The University of Texas at Austin • Jackson School Of

Home , Anne McClain, Nick Hague, Thwaites Glacier, Totten Glacier

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN • JACKSON SCHOOL OF GEOSCIENCES • 2014 NEWSLETTER NEWSLETTER 2014 • GEOSCIENCES OF SCHOOL JACKSON • AUSTIN AT TEXAS OF UNIVERSITY THE Ne2014wsletter Newsletter

insidecover_final_outlined.indd 1 9/15/2014 4:07:08 PM CONTENTS 2 WELCOME 3 BRIEFS 18 FIELD EXPERIENCES 20 IN THE NEWS 25 AWARDS & HONORS 29 LIBRARY REPORT

30 SCIENTISTS On the cover: Jackson School of Geosciences research professor Ian Dalziel with Eugenia Sangines at Siccar Point in Scotland. See pages 32 SUMMER FIELD CAMPS 82-83 for more about the 2014 Texas Exes trip.

FEATURES 36 OPENING UP Mexico deregulates its state-run oil industry. By Tracy Idell Hamilton 39 PREPPING FOR SPACE A Jackson School geologist trains astronauts for trip to space. By John Williams 42 DISSECTING A GLACIER Research helps reveal Thwaites Glacier’s role in sea level rise. By Tim Green 44 STRIKING IT BIG WITH NANOTECH Scientists unlock the potential of nanotechnology in energy. By Joshua Zaffos 46 LIFELESS WATERS Mississippi River pollution a likely contributor to Gulf dead zone. By John Williams 49 RIDE HIGH AND SEEK Lidar is giving researchers an eagle-eyed view of the land. By Joshua Zaffos 51 BACK FROM TOTTEN The Newsletter, a tradition since 1950, is Ice alters research plans. By Terry Britt published annually for friends and alumni of the Jackson School of Geosciences at the 52 GEOFORCE TURNS 10 University of Texas at Austin. Program introduces high-schoolers to geoscience. By Angela Curtis EDITOR: Anton Caputo 54 A CLASSROOM AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Melissa Weber Students and professors take a journey to the Arctic. By Rose Cahalan

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Marc Airhart, J.B. Bird, Terry Britt, Rose Cahalan, Anton Caputo, Angela Curtis, Tim Green, Tracy Idell Hamilton, Dennis Trombatore, Melissa Weber, 60 DONORS John Williams, Joshua Zaffos 66 GEOLOGY FOUNDATION ADVISORY COUNCIL MAGAZINE DESIGN: Dana Taylor 68 ALUMNI NOTES CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Rose Cahalan, Kerwyn Chambers, Sasha Haagensen, David Stephens, Kyle Yuhao Sun 86 MEMORIALS

Send communications to: 99 CONTRIBUTION & ALUMNI NEWS UPDATE FORM Newsletter Editor The University of Texas at Austin Jackson School of Geosciences 2225 Speedway, Stop C1160 Austin, TX 78712-1692 Stay Connected! Phone: 512-471-6048 facebook.com/UTJSG Fax: 512-471-5585 @txgeosciences Email: [email protected] Web: www.jsg.utexas.edu youtube.com/JSGUTAUSTIN WELCOME

Jackson School alumni, staff and friends with the Texas Exes in Scotland during a field trip in summer 2014.

Dear Alumni and Friends,

As you browse this year’s alumni Newsletter, I think you will agree photos of the 2014 symposium at which graduate and undergraduate that it has been another tremendous year of scientific discovery at the students displayed their research (page 14). This academic year’s sym- Jackson School of Geosciences. posium is Feb. 7, 2015, in the Texas Union Ballroom. Please attend. Our mission at the Jackson School is to advance understanding of You won’t regret it. the earth and its resources, systems and environment, for the lasting As many of you are well aware, the field of geosciences is expand- benefit of humankind. The work featured in this magazine is doing ing and changing rapidly. The evolving landscape offers exciting just that. opportunities and challenges. Among the most important issues we The research you will read about shows a tremendous range of face is how to arm young geoscientists with the skills needed to thrive science, plus the integration of research and education. Among the in the new environment and economy. highlights are the ongoing work that Don Blankenship and colleagues In January 2014, we hosted a National Science Foundation spon- are doing on the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (page 42), and closer to sored Summit on the Future of Undergraduate Geoscience Education home, Bayani Cardenas’s research on the Mississippi River’s limita- to foster a dialogue on this crucial issue (page 15). The three-day tions to filter out nitrates flowing to the Gulf of Mexico (page 46). summit brought together about 200 educators from R1 research Also highlighted is Mark Helper’s preparation of the next genera- universities with undergraduate programs, four-year private and state tion of astronauts to conduct field geology in space, continuing Bill colleges and two-year community colleges. This vital work will be Muehlberger’s legacy (page 39). ongoing, but the summit was a great start. And proving that big ideas can come in deceivingly small packages I hope you take pride in the Jackson School as you read this year’s is the cutting-edge research on nanoparticles being conducted by Newsletter. You should, because none of this would be possible BEG’s Advanced Energy Consortium (page 44), and Danny Stockli’s without the support of an active and caring network of alumni and research teasing out a wealth of geological knowledge from a single friends. Thank you so much for helping make the Jackson School the zircon (page 30). great place it is. As exciting as these projects are, they represent only a small fraction of the science being pursued at the Jackson School. To really get Sharon Mosher a feel for the breadth and depth of JSG research and student involve- Dean ment, I invite you to attend one of my favorite events of the year, the student-led research symposium. I encourage you to look at the

2 Jackson School of Geosciences BRIEFS

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

See this edition’s feature articles for additional coverage of selected research highlights.

Battered But Not Broken Hurricane Sandy may have wreaked havoc throughout Long Island in October 2012, but the massive storm did not seri- ously damage the offshore barrier system that controls the island’s erosion, found researchers with the University of Texas at Austin’s Institute for Geophysics (UTIG) and other scientific institutions. The findings are based on pre-storm survey data compared with post-storm data acquired through a collaborative rapid response science mission to the south shore Above: A New Jersey neighborhood in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Credit: U.S. Navy. Below: Members of the rapid response research team included, from left to right, Jamie Austin, of Long Island led by scientists at UTIG, John Goff, Steffen Saustrup, Cassandra Browne, Beth Christensen and Roger Flood. Adelphi University, Stony Brook Univer- sity and other institutions in the New York higher frequency seafloor mapping system Compared with Galveston, Long Island has a metro area. supplied by Stony Brook University, the greater abundance of sand in its overall system. The purpose of the mission, conducted scientists used two research vessels to profile The storm churned up much of this sand and January 2013, was to assess the post-Sandy the seafloor and upper sediment layers of the moved bedforms, but the scientists speculate health of the offshore barrier system that ocean bottom. They surveyed three represen- that the greater abundance of sand helped protects New York Harbor and the south- tative segments of the shoreface that protects the offshore barriers maintain their overall western Long Island region against damage Long Island, each segment about 15 meters shape and integrity as erosional barriers. from future storms. The team conducted deep, 1 mile offshore and roughly 6 square Tempering this good news, the survey marine geophysical surveys of the seafloor miles in size. team also found evidence the storm brought and shallow subsurface to map the sedi- The storm, they found, did not significantly new pollutants into the waters off Long mentary impact of the hurricane on the erode these sampled segments of shoreface. Island. Heavy metals were detected in a layer beach/barrier systems of selected bay, inlet “The shape of the bedforms that make up of mud that the storm deposited offshore. and nearshore areas of the south shore of the barrier system did not change a whole Beth Christensen, of Adelphi University, Long Island. lot,” said co-principal investigator John Goff, traced the metals back to muds from Long Using a CHIRP (compressed high-inten- of UTIG. “Where we might have expected to Island’s South Shore Estuary Reserve, which sity radar pulse) sonar system and an even see significant erosion based on long-term has a long history of pollution from industry history, not a lot happened—nothing that ate and human habitation. into the shoreface.” The mission was the sixth rapid response “The sand largely took the blow,” added science mission funded by the Jackson co-principal investigator Jamie Austin, also School of Geosciences at UT-Austin. (UTIG of UTIG. “Like a good barricade, the barrier is a research unit within the Jackson School system absorbed the significant blow, but held.” of Geosciences.) The missions place geo- This was not the case in other storm- scientists on the scenes of natural disasters ravaged zones the Texas team has surveyed. as quickly as possible to measure the often When Hurricane Ike hit Galveston in 2008, vanishing traces of hurricanes, earthquakes, the storm significantly disrupted the thin tsunamis and other disasters. finer-grained sediment layer offshore, “The faster we get out into the field to removing material underneath the shoreline measure Earth’s response to naturally de- in a way that exacerbated long-term prob- structive events, the better we can relate data lems of erosion. to the disasters,” said Austin.

2014 Newsletter 3 Bountiful Supply The Fayetteville Shale, one of the nation’s most productive shale gas basins, will continue to be a major contributor to U.S. natural gas supplies for years to come, according to a forecast from the Bureau of Economic Geology (BEG) released in January 2014. The BEG found recoverable reserves of 18 trillion cubic feet (tcf) through 2050. A summary of the report was released in the Oil & Gas Journal. The assessment of the Fayetteville Shale was part of a four-basin study of shale gas reserves funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foun- dation. It followed the same methodology as the BEG’s 2013 assessment of natural gas production in the Barnett Shale, the nation’s most commercially developed unconventional gas play. Both studies integrated Fayetteville Shale production forecast based on a Bureau of Economic Geology assessment. engineering, geology and economics and For more information on the BEG assess- most prominent features. As lead author were designed to be among the most rigor- ments of the Fayetteville and Barnett shales Krista Soderlund and colleagues explained ous assessments to date of production in U.S. and upcoming studies on the Haynesville in the online edition of the journal Nature shale gas basins. and Marcellus shales, please visit the BEG- Geoscience, the chaos terrains, which are Drawing on production data from all of Sloan Foundation Shale Gas Assessment the individual wells drilled in the Fayette- concentrated in Europa’s equatorial region, ville Shale from 2005 to 2011, the assess- Study website at www.beg.utexas.edu/info/ could result from convection in Europa’s ice ment estimates technically recoverable gas shale_rsrvs_prod.php. The website includes shell, accelerated by heat from the ocean. The reserves for the region at 38 tcf, of which 18 free links to the summary reports in the Oil heat transfer and possible marine ice forma- tcf will be economically feasible to recover & Gas Journal. tion may be helping form diapirs, or warm compositionally buoyant plumes of ice that BRIEFS at natural gas prices near $4 per million cubic feet. (For perspective, the United Looking for Life rise through the shell. States consumed about 25 tcf of natural gas In a finding relevant to the search for life In a numerical model of Europa’s ocean in 2012, according to the U.S. Energy Infor- in our solar system, researchers at the circulation, the researchers found that warm mation Administration.) University of Texas at Austin’s Institute rising ocean currents near the equator and The BEG is moving forward with as- for Geophysics, the Georgia Institute of subsiding currents in latitudes closer to sessments of two other major U.S. shale Technology and the Max Planck Institute the poles could account for the location of gas basins, the Haynesville (in Arkansas, for Solar System Research showed that the chaos terrains and other features of Europa’s Louisiana and Texas) and Marcellus (in the subsurface ocean on Jupiter’s moon Europa surface. Such a pattern coupled with region- Appalachian region), followed by a study may have deep currents and circulation pat- ally more vigorous turbulence intensifies of U.S. shale oil reserves, all funded by the terns with heat and energy transfers capable heat transfer near the equator, which could Sloan Foundation, which makes grants to of sustaining biological life. help initiate upwelling ice pulses that create support original research and broad-based Scientists believe Europa is one of the features such as the chaos terrains. education related to science, technology and planetary bodies in our solar system most “The processes we are modeling on Europa economic performance. likely to have conditions that could sustain remind us of processes on Earth,” said Most other assessments of shale gas life, an idea reinforced by magnetometer Soderlund, referring to a similar process that reserves have taken a top down view of readings from the Galileo spacecraft detect- has been observed in the patterns creating production, relying on aggregate views of ing signs of a salty, global ocean below the marine ice in parts of Antarctica. average production. In contrast, this study moon’s icy shell. takes a bottom up approach, starting with Without direct measurements of the Redefining Relationships the production history of every well and then ocean, scientists have to rely on magnetom- Michelle Stocker (Ph.D. ’13), former determining what areas remain to be drilled, eter data and observations of the moon’s icy graduate student in the University of Texas said Scott Tinker, the BEG’s director and co- surface to account for oceanic conditions at Austin’s Jackson School of Geosciences, principal investigator of the assessment. The below the ice. dramatically rearranged the evolutionary tree result yields a more accurate and comprehen- Regions of disrupted ice on the surface, for several extinct crocodile-like animals that sive view of the basin. known as chaos terrains, are one of Europa’s lived over 200 million years ago in present-

4 Jackson School of Geosciences Drilling Deep for Fire and Ice Jackson School of Geosciences researchers to lead major methane hydrate study BRIEFS

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will fund a project led by the University of Texas at Austin’s Institute for Geophysics (UTIG) to drill, sample and analyze deposits of frozen methane under the Gulf of Mexico that hold enormous potential to increase the world’s energy supply. The agreement, which was still being finalized at press time, includes roughly $41 million in DOE funding and $12 million from industry interested in the project and the research partners. The grant funding will allow researchers to advance scientific understanding of methane hydrate, a substance found in abundance beneath the ocean floor and under Arctic permafrost. In addition to UTIG, the study includes researchers from The Ohio State University, Columbia University’s Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory, the Consortium for Ocean Leadership and the U.S. Geological Survey. Estimates vary on the amount of energy that could be produced from methane hydrate worldwide, but the potential is huge. In the Gulf of Mexico, where the team will be sampling, there is estimated to be about 7,000 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of methane in sand-dominated reservoirs located near the Above: A methane hydrate core seafloor. For comparison, the United States used about 26 tcf of natural gas in 2013. Many sample from India. Photo courtesy of USGS. Right: Peter Flemings, large global economies lack clean and secure energy supplies but have potentially enormous professor and UTIG research hydrate resources, so methane hydrates have the potential to contribute to long-term energy scientist, will lead the study. security within the United States and abroad. Methane hydrate is stable under high pressure and low temperatures but melts quickly when it is warmed or depressurized, causing the methane to bubble away. This poses significant technical and scientific challenges to those working to eventually produce energy from the deepwater deposits. “The heart of this project is to acquire intact samples of this stuff so that we can better understand how to produce these deposits,” said Peter Flemings, a professor and UTIG research scientist who is the project’s principal investigator. Data gathered during the four-year project will help scientists to more accurately estimate the occurrence and distribution of marine hydrates and lay the groundwork for future production efforts. “I think methane hydrates are one of the most fascinating materials in the planet,” Flemings said. “They store energy, they look like ice but burn, they may impact climate, and they may cause submarine landslides.”

2014 Newsletter 5 day Texas, Wyoming and Germany. Based on this new understanding, she renamed one of the specimens Wannia scurriensis in honor of the paleontologist who first described it in 1949, Wann Langston, Jr., an internationally renowned professor at UT-Austin who died in 2013. Since the first of these crocodile-like specimens was described in 1904, they were sometimes assigned to one species and sometimes to three or four distinct species, yet always within a single genus called Paleo- rhinus. According to Stocker’s analysis, the Paleorhinus specimens represent at least four distinct species in three genera. This work, which appears in a special volume honoring Langston published online in several install- ments in September and October 2013 in the journal Earth and Environmental Science Transactions of the Royal Society of Edin- burgh, has important implications for dating several fossil sites. “Specimens from a wide geographic range and potentially a wide time range were all lumped into the same group,” said Stocker. “That means those sites were all thought to be about the same age. But now we see they might not be.” Stocker said this work demonstrates the importance of preserving and maintaining

BRIEFS fossil collections. Even when a specimen like Wannia scurriensis has been carefully analyzed and described in the scientific literature, new technologies, methodologies and comparative specimens allow scientists to continue to glean new insights. “It’s a historic specimen—Langston described it back in 1949,” said Stocker. “And Michelle Stocker renamed this crocodile-like specimen Wannia scurriensis in honor of professor we’re still finding out new things about it today.” Wann Langston, Jr. (A) dorsal view of skull (B) ventral view. Scale bar = 1 cm Climate Connections Previous studies of Pacific decadal vari- analysis of tropical coral and Antarctic ice Forecasting long-term climate variability has ability have paid more attention to the core records from the past two centuries. been challenging in the Pacific Ocean, but North Pacific, partly because historical findings by a researcher at the University ocean-atmosphere data is more abundant in Shaking the Ground of Texas at Austin’s Institute for Geophysics the North than the South Pacific. The new Researchers from the University of Texas could help future efforts. analysis, however, indicates that random at Austin’s Institute for Geophysics (UTIG) Slow changes in sea surface temperatures atmospheric variability over the South Pacific correlated a series of small earthquakes near in the tropical Pacific Ocean are known Ocean modifies sea surface temperatures Snyder, Texas, between 2006 and 2011 with to affect the atmospheric circulation and in the southeast tropical Pacific, which in the underground injection of large volumes hydrological cycle around the world, includ- turn affect the North Pacific Ocean through of gas, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2)—a ing Texas. A new study by research associate atmospheric teleconnections. finding that is relevant to the process of cap- Yuko Okumura indicates that Pacific decadal The findings were published in the Ameri- turing and storing CO2 underground. variability originates in the South Pacific, can Meteorological Society online journal in Although the study suggests that un- not the North Pacific. The findings have December 2013. The strong decadal linkage derground injection of gas triggered the important implications for long-term climate between the tropical Pacific and South Pacific Snyder earthquakes, it also points out that monitoring and predictions. is also supported by Okumura’s previous similar rates of injections have not triggered

6 Jackson School of Geosciences comparable quakes in other fields, bolstering to complement wind generation, which the idea that underground gas injection does doesn’t consume water. Remote-control Submarines In June 2014, scientists with the University not cause significant seismic events in many The results of study were published in the of Texas at Austin’s Institute for Geophysics geologic settings. journal Environmental Research Letters in (UTIG) and the U.S. Cold Regions Research No injuries or severe damage were report- December 2013. and Engineering Laboratory teamed up with ed from the quakes identified in the study. “The bottom line is that boosting natural Bluefin Robotics to conduct an underwater The study represents the first time un- gas production and using more natural gas survey near Alaska’s Hubbard Glacier. derground gas injection has been correlated in power generation makes our electric grid The team used an autonomous underwater with earthquakes greater than magnitude 3. more drought-resilient,” Scanlon said. vehicle, or AUV, to survey the glacier’s de- The results, from UTIG’s Wei Gan and The study focused exclusively on Texas, bris-laden bank in areas that surface vessels Cliff Frohlich, appeared in the journal Pro- but the authors believe the results should can’t safely operate. In question was whether ceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. be applicable to other regions of the United these remote-control vehicles could be used States, where water consumption rates for for research in such harsh environments. The the key technologies evaluated are gener- Water-wise Power project, according to the scientists, clearly Bridget Scanlon, a senior research scientist ally similar. proved they can. at the University of Texas at Austin’s Bureau Ian Duncan, research scientist at the BEG, “The data collected along the morainal of Economic Geology (BEG), led a study and Robert Reedy, a BEG research scientist bank were truly spectacular, providing that found using natural gas for electricity associate, were co-authors. phenomenal, centimeter-scale seafloor detail generation in Texas saves water and makes To study the drought resilience of Texas close to the glacier in regions that could not the state less vulnerable to drought. power plants, Scanlon and her colleagues col- be surveyed with surface vessels,” said John Even though exploration for natural gas lected water use data for all 423 of the state’s Goff, a UTIG senior research scientist. requires significant water in Texas, the con- power plants from the Energy Information AUVs have the potential to reduce the sumption is easily offset by the overall water Administration and from state agencies such risk of conducting research in dangerous efficiencies of generating electricity from as the Texas Commission on Environmental environments. The Hubbard Glacier, for in- natural gas, the study found. The research- Quality and the Texas Water Development stance, is one of the few advancing tidewater ers estimated the water saved by shifting a Board, as well as other data.

glaciers in the world. It is readily accessible BRIEFS power plant from coal to natural gas is 25 to The Jackson School of Geosciences from Yakutat, Alaska, and offers a premier 50 times as great as the amount of water used helped fund the research along with the opportunity for studying ice, sediment and in hydraulic fracturing to extract the natural State of Texas Advanced Resource Recovery seawater interactions at a tidewater glacier gas. Natural gas also enhances drought resil- program, a state-funded program managed front in contact with the stabilizing subma- ience by providing so-called peaking plants by the BEG. rine morainal bank. However, it is also one of most challenging environments imaginable for marine survey work. The sea is constantly choked with ice and there is always the possibility that chunks of the glacier will fall into the ocean, making the area unsafe for boats. “Our project clearly proved the viability of AUV operations in this harsh environment,” Goff said. In addition to Goff, UTIG’s Sean Gulick and Dan Lawson from the Cold Regions Re- search and Engineering Laboratory collaborated on the project. Funding was provided by the Jackson School of Geosciences seed grant initiative and by Bluefin Robotics.

Surveying the Gulf In October 2013, the Bureau of Economic Geology’s Tip Meckel led a 10-day cruise to collect 3D seismic data off the Texas coast in the Gulf of Mexico. This cruise was part of a

UTIG scientist Sean Gulick (left) and Bluefin Robotics technician Will O’Halloran deploy the Bluefin 9M AUV in front of Hubbard Glacier. Photo by John Goff

2014 Newsletter 7 An explosion in the distribution of the shapes of melanin-containing organelles preserved in living taxa and the fossil record may point to a key physiological shift within feathered dinosaurs. Credit: Quanguo Li, et al. BRIEFS

multi-year effort to identify potential carbon risks of offshore storage projects by proving of flight and changes in dinosaur physiology dioxide (CO2) storage sites beneath the Gulf up regional sealing characteristics over large prior to the origin of flight. floor within 10 miles of Texas. continuous areas. Interest from industry has In a survey comparing the hair, skin, fuzz The seismic data were collected using been building, and acquiring datasets such and feathers of living terrestrial vertebrates the new Geometrics-manufactured P-Cable as these are an important part of developing and fossil specimens, a research team from system, which is designed to reveal geologic various anticipated commercial applications the University of Texas at Austin, the Univer- layers and structures below the seafloor at of HR3D technologies. sity of Akron, the China University of Geo- shallower depths than those typically sur- In addition to Meckel, science staff included sciences and four other Chinese institutions veyed by the oil and gas industry. The Bureau Nathan Bangs from UT-Austin’s Institute found evidence for evolutionary shifts in the of Economic Geology (BEG), a research unit for Geophysics and Dallas Dunlap from relationship between color and the shape in the Jackson School of Geosciences at the the BEG, as well as SMU graduate student of pigment-containing organelles known as University of Texas at Austin, is the only Ben Phrampus. Logistical coordination and melanosomes. The findings were reported in research institution in the United States (and project management from shore was led by the March 20, 2014, edition of Nature. among a handful globally) that currently the BEG’s Ramon Trevino. At the same time, the team discovered that operates such high-resolution 3D (HR3D) The research is funded through the Depart- endothermic (commonly known as warm- seismic acquisition technology. ment of Energy National Energy Technology blooded) birds and mammals shared a pattern Meckel and his team deployed the technol- Laboratory’s carbon sequestration research of diverse melanosome shapes distinct from ogy for the first time in the Gulf of Mexico program and the Texas General Land Office. living ectothermic (cold-blooded) animals in 2012. The information they are collecting such as lizards, turtles and crocodiles. is critical, they said, to ensure the CO2 won’t Flying Colors Ancient maniraptoran dinosaurs and escape back to the seafloor. New research that revises recently established paravians also showed diverse melanosome Initial results indicate that the seismic conventions allowing scientists to decipher shapes and sizes, in the pattern of living system will be an extremely valuable tool color in dinosaurs may also provide a tool for mammals and birds. (Diversity in the shape for identifying, understanding and reducing understanding the evolutionary emergence and size of melanosomes allows scientists

8 Jackson School of Geosciences BRIEFS

During the 2005 and 2010 droughts, satellites detected decreased vegetation greenness—or a lower Normalized Vegetation Index (NDVI)—over the southern Amazon rainforest (orange and red regions). NDVI is derived from MODIS instruments on NASA’s Terra and Aqua satellites. Image courtesy of Ranga Myneni, Jian Bi and NASA. DRYING OUT A new study suggests the southern portion of the Amazon rainforest journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. is at much higher risk of dieback due to stronger seasonal drying Researchers say the most likely explanation for the lengthening than projections reported by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate dry season is human-caused greenhouse warming, which inhibits Change (IPCC). rainfall in two ways. First, it makes it harder for warm, dry air If severe enough, the loss of rainforest could cause the release near the surface to rise and freely mix with cool, moist air above. of large volumes of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide into the Second, it blocks cold front incursions from outside the tropics that atmosphere. It could also disrupt plant and animal communities in could trigger rainfall. The climate models used by the IPCC poorly one of the most biodiverse regions of the world. represent these processes, possibly explaining its projection of only Using ground-based rainfall measurements from the past a slightly longer Amazonian dry season, said Fu. three decades, a research team led by Rong Fu, professor at the The Amazon rainforest normally removes carbon dioxide from University of Texas at Austin’s Jackson School of Geosciences, the atmosphere, but during a severe drought in 2005, it released 1 found that since 1979, the dry season in southern Amazonia has petagram of carbon (about one-tenth of annual human emissions) lasted about a week longer per decade. At the same time, the into the atmosphere. Fu and her colleagues estimate that if dry annual fire season has become longer. Researchers say the most seasons continue to lengthen at just half the rate of recent decades, likely explanation for the lengthening dry season is global warming. the 2005 drought could become the norm rather than the exception “The length of the dry season in the southern Amazon is the most by the end of this century. important climate condition controlling the rainforest,” said Fu. “If “Because of the potential impact on the global carbon cycle, the dry season is too long, the rainforest will not survive.” we need to better understand the changes of the dry season over The findings were reported in the Nov. 5, 2013, issue of the southern Amazonia,” said Fu.

2014 Newsletter 9 to decipher color.) The evolution of diverse melanosomes in these organisms raises the possibility that melanosome shape and size could yield insights into dinosaur physiology. Co-authors include Julia Clarke from the Department of Geological Sciences at the Jackson School of Geosciences, Quanguo Li of the China University of Geosciences, Ke-Qin Gao of Peking University, Chang- Fu Zhou of Shenyang Normal University, Qingjin Meng of the Beijing Museum of Natural History, Daliang Li of the Museum of China University of Geosciences and Liliana D’Alba of the University of Akron.

Dirty Water A new method of measuring the interaction of surface water and groundwater along the Mississippi River adds further evidence that the network’s natural ability to chemically filter nitrates is being overwhelmed. Hydrogeologists at the University of Texas at Austin showed for the first time that virtually every drop of water coursing through 311,000 miles (500,000 kilometers) of waterways in the Mississippi River network goes through a natural filtering process as it flows to the Gulf of Mexico. This map shows the locations of geothermal flow underneath Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica that were identified with airborne ice- The analysis, which appears in the May penetrating radar. The dark magenta triangles show where geothermal flow 11, 2014, edition of the journal Nature exceeds 150 milliwatts per square meter, and the light magenta triangles show where flow exceeds 200 milliwatts per square meter. Letters C, D and

BRIEFS Geoscience, found that 99.6 percent of the E denote high melt areas. water in the network passes through filtering sediment along the banks of creeks, glacier, possibly allowing the ice sheet to streams and rivers. This finding suggests Melting from Below slide and affecting the ice sheet’s stability and the river’s natural filtration systems for Thwaites Glacier, the large, rapidly changing its contribution to future sea level rise. The nitrates—a major component of inorganic outlet of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, is not collapse of the Thwaites Glacier would cause fertilizers—are operating at or very close to only being eroded by the ocean, but it is also a global sea level increase of 1 to 2 meters. full capacity. being melted from below by geothermal heat, Until now, scientists had been unable to As a result, the river system operates less researchers at the University of Texas at Aus- measure the strength or location of heat flow as a buffer and more as a conveyor belt, tin’s Institute for Geophysics (UTIG) report under the glacier. Current ice sheet models transporting nitrates to the Gulf of Mexico. in the June 24, 2014, edition of the Proceed- The amount of nitrates flowing into the Gulf ings of the National Academy of Sciences. have assumed heat flow under the glacier is from the Mississippi has already created the The findings significantly change the un- uniform, like a pancake griddle with even world’s second-biggest dead zone, an oxygen- derstanding of conditions beneath the West heat distribution across the bottom of the ice. depleted area where fish and other aquatic Antarctic Ice Sheet, where accurate informa- The findings of lead author Dusty Schro- life can’t survive. tion has previously been unobtainable. eder and his colleagues show the glacier The research, conducted by Bayani Carde- Using radar techniques to map how water sits on something more like a multi-burner nas, associate professor of hydrogeology, and flows under ice sheets, UTIG researchers stovetop, with burners putting out heat at dif- Brian Kiel, a Ph.D. candidate in geology at were able to estimate ice melting rates and ferent levels at different locations. the university’s Jackson School of Geosci- thus identify significant sources of geo- According to Schroeder’s findings, the ences, provides valuable information to those thermal heat under Thwaites Glacier. They minimum average geothermal heat flow who manage water quality efforts in the Mis- found these sources are distributed over a beneath Thwaites Glacier is about 100 mil- sissippi River network. wider area and are much hotter than previ- liwatts per square meter (mW/m2), with hot The new model, Cardenas said, can be a ously assumed. spots over 200 mW/m2. For comparison, the first step to enable a wider analysis of the The geothermal heat contributed sig- average heat flow of the earth’s continents is river system. nificantly to melting of the underside of the less than 65 mW/m2.

10 Jackson School of Geosciences The presence of water and heat present of Geosciences, was part of the team that carries instruments for collecting and analyz- researchers with significant challenges. “The reported two new findings from the Mars ing samples drilled from rocks or scooped combination of variable subglacial geother- Curiosity rover: an ancient lake could have from soil. mal heat flow and the interacting subglacial sustained life on the red planet and sedi- Kocurek is one of about 400 scientists on water system could threaten the stability ments at Gale Crater are similar to deposits the Curiosity team. He and his co-authors of Thwaites Glacier in ways that we never found elsewhere on Mars. reported in the Jan. 24, 2014, issue of Science before imagined,” Schroeder said. NASA’s Curiosity rover began exploring that mudstones gathered in an area of Gale the 96-mile-wide Gale Crater in August 2012 Crater called Yellowknife Bay contained clay Life on Mars in hopes of discovering whether it may have minerals indicative of a relatively freshwater Gary Kocurek, professor in the Department once been well-suited to support microbial lake. The samples also contained some of of Geological Sciences at the Jackson School life. The mobile Mars Science Laboratory the key chemical ingredients for life: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen and phosphorus. Such chemistry would have supported mineral-eating microbes called chemolithoautotrophs, researchers said. Scientists estimate the ancient lake likely covered an area about 31 miles long and 3 miles wide for at least tens of thousands of years, possibly longer. The lake possibly existed until as recently as 3.7 billion years ago, researchers noted, suggesting Mars may have supported life more recently than previously thought.

Above: Illustration depicting a concept for the possible extent of an ancient lake inside Gale Crater. At left: A mosaic of images from Curiosity’s mast camera showing geological members of the Yellowknife Bay formation. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS

2014 Newsletter 11 Kocurek co-authored another Science of it may discharge with the melting water paper published in the Sept. 27, 2013, edition through underground cracks and seeps in that found a deposit of wind-blown sand the once-frozen landscape and end up in and dust in Gale Crater is chemically and the Arctic Ocean. mineralogically similar to deposits previ- That’s the working theory of University of ously analyzed by the Mars rovers Spirit and Texas at Austin researchers Bayani Cardenas Opportunity at two other sites. and Philip Bennett of the Department of Sediments in all three locations were pro- Geological Sciences at the Jackson School duced by the physical weathering of volcanic of Geosciences and associate professor Jim rocks called basalts. McClelland from the UT-Austin Department “These results are consistent with a wealth of Marine Science. The trio, funded by a seed of other evidence that the Martian crust is grant from the Jackson School and sup- primarily basalt and that physical weather- ported by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, ing is much more important than chemical conducted exploratory research on the Arctic weathering,” said Kocurek. coast near Kaktovik, Alaska, in August 2014. Researchers offer two possible explana- Greta Burkart, an aquatic ecologist with U.S. tions for the trio of distant yet similar sedi- Fish and Wildlife Service, was also on the ments. Strong global winds may have picked research trip. up and mixed local sediments into a globally Cardenas, Bennett and McClelland will Ph.D. candidate Kaustubh Thirumalai led similar mixture, or maybe the basalts that likely return to the site in the summer of sediment trap research in the Gulf of Mexico. spawned the sediments are similar every- 2015 to continue the research. where on the planet. To test this thinking, Thirumalai led a study The deposit analyzed, called the Rocknest Catch a Falling Sediment in the Gulf of Mexico, where scientists dropped sand shadow, is an accumulation of wind- Planktic foraminifer Globigerinoides ruber a sediment trap about 1,100 meters underwater blown sediment. Soon after landing in Gale (G. ruber)—a single-cell organism with to intercept dead plankton shells before they hit Crater, Curiosity dug up five scoops of loose a hard outer shell—is perhaps one of the the seafloor. Core-top and downcore samples material from Rocknest and analyzed it using most widely used species for reconstructing were also retrieved for analysis. five instruments. past sea-surface conditions. Recent studies “We show with the help of the sediment “This is a big deal,” said Kocurek. “We’re suggest two subspecies, or morphotypes, trap that there is little to no difference in exploring another planet with a rover that acts called G. ruber sensu stricto and G. ruber habitat between these subspecies, thereby like a geologist and carries its own sophisticat- sensu lato live at different depths and there- showing that previous reconstructions are BRIEFS ed laboratory around. We know so little about fore must not be mixed when reconstructing not all wrong,” Thirumalai said. Mars that anything we find is important.” past climates. The findings were published Aug. 11, 2014, Kaustubh Thirumalai, a Ph.D. candidate in Nature’s open-access journal Scientific Follow the Carbon at the University of Texas at Austin’s Institute Reports. The study, funded in part by the As Alaska’s permafrost melts and de- for Geophysics, said such a hypothesis was Jackson School’s Martin B. Lagoe Student grades, what happens to the massive worrisome because it would mean previous Research Fund for Micropaleontology, was amount of carbon stored underneath in reconstructions that mixed the species were conducted in collaboration with the U.S. the form of frozen organic matter? Some potentially biased. Geological Survey’s St. Petersburg Division.

