bursik and other our finding a new technician subject matter. Also we have faculty continue to map and to until 2002. Several distinguished developed a Hydroscience cert- spend their time in the field. faculty retired in the 1990's and ificate program with the Geog- As computer models have their teaching and research prog- raphy Department in which become more sophisticated, it rams generally went with them. students can take a selection of has become more apparent that These losses include Chet courses in both departments and the major limitations to many Langway, Charlie Clemency, Jack receive acknowledgement of this models, from global environ- King, Dennis Hodge, Parker important training in environ- mental changes to finding oil and Calkin, and Paul Reitan. mental geology. Besides this we gas, arise from limits in our Together they represent nearly have established a 5-year BA/MA knowledge of field geology. In the 200 years of service to the program which will accelerate the next Century, as in the past, we department and UB. training time for good UB stu- will continue to emphasize field Replacing these positions is a dents who recognize early in their geology and its implications, cadre of young energetic faculty academic program that they want although now combined with who bring a variety of new to follow a professional track in high-tech methods. specialties and directions to the geosciences. department. Those who joined The 1990's were a period of the faculty in this period are nearly continuous reductions in A Review of the Marcus Bursik (volcanology and budgets with every important surficial processes), Tracy Gregg decision being controlled by Last Decade (volcanology), Matt Becker (hyd- major constraints that required By Michael F. Sheridan, Professor rogeology), Greg Baker (env- compromises. Geology fared well ironmental geophysics), David during this period due to the The era of the 1990's saw a Peacock (structural geology), and strength and unity of the depart- wide range of changes in the Liz Parfitt (volcanology). The ment. Major gifts from alumni Geology Department that was fields of specialization of the new helped to lighten the load and welded onto the framework dev- faculty reflect a development plan may prove essential in the eloped by past generations. followed by the department. To coming years. Extreme pressure Notably, the department moved remain a viable research unit in is being placed to increase the from Ridge Lea through Fronczak this modern period, larger work- numbers of students enrolled in Hall to our present site in the ing groups are necessary. Our our classes and for our funded Natural Sciences Complex. Here plan was to build on the strength research coffers to increase. With we have a good teaching environ- of the core faculty (Dr.’s Giese, all this said, I am contemplative ment and outstanding research Fountain, Jacobi, Mitchell, and as the stewardship of the laboratories where interaction Sheridan) and develop two main department passes to John with other units on campus is areas of strength, environmental Fountain.

The Epoch 2 as important today as it has been my interest in fieldwork, in the past. eventually leading me to pursue a Field Camp Truck To this end, we announce the field oriented Ph.D. in geology. kick-off of a major fund drive Some of my most cherished Replacement Drive aimed at replacing the vehicle memories are those of friends By John C. Fountain, Chairman and it’s customized equipment. I and events I encountered that ask that each of you who felt that summer. The UB Geology field camp, a our camp is something special The summer field program vital part of our program since it and worth continuing, help with takes students by vans through was started in 1968, is now in this drive. This fund will be four states to remote field sites real danger of discontinuation dedicated solely for replacement that are often on back-roads. due to the need to replace our of field camp equipment. Your Reliable and efficient vehicles are equipment truck. Our Field support will be acknowledged in needed to accomplish these trips Camp has provided students and future editions of the Epoch, and safely. One such vehicle is a faculty with a unique and will be appreciated by each and large truck used to transport wonderful combination of every student in the future. cooking and field equipment, geologic mapping, education and food, and the large quantities of wilderness experience in the Thank you in advance for your water necessary in arid beauty of the western United generous support. conditions. The current truck States. Although the camp is has had multiple problems over expensive in comparison to con- the past few years and could put ventional classes, the University A Field Camp the entire camp in danger if it’s has continued to recognize its usage continues. A new truck value by providing support at the Experience would ensure both the safety of level needed to continue to offer its passengers and the cont- the course. By Elowyn Yager inuation of a mobile summer field Unfortunately, last year the program. inevitable finally happened. Our Field camp was unquestion- old red truck “Big Red” finally ably one of the most influential Elowyn Yager graduated with died. and meaningful experiences of a degree in geology summa cum my academic career. In this four laude in May 1998 and was the week mapping course I learned recipient of the Dean’s more than I have in many Outstanding Senior Award and semester long courses. The the Geology Pegrum Award. She summer field program gave me is currently attending the an opportunity to integrate University of Berkley, CA in knowledge from all of my geology pursuit of her Ph.D. in Fluvial classes, and use this information Geomorphology. She attended the in making challenging decisions. 1998 field camp, the last year It was this course that fostered “Big Red” was used.

This vehicle is the lifeline of our camp since it transports all of the field and cooking equipment, food, and drinking water. Due to it’s customized nature, a replacement vehicle will cost about $40,000 which is well beyond the resources available to our department. Although there is the option of holding a conven- tional camp that remains at one location, we believe that our mobile camp that travels to four different sites within the course of a month, sets it apart from the rest making it truly special and worth preserving. As noted in the cover article, field geology is

The Epoch 3 MEET THE NEW FACULTY DR. MATTHEW W. BECKER DR. GREGORY S. BAKER joined focused his research on the joined our faculty in August of the faculty in the Department of geometry and development of 1998 as an assistant professor of Geology in August 1999 as an normal, strike-slip and thrust Hydrogeology. Dr. Becker rec- assistant professor. He comp- fault zones, with displacements eived his B.S. in Geology from leted his dissertation, "Seismic from millimeters to kilometers. Michigan State University (1985), imaging shallower than three Field areas include the coast of M.S. (1990) and Ph.D. in Water meters," earlier the same year the British Isles, Greenland, Resources Engineering from the working with Don Steeples, who Hawaii, Italy, Malta, South Africa University of Texas at Austin is one of the world's experts in and Spain. This work has been (1996). He was a National near-surface reflection seis- sponsored by the Natural Research Council Post-Doctoral mology (1999 University of Environment Research Council, Fellow with the U.S. Geological Kansas). Dr. Baker received his Shell and Elf-Aquitaine. Dr. Survey in Reston, Virginia (96- MS and BS degrees in Geological Peacock’s research fits neatly 98), and has worked for as an Sciences (both focusing on with our rock fracture group, our Engineering Assistant for geophysics) from Lehigh Univ- basin analysis group as well as Chevron USA (86-88), as a ersity in Pennsylvania. He has our volcanology group since he Research Engineer for the published seven papers in the has worked on the 3-D geometry National Council for Air and last two years focusing on of faults, use of 3-D seismic data Stream Improvement (91-93), important issues in near-surface for evaluation of fractured and as a Research Assistant at reflection seismology, including a reservoirs and the relationship Los Alamos National Laboratory. monograph, "Processing near- between faults and dykes. He is Dr. Becker's primary research surface seismic-reflection data: A married to Dr. Elisabeth Parfitt, a emphasis is field, laboratory, and Primer," (edited by R.A. Young, physical volcanologist that joined numerical studies of cont- published by the Society of our faculty as a visiting assistant aminant transport in ground exploration Geophysicists). professor in January 2000. water, particularly through frac- His research encompasses tured rock. For more information work on combined GPR-Seismic about his research visit his characterization of contaminated website at http://www.geology. sites, including methods of NAPL DR. ELISABETH A. PARFITT is buffalo.edu/Research/hydro/ recognition and the application of the newest member of our faculty geophysics to hydrology. Dr. that started her position as Baker is the Director of the newly visiting assistant professor as of formed Environmental Geophy- January 2000. She is a physical DR. TRACY K. P. GREGG joined sics Research (EGR) laboratory volcanologist who received her our faculty in August of 1998 as and will be will be teaching Ph.D. from Lancaster University an assistant professor of courses in introductory and (U.K.) in 1992. She worked for 5 volcanology. She received her advanced environmental geophy- years at Brown University as a B.S. in 1990 from Brown sics. For more information on the Research Associate studying University (Geological Sciences EGR laboratory visit http:// aspects of how volcanoes work on with honors), and her Ph.D. in www.eng.buffalo.edu/ ~gbaker/ the Earth and on Venus. For the 1995 from Arizona State last 4 years she was a Lecturer University. Positions held before (the British equivalent of an arriving at UB include a RIDGE Assistant Professor) at the Post-doctoral Fellow at Woods DR. DAVID C. P. PEACOCK is a University of Leeds where she Hole Oceanographic Institution new assistant professor in the taught classes in volcanology, (95-97), Lecturer at Bridgewater Department of Geology. He environmental geology and State College (97), and an arrived here in August of 1999 planetary geology. Her main Assistant Scientist at Woods Hole after leaving his position as post- research interests include the Oceanographic Institution (97- doctoral research fellow at the dynamics of basaltic volcanic 98). Her research areas include University of Leeds, England. Dr. eruptions, the environmental Submarine, Venusian and Peacock received his Ph.D. from impact of volcanic eruptions, and Martian volcanology; subaerial the University of Southampton, magma storage and movement. effusive volcanism, mapping; an MSc from Imperial College, geomorphology; and mid-ocean and BSc from Kingston Poly- ridge processes. technic. He specializes in field- based structural geology and has