The Arctic coast near Kaktovik, Alaska, where scientists from the Department of Geological Sciences conducted exploratory research. Going Paleo In fall 2013, the University of Texas at Austin’s world-class paleontology collections were transferred from the College of Natural Sci- ences to the Jackson School of Geosciences. The collections—housed in the Vertebrate Paleontology Labora- tory (VPL) and Non-Vertebrate Paleontology Laboratory (NPL)— are vital for education and research for students, faculty and research scientists. BRIEFS “Both the VPL and NPL labs play a major role in public outreach, education and research,” said Sharon Mosher, Dean of the Jackson School. “Their specimens enrich the scientific community of Texas, and it is critical to ensure their continued care in the future.” Founded in 1948, the VPL’s fossil holdings rank among the seven largest in North America. Most of its specimens were collected by faculty, staff and students from UT-Austin. The holdings also include several important collections made over the last two centuries by other Texas universities and research organizations. These were transferred to VPL by legislative mandate and under agreements with those organizations to ensure the continued maintenance and acces- sibility of research and teaching specimens. The NPL was created in 1999 to conserve, curate and make accessible collections from early state surveys and from research at the Bureau of Economic Geology, the Department of Geological Sci- ences and the Texas Memorial Museum. Other material came from orphaned collections within Texas. Additional collections have been contributed as donations. The NPL is a vast repository for more than four million specimens, the fifth largest collection of its kind in the United States.

Top left: Cretaceous dinosaur fossils from Big Bend National Park (VPL). Top right: Fossil preparator Kenneth Bader repairing a Triassic phytosaur skull (VPL). Left column, top to bottom: Gonioloboceras welleri (NPL); Archaeocidaris brownwoodensis (NPL); Archaeocidaris brownwoodensis (NPL); Chancelloria (NPL); Mammoth skull from Texas (VPL); Hand bones from a Triassic reptile being excavated in the laboratory (VPL). Right column, top to bottom: Ilymatogyra arietina (NPL); Adkinsella edwardsensis (NPL); Belosaepia ungula (NPL); Dracontomelon macdonaldii (NPL); hand of Sarahsaurus aurifontanalis (VPL); reconstructed skull of Deinosuchus, a giant crocodilian from Big Bend National Park (VPL).

2014 Newsletter 13 Student-led JSG Research Symposium

In February 2014, the Graduate Student Executive Committee and Jacob Jordan, “Reactive melt transport in binary solid solution.” ConocoPhillips hosted the second installment of a new tradition, the Late-Career Masters: 1st place, Felicia Kulp, “Examination of annual Jackson School Research Symposium. Gentoo Penguin (Pygoscelis papua) Feather Microstructure.” 2nd The goal is to stage an AGU-style poster competition with place, Michael Cronin, “Core-scale heterogeneity and dual- students presenting their research. Faculty and research scientists permeability pore structure in the Barnett Shale.” serve as judges. This year’s contest was an even larger success than the first, creating a great training ground for the professional Late-Career Ph.D. Award: 1st place, Marie G. Cavitte, presentation of science. “Constraints on Transient Fast Flow at South Pole in the Last Glacial Cycle.” 2nd place, Rattanaporn Fong-Ngern, “Peculiar Best Posters for 2014 deepwater slope morphology in the semi-enclosed Mio-Pliocene Undergraduate: 1st Place, Audrey Eljuri, “The Efficiency of Dacian Basin, Romania.” Stormwater Management Structures, Rain Gardens and Vegetated Retention Ponds in Reducing Urban Runoff and Contaminants in Best-Represented Research Group: 1st place, Bayani Cardenas’s Downtown Austin, Texas.” 2nd place, Julie Zurbuchen, “Imaging research group. 2nd place, Daniel Stockli’s research group. Evidence for Hubbard Glacier Advances and Retreats since the Last BRIEFS Glacial Maximum in Disenchantment and Yakutat Bays, Alaska.” The public is invited to attend the 2015 symposium on Feb. 7 in the Texas Union Ballroom at the University of Texas at Austin. Early-Career Graduate: 1st Place, Joshua Davis, “A New Tectonic Visit www.jsg.utexas.edu/research_symposium for more Model for the Breakup of India and East Antarctica.” 2nd Place, information. OUTREACH

Bringing Science, Technology and Environmental Policy Together in Latin America The 2014 IX Latin American Forum on Energy and the Environment was a unique event that brought together government and industry decision makers, scholars and scientists to foster dialogue around geosciences, technology and energy and environmental policy. The University of Texas at Austin’s Jackson School of Geosciences hosted the forum on March 24 in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Energy Affairs of the Speaking at the 2014 Latin American Forum, from left to right, is Juan Cruz Monticelli of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas, Neal Alleyne of the University of Trinidad and The theme was “Natural Gas-LNG: An Tobago, Indra Haraksingh of the University of the West Indies and Terry Quinn of UTIG. Photo by Kerwyn Chambers Atlantic Basin Perspective” and the role it plays in the Caribbean and Latin America. academia. These included representatives graduate school and the future workforce? Additionally the role of education, sustain- from BHP Billiton, BP, Petrotrin, Repsol, 2. What are the best ways to teach and use ability and good governance were discussed Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Energy technology to enhance student learning? within the parameters of natural gas and and Energy Affairs, The Energy Chamber 3. How can we broaden participation and liquefied natural gas (LNG). of Trinidad and Tobago, Organization of retention of underrepresented groups and BRIEFS The welcome keynote was given by Cletus American States, The National Gas Company prepare K-12 science teachers to build a Springer, director of the Washington, D.C.- of Trinidad and Tobago, the University of the robust, diverse and informed future geosci- based Department of Sustainable Develop- West Indies and the University of Trinidad ence workforce? ment at the Organization of American States. and Tobago. The challenges are significant. About He discussed avenues for strengthening the 143,000 geoscientists in the workforce network of science and policy needed to are expected to retire by 2022 and there is develop sustainable energy in the Caribbean. Shaping the Future of predicted to be a 14 percent increase in new Foster Mellen, senior strategic analyst at geoscience jobs over that same period, ac- Ernst & Young, provided a comprehensive Geoscience cording to a 2014 report from the American As the field of geoscience changes and grows, outlook on the global and regional stance of Geosciences Institute. Yet, the report notes natural gas and LNG, and discussed Trini- what undergraduates need to learn and the fewer than 30 percent of high school students dad’s role as a hub between Latin America methods of teaching must change to prepare take earth science in high school and only and the Caribbean. students for the challenges ahead. four states require the course for graduation. The forum’s keynote luncheon was present- With this in mind, the Jackson School And as the field expands, geoscientists ed by Trinidad and Tobago’s energy minister of Geosciences hosted the Summit on the need to be more well-rounded than ever. Kevin C. Ramnarine. Ramnarine discussed Future of Undergraduate Geoscience Educa- “Geoscience research has changed, and how the ministry and the local universities in tion in January 2014. it will continue to change and grow,” said Trinidad strive to advance science, technology, The three-day summit, sponsored by the Sharon Mosher, Dean of the Jackson School. engineering and mathematics. He welcomed National Science Foundation, brought to- “Our research now is very interdisciplinary, the collaboration and mutual agreements gether a broad spectrum of the national un- multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary. This between UT-Austin, the University of the dergraduate geoscience education communi- means our students need to not only have West Indies and the University of Trinidad ty. These included about 200 educators from strengths in their own disciplines, they also and Tobago. R1 research universities with undergraduate need to be able to work across discipline Terry Quinn, director of the Jackson programs, four-year private and state colleges boundaries and work with people who don’t School’s Institute for Geophysics, introduced and two-year community colleges. Represen- think like them and who don’t have the and presented Ramnarine with a plaque in tatives from industry and professional geo- same background.” recognition of his dedicated service to energy science societies also attended. The summit The summit made major progress toward education and research. focused on three main topics: developing a collective community vision The forum was well-attended by members 1. What content, competencies and skills for undergraduate geoscience education. A of the oil and gas industry, government and do undergraduates need to be successful in summary report and webcast is available at

2014 Newsletter 15 www.jsg.utexas.edu/events/future-of-geosci institutions, including the Texas Water De- Geological Sciences at the Jackson School of ence-undergraduate-education. velopment Board (TWDB), Texas Commis- Geosciences, observed some positive hydro- sion on Environmental Quality, Austin Water logical effects and presented a talk on what Jackson School Big Presence Utility, University of Illinois Urbana–Cham- he found. Compared to unburned forest, the paign, California Institute of Technology, burned areas store and transport more water at 125th Annual GSA NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, University (at least in the short-term), enhance ground- Scientists and students from the Jackson of California at Irvine, Oklahoma Climate water recharge and have higher soil moisture, School of Geosciences contributed more than Survey, Texas State University, and the Uni- which should boost vegetation recovery, he 70 oral presentations and 30 posters to the versity of Texas at Austin. told the crowd. Geological Society of America 125th Annual In a lunchtime keynote, Robert Mace During his presentation, Jay Banner, Meeting, held October 2013 in Denver. (Ph.D. ’98), deputy executive administrator professor in the Jackson School and director Nearly 4,800 abstracts were presented for the TWDB’s Water Science and Conser- of the university’s Environmental Science at the meeting, which attracted more than vation Division, focused on the opportuni- Institute, proposed the formation of a Texas 8,000 geoscientists from business, academia ties that come with the drought to test new panel on water to periodically review the and government. technologies and conduct research. He noted state of knowledge on Texas water and Among the Jackson School presenters that in West Texas, where water supplies are project future water availability. The panel were Stephen Laubach, a senior research extremely low, one community is already could produce assessment reports for policy scientist at the Bureau of Economic Geology, treating wastewater and returning it directly makers, resource managers, businesses who presented a paper titled “Fault damage to the drinking water supply without passing and citizens and help identify key areas for zone and core fracture porosity differs in it through an environmental buffer, a process new research. It could also help the TWDB adjacent sandstones owing to inhibited known as direct potable reuse. prioritize water infrastructure and conserva- quartz accumulation on feldspar and lithic “In spring 2011, I would have told you tion projects to be financed by the recently grain substrates,” and graduate student that employing this technology in Texas was created State Water Implementation Fund of Jeffrey Senison who reported findings from decades in the future,” said Mace. “And we’re Texas (SWIFT), which is endowed with $2 his research titled “Geochemical indicators starting to do it now because of the drought.” billion from the state’s Rainy Day Fund. of municipal water influx into streamwater in He said other technologies that need to The Water Forum was organized by Zong- the Bull Creek watershed, Austin, TX.” be tested include desalination and aquifer Liang Yang, professor in the Jackson School For a complete list of Jackson School storage and recovery, storing water under- and director of CIESS, and Jessica Smith, presenters, visit www.jsg.utexas.edu/alumni/ ground in times of excess and extracting it graduate coordinator in the Jackson School. jsg-at-gsa. during times of need. Mace also said there’s Presentations from past Water Forums a lot we don’t know about how people can be found at www.jsg.utexas.edu/ciess/ BRIEFS Talking Water and Drought interact with water conservation technolo- drought-symposium. As the 2011 Texas drought stretched into gies at home. He and some colleagues have its third year, the Jackson School of Geosci- proposed that the state form what they’ve Olympic-style Science ences’ Center for Integrated Earth System dubbed the Urban Water Efficiency Research The University of Texas at Austin’s Institute Science (CIESS) hosted its third annual Laboratory to study this question. for Geophysics (UTIG) was a silver sponsor Water Forum. No single event summed up the current for the 2014 Science Olympiad, an annual The forum, held Oct. 14-15, 2013, focused blistering Texas drought better than the national competition with science-themed on the latest research on droughts and other 2011 Labor Day wildfires in Bastrop, which challenges for middle school and high extreme weather events and provided a destroyed virtually all of Bastrop State Park’s school students. setting to discuss trends, problems and future forest and hundreds of homes. Despite The mission of Science Olympiad is directions. Speakers and participants came the awful destruction, Bayani Cardenas, “increasing student interest in science, from a range of academic and government associate professor in the Department of creating a technologically literate workforce and providing recognition for outstanding achievement by both students and teachers,” states the organization’s national tournament brochure. The idea for UTIG to sponsor the national tournament came from Dustin Schroeder, who earned his Ph.D. from the university in May and is now a radar geophysicist and systems engineer with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Labora- tory at the California Institute of Technology.

Speakers discuss drought and other extreme weather events at the 2013 Water Forum hosted by the Jackson School’s Center for Integrated Earth System Science.

16 Jackson School of Geosciences BRIEFS

Professor Philip Bennett tests water supply wells in the rural village of San Antonio in Basey, Samar, two months after Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines in November 2013.

Schroeder has a long history with the For Schroeder, the national tournament supply in the rural village of San Antonio in Science Olympiad. He began competing as and his role as a sponsor representative Basey, Samar. an eighth-grader in the astronomy event and carried a strong personal significance. Typhoon Haiyan, known in the Philip- continued for the next four years through “It’s interesting how I’m ending up bring- pines as Typhoon Yolanda, came ashore high school, twice winning first place. ing it back through this arc to space science,” near Tacloban, Leyte, in November 2013, After high school, Schroeder remained Schroeder said. “This same competition in as- pushing a wall of water as high as 7 meters. involved with the competition as an event tronomy was what originally got me interested The mammoth wave ravaged the region and coordinator and, after relocating to Texas, in school at all and going to college at all.” inundated the community’s groundwater as coach of a Science Olympiad high school “To go through this arc now and then wells with saltwater. The Jackson School team in the Austin area. through the sponsorship with UTIG to actu- research team included associate professor UTIG’s involvement with the Science ally be running this competition nationally and William T. Stokes Centennial Teach- Olympiad reached a new level in 2014. that had this impact on me, it’s pretty full ing Fellow Bayani Cardenas and professor Schroeder and UTIG director Terry Quinn circle for me,” he added. Philip Bennett. helped establish UTIG as a sponsor of the For more about the Science Olympiad, The science mission was funded by the competition’s earth and space science events visit www.soinc.org or visit the official UTIG Jackson School’s rapid response program. and sponsored scholarship awards. Science Olympiad page at www.ig.utexas. The program places geoscientists at the “Terry was really involved in getting the edu/research/planetary/outreach. scenes of natural disasters and other events resources to not only give the scholarships as quickly as possible to measure the often but to pay for some of the travel and develop- Responding to the Devastation vanishing traces of hurricanes, earthquakes, ment of the event,” Schroeder said. Researchers from the Department of Geo- tsunamis and other disasters. The 2014 Science Olympiad National logical Sciences at the University of Texas The team returned to the Philippines in Tournament was held in May at the Univer- at Austin’s Jackson School of Geosciences July 2014 and plans to do so again in January sity of Central Florida in Orlando. traveled to the Philippines in January 2014, 2015, funded by the National Science Foun- Schroeder represented UTIG at the two months after Typhoon Haiyan devas- dation. The results of the work will eventually tournament, presenting a $1,000 scholarship tated the area. The team’s mission was to be published. Ph.D. student Peter Zamora to the Division B Earth and Space Science study the effect the typhoon’s massive storm was part of January’s mission. Ph.D. student winners, who were eighth-graders. surge had on groundwater and the water Kevin Befus was part of July’s mission.

2014 Newsletter 17 Jackson School graduate students and professors walk the Andean fold-thrust belt and Patagonia foreland basin in Argentina. FIELD EXPERIENCES FIELD

South American Adventure

A field trip to Argentina in March 2014 allowed a group of 20 Jackson School of Geosciences graduate students, professors and research collaborators specializing in sedimentology, stratigraphy and basin analysis to pursue various research modules in the Andes Mountains and Patagonia foreland basin. The active research programs of trip leaders Brian Horton, Cornel Olariu and Ron Steel provided a platform for investigating the deepwater, deltaic, and fluvial depositional processes of the prolific Neuquen basin and the stratigraphic record of Andean mountain building. Students in the course logged stratigraphic sections, measured paleocurrents, interpreted detrital geochronological data, and integrated structural and seismic data to address current issues relevant to both academic and industry communities. The trip culminated with a traverse through the Aconcagua fold-thrust belt, following the path of Charles Darwin on his 1835 geological investigation across the Andes. Financial support for the trip was provided by the Jackson School, Marathon Oil Corporation and Pluspetrol.

18 Jackson School of Geosciences Field Studies in Fennoscandia The graduate course Regional Studies to Finland and Sweden for seven graduate minerals and gold. This allowed students to in Mineral Resources Geology offers students to study a variety of ore deposits experience a broad variety of ore types in a students the opportunity to experience in an Archean to Paleoproterozoic craton. relatively small area.

the fundamentals of resource exploration Because of the long history of tectonism The Geology Foundation provided FIELD EXPERIENCES and production while also participating in in the region, many of the ore deposits scholarships to help cover airfare and lodging international fieldwork. Students spent the have been metamorphosed and deformed, for students. 2014 spring semester studying the geology adding an extra layer of complexity to and resources of the Fennoscandian understanding their genesis. While Finland Above: Graduate students examine ore Shield, which includes parts of Norway, and Sweden contain only minor resources deposits (left) and take a tour (right) at the Finland and Sweden. compared to other countries, they are Pyhasalmi Mine in Oulu, Finland. Below: Meredith Bush was among the graduate Rich Kyle and Brent Elliot taught the currently exploiting a broad range of students who traveled to northwestern Ireland class, which culminated in a two-week trip resources, including base metals, industrial to observe an arc-continent collision site.

Collision Course About 470 million years ago, a volcanic arc of plate tectonics out of the oceans and Ahead of the trip, Dewey came to collided with the continent Laurentia in what onto the continents in the late ’60s,” said UT-Austin in March 2014 to give guest is today Ireland. In August 2014, more than Daniel Stockli, a professor and researcher lectures on the process of arc-continent a dozen graduate students spent eight days in the Department of Geological Sciences at collisions and the collision area in in northwestern Ireland observing the basins the University of Texas at Austin’s Jackson Ireland, a place where Stockli said certain and volcanic rocks that record this ancient School of Geosciences. fundamental concepts of plate tectonics docking process. Stockli took the trip along with Mark were invented. Leading the field trip was famed British Cloos and Whitney Behr, who jointly taught “It was a unique experience for us and geologist John Dewey, who completed his the Tectonic Problems spring graduate the students to go somewhere with a Ph.D. on geological structures in western course. Cloos and Behr also are professors pioneer of plate tectonics and look at an Ireland in the late 1950s. and researchers in the Department of area that helped shape part of our field,” “Dewey took the then brand-new concept Geological Sciences. said Stockli.

2014 Newsletter 19 IN THE NEWS 2013-14

Below is selected media coverage of research and other activities at the Jackson School of Geosciences. Find more In the News items at www.jsg.utexas.edu/news/in-the-news.

Faraway Earthquake Triggered Antarctica Icequakes The seismic station located near the northwest corner of Antarctica’s Ellsworth Mountains Live Science, Aug. 10, 2014 showed the clearest indication of high-frequency signals following the 2010 Chilean earthquake. An 8.8-magnitude earthquake in Chile trig- Credit: Eric Kendrick/Ohio State University gered a series of Antarctic icequakes, each ronmental Policy, in an article about Mexico’s Monitor article about what drove dinosaurs lasting one to 10 seconds. The study, pub- Congress approving a massive overhaul of to extinction. “It would be a different world” lished in Nature Geoscience, was co-authored the country’s energy industry that will open if the asteroid had never hit, said Gulick, who by Jake Walter, a research scientist at the it up to international oil companies and allow is studying the impact crater. “If there hadn’t Institute for Geophysics who conducted the been this impact, [the dinosaurs] might research as a postdoctoral student at the competition in Mexico’s stagnant energy have just kept on going.” Gulick suggested, Georgia Institute of Technology. The findings, sector. The new legislation is part of Presi- however, that the asteroid may have caused which offer the first evidence that distant dent Enrique Peña Nieto’s plan to improve less of an extinction had it hit a different part earthquakes can trigger icequakes in Antarc- Mexico’s economy. “The political commit- of the planet. He said the ejecta released may tica, suggest that opening or closing of shallow ment from Mexico is there,” Piñon told the have been less toxic had the asteroid landed crevasses generated the seismic tremblings. Times. “The economic and business interest in a less sulphur-rich location that was lower “We think the crevasses are being activated from international oil companies is there. On in carbon dioxide, such as the middle of the by the surface waves from this big earthquake top of that, there is a need for Mexico to in- Canadian Shield. coming through, and that’s making the ice- crease production. There is a need for Pemex quake,” Walter told Live Science. to grow as a truly independent oil company. So how can it not move forward?” Alejandra Martinez Selected Mexican Congress Approves for Education Internship IN THE NEWS THE IN New Rules for Oil Industry If It Weren’t for That Meteor, at The University of Texas The New York Times, Aug. 5, 2014 Would There Still be Dinosaurs? Institute for Geophysics The New York Times quoted Jorge Piñon, Christian Science Monitor, July 29, 2014 Eagle Pass Business Journal, July 16, 2014 interim director of the Jackson School’s Jackson School research professor Sean The Institute for Geophysics welcomed Center for International Energy and Envi- Gulick was quoted in a Christian Science three public school science teachers from minority-serving districts to take part in Scientists believe the Chicxulub crater, located on Mexico’s Yucatan the DIG Texas Blueprint project. Elaine peninsula, was formed by an asteroid or Bohls-Graham, Belinda Jacobs and Alejandra comet that hit Earth more than 65 million years ago. The callout image shows the Martinez worked with scientists to develop crater’s trough and sinkholes. Credit: NASA/JPL geosciences curricula that will ultimately be shared statewide. Led by the Jackson School and the College of Geosciences at Texas A&M University, DIG Texas (short for Diver- sity and Innovation for Geosciences in Texas) aims to give Texas teachers the training and resources to teach geosciences and to recruit students from the increasingly diverse Texas population into college-level geosciences. Eagle Pass Business Journal highlighted the project and featured Martinez, a seventh- grade science teacher in Eagle Pass. significantly contributing to the melting of to—using brackish groundwater,” he wrote. Thwaites Glacier, the collapse of which would “The early stages of an immense data collec- cause a global sea level rise of 1 to 2 meters. tion effort, in which UPI covered the study, published in the Pro- hydrogeologists at the ceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. University of Texas’ “It’s the most complex thermal environment Bureau of Economic you might imagine,” said coauthor Don Blan- Geology participate, kenship, a senior research scientist at UTIG. are underway to “And then you plop the most critical dynami- address these points. cally unstable ice sheet on planet Earth in This data collection the middle of this thing, and then you try to program along with Jean-Philippe Nicot, model it. It’s virtually impossible.” a research scientist additional studies Chile energy minister Maximo Pacheco (left) at the Bureau of will allow the state to and Jorge Piñon of the Jackson School. Economic Geology. Though Texas Industrial optimize the use of Chile Goes Off the Beaten Path Water Consumption Steady, limited brackish groundwater resources and to develop a drought-resilient water strategy With Its Energy Pitch Alternative Sources Needed, in Texas.” Houston Chronicle, July 2, 2014 Panelists Say More than 140 people from the energy, en- Austin Business Journal, May 19, 2014 Hydrologists Find Mississippi vironmental and renewable sectors gathered Jean-Philippe Nicot, a research scientist River Network’s Buffering for an industry breakfast in Houston to hear at the Bureau of Economic Geology, was Chile energy minister H.E. Maximo Pacheco quoted in an Austin Business Journal article System for Nitrates Is Matte discuss Chile’s plans to increase the about the 2014 Texas Water Summit hosted Overwhelmed

nation’s renewable energy production. Chile’s IN THE NEWS by the Academy of Medicine, Engineering ScienceNewsline, May 11, 2014 goal is to meet 20 percent of the country’s and Science of Texas. Nicot, a speaker on the Jackson School hydrogeologists found that energy demand with renewable sources such “Sector-Based Use and Conservation” panel, the Mississippi River’s ability to filter out as solar, wind and biomass by 2025. The said that while some states such as Penn- nitrates is at or very close to full capacity, Houston Chronicle covered the event, which sylvania have high reuse capabilities, that meaning the network’s natural filtering was sponsored by the Latin America and may not be true for Texas. “We can explore process may be inadequate to deal with Caribbean Program at the Jackson School. alternative water resources such as brackish the high level of nitrates that enter the Jorge Piñon, the program’s director, told the groundwater,” Nicot said. “But we don’t know 311,000-mile-long network of waterways. Chronicle that Chile already has an important the impact of this water. It is possibly more The news portal ScienceNewsline reported the relationship with the energy sector in Texas expensive to use, but we still need to think findings, which appeared in Nature Geosci- as one of the largest importers by volume of about these issues.” ence. “Clearly for all this nitrate to make it diesel and gasoline refined on the Gulf Coast. downstream tells us that this system is very Using Brackish Groundwater overwhelmed,” said researcher and associate Underground Volcanoes Houston Chronicle, May 16, 2014 professor of hydrogeology Bayani Cardenas. Accelerate Glacier Melting In an opinion column for the Houston Chronicle, Jean-Philippe Nicot of the Bureau Gulf’s Bounty Commands in Antarctic of Economic Geology talks about the use UPI, June 10, 2014 of brackish water to meet the increasing Attention Amid Shale Drilling Researchers at Jackson School’s Institute for demand for water in Texas. “A well-funded Boom Geophysics (UTIG) found volcanic activity statewide program is needed to assess the FuelFix (Houston Chronicle), May 4, 2014 beneath the West Antarctic Ice Sheet is true potential of—and obstacles inherent FuelFix quoted John Snedden, senior research scientist at the Institute for Geo- physics, in an article about the resurgence of offshore drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf basin “keeps reinventing itself,” Snedden told FuelFix. “We keep finding new plays. And that’s why everybody (oil companies) is here.” The article discusses Photo of the Thwaites ice shelf taken during a 2012 the costs associated with pulling crude oil aerial survey. Credit: from the Gulf—risks many oil companies NASA/Jim Yungel are willing to accept because of the potential for bigger yields with production that can span decades. Yet areas of the Gulf can vary

2014 Newsletter 21 in crude output. The article compares a rela- ciate at the Jackson School’s Institute for Geo- Fayetteville Shale Will Continue tively high success rate in an area geologists physics, about why global average temperature call the Outboard Lower Tertiary trend with has remained steady over the past 15 years. to Be Major Contributor to U.S. poorer results in the Inboard Lower Tertiary The Daily Texan covered the event, at which Gas Supplies and the Jurassic. “We’ve had some successes, Xie explained that the decade-long cooling of LNG World News, Jan. 15, 2014 but we’ve also had some very expensive dry the Pacific Ocean is likely the major cause of holes,” Snedden commented. the current global warming hiatus. The heat waves and droughts in the southern United Acoustic Pingers Not Just for States seem to have resulted from the hiatus Airplane Black Boxes event because the precipitation and tempera- Marine Technology News, April 25, 2014 ture patterns can be traced back to tropical Acoustic pingers are best known for their use Pacific cooling, Xie told the crowd. Okumura on airplane black boxes. But a Marine Tech- told the Texan that she thinks some people nology News article highlights how scientists may still be skeptical about global warming have long relied on pingers. The article because of the hiatus. She noted the natural features R. Wayne Wagner, a postdoctoral variability caused by the interactions of the fellow at the Jackson School who is studying ocean and the atmosphere tends to over- the effects of coastal restoration and hur- shadow the impact of human-caused climate ricane protection projects, or “land building,” change. “It’s really hard to communicate the in coastal Louisiana. To measure how water impact of natural variability superimposed on A drill rig in the Fayetteville Shale gas play moves through coastal estuaries, Wagner global warming due to anthropogenic forcing, of Arkansas. Credit: U.S. Geological Survey/ uses a Nortek Aquadopp current profiler and it’s [a] difficult concept to understand,” Photo by Bill Cunningham (ADCP). A Fishers SFP-1 single frequency Okumura told the Texan. pinger is attached. “This proved invaluable Researchers at the Bureau of Economic in a recent survey when the retrieval line When Dinosaurs Came in Color Geology (BEG) forecasted that the Fayette- on the ADCP was cut and a diver had to be Time, Feb. 12, 2014 ville Shale, one of the nation’s most produc- deployed with the PR-1 pinger receiver to Jackson School associate professor Julia tive shale basins, will continue to be a major find it,” the article said. Clarke and her co-authors reported in Nature contributor to U.S. natural gas supplies for that in the dinosaur lineage leading to birds, years to come. The report was published in UC-San Diego Professor Links the size and shape of melanin-housing mela- the Oil & Gas Journal and reported by LNG nosomes became greatly diversified, leading World News. “Most other assessments of Global Warming Hiatus to to an explosion of color within these groups. shale gas reserves have taken a ‘top down’

IN THE NEWS THE IN Rainfall Time reported on the findings, explaining view of production, relying on aggregate The Daily Texan, April 21, 2014 “that bright coloration may have been a side views of average production. In contrast, this University of California–San Diego climate, effect of a major change in dinosaur metab- study takes a ‘bottom up’ approach, starting atmospheric science and physical oceanog- olism—a change that ultimately allowed one with the production history of every well and raphy professor Shang-Ping Xie gave a talk branch of the dinosaur family to escape the then determining what areas remain to be organized by Yuko Okumura, a research asso- bounds of gravity and take to the air.” drilled, says Scott Tinker, the BEG’s director and co-principal investigator. The result Melanosomes in Sinosauropteryx don’t presently tell scientists whether this animal was brown, blackish or grey. However, feathered dinosaurs are similar to birds, allowing scientists to estimate yields a more accurate and comprehensive their color. Credit: Quanguo Li, et al. view of the basin,” the article said.

To Move Energy Forward, Move to the Radical Middle Austin American-Statesman, Jan. 6, 2014 The Austin American-Statesman published an opinion column from Scott Tinker, director of the Jackson School’s Bureau of Economic Geology. “The government shutdown stalled two crucial policy decisions in the United States involving the movement of energy: the Keystone pipeline and liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals. Even with government running again, these poli- cies may stay mired in futile debate, much Long Island Wins Ultimate Scott Tinker, director of Faceoff Against Hurricane the Bureau of Economic Sandy Geology. Photo NPR, Dec. 12, 2013 by David Stephens Long Island’s shore face held up well against Hurricane Sandy, scientists found. John Goff, senior research scientist at the Institute for of it uninformed, some misinformed by Geophysics, was part of the rapid response those wishing to promote philosophical posi- team that surveyed damage to the shore tions. Rather than allow extreme arguments after the 2012 hurricane. “We’re going to to dominate, Americans should demand expect more storms in the future. And so UTIG scientists used these two research vessels lawmakers move toward the radical middle understanding the impact of these storms to study the effects of Hurricane Sandy on on both of these vital issues,” Tinker wrote. is really important,” Goff said on NPR’s All Long Island’s shore face. Things Considered. Goff found rows of sand lund and colleagues reported the findings dunes 10 feet high that run parallel to shore Is Methane Hydrate the Energy in Nature Geoscience. for about a half mile. “I think of these ridges Source of the Future? as kind of cushioning the blow,” Goff said. National Journal, Dec. 24, 2013 “After the hurricane, they are still there. We Earthquake Study Points The U.S. Department of Energy plans to didn’t really see any massive destructive to Possible Carbon Injection fund research exploring methane hydrate erosion of the shore face.” as a potential source of natural gas and how Risks it could be extracted, the National Journal National Geographic, Nov. 4, 2013 Ocean Below Ice of Jupiter A series of small earthquakes in western Texas reported. According to the U.S. Geological IN THE NEWS Survey, the world’s gas hydrates may contain Moon May Have Heat, Energy was likely caused by the injection of carbon more organic carbon than every fossil fuel in to Sustain Life dioxide into oil wells. The study, published the world combined. “A lot of geoscientists UPI, Dec. 3, 2013 in the Proceedings of the National Academy are fascinated by hydrates because of how Research led by Krista Soderlund of the of Sciences, is the first to link underground odd it is that you can take methane gas and Institute for Geophysics found the sub- gas injection with earthquakes greater than add water and have it result in something surface ocean on Jupiter’s moon Europa magnitude 3. National Geographic featured with such a concentrated store of energy,” may have deep currents and circulation the findings from Wei Gan and Cliff Frohlich Peter Flemings, Jackson School professor and patterns with heat and energy transfers of the Institute for Geophysics. “Although research scientist, told the magazine. capable of sustaining biological life. injecting carbon dioxide to extract oil differs Scientists have long wondered whether from carbon sequestration, Frohlich said his Hydraulic Fracturing Reduces the salty ocean hidden below Europa’s icy study could help scientists better understand shell makes the moon one of the planetary possible risks of the technology, which has Threat of Texas Drought, bodies in the solar system most likely have shown promise for reducing carbon emissions Researchers Say conditions that could sustain life. Soder- to the atmosphere,” the article said. FuelFix (Houston Chronicle), Dec. 20, 2013 Water-intensive hydraulic fracturing ultimately saves water and makes Texas less Jupiter’s moon Europa. vulnerable to drought, found a Bureau of Credit: Galileo Project/ Economic Geology study published in the JPL/NASA journal Environmental Research Letters. “Hy- draulic fracturing can use up to five million gallons of water per well, leading critics to argue that it is overdependent on scarce environmental resources. But UT researchers found that the consumption is offset by the greater water efficiency in generating power from natural gas versus coal,” FuelFix reported. Indeed, the study found that the water saved by shifting a power plant from coal to natural gas is 25 to 50 times greater than the amount of water required to extract the natural gas through hydraulic fracturing.

2014 Newsletter 23 student in geology had been doing fieldwork in Big Bend National Park under the supervi- sion of professor Wann Langston Jr. when he found the bones of what he later named Quetzalcoatlus northropi. The Alcade featured Lawson’s discovery of the largest flying creature that ever lived. “Quetzalcoatlus has a way of testing the human imagination in general,” the author wrote. “Forty-two years after Doug Lawson came across its bones in Big Bend, the creature remains a landmark scientific discovery and a crucial inspiration for young paleontologists.” The megadrought in the Amazon rainforest in 2005 caused widespread damage and tree die-off, as shown here in western Amazonia. Global Warming Forecast Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech for Amazon Rain Forest: An American Shutdown Dry and Dying Reaches the Earth’s End Live Science, Oct. 21, 2013 The New York Times, Oct. 14, 2013 A study from researchers at the Jackson Joseph Levy, a research associate at the School showed the Amazon rainforest’s dry Institute for Geophysics, should have been season lasts three weeks longer today than heading to Antarctica in October 2013 for Top: Doug Lawson with the giant ptero- it did three decades ago, most likely due to the Antarctic spring. Instead, he was stuck saur limb bone he found in Big Bend in 1971. Photo courtesy of Lawson. Bottom: global warming. Live Science highlighted in Austin. The government shutdown had The cast of a Quetzalcoatlus that hangs the findings, published in the Proceedings put Levy’s time-sensitive scientific research in the Great Hall of UT’s Texas Memo- rial Museum. Courtesy of Jackson School of the National Academy of Sciences. Scien- on hold. Levy studies ancient buried ice that of Geosciences. tists believe a longer dry season will stress offers insights into climate change. But with trees and increase the risk of wildfires and Levy and other researchers told to stand forest dieback. “The dry season over the down, valuable time on the ice was being The Miracle of Flight southern Amazon is already marginal for lost, The New York Times reported. “It’s like a The Alcade, Oct. 31, 2013 maintaining rainforest,” says professor biography of the earth with a couple of pages In 1971, Douglas A. Lawson, M.A. ’72, made Rong Fu, who led the study. “At some in the middle torn out,” Levy told the Times. a huge discovery: fossil remains of a gigantic point, if it becomes too long, the rainforest “Nature will have taken its course, and we IN THE NEWS THE IN pterosaur. The then-22-year-old graduate will reach a tipping point.” will have not been there to see it.”

Joseph Levy, a research associate at the Institute for Geophysics, is part of a research team tracking data from Garwood Valley in Antarctica. Credit: Jim O’Connor, USGS

24 Jackson School of Geosciences AWARDS & HONORS 2013-2014

Common Abbreviations: AAPG = Amer. Assoc. of Petroleum Geologists AIPG = American Institute of Prof. Geologists AGS = Austin Geological Society AGU = American Geophysical Union BEG = Bureau of Economic Geology DGS = Department of Geological Sciences GCAGS = Gulf Coast Assoc. Geological Societies GSA = Geological Society of America SEG = Society of Exploration Geophysicists UTIG = Institute for Geophysics Rania Eldam (B.S. ’13) with assistant professor Jaime Barnes (left), who was named the 2013 JSG Outstanding Educator. Photo by Sasha Haagensen Faculty & Researchers Robert Baumgardner Julia Gale William Ambrose Charles J. Mankin Memorial Award, Associa- Distinguished Lecturer, AAPG EMD (Energy Minerals Division of AAPG)

tion of American State Geologists AWARDS & HONORS Honorary Membership, presented at annual Stephen Grand AAPG Convention; EMD (Energy Minerals Christopher Bell Shell Companies Foundation Centennial Division of AAPG) President’s Certificate for Intro Knebel Teaching Award Chair in Geophysics Excellence in Poster Presentation presented at annual AAPG Convention Bayani Cardenas Herbert Hamlin Best Represented Research Group, 1st place, Charles J. Mankin Memorial Award, James Austin Jackson School Research Symposium Association of American State Geologists Outstanding Career Researcher Award, UTIG William Carlson Bob Hardage Jaime Barnes Knebel Award for Distinguished Past President, SEG Board of Directors JSG Outstanding Educator Award, DGS Undergraduate Teaching Tucker Hentz Distinguished Service Award, GCAGS; Ginny Catania Fellow, GSA DGS Science Award Brian Horton Julia Clarke Outstanding Researcher Award, UTIG; JSG Outstanding Research Award, DGS Director’s Circle of Excellence Kerry Cook Susan Hovorka Knebel Award for Distinguished Graduate BEG Publication Award, Exemplary Publica- Teaching tion of Scientific or Economic Impact for process-based approach to CO2 leakage Michael DeAngelo detection by vadose zone gas monitoring at BEG Author Achievement Award geologic CO2 storage sites Shirley Dutton Charles Jackson Distinguished Lecturer, AAPG; Statoil-funded Lectureship at Imperial Doris Malkin Curtis Medal, College, 2010-2013 (£350,000) Gulf Coast Section Martin Jackson Sergey Fomel William L. Fisher Endowed Chair in Top 30 presentation at the 82nd Annual Geological Sciences, BEG International Meeting of SEG; Tinker Family BEG Publication Award; Charles Kerans Best Student Poster at 83rd Annual Grover P. Murray Distinguished Educator International Meeting of SEG Award, AAPG; Francis J. Pettijohn Medal

Shirley Dutton, senior research scientist at the Bureau of Economic Geology, was selected 2014 Newsletter 25 as a 2013-2014 Distinguished Lecturer of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists. Changbing Yang BEG Publication Award, Exemplary Publica- tion of Scientific or Economic Impact for process-based approach to CO2 leakage detection by vadose zone gas monitoring at geologic CO2 storage sites

Staff

Cathy Brown JSG Outstanding Service Award, BEG

Kim LaValley Best Paper Award, COMSOL Conference

Lynda Miller JSG Staff Excellence Award, UTIG

Hejun Zhu Excellence Prize of 2012 Chinese Terry Quinn (left), director of the Institute for Geophysics, presented the 2013 UTIG Outstanding Government Award for Outstanding Researcher Award to research professor Brian Horton. Students Abroad; Jackson School for Sedimentology, Society for Sedimentary Lorena Moscardelli Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship Geology BEG-GAAC Publication Award Promotions Richard Ketcham Jean-Philippe Nicot DGS Science Award Joseph C. Walter Jr. Excellence Award, BEG Peter Eichhubl Senior Research Scientist, BEG Joseph Levy Katherine Romanak Outstanding Young Researcher Award, UTIG BEG Publication Award, Exemplary Publica- Ursula Hammes tion of Scientific or Economic Impact for Research Scientist, BEG Robert Loucks process-based approach to CO2 leakage 2014 AAPG Robert R. Berg Outstanding Farzam Javadpour detection by vadose zone gas monitoring at Research Award; Karst Waters Institute Research Scientist, BEG geologic CO2 storage sites; Most Ground- 2014 KWI Karst Award; AAPG Robert R. breaking, Innovative and Insightful Presen- Berg Outstanding Research Award; GCAGS Richard Ketcham tation at the 12th Annual Conference on Professor, DGS AWARDS & HONORS & AWARDS Journal President’s Award Carbon Capture Utilization & Sequestration Luc Lavier The American As- Bridget Scanlon sociation of Petroleum Associate Professor, DGS Geologists awarded Fellow, American Geophysical Union Robert Loucks, senior research scientist at Kirk McIntosh the Bureau of Eco- Krista Soderlund Senior Research Scientist, UTIG nomic Geology, the Outstanding Young Researcher Award, UTIG 2014 AAPG Robert R. Berg Outstanding Cornel Olariu Research Award. Daniel Stockli Research Scientist, DGS Best Represented Research Group, 2nd place, Floyd Lucia Jackson School Research Symposium Students GCAGS Journal President’s Award for Best Paper Scott Tinker Tricia Alverez John T. Galey Sr. Memorial Public Service Student Oral Presentation Sponsored by Shell, Ernest Lundelius Jr. Award, AIPG; Award for Outstanding AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition Distinguished Career Award, American Contribution to Public Understanding Quaternary Association of Geology, American Geosciences Veronica Anderson Institute; TIPRO “Hats Off” Award; AAPG Graduate Research Grant Timothy Meckel Geosciences in the Media National Award Bernold M. “Bruno” Hanson Division of Katelyn Atakturk Environmental Geosciences Excellence of Pre- Brad Wolaver Student Service Award, Graduate Student sentation Award, AAPG Annual Convention BEG-GAAC Publication Award Executive Committee

26 Jackson School of Geosciences Professor William Carlson, with Wes Crawford (B.S. ’04), received the Knebel Michael Brett Cronin Award for Distinguished Late-Career M.S. Best Poster Award, 2nd Undergraduate Teaching. place, Jackson School Research Symposium

Debanjan Datta Anadarko/SEG Scholarship

Joshua Davis Early-Career Graduate Best Poster Award, 1st place, Jackson School Research Symposium Hall of Distinction Gets Luke Decker Two New Members Best Student Poster at SEG The Jackson School of Geosciences Robert Dennen added two legends to its Hall of Dis- Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award, DGS tinction in 2014. Earle McBride, pic- tured above with Dean Sharon Mosher, Audrey Eljuri and the late G. Moses Knebel join 32 Undergraduate Best Poster Award, 1st place, other inductees who helped shape the Jackson School Research Symposium Jackson School and whose contributions to the field of geosciences will Rattanaporn Fong-Ngern influence generations of geoscientists. McBride, a professor emeritus at the Late-Career Ph.D. Best Poster Award, 2nd Jackson School, joined the University Khushboo Arora place, Jackson School Research Symposium of Texas at Austin in 1959. He taught Chevron Texaco Fellowship; Muehlberger sedimentary geology and supervised Field Scholarship Marina Fredrik 52 master’s and 17 Ph.D. students until Graduate Research Grant, GSA his retirement in 2005. He also served Kevin Befus as chairman of the Department of Geo- Horton Research Grant, AGU Stefanie Frelinger logical Sciences from 1980 to 1985. Matthewson Scholarship Award, Association In his 53 years as a geoscientist, Mc- Kenneth Befus of Environmental and Engineering Geologists Bride published more than 200 articles, Technical Sessions Best Speaker Award, abstracts, field guidebook articles and Ph.D., DGS Michelle Gevedon book chapters. The R.L. Folk/E.F. Mc- Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award, DGS Bride Petrography Fund, awarded each Alyse Briody year to a UT-Austin geology student Technical Sessions Best Speaker Award, M.S, Kealie Goodwin who correctly identifies a variety of DGS Exxon Mobile Travel Grant; GSA Grant; rock hand specimens and thin sec- Roscoe G. Jackson II Award for tions, is named in his honor. Knebel, who received a B.A. in geol- Meredith Bush Sedimentology Graduate Student Research Grant, GSA; ogy from UT-Austin in 1922, devoted much of his life to petroleum geology. Alexander and Geraldine Wanek Memorial Emily Hernandez Goldstein He spent his career at Standard Oil Grant, AAPG; Statoil Graduate Fellowship; Graduate Research Fellowship, Company of New Jersey (now part of Ogden Tweto Memorial Fund Grant, Colo- National Science Foundation ExxonMobil Corporation), where he rado Scientific Society; Geological Societies became a leader in exploration for oil Student Grant, Gulf Coast Association Menal Gupta and gas. Anadarko/SEG Scholarship; ExxonMobil He explored salt domes and oil Amanda Calle Travel Grant/SEG Scholarship and gas reserves in East Texas and Graduate Student Research Grant, GSA discovered some of the most prolific Jacob Jordan oil fields in Venezuela. As manager of Taylor Canada Early-Career Graduate Best Poster Award, the company’s worldwide exploration Folk/McBride Petrography Award, DGS 2nd place, Jackson School Research division, Knebel directed the acreage acquisition and exploration programs Symposium Marie Cavitte in North Africa and the Middle East and pioneered the discovery of oil fields in Late-Career Ph.D. Best Poster Award, 1st Woong Mo Koo Canada, France and Libya. He retired place, Jackson School Research Symposium William Dow Hamm Memorial Grand, from Standard Oil in 1959. AAPG In 1956, UT-Austin established Yangkang Chen the Carolyn G. and G. Moses Knebel Marathon Geophysics Fellowship, Marathon Renas I. Koshnaw (Mohammed) Teaching Fund for what is now the Oil Company Graduate Student Research Grant, GSA Jackson School. Knebel died in 1974.

2014 Newsletter 27 Felicia Kulp Natalie Raia Late-Career M.S. Best Poster Award, 1st Folk/McBride Petrography Award, DGS place, Jackson School Research Symposium Sebastian Ramerez Ashley Latimer Post-Expedition Award, International Ocean Technical Sessions Best Speaker Award, Discovery Program; AGU Travel Grant; M.S., DGS Graduate Student Research Grant, GSA Matthew Ledvina Reed Roush Society of Economic Geologists Student A.L. Cox Best Poster Award, AAPG Southwest Research McKinstry Grant Section Annual Conference Sasha Montelli Dustin Schroeder Fulbright Scholarship Best Graduate Paper Award, JSG Kimberly Myers Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award, DGS Jeffrey Senison Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award, DGS Johnathon Osmond East Texas Geological Society Scholarship; Nikki Seymour Whitney Behr Named GSA Structural Geology & Tectonics Division Folk/McBride Petrography Award, DGS Field Trip Grant Outstanding Woman in Timothy Shin Science Allison Pace Technical Sessions Best Speaker Award, M.S., GK-12 Fellowship, Environmental Science DGS Whitney Behr, an assistant professor in Institute the Department of Geological Sciences Kaustubh Thirumalai at the Jackson School of Geosciences, Yang Peng Shipboard Scientist Candidate for Joides received the 2013 Subaru Outstanding CSC Scholarship, Golden Bay Scholarship Woman in Science Award. In partnership Resolution with Subaru, the Geological Society of Nicholas Perez America (GSA) confers the annual award Kelsi Ustipak Research Grant, AAPG to a woman who has made a significant Kuhn Intellectual Entrepreneurship Award, impact on the geosciences with her Timothy Shin (M.S. ’14), with professor Liz IE Program College of Communications; Ph.D. research. Catlos, received the Technical Sessions Best Behr’s research focused on the Speaker Award, M.S., from the DGS. Best Graduate Student Cover Letter; GSA Research Grant Award; GSA Sedimentary measurement of flow stress in ductilely deformed rocks from various depths in Geology Division Student Research Award the crust in southeastern California and southern Spain. Maureen LeVoir Walton “Her primary contribution was Outstanding Student Paper Award, AGU verifying the strength of the crust with 2013 Fall Meeting; Student Presentation depth,” said Dean Sharon Mosher. “But Award, Seismological Society of America she also investigated the apparent discrepancies between geologic and 2014 Annual Meeting, GK-12 Fellowship, geodetic slip rates on faults and the Environmental Science Institute; Ewing/ mechanical properties of intracontinental Worzel Fellowship, UTIG subduction zones.” Mosher served as GSA’s president Logan West when the award was established in 2001 GK-12 Fellowship, Environmental Science in memory of Doris M. Curtis, GSA’s first female president. Institute “I came up with the idea of awarding it specifically to women three years out Jie Xu from their Ph.D. to encourage young Ewing/Worzel Fellowship, UTIG; Ronald women to stay in the field,” Mosher said. K. DeFord Field Scholarship Fund, Jackson Behr completed her Ph.D. at the School of Geosciences University of Southern California in 2011 and joined the Jackson School in 2012. She is the second Jackson School Julie Zurbuchen faculty member to receive the award. Undergraduate Best Poster Award, 2nd place, Assistant professor Jaime Barnes was Jackson School Research Symposium honored in 2009.

28 Jackson School of Geosciences LIBRARY REPORT

What’s New at the Walter Geology Library At the Walter Geology Library we’ve spent Arts Library, the PCL Map Collection and Space, both onsite and for library storage, the past year putting some of our reserves to the Walter Geology Library. Find out more at is becoming a crisis. Our new storage facility work to enhance services. www.lib.utexas.edu/geo/youarehere.html. is now full due to making user space in the We were able to reach a deal with the In the area of notable gifts, in addition PCL, and we may lose an existing storage European Association of Geoscientists and to about 50 cartons of materials from the and processing building in a few years to Engineers, signing a five-year license for Bureau of Economic Geology and Institute make way for the Dell Medical School on their Earth-Doc database, giving University for Geophysics’ collections, this year we Red River. of Texas users online access to a large store processed almost 75 cartons donated by the This year’s digitization news is again of full-text materials from Europe dealing Edwards Aquifer Authority in San Antonio, focused on theses and dissertations. We ask with energy, geophysics, petroleum geology of which we will retain about 20 percent. alumni to grant permission to digitize their and related environmental topics. master’s and doctoral theses for our The database is not widely avail- UT Digital Repository, home of the able in the United States and is a official copies of new graduate theses great complement to the American available at repositories.lib.utexas. Association of Petroleum Ge- edu. To date, there are 430 geology ologists (AAPG), One-Petro and theses in the repository, of which GeoScienceWorld (GSW) hold- about 200 pre-date the repository. ings we already offer. In the first This process is especially impor- four months we had almost 1,400 tant for geology titles, which often downloads. include loose maps and glued-in We also signed a five-year deal photographs that are difficult to with GSW to be an early participant preserve. Since the copyright of in its new e-books platform released a thesis belongs to the author, we in July 2014. Since we already hold need individual permission to some of the e-titles through our post the files. If you would like to licenses, we focused on the roughly be included, please contact us at 700 titles in the package that we [email protected]. did not have already. Clearly the Our new School of Information transition from print to electronic graduate research assistant Laura delivery is well under way. Mattys has done a great deal of work The Texas topographic map helping to catalog backlogged gifts. collection has been consolidated In staff news, this year’s Guion into the Perry-Castaneda Library Award winners are Ron Podgorsek, (PCL) Map Collection. This for his work on the Texas topo turned out to be a big task, but transfer project, and Strickland, it has freed up 40 drawers. We The Walter Geology Library was featured at a “You Are Here” event in for her teamwork in organizing are now processing 20 cartons of May 2014. the “You Are Here” presentations. UNOCAL maps and preparing to Smith-Dowling, unit manager and shift the entire map collection. This year, We also this summer received 16 large webmaster, attended the Western Association with the assistance of associate professor cartons from the American Geosci- of Map Librarians (WAML) meeting last fall Elizabeth Catlos and her students, we also ences Institute containing materials from and is taking over map cataloging in addition acquired more than 60 pounds of Turkish Australia and other overseas locations to her other varied duties. geologic maps, vastly enlarging our cover- that we do not already own. AGI wanted Finally, congratulations to our student age of that geologically important region. these materials, which were processed workers who have completed their degrees: In other map news, Calla Smith-Dowling for its GeoRef database, to be placed in Regi Floresca, Amanda Gatti, Zarina and Katherine Strickland from the PCL Map an academic library where they would be Moreno, Armando Pecina, Camille Senellart Collection have initiated a quarterly event available to users. de Vriere and Samantha Vo. Thanks for your called “You Are Here” to highlight the role of This is an outgrowth of our cooperative efforts over the years and best wishes to you cartographic information in the various li- arrangement, having indexers from GeoRef all in your chosen careers! braries on campus. This year they featured the onsite, which has been a great benefit for Benson Latin American Collection, the Fine both us and AGI over the years. —Dennis Trombatore, Librarian

2014 Newsletter 29 SCIENTISTS hinterland,” Stockli said. “You learn, did this zircon cool and come up quickly? Or did it sit around and do nothing for a long time.” At the Llano Uplift—the geologic dome in Daniel Stockli in his uranium- thorium-helium lab at UT-Austin. Central Texas where that 750-million-year- Photo by Sasha Haagensen old zircon was found—Stockli said rocks have been bobbing up and down near the surface for millions of years. “That’s a long time to be basically in the upper crust without eroding, without being deeply reburied,” he said. “It’s a place that for some reason has been very stable.” A zircon carries somewhat of a geochemical signature from its origins. That is what allows scientists to trace grains found in the Gulf of Mexico back to the rocks in Montana from which they eroded. For Stockli, drilling into a zircon and pulling out its trace ele- ments reveals more about the environment in which the crystal formed. In the past year, his lab has analyzed the cooling history and The World in a Grain of Sand geochemistry of about 7,000 zircons. Daniel Stockli is using zircons to reconstruct past worlds “The geochemistry tells us about its family history—what kind of rock it crystallized By Melissa Weber in—whereas the cooling temperature tells us more about its life history, and the crystal- Over the quiet thrum of mass spectrometers to know the size and quality of sand bodies. lization age tells us about its absolute age,” and various lasers in a lab at the University Pinpointing what controls an area’s thermal said Stockli, whose lab is one of few in the of Texas at Austin, professor Daniel Stockli maturation is also valuable in energy explo- world looking at all three pieces of data in a carefully aims a laser at a zircon no thicker ration, because organic matter must heat to single zircon. than a human hair. The tiny mineral is one of the right temperature to produce oil and gas. To hear Stockli tell it, dating a billion- 120,000 that he and his research team have Zircons are the earth’s biographers. year-old zircon is actually pretty simple. So dated in the past year. Sixty seconds later, the These nearly indestructible crystals he developed a technique with a colleague age of this ancient bit of Earth is revealed: contain a record of how tectonics, climate, from the University of California–Los 750 million years old. river drainage systems, basins and coastal Angeles that involves combined uranium- But that’s just the first step in revealing this processes have worked together over eons thorium using an ion microprobe and little zircon’s storied life. across the globe. Stockli’s collection of his uranium-thorium-helium method to “A fair number of people do uranium-lead zircons comes from places like Greece, the date zircons as young as 2,000 years old, a dating on zircon, so the question we had Swiss Alps and Iraqi Kurdistan. method with applications in archeology and to ask was, ‘Can we do more? How much But zircons are also tightlipped—so to volcanic hazards. For very young minerals— history can we tease out of a grain of sand?’ ” figure out how long ago a zircon cooled and between 1,000 and 100,000 years old—dating said Stockli, a professor and researcher in where it came from, Stockli has to tap into becomes analytically difficult. the Department of Geological Sciences at the the zircon’s helium supply. Yet with this new technique, his lab is now Jackson School of Geosciences. He uses the uranium-thorium-helium dating zircons found in ashes interlayered Using a unique combination of methods method to determine the mineral’s cooling with archaeological deposits found in the on a single zircon, Stockli’s lab is piecing age. As a zircon-containing rock makes its Mediterranean and in Mesoamerica, once together a more complete look into the past way up through the earth’s crust, the temper- home to the Mayans and Aztecs. than simply assigning the crystal an age. ature drops. For a zircon, the crystal struc- They’re also analyzing zircons found Such insights can help scientists reconstruct ture closes at a depth of around 6 kilometers among anthropological remains in Europe, what the mountain belts and ancient river when the rock hits about 180 degrees Celsius. where a series of volcanic eruptions about systems once looked like and how they in- That’s when helium—a byproduct of the 40,000 years ago appear to mark the end of teracted, how many years mountains existed radioactive decay of uranium and thorium— the Neanderthals. before being washed to sea, and how each starts to accumulate inside the zircon. “Zircons can tell you much more than just zircon likely reached its current resting spot. “The interesting thing is that with thermal their age,” said Stockli. “It’s amazing how Knowing the genealogy of a zircon grain chronology you’re learning something about much information they retain. They’re like could be helpful to oil companies that want the tectonic or erosional activity in the ancient time capsules.”

30 Jackson School of Geosciences Patrick Heimbach Setting Limits on the Unknown New Jackson School researcher Patrick Heimbach works to reduce the uncertainties of climate simulations

By Tim Green

Scientists who develop computer models that researchers doing innovative work in the area that Heimbach developed with one of his simulate climate wrestle with uncertainty. It’s of uncertainty quantification, which he calls graduate students. The method combined a fact of the profession. one of the open frontiers in climate modeling models and observations to accurately simu- There are so many complex variables that research and the effort to create better models. late the seasonal extent of Arctic sea ice and go into a simulation that at times modelers “Colleagues at UT-Austin’s Institute for the ocean circulation beneath, according to have to rely on the best estimated data or just Computational Engineering and Science an MIT report on the research. put “x” in places where no data are available. are at the cutting edge worldwide to try to “We’re slowly trying to improve detailed Patrick Heimbach, a climate modeler who develop methodologies on how you can understanding of the underlying processes will join the University of Texas at Austin in rigorously tackle this problem,” he said. through model simulations that are confirmed January 2015, is working to get a better handle It’s a challenge that demands a lot of com- by observations,” he said. on these unknowns. His goal is to increase puting power. Heimbach is ready to get his Heimbach said the method could be the accuracy of the models simulating future hands on the university’s high performance applied to the Arctic Ocean as a whole, which conditions to help scientists better understand systems such as those at the Texas Advanced could be useful for companies trying to navi- how climate change might happen and the Computing Center (TACC). gate the ocean. That’s because, while there SCIENTISTS impact it could have around the world. “Computing resources are absolutely has been a trend toward less ice in the Arctic Heimbach, who comes to Austin after 15 critical because these models are getting very Ocean during the summers, there is still no years at MIT, specializes in research aimed sophisticated, very complex,” Heimbach said. guarantee it will be completely navigable. at understanding the global circulation of “Without them, there’s very little you can do Heimbach pointed to September 2012 the ocean and its role in the global climate at the end of the day.” when sea ice reached a historic minimum. system and in the dynamics of Arctic sea ice He hopes to use some of his start-up Nevertheless, several oil companies had to and polar ice sheets. funding for his laboratory to contribute to cut short exploratory drilling projects when He joins researchers working on that TACC’s resources. Heimbach also looks confronted with unexpected ice. problem at the Jackson School of Geosci- forward to collaborating with UTIG scien- “Naively you wouldn’t expect that ences and its Institute for Geophysics (UTIG) tists conducting groundbreaking airborne because you are in an all-time minimum,” and at the Institute for Computational surveys to collect data around Antarctica’s Heimbach said. “But one has to be really Engineering and Sciences (ICES). Heimbach and Greenland’s marine margins. careful to understand regional changes that will add to an already strong cadre of climate “I’m very keen on working with them and would look different in different years and researchers at the university, said Omar advancing ideas in ocean, ice and climate different regions.” Ghattas, a researcher also affiliated with the research,” he said. In addition to cultivating better climate Jackson School and ICES. Heimbach’s computational approaches are models, Heimbach also works to cultivate “Patrick Heimbach is one of the world’s generally based on inverse modeling. He tries a new generation of climate scientists. leading authorities on data assimilation in to learn from building computer models that Together with colleagues in Norway, he is ocean models,” Ghattas said. “His research accurately reflect events that have already a cofounder, organizer and teacher in an addresses the question of how we can best occurred. He compared the method to the annual series of climate dynamics courses for extract knowledge about ocean systems from high school mathematics exercise in which advanced graduate students and post-docs. ever-expanding data volumes and make a student tries to plot the best fit of a line Held in 2014 in August on Disko Island ocean models more predictive.” through a scattering of data points. off the west coast of Greenland, the topic was Heimbach is joining the university as a “That fit is your optimal model representa- the dynamics of the Greenland Ice Sheet. The W. A. “Tex” Moncrief, Jr. Simulation-Based tion of the data,” he said of the line. “Here classes afford Heimbach, who does most of Engineering Science Professor. The position what we do is similar, but with much more his research at a computer, the opportunity was created to bring advances in computer complex models, models that run on super- to get closer to the environments he studies. modeling and simulation to bear on the sci- computers and many more data sets.” “Sometimes it’s very healthy for a modeler entific and engineering challenges that affect An example is a model of the Labrador to actually get out and see the system you’re our nation’s well-being and competitiveness. Sea, just southwest of Greenland, that Heim- trying to simulate and get a bit humbled by In an interview in August, Heimbach said bach and MIT colleagues developed. the complexity,” he said. he was looking forward to working with The simulation was based on a method Of that, he’s certain.

2014 Newsletter 31 SUMMER FIELD CAMPS

Scenes From the Field Fieldwork is an integral part of the Jackson School of Geosciences undergraduate experience, from Introduction to Geology to our cornerstone summer field courses. While other earth science programs have scaled back field offerings, we’ve ramped up ours, expanding courses in hydrogeology and marine geosciences. Jackson School alumni and friends also highly value fieldwork: their financial support underwrites smaller trips and offsets the expense of longer summer field courses for hundreds of students. These pictures are from the 2014 GEO 660, Hydrogeology, and Marine Geosciences & Geophysics (MG&G) field courses.