The Epoch 4 post-doctoral research in collaboration with the USGS at Punctuated Equilibrium the Mirror Lake Fractured Rock Hydrology Site in Long periods of stasis interspersed with brief Central New Hampshire. By injecting both dissolved and episodes of rapid transformation. particulate tracers, we are trying understand how pollution moves in fractured rock aquifers. This summer, we'll study how different types of microbes Fall 00 1 move through fractured rock by injecting various shapes Fall 99 2 and sizes of bacteria. This research is pertinent to 1 drinking water contamination by pathogenic organisms Fall 98 9 and the bioremediation of organic pollutants. In collaboration with Richard Mazurchuk in the Biophysics 1 Fall 97 Department, we are studying flow and particle transport Fall 96 1 through small fractured rock samples using a new 4.7 tesla magnetic resonance imaging device. Dr. Bursik Fall 95 and I are building an NSF-funded Interactive Teaching 1 Database that will make the abundance of hydrologic Fall 94 1 1 data from the Mirror Lake Watershed available on the Fall 93 web, in a form that can be used for upper-level 1 Hydrology courses. In collaboration with the Fall 92 1 Departments of Civil Engineering and Planning, we are estimating ground-water vulnerability in the 0510 Olean/Ischua Creek drainage basin. I guess you could # of Personnel Changes say I'm taking a bit of a shotgun approach to research these days, but there are a lot of resources at UB to explore, a large number of interesting local problems on This chart depicts the number of personnel which to work, and a lot of curious graduate students to changes in each semester for the past 9 years. work with. If you are interested in the research of the The Department of Geology underwent its very "hydro" group, please see our web site at: own evolution with 9 Faculty and Staff http://www.geology.buffalo.edu/Research/hydro/ Changes during the Fall of 1998. A Geologist is Born In August 1998: Dr. Hodge, Dr. Reitan, Doris Millholland & David Borden retired and Dr. By Tracy K.P. Gregg Gregg and Dr. Becker were hired. In October 1998, Rachel Costa left for The College of Arts The first geology course I took was a "comparative & Sciences, Alison Lagowski was hired to planetology" class (a.k.a. "Moons for Goons") my replace Doris, and by the end of November freshman year. I immediately decided to major in Marty Roth was hired to replace Rachel. geology and to spend my life studying the fascinating worlds the solar system has to offer: Mars, Venus, Io, and others--as well as Earth. I began my career investigating volcanoes on Mars and Venus. Eventually I grew frustrated because I Jump Starting a Career couldn't get my hands on any actual Martian or By Matthew W. Becker Venusian rocks to study. I turned to the study of submarine volcanism, because cruising around on the The first year of being an Assistant Professor deep ocean floor in a tiny submarine is very much like wasn't as rough as I thought it would be. being in a spacecraft, hovering over an alien world--with Sure, I showed up the first day of class with a the glorious exception that I can pick up rocks and bring large circular hematoma on my forehead from them back to my lab for analysis. one of my son's suction-cupped toys. A few of Yes, I do indeed seal myself in a small submarine my lectures put the students to sleep, and (the ALVIN submersible) and dive 2 miles beneath the when my second son was born during the surface to study volcanoes at the Earth's mid-ocean spring semester it was I who was falling asleep ridges. Last year I visited the East Pacific Rise, not far in class. But I think things are beginning to from Easter Island. I also study volcanoes on land: I smooth out. I'm teaching Surface Processes spent some time in Iceland this summer, trying to and Hydrology II, and Introductory and understand how mid-ocean ridges work. I still Advanced Hydrogeology. There is even some investigate volcanoes on Mars and Venus to determine time left over to focus on my research, with the more about the evolution and history of those planets, help of an ever-growing number of talented and am thoroughly enjoying my new life here as an graduate students. We are continuing my Assistant Professor. The Epoch 5 what with all the government and Faculty Honors What’s Happening University scientists in town, but hiking, skiing, music listening, Dr. John C. Fountain received in Colorado? lots of fun volunteer work and the 1998 Water Environment By Parker E. Calkin travel with Harriet (busy with her Federation Jack Edward McKee own music and volunteer efforts) Medal for his paper “The Role of By this May, Harriet and I will get in the way. I keep an eye and Field Trials in Development and have been living in Boulder two ear on the Department and see Feasibility Assessment of years. Our home is modest by very exciting things going on. Surfactant Enhanced Aquifer our Buffalo standards, but we are Remediation.” He was presented at the very foot (within a few this award at their national hundred feet) of the steep front of meeting in the Fall of 1998. the Colorado Front Range and the Upper Cretaceous Niabrara Dr. Rossman F. Giese has been The Epoch is published for the through Penn-Perm Fountain students, alumni and friends of the appointed as an Adjunct Senior hogbacks. Though I am really Research Scientist in the Mol- retired and feel so, I am an Department of Geology ecular Biophysics Department of Affiliate with the Institute of the Hauptman-Woodward Med- University at Buffalo Arctic and Alpine Research at The State University of New York ical Research Institute, Inc. CU, which means they expect me located in Buffalo, NY as of 876 Natural Sciences Complex to give a lecture every few years Buffalo, NY 14260 Spring 1998. and attend the other lectures. I have continued my Alaska glacial John C. Fountain, Chairman Michael F. Sheridan was called (now tree-ring oriented) research Alison Lagowski, Editor, The Epoch to Colima Volcano in February of through an NSF cooperative 1999 to participate in the grant through CU with former Special Thanks to Travis Nelson evaluation of the continuing students Greg Wiles (Wooster (Geology MA student) for his help in hazard at that volcano. College faculty) and Dave Barclay preparing the EPOCH photographs (SUNY Cortland faculty). Greg for printing. Charles Mitchell is Promoted and Dave (just returned from Charles C. Mitchell was conference in Argentina) do 90 promoted to Full Professor with percent of the research. I could Tenure effective in the Fall 1998 also go to ten lectures on semester. Dr. Mitchell earned his paleoclimate alone each week, BSc degree with distinction from Ohio State University in 1975 and his MA degree from University of Western Ontario in 1978. He continued to complete AM and PhD degrees from Harvard University in 1983 where he studied under Dr. Stephen J. Gould and completed a dissertation entitled “Astogeny and Phylogeny of the Diplograptina (Graptoloidea).” In addition to a very rigorous research program (described in an accompanying article), Dr. Mitchell has been the recipient of many teaching awards. These include the Milton Plesur Award for Excellence in Teaching (1991), The SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (1994), and the Faculty of Natural Science and Mathematics Dean’s Cazenovia Creek runs through the Duttweiler Property Award for Excellence in Teaching (1998). Congratulations! Photo by Robert Jacobi