This page: At top, undergraduate geophysics major Keith Young logs navigation information (MG&G); Ph.D. candidate and teaching assistant Allan Jones with a snake at the Valles Caldera National Preserve in northern New Mexico (Hydrogeology). Opposite page: Students start on a one-day project mapping volcanic rocks in Frijoles Canyon at Bandelier National Monument in the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico (GEO 660); UTIG marine technicians Steffen Saustrup and Dan Duncan work with undergraduate and graduate students to recover a vibracorer on the stern of the R/V Manta (MG&G). SUMMER FIELD CAMPS Scenes From the Field This page: At top, Christina Andry (left), Robert Dennen (teaching assistant) and Meredith Bush (assistant instructor) finish a day’s work at the Sultan Creek mapping area near Silverton, Colorado (GEO 660); students at the Bandelier National Monument in the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico (GEO 660). Opposite page: At top left, undergraduate students Becca Novelli and Aimee Ford hand auger to install a groundwater well near East Fork of the Jemez River in New Mexico (Hydrogeology); at top right, Saygin Ileri interprets data from a well log (MG&G); students conduct an in- stream rhodamine dye tracer test near East Fork (Hydrogeology). SUMMER FIELD CAMPS FIELD SUMMER SUMMER FIELD CAMPS OPENING UP As Mexico deregulates its state-run oil industry, UT-Austin expertise could play a significant role

By Tracy Idell Hamilton

The Congreso Mexicano del Petróleo, or Mexican Petroleum Con- Peña Nieto, to end Pemex’s 75-year monopoly over that nation’s oil gress, bills itself as the most important forum for scientific exchange and gas industry. for oil and gas exploration and production in Mexico. Allowing foreign companies and investment in its energy sector For years it has gathered engineers and executives to share their is uncharted territory for Mexico. The country nationalized Pemex views on the future of Mexico’s petroleum industry. in 1938 under President Lázaro Cárdenas with a revolutionary, This year, however, the crowd was much more diverse. nationalistic rhetoric that equated state-owned energy resources with “It used to be mostly folks from Pemex and those working as sovereignty and national pride. service providers in Mexico,” said Scott Tinker, director of the Bureau Oil revenues became a cornerstone of the Mexican economy, of Economic Geology (BEG) at the University of Texas at Austin and with Pemex taxed so heavily it funded as much as 40 percent of the the luncheon keynote speaker at the Congreso this June. “This year, it national budget. was everyone interested in Mexico.” For decades, the company did well, buoyed by the country’s rich The increased interest stems from the Mexican government’s reserves, rising production and high oil prices. But a lack of invest- December 2013 decision, under the leadership of President Enrique ment finally caught up with the company. In 2013, Mexico produced

36 Jackson School of Geosciences 2.5 million barrels per day of crude oil, down from its peak in 2004 of Created in 2005, the CIEEP brought together the Jackson School about 3.4 million barrels per day—roughly a 26 percent decline. And (which itself was established as a college that year), the College of a lack of refinery capacity has meant increased transportation fuel Engineering and the LBJ School of Public Affairs with the goal of imports from the United States. infusing policy-making with scientific and engineering expertise. Now, Mexican officials preparing to open the country to competi- As with other countries in Latin America, Piñon said, the chal- tion must craft an entirely new regulatory and legal framework to lenge for Mexico guide the outside exploration and exploitation of its untapped oil is not its resource fields, shale formations and deep water. base—it has high “WE [AT UT-AUSTIN] HAVE The challenges are tremendous, but so are the opportunities, most potential for shale obviously for deep-pocketed international oil companies, which have gas reserves—but BEEN WORKING ON A been pushing Mexico to open for years. in creating the MEXICO STRATEGY.” But opportunities also abound for Texas companies—mid-sized right economic and JORGE PIÑON and small oil and gas independents, equipment and service compa- regulatory model to nies, and consultants who specialize in engineering and construction, develop it. environmental issues and financial and legal work. While the Jackson School—particularly the BEG—has enjoyed Overall direct and indirect investment could be $1 trillion from research and academic relationships with Mexico and Pemex for the deregulation of the Mexican oil and gas industry, according to a decades, the liberalization of Mexico’s energy industry offers an un- recent economic impact study from Morgan Stanley. precedented opportunity for the university to deepen those ties and offer expertise and guidance across disciplines. Longhorn Connection “Energy, environment, economics, education,” Tinker rattled As the transition occurs, opportunities for the university also abound. off. “We’re pretty passionate that these four E’s need to work hand “We have been working on a Mexico strategy,” said Jorge Piñon, who in hand” to help solve the kinds of challenges facing Mexico as it leads the Jackson School of Geosciences’ Latin America and Caribbean moves forward. Energy Program and is currently serving as interim director of the The BEG can help with the technical side of the equation, he said, Center for International Energy and Environmental Policy (CIEEP). by working with Pemex and other companies to understand the opportunities in the country’s shale basins and deepwater formations. The BEG can also help with “above ground” issues such as water, land use and the environment as infrastructure is developed. “Parallel to that, however, must be the creation of a strong regulatory framework that offers transparency and certainty,” said Tinker. International oil companies will bring capital and expertise and help spread the risk and costs of exploration, but in exchange they expect a stable, long-term operating environment guided by account- ability and the rule of law, he continued. That’s where the expertise of the university’s business, law and public policy schools could come into play. John C. Butler is an associate professor with the McCombs School of Business and the academic director of its Energy Manage- ment and Innovation Center. He’s been working with Piñon, Melinda Taylor from the Law School and Eugene Gholz of the LBJ School of Public Policy on a Mexico strategy. Having the university’s various schools collaborate “really encourages open dialogue

The Bureau of Economic Geology has done considerable integrated basin analyses for Pemex, including a study of the Laguna Madre-Tuxpan area (red) and the Veracruz and Macuspana basins (green).

2014 Newsletter 37 The Mexican Congress (above left) passed legislation in December 2013 to open up the country’s state-run oil industry. Maria de Lourdes Melgar Palacios (above right), an undersecretary in the Mexican Ministry of Energy, speaks at a seminar in Houston hosted by the University of Texas at Austin and the Atlantic Council.

and opens doors to different ways to attack these kinds of problems,” at a recent seminar in Houston hosted by the university and the Butler said. “And as part of that effort, we’ve targeted Jorge as a Atlantic Council. natural as we look to do more with Latin America.” A visiting fellow at CIEEP in 2008 and 2009, Melgar said foreign companies have begun submitting proposals to move into Mexico, Challenges Ahead but she doesn’t expect the first contracts to be awarded before 2015. Piñon, hired three years ago by the Jackson School after a career in Piñon, who notes that it takes three to five years to bring a deepwa- the private energy sector, said his is “an enabler role” to bring together ter well online, envisions a thriving, highly productive industry in the expertise from the various schools to connect and offer guidance, not next 10 to 25 years. He sees the industry bringing in as-yet unrealized just to Mexico, but to other Latin American countries as they work revenue streams from taxes and royalties, and creating jobs at every through similar transitions. level in the economy. He, Butler and Tinker pointed to work they’ve done with Brazil If successful, the changes have the potential to snowball into and its oil company, Petrobras, and the valuable “lessons learned” that far-reaching economic reform in Mexico, Piñon said, through what Tinker shared with the Congreso audience of 1,200 in June. Tinker calls “social investment” in education, entrepreneurship, infra- “External investment was necessary to share costs and open up the structure, health and agriculture. country,” Tinker said. A successful energy industry in Mexico with good jobs and infra- New players energized the industry. But Petrobras, which remains structure spending would even reduce illegal immigration into the largely under national control, has struggled to increase oil produc- United States, Piñon said. tion while management has been ensnared in political scandals. “This could be huge for U.S.-Mexico relations,” he added. “We all Pemex faces similar challenges as it ramps up to compete for the have a role to play to help Mexico achieve its goals.” first time in 75 years. The company has not kept pace with exploration or extraction technologies, and many of its engineers are retirement age. Others are sure to be poached by companies entering Mexico, eager to gain local knowledge. The university can help Pemex, and the country, with academic training and research as it develops the next generation of oil industry engineers and executives. While the main focus of deregulation has been on the oil and gas industry, Mexico has also set targets for a greater reliance on renewables and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Mexico has “incredible potential in wind, geothermal and solar, as well as small hydro- electric power plants,” said Maria de Lourdes Melgar Palacios, undersecretary of hydrocarbons in the Mexican Ministry of Energy. She spoke

38 Jackson School of Geosciences From left, Victor Glover, Anne McClain, Nicole Au- napu Mann and Nick Hague, with Mark Helper, get maps oriented at the La Junta overlook, where the Rio Grande joins the Red River. Credit: NASA/JSC

Prepping for Space Jackson School geologist trains astronauts for a trip to the International Space Station and maybe, someday, beyond

By John Williams

In a training room this June at the Na- Grande and wriggles and shading indicating photos, each color denoting a specific land- tional Aeronautics and Space Admin- mountains and outcroppings. scape or rock feature. The following month istration’s Johnson Space Center near Instructor Mark Helper of the Univer- they journeyed to the New Mexico site north Houston, members of the new astronaut sity of Texas at Austin’s Jackson School of of Taos to see whether their interpretations class huddled around images of the Rio Geosciences directed the students—officially were correct. Grande Rift in New Mexico shot from the known as astronaut candidates—to develop In most cases, they were. International Space Station more than 200 a map that details their understanding of “By and large, the training worked extreme- miles above Earth. Other black-and-white the terrain’s geologic features. The astronaut ly well,” said Helper. “I was impressed by how images, known as hillshaded digital eleva- candidates developed maps not by touch- they were able to pick up so much so quickly.” tion models, have reduced the terrain to ing the screens of tablets or laptops loaded Mapmaking with colored pencils? In- resemble little more than a lunar landscape, with mapping software, but by drawing with vestigating desert regions on Earth? Is this with spiderweb-like veins denoting the Rio colored pencils on plastic overlays atop the really part of 21st-century space training?

2014 Newsletter 39 It is—and it is what NASA has determined Muehlberger, who trained the astronauts help train future astronauts who one day may will help astronauts understand what they’re for those Apollo missions, went on to train be working on the space station. While the looking at when they are in the space station’s astronauts for the Skylab and shuttle crews. astronauts will have opportunities for what 400-kilometer perch above Earth, or perhaps In 2005 he and Patricia Wood Dickerson, Eppler calls “phenomenal observations” of one day if we return to the moon—or set foot a university Ph.D. who collaborated with Earth’s features, those observations will have on Mars. Muehlberger in post-Apollo NASA training, limited value if the astronauts don’t under- NASA has trained astronauts in geology invited Helper, who has taught at the Jackson stand what they are seeing. since the final Apollo missions of the early School since 1985, to become involved. Today That is why field geology is part of the 1970s, and Jackson School faculty members Helper, a distinguished senior lecturer at the training the candidates receive on a variety of have played a leading role in that train- Jackson School, is the lead geology instructor subjects, including the space station’s mechan- ing. That relationship began with the late in NASA’s Astronaut Candidate Program. ics and life support systems, as well as related Bill Muehlberger, who served as principal courses in space physiology, medicine and investigator for the last two Apollo missions, Understanding What They See Russian (a practical consideration given the 16 and 17, in which astronauts carried out Helper works with Dean Eppler, a NASA close coordination between the American significant geological research. senior scientist and geologist by training, to and Russian space agencies for traveling to and

40 Jackson School of Geosciences Victor Glover, Barbara Tewksbury from NASA’s use of the Rio Grande Rift dates aboard the space station, and others are Hamiltonfrom Hamilton College, College, Anne AnneMcClain, Nick HagueMcClain, and Nick Nicole Hague Aunapu and NicoleMann look at back to the days of Apollo training. The scheduled to serve. The classes are small—14 theAunapu geology Mann across look the at Redthe geologyRiver Gorge. region is a favorite for geologic training candidates (including two each from the Credit:across the NASA/JSC Red River Gorge. Credit: NASA/JSC because the geology and landscapes are in Canadian and Japanese space agencies) in the some ways analogous to the moon. The fea- 2010 class and eight this summer. tures are relatively young (mostly less than Culled from a pool of thousands of ap- 10 million years), so they are less affected plicants, the candidates—mainly engineers, by the vagaries of erosion, and deep gorges scientists and aviators—are selected on and canyons provide a view of what is below the basis of the skill sets NASA believes it the surface. will need for its next mission. The current Helper designed his instruction to allow candidates are scheduled to complete their his students to get the most out of their brief training in July 2015. time with him. During classroom instruction, Training in geology will take on increased the astronaut candidates reviewed and dis- importance if NASA is able to return to the cussed geologic features, then paired off with moon, which has not hosted human visitors instructors over satellite and space-station since Apollo 17 lifted off from the lunar imagery of a 10-by-14-kilometer (6.2-by-8.7- surface in December 1972. That return mile) section of the field site. Using colored depends on the agency’s ability to muster pencils on plastic overlays atop their 11-by- political support and funding to build the 9-inch photos, the candidates defined and kind of spaceship that can carry astronauts labeled the site’s topographic and geological to an asteroid or back to the moon—and features, outlining what they perceived to be allow them to stay there longer for more ex- the site’s various rocks and sediments. tensive research. If that phase is successful, By tracing, shading and labeling the site’s future goals will likely include the landing features, the candidates learned how to of an exploration team on Mars—a long- establish the history of a field site, Helper standing dream of scientists to go beyond explained. The variety and layers of rock and the limited capabilities of the two robotic sediment can tell much about the order of rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, currently on events that led to the geology we see today. the planet. Gravel layers and some basalt flows near Field experiences like the astronauts’ the bottom of the canyons date from earlier exploration of the Rio Grande Rift will be times, while talus and “modern” sediment especially valuable in such endeavors. The that overlie them are more recent. rift’s rocks and record of volcanic activity, The challenge for the candidates was to Helper explained, “are analogous to what we unravel the sequence and timing of rock expected to see on the moon,” and its sedi- layer formation—the “geologic layer cake,” ment fill “is similar to what we expect to see as Eppler puts it—and of land form develop- on Mars or other planetary surfaces.” ment to produce testable hypotheses about Whichever planet they visit, astronauts the site’s evolution. This summer, the can- “will not have an infinite amount of time to didates traveled to New Mexico to compare explore or unlimited storage to bring back their maps and ideas with the actual site. all the rocks they find,” Eppler explained. “So from the space station). With candidates having they will need to prioritize”—specifically, to absorb a massive amount of knowledge Simple Is Better identifying those features on the planets’ and skills within a couple of years, Helper The hand-drawn maps reflect Helper’s surface such as the ridges, canyons, volcanic likens the process to “drinking from a fire hose.” hands-on, learning-by-doing teaching style cones and rock outcroppings that, like the For this summer’s class, Helper and his that he believes provides much more produc- features in the Rio Grande Rift, offer the training team selected a site in the Taos tive learning opportunities. greatest potential for revealing how the Plateau Volcanic Field of the Rio Grande Rift “It’s a much simpler way to work,” he said. planet formed. near the confluence of the Rio Grande and If color pencils on a plastic overlay seems The astronauts being trained by Helper Red River. The area is part of one of Earth’s low-tech compared to laptops and tablets, and his associates “may not be going to major rift zones, regions that exhibit the Helper said there is a plus side: “You don’t the moon or Mars, but they’re gonna be in results of shifting tectonic plates that formed have to worry about batteries losing power charge when we do,” Eppler predicted. That present-day continents, oceans, moun- or wasting limited, precious field time on means the earth-based, pencil-on-plastic tain ranges and volcanoes, as well as other hardware and software issues.” training being conducted by Helper will be outcroppings and features that reveal much This was Helper’s second class. Gradu- influencing current and future space explor- about the earth’s geologic history. ates of his class in 2010 are currently serving ers for generations to come.

2014 Newsletter 41 DISSECTING A GLACIER A decade of research on Thwaites Glacier has greatly advanced knowledge of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet’s potential contribution to sea level rise

By Tim Green

About a decade ago, a de Havilland Twin Otter aircraft flew back and The project was just one of UTIG’s numerous investigations that forth over an area the size of New Mexico in the West Antarctic Ice have extended across the Antarctic continent. Sheet, sending radar signals deep into Thwaites Glacier. The AGASEA expedition was one of the largest field projects in The plane made three trips a day, six days a week, flying about 600 Antarctic exploration when conducted in the 2004-2005 austral meters above the stark, white surface—except where a volcano poked summer. UTIG researchers Jack Holt, David Morse and Blanken- out of the ice here and there. ship led the project, which the National Science Foundation funded On board, researchers from the University of Texas at Austin’s with $1.6 million. Institute for Geophysics (UTIG) operated the radar and instruments Work on the expedition began even earlier. UTIG researchers started that measured gravity and magnetism. to build support for it in 1997. For the next seven years, the UTIG team In all, they collected about a terabyte of data in the survey of Thwaites. found funding and scientific partners and improved the radar technology. Then they deployed UTIG’s characteristic combination of developing innovative radar technology and geophysical expertise to mine the data for crucial information about Thwaites. Mammoth Task Over the decade since the survey, UTIG geophysicists have The area to be surveyed was big, even for a research group from revealed the glacier’s size, shape and how precariously it is situated Texas. To cover the survey area, UTIG teamed up with the British on the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, as well as the complex water and geo- Antarctic Survey (BAS). UTIG flew radar runs over Thwaites and the thermal systems under the glacier. British surveyed the neighboring Pine Island Glacier. “These are big problems that take time,” said Don Blankenship, a In making their case for the survey, UTIG researchers pointed out senior UTIG researcher and a leader of the project. “That’s what we that scientists realized the West Antarctic Ice Sheet was the potential tackle here at Texas.” source of up to 5 meters of sea level rise because of climate change. More than 70 research papers and other scientific presentations Yet, UTIG researchers noted, its isolation—more than 2,000 kilome- have come out of the expedition, known as the Airborne Geophysical ters from McMurdo Station, the main U.S. base on Antarctica—made Survey of the Amundsen Sea Embayment, Antarctica (AGASEA). it logistically difficult to study. The detailed physical characteristics of the glacier that UTIG In practice, the research was difficult to stage, but doable. For research has produced have helped sharpen computer models of example, two refueling stops had to be set up for the C-130 aircraft climate change and sea level rise. that supplied the Twin Otter with fuel.

42 Jackson School of Geosciences Overall, the UTIG and BAS teams made 107 flights and flew 60,000 Radar data of Antarctica has been collected from the air since the kilometers to collect data. 1970s, Blankenship said. But technologically, it was the equivalent of Between flights, researchers checked the collected data to make radio where you just hear noise, not words. sure the instruments were operating correctly. In 2000, UTIG researchers started to work on understanding the “There was a lot of work in getting the data quickly processed,” said phase of the signal coming back. Duncan Young, now a UTIG research associate whose first expedition “These are called phase coherent radars,” Blankenship said. “That’s was AGASEA. “Are we seeing what we’re supposed to be seeing? Are like the difference between AM and FM radio. We’re using the phase we flying where we’re supposed to be flying?” to make the signal clearer and understand more about it.” Schroeder’s original work was to process the radar return so that you could tell when the signals were in phase and when they weren’t. In a 2013 paper, Schroeder showed that Thwaites’ subglacial water system consists of a swamp-like canal system several times as large as Florida’s Everglades lying under the deep interior of the ice sheet, shifting to a series of mainly stream-like channels downstream as the glacier approaches the ocean. The findings suggested that the dynamics of the subglacial water system may be as important as well-recognized ocean influences in predicting the fate of Thwaites Glacier. Schroeder’s work was instrumental in drawing the information from the radar data. Previously, scientists had attempted to use ice-penetrating radar to characterize subglacial water, but the effects of ice temperature on radar made it difficult to confirm the spread of water systems and how they were organized. Left: C-FSJB survey aircraft over Thwaites camp in West Antarctica. Credit: U.S. Antarctic Program. Above: Jackson School researchers and U.S. Schroeder’s technique looked at the geometry of reflections and Antarctic Program members dine in camp. Photo by Theresa Damiani solved the problem, because the temperature of the ice does not affect the angular distribution of radar energy. When the team returned to Austin, they set to work processing and With that water information in hand, Schroeder and the UTIG analyzing the data. The first task was to determine the glacier’s core team published another paper that showed how they were able to shape, Young said. estimate ice melting rates and thus identify significant sources of Undergraduates helped with some of the less technical tasks while geothermal heat under Thwaites Glacier. They found these sources the researchers fine-tuned the processing methods for understanding are distributed over a wider area and are much hotter than previ- the radar data. The computational work was done on a high-perfor- ously assumed. mance system at the university’s Texas Advanced Computing Center. The geothermal heat contributed significantly to melting of the The first result was a 2006 paper that comprehensively showed that underside of the glacier, and it might be a key factor in allowing the Thwaites Glacier was more likely than the Pine Island Glacier to con- ice sheet to slide, affecting the ice sheet’s stability and its contribution tribute to a massive release of ice from the West Antarctic Ice Sheet to future sea level rise. because it is more directly connected to the rest of the ice sheet. They found that Thwaites’s interior lies more than 2 kilometers Unique Combination below sea level while, at the coast, the bottom of the glacier is shallow. Schroeder said UTIG is one of the few places where researchers are as Because its interior connects to the vast portion of the West interested in developing and applying radar technology as they are in Antarctic Ice Sheet that lies deeply below sea level, the glacier is the geophysics of research. considered a gateway to the majority of West Antarctica’s potential “UTIG takes a radar scientific approach to data and a geophysical sea level contribution. approach to ice,” he said. “And we put those together to answer the The collapse of Thwaites Glacier would cause an increase of global important problems. There are just a few environments that encour- sea level of between 1 and 2 meters, with the potential for more than age this in those two ways and very few groups who enjoy both.” twice that from the entire West Antarctic Ice Sheet. Schroeder, who received a Ph.D. in geophysics in May 2014, said Since then, UTIG researchers have worked with the data to extract the UTIG approach encourages hard thinking on both fronts that can more information about Thwaites. The most recent papers from the result in novel research. AGASEA expeditions were published in 2013 and 2014. “That’s what Texas is good at,” Blankenship said. “That’s what the

Institute for Geophysics is here for. We’re here to understand the tech- Clearing the Noise niques from the perspective of what they tell us about Earth problems.” Dustin Schroeder arrived at the university in 2007 with under- It comes down to the appropriate instrument. graduate degrees in electrical engineering and physics from Bucknell “Here radar is the right tool and we understand the whole signal University. He applied both degrees in working with the Thwaites and we build our own instruments for this stuff,” he said. “We under- Glacier radar data. stand how to tune the instrument to solve the problem.”

2014 Newsletter 43 STRIKING IT BIG WITH NANOTECH

JACKSON SCHOOL RESEARCHERS ARE UNLOCKING THE MIGHTY IMPACTS OF TINY TECHNOLOGY FOR ENERGY DEVELOPMENT AND RECOVERY

By Joshua Zaffos

The difference between boom and bust in the nanoparticles that you could put in a human The clearer picture underground can guide field of energy development is often a matter body to actually search out cancer cells, and improved oil and gas recovery and minimize of inches and guesswork: An abundant then do some things with those particles environmental impacts. reserve can be tapped—or overlooked—de- to eradicate the tumors,” Tinker continued. “It’s so difficult for a geologist to know pending on the location of a well and proper- “We were so fascinated and we said, ‘Why what’s really going on in a reservoir,” Kipper ties of a reservoir. can’t we do something similar with the said. “There’s a lot of interpretation, but with While advances in drilling and mapping in earth’s body?’ ” more data we will be able to make smarter the 21st century have eliminated much of the Specifically, Jay Kipper, associate direc- and more accurate predictions.” old-school wildcatters’ speculation, research- tor at the BEG and AEC, and others are ers and engineers are still constantly working testing how industry can deploy millions of Team Effort to improve practices and recovery rates particles of “smart dust” sensors and micro- of oil and gas drilling, including hydrau- scale tools down into wells in order to gain Bureau researchers embarked on their big lic fracturing. At the Bureau of Economic a better picture of underground formations plans with nanotech in 2008, launching the Geology (BEG) within the Jackson School and their characteristics. AEC. Tinker and Kipper reached out to of Geosciences, scientists are taking a page Nanoparticles are so small that roughly scientists from academic institutions around from medical science trailblazers by using 800 to 8,000 of them would fit across the the world and leaders in the energy industry. nanotechnology—molecular-scale engineer- diameter of a human hair. The miniscule size The consortium has funded researchers ing—to make huge gains with tiny tools. and relatively large surface-area-to-volume from the Jackson School, Harvard, Caltech “Nanotechnology within geology and ratio means the particles follow quantum and 30 other universities from around the the oil and gas industry hasn’t really been mechanics rather than the standard rules of world and has been supported by Shell, BP, mainstream,” said Scott Tinker, direc- physics, so they may have enhanced reactiv- Schlumberger and many other major energy tor of the BEG and the Advanced Energy ity and mobility traits, for instance. That corporations—“the best and the brightest” Consortium (AEC). “This is cutting-edge means scientists can potentially send nano- among geosciences and nanotechnology, research going on at the Jackson School. and micro-scale sensors into wellbores and Kipper said. It’s new thinking.” inter-well space to collect data for a number By bringing together academics and indus- “We saw that, within the medical of parameters, such as temperature, pressure try, the consortium is facilitating cooperative industry, they were coming up with these and other chemical and physical properties. research in nanotechnology and leveraging

44 Jackson School of Geosciences the partners’ expertise—and serve as “in situ tracers” to investments—ahead of any help “illuminate” subsur- market competition. face reservoir fluid paths “By design, this is that geologists might run very different otherwise never find. He than a typical univer- compares the approach to sity research program,” a “large-scale MRI” for oil Kipper said, noting that and gas reserves. the group meets every “The enhanced recovery of oil is two months. “We’re not very similar to targeting a specific disease doing just the same old traditional research. in human beings,” Ahmadian said. Every res- energy industry. When the AEC began, We’re introducing innovation to the field.” ervoir has specific characteristics, he added, petroleum geologists were just beginning That innovation has focused on a few key and “fingerprinting” a reservoir, as with a to pay attention to shale gas reservoirs. The initiatives and research areas. Researchers disease, would enable targeted treatment. rise of hydraulic fracturing and horizontal are developing sensors that range in size Just as the medical industry has collabo- and diagonal drilling has opened these plays from nanometers (1 nanometer equals a rated with other scientific disciplines to solve to increased exploration and development. billionth of a meter) to a millimeter cubed. “big” problems, the energy sector will benefit Scientists are still learning about how these These devices can be sent underground and from the advancements made in other fields formations hold resources, move fluids and withstand the conditions to transmit data through the consortium. generally behave compared with larger-pore that helps characterize a reservoir’s geologi- “I strongly believe the marriage of dif- sand and carbonate reservoirs that have more cal, chemical and physical details. Consor- ferent industries and scientific disciplines traditionally been drilled. tium partners and project managers are also can lead to much better ways of addressing As a result, companies using hydraulic studying how they can use nanotechnology some of the critical questions we have in the fracturing typically only recover a small as high-powered contrast agents to boost energy sector,” Ahmadian said. “This vision percentage of resources from the better parts visibility underground and improve existing is being put into practice at the AEC.” drilling tools and techniques. of the shale gas reservoirs, meaning they Mohsen Ahmadian, an AEC researcher Nanotech’s leave a major share—and billions of dollars’ and project manager who previously worked worth—of gas or oil underground due to in the semiconductor and biotechnology Expanding Role economic and technological constraints and industries, said millions of electromagnetic The geophysical applications and opportu- gaps in data. Studies with nanoparticles hold nanoparticles can be co-injected into wells nities of nanotechnology have only grown vast potential to fill in the blanks, where even during typical water-flooding processes and with the recent seismic shift across the a modest increase in recovery would have major impacts. “If we can get a better set of data and more information to make interpretations, it’s going to translate into higher recovery,” Kipper said. “If it is 1 percent [increased recovery], it will translate into billions of dollars for the industry.” For now, the work of the consortium and its members is progressing mostly in labs and through initial field tests. Kipper said commercial production of nanoparticles and sensors for the energy industry is a few years away, but researchers have been encouraged by results and haven’t run into any major roadblocks in their studies. “We didn’t know much about subsurface nanosensing [when we started], but that’s where some of the best ideas come from, when you get a bunch of smart people together and challenge and fund them,” Tinker Opposite: Bureau of Economic Geology research scientist and project manager Mohsen said. “We’re giving birth to a whole new Ahmadian (center) works with geology students Krystal Heibel and William Lu at the Advanced scientific space and opening a new area for Energy Consortium nanotechnology lab. This page: At top left, diagram of AEC smart sand nanotechnology. At top right, smart sand on a penny. Above, smart sand in protective hard shell. application of nanotechnology.”

2014 Newsletter 45 Lifeless Waters Analysis reveals how limited natural buffering of Mississippi River pollution is likely contributing to Gulf of Mexico “dead zone”

By John Williams “For whatever we lose…, it’s always our self we find in the sea,” the poet E.E. Cummings once wrote. Cummings was no water-quality expert, but his line unintentionally touches upon a major environmental problem: Pollution, generated by humans on land, is washed into seas and oceans, resulting in the creation of hypoxic areas—or “dead zones”—in coastal waters around the world. Dead zones are regions unable to sustain fish or other aquatic life. One of the largest, and most persistent, lies in the Gulf of Mexico off The Mississippi River’s natural ability to filter the Texas and Louisiana coasts, the result of pollution washed into the out pollutants has become overwhelmed. Gulf from the Mississippi River, which drains roughly 40 percent of the continental United States. The problem has existed for decades, despite virtually every drop of water in the gigantic Mississippi River The zone has varied in size, from 15 square miles in 1998 to 8,400 system undergoing a natural process to filter out pollution. square miles in 2002. Whatever its size, it has existed for decades— Now, research published by two hydrologists from the Jackson shrimp trawlers reported its existence as early as 1950. School of Geosciences helps explain why that filtering system is not Scientists have long tied the Gulf’s dead zone to the nutrient-rich as effective as it could be. That could provide the first step in helping waters discharged by the Mississippi River. One factor is the sheer size water-quality scientists better understand how to deal with the Gulf’s of the Mississippi’s basin: Encompassing more than 1.2 million square dead zone. miles, the basin includes the Ohio River and Missouri River watersheds The research was conducted by Bayani Cardenas, associate professor and covers all or parts of 32 states and two Canadian provinces. of hydrogeology, and Brian Kiel, who is scheduled to complete his work The basin also cuts across the farm belt that produces much of for a Ph.D. in geological sciences this December. It was published in the the nation’s agricultural produce. Farmers feed their crops with June 2014 issue of the journal Nature Geoscience. Cardenas and Kiel nitrate-rich fertilizers, and the cattle, hogs and other livestock excrete studied the Mississippi River system’s effectiveness in dealing with a nitrate-rich manure. Heavy rains wash the fertilizers and manure off particular pollutant—nitrate—and its link to the Gulf’s dead zone. the land and into nearby creeks and rivers that eventually flow into Water scientists have long known the effects of nitrates on water the Mississippi and the Gulf of Mexico. quality. An overabundance of nitrates can supercharge the growth Like any other basin, the Mississippi has a natural buffering system of algae and other aquatic plants that consume the dissolved oxygen that deals with water pollution. The system consists of hyporheic zones in the water. In rivers, nitrate pollution can result in unsightly “algal along streambeds, where groundwater and surface water mix. As the blooms” on the water’s surface and, in some extreme situations, water percolates through the soil, the sediment acts as a filter to remove kill off fish and other aquatic life that are unable to escape to more pollutants or initiate chemical changes that render them harmless. oxygen-rich water. The most effective hyporheic zones appear to be located in places Nitrates have much the same effect in Gulf coastal waters, trigger- where streams curve and bend (a quality known as sinuosity). At ing the rapid growth of free-floating algae and other single-cell organ- these locations the water spends more time percolating through the isms. As they die off, they drop to the bottom of the water, displacing sediment, allowing more time for pollutants to be removed or neutral- live organisms that help produce dissolved oxygen. The lower oxygen ized. Soil composition of the sediment is also a factor: Sediments with levels in the water can impair the ability of some fish to reproduce. larger or rockier grain size are more effective in filtering out pollution Eventually, the fish and other aquatic species swim away to more than sediments with finer-grained soils. However, if the sediment is oxygen-rich zones; slower-moving species, such as clams, oysters and too permeable, water flows through too quickly, which doesn’t allow lobsters, begin to die off. The phenomenon is especially worrisome sufficient time for the chemical reactions that reduce pollutants. to commercial fisheries that work the Gulf’s coastal waters, as well as A basin the size of the Mississippi has numerous hyporheic zones those who fish for recreation in the Gulf. to deal with pollution. Yet the persistent presence of the Gulf of Mexico’s dead zone indicates there is a problem. Global Trend The topic was a natural for Cardenas, a hydrogeologist who joined The phenomenon is not unique to the Gulf of Mexico. According to the Jackson School in 2006 and heads a research group that studies one estimate, more than 400 hypoxic regions have been documented the flow and transport dynamics of natural hydrologic systems. in coastal waters worldwide. But the Gulf of Mexico’s dead zone is “I am particularly motivated by problems that cross disciplinary worrisome because of its size. By some accounts, it is the largest in boundaries which require drawing ideas and approaches from dif- the United States and second largest in the world. In summer 2013, it ferent fields,” he wrote on the group’s webpage. He has authored or covered at least 5,800 square miles of sea floor—an area roughly the co-authored more than 80 papers on a variety of issues in this field. size of Connecticut—according to the National Center for Coastal In 2009 he published two papers on the relationship between Oceans Science, an arm of the federal National Oceanic and Atmo- a stream’s sinuosity and its hyporheic flow and exchange. The spheric Administration. papers discussed a theoretical model that could be developed, but

2014 Newsletter 47 Cardenas’ model lacked input from actual conditions that could belt,” as Cardenas put it, for dumping nitrates into Gulf waters. determine its effectiveness. The findings, Cardenas said, were a “disappointment” in that they Enter Kiel, who as part of his graduate degree research had begun illustrated the Mississippi River system’s limited ability to control the collecting data on the Mississippi basin and the ability of river nitrates contributing to the Gulf’s dead zone. systems to deal with pollution. The data from Kiel’s studies were “It will require an engineering solution, because the natural system “what my model needed,” Cardenas said. is apparently not capable of dealing with it,” Cardenas said. Kiel agreed. Poor Filters “Right now, the Mississippi River system isn’t cutting it,” he said. While the model is not designed to measure the amount of Joining forces in 2013, the two spent more than a year analyzing data pollution or propose solutions, it can be a useful tool in studying from millions of points throughout the Mississippi basin that Kiel water-quality issues. Cardenas said the model can be adapted to had obtained from the U.S. Geological Survey and the Environmental study problems with phosphorus (another nutrient that, like nitrates, Protection Agency. can accelerate unwanted algal growth), as well as dissolved organic The resulting computer model painted a detailed picture of how carbons and other pollutants. the Mississippi’s buffering system is dealing with pollution. While The model can also be used to analyze other river systems. Carde- nearly every drop of water—99.6 percent—passes through one or nas is planning such a study on the Colorado River between Austin more of the Mississippi’s hyporheic zones, the model found a wide and Bastrop. That segment of the river experienced major pollution variation in the time spent in the zones, from less than an hour in problems in the 1980s. Cardenas’ study will help determine how headwaters to more than a month in larger channels. (According to water quality has fared since the river segment was cleaned up in the an earlier study, water must spend at least seven hours in hyporheic early 1990s. zones in order for the sediment to deal effectively with pollutants.) As the model is adapted to study the pollution problems of the Locating the zones on a map of the Mississippi basin, Cardenas Mississippi and other river basins, the results of those studies could and Kiel were able to illustrate the areas where water spent more time. enable water-quality experts to develop more effective solutions that These are the areas or zones more likely to filter out nitrates. Zones prevent or control pollution. That could one day help reverse the with longer residence times were shaded in dark blue, while zones dead zone that has plagued the Gulf of Mexico and other regions, and exhibiting shorter residence times were shaded in lighter colors. remove the noxious pollution—that part of “our self,” as E.E. Cum- Cardenas and Kiel determined that only about one-fourth of the mings put it—that we don’t want to find in the sea. zones were effective in removing or neutralizing nitrates. In the other zones, the water was not spending sufficient time for the chemical Map and probability distribution of the fraction of laterally exchanged water (F) for the Mississippi River network. Map shows the fractional changes to take place that would remove or neutralize the nitrates. amount of surface water that is likely to enter the hyporheic zone, where Leaving these zones, the nitrate-loaded waters continued their flow it can undergo filtration. Orange and red represent areas experiencing a lower fraction of water entering the hyporheic zone. Dark blue areas into the Mississippi River—in effect turning the river into a “conveyor approach 100 percent likelihood water will enter the zone. Lidar images of the Hoover Dam spanning the Colorado River in Nevada and Arizona. Credit: Bureau of Economic Geology

Ride High and Seek Texas researchers have gained an eagle-eyed view of the world thanks to a premier digital mapping tool

By Joshua Zaffos

Halloween was particularly scary in the Texas capital in 2013. An The Onion Creek survey was a collaborative—and swift—success intense storm over south Austin caused Onion Creek to top its banks within the Jackson School. The Bureau’s state-of-the-art lidar unit is and flood hundreds of homes. In just 15 minutes, the creek rose 11 capable of very in-depth and long-term analyses and has been used feet and sent walls of water and debris through nearby neighbor- on projects from the Gulf Coast to Alaska’s North Slope. hoods, killing five people. Named Chiroptera, the Latin name for bats, the Bureau’s new lidar In the aftermath of the flash flood, researchers at the Bureau of unit can detect landforms and details on the ground and also identify Economic Geology (BEG), part of the Jackson School of Geosciences, underwater, or bathymetric, features, piecing together data with took to the sky on a “first response” effort with one of the world’s precision and detail that was unimaginable just a few years ago. The most advanced digital mapping tools. Using the Bureau’s airborne technology enables scientists to detect ancient archaeological sites laser-based instrument system—known as lidar—scientists were able hidden beneath tree canopies and vegetation, measure the length of to quickly scan the disaster zone by plane to collect detailed measure- coastlines and depth of lakes, and monitor and prepare for environments of flood erosion and debris movement, and then create high- mental changes and disasters, including flooding, land subsidence resolution digital elevation maps. and the formation of sinkholes. The reconnaissance was a major assist for Lindsay Olinde, a “Laser mapping provides an amazing level of detail that helps us Jackson School student pursuing her doctorate, who is comparing build flow models much more accurately than was done in the past,” pre- and post-flood images of Onion Creek to recognize how differ- said Michael Young, associate director of the Bureau. ent sections of the creek responded to the flash flood. “Integrating these results with flow modeling will improve our Better Than the Naked Eye understanding of how streams respond to flash flood conditions,” Lidar relies on laser technology, in which the instrument emits laser Olinde said. “The extensive resources required to collect lidar datasets pulses toward ground surfaces, receives the reflected signal and stores are truly rare. Without the support from the BEG, especially the the data. The system is mounted in an airplane, or sometimes a heli- expertise of Kutalmis Saylam (Bureau scientist associate who oversees copter, and then flown at relatively low elevations, around 1,200 feet the lidar program), this unique record would have been unrecorded.” above the ground.

2014 Newsletter 49 Left: Digital elevation model of Onion Creek with ground features removed. Right: Relative intensity of laser return for each lidar point with ground features. Credit: Bureau of Economic Geology

Near-infrared wavelengths detect topography, but the most sophis- into the Jackson School’s resources—and play with its high-tech toys. ticated and newest lidar units, such as Chiroptera, also emit light in green Working with industry partners in 2012, a group led by Jeffrey wavelengths to measure bathymetry. The resulting digital maps and data Paine, manager of the Bureau’s Near Surface Observatory, flew over weave together above-ground and underwater landforms and features and surveyed 490 square kilometers along Alaska’s North Slope. down to an inch-by-inch resolution, and allow researchers to understand A remote and ecologically sensitive area covered by permafrost, natural processes and changes at an otherwise unattainable scale. the North Slope is receiving attention for potential new energy “Lidar will show you things your eye cannot distinguish,” said Saylam. production. The lidar and bathymetric surveys mapped and mea- Jackson School researchers bought the program’s first airborne sured wetlands and kettle lakes. The rapid survey and unprecedented lidar unit and began using the technology in 2000. The state General surface details will help managers better understand the overlap of Land Office contracted with the Bureau to monitor the Texas Gulf energy and environmental resources and inform decisions on which Coast and measure beach erosion and recovery following hurricanes areas to avoid or protect and which are better suited for exploration. and major storms. Whereas on-the-ground surveys can take weeks, During a previous field survey, researchers used rowboats and poles airborne lidar can gather spot-on data in just hours. to manually collect data on 20 lakes during an entire season; the Young said the digital maps improved the pace and progress of airborne lidar surveyed more than 200 lakes in six days, representing coastal reconstruction by giving managers a relatively quick and very a huge advance in data collection. Another survey on the North Slope precise picture of geographic changes—on land, that is. The data was completed this summer. stopped at the waterline since the original system wasn’t capable of Saylam said the lidar system has since been used on nearly 20 dif- providing bathymetric measurements, a major advance in recent years. ferent surveys in less than two years. In Nevada, scientists employed The school procured its new, state-of-the-art unit in 2011-2012 the system to map potential desert tortoise habitat around Las Vegas, thanks to a grant from the General Land Office. Young and others identifying individual rock ledges and shrubs that are essential for customized the system specs to fit the Bureau’s needs, while also young tortoises. Dave Mohrig, a professor at the Jackson School, taking advantage of technical improvements that allow for quicker teamed with the lidar group to measure the topography and bathym- data collection and storage and greater resolution. Manufactured in etry between islands within Louisiana’s Wax Lake Delta, which has Sweden by Airborne Hydrography AB, Chiroptera and its lasers and been used as a case study in delta regrowth and recovery along the sensors fit in a square box about 2.5 feet long on each side. The unit Gulf Coast. weighs about 200 pounds, making it mobile and light enough to be In 2015, with funding from the National Science Foundation, used in many types of aircraft. Joseph Levy, a research associate at the Jackson School’s Institute for “We had an opportunity to push the scientific envelope, so to Geophysics, hopes to use lidar and hyperspectral imaging in Antarc- speak,” said Young, explaining that the new lidar system shoots up tica’s dry valleys to produce unprecedented, highly detailed maps that to 400,000 laser pulses per second, 20 times faster than the previous should vastly improve what scientists know about the hydrology of unit. “We can fly over, see right where the water line begins at the the freezing deserts of wind and ice. shoreline, and then measure below the water surface and stitch every- In addition to the 2013 post-flood reconnaissance in Austin, the thing together in one image. It really changes what we can do.” school’s lidar system has been used to map the growth of sinkholes At the same time, the Bureau purchased a hyperspectral imaging in West Texas. The infamous Wink Sink 1 formed in 1980 and spans system, a unit that also fits on an aircraft platform and complements roughly 110 meters across and 34 meters deep, while Wink Sink 2 the lidar in terms of data collection. Hyperspectral imaging uses opened in 2002 and has grown to 137 meters wide and as deep as reflected light at different wavelengths and intensities to collect a 250 meters. wide range of information, including vegetation and soil cover types, Bureau researchers led an airborne lidar survey of the sinkholes ground temperatures and mineral compositions. and surrounding area in November 2013 and will use the data to create maps and estimate land subsidence rates around the geological Exclusively at the JSG hazards. The project, led by Paine, may even help scientists determine Saylam, a lidar remote-sensing expert who joined the Bureau to the causes behind the sinkholes and future risks. oversee lidar and surface mapping projects, said no other academic “You can let your imagination run wild in terms of the types of institution in the United States has a similar hyperspectral imaging questions that [lidar] can be used for, from assessing risk upfront to unit. With the unrivaled airborne laboratory setup, Bureau and calculating damages after an event,” Young said. “Laser mapping as Jackson School researchers have already collaborated with federal and well as the imaging really increase the capacity of the school for doing state government agencies, industry and other scientists eager to tap research and answering science questions.”

50 Jackson School of Geosciences BACK FROM TOTTEN Unbreakable ice alters research plans for UTIG researchers

By Terry Britt

Even when uncontrollable circumstances keep an expedition from during the last great retreat of the Antarctic ice sheet,” Gulick said. reaching its intended landmark, it does not mean the participants What the researchers found is that the ice sheets and glaciers in come away empty-handed. East Antarctica are thinning more rapidly than previously thought. Such was the case for those involved in the Totten Expedition, “A lot of people were aware the glaciers and ice sheets are a collaborative scientific research voyage into East Antarctica for retreating back because you can see that with satellite imagery,” about six weeks in February and March 2014. Sean Gulick, an Saustrup said. “What I didn’t know coming into this is they are associate research professor at the University of Texas at Austin’s thinning even faster than they are retreating back in places so the Institute for Geophysics (UTIG) explained that the icebreaker ves- total volume loss of ice is greater than I realized, because I’m not sel on which they were sailing was unable to get through ice that a glaciologist.” blocked the way to the Totten Glacier. “The question now becomes why they are thinning as well as “Icebreakers, despite their name, can’t break all kinds of ice,” retreating, and thinning faster than predicted by models just based Gulick explained. The researchers’ ship, the R/V Nathaniel B. on air temperature, sunlight and things like that,” Saustrup said. Palmer, tried three times to get to the Totten Glacier. On one at- UTIG researcher Rodrigo Fernandez-Vasquez added about the tempt, it took almost three hours for the ship to turn back once it significance of the expedition’s findings, “Now we know there are became obvious that passage could not be gained. several glaciers below sea level and this (Totten) is one of those. Interestingly, though, as the research team explored the sys- That was the main hook for this research. This is one of the places tems en route to Totten, they realized it’s all one big system. in East Antarctica that … is more unstable than we think.” “We didn’t get to the main trunk, which was where Totten David Gwyther, a University of Tasmania Ph.D. student currently comes out of, but we saw a lot of the feeders and saw a part completing a Fulbright scholarship at the university, elaborated on that was probably the second most important, if you will, path- the changes taking place. way,” Gulick said. “This is the region in East Antarctica that is showing the great- Fellow UTIG researcher Steffen Saustrup noted the area the est change. It’s the glaciers that have very deep grounding lines expedition was able to reach yielded very valuable data itself. so that the glacier starts to float. If we look at areas of thinning, “Gradually that secondary area became more and more interesting they are also the areas that have these deep grounding lines and to us and actually became of real value. It was almost an accidental there is probably warm water coming in. The theory is the ocean is data set. The regrettable thing is the time lost attempting to get to changing and driving this increased thinning,” Gwyther said. Totten. The value of an hour’s worth of data is great,” Saustrup said. He said the research on the expedition provided a nice confir- Gulick said there were actually three areas of discovery in a part mation of three years of modeling work about the area. of the Antarctic that “effectively had never been explored by ship.” “The head oceanographer wanted to do a map of temperature “Fundamentally, we were able to map the seafloor, and in a and salinity. We did that and put some of the measurements taken place where we didn’t even know how deep the water was, and at the same depth, and the model predictions were spot on with observe some sort of dynamic processes of glaciers that occurred what we were measuring,” Gwyther said.

A cruise-ship-sized iceberg.

Looking at sediment Icebergs broken off of East collected in a jumbo Antarctica ice shelves. gravity core on the R/V Nathaniel B. Palmer.

Collecting high-resolution seismic data. Recovering a multicore used to collect samples of the seafloor and shallow sediments.

An emperor penguin and Adelie penguin on an iceberg near the Dalton Ice Tongue. GeoFORCE alum Jeff Sitgreaves is now a Ph.D. student at the Jackson School.

GEOFORCE TURNS 10 Building a diverse workforce and changing young lives

By Angela Curtis

At first glance, the two problems may seem unrelated: The geosci- racial backgrounds—and you have a profession at a crossroads. ences are facing a growing labor shortage, and many talented high “If we are going to meet the challenge of meeting the growing labor school students in underprivileged areas of Texas aren’t realizing their shortage of geoscientists, then we have to be inclusive in providing full potential. opportunities such as GeoFORCE that provide students the experi- The Jackson School of Geosciences is addressing both issues with ence and information needed to make informed choices about careers a single program—GeoFORCE. The program takes high school stu- in the geosciences,” said Samuel Moore, director of outreach and dents from two disadvantaged areas of the state—inner-city Houston diversity at the Jackson School. and rural Southwest Texas—on field trips for four summers, visiting Eighty percent of GeoFORCE participants are members of mi- geologically significant sites around the country. As a result, potential nority groups. Since its inception, GeoFORCE has been a robust geologists are introduced to the profession, and students from disad- success, delivering: vantaged areas find a path to college and rewarding careers. • 100 percent high school graduation; The program also addresses an industry dilemma. A 2014 report • 96 percent college matriculation; from the American Geosciences Institute predicts nearly half of geo- • 94 percent sophomore persistence; scientists will retire by 2022. Combine that with a booming industry • 64 percent college STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) and a lack of geoscience students—especially those from diverse majors—more than double the national average; and

52 Jackson School of Geosciences • 16 percent college geoscience majors—more than 50 times the national average. GeoFORCE is more than an introduction to the geosciences. The program offers high school students advice on applying for college and help preparing for the SAT and ACT. After high school, Geo- FORCE helps students transition to college and the workforce.

What’s Geology? “Before GeoFORCE, I didn’t know what geology was,” said Victoria Fortiz, a GeoFORCE alum and current Jackson School senior. That’s part of the problem, said Eleanour Snow, associate director of outreach and diversity at the Jackson School. “Students are not hearing about geosciences when they’re in high school,” she said. “The really smart kids who are very good at sciences don’t know this is another option for them because what they see is AP biology, AP physics, AP chemistry, and they think that’s it.” GeoFORCE alumni Isaac Jimenez and Now Fortiz, a first-generation college student from Eagle Pass, is Marissa Vara at the Jackson School spring 2014 graduation ceremony. on the verge of graduating, with plans to go to graduate school to study geological oceanography. “GeoFORCE gave me my career path,” she said. GeoFORCE alum Marissa Vara, who grew up in Uvalde, graduated from the Jackson School in May 2014 with a degree in geological science. She interned with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality this summer and plans to sail on an Antarctic research expe- Keeping GeoFORCE Going dition in October. Afterward she plans to attend graduate school and become a marine geologist. Now entering its 10th year, GeoFORCE aims to When Vara first learned about GeoFORCE, her father was re- luctant to allow his youngest child to travel far from home, but her raise money for an endowment to help it continue mother encouraged her to take advantage of the opportunity. in perpetuity. The endowment was kick-started by a “Truthfully, I was not particularly excited about spending a week $500,000 matching grant from an anonymous donor, looking at rocks, so I viewed the first two years of GeoFORCE as an and ConocoPhillips has pledged a $50,000 matching opportunity to obtain new life experiences, like taking my first plane ride,” Vara recalled. “It was during my junior-year trip to Oregon, grant. The Jackson School of Geosciences must raise however, that I became hooked on geology.” dollar-for-dollar matching funds by Aug. 31, 2015. That’s a common trajectory, said program assistant Ann Merriman. “Thanks to annual gifts from companies, founda- “It’s amazing to see the change in what they’re learning and taking tions and individuals, we have been able to provide out of the experience,” Merriman said. At the end of every year, students write essays about their experi- this opportunity every year for the past decade. If we ences. During their first couple of years, students tend to focus on want to ensure that GeoFORCE is sustained in future the life skills they developed during the trips—remembering to bring decades, building an endowment is essential,” said their cellphone chargers, packing their bags and setting their alarms. Samuel Moore, director of outreach and diversity at That focus shifts during their final years in the program. “By the time they’re older, they’re talking more about being confi- the Jackson School. dent in their science knowledge and academic skills,” Snow said. GeoFORCE needs stable, recurring revenue to Jeff Sitgreaves of Bracketville was the program’s first geology supplement support from companies, foundations graduate. Sitgreaves earned his undergraduate degree in 2013 from and individuals, which can fluctuate from year to year. the Jackson School, where he is now attending graduate school. He “The endowment will make sure the program is interned this summer at ExxonMobil and plans to pursue a career in the energy industry. there even if times get rough and annual contributions “I wouldn’t be in the geosciences if it weren’t for GeoFORCE,” slow down,” said Eleanour Snow, associate director Sitgreaves said. “My first year, I thought, ‘This is kind of interesting.’ of outreach and diversity. The second year, ‘This is cool.’ Then by the third year, ‘Yes, this is what Contribute to GeoFORCE by clicking “Make a Gift” I want to do.’ ” More information about GeoFORCE is available at www.jsg.utexas. at www.jsg.utexas.edu, or contact Karen Cochran at edu/geoforce. [email protected] or 512-471-6010.

2014 Newsletter 53 A Classroom at the Edge of the World UT-Austin graduate students and faculty traveled to an area halfway between the European mainland and the North Pole. Photo by Rose Cahalan Carrying a firearm is required by law in A journey to the Arctic, where polar Svalbard, because the archipelago’s 3,000 polar bears outnumber its 2,000 human bears outnumber people, the sun residents—and the bears are the masters of never sets, and the frozen tundra is a the land. “We have a saying here,” a scientist at UNIS, the small university outpost in geologist’s paradise. Svalbard, told our group. “If you don’t know what you’re doing in Svalbard, Svalbard will By Rose Cahalan kill you.” She wasn’t joking. In what is surely among the world’s most unusual college orientation There’s a pair of binoculars in my backpack, Due North programs, new students at UNIS spend their but I don’t need them. The slick head of a In 1908, when the explorer Frederick Cook first day learning to handle a rifle at a shoot- ringed seal breaks the water just a stone’s claimed to reach the North Pole—historians ing range. Step two is an intensive safety throw from the Zodiac boat. Our driver kills are still arguing over whether he really course covering all the technical gear and the motor so as not to disturb the animal, made it—he wrote in his journal, “We were know-how needed to survive in a harsh envi- who watches us through impassive black eyes the only pulsating creatures in a dead world ronment—like how to avoid a fatal fall into a and a thick plume of whiskers. of ice.” crevasse when hiking on a glacier. (Answer: He regards us coolly for a moment, blinks, Cook missed Svalbard by a few hundred use safety ropes, and be extremely careful.) and then sinks back into the gray waters of miles, but the sentiment still rings true. Step Luckily, our group wouldn’t face such the Barents Sea. The Zodiac’s motor sputters off the plane in Longyearbyen, the world’s dangers alone. We would be traveling in to life again, and freezing raindrops fleck northernmost town and the jumping-off comfort aboard the M.S. Expedition, a our coats and hats as we push on toward the point for Svalbard expeditions, and you’re cruise liner chartered by the Norwegian rocky shore. initially struck by two things: the cold and oil company Statoil. For the past 13 years, It’s just another day in Svalbard, the remote the quiet. In summer, temperatures rarely Statoil has hosted a field class called Svalex Arctic island chain where a group of UT rise above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and in (for “Svalbard expedition”) aboard the graduate students and professors spent a week winter they tend to stay below zero. From Expedition. Every summer, the course brings in August 2013. The trip’s aim was to teach April to August, the sun doesn’t set, while Norwegian graduate students to Svalbard—a geology and petroleum engineering skills in from October to February, the land is envel- territory of Norway, located about halfway one of the world’s most rare and compelling oped in total darkness. In the center of Long- between the European mainland and the research sites. But by the week’s end—after yearbyen, where there are shops and bars and North Pole—to study the area’s unique countless hikes and lectures and wildlife en- restaurants, there’s an almost eerie stillness in geology up close. counters and frost-nipped fingers—it would the chilly air. People walk briskly with gloved In 2011, when UT inked a $5-million re- become about much more than that. It would hands buried deep in their pockets, and search partnership with Statoil, the university be the adventure of a lifetime. everyone carries a gun. and the company were looking to strengthen

The Pyramiden settlement in Svalbard was built by Soviet colonists in the 1940s and stands virtually untouched today. Photo by Kyle Yuhao Sun

2014 Newsletter 55 Geologic Time Travel “We just walked across 240 million years of history,” Ron Steel says. “I don’t think there’s anywhere else in the world where you can do that.” A compact man with a Scottish brogue, silver hair, and twinkling eyes, Steel chairs UT’s Department of Geological Sciences. He has made 33 research trips to Svalbard over three decades. Although the Svalex class was officially (and expertly) led by a team of five Norwegian professors, with the UT faculty watching and contributing informally, Steel spoke with singular authority. To call Steel unflappable would be an un- derstatement. In 1980, he slipped and broke his knee while doing fieldwork late into the Sayantan Bhowmik was among 58 graduate students who traveled to Svalbard, Norway, on a seven-day field course in 2013. Photo by Rose Cahalan sunny polar night on a Svalbard slope. His graduate students had to carry him down the their longtime ties. Scott Tinker, who directs if you kill a person,” crew member Kerstin mountain to spend two excruciating days in UT’s Bureau of Economic Geology and Langenberger says, scanning the horizon a hut awaiting a helicopter rescue from their serves as acting associate dean of the Jackson through binoculars. “They are such incredible remote research site. Ask Steel what that was School of Geosciences, remembers the day it animals, and they are fiercely protected here.” like, and he shrugs it off: “Oh, it wasn’t pleas- all began. As an afterthought at the end of a Seeing a bear in the summer is rare, since ant,” he deadpans. meeting, Statoil manager Brit Ragnhildstveit they head north in pursuit of polar ice, Bounding across a moss-carpeted valley told Tinker about Svalex. Would Tinker be but summer encounters are also especially in the Festningen site of Svalbard, Steel interested in talking about a UT version of dangerous, since the bears are hungrier: less looks far younger than his 68 years. He has the expedition? “I almost jumped over the ice means bears have a harder time hunting a bounce in his step, and it’s not just the table,” Tinker says. “Would we be interested? seals. “I’m extra careful when we’re on the springy permafrost underfoot, which feels a Of course we were interested!” beach,” Langenberger says, “because unlike bit like walking on a very large mattress. As Two years and dozens of planning meet- on land where you see them coming, they students walk up to the outcrops and sketch ings later, our group of 76—including 58 can pop up out of the water with no warning, geologic formations in yellow field note- UT grad students in geology or petroleum and then we’re in trouble.” books, Steel hovers, always with a question or engineering, 17 faculty members, and one But we weren’t there to see bears. We were a few words of encouragement, pushing the wide-eyed Alcalde reporter—boarded the there for the rocks. students to get even closer to their subject. first of three flights in a long journey from Austin to Svalbard. The big, boisterous, burnt-orange-wearing, hiking-boot-clad group attracted more than a few stares in the airport. As the plane backed away from the gate in Austin, the PA system crackled to life and the pilot said cheerfully, “Good luck to all you UT Longhorns!” We would need it. After 30 hours in transit and a short first night’s sleep aboard the Ex- pedition, we woke early for the first of many landings. The ship’s crew had already been up for hours, scouting the land where we would hike to make sure it was clear of polar bears. Armed guards would flank us during every hike, although needing to shoot a bear is a rare and tragic last resort. “There’s more paperwork in Svalbard if you kill a bear than

Found only in Svalbard, the Svalbard reindeer evolved to be smaller and hardier than other species so it can survive in the harsh tundra environment. Photo by Kyle Yuhao Sun

56 Jackson School of Geosciences “Beyond looking at the rocks,” he says, “you climate scientist (Rong Fu) or hiking up a The Arctic light—as warm and radiant should feel them in your hands, hold them, mountain with the state geologist of Texas as the air is cold—casts a luminous, pastel even smell them.” (Tinker). With no phones, no Internet and glow over everything. In his book Arctic Svalbard is a mecca for geologists because no distractions, there were only the students, Dreams, nature writer Barry Lopez calls it it offers unparalleled access to the earth’s their teachers and the landscape. And we “a healing light.” I had rolled my eyes at that history. A full 30 percent of Svalbard is haven’t even arrived at the Soviet ghost town. phrase, thinking it hyperbolic, but as I stand exposed rock, while 60 percent is glaciers, in Pyramiden, feeling a deep calm in this and only 10 percent has vegetation. Since Hello, Lenin strangest of places, I finally understand what there are few plants on the Arctic tundra, the Lopez meant. I will never forget that light as Guy Esparon hoists his rifle over his rocks are there for the taking—a researcher long as I live. shoulder, tugs his red knit cap down over his Two days later, we wake to sunlight at can simply walk right up and see millions ears and cups his hands around his mouth. 2 a.m. to begin our long journey home. of years worth of strata. Fossilized leaves “Listen up,” he shouts. “I need everyone to On a bus to the airport, even while we are and ferns from the warm Carboniferous stay together. No wandering off. Even though half-asleep and exhausted, Jackson School of period, roughly 350 million years ago, trace we’re in the middle of town, there could be a Geosciences professor Daniel Stockli points Svalbard’s continental drift north from the bear waiting around the next corner.” out a rock formation: “Look at that beauti- Equator. Touching a leaf fossil in a land that Esparon—a nature guide working on the ful Carboniferous outcrop!” Someone teases has been treeless for eons somehow makes Expedition—hails from the tropical Seychelles him—“Aren’t we done?” Stockli shakes his the mind-bending concept of geologic time Islands, and he has an accent that evokes co- head. “We’re geologists. We’re never done.” easier to grasp. conuts and sunshine. I feel warmer just stand- —This article first appeared in Alcalde. And while photos and diagrams can depict ing near him. Back on the ship, he’s a jokester, geologic formations in great detail, nothing passing around his recipe for the perfect At top, a colorful row of houses in beats the muscle memory that comes from pineapple cocktail, but now he’s all business. Longyearbyen stands in contrast to the bleak landscape. Photo by Rose Cahalan. At bottom, the real thing. “Photos help, but you never We are in Pyramiden, a former Soviet lecture at 199-million-year-old black shale. really understand until you touch the rocks,” coal-mining town that was abandoned Photo by Kyle Yuhao Sun says Isaac Smith, a doctoral student in in 1998. From a junkyard heaped with geology. “And once you do, it sticks with you rusted scrap metal, much of it still covered for a long time.” with Cyrillic writing, we follow a creaking In addition to hands-on experience, the boardwalk past faded 1940s-era apartment trip also aimed to bridge the gap between buildings and an elementary school with its geologists and petroleum engineers. once-cheery mural of a farmer in traditional Although the two work closely in the oil Russian dress strolling through a verdant industry—where most of these students will forest. The swings on a half-collapsed jungle end up—they use different jargon and often gym are still swaying. Beyond the crunch of struggle to relate. So the class paired geolo- boots on the ground, the only sound is the gists and engineers together in small groups cawing of hundreds of seagulls as they coast and gave them interdisciplinary tasks. What on the wind above our heads. are the features of a particular outcrop, and Pyramiden once had more than 1,000 what would be the safest, most efficient way residents: men who worked (and died, if they to drill for oil there? It takes both a geologist were unlucky) in rickety mineshafts, and and an engineer to answer those questions, women and children who tried to eke out as and they did, in presentations delivered at normal an existence as possible in a lonely the end of long days—as late as 10 p.m.— settlement at the world’s end. The cavernous over tea and cookies in the Expedition’s cozy cultural center at the top of the town square meeting room. still holds a grand piano and an empty swim- But the diversity on the ship went far ming pool. A towering statue of Vladimir beyond geologists and engineers. It was, as Lenin, with his characteristic scowl, passes Tinker says, “like a U.N. meeting.” Reflecting silent judgment on us all. the composition of UT’s graduate school, the It is with this backdrop that our group does students hailed from at least 13 countries, what we came to do: learn geology. Our black- from Taiwan to Argentina to Indonesia to board is a rusted shipping container, onto Italy. And the list of professors along for the which a professor tacks up a diagram of a rock ride reads like a Who’s Who of the energy formation, and our classroom is the moun- world. A twenty-something student might tains, the sea and the glaciers that surround find herself chatting about biofuels over us. Everyone starts shivering if we stand still dinner with an engineering and policy expert too long, but I’ve never seen a more riveted (Tad Patzek), looking at a glacier with a audience during each half-hour lecture.

2014 Newsletter 57 Jackson School of Geosciences Global Research Locations October 2014

58 Jackson School of Geosciences 2014 Newsletter 59 DONORS

In Recognition of Donors We are grateful to our donors, whether it is their first or 100th time giving to the Jackson School of Geosciences (JSG). We would like to recognize all donors who have designated JSG in their estate plans, donors who are members of our giving societies and annual donors for their long-standing faithful donations. Thank you for your continued support to assure JSG provides a superior education to budding geoscientists and continues to lead the way in transformative research.