The Epoch 6 Duttweiler Geological Field Station By Michael F. Sheridan Dorothea C. Duttweiler, the first woman graduate in UB Geology, has deeded approx- imately 10 acres of her property in the Town of Holland to the Geology Department as a field station for student and faculty use. Dottie is best know to us for the establishment of a scholarship to help women geologists attend our summer field camp. The site that she has given us could become a focus for outdoor activities of the geology club and class field trips. Because this property is located Dorothea Duttweiler, Dr. Michael Sheridan and Pamela Cardoza at along Cazenovia Creek we will have full riparian rights to the the Property. Photo by Robert Jacobi use of the stream as a geological laboratory. The land here is heavily wooded and has been left wild for much of the past century. Many rare species of birds and other wildlife have been observed here over the years. Dottie established this property as a nature preserve in 1941 and it has been protected ever since. The rocks exposed on the property contain fossils and exhibit geologic structures that will be instructive for all geology students. The outcrops along the creek are particularly interesting with clear primary sedimentary textures and secondary joints, some with potential gas or oil seeps. Also located on the property is a cabin, which Dottie named "The Pileated Perch". This cabin has indoor and outdoor fireplaces, sleeping quarters, kitchen and modern plumbing. Dotty will retain lifetime Dottie’s cabin, “The Pileated Perch”. Photo by Robert Jacobi ownership of the cabin, built by her and her father. But eventually we will obtain the cabin as well for our use as a geological facility.

The Epoch 7 RESEARCH NEWS

aerial photos as guides. Items Patent Received Paoha Island mapped included a crater field on By Jane Pietraszek the northeastern section of the Geologists are known to be During the summer of 1999, island, landslide deposits creative and versatile, but it is Dr. Marcus Bursik, UB Masters throughout the entire island, a unusual for academic geologists student Jane Pietraszek, UB rhyolite field on the northern to apply for and be awarded a US undergraduate Justin Deming, section, two distinct dacite flows patent. This has now happened and University of Minneapolis on the northern section, and a at the Geology Department at PhD student Peter Valley horst and graben dacite field with UB. The work was done by Drs. journeyed to Long Valley, fumaroles in the southeastern Patricia M. Costanzo, Research California to study the emergence section. Several crucial features Assistant Professor, and Ross of Paoha Island (located in Mono were discovered and described for Giese, Professor. They collabor- Lake). the first time in our abstract ated with Dr. Paul Kostyniak, Paoha Island, approximately submitted to the American Director of the Toxicology 3.5 km by 4.5 km, rose out of the Geophysical Union fall 1999 Research Center, and Joseph lake about 200 years ago and is meeting. Though reconnaissance Syracuse, Toxicology Research the youngest in a string of maps have been done in the past, Center at UB. volcanic features that make up the efforts of this study will result The invention is a method for the Mono-Inyo chain (the in the first detailed geologic and attaching an antimicrobial volcanic chain itself being geomorphologic map of the molecule to a large surface area comprised of about 40 craters island. mineral, typically a clay mineral. and domes). The purpose of our Discovered upon the island The advantage of this composite fieldwork was to do preliminary were thick turbidites formed as material is that the antimicrobial research on the island, sediments suspended in the agent is firmly fixed to an inert, accomplishing this by creating a water column. These settled over solid particle and thus there is detailed geologic map, and the emerging island, above a dark little possibility of loss of the analyzing and logging in the tephra layer that was deposited antimicrobial molecule. The stratigraphy. Also, the mech- as the island arose. antimicrobial clay can be added anisms of the emergence of the Interpretation of these layers to plastics, paints, ceramics, island needed to be explored leads to the conclusion that an wood and cloth, as a few more thoroughly than had been eruption took place as the island examples. Further, the invention in the past. was being uplifted, while lake describes how to coat surfaces so Jane and Peter undertook the sediments were being churned that they become antimicrobial. mapping of the island, while Dr. about. Before this, there was no The invention is presently Bursik and Justin concentrated earlier documentation of sub- being marketed by the Tech- on mapping the stratigraphy. lacustrine eruptions. There is nology Transfer Services at UB. The mapping was done on foot, speculation as to the center of using topographic maps and uplift on Paoha. There is a phreatic crater in the southern end of the island that Dr. Bursik and his students believe to be the center of uplift. Evidence to support this comes in the meas- urements of strikes and dips on the island. The S & D meas- urements on the in-place bedding shows a trend dipping away from this crater on all sides, however further investigation is needed. Dr. Bursik, Justin, and Jane intend to return to Paoha Island this coming summer for further investigation concerning the stratigraphy and source potential of the island, and Justin hopes to do a regional tephrostratographic Jane Pietraszek, Justin Deming and Peter Valley (photo by M. Bursik) compilation.