Texas Leadership Society Hill Society The Texas Leadership Society is composed of a Jan & Tom* Barrow The Hill Society honors friends and alumni distinguished group of friends and alumni who Vada & Walt Boyle who have given $10,000 or more over their Barbara & Philip Braithwaite have included the University of Texas at Austin lifetime in support of the Jackson School of Ina Brundrett in their estate plans. Estate gifts support faculty Geosciences. This society is named after Robert Susan Cage and research, provide scholarships and graduate Carlotta Chernoff T. Hill, the first professor and chair of the De- fellowships, and keep libraries, laboratories and Betsy & Richard Chuchla partment of Geology and a founding member facilities up-to-date. We would like to recognize John Clinch of the UT Mineral Survey, which would later those members who have designated the Jackson Billy Cotner become the Bureau of Economic Geology. School of Geosciences as their beneficiary. Pam & Barnes Darwin Louise* & Decker Dawson Doris Allday David Arctur Caroline & Tim Denison Ellen & Gene Ames Vada & Walt Boyle Mary Anne & Bill Dingus David Arctur Barbara & Philip Braithwaite Sally & Ralph Duchin James Austin, Jr. Ina Brundrett Connie & Byron Dyer Carol & Rod Baker Susan Cage Carol & Jim Farnsworth Dan Barker L. Decker Dawson Judy & Jim Gibbs Linda & Virgil Barnes Karen & Ed Duncan Bill Gipson Louise Barnes Connie & Byron Dyer Cala Ferrand & Albert Haertlein Donna & Ken Barrow Fred Gibson Ann & Henry Hamman Jan & Tom* Barrow Bill Gipson Lisa & Erik Hanson Kim Bates Caroline Rose Hunt Melinda & Jeff Hildebrand Annell Bay & Robert Suchecki Katie & Jack Jackson* Jacque & David S. “Scotty” Holland, Sr.* Dunya McCammon Bean Wann Langston, Jr.* Grace & Hugh Hay-Roe Mary Poteet & Chris Bell Cheryl & Woody Pace Rosa & Tom Layman Earl Bescher* Rita & Jimmie Russell Kathy & Richard Leach Ann & John Bookout, III Kevin Tuerff Judy & Frank Lee Caroline & John Bookout, Jr. Anita & Charles Weiner Patsy & David Lehman Judith & Douglas* Bostwick Kathy & Steve Weiner Susi & Mike Looney Patricia Boyd Raymond Woods* Alicia & David F. Martineau Vada & Walt Boyle John Wright Sara & David T. Martineau Barbara & Philip Braithwaite Edith & Bob Zinn Susan & Jack Mayfield Marcelite & David Bristol Joy & Jerry McQueen Ann & Doug Brown Edith & Peter O’Donnell Ina Brundrett L.T. Barrow Founders Circle Madrienne Petitjean Thais Freda Bullard* The L.T. Barrow Founders Circle recognizes Eleanour & Scott Petty Jimmye & Ray Burke friends and alumni who have given cumula- Carol & Jerry Pitts Tom Burke tive gifts of $100,000 or more since the Jackson Rita & Jimmie Russell Denise Butler School of Geosciences was established in Maryjane & Bud Scherr Robert Bybee* 2005. Named after Leonidas T. and Laura T. Nancy & Don Sheffield Sarah Bybee Russell Slayback Susan Cage Barrow, creators of the first Geology Founda- Terre & Dick Stoneburner Corinne & Toby Carleton tion endowment in 1953, Barrow Founders Allison & Bryan Wagner Susan & Bill Carlson Circle members honor the legacy of these two Anita & Charles Weiner Penni* & Chuck Caughey guiding spirits of geoscience education at the Kathy & Steve Weiner Emma & Edward Cazier University of Texas at Austin. Mike Wiley* Donna & Michael Cervantes Cathy & Chuck Williamson Carlotta Chernoff David Arctur Pinar Yilmaz Betsy & Richard Chuchla James Austin, Jr. Edith & Bob Zinn John Clinch

* Deceased

60 Jackson School of Geosciences Peg & Mitch Cline Lynton & Judy Land Katherine & Jeffrey Roberts Carolyn & Steve Compton Karen Langston Marsha & Gregg Robertson Billy Cotner Marietta & Wann* Langston, Jr. Mary & Hugh Rose Carol & Weyman Crawford Sandra Langston Tim Rowe Pamela & Barnes Darwin Rosa & Tom Layman Rita & Jimmie Russell Louise* & Decker Dawson Kathy & Richard Leach Lynn Salvador Marion Wier DeFord David Lear Maryjane & Bud Scherr Charles DeLancey Judy & Frank Lee Nancy & Don Sheffield Mary Nelis & Bill DeMis Patsy & David Lehman Janet & David Shomette Caroline & Tim Denison Walter Light, Jr. Sandra Sigman Mary Anne & Bill Dingus Sandra Lindquist Russell Slayback Sally & Ralph Duchin Nancy & Allen Locklin Joann & Dan Smith Anne & Charles Duncan Mary & Leon Long Brian Smyth & Rebecca Marvil Connie & Byron Dyer Susi & Mike Looney Fifi & Bill* Stokes, Jr. Heather Wilson & John Echols Lillian & Howard Lowe Terre & Dick Stoneburner Karen & Paul Erickson Ann & Rolf Lundelius Celika Storm Anne & Tom Fanning Judy & Ernest Lundelius, Jr. Juanita & Michael Strickler Carol & Jim Farnsworth Linda & Mike Maler Donna & Paul Strunk Marilee & Bill Fisher Charles Mankin Dorothy Carsey Sumner Priscilla & Peter Flawn Ada Marshall Mark Swann Cherie & James Flores Mary & Sabin Marshall Cheri & Thomas Tanton Brian Flynn Jacqueline Martin Elizabeth Thompson Jeanine & Ray Foutch Alicia & David T. Martineau Sherry & Gary Thompson Beatrice & Jesse Fowler Sara & David F. Martineau Allyson & Scott Tinker Jim Frasher Marian Maxwell Debra Sue & Brian Trinque Jean & Larry Funkhouser Susan & Jack Mayfield James Truchard Allison & Bruce Gates Earle McBride Kevin Tuerff Janet & Michael McCall Rebecca & Jean Paul Gestel Evelyn* & John* Tuohy Judy & Jim Gibbs Kathleen & Barry McConachie Margie & Andy Udden DONORS Fred Gibson Joy & Jereld McQueen Glenn* & Martha* Vargas Paula & Gerry Gilbert Jane & Robert Middleton Zoe & Harry Vest Allen Gilmer & Riki Rushing Marion & Harry* Miller Allison & Bryan Wagner Bill Gipson Martha & Herbert Mills Suzanne & Virgil Walston Rusty Goetz Steven Mills Paula & Rusty Walter Liz Gordon Lauree & Jim Bob Moffett Debbie & John Watson Nora & Charles Gray Ann & Ian Molineux Anita & Charles Weiner Marianne & Will Green William & Deborah Monroe Kathy & Steve Weiner Claire & Joseph Greenberg Ione & Sidney Moran Bonnie Weise Lynn & Jeremy Greene Nancy & Roy Muehlberger Dianne & Les White Robbie Gries Sally* & Bill* Muehlberger Cheryl & Paul Gucwa Susan & Jerry Namy Sheri & Jamie White Cala Ferrand & Albert Haertlein Ken Neavel Mike Wiley* Jo Ann & Karl Hagemeier Carol & Ed Nelson Mary & Addison Wilkinson Ann & Henry Hamman Edith & Peter O’Donnell Cathy & Chuck Williamson Lisa & Erik Hanson Frances* & Fred Oliver Mary Lou & Mark Wilson Linette & George Harwell Cynthia & Judd* Oualline Ruth & John* Wilson Grace & Hugh Hay-Roe Woody Pace Vereen & Madison Woodward Melinda & Jeff Hildebrand Marjorie* & Jim Patterson John Wright Carolyn & Bill Holland Don Paul Mary Anne & Phillip* Wyche Jacque & David S. “Scotty” Holland, Sr.* Madrienne Petitjean Cindy Ybarra Sandra & Richard Hoover Eleanor & Scott Petty Pinar Yilmaz Terry Huffington & Ralph Dittman Terry & Elliott Pew Edith & Bob Zinn Caroline Rose Hunt Mary Anne & Bob Pickens Katherine & Gary Hummel Elizabeth & Greg Pipkin Mary Johns & Eric Beam Carol & Jerry Pitts Annual Donors 2013-2014 Brenda & Jonny Jones Nancy & David Pustka We honor the following individuals who Elizabeth Walter Keeney Stacey & Andrew Quarles have generously contributed to the Jackson Ada & Howard Kiatta Janet & David Rainey School of Geosciences during the 2013-2014 Bill Klett Coleen & Peter Regan Christa & Glenn Klimchuk Cambria & Brian Reinsborough fiscal year. Annual contributions are critical Dianne & Ken Kramer Moonyean & William* Reynolds to JSG. As a result of annual contributions, Virginia & George Laguros Diana & Kenneth Ritmire students participated in field experiences,

* Deceased

2014 Newsletter 61 faculty conducted research, students received Corinne & Toby Carleton Laurie & Drew Duncan scholarships and the lights were turned on. Steve Carlson Sue & David Dunn Susan & Bill Carlson Lisa & Kent Duran Patrick Abbott Danielle Carpenter C. & Stacey Eastham Enzo Aconcha Barbara & Jack Cartwright Gerald Ebanks Trevor Aitken Susan & James Caruthers Mary & James Eberhardt Kathleen & David Allen Veronica Castillo Heather & John Echols Missy & Richard Allen Chuck Caughey Louisa Eclarinal & Charles Canestaro Cristina Morales & Carlos Alvarez Emma & Edward Cazier Sheila & Michael Edmonds Rebecca & Russ Andress Joseph Cepeda Carl Edwards Betty Andrews & John Kleinschmidt Donna & Michael Cervantes Julie & Clay Edwards Maria Anzola Nysha Chaderton Nabiel Eldam Cheryl & Richard Appling Rosa & Julian Chahin Kristin Elowe Tod Arbogast Lin Chang Wendy & Robert Erlich Barbara & David Arctur Teri & Eric Chang-Tung Raquel Espinoza Alexander Aronovitz Louise Chapman Adriana & Victor Estrano John Atkins Rebecca Chastian Phyllis & Sam Evans Felipe Audemard Cathy Chen & Greg Liu Judy Fabela Jamie Austin Carlotta Chernoff Alicia Farre Tim Austin Adriana & Daryl Chicken Sarah & Steve Fekete Sara Avant-Stanley & Frederick Stanley Chunlei Chu John Ferguson Deliece & Walter Ayers Betsy & Richard Chuchla Cala Ferrand & Albert Haertlein Armenio Azavache Mike Clark Jeanne Ferrin Kathy Babin Sally & Craig Clayton Bruce Fields* Desiree & Malcolm Bailey Peg & Mitch Cline Roya & Mark Fillip Carol & Rodney Baker Jo & Kelton Cloud Marilee & Bill Fisher Lorraine Baline Karen Cochran Goldoni Flack Patricia & Stan Ballard Mary & Michael Collins Ann & Peter Flemings Hazel Barbour Caroline & Steve Compton Elizabeth & Jose Flores Daniel Barker Carol & Phil Cook D’nese & Chip Fly Donna & Ken Barrow Jaqueline & William Lawrence Cook Brian Flynn Bath Mary Cooke Karen Ford Marilyn & Roger Becker Alyson & John Cooper Patrick Fortson Teresa & Fred Becker Virginia & Taliaferro Cooper Jeanine & Randy Foutch Jerome Bellian Diann & Frank Cornish Michael Fox

DONORS Betty Bellis Bill Cotner Jim Frasher Tiffany & Raul Benavidez Steve Crews Susan & Paul Fredericks Mary Bezara & Daniel Homes Steve Cumella Tatiana Frierson Don Bilbrey Marc Curliss Patricia & Jack Frizzell Catherine & J. Bingaman Hunter-West Danque Rebecca Fusee Curtis Bixler Pam & Barnes Darwin Rosemary & Bill Galloway Rosanne & Tom Bjorklund Rosalind & Ricky Dauzat Julie & Michael Garvin Janet & Bill Blankenship Catherine Davey Carolina Moriel de Garza & Lisa & Sean Boerner Kyle Davies Abelardo Garza-Hernandez Donna & Dick Bordwell Louis Davis Allison & Bruce Gates Samuel Boyar Rosendo de la Garza Cornelia & Edward Gates Elizabeth & Robert Boyce Henry Dean Beverley & Thurman Geddie Vada & Walt Boyle Marion DeFord Cindy & John Genuise Barbara & Philip Braithwaite Caroline & Tim Denison Belle & Eric German Susan Brand & Harry Mueller Pat Dickerson Kay & Steve Germiat Syble & Thomas Bridge Sue & Barnard Dietz Judy & Jim Gibbs Marcelite & David Bristol Mary Anne & Bill Dingus Fred Gibson Matthew Brown Sara & Steven Dobbs Jenny & Ronald Gieger Theresa Brown Laura Dobson Eddie Gilbert Mildred & Leonard Bryant Susie Doenges & Randolph Russell Gretchen Gillis & Scott Gricke Nathan Bryant Christian Dohse Bill Gipson Frances & Wade Burke Carlos Dominguez Rusty Goetz Louisa & T.J. Burnett Ruth & Hugh Doney Steven Gohlke Leon Byerley Jennifer & Gary Donnan Juany & Alexander Gonzalez Susan Cage Merla & Gene Doty Mark Gordon Karan & Joe Callaway Joyce & James Doyle Meaghan Gorman Archibald Campbell Kerry Drake Andrea & David Gorney Donald Campbell Sally & Ralph Duchin Linda & Redge Greenberg Nancy & Ray Cardozier Anna & John Dunbar Lynn & Jeremy Greene

62 Jackson School of Geosciences Vicky & Peter Gregg Julie & Jonathan Lass Eva Moldovanyi Robbie Gries & David Bailey Linda & Robert Laudon Ann & Ian Molineux Stephen Grimes Rosa & Tom Layman Deborah & William Monroe Barbara & Chip Groat Riley & Bennett Leader Melissa & Charles Montero Paulette & Thomas Groves Roger Lee Jule Moon Gregory Grubbs Ann & Scott Leist Samuel Moore Sean Gryger Loring Lemmon Miguel Morales Janize & Jose Guzman Raymond Leonard Ione & Sidney Moran Rosamond Haertlein Jazmine Leon-Wing & Tisun Wing Dorothy & Duane Moredock Jason Ham Beth & T.A. Lettman Debbie & Frank Morrill Ann & Henry Hamman Sharlene Leurig Donald Morris Russell Hamman Erick Leuro Sharon Mosher & Mark Helper Lisa & Erik Hanson Jacquelyn & Phillip Levasseur Sherri & Todd Muelhoefer Susan & Kurt Hanson Walter Light Lyndon Murray Margaret Harden Adrien Lindley Susan & Jerry Namy James Hardwick Sunshine & James Lockley Jean & Seay Nance Charles Harman Jamie & John Long Ken Neavel Evelyn & William Harris Mark Longman Mary Nelis & Bill Demis Linette & George Harwell Susi & Mike Looney Ruth & Allan Nelson Peggy Harwood Steve Lovell Diane & John Newberry Glenn Hatcher Maria Lovil John Newcomb Curry Hendricks Chang Lu Christina & Ludwig Nicklas Juli & Peter Hennings Jairo Lugo Frances & Isaac Norman Gustavo Hernandez Betty Jo & Bob Luker Carol Northern Jaime Hernandez Ann & Rolf Lundelius Brook & Michael Novelli Janice Hill Judith & Ernest Lundelius, Jr. Josh Oden Tiffany Hintzman Barbara Luneau Teresa & Don Oliver Dave Hixon Sara Lutz Fred Oliver Elspeth Hixon Walton Lynch Margaret & Jacques Olivier DONORS Tina & Paul Hoffman Eric Lyons Nicole & Joe Ozment Carolyn & Bill Holland Richard Lytle Ricardo Padron Debbie & Ben Hooper Patricia & Bruno Maldonado Sarah & Richard Paige Ann & John Howard Linda & Thomas Manion Robin & Jeffrey Palmer Caroline Rose Hunt Jill Marshall & Joe Kroesche Petro Papazis Janice & Russell Jackson Mary & Sabin Marshall Krista Parker Michelle Jiao Jacqueline Martin Carlotta & Felipe Parraga Kathy & Doug Johnson Kylara Martin JoAnn & Tom Patty Brenda & Jonny Jones Lauren & Pascal Martin Elise & Jarl Pedersen Brent Jones Alicia & David T. Martineau Maria & Edgar Pelaez Nathaniel Jones Sara & David F. Martineau Yolanda & Adrian Perarnau Beverly & Bub Joyce Lynn Mashburn Paige Pharr Marilyn & Alan Joyce Lucy & Martin Mata Carla Phelps Tamara Kahn Karl Mazeika Ed Picou Ada & Howard Kiatta Earle McBride Daniel Pinkston Brian Kiel Janet & Mike McCall Gene Pisasale Daniel Kietzer Mary & Bob McCarty Carol & Jerry Pitts Jesse Kimball Bruce McCommons Nanci & Nick Pollard J. Kinsella Mac McGilvery Mary Poteet & Chris Bell Kathy & David Kirchner Lori & William McGinnis Carolyn Prather Rebecca Lewis & Chris Kirk Joy & Jerry McQueen Nancy & John Preston Stacy & Tom Kirkpatrick Charles Merrill Marinela Prieto Mary Klatt Glen Merrill Nancy & David Pustka Travis Kloss Robert Merrill Eleanour & Terry Quinn Jan & Orion Knox Carole & Wayne Miller Tara & Eric Radjef Nancy Agosta-Kolb & Rick Kolb Ginger & Bill Miller Janet & Dave Rainey Diane & Kenneth Kramer Kitty Lou Milliken & Steven Seni Alberto Ramirez Ellen & Charlie Kreitler Martha & Herbert Mills Ricardo Ramirez Margaret Kroehler Steve Mills Viola Rawn-Schatzinger & John Kuehne David Mirakian Richard Schatzinger Chandan Kumar Donald Miser Kathryn & Robert Ray Judith & Lynton Land Sheila Mitchell Joe Reese Karen Langston Beatrice Mladenka-Fowler & Jesse Fowler Louise Reeser Sandra Langston Jackie & Ross Moczygemba Vickie & Scott Reeve Catherine Lappe & Martin Stupel Lynda Moczygemba Coleen & Peter Regan

2014 Newsletter 63 Laura Reich Cynthia & Mike Stinson Constance & Eddie Williamson Cambria & Brian Reinsborough Melissa Anne & Peter Stokes Candance & Jerry Willman Elward & Bernard Reiss Susan Stone Gail & Feather Wilson Alberto Rial Terre & Dick Stoneburner Mary Lou Wilson Pamela & Jim Richards Rae & Dean Straw Susan & Mike Wilson Brian Richter Juanita & Mike Strickler Shiela Winchester & Dennis Trombatore JoBeth & Wade Ridley Lee Ann Angel & Paul Suddath Billye & Jamie Wise Margaret & Barrett Riess Dorothy Sumner Linda & Kevin Wooster Wayne Ritcheson Sandra & George Sutherland Ann Worrel Marsha & Gregg Robertson Katie & Dub Swadley Gail & Danny Worrell LaVonne & Tom Rogers Dennis Sylvia Kimberly & David Worthington Brenda Rojas Mehmet Tanis Mary Ann Wyche Rashel & Norman Rosen Yi Tao Joan Yaffe & Robert Baumgardner Deborah & Randall Rosenberger Charles Taylor Fang Ye Patsy & Rollins Roth Carl Tepe Andrew Yen Dawna & Peter Rowley Robert & Robert Terriere Pinar Yilmaz Jason Rush Mac Thompson Eleanor & Steven Young Janice & Floyd Sabins Sherry Leigh & Gary Thompson Keith Young Paul Sagasta Elizabeth Thorakos Linda & William Young Emily & Orlando Salazar Richard Tijerina Susan & Randall Young Richard Sams Kay & Leo Tiller Susan & Louis Zachos Morelia & Carlos Sanchez Mary Anne & Douglas Toepperwein Mario Zamarripa Linda & Jack Sanders David Tolces Sarah Zellers Faye & James Sansom Elizabeth & Mike Tomsu Long Zhao Sandra Sargent Mildred & Elsworth Tonn Edith & Robert Zinn Kathryn & George Schneider Margaret Townsend & Clark Fulton Janet & Ted Schulenberg Teresa & Galen Treadgold John Seale Barbara & Elliot Trester Paula & Clyde Seewald Tony Troutman Walter Geology Library Donors Bob Sellars Kevin Tuerff 2013-2014 Edgar Sequera Matthew Uddenberg American Geosciences Institute Isabel Serrano Michael Ueber Chris Bell Louise & Charles Sewell Linda & Don Urbanec Mark Cloos Marcia & Victor Shainock Rebecca & Jean-Paul Van Gestel Ian Dalziel Carol & Jack Sharp Jacqui & Boris van Lier Tim Diggs

DONORS Nancy & Don Sheffield Luis Velazquez Edwards Aquifer Authority Patricia & F. Carlton Sheffield Janice & Mark Ver Hoeve William Fisher Isabel & David Shetler Alejandro Vicentini Paul Heinrich Mary & Ted Shrader Luis Vielma Charles Kreitler Bren Sidereas Kristin Vollman Leon Long Cody Simmang Sharmon & Todd Votteler Larry Matthews John Singleton Marilyn & Tommy Waggoner Earle McBride John Slay Benjamin Wagman Bill Mixon Marriott & John Smart Allison & Bryan Wagner Glenn Outz Andrew Smith David Wahl Virginia Phillips Brian Smith Leslie & Earl Wahrmund Eric Potter Cynthia & Paul Smith Kathleen & Mark Walker Carol Russell Joann & Dan Smith Liz Walter John Sharp Lisbeth & Mike Smith David Walton James Sprinkle Traci & Doug Smith Maureen Walton Bill St. John Rebecca Marvil & Brian Smyth Emily & Herbert Ware Chris Swezy Sara & Robert Snelll Debbie & John Watson Dennis Trombatore Xiaolei Song Lynn & Sheldon Watson Maria Wade Marisabel & Gerard Soto Orla & Nick Way Brad Wolaver Susan Souby & Bob Burnett Anita & Charles Weiner Beth & Scott Spann Kathy & Steve Weiner Therese & Steve Speer Bonnie Weise Helen & Frederick Spiegelberg Dana & William White Associations, Corporations & Gloria & James Sprinkle Steve White Foundations Ann St. Clair & Kirk Holland Lisa & Lynn Wiese 3M Foundation Inc. Nancy & Billy St. John Elizabeth & Bruce Wik ADM Resources LLC B. L. & Frederick Stead Betty Wilkinson Air & Waste Management Lindsay & Joel Stevens Brantley Williamson Alta Mesa Resources LP Margaret & Jim Stevens Cathy & Chuck Williamson American Association of Petroleum Geologists

64 Jackson School of Geosciences Anadarko Petroleum Corporation GM Southeast Energy Ventures LLC Noble Corporation Apache Corporation Graduate Student Executive Committee Northwind Exploration Austin Gem and Mineral Society The Graham Family Foundation Occidental Petroleum Corporation Austin Geological Society Halliburton Energy Services Inc. P.T. Freeport Indonesia Autocar LLC George and Mary Josephine Hamman Peregrine Petroleum Partners Ltd. BHP Billiton Limited Foundation Ed Rachal Foundation BHP Billiton Petroleum (Americas) Inc. Hess Corporation Repsol Exploracion S.A. BP America Inc. Hilcorp Energy Company R&T Robertson Foundation BP Corporation North America IBM International Foundation Roxanna Oil Company BP Fabric of America Fund Imagine Resources LLC Sams Exploration Inc. BP Foundation Inc. International United Technology Group LLC Schlumberger Technology Corporation BP plc James F. Hardwick & Associates Inc. SEG Foundation Bybee Foundation Kinder Morgan Foundation Shell Oil Company C.H. Fenstermaker & Associates Inc. Lloyd Gosselink Rochelle and Townsend P.C. Shell Oil Company Foundation Carrizo Oil & Gas Inc. Macquarie Group Foundation South Texas Geological Society Chevron Corporation MAP Royalty Inc. Statoil Chevron Energia de Mexico S. R. L. de C. V. Marathon Oil Company Stone Energy Corporation Chevron Energy Technology Company Marathon Oil Company Foundation Strand Energy Condor Petroleum Inc. Mayfield Foundation Inc. Strata Geological Services Inc. ConocoPhillips Company McKinsey & Company Inc. Suelopetrol Corporation Dell Inc. Medallion Foundation Inc. Synopsys Inc. The Dow Chemical Foundation The Mewbourne Oil Company Talisman Energy Inc. Enduring Resources LLC Microsoft Corporation Thunder Exploration, Inc. Eni S.p.A. Mitchell Foundation, The Cynthia Total E&P USA Inc. Enviromedia Social Marketing and George UBS Foundation USA Ernst & Young LLP NARO-Texas Inc. Undergraduate Geological Society Exxon Mobil Corporation National Christian Foundation Houston Venada Oil and Gas LLP ExxonMobil Foundation Network for Good Vetlesen Foundation, The G. Unger Finkelstein Partners Neuralog Wagner & Brown Ltd. Fort Worth Geological Society Newfield Exploration Company Water Research Foundation DONORS GDL Foundation Nexen Petroleum U.S.A. Inc. Westerly Exploration Inc. Geology Foundation Advisory Council The Geology Foundation, established in 1953, is the philanthropic arm of the Jackson School of Geosciences. The Foundation has guided the Jackson School to a level of support unprecedented among peer institutions. Members of the foundation’s Advisory Council meet biannually with the school’s leadership to support and advise the Jackson School. Graduation years are included for Jackson School alumni.

Chairman Danielle Carpenter, M.A. ’96 William Maloney Bryan C. Wagner, B.A. ’84 Chevron Statoil Wagner Oil Company Richard J. Chuchla, M.A. ’81 David T. Martinueau, B.S. ’92, M.S. ’97 Vice Chairman ExxonMobil Exploration Company Martineau Petroleum, Inc. Brian C. Reinsborough, M.A. ’93 Venari Resources Hervé Coutrix Otaviano de Cruz Pessoa Neto Total E&P Research & Technology, LLC Petroleo Brasileiro S. A. Petrobras HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS Ed Duncan, M.A. ’87 Forrest W. Pace, Jr., B.S. ’85 Robert E. Boyer Great Bear Petroleum, LLC Talisman Energy

L. Decker Dawson James Dupree Donald L. Paul Dawson Geophysical Co. BP America, Inc. University of Southern California

Rodger E. Denison, Ph.D. ’66 Constance (Connie) Dyer, B.A. ’58 Wagner Peres, Ph.D. ’90 Devon Energy Thomas E. Fanning, B.S. ’56 James W. Farnsworth Cobalt International Energy, LP Andrew I. Quarles, Ph.D. ’96 William L. Fisher Cuadrilla Resources, Ltd. Julia A. Garvin, B.S. ’82 Peter T. Flawn Roxanna Oil Company David I. Rainey BHP Billiton Petroleum William E. Gipson, B.A. ’48, M.A. ’49 James A. Gibbs Five States Energy Company, LLC Gas Fund, Inc. Walter J. Scherr III Valence Operating Company Jack H. Mayfield, Jr., M.A. ’65 Gerald M. Gilbert, B.S. ’68 Mayfield I, Ltd. Don B. Sheffield, B.S. ’58 Willard (Will) R. Green, M.A. ’55 James R. Moffett, B.S. ’61 Green Energy Resources Daniel L. Smith, B.S. ’58 Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc. Sandalwood Oil & Gas, Inc. Jeremy Greene, M.A. ’84 Fred L. Oliver, B.S. ’51 Peregrine Petroleum, LLC Richard K. Stoneburner, B.S. ’76 Petrohawk (Retired) James C. Patterson Robbie R. Gries, M.A. ’70 ADVISORY COUNCIL ADVISORY Priority Oil & Gas, LLC John E. Watson, B.A. ’72 Russell G. Slayback Leggette, Brashears & Graham, Inc. Paul R. Gucwa, Ph.D. ’74 Roxanna Oil Company Charles G. Weiner, B.A. ’48 Texas Crude, Inc. MEMBERS Erik G. Hanson Lawrence E. Archibald Abaco Operating, LLC Charles R. Williamson, Ph.D. ’78 ConocoPhillips Company Bill D. Holland, B.S. ’54 MEMBERS, EX OFFICIO Ronald A. Bain, Ph.D. ’74 Holland Exploration, Inc. Index Oil & Gas William C. Powers, Jr. Stephen C. Jumper, B.S. ’84 The University of Texas at Austin Annell R. Bay, M.A. ’80 Dawson Geophysical Company Marathon Oil Company Gregory L. Fenves David L. Kirchner, B.S. ’74 The University of Texas at Austin C. Douglas Brown, B.S. ’84 Basin & Range Hydrogeologists, Inc. BXP Ltd. Sharon Mosher James T. Langham, Jr. Geology Foundation Thomas M. Burke, B.S. ’49 Langham McKay & Company Jackson School of Geosciences The University of Texas at Austin Denise Butler Thomas B. Layman, M.A. ’87 Shell Exploration & Production Company Chesapeake Energy Belle German Geology Foundation A. T. (Toby) Carleton, B.S. ’51, M.A. ’52 Susan A. Longacre, Ph.D. ’68 Jackson School of Geosciences Tocor Exploration ChevronTexaco Fellow, Emeritus The University of Texas at Austin

66 Jackson School of Geosciences NEW Story Officita de voloreptas necae simporrunda nem atis maio odit ra venimustius molorib uscium, siti sae seque nobis que vendebit arciur sape

Clockwise from top left: TK

Caption Area if needed

2014 Newsletter 67 ALUMNI NOTES

Jackson School alumni, staff and friends traveled with the Texas Exes to Scotland in summer 2014. The 12-day trip included a stop in Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands. Find more pictures on pages 83-84.

1950s Jim W. Adams (B.S. ’51) writes, “Good to Walter V. Boyle (B.S. ’54, M.A. ’55) writes, Philip Braithwaite (M.A. ’58) writes, “Bar- hear all the news from Geology at UT. I am “Vada and I continued our travels with a bara and I are still enjoying retirement in 86 and holding. Enjoying retirement during Crystal Cruise in February this year to Tahiti, Dallas, Texas. We have cut back on traveling industry’s greatest boom. I have taught the Bora Bora and the Society Islands in the the last few years. I spend my time working Boy Scout merit badge in geology in Midland South Pacific, and, in late summer, we plan to in the garden and house projects with a little at our excellent summer camp in the Davis take a land tour to Eastern Europe. Walt stays part-time consulting. Barbara keeps up with Mountains of West Texas and at National busy attending his investment club meetings, Jamborees. Would like to hear from friends men’s book club and working in the yard and at 505 Lajitas Dr., Midland, Texas, 79707, or the garden. Vada continues her volunteer du- by email at [email protected]. God ties with the Houston Symphony League. In Stay in Touch! bless you all.” June, Vada was elected president of the North Complete and mail the form on page 99 Harris County AAUW. We continue to enjoy or visit www.jsg.utexas.edu/alumni to let Gene Ames, Jr. (B.S. ’55) resides in San attending the Jackson School of Geosciences us know what you’ve been up to recently Antonio, Texas, and can be reached at functions, meetings and dinners and seeing and to update your contact information. [email protected]. and visiting with old classmates and friends.”

68 Jackson School of Geosciences for graduate school and she was working in education and support I received from the geology library. We both face some health faculty and staff of the geology department issues, but we love being with family and in the late 1950s—Professor Deford and Drs. friends here in our home during our retire- Folk, Young, Muelberger, Claibaugh, Wilson ment years. During the past nine years while and Lundelius, to name a few. Each of these we lived in this community there were four men taught me the science of geology and 1951-52 UT geologists—Pat Bolden, Laddie reinforced life skills which prepared me for Long, Jim Adams and myself. Presently, Jim a career in the oil and gas business. While and I are the survivors. Though our ranks are serving on the Geology Foundation Advisory growing smaller each year it is good to have Council I witnessed the unique and extraor- notes from my classmates from the early dinary leadership of Sam Ellison, Morgan 1950s. Best wishes to all UT grads!” Davis, Peter Flawn and Bill Fisher along with the dedication and service of council James M. Caruthers (B.S. ’56) writes, “Since members. I applaud the contributions being my retirement from the USGS in 1986, I’ve made today by Dean Mosher, the faculty and had adventures ranging from Himalayas staff, and the advisory council. My hope is climbs to treks in Iceland, Greenland and that all involved have a deep understanding most recently Patagonia. Also, hikes in the of the tremendous influence they have on the Navajo SS Rainbow Bridge, The Wave and future of each student and that each student Zebra Canyon Slot.” has a deep appreciation for what is being made available at JSG. Thanks to all! I can be Robert E. Doyle (B.S. ’55, M.S. ’57) writes, reached at [email protected].” “I am now marketing a system I invented ALUMNI NOTES that will stop and contain the spread of major Jack M. Howard (B.S. ’51) writes, “After oil spills. This system was approved by the 52 years on Enfield Road, we now reside in USPTO in a record seven and a half months. Westminster Retirement Community in West A description may be found in the August Austin, across Mopac from Camp Mabry. On 2014 issue of the Journal of Petroleum Tech- July 23, 2014, Shirley and I quietly celebrated nology published by the Society of Petroleum our 65th anniversary with friends and family.” Engineers. It was also presented in the May 2014 issue of Maritime Executive. I am also Ernest Lundelius, Jr. (B.S. ’50) writes, “I in the process of patenting several other in- spent the last year continuing research on ventions dealing with power generation and Quaternary vertebrate faunas of Austra- protection from wildfires. Drop in for a visit lia and Texas. Hall’s Cave in Kerr County should you be in Houston or give me a call at continues to provide new information on 713-334-4464.” the fauna, climate and soil erosion rates over the past 18,000 years. Chris Bell and I are Willard “Will” R. Green (M.A. ’55) writes, investigating Pleistocene deposits in a newly “Greetings from Midland, Texas—Boom Town, USA, thanks to horizontal drilling and fracturing technology. I continue as an inde- all the bestsellers in her reading. We have pendent geologist and oil producer trying to been married for 56 years and hope to enjoy generate prospects in parts of the Perm- each other for many more years to come!” ian Basin where thick ‘shale’ sequences are absent. Have been a member of the advisory Robert F. Brandt (B.S. ’57) is a retired geol- council of the Geology Foundation for five ogy professor from Houston Community years and it has been a learning experience to College. Robert writes, “Still enjoying life in see the many things happening at the Jackson Houston despite the aches and pains to be School. Congrats to Dean Sharon Mosher expected at age 80.” and the entire staff.”