The Epoch 8 the geological evolution of the region of China. This end- Taconic foreland basin in the Ordovician mass extinction is the Geology Gets New Appalachian orogenic belt, or third largest mass extinction in graptolite biostratigraphy and the entire Phanerozoic history of Wells On-Campus evolution. life. By virtue of their abundance By Matthew W. Becker Together with students Mike and rapid pace of evolution, Joy and Todd Marsh, Dr. Bob graptolites provide many unique Recent construction of the Jacobi, and a number of other insights into the timing and pace South Lake Village Apartment colleagues, I am still trying to of the mass extinction that are Complex near Lake LaSalle, sort out the stratigraphic and key to understanding both its resulted in the destruction of the depositional history of Middle causes and ultimate significance. four wells that were used to teach Ordovician rocks deposited along With colleagues from aquifer testing methods. the actively subsiding western Argentina, I am working on the Fortunately, UB Facilities agreed margin of the Taconic foreland biogeography and geological to provide four new wells as a basin. We are looking at the history of the Precordilleran Terr- replacement. Drilling has just interaction of sedimentological, ane (PT) of western Argentina. been completed. The design of structural, and eustatic controls The PT is a former micro- the new wells will allow for on basin fill by employing continent, most likely derived by advanced hydraulic and detailed studies of the sediment rifting from the Ouachita margin contaminant transport testing to deposition, and slump-related of Laurentia (North America) be taught, and will provide an deformation within a precise during the late Precambrian. opportunity for undergraduates temporal framework constructed However, the precise timing and to participate in research. by graphic correlation (time mechanism of its transfer to the information provided by grapt- western Argentinean margin of “Students will be able to do olites, conodonts, and geochem- Gondwana during the Middle cross-hole packer injection ically fingerprinted volcanic ash Ordovician is still controversial. and tracer tests…” horizons). Our studies of the age and I have taken on the job of biological affinities of the Middle Because the wells are all within coordinating author (i.e., chief Ordovician fossils and their 20 feet of one another and are scientific editor and writer of enclosing sediments, are aimed completed "open-hole" in the content) for a revised version of at testing the alternative models fractured Camilus Shale, Dr. “The Treatise on Invertebrate of PT history. Becker's students will be able to Paleontology, Volume V: Stig Bergström, Greg Schu- do cross-hole packer injection Graptolithina.” These books macher, Lawrence Wickstrom and tracer tests that were not summarize the state of the art and I are finishing up a possible in the old wells. In regarding the paleobiology, manuscript on the stratigraphic addition, Dr. Baker plans to use distribution in time and space, and tectonic evolution of the these wells to teach down-hole and systematics of each group, Sebree Trough. This feature is a geophysical methods. The cores and are widely used inter- more or less linear, relatively and logs retrieved from the well nationally as the standard deep water trough that under- will also serve as control data for reference works for research and went differential subsidence surface geophysical surveys. On- training of research students. within the North American mid- campus facilities for teaching continent during the Taconic hydrogeologic testing methods “By virtue of their Orogeny. Using a temporal and are uncommon, and on-campus stratigraphic framework cons- abundance & rapid pace of tructed from our biostratigraphic bedrock wells are even more rare. evolution, graptolites pro- What started out as a bit of bad work in the area, we are news has turned into an exciting vide many unique insights attempting to understand the and unique resource for the into the timing and pace of temporal and spatial pattern of Department. the mass extinction” subsidence and how it interacted with other events in the interval Pieces of Earth I am working with several to produce the set of strati- colleagues from the Nanjing graphic sequences we see today. Institute of Geology and I am also supervising two History Paleontology on the graptolite students (Kim Keon-ho and Robert Haney) who are working By Charles E. Mitchell biostratigraphy and mass extinction during the late on morphometric studies of I am involved in many Ordovician based on sections in Triarthrus becki and Sowerbyella projects (too many, really) these the central Yangtze Platform curdsvillensis (respectively). Both days. Most have to do with either are interested in patterns of

The Epoch 9 stratophenetic change as well as because of proposal writing I did were able to see the breakup of a geographic patterns of shape and not get out as much as I would huge olistolith as it bent and size variation in late Middle have liked. I wrote 3 proposals-- spilled over the edge of a fault Ordovician rocks from localities two with Dr. Fountain. We were scarp! in Quebec, New York, Penn- successful on 2--one NYSERDA Last Fall Gerry Smith and I sylvania, Virginia, and Ohio/ proposal for $75,000 that looks led a NYSGA field trip to the Kentucky. A third student (Brian at faults in the eastern Finger Clarendon-Linden Fault System, Gates) is working on temporal Lakes, and a DOE proposal, and from there I took off to and geographic patterns of $827,000, that combines seismic, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observ- graptolite faunal composition and lineaments, gravity, magnetics, atory, where they were having a diversity in the Utica Shale in soil gas and field work to 2-day bash celebrating its 50th New York State. demonstrate a fault-controlled birthday. What a great event--old Appalachian Plateau model. This famous geologists remembering proposal is a consortium of “back when”, so many friends I What I Did Last researchers from Los Alamos, a hadn’t seen, and such great food consulting firm in Denver, Quest -- of course we drank the caterer Summer Energy in Buffalo, and John out of beer. Hope you survived By Robert Jacobi Fountain. Beth Tober and I found this report, and had a great year. evidence for N-striking faults I can only remember back to near West Valley that are the Spring Northeast GSA coincident with Earthsat Volcanic Studies in meeting in Providence, RI, so that lineaments which are continuous is where I’ll start. Two of my from Lake Ontario. Andy Baudo South America students, Andy Baudo and continued his painstakingly By Michael F. Sheridan Michelle Reay, gave talks at detailed fracture study, and NEGSA—both were excellent My current fieldwork focuses Alison Harper documented a presentations. Michelle won the on Mexico and Nicaragua, and is fracture domain along the “Best Student Paper of the Day” directed toward assessment of southern coast of Lake Ontario for her talk (described in the volcanic hazards and reduction of that trends ENE, perhaps related student awards section). Andy’s risk through interaction with civil to a failed rifting event. report was on fractures in Zoar protection authorities. In 1999 I Gerry Smith and I worked in Valley (he ran a continuous was invited to give keynote eastern NYS (near Cooperstown) scanline more a l km long). addresses at two important last Summer and Fall for an meetings in Mexico. It could be exploration company, Millenium, argued that Popocatepetl is the “We were successful on 2 -- where we found evidence for fault most dangerous volcano in the NYSERDA for $75,000 and reactivation of Taconic and older- world. When it resumed it DOE for $825,000” aged faults, -- up to 200’ activity in December of 1994 it stratigraphic offset on Devonian directly menaced at least units! Again in a region that had 1,000,000 people with its I gave two talks, one on Zoar been assumed to be an old potential products. I was one of faults and the other on faults in “boring” pancake plateau. Chuck three international experts called the Appalachian Plateau of NYS, Mitchell and I also worked, for to Mexico City to prepare a based on Earthsat lineaments, way too short a time, last hazard map of the volcano. In magnetics and gravity. It turns summer and fall in the Trenton- February of 1999 I gave a talk at out that NYS is chopped into Falls region of the Mohawk Simposio Internacional del confetti by these faults, which Volcan Popocatepetl entitled "Use have controlled sediment “What a great event --- of computer simulation to deposition was well as later old famous geologists construct the hazard map of fracturing. These faults are Popocatepetl in the 1995 crisis". therefore of great interest to oil remembering “back when” This week-long meeting was and gas exploration, seismic …… of course we drank the sponsored by CENAPRED hazard analysis, and fracture caterer out of beer.” (Mexican National Center for migration of contaminants. At Prevention of Disasters) in Mexico that meeting I also took over a City. Scientists, public safety Chair of the North Eastern Valley. There we mapped huge officials, the press, and the section of GSA. and spectacularly exposed general public attended this talk. All my students worked Taconic-aged slumps. At one In March of 1999 I gave the extremely well in the field, but locality near Prospect (NY) we keynote address entitled

The Epoch 10 "Computer simulation in volcanic be a keynote speaker again at the particular the Pacific Deep hazard assessment" at a Reunion Internacional of Colima Western Boundary Current symposium organized by the in March of 2000. (DWBC) and the Antarctic Institute of Geography at UNAM. A major disaster associated Circumpolar Current (ACC). As Scientists, public safety officials, with Hurricane Mitch, that hit parts of the global thermohaline press, and general public also Central America in October 1998, ocean circulation system, attended this meeting. was the great landslide that changes in DWBC and ACC have I am currently the principal killed about 2,000 people living influenced global climate. investigator for a large research below Casita Volcano, Nicaragua. Primary objectives of the cruise program on reduction of risk at With NSF funding, I led an inter- were to core the Cenozoic Pico de Orizaba, Mexico (4674 national team to study the cause sediments in sediment drifts, meters high). Pico is the largest of this catastrophe and was the deep sea fans and hemipelagic volcano in North America that first investigation at the scene. plateaus to document the potentially threatens hundreds of establishment of the ACC and the thousands of people in the State ODP Leg 181: DWBC. The sedimentary record of Veracruz. I am now in the from eastern New Zealand would middle of this three-year (1999- Southwest Pacific Ocean, also document the fluctuations in 2001) project funded by NASA. I east of New Zealand Cenozoic climate, particularly am integrating with the civil By Gerald Smith recording the development of protection authorities in the glaciation on the Antarctic State of Veracruz and provide During the late-summer/fall continent. news releases and public of 1998, I served as shipboard Leg 181 retrieved 3,625 m of interviews each time I visit the sedimentologist on Ocean Drilling core from water depths of 400 m area. In return, civil protection Program’s (ODP) Leg 181 aboard to 4,500 m, and established a provided my team with an the deep-sea drilling ship stratigraphy that ranged from airplane and helicopter for JOIDES Resolution. The co-chief Cretaceous to Holocene in age. observation of the volcano and scientists for the cruise were Principal results include the two 4 x 4 trucks with drivers for R.M. Carter (James Cook Univ.) retrieval an almost complete fieldwork. I also organized a and I.N. McCave (Univ. of stratigraphic succession of successful symposium on this Cambridge) with C. Richter largely deep-marine sediment topic at the 1999 fall meeting of (Texas A&M Univ.) as staff back to the late Eocene (37 Ma). the American Geophysical Union. scientist. Leg 181 sailed from Site 1124 may have recovered a Sydney, Australia and drilled complete Miocene to Holocene “Pico is the largest seven sites along a roughly sedimentary record, which is southwest to northeast transect richly microfossiliferous and volcano in North America on the eastern margin of New contains every magnetic reversal that potentially threatens Zealand before docking in since Chron C6r of early Miocene hundreds of thousands Wellington, New Zealand. During (~20.5 Ma) age. Additional of people in the city of this period the ship was struck correlation controls for the Veracruz.” by five separate gales, with wind sedimentary record is provided speeds exceeding 65 knots, and by the large number of tephras swells of ~18 m, making the Volcan Colima is the most present in cores 1123 to 1125, cruise rather bumpy. active volcano in Mexico and is which record the explosive approaching its climactic stage. I volcanic activity of New Zealand’s have studied this volcano since “the ship was struck by North Island. 1988 and am currently a member Post-cruise research spons- five separate gales, with ored by ODP that I am currently of the Scientific Committee of wind speeds exceeding 65 Colima Volcano and a co-author conducting with the collaboration of the current hazards map for knots, and swells of of Suzanne O’Connell (Wesleyan the volcano. In 1998 I received a ~ 18 meters…” Univ.) is to investigate the citation from the authorities in environmental parameters Colima noting my scientific The drilling site locations controlling the development of studies of that volcano and were chosen because the deep-water trace fossil assem- praising my training of young stratigraphic record of eastern blages in the early Miocene. Mexican geoscientists. In New Zealand microcontinent and Sampling of the cores at the ODP February of 1999 I was called to abyssal margin is the best Gulf Coast Repository was Colima to participate in the available for deciphering the finished this past January, and evaluation of the continuing history and development of results from the analyses will hazard at that volcano and I will Southern Ocean water masses, in hopefully be finished by the end of summer.

The Epoch 11 seeing more use in non- now possible. Coincident destructive testing of in situ seismic/GPR imaging should Geology’s New infrastructure such as prove to be a productive new area pavements and bridges. of research because seismic data EGR Laboratory All geophysical methods can provide elastic parameter By Dr. Gregory S. Baker involve measurement of some information while GPR can physical parameter of the earth provide electromagnetic inform- The University at Buffalo now beneath the survey area. Typical ation. Additionally, supporting has the opportunity to step into shallow-survey measurements use of magnetic and induced EM the growing field of environ- include gravity, electrical methods can provide quick and mental geophysics through the conductivity, magnetics, elastic cost-effective constraints to many newly formed Environmental properties, polarizability, and geological and hydrological Geophysics Research (EGR) transparency to electromagnetic problems. laboratory. Dr. Baker formed (i.e. radar) waves. These this facility upon his arrival at measurements are then used to Sabbatical UB. Environmental geophysics, a indirectly infer permeability, subset of near-surface porosity, chemical constituents, Research geophysics, is a new and growing stratigraphy, geologic structure, Dr. Marcus Bursik, Associate area of academic study. The field and other properties. Professor of Geology, was on involves using state-of-the-art sabbatical during the 98/99 technology to "image" the Research academic year. He kept busy as subsurface remotely. Because The initial goals of the EGR Benjamin Meaker Visiting the use of drilling or trenching to group are to be able to acquire Professor in the Institute for assist in subsurface character- seismic, radar, gravity, magnetic, Advanced Studies and Centre for ization is at times imprudent or electric, and EM geophysical data Environmental Fluid Dynamics, prohibitively expensive, chara- and take advantage of UB's University of Bristol. His work in cterizing the upper few meters of existing high-powered computing Bristol involved theoretical the earth cost-effectively and facilities for modeling, process- studies of erosion by pyroclastic noninvasively becomes import- ing, and interpretation of these flows. This is a poorly ant. Detailed characterization of data. understood, but important the shallow subsurface is One role of the EGR group is problem, as erosion in the vent therefore important in environ- to utilize near-surface geo- region of a volcano affects the mental, groundwater, and geo- physical techniques to help total run-out characteristics of technical engineering appli- constrain various geological and these deadly flows. He also was cations, as well as neotectonics, hydrological problems. The tools Visiting Professor in the Instituto mining geology, and the analysis currently used by the EGR group de Geofisica, Universidad of petroleum reservoir analogs. include a state-of-the-art 60- Nacional Autonoma de Mexico. There are two basic reasons channel engineering seismo- His work there involved to use geophysical methods to graph, a portable magnetometer, observation of active block and address engineering and and a portable gravimeter. A ash flows at Colima volcano, environmental problems. One bistatic ground-penetrating radar which he is coupling with reason is to help mitigate existing (GPR) unit with several antennas laboratory experiments, and problems. Geophysical methods and EM-31 electromagnetic theoretical work on can be used to evaluate the survey unit will be acquired understanding flow rheology and extent of existing problems, to shortly. A full suite of survey behavior. predict where pollutants will go and computer equipment are In March 2000 he is planning in the subsurface, and to guide available for field use. another trip to Colima volcano exploratory drilling programs. Another role of the EGR with his Geology 478/578 class The other reason is to help laboratory is to continually (Advanced Field Methods) to design facilities to prevent improve the development of near- study its explosive eruptions. engineering foundation and surface geophysical methods. This is a joint course with environmental problems. Increas- Dr. Baker's research in the last Universidad Nacional Autonoma ingly, geophysical methods are five years focused on both near- de Mexico; they will be guests of being used prior to construction surface seismology and ground- University of Colima. Approx- to help assure subsurface penetrating radar. Recent imately 10 graduate and integrity at critical locations such advances have led to improve- undergraduate students will as power plants, chemical plants ments in ultrashallow seismic attend this trip. and waste storage/disposal imaging such that coincident use facilities. These methods are of seismic and GPR techniques is