Jack C. Cartwright (B.S. ’51, M.A. ’55) George Mathis Harwell, Jr. (B.S. ’58, M.A. writes, “Barbara and I are still enjoying our ’59) writes, “Linette and I moved to Round home in the Manor Park facility in Midland Rock in 2011. Being closer to UT, we have after 59 years of marriage. Our relationship enjoyed participating in occasional activi- began 60 years ago when I returned to UT ties at JSG. I continue to be grateful for the Ernest Lundelius (B.S. ’50) spent the past year continuing research on Quaternary vertebrate faunas of Australia and Texas. Undergraduate Research Fund Honors Retiring Professor Bill Carlson

After serving as an icon on the Forty Acres lishing the Jackson School of Geosciences founder of the program and codirector until for more than 30 years, Jackson School as an autonomous college-level compo- his retirement. It remains one of his great of Geosciences professor William Carlson nent of UT-Austin. passions. retired in August 2014. Carlson’s dedication to teaching under- “I am thrilled to be able to establish Carlson, a petrologist and geochem- graduate and graduate students produced this endowment in honor of Dr. Carlson,” ist who held the Peter T. Flawn Centen- numerous departmental teaching awards, Chernoff said. “I cannot think of a more nial Chair in Geology, joined the faculty induction into the university’s Academy of appropriate way to acknowledge his legacy of UT-Austin’s Department of Geological Distinguished Teachers and selection for than by continuing to provide undergradu- Sciences in 1980 after earning a bachelor’s the Board of Regents’ Outstanding Teach- ate students with access to rewarding degree from Stanford and a doctorate from ing Award from the University of Texas research opportunities. I know first-hand the University of California–Los Angeles. System. that these kinds of research experiences With professors Tim Rowe and John Despite his transition to emeritus status, can have a lasting impact on a student’s Kappelman, Carlson established the High- Carlson’s legacy will live on through a new personal and professional development.” Resolution X-ray Computed Tomography endowment that supports undergraduate To make a contribution to the William D. Facility (UTCT), the nation’s first X-ray CT geoscience research. Carlotta Chernoff Carlson Undergraduate Research Pro- facility dedicated to and optimized for (B.S. ’92, M.A. ’95) has made a leading gift gram Fund, please contact Belle German scanning geological specimens. UTCT has to establish the William D. Carlson Under- at 512-471-1993 or [email protected]. grown into a national resource shared by graduate Research Program Fund. This edu, or Karen Cochran at 512-471-6010 or a variety of institutions around the globe. endowment will ensure that undergraduate [email protected]. You also may It has been supported by the National students at the Jackson School can con- visit www.jsg.utexas.edu/alumni/support to Science Foundation since 1999. For these tinue to take part in research experiences make a gift online. Please indicate that the efforts and for other achievements in min- that enrich their academic studies and gift is for the Carlson endowment. eralogical research, Carlson was awarded career trajectories. the Mineralogical Society of America Dana One area directly impacted by this en- Clockwise: William Carlson with students Medal in 2005. dowment is the department’s Undergradu- Elizabeth Hatley and Eric Kelly in the Austri- an Alps in 2008; Carlson with student Charna He served as chair of the Department of ate Honors Research Program. This unique Meth in Switzerland in 2001; and Carlson Geological Sciences and associate dean program trains undergrads to conduct their with the undergraduate Honors Research for academic affairs in the College of Natu- own independent research in collabora- Program graduates at commencement in 2014 (left to right: Julie Zurbuchen, Wesley Neely, ral Sciences before leading the team that tion with the JSG’s outstanding faculty Tiffany Kocis, Carlson, Nicole Kurka, Aaron created the organizational charter estab- and research scientists. Carlson was the Salin, Audrey Eljuri and Daniel Le).

70 Jackson School of Geosciences discovered cave in Crocket County. Another fairly new locality north of Houston has produced the first record of a toxodont for the United States. This is another addition to the list of animals of South American origin that entered North America with the establishment of the Panamanian Isthmus about four million years ago. I attended the annual meetings of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology and the American Quaternary Association to keep abreast of developments in those areas.”

Wayne D. Miller (M.A. ’57) writes, “Still consulting full-time but planning on slow- ing down some in 2014. Hope to continue work, as I still enjoy the oil business. Sorry to see that Sam Sims has passed away. Look forward to the next Newsletter.”

George Pichel (B.S. ’51) writes, “After 36 years as a geologist all over the world and crossing the Pacific in a 36-foot sailboat, now ALUMNI NOTES 88 and existing.”

Floyd F. Sabins (B.S. ’52) writes, “After leaving UT I earned my Ph.D. at Yale and spent 37 years at Chevron’s geologic research facility where I introduced remote sensing and digital image processing for oil and mineral exploration. Upon retirement I continued remote sensing research and exploration with my company, Remote Sensing Enterprises, Floyd Sabins (B.S. ’52) recently conducted research in Afghanistan commissioned by the U.S. Inc. (RSE). In 2010 the U.S. Department of Department of Defense. The above shows an airborne HyMap hyperspectral image of the Balkhab Defense tasked RSE to identify mineral ex- copper deposit training site and vicinity. The yellow outline is the top of volcanogenic massive sulfide unit that hosts the Balkhab copper deposit and targets. Image courtesy of Sabins ploration targets in Afghanistan. We digitally processed and visually interpreted images for the Afghan Geological Survey, which will tee and faculty meetings. I also continue acquired by an array of satellite and airborne make the data available to the exploration working with archaeological teams on the systems. The systems and digital processing community. The objective is to provide an examination of mammal bones, large and methods are described in the third edition inventory of exploration targets for follow-on small, from archaeological sites on the High of my book Remote Sensing – Principles and evaluation. Because of uncertain conditions Plains. Almost all involve students so I am Interpretation. Our 18 DoD reports cover 21 in Afghanistan we do not know when the into the world of social media—to a point sites and define several hundred exploration data package will be available.” Floyd can be anyway. There are a lot of quick people out targets for gold, copper, chromite, lithium reached at [email protected]. there and it is a pleasure to be associated and coal. The above image is a sample inter- with a younger group. Elaine and I traveled pretation/target map derived from HyMap Eugene Patrick Scott (B.S. ’57) is a frequently worldwide primarily using public hyperspectral images of the Balkhab copper petroleum geologist consultant in Corpus transportation. We had a goal of riding every prospect and surrounding terrain in north- Christi, Texas. kind and class of train, ferry and bus. How- central Afghanistan. The deposit is hosted in ever, it is hard to know when you are done. volcanogenic massive sulfide rocks exposed Holmes A. Semken (B.A. ’58, M.A. ’60) Life has not been dull even though our age in the gorge of the northeast-flowing Balkhab writes, “I retired six months early in 1999 is showing. We chose to stay in Iowa because River. The digital data for 124 spectral to order to expand a conference in South we like having four distinct seasons and have bands were acquired by a NASA aircraft and Africa into a tour with family and students of come to better withstand cold Iowa winters provided courtesy of the USGS spectros- game parks and Zulu/Boer War battlefields than the long hot summers of the South. copy laboratory. The plan is for the USGS to and came home to continue work in ice-age Also the association with the University of include the 18 RSE reports in a data package vertebrates without the pain of commit- Iowa, especially its Museum of Natural His-

2014 Newsletter 71 tory, has produced some great moments. We 1960s What I hoped to do came true. I worked still have a soft spot for UT-Austin and enjoy Donald H. Campbell (M.A. ’62) writes, for Sinclair and Tenneco, two majors that return visits. We have recovered parts of “Retired now after 35 years in cement and were active, using all types of exploration three Jefferson’s giant sloths at one locality, a concrete industries, plus oil/gas and teaching for oil and gas. These included subsurface, few remains of a short-faced bear at another … an enjoyable career. Now studying climate photogeology, field geology, geochemical and are now working on a site with three change and advocating various means and even submarine geologic explora- wooly mammoths present.” of mitigating its damaging effects. Major tion. It was exciting to work and live in so tectonic events combined with catastrophic many places: Alaska, Europe, the Gulf of Marriott Wieckhoff Smart (B.S. ’57) writes, climate change—what a scenario!” Mexico and the mid-continent. Today, I am “John and I continue to live in Centennial, enjoying retirement with my wife, BJ, in Colorado. We revisited New Orleans so that Chuck Caughey (B.S. ’69, M.A. ’73) writes, Oklahoma City. The only geology I do now we could visit the World War II Museum. “Passed three years with Noble Energy and is studying outcrops as we travel in our RV That trip began our study of the D-Day recently started enjoying a reduced work (dangerous if I’m driving). I thank my Lord invasion because in June we toured Nor- schedule of three days per week.” Jesus and the University of Texas for my mandy with the Flying Longhorns. Nice to be wonderful career.” around Texans again. When one is fortunate Gerald Keith Ebanks (M.A. ’66) writes, “Af- enough to live in Colorado, one tends not to ter 36 years in Carrollton, Texas, we moved Jereld E. McQueen (B.S. ’61, M.A. ’63) leave in the summer. So we stayed home and to College Station almost two years ago to be writes, “Still with Medallion Oil Company went to mountains when we could. Wild- close to our daughter and her family. I’ve got- searching for hydrocarbons. Proud of the flowers were especially beautiful this July. ten over the skin itch that I had contracted student center and how JSG is educating and Best wishes to all from Colorado.” from being so deep here in Aggie country. training young people with field geoscienc- I’m about 95 percent retired now, but I’m still es—as one of the best in the world.” Theodore E. Stanzel (B.S. ’56) writes, “There doing a little bit of consulting work when is no significant change in my life over the it wanders in the door or off the phone or Tom S. Patty (M.A. ’68) writes, “Af- past 12 months. Enjoying life and planning email. It’s been a great life. You can contact ter setting up the research geology and new travel excursions. Wanda and I really me at [email protected].” petrographic lab for the Materials and enjoyed the Oceania cruise in the Mediter- Tests Division of the Texas Department of ranean in April. It was a pleasant journey William H. Harris (M.A. ’61) writes, Transportation (TxDOT) in 1968, I spent 13 thanks to University of Texas Exes that trav- “Beginning my 16th year of retirement in years sampling and examining portland ce- eled with us.” wonderful south Florida. Hope to celebrate ment concrete pavements and bridge decks my 80th birthday this December, first with throughout the state to determine the cause Bernie Ward (B.A. ’55) writes, “I still main- family and friends in the U.S. and then with of distress, examining asphaltic pavements tain an office although I’m semi-retired. I family and friends in Israel.” for composition and skid resistance charac-

ALUMNI NOTES ALUMNI visited my grandson at UT last semester. He teristics, as well as studying the engineer- graduated with a B.S. in biology and is now J. Phil Jones (B.S. ’64) writes, “Greetings ing properties of all commercial aggregate enrolled as a student at Texas Tech Medical from Edmond, Oklahoma. Marilyn and I sources in Texas and nearby states. I retired School. Walked the campus to the geology have made numerous trips to upstate New from TxDOT in 1981. I opened a consulting building. On the south wall was a quotation, York over the past several years visiting office for Wiss Janney Elstner Associates, ‘Oh earth, what changes hast thou seen.’ Dr. kids and grandkids in Richfield Springs, Inc., a forensic engineering firm doing con- Bullard would give five points if you recited it near Cooperstown. We have observed the crete petrography and aggregate evalua- on his pop quiz!” political issues surrounding horizontal drill- tions. I worked as a geologist, petrographer ing and the impact on the local economy. I and construction materials consultant in Billy D. Watson (B.S. ’58) writes, “Enjoying much appreciate the work of the Bureau of the Austin office as associate principal until my 29th year of retirement playing as much Economic Geology in their efforts to inform retirement in 2011 after 30 years with WJE. golf as I can. My wife, Jean, and I are also the public of the scientific facts surround- I now work part-time as an affiliated con- enjoying our 13 grandchildren and looking ing energy exploration and development, sultant and tend to our retirement home in forward to our third great-grandchild in and safe handling of the resulting products Pflugerville. I enjoy being with the families November. Life is full of music. I still play that grandly reward the economy of Texas of our three children, eight grandchildren my trumpet at church and with three other and the University of Texas. Please continue who have grown up in and live around the organizations. Staying active and looking the excellent work. You can contact me at Austin area. I provide for my wife JoAnn’s forward to football season! I can be reached [email protected].” needs, especially going antiquing. I now at [email protected]. Hook ’em!” have 62 volumes of the UT-Austin yearbook Don Kirksey (B.S. ’60) writes, “In 1960, The Cactus that date from 1920 as well as Leslie P. White (B.S. ’56) writes, “Dianne the University of Texas at Austin’s geology copies of the Jackson School Newsletter and I continue on enjoying life as grandpar- department gave me my ticket to a lifetime that date back to the early 1960s. I can be ents. At this age no news is good news.” filled with all that I wanted in my career. reached at [email protected].”

72 Jackson School of Geosciences Robert Samson Singer (B.S. ’61) writes, pedalfer and chernozem soils as they relate “Retired now. Too much to do at the house. It to Native American settlements. Found a is six Saturdays and a Sunday.” rock shelter with 1577 carved at the entrance along with a Spanish silver adit near Tarpley, Herbert “Sam” Travis (B.S. ’60) writes, Texas. Working on a few other interesting “Currently I’m retired from work in the geo- pieces of geology at age 79.” logic field. However, I am still working on my real estate projects down on East Cedar William C. Young (B.A. ’61) writes, “Still Creek Lake, Mabank and Gun Barrel City, enjoying traveling and grandkids.” Texas. The surrounding geology of the area is mostly Queen City Sand Formation. For 1970s those who might want to communicate, I Donna Balin (B.S. ’78) is a geologist with can be reached at [email protected].” Altuda Energy Corporation in San Antonio.

Richard B. Waitt (B.S. ’66, M.A. ’70) writes, Michael “Snap” Conger (B.A. ’72) writes, “Wife Cynthia and I still live in Vancouver, “As the Antares Orb-2 mission NASA/GSFC/ Washington, where I’m still a research geolo- WFF Range Services Manager (RSM), I and gist with USGS Cascades Volcano Observa- the NASA/Orbital team successfully sent tory. My long-in-the-making popular book another cargo flight to the International on Mount St. Helens’ 1980 eruption, In the Space Station (ISS) on July 13, 2014. Three Antares rocket launching from NASA’s Wallops Path of Destruction: Eyewitness Chronicles of days later, the standard Cygnus cargo module Flight Facility in Virginia on July 13, 2014, carrying the Orb-2 Cygnus cargo payload to Mount St. Helens, is scheduled for publica- docked successfully to the ISS docking port. the International Space Station. tion in early November by Washington State Next launch for the Orb-3 mission is mid- University Press. Recent or continuing field- October 2014. I’ll be there to enjoy the ride. I Energy in Corpus Christi and we are looking ALUMNI NOTES work and writing includes: a gigantic 1980 was just informed my two new world records forward to drilling for gas again in the near landslide, monstrous surge and giant wave in the Legend’s Division were validated from future. In Corpus, we’ve downsized to a small on Spirit Lake at Mount St. Helens; Pleis- my performance at the World Flying Disc condo and are cramped for space. I’ve picked tocene tephra in central Oregon; gigantic Federation (recognized by the International up speed in the photograph area, winning Pleistocene debris flows in southeast Utah; Olympic Committee) in Norrkoping, Swe- some local recognition. I’m trying to build and colossal Pleistocene Missoula floods in den, in July of 2013.” the hobby into a second career as retirement central Washington. Our daughter Kristin approaches. It is as fun as looking at rocks, lives in Seattle and we have three grandkids.” Frank Cornish (M.A. ’75) writes, “I con- but so far doesn’t pay as well.” tinue to enjoy supporting the Jackson School William Feathergail Wilson (B.S. ’60, M.A. as Corpus Christi’s FAN rep. With a house in Ricky Ray Davis (B.S. ’76) recently returned ’62) writes, “Working on deep desalination Austin, we’ve been making numerous trips to Colorado after 23 years working for Saudi test well near Kyle, Texas. Working on South up there. I’ve been busy looking at all the Aramco in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. and East Texas deep injection brine wells. Wilcox core I can at the BEG core facility. It’s Finished an exploration job in Paraguay. been a slow drilling year, but it’s picking up, Patricia Wood Dickerson (B.A. ’70, Ph.D. Presented a paper to the Texas Archeological with one well completing now and another ’95) writes, “From bedrock in a desert can- Society on Texas Hill Country on the ages of shallow one to drill. I’m still working with SV yon of the Big Bend to sea stacks in western Iceland, it’s been a fine year in the field, in Steve Brasfield (B.A. ’78), with his wife the UT geology library and on the road with Carol, is an actor, writer and comedian living in Los Angeles. natural history excursions. It was gratifying to be study leader again for a Smithsonian tour in Iceland—a lively, inquisitive group of travelers—through glaciers, volcanoes and bouldery black sand beaches. Shortly after returning, I served in the same role for a Road Scholar excursion in New Mexico. We walked on young basalts there, too, though not as fresh as the Icelandic rift lavas. Other instructional action included helping to plan field training for NASA astronauts, although a dislocated knee knocked me out of the actual training exercise in the Rio Grande rift near Taos. Another project, sponsored

2014 Newsletter 73 2013-14 Alumni Events

Clockwise, from above: Scott Tinker, director of the Bureau of Economic Geology, recognized Bonnie Weise (B.S. ’74, M.A. ’79) as BEG’s Alumnus of the Year at the JSG alumni and friends reception at AAPG. GeoFORCE alum Marissa Vara (B.S. ’14) enjoys her last tailgate as a student. Advisory Council member Bud Scherr gets to know students at the 125th anniversary celebration. Byron (middle) and Connie Dyer (B.S. ’58) reconnect with Dan Smith (B.S. ’58) at the Evening of Thanks celebration. JSG students show their Longhorn pride at the annual tailgate party. Master’s candidate Matthew Ledvina takes the opportunity to visit with alumnus Doug Brown (B.S. ’84) at the Evening of Thanks. Graduate student Maureen Walton helped welcome Carlotta Chernoff (B.S. ’92, M.A. ’95) to the Barrow Founders Circle. by Brewster County in Texas has been the Charles “Chip” G. Groat (Ph.D. ’70) continues as creation of roadside exhibits about the president and CEO of The geologic and human history of the county. Water Institute of the Gulf. Collaboration with Jim Bones, a photogra- pher and naturalist, has resulted in displays on Marathon Basin, Paisano volcano (Davis Mountains) and the Sunken Block rift basin (Big Bend National Park). Meanwhile, Joe Reese (JSG Ph.D.), Dennis Trombatore and I are converting Bill Muehlberger’s selected slides, taken by astronauts aboard shuttle and space station, into topical suites of digital images. Those teaching sets will be publicly accessible via the UT Digital Repository. Spring brought a return by canoe into Mariscal Canyon to sample and map a Shirley Dutton (M.A. ’77, Ph.D. ’86) Charles “Chip” G. Groat (Ph.D. ’70) contin- recently uncovered ignimbrite in the canyon received the 2014 Doris M. Curtis Award ues as president and CEO of The Water Insti- floor (before the river and windblown sands from the Gulf Coast Section SEPM for career tute of the Gulf, a not-for-profit independent buried it again!). Studying the thin sections contributions in the development of new applied research organization based in Baton now. It’s been a year of stimulating explora- concepts for understanding the geology of Rouge, Louisiana, that began operations in tions with friends and colleagues at JSG, February 2012 under his leadership. The Wa- TCU, Texas Tech and in Edinboro, Pennsyl- the Gulf of Mexico basin and other basins ter Institute’s program encompasses coastal, vania. Rifting is a recurring theme—some worldwide. Shirley is a senior research scien-

deltaic and water systems in Louisiana, the ALUMNI NOTES of my Rio Grande rift research has been tist at the Bureau of Economic Geology. Gulf of Mexico and internationally. published in a recent GSA special paper. Our Marathon Basin work is yielding new data on Abelardo “Lalo” Garza-Hernandez (B.S. Charles Kreitler (M.A. ’72, Ph.D. ’74) Rodinia rifting in the region, and we’re eager ’75) has lived in Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico writes, “2013-2014 has been a busy time. to present that at GSA in Vancouver. Hope since 1976, owns his own mining consulting Important news first. My wife Berf and I to see many of you there! Here in River City business, providing services to several major became grandparents. Our son Jason and I’m enjoying GeoRef work for AGI—learn- and junior mining and mineral explora- his wife Susan had a little boy Henry, now ing endlessly from that, from volunteering tion companies, as well as being involved in 8 months old. Fascinating to see them grow for Austin Classical Guitar and from dancing other mining ventures in Mexico. He can be so fast! I retired from LBG-Guyton almost Argentine tango and blues!” reached at [email protected]. three years ago. I still do some work for them. I also teach a course in the Energy and Earth A 1973 field trip to Big Bend National Park. Resources Program at UT’s Jackson School during the spring semester on water resource issues in the Southwest. Timely topic! We have become reverse snow birds, spending summers in the Adirondack Mountains (upstate New York) and winters in Austin. Can’t beat it.”

Ray Leonard (M.A. ’77) writes, “I continue to experience the uncertainties of a deepwater wild- catter in West Africa as president and CEO of Hyperdynamics. It is nice to be back in Houston after so many years abroad. I am very happily married and my three children work in Angola, Argentina and Alaska; they all have found suitable partners and

2014 Newsletter 75 and Finland). Seems like everyone is getting these, except the U.S. Meanwhile, in those countries without nuclear or oil and gas, hydropower projects are on the rise and require seismic risk studies. We analyzed surface faulting hazards and trenched suspected active faults for the Yesa Dam, Spain; San Pedro and seven Lagos damsites, Chile; the faults near Joes Valley Dam and the Chief Toquer damsite, Utah; and Penley damsite, Colora- do. Closer to home, I continue to consult for Colorado ski areas on slope stability issues. NASA’s Matthew Rodell Recent engineering geology projects were at Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, Keystone, Talks Water and Drought Eldora, Breckenridge and Vail. At least while

Matthew Rodell (Ph.D., ’00), chief of the Hydrological Sciences Laboratory at mapping and drilling there, I don’t have to NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, spoke at a conference on extreme weather look over my shoulder for bears … normally. events held in September 2014 at the University of Texas at Austin and sponsored I can be contacted at [email protected].” by the Jackson School of Geosciences. He spotlighted NASA’s Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) mission and its potential to detect and help pre- Joseph A. “Joe” Medina (B.S. ’74) writes, dict droughts and floods. “Working Permian Basin New Mexico in Houston. Hoping this finds my former classmates and other UT geo-friends happy and I am delighted to have three grandchildren James P. McCalpin (B.A. ’72) writes, “For and fourth on the way! I can be reached at the past four years, I (and my company in good health!” [email protected].” GEO-HAZ, www.geohaz.com) have been very busy finding faults—active faults, that is. Harry W. Mueller III (Ph.D. ’75) writes, Robert A. Levich (M.A. ’73) writes, “Retired Mainly I do seismic hazard studies related to “Still enjoying being retired in Fort Collins, 10 years from U.S. Department of Energy’s oil and gas pipelines, LNG terminals, nuclear Colorado. Enjoy seeing all my old friends Yucca Mountain Project. Working part-time power plants, nuclear waste repositories from UT at the AAPG annual conventions. with Arizona-based mining company with and hydropower projects. A lot of time in Still participating in our local geological as- gold mining concessions in West Africa. Stel- helicopters, and on the ground, watching for sociation here in Fort Collins.” la and I split our year between our homes in bears on field traverses. Using the helicopter/ Las Vegas, Nevada and Senya Bereku, Ghana, bear method, I’ve mapped/characterized Kenneth E. Nemeth (M.A. ’76) writes, “I have

ALUMNI NOTES ALUMNI where we have built a home on four acres of active faults crossing the proposed Alaska begun my term as president of the Houston land above a 50-foot sea cliff on the Gulf of gas pipeline, the existing TAPS oil line in Geological Society. I have been serving on the Guinea. Old friends are welcome to come Alaska and two proposed gas pipelines in AAPG IBA Committee for six years now.” over and spend time listening to the waves British Columbia (Coastal Gas Link and crash on the Pan African quartzites and Prince Rupert Gas Transmission). We even John W. Preston (B.S. ’70) writes, “Well, still quartz schists at the base of the cliff below developed a protocol for real-time GPS/ picking squiggles after all these years and our house, and wander along the adjacent GIS fault mapping from helicopters (Mc- like the blind hog and the acorns, find a few coconut-lined beaches. I can be contacted at Calpin and Carver, 2013). Also reviewed drops of grease from time to time.” [email protected].” surface faulting studies for proposed Lelu Island, BC, LNG terminal. In the nuclear David Henry Walz (M.A. ’74) writes, Robert Michael Looney (B.S. ’71, M.A. power world, seismic hazards have increased “Toddy and I both retired from teaching in ’77) writes, “Still operating as Black Pearl visibility since 2011 and the M9 Tohoku the summer of 2013. Toddy taught junior Exploration, Houston, Texas. Primary areas earthquake. Recent review projects include kindergarten and kindergarten in our home of operation include Texas Gulf Coast and seismic source characterization for Thyspunt county’s public school system for nearly 30 Louisiana with a couple of joint venture part- NPP (South Africa), Diablo Canyon NPP years and I taught geology for 37 years at ners. Discussing merger possibilities with (California) and Embalse NPP (Argentina). Reynolds Community College in Richmond, one of our partners. We spend a lot of time In September 2014 I travel to the Shika NPP Virginia. In May 2014 I was honored with in Idaho during the summer on Lake Pend in Japan to advise on a suspected active fault the status of professor emeritus from the Oreille, site of the Missoula Ice Age floods. near a reactor building. The ‘Fukushima ef- college. Our older son, Jonathan, teaches Lots of interesting geology. Continue to enjoy fect’ also impacts siting and design of nuclear anthropology/archaeology at Rollins Col- my time on the FANS Board and helping to waste repositories, leading to my reviews of lege in Winter Park, Florida. He specializes get the message out about what the Jackson surface faulting hazards at the Forsmark and in East Africa, South Asia and the Indian School has to offer.” Olkiluoto nuclear waste repositories (Sweden Ocean. Our younger son, Kris (born in

76 Jackson School of Geosciences Austin), and his wife, Meg, live and thrive in to karst terrain in the United States. Prior William Demis (M.A. ’83) writes, “Mary Montpelier, Vermont.” to and during her Ph.D. work, Patricia has (M.A. ’84) and I continue to live and work in been teaching thesis and dissertation writing Houston. We both enjoy our respective jobs, Steve White (B.S. ’78) writes, “Still enjoying workshops in the geology department. She Bill at Southwestern Energy and Mary at prospecting in the East Texas Basin.” teaches separate workshops for native speak- CoreLab. The new twin peak in U.S. oil pro- ers of English and for international students. duction brought on by fracking has been a Teaching international students allows her to renaissance to the industry and to our coun- 1980s tap into her expertise in teaching English as try. Both our children are in post-graduate Fred H. (B.S. ’83) and Teresa Harkrader a foreign language; prior to studying geology education. Neither child wanted to major Becker (B.S. ’82) write, “The oil patch has in the 1970s and 1980s, she obtained a mas- in geology after a lifetime of family driving been good to us and we have fond memories ter’s degree in linguistics and taught English vacations interrupted by constant stops at of the GEO 660 field camp. Our daughter in the Caribbean, South America and Ha- road cuts, where passersby give quizzical Lauren will be working in the oil industry in waii. The Paramelle project and the writing and annoyed stares at mom and dad waving Houston soon and our daughter Lindsay will workshops offer an opportunity to integrate their arms at nothing (to the non-geologist). be working toward her Ph.D. at Stanford. We all of her academic skills, including her Our son, John, is in medical school in San enjoyed a Flying Longhorns trip to Machu bachelor’s degree in French. She writes, “I’m Antonio. Our daughter, Eleanor, is at UCLA Picchu and the Galapagos and plan to go on delighted that during my travels in France, for a doctorate in physical chemistry.” more in the future.” Fred plans to retire from almost every day a French person tells me Shell in 2015. Teresa has recently retired that he or she wishes he or she spoke English Alan Dutton (Ph.D. ’82) is now the Amy Shel- from consulting and is enjoying their new as well as I speak French—I have achieved ton and V.H. McNutt Distinguished Professor home in Marble Falls, Texas. one of my major goals in life!” at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Alan Berryhill (B.S. ’81, M.A. ’84) recently Bruce Calder (B.S. ’81) works for TxDOT Kevin Frenzel (B.S. ’87) writes, “After almost ALUMNI NOTES relocated from Houston. He is president of and writes, “I am only marginally involved 20 years away, I have finally returned to Aus- Cross Point Environmental and Restoration in geology these days (at my job). On the tin and wow, has it changed! I was managing Services in Austin. side, I dabble some in the oil and gas world exploration activities for a uranium mine in and occasionally perform City of Austin South Texas, but unfortunately, the market Patricia Bobeck (M.A. ’85) returned to and Texas Commission on Environmental crashed following the tsunami in Japan. So I UT-Austin in 2011 for a Ph.D. in hydrogeol- Quality (TCEQ) geologic assessments on the am now with the Texas General Land Office, ogy. Translation of Henry Darcy’s The Public Edwards Aquifer recharge zone.” managing the Coastal Erosion Planning and Fountains of the City of Dijon and its publica- Response Act program and enjoying life back tion in 2004 increased her curiosity about David Chow (B.S. ’85) writes, “My daugh- in Austin.” French hydrogeology, led to several summer ter, Carla, graduated from the University vacations spent in France, and finally the of Houston with a bachelor of business Tatiana Frierson (B.S. ’85) writes, “Retired decision to return to UT. She is conducting administration in marketing. She is working Dell/Perot Systems after 24 years tenure, but research on Jean-Baptiste Paramelle (also for White Picket Realty. I am still working retirement was short-lived. I have now joined known as Abbé or Father Paramelle), a 19th for Marathon Oil in Houston. I completed Hewlett Packard in the enterprise services century French hydrogeologist who began my first triathlon this year. I also run in age division, supporting the business process ser- looking for water back when geology was group track meets and play soccer. I volun- vices organization. I’m in Dallas and would called geognosy. Based on reading available teer for the Houston Dynamo major league love to connect with old UT geodog folks. books and his own observations, Paramelle soccer team and the Houston Women’s Soc- Don’t hesitate to reach out to me at tatiana. developed a method of finding groundwater cer Association.” [email protected].” on the dry karst plateaux of Lot (France) in 1827. His fame spread to neighboring de- Michael Jamison Clark (B.A. ’89) writes, Charles Goebel (B.S. ’80) writes, “Still drill- partments and by the time of his retirement “Checked out Haleakala National Park on ing (mostly good!) wells near San Angelo. in 1854, he had found water in more than Maui for New Year’s. Yes, it does look like Saw a few outcrops recently while on vacation 10,000 locations in 40 of the 80 departments Mars there!” in New Mexico—beats working in front of of France. In 1856 he wrote a book called computer screens by a long shot! Youngest off- The Art of Finding Springs. This best-selling Steven Crews (B.S. ’82) recently changed spring, Clara, will be a junior at UT this fall.” book popularized the use of groundwater jobs, moving from Hess to Apache, where in France. Henry Darcy favorably reviewed he is the petroleum systems analyst for the Griffin Buchanan “Bill” Howard IV Paramelle’s method and book. Patricia’s international New Ventures group. Steve and (B.S. ’82) writes, “I have a new company, project includes the translation of Paramelle’s Bonny live in central Houston, spending Discover E&P LLC, doing exploration book, an evaluation of his contributions to as much time as possible in the Colorado primarily in South Louisiana and the Texas the history of hydrogeology, an analysis of Mountains. Steve can be reached at steven. Gulf Coast. We are looking for additional his method and an application of his method [email protected]. areas to explore. This after 23 years with a

2014 Newsletter 77 partner as Flare Resources Inc. My email is fun as we did in the Picuris Mountains of Easy, we are letting the good times roll even if [email protected]. I would enjoy New Mexico back in the 1986 field camp! it means gaining a pound or two. The only real hearing from you.” Please give my best to all of the folks at the question seems to be where to eat next. If you Vertebrate Paleontology Laboratory.” find yourself rounding this bend in the river, James P. Immitt (M.A. ’81) writes, “I I can be reached at [email protected].” thoroughly enjoy the amazing geology and Richard Alan Kolb (M.A. ’81) resides in the utilization of technology in exploration Cary, North Carolina, and can be reached at Deborah Susan Pfeiffer (M.A. ’88) writes, of the subsalt deepwater Gulf of Mexico for [email protected]. “Still working as an international exploration Eni in Houston. Recently ‘had to’ walk the manager at BHP Billiton in Houston. Ron is beaches of Nova Scotia for a salt diapir field David Lemke (B.S. ’82) writes, “Working working for Whitney Bank and our oldest course—absolutely beautiful and a lovely for Halliburton, managing a few software daughter graduated from Texas Christian change of temperature in July. Pam and I are test teams for the Landmark DecisionSpace University in May with a degree in geology still transitioning from Austin to Houston products. It’s hard to believe I’ve been living and finding lots of positives. It’s good to have in Houston for 32 years. I yearn to leave here (and got married a week later!). Our other many fellow Longhorns here. Our daughter and retire in northern New Mexico, catch two daughters are juniors at TCU. One is Angela has joined the Navy as a hospital fish and hike in the mountains.” working toward a double degree in environ- corpsman and is in basic training at Fort Sam mental science and geology and the other is a Houston in San Antonio. We are very proud Bruno Maldonado (B.S. ’82) writes, “Hello nursing major.” of her. Our son Adrian is studying psychol- fellow Longhorn rock hounds. I just finished ogy at Colorado University in Boulder and six days of hiking up and down the West- Nick Pollard (B.S. ’84) writes, “Been living we are very proud of him too.” Jim can be ern Alps in France studying passive margin and working in Tyler, Texas, for 24 years reached at [email protected]. geology. I got up close to some amazing now. On second round of private equity outcrops. I put my knees and lungs to the money and enjoying the ride.” Ernst H. Kastning (Ph.D. ’83) writes, “I test. The longest hike was on the order of 6 am enjoying my ‘retirement’ years after miles round trip. Ugh! My lungs were put Jerry Schwarzbach (B.A. ’83) writes, “An- teaching hydrogeology and geomorphol- to the test on the way up and my knees hurt other child starting at UT in the fall! Wish it ogy for 28 years at Murray State University all the way down. I guess it is back to the wasn’t so hard for a student whose father and in Kentucky, the University of Connecticut gym if I want to continuing doing what I grandfather both majored in geology at UT- and Radford University in Virginia, and love best. As for work, I am now at Apache Austin to get into a geology class. Still enjoy- most recently after four years with the New working offshore in the northern part of ing living in Tyler, flying my single-engine Hampshire Geological Survey and Depart- South America. On a more personal note, I ment of Environmental Services. I am now a became a grandfather since I last wrote in the plane, raising cattle and working.” geological consultant on karst processes and Newsletter. I have a 2-year-old granddaughter Scott Simmons (B.S. ’87) writes, “We are

ALUMNI NOTES ALUMNI a freelance writer. My wife, Susan, and I live named Sofia. Yes, it is the Spanish spelling, in Concord, New Hampshire, and in Rad- although her mother is Canadian. I will have still enjoying the good life in Fort Collins, ford, Virginia. I have been writing for maga- to work on my knees (or get them replaced) Colorado. I have started my own business zines, speleological and historical journals, in order to keep up with her. My best to the focused on integrated energy and sustainable and my book on Natural Bridge (Virginia) UT Department of Geological Sciences for products development, but still doing some will be available in October 2014 (Images of instilling this love I have for geoscience. I will consulting in the geospatial arena. This al- America series, Arcadia Publishing). Several try to pass this on to Sofia. Adios for now.” lows more time for the family, mountain bik- other books are in various stages of prepara- Bruno can be reached at bruno.maldonado@ ing, fly fishing and skiing—which is perfect.” tion. While still an active karst geologist, my apachecorp.com. Scott can be reached at [email protected]. interests have drifted heavily into historical research and writing. I can be contacted at Pete McMahon (M.A. ’84) is with the U.S. Stephen W. Speer (M.A. ’83) writes, “Blessed [email protected].” Geological Survey in Denver. to have five grandsons now. After having moved here 11 years ago, Therese and I find L. Scott Kelley (B.S. ’86) writes, “Currently, Robert Murray (M.A. ’85) writes, “This year that life is as good as ever for us in the South I am a manager of geology for Exxon’s Fort we moved downriver and downstream from Carolina Lowcountry. Still engaged in New Worth Basin (Barnett) and mid-continent di- Pittsburgh and the headwaters of the Ohio to visions. Because my area extends from North New Orleans and the mouth of the Missis- Mexico oil and gas production and also involved Texas to the Panhandle across Oklahoma and sippi, from carbon capture and storage to the in a couple of hospitality and event ventures Kansas up into Michigan and Illinois, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, from sand and here in Charleston, so staying pretty darn busy geological opportunities are always changing. shale to salt, and from trying to put post- but not so much that we can’t find time to play Dozens of plays and new horizontal targets combustion carbon back in the ground to a bunch of tennis. Hello to all of our Dirty give my teams a lot to process and discover. actually putting pre-combustion carbon back Dozen teammates and sure hope life is going We are having a lot of fun—almost as much in the ground. Instantly charmed by the Big well for each and every one of you. Cheers!”