The Epoch 12 STUDENT NEWS

Site, Lake Charles, Louisiana Degrees Conferred (Advisor: J. Fountain) Student Honors September 1998 - September 1999 Lisa Paquette: The Use of Soil Best Student Presentation Gas Analyses for the Evaluation BACHELOR OF ARTS Michelle Reay, won a $50 of Potential Gas Leakage from a September 1998 award for the best student Petroleum Storage Facility. Case Kevin A. Gray presentation at the March 1999 Study – Bath Petroleum Storage Joshua Landau meeting of the Northeastern Inc., Bath, New York Brian M. Pahucki Section of GSA in Rhode Island. (Advisor: J. Fountain) Her talk entitled “Geologic map- June 1999 ping of the Pike Quadrangle in Dino Zack: Geologic mapping of Jorge A. Arufe Western New York: evidence for the freedom 7½’ topographical Carl E. Berger faults at the surface in the app- quadrangle in southwestern New Heather L. Hornung alachian plateau” was judged on York State: evidence for multiple Steven J. Interdonato both presentation and scientific fault systems in the Appalachian Patricia M. A. Kliese merit and was co-authored by Dr. Plateau (Advisor: R. Jacobi) Joanna L. Lamprecht Robert Jacobi, her advisor. John T. Merletti Robert J. Murphy, cum laude September 1999 Jane E. Pietraszek Kevin J. Poplawski: Alternative Dean’s Outstanding Senior Jennifer A. Richards Energy: Potential Low Temp- Award Todd C. Witmer erature Geothermal Resources in Each year, The College of Arts Western and Central New York & Sciences requests departmen- September 1999 State. (Advisor: M. Bursik) tal nominations for outstanding David W. Jackson seniors. Robert Murphy was the Paula M. Jacobi DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY Department of Geology’s nom- Yvonne E. Paul ination for 1999. Nominees were September 1998 required to be graduating this MASTER OF ARTS Jiandong Xu: year with a minimum QPA of September 1998 Geometrical characterization of 3.25 and to have exhibited Eric Schultz: Glacial history of fracture networks: core and bore- academic excellence and promise the Chaffee Outwash Plain and hole fracture surveys, density for the future. Robert received a Surrounding Area, Erie County, calculation, and spatial structure certificate and medal in N.Y. (Advisor: P. Calkin) analyses (Advisor: R. Jacobi) recognition of his nomination.

David Blauvelt: Examples of Scoria Cone Degradation in the San Francisco Volcanic Field, Arizona (Advisor: M. Bursik)

Oscar Castaneda: Landslide Risk Mapping in the Zunil Area, Guatemala (Advisor: M. Sheridan)

Randy Evans: Non-thesis teaching program

David Frank: Dendroclimatic Investigation of the Tsuga Mertensiana Using Reflected- Light Analysis, Yakutat, Alaska (Advisor: P. Calkin)

Tamara Hauptfleisch: Surfactant Selection and Field Robert Murphy, 1999 Geology Outstanding Senior Test Interpretation for the PPG with Dr. Michael F. Sheridan.

The Epoch 13 Who’s Who Among Students Nuclear Waste Facility under the Chemistry. He was responsible advisement of Dr. Robert Jacobi. for developing a procedure for Eleven of our undergraduate modifying plastic surfaces with a students were selected for Undergraduate Pegrum Award radio frequency plasma, then inclusion in the 1998-1999 characterizing the modified edition of Who’s Who Among The Pegrum Award has been surfaces. The research is at the Students in American Universities given annually since 1970 to an cutting edge of science and thus and Colleges: Jorge Arufe, outstanding graduating senior in has run into innumerable un- Lindsay Brown, Jeremy Bork, the Department of Geology. The expected obstacles. John was Justin Deming, Heather 1999 award of $600 was able to persevere, getting large Hornung, Paula Jacobi, Patricia presented to John Merletti. amounts of high quality data and Kliese, Courtney Lugert, Robert During his senior year, John thus significantly helping the Murphy, Jane Pietraszek, and was working on a research project. The quality of his Jennifer Richards. project investigating the surface research was at a level typical of Students were selected on the chemistry of fractures with Drs. many master's projects. basis of academic merit (mini- Fountain, Becker and Giese from mum QPA of 3.0), extracurricular geology and Dr. Gardella from activities, citizenship and service to the school, and potential for future achievement.

Duttweiler Field Camp Award For six consecutive years, alumna Dorothea C. Duttweiler has contributed money to our department in support of women’s fieldwork and we have chosen to use this money to help women students attending our summer field camp course. The 1999 recipient of the $500 award is Courtney Lugert who had to attend a field course through another school (since our 1999 field camp was can- celled due to the loss of our Patricia Kliese, winner of the 1999 Gilbert Jaffe supply truck). Courtney is a fine Memorial award with Dr. Michael F. Sheridan. student as evidenced by her interest and participation in classes as well as her 3.26 QPA. She is also an active athlete and plays for the UB volleyball team on an academic scholarship.

Gilbert Jaffe Memorial Award This award is intended for a student that excels in the study of marine or environmental sciences. Patricia Kliese was the recipient of the $500 award for 1999. After receiving her BA degree, Trish decided to continue her studies at UB in pursuit of a Master of Arts Degree. She is currently studying the sediment- ology and stratigraphy of the Upper Devonian Catskill Delta John Merletti, 1999 winner of the Pegrum Undergraduate Complex near the West Valley Award with Dr. Michael F. Sheridan.

The Epoch 14 Graduate Pegrum Awards Thanks to a large donation from alumnus James W. Cadwell, the Pegrum Fund has grown large enough to be able to give additional annual award(s) to graduate student(s) that excel in teaching, or research.

The 1999 award of $600 for excellence in teaching was given to Elisa Bergslien. During the past two years, when numerous changes in departmental personnel often required faculty to teach new courses, Elisa repeatedly provided immense assistance in developing the laboratories for such courses, nearly from scratch. She also assisted several faculty in course 1999 Graduate Pegrum Award Winners Elisa Bergslien for Excellence in Teaching development, in addition to her and Bernard Hubbard for Outstanding Research. normal teaching duties. During this past semester, she took over maintenance of the Geology website and has improved it dramatically, all After the Deluge the while continuing her doctoral Surface Processes & Hydrology students respond with a sigh of relief research and classwork and after the Noachian inundation of the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour. maintaining a QPA of 4.0.

The 1999 award of $600 for outstanding research was given to Bernard Hubbard. Bernard is an excellent student with a QPA of 3.9. During his first year of graduate work at UB he was awarded a UB minority scholarship, and was then granted a prestigious NASA Fellowship for the next three years. His funding continues with a research assistantship on a NASA grant that he wrote as a spinoff of his Ph.D. defense proposals. He has presented results of his research at IAVCEI meetings at Taal Volcano in the Philippines and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. He also gave papers at the International Reunion of Colima, Mexico and at the National GSA in Toronto. Last summer Bernard won the prestigious Jack Kleinman Internship with the USGS that On September 26, 1999 Dr. Marcus Bursik took his students on a allowed him to do field research at Jet Boat Tour of the Niagara Gorge to study the surface processes Mount Adams in the Cascade of the Niagara River. Looks of concern could be seen on their Range. Besides completing his faces after the tour guide mentioned that automatic bailers would course work and conducting his purge any accumulated water from the boat. Students were research, he has been a sympathetic deluged with wave after wave of 55o F water that accumulated in and patient mentor for other the boat up to their waists. The waves hit with such great force students, exhibiting extraordinary students were pinned back into their seats as water invaded every time and talent in this endeavor. orifice of their heads.

The Epoch 15 ALUMNI NEWS

quoted from her website (http://www.geology.wisc.edu/pe Geology and Law, Dr. Mary Anderson ople/anderson.html) “include groundwater-lake studies and A good Match! is Selected for recharge estimation. Our By Dr. Rossman Giese groundwater-lake studies are Several Honors conducted at NSF's Long Term Today, much of geology is Ecological Research (LTER) site environmentally oriented. Env- Dr. Parker Calkin brought to in northern Wisconsin. We have ironmental problems are often a our attention that alumni Mary developed a new package for the complex mixture of chemistry, P. Anderson received the 1998 USGS groundwater flow code geology, hydrology and probably O.E. Meinzer Award from the MODFLOW that calculates lake other scientific disciplines. Hydrogeology Division of the levels during a transient Solving environmental problems Geological Society of America. simulation, and are currently is often made more difficult by This was awarded in recognition working with a regional flow the regulations and laws that are of a body of papers of distinction model of the LTER site. Plans are almost always written by non- advancing the science of to link this model to an scientists. There is a need for hydrogeology. These papers can evapotranspiration model and people with a strong geoscience be found at the website link then use the linked model to background and a law degree. http://www.uakron.edu/geology simulate the effects of potential /gsahydro/index.htm. A very global climate change. Recently “Solving environmental nice description of this award completed research focused on problems is often made and Dr. Anderson’s distinguished representation of aquifer hetero- more difficult by the career can be found in the March geneities in the subsurface in 1999 issue of GSA Today, pages order to develop a better way to regulations and laws that 27-28. quantify dispersion of cont- are almost always written In addition, Dr. Anderson was aminants in transport models.” by non-scientists” selected by a committee of her peers to be an AGU Fellow for 1999. This announcement can Geologists have been slow to be found in the April 13, 1999 Book Donation recognize the strong demand for AGU publication of EOS- Alumni John H. Barnes (MA ’72) scientifically trained environ- Transactions. In the AGU donated the book “Geology of mental lawyers. Three years ago, citation she was awarded this for Pennsylvania”, published by the Dr. Patricia M. Costanzo (PhD, “exceptionally skillful inclusion of Pennsylvania Geological Survey, UB in geology) took the plunge geological information into to our departmental library. John and entered the Law School at mathematical models to advance has been employed at the UB. She graduated in May of the state-of-the art of hydro- Pennsylvania Geological Survey 1999 and passed the New York geology and for numerous since 1970, and he contributed State Bar Exam in July. She is contributions as an educator, to the making of this book as a presently working in the Legal pioneer, role model, mentor, and co-author of a chapter, reviewer and Regulatory Group at Ecology leader of the profession.” of several other chapters, and for and Environment, Inc., a world- Dr. Anderson received her BA two years he assisted in editing wide environmental and degree from UB in 1970 and the book. The department of consulting company headquart- continued on to finish her MS geology would like to extend our ered in Lancaster, NY. Perhaps and PhD degrees in 1971 & gratitude and thanks for this following Dr. Costanzo's lead, 1973 at Stanford University. After donation that will be a valuable Mike Joy (PhD candidate in receiving her PhD, she became resource when planning our geology) has just begun his first an adjunct professor at “Geologic Evolution of North year in Law School, also at UB. Southampton College of Long America” field trip that travels You don’t need a Ph.D. to be a Island University. In 1975 she through Pennsylvania. good environmental lawyer. A BA accepted a faculty position at the or BS degree would be just fine. University of Wisconsin – Could the geology department Madison and has been there ever become a pre-law program? since. Dr. Anderson’s current research interests as directly

The Epoch 16 ALUM NOTES

Thanks to those who returned the Tell US forms with news to be shared with former classmates. Please be sure to fill out the form so that we can include your news next time.