78 Jackson School of Geosciences Burgess H. Stengl (B.S. ’85) writes, “Wow, I Jackson School and is headed to Oklahoma ulty. In addition to workshops, I have helped can’t believe that another year has come and University to conduct his master’s program.” build the SAGE 2YC website for 2YC geosci- gone, making it 29 years since I graduated Barry can be contacted at wbwethington@ ence faculty at serc.carleton.edu/sage2yc. from UT. It’s been over 12 years since I start- gmail.com. Overall the SAGE 2YC program has been a ed with Republic Services and I am enjoying very rewarding experience, although often life in Spring, Texas. Angela is now teaching Gail Fisher Worrell (B.S. ’82) writes, “Hello it has seemed like working two jobs, since I her second year of fourth grade in Klein Class of ’82! Still working for ExxonMobil continue to teach 12 to 14 classes each year at ISD after many years teaching second grade. doing environmental compliance for our Austin Community College. My other recent Our son Kyle is a junior at Klein Oak High pipeline operations. Danny and I are proud professional achievement has been becoming School and is now driving (please watch out Longhorn parents with both daughters at a fellow of the Geological Society of America. while in the area). Kyle recently attended UT-Austin! Sophie is in the Jackson School This recognition meant a great deal to me UT band camp in Austin and had a great and Anna is starting this year at McCombs since the other community college professor time on campus. It’s amazing how many new School of Business. If you are in Austin, to become a fellow before me was one of my buildings now exist where streets and eggroll please look us up! Go Horns!” mentors, Dottie Stout. The great news in my vendors once stood. Our daughters reside in personal life is my marriage to Jeff Hudson, Hutto and Spring and are doing fine. With my partner of 27 years. We were married this three grandchildren, Angela and I stay busy past summer at the Moose Meadow Lodge throughout the summer months. Hello to all “DANNY AND I ARE in Duxbury, Vermont, with the support of my fellow 1985 grads, and hello also to Walt PROUD LONGHORN 70 friends and family. One of Jeff’s vows was Boyle, Will Green and Jimmy Russell.” PARENTS WITH that he now accepts that geologic field trips are a normal part of family vacations. Jeff is Michael Stowbridge (B.S. ’82) writes, “I am BOTH DAUGHTERS a group psychotherapist in private practice working as consultant geologist in Abilene, here in Austin.” Robert can be reached at AT UT-AUSTIN!” ALUMNI NOTES Texas. I’m researching and mapping new [email protected]. —GAIL FISHER WORRELL prospects in the Abilene and Wichita Falls areas. It is good to work from idea to well Laura Martin Dobson (M.A. ’90) writes, completion. It was also good to hear from “Living in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Employed as my friends from UT and their successful Susan Wygant Young (M.A. ’85) writes, marketing coordinator for St. Patrick Parish lives.” Michael can be contacted at mstow- “Still with ConocoPhillips, just passed my and School. Mom to Kelley, Chris, Courtney [email protected]. 30-year work anniversary! Now work- and Jon, the first two off at college and the ing with the Permian shale group and still last two still at home. Missing Texas but visit Peter R. Tauvers (Ph.D. ’88) writes, “After involved with our Unconventional Reser- occasionally to see family and friends.” two years in Miri, Sarawak (offshore Philip- voirs Network of Excellence to capture and pines), and two years in the Hague (offshore share learnings and best practices. Located Malcolm Ferris (M.A. ’93) is celebrating 21 Sub-Saharan Africa) I am back in Kyiv and in Houston.” years at the Texas Commission on Environ- now principal exploration geoscientist for mental Quality. Shell Ukraine E&P 1 LLC. I’ve now been with Shell for more than 25 years. Also, my 1990s Mark B. Gordon (Ph.D. ’90) writes, “The wife and I run a small fine art gallery in Kyiv Robert Blodgett (Ph.D. ’90) writes, “Life year started out a bit rocky at Shell, but now I called Gallery Pete-Art (www.pete-art.com).” has been very full since I last reported in the am working in New Ventures and should be Peter can be reached at [email protected]. Newsletter. For the past three years I have settled for the next few years. I enjoy working been one of four principal investigators for in tectonics and in diverse geology. Vacations Joseph W. Versfelt (B.A. ’84) writes, “Now the National Science Foundation-funded are back to the norm: Hawaii, Romania and four years at Apache, with two years in Supporting and Advancing Geoscience Reno.” Mark can be reached at mark_b_gor Argentina and now two years in Egypt, both Education in Two-year Colleges (SAGE [email protected]. as region exploration manager. Drill and 2YC) program. This has involved design- grow, fantastic field work. Absolutely love it. ing, organizing and leading six professional Doug Henderson (M.A. ’96) writes, “I Returned to the UT campus in July to show development workshops for two-year college reached the 15-year milestone as the leader our son, now a senior in high school. I can (2YC) geoscience faculty, including two for of a mapping firm specializing in water be reached at [email protected] or joe. Texas workshops held at the UT Institute for resource management applications, includ- [email protected].” Geophysics. The program’s focus has been ing sediment mapping. The most fun of all on helping 2YC faculty prepare students for though are my occasional ‘guest lecture’ Barry Wethington (B.S. ’85) writes, “Cur- geoscience careers and university transfer, on opportunities at a local elementary school rently in India as vice president for BP. working effectively with all types of students teaching the kids about geology. (This year Retirement is just around the corner! Pleased in a single class and on developing leadership was volcanoes, assisted by some excellent to say my son graduated in May from the and community among 2YC geoscience fac- supplementary material sent to me by Leon

2014 Newsletter 79 Long.) The kids study far more Earth science technical and administrative direction of Sally leads a GIS and data working group. than I was ever presented at that age and so water resources investigations and communi- She says the group meets monthly. Any- a nice opportunity exists to amplify their cate with federal, state and local cooperators one with interest in GIS and desert climate interest in the fascinating topics and also and stakeholders. We’re going to miss our science is welcome to contact her at sholl@ make them aware that rather than being a home state of Texas, especially our friends usgs.gov to participate. Sally has been an doctor or lawyer when they grow up, they and family, but are looking forward to this enthusiastic and effective leader of the could be an earth scientist instead! A way next great adventure and will visit often.” Austin-Adelaide Sister City Society for the more fulfilling career goal kids, even if mom past two years. or dad doesn’t think so. I can be reached at Joseph Coleman (B.S. ’07) resides in Hous- [email protected].” ton and can be reached at joseph.coleman@ Roslyn Kygar (B.S. ’04) has been with the fwellc.com. TCEQ for nine years. Russ K. Johnson (B.S. ’97) is senior project manager with Weston Solutions, Inc., in Matthew Davis (M.S. ’05) writes, “Back Joel Le Calvez (Ph.D. ’02) is currently a Austin. from Canada and feeling pretty glad to stand geophysics advisor in Schlumberger, man- on American soil for July 4th.” Matthew can aging the Answer Product Center (process- Kaveh Khorzad (B.S. ’98, M.S. ’00) is presi- be reached at [email protected]. ing and interpretation) of the Microseismic dent of Wet Rock Groundwater Services. The Services Organization. firm is busy developing wells in Houston, Ron Dildine (B.S. ’03) recently took a posi- Central Texas and Val Verde County. tion as regulatory coordinator at Uranium Leslie Llado (B.S. ’07) is now the integrated Energy Corporation in Corpus Christi, community development program manager Kevin Pasternak (B.S. ’95) is senior hydro- Texas. Ron writes, “My wife Tara and 3-year- at the nonprofit A Glimmer of Hope in geologist and project manager with URS old son Jack are greatly looking forward to Austin. She manages the water programming Corporation in Austin. One of his projects becoming beach bums in our spare time.” He with most of the projects in northeast Africa, is coordinating the background monitoring is also a new member of the Corpus Christi particularly in Ethiopia. Leslie writes, “It’s program on the Colorado River alluvium and Geological Society and the local Society of pretty fantastic.” terrace deposits east of Austin. Mining Engineers. Lauren Green Martin (B.S. ’07) and hus- Alex Riter (Ph.D. ’99) is with the University Anne Dunckel (B.S. ’09) graduated with band, Pascal Martin, are happy to announce of Maryland. She is researching the effects her masters in environmental science from that their son, Graham, was born Feb. 7, of the BP Macondo well failure on Gulf of the University of Virginia in the spring 2014. Jeremy Greene (M.S. geophysics ’84) Mexico ecosystems. of 2014. She has started a position as the is the proud granddad. Lauren is currently monitoring program manager at Stream- spending half her time working at Apache Christina Massell Symons (M.S. ’97) resides Watch, a local Charlottesville nonprofit that Corporation and the other half grooming

ALUMNI NOTES ALUMNI in Coronado, California, and can be reached collects water quality data about the sur- Graham to become a third-generation Long- at [email protected]. rounding Rivanna watershed using a group horn geologist. of volunteer citizen scientists. Madelyn Percy (B.A. ’09) writes, “After 2000s Blair Avant Francis (B.S. ’07, M.S. ’09) and teaching for five years in public high schools, Samuel William Beckham (B.S. ’10) resides her husband Luke welcomed their second I am returning to school to seek a Ph.D. in in Midland, Texas, and can be reached at daughter, Lily, in May 2014. She joins her geology from the University of North Caro- [email protected]. sister, Molly, as the next generation of lina at Chapel Hill.” geoscientists! Rebecca Boon (B.S. ’08) has just published Hilary Strong Petrizzo (M.S. ’09) and an article titled “Attribute-based fracture Marcus Gary (B.S. ’01, Ph.D. ’09) and his her husband, Daniel, recently welcomed inference in a faulted carbonate play” in wife Robin and son Jake announce the recent the newest addition to their family, Zoe Interpretation. She is now with Newfield arrival of “Mac.” Collin “Mac” McKinney Gary Elizabeth Petrizzo. She was born on June 18, Exploration Co. in Houston. was born on April 9. Marcus says that he is 2014, joining big brother Dominic Michael, named after Robin’s great grandpa McClaren born Dec. 3, 2012. Hilary currently works as Johnathan Bumgarner (B.S. ’02, M.S. ’05) and an ancestor of Marcus named Collin a production geologist for Oxy Long Beach will start as the chief of hydrologic investiga- McKinney. Mac weighed 9 pounds, 2 ounces Inc., soon-to-be California Resources Cor- tions for the USGS Minnesota Water Science at birth, earning him the title “Big Mac!” poration–Long Beach office. Hilary can be Center in June. John writes, “As the investiga- reached at [email protected]. tions chief, it’s a great opportunity to work Sally Holl (M.S. ’04) is with the USGS in with the scientists and technicians conduct- Austin and she is the new desert landscape Wendy Robertson (B.S. ’06, Ph.D. ’14) was ing USGS hydrologic studies across the state. conservation cooperative geographic infor- at the International Association of Hydroge- Specifically, I’ll coordinate the scientific, mation systems (GIS) and data coordinator. ologists 2013 Congress in Perth, Australia,

80 Jackson School of Geosciences where she presented her research on recharge on the actual commodities, investments or mer. She will be pursuing graduate studies at in the arid basins of the Trans-Pecos region of business development side of the industry. I the University of California-Davis next fall. Texas. She has accepted an offer as assistant am slated to graduate in May 2015 from Notre professor at Central Michigan University. Dame with an emphasis on investments.” Daniel Le (B.S. ’14) has taken a position with GSI Environmental in Houston. Kristina Shevory (B.A. ’03) won the Alicia Brandee Carlson (B.S. ’13) will be pursuing Patterson Foundation Fellowship this year to graduate studies at Rice University. Alessandra Millican (B.A. ’11) writes, write about the future of U.S. warfare in the “I am coming up on three years of happy wake of the war in Iraq and the drawdown Trevar Compton (B.S. ’14) resides in Kilgo- employment as an associate geologist at in Afghanistan. The fellowship is one of the re, Texas, and can be reached at tcomp13@ Environmental Resources Management and most prestigious in journalism, awarding yahoo.com. am being paid to travel the world to perform $40,000 to eight reporters nationwide to environmental consulting work. I’ve been write exhaustively for one year about their Edward “Ted” Cross (B.S. ’11) has started very fortunate to work with all aspects of subject of choice. Shevory is a U.S. Army work at ConocoPhillips in Houston after the oil and gas industry from site remedia- veteran and UT geology degree holder. graduating with an M.S. from the University tion, fracking, acquisition due diligence, site of Arizona. assessments, soil and groundwater contami- Jonathan Skaggs (B.S. ’01) writes, “Since nation delineation and much more. ERM graduating in 2001, I have worked as an envi- Kara A. Dias (B.S. ’11) graduated in May has served as a pathway to get involved in ronmental consultant performing subsurface 2014 with a M.S. in geology from Stony other practices, and I’m quickly becoming characterization and cleanup projects. My Brook University. She began working with an industry expert in air quality and climate wife and I moved to San Francisco, Cali- Environmental Resources Management in change’s leak detection and repair sector. I fornia, in 2003 and returned to Austin in Houston in June. have even recently started up a small custom 2012 to be closer to family after having our

dessert business here in Austin and have ALUMNI NOTES son, Asher. I can be contacted at jonathan. Tim Eischen (B.S. ’12) is employed at The taken up an apprenticeship under Stephen [email protected]. Cheers!” Nature Conservancy and can be reached at Jay Gould’s former apprentice. In my spare [email protected]. time, I actively enjoy whale watching, Jonathan Wells Snatic (B.S. ’02, M.S. ’13) falconry and setting unrealistic goals for run- has left the USGS and is with a consulting Rania Eldam (B.S. ’13) writes, “After finish- ning marathons. I have no husband or kids firm in Louisiana. ing up my second internship with Occidental yet, but I do have a cat with heterochromia Petroleum Corporation in Houston, I will iridum and a paddleboard.” Nicholas Sommer (B.S. ’03) accepted a geolo- be starting my M.S. at Colorado School gist position at FourPoints Energy in Denver. of Mines this fall. In this first year, I will Frank Morgan (B.S. ’11) started work as a begin the field work for my thesis project, a geologist for Devon Energy in Oklahoma Nataleigh Vann (B.S. ’09, M.S. ’13) resides geochemical fluid flow study, and work as a City on Jan. 6, 2014. in Houston and can be reached at nataleigh. teaching assistant for two geology classes. I [email protected]. will also be starting my tenure as a graduate research fellowship recipient, as awarded by “EXCITED TO BE Roderick “Rick” Williams (B.S. ’04) resides the National Science Foundation. In addition STARTING MY PH.D. in Dallas and can be reached at rick.wil- to my studies, I am currently working with [email protected]. members of Association for Women Geo- AT HARVARD THIS scientists to reinstate the Laramide Chapter YEAR. I WILL BE ... in Denver and will act as the alternate AWG BUILDING OFF MY 2010s Rocky Mountain delegate for this upcom- Meredith G.L. Brown (M.S. ’12) writes, ing year. I am looking forward to mentor- PALEONTOLOGY “This fall I started a Ph.D. at the University ing young students in the Denver area and MASTER’S DEGREE of Maryland to study the effect of climate expanding the network of the geoscience FROM THE JACKSON change on agriculture and food security. I community.” can be contacted at [email protected].” SCHOOL!” Caleb Jacobs (B.S. ’11) graduated from —ZACHARY MORRIS Randy Caber (M.S. ’10) writes, “After over Texas Christian University with M.S. in geol- four years of working at Anadarko Petroleum ogy in August 2014 and began work in June Zachary Morris (M.S. ’13) writes, “Excited Corporation, I have decided to pursue my as an exploration and development geologist to be starting my Ph.D. at Harvard this year. MBA full-time at the University of Notre at Matador Resources in Dallas. I will be studying the evolution of vertebrate Dame in their accelerated one-year program. craniofacial development and building off I am hoping to stay within the natural re- Tiffany Kocis (B.S. ’14) is working with Al my paleontology master’s degree from the sources/energy industry but be more focused Standen’s (M.A. ’87) consulting firm this sum- Jackson School!”

2014 Newsletter 81 ALUMNI NOTES Scenes from the JSG and Texas Exes alumni Scotland trip From Aug. 23 to Sept. 3, 2014, Jackson School of Geosciences alumni joined the Flying Longhorns alumni group to tour Scotland. The group took a historic and cultural journey through the country, visiting Glasgow, Edinburgh, Lock Ness, the Isle of Skye and other areas of the Scottish Highlands. Alumni were also treated to geological field trips led by Ian Dalziel, a Scottish-born geologist and research pro- ALUMNI NOTES fessor at the Jackson School. Dalziel led the group on geological tours of Assynt in the northwest Caledonian front, the dormant volcano Arthur’s Seat and the famous geological phenomenon Siccar Point.

Clockwise from top left: Glencoe, considered one of Scotland’s most beautiful spots. Don Miser (Ph.D. ’87) in Geilston Garden. Pat Abbott (M.A. ’66, Ph.D. ’73) at Siccar Point. Boat cruise on Loch Lomond (left to right: Charles Riggs, Harold Dunn, Bruce McCommons, Diane Merrill and Bob Merrill). Diane and Bob Merrill, Ian Dalziel, Pat Abbott and Eugenia Sangines, Mike Floyd, Karen Cochran and Bruce McCommons at Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve. At left, a sheep dog demonstration with working border collies in the village of Kincraig. At right, a visit to the Edradour distillery. While there I applied for a postdoctoral campus on an approximately monthly basis position at Southwest Research Institute in for a few days to meet with students, fulfill Boulder, Colorado, and was hired. I moved my duties with the Austin Geological Society to Boulder in May 2014 and I am enjoying and hopefully make one football game.” my new home. Things are great, and I owe much to the Jackson School.” William “Bill” Woods (administrative associate at UT-Austin’s IC2 Institute) Lindsey Sydow (M.S. ’13) accepted a posi- writes, “Over Thanksgiving, Francisco and I tion with Pastor, Behling & Wheeler, LLC, in went to New York City, my first trip. While Round Rock. there, we got married on my birthday (nice birthday celebration!) and took in a show, Nathaniel Van Oort (B.S. ’13) has taken a a musical and the Metropolitan Opera. position with the Texas Water Development In December we traveled with friends to Board in Austin. Fortaleza, Brazil, for the Christmas holidays. Over spring break we went to Taos, New Barbara Wortham (B.S. ’13) has accepted Mexico, with the same friends and got to an offer to pursue graduate studies at Boston hike in the Rio Grande gorge on a beautiful College. day and participate in their wedding ceremony. Next trip is in the works. I continue Syed Daniel Zafar (B.S. ’12) will pursue to work part-time with IC2 out at the West graduate study in civil engineering at the Pickle Research Building and enjoy keeping University of Colorado. up with UT folks.” Brandon Okafor (B.S. ’12, M.S. ’14) is now a hydrogeologist at URS Corporation. Armand Mikhail Zulfitri (B.S. ’14) writes, “I had an awkward moment at work where I realized I was basically doing homework Laurie Christine O’Neill (M.S. ’14) resides eight hours a day. Fortunately I’ve had plenty in Sacramento, California, and can be of practice. I can be contacted at armandzul reached at [email protected]. [email protected].”

Brandon Okafor (B.S. ’12, M.S. ’14) has taken a position with URS Corporation in Friends of JSG Houston. Marion DeFord (spouse of the late Ronald

ALUMNI NOTES ALUMNI K. DeFord, professor emeritus of geologi- Megan Franks Plenge (Ph.D. ’12) writes, “In cal sciences) resides in Austin and can be the past year, I’ve gotten married and had a reached at [email protected]. baby, a little girl named Ramona Jane. The same week the baby was born I accepted a Jack M. Sharp, Jr. (professor in the De- visiting assistant professor position at Trinity partment of Geological Sciences) writes, University in San Antonio.” “There will be an indefinite hiatus in the 2015 RESEARCH UT Hydrogeology News of the University of Makoto Sadahiro (M.S. ’14) resides in Texas at Austin. I am signing off as the editor SYMPOSIUM Englewood, Colorado, and can be reached at and writer, as I will be on a one-year leave of Alumni and friends are invited [email protected]. absence at the National Science Foundation. to attend the 2015 student- I believe I sent out the first monthly letter Audrey Sawyer (Ph.D. ’11) has taken a posi- in June 2004 (my oldest on record) and it led Jackson School Research tion at Ohio State University. She has been at has been sent out monthly since then except Symposium on Feb. 7 in the the University of Kentucky. for the six months in 2010 when I was with the USGS. It has been enjoyable being able Texas Union Ballroom at the Derek Sawyer (Ph.D. ’10) is now an assistant to brag about the accomplishments of UT, University of Texas at Austin. professor at The Ohio State University’s the hydrogeology program and our former School of Earth Sciences. students. Keeping in touch with alumni and Visit www.jsg.utexas.edu/ friends of our program has also been a plea- research_symposium for more Isaac Smith (Ph.D. ’13) writes, “After gradu- sure. I shall return to UT-Austin in August information. Read about the ating in 2013, I spent nearly eight months in 2015 and will keep my email and office mail- Paris funded by the Fulbright Foundation. ing addresses in the interim. I will return to 2014 symposium on page 14.

84 Jackson School of Geosciences

MEMORIALS Brian Sullivan. He was a graduate of Central Catholic High School and attended Texas A&M University where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets and Theta Xi fraternity. He later earned a B.S. in geology from the University of Texas at Austin. Subsequent military service included duty assignments in the United States Navy. He retired from the Texas Railroad Commission after 25 years of service as a regional director regulating Texas oil and gas production. His was very involved in the community spending most of his life residing in the Monte Vista Historical District within San Antonio. He enjoyed civic associations, which included memberships in The Harp and Shamrock Society of Texas, San Antonio Conservation Society and the South Texas Geological Society. front of a radio or television cheering on his Our Uncle Bobby had an irrepressible zest Alumni & Friends beloved Longhorns. Larry also had a love for life including a passion for fashion and Larry Barnett (B.S. ’59) relocated to Heaven for the arts; he was an ardent admirer of the travel. He met his on Sept. 25, 2013. Larry, as he was known to classical artists, the Three Tenors and honed wife Marilynn family and friends, was born in Galveston, his own talents with singing Schubert’s “Ave later in life and Texas, on Feb. 19, 1934, to L.T. Barnett, Sr. Maria” in Latin. Larry had an adventurous they traveled the and Theresa Irene Barnett of Texas City, spirit and loved to travel. He visited Europe world, sharing Texas. Larry was a longtime resident of and Greece but his favorite destination was with us wonderful Austin, Texas. Larry attended Texas City the peaceful shores of Hawaii and many memories of their High School where he earned a basketball memories were made on the islands with numerous trips his travel buddy and wife, Callie. Larry and escapades. scholarship to Wharton Junior College. After Robert E. Beatty leaving Wharton, Larry set his sights on the loved his home and his two faithful, canine Together they University of Texas at Austin. Post enroll- companions, Cuddles and Honey Bunny, and were our historians, passing down family ment he placed his academic career on hold enjoyed all that life brought him. legacies and a full appreciation for decorum, in order to serve Larry met his wife of forty years, Callie etiquette, and entertaining. The camaraderie two years in the Schaefer Meyer, in 1974 and the two of them of their conversations will be sorely missed; Army as specialist blended their hearts and homes as loving Uncle Bobby was the life of the party and he during the Korean and proud parents and grandparents. Larry’s knew it! Conflict. Upon legacy will live on in his sons: Trey Barnett receiving an hon- and wife Micki of Spring, Texas, Tim Barnett Walter E. Belt (B.S. ’43), age 91 of George- orable discharge and wife Ninna of Houston, Texas, Stephen town, Texas, passed away on Jan. 30, 2014. Larry returned to Barnett and wife Patricia of Meridian, Texas, He was born in Wallis, Texas, in 1922. Par- Blake Meyer and wife Janet of Austin, Texas ents were Walter E. Belt, Sr., and Winnie Al- Larry Barnett the University of Texas, completed and Missy Meyer Gattis of Richmond, Texas. len. Walter graduated from the University of his studies and graduated with a B.S. in Larry’s and Callie’s thirteen grandchildren Texas at Austin in 1943 and had a long career Geology. With degree in hand, Larry began will continue in their grandfather’s footsteps as a geologist and as a petroleum landman. to forge a career in Central Texas real estate, as they all have inherited his sense of adven- He is survived by his wife of over 70 years, receiving numerous accolades and honors in ture, love for the arts and education and a Virginia Duckett Belt, four children, five both the residential and commercial indus- very witty sense of humor. grandchildren and two great grandchildren try. Larry was distinguished as the first re- and numerous other relatives. cipient of the CCIM (Certified Commercial Robert E. Beatty (B.S. ’54) passed away on Investment Member) designation in Austin. May 30, 2014, in San Antonio, Texas, at the Fred Blackmar (B.S. ’55), age 81, passed In addition to real estate, Larry participat- age of 89. He is preceded in death by his wife, March 29, 2014. Fred was born on Oct. ed in the intricacies of the Texas oil and gas Marilynn (Geisler) Beatty, sister Barbara 6, 1932, in Taylor, Texas, to Kenneth and industry as a landman. Larry was the quint- (Beatty) Sullivan, and his parents Robert Bettina Blackmar but grew up in Luling, essential, dyed-in-the-wool, Texas Longhorn E. and Julia E. (Bodet) Beatty. Surviving Texas along with his brothers Guy and Jim. and could be found on college football family members include his niece Susan It was in Luling, Texas that Fred would game day sitting in the stands or squarely in (Sullivan) Yvanovich and nephews Jay and meet Carolyn, his wife of 59 years. Fred

86 Jackson School of Geosciences went on to graduate from the University Walter and Hulda Blohm, brothers Ben, ing wife to her husband of 48 years, mother, of Texas at Austin in 1955 where he was Willy and Bobby Blohm, sisters Gertrude grandmother and friend. She loved living in a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity, Swanner and Amanda Thompson. Erich is Austin and took advantage of the cultural the Naval ROTC and the Texas Cowboys. survived by his son Erich Craig Blohm and activities it offered. Jo was an avid reader Fred then joined the U. S. Navy, earned his wife Julie, grandson Erich Stanton Blohm and never stopped loving to learn and being wings and proudly served as a naval aviator and stepdaughter Makari Jacobs, his brother a teacher at heart. Jo was very active in her for 22 years. He flew AD’s, S-2’s and the Walter Blohm, sister Elsie Lance of Red- children’s and grandchildren’s lives and liked E-2C Hawkeye aboard aircraft carriers USS mond, Oregon, and sister-in-law Elizabeth to visit and chat with her neighbors and Ranger, USS Yorktown, USS Midway and Blohm of Portland Oregon. friends. She was a member of the Austin the USS Constellation. His distinguished Junior Forum, Women’s Art Guild, and the career included serving as the CO of VAW- Charlene J. Bolden (spouse of the late Ger- UT Quest Continuing Education Group. Jo is 115, Air Ops Officer aboard the USS Con- ald Pat Bolden, B.S. ’51) was born on March preceded in death by her parents. She is sur- stellation and numerous medals and awards 9, 1929, in Marysville, Texas, to Stephania vived by her husband, Robert Bluntzer and before retiring in 1976 from the CNATRA and Fred Johnson. On the death of her father son, Peter Bluntzer, both of Austin, Texas; staff in Corpus Christi, Texas. in 1937, the family moved to Kerrville where daughter and son-in-law, Alice and Joshua Retiring from the Navy allowed Fred she grew up in the home of her aunt, Mary Ley, and grandchildren Andrew and Kate, all to pursue a second career in golf. Having Haberman. She graduated from Tivy High of Englewood, Colorado; and brother, Oliver been an accomplished player himself as School and Schreiner Institute. In 1949, she Nicklin of Chicago, Illinois. evidenced by winning the 1965 National moved to Austin. In 1951, she married J.L. Left Hander, the Texas State Left Handers Hutchison Jr. They moved to Midland in Bryan R. Bracken (M.A. ’82), age 57, en- six times and the Inner Service Champion- 1952 where he was employed by Gulf Oil tered into rest on Aug. 10, 2014, surrounded ship; he touched the lives of many as a golf Corporation. They were transferred to Ro- by his wife and sons. Born in Kansas City, instructor for adults and juniors alike. Fred swell, N.M. in 1960 and returned to Midland Bryan and his family moved to San Marino, also excelled creatively as a restorer of old in 1971. She was associated with University California, in 1966. He graduated from MEMORIALS persimmon woods. Fred’s other passion Lands - Oil, Gas and Mineral Interests from Polytechnic High School in Pasadena in was rocks. Specifically, he had a deep love 1973 to 1994. She was a member of First 1975, and moved on to get his B.A. in geol- of Laguna agate and various crystals. In Presbyterian Church, Chevron Retirees ogy from Colorado College in 1979. It was at fact, he annually shared some of his better Association, Permian Basin Geological and “CC” that Bryan fell in love with the science specimens at the Corpus Christi Gem and Geophysical Auxiliary and was 1980 Presi- of geology, continuing on to earn his M.S. Mineral Show having been a long standing dent of the Desk and Derrick Club of Mid- from the University of Texas at Austin in member of the Gulf Coast Gem and Mineral land. J.L. Hutchison Jr. died in 1983. In 1989, 1982 and his Ph.D. in 1987 from the Univer- Society. Fred is preceded in death by his son she married G. Pat Bolden. He died in Febru- sity of Utah. When beginning his doctorate Donald and survived by his wife Carolyn, ary, 2013. She was also preceded in death by studies, Bryan uncovered a love to surpass daughter Allison, her husband Bill Hunt and a sister, Bernice Johnson. Survivors include geology when he found Judy, and they mar- his children Tom and Maley, son Phil his sons, Mark Hutchison (Tracy) of Austin and ried in September 1983. wife Carol, their children Kristin, Kelli, her Jay Hutchison (Cyndi) of La Grange; daugh- Bryan was employed by Chevron after husband Pete Maginot and son Peter, Philip ter, Sharon Ott (Rich) of Houston; sister, the completion of his schooling, starting and his wife Ashley, and Mark and his fiance JoAnn Mandriota (Frank) of Bayport, N.Y.; in Hobbs, New Mexico, then Houston, and Savannah Lester. brother, Fred Johnson (Martha) of Burnet; finally settling in San Ramon in 1991. His granddaughter, Amy Hutchison