Gary Andres (BA ’82) started a Sharon at York Central Schools. Paula Jacobi (BA ‘99) “I got a new job as of spring 1999 for “We were married on July 18, permanent full time position as Land & Water Consulting, Inc. 1998 and are both high school an environmental Geologist in the located in Missoula, MT. science teachers in the Rochester Washington DC area; I am very area, NY. We spent our excited! The owner is only two David & Julie (Gloss) Barclay honeymoon re-living field camp years older than me and most of (David PhD ’98, Julie MA ’97) memories in Colorado & the people that work there are David and Julie were married on Wyoming. Additionally, we back- around my age or a little older. It October 10th 1998. In the Fall of packed in Glacier National Park, is a very young company called 1999, David began a position as Montana.” MicroPact.” assistant professor in the Department of Geology at SUNY Andrew Cohen (MA ’97) “After Richard A. Jowett (BA ’85, MA Cortland. Julie is currently graduating from UB Geology in ’88). “I would like to say hello to working as a lecturer in the same 1997, I finished my teaching all the Alumni I studied with department. certification through the BRIET from 1982 – 1988. My wife Lana program and moved to Charlotte and I have two children, James is Jeff Bates (BA ’91, MS ’94 at North Carolina to teach earth 3 and Jessica is almost 2. We Bowling Green State Univ). science at David W. Butler High have been having a wonderful Current Employment: Instructor School. In the summer of 1999 I summer here in Houston, at Columbus State Community married Laura Symons who I met spending most of our spare time College. “I’m keeping busy with while in Buffalo. I am currently in our pool and visiting the Texas my job, starting my 4th year as an working with Varcom Corporation beaches. I recently purchased a instructor in Environmental a telecomunications engineering restored 1952 Jowett Jupiter, Technology. My wife Suzie and I company that develops software which is a 2 seat convertible have a 6-month old daughter to analyze computer networks. sports car made by my ancestors named Abigail. I do a little My email is [email protected] in England. We have had lots of outside consulting and will start or [email protected]”. fun running the car around town. graduate school again (at Ohio I am currently working as a State) in the fall of 1998” Denise Erb (BA ’84, MA ’88). “I deepwater exploration geophy- have been working with ERM as sicist in the Gulf of Mexico for Randy Bechtel & Gretchen an environmental consultant Amerada Hess, a New York based Miller (Randy BA ’92, MA ’98 & since 1989. Since 1997, I have company. The work is very Gretchen BA ’95) “Gretchen spent most of my time in exciting and challenging. Miller and I got married on 9-26- Trinidad. ERM promoted me to Amerada Hess has just installed 98. We live in Raleigh, N.C. and the Regional Manager in May the worlds tallest production love it. Gretchen works as a 1998. I still enjoy cocktails, platform (1600 ft) over our Geologist for an environmental working out, the beach and rude Baldpate prospect in Garden consulting firm and I work for the jokes.” Banks 260, which is an oil NC State Museum of Natural discovery in over 1,500 feet of Sciences as an Exhibit Hall Danielle Fino (BA ’96, MS ’97 in water and contains over 100 Program Specialist. This Journalism, Columbia University) million barrels of oil. museum will be opening a new “If you didn’t know already, I I would like to hear from interactive hands-on museum in have a new job – Web Comm- some old friends like “Zorba the the Spring of 2000 which will unications Manager at Woods Greek”, Denise Erb, and Butch. include an Acrocanthosaurus Hole Oceanographic Institute, Where are you guyz? I encourage (The Acro won’t be hands-on). and am now living in Cape Cod.” alumni to contact me via email at [email protected].” James & Sharon (Korff) Donald Hooper (PhD ’94) Brennan (James BA ’93, MA ’95 accepted a position in the fall of Michael (Moon) Khan (BA ’94, and Sharon BA ’93, MEd. ’96). 1999 as visiting assistant MA ’96) “In August 1998 I James & Sharon are currently professor at the Center for Earth married Cynthia McDowell and working as science teachers. and Environmental Science at moved to Long Island where I am James at West Irondequoit and SUNY Plattsburg. a teacher at Harborfields High

The Epoch 17 School. I’ve been teaching Earth in geology to pursue my calling to association with Doctors Pegrum Science, Physical Science and the ministry. I am now a Full and Buehler and continue to Marine Science. Next year I’ll be time student at Pensacola Bible enjoy Department news in the starting an AP Environmental Institute.” Epoch.” Science program at our school.” Gretchen Miller (BA ’95) Brian Romans (BA ’97). “Working Vasili (Wes) Kouznetsov (PhD See Randy Bechtel as geotech/associate geologist at ’97) “I am currently employed as Prima Oil and Gas in Denver, CO. a geoscientist by Schlumberger Warren Leve (BA ’50, MA ’52 Will attend Colorado School of GeoQuest in Houston. GeoQuest Univ. of Texas). Retired owner/ Mines or Colorado University at is a relatively new division of CEO of GWC Environmental Co. Boulder in the fall of 1999 to Schlumberger and is a software “Since retirement I have been earn a masters in geology.” company that specializes in all traveling the world, but still have kinds of applications for geology, Buffalo in my heart. Regards to Bruce Stewart (BA ’91, MA ’97). geophysics, reservoir modeling all my “old” friends and Current Employment: North and engineering, oil production schoolmates in Buffalo and Carolina State University – etc. It also provides some elsewhere who read the Epoch.” Environmental Health & Safety consulting services.” Officer. Zhaohui Li (PhD ’94 in Geology, Alison Lagowski (BA ’92, MA MA ’95 in Chemistry). “I just William W. Watson (MA ’70, BA ’96). “After FINALLY finishing my joined the Faculty of the ’65 at Baldwin-Wallace College). “ MA in environmental geochem- University of Wisconsin – I have retired after teaching istry, I continued to work full Parkside as a tenure track science in high school for 27 time for Dr. Fountain as a lab- Assistant Professor in Geology. I years. I have enjoyed teaching oratory manager until January teach courses such as hydro- earth science, geology, 1998. I continued in his lab part geology, advanced hydrogeology astronomy, chemistry, biology, time and also as a part time and geochemistry.” and science labs. Twenty of administrative assistant for UB’s these years I taught at City Environment & Society Institute Todd & Lisa (Paquette) Peters Honors School in Buffalo with until early fall. Upon Doris (Todd BA ’92, MA ’98 & Lisa BA John Opera who received his Millhollands’ retirement, I applied ’95, MA ’98). Todd and Lisa were degree in Geology from U.B. in and was selected for the Geology married in June 1999 and moved 1963 (BA) & 1965 (MA).” Assistant to the Chair Position to Houston, Texas where they are and started in October 1998 employed as geologists. Todd Donald R. Wiesnet (BA ’50, MA (what a hectic year!). works for Exxon Co. and Lisa ’51). “Professionally, I have a I was married in 1993 to works for ERM-Southwest. chapter in the “Manual of James Francisco (a trumpeter Photographic Interpretation” (Ch. and MIS analyst for Citigroup) Bertil (Bert) Rolander (BA ’54). Title: Water, Snow, and Ice). and I have continued playing my Retired in 1989. “Although Recreationally, Evelyn and I French Horn all these years. I educated in what was then the enjoyed a three week Elderhostel have had the opportunity to play Department of Geology and in Wales and London in April, professionally at Shea’s perf- Geography at UB, my prof- 1997. The ASPRS elected me to orming arts center for several essional career was in the field of it’s “fellow” ranks in 1997. operas and musicals, and most law enforcement. I served in recently have played for the Erie several Western New York Gregory C. Wiles (PhD '92) Philharmonic in Erie, PA. I feel I counties with the New York State started as an assistant professor have found the perfect niche in Police. My FBI career took me to of Geology in 1998 at The College life since I love my job (because it several field offices around the of Wooster, Ohio. connects me to Geology) and am country to FBI Headquarters as a able to continue my music supervisor (ultimately as Jiandong Xu (PhD ’98) is hobby. I’ve also begun to study Personnel Officer) and for two currently working in Beijing as Tae-Kwon-Do and am about half years as Legal Attaché at the US an Associate Professor at the way to my black belt. I would Embassy in Denmark with Institute of Geology, China love to hear from my fellow Liaison responsibility with law Seismological Bureau. students from long ago. Please enforcement agencies in fill out the “Tell Us” forms or e- Denmark, Sweden, Norway and mail me: [email protected]!!” Finland. All of this notwith- standing, I have extremely fond Matt Lazarus (BA ’91) “In memories of my days in the August, 1997 I gave up my career Department, particularly my

The Epoch 18 TELL US

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The Epoch 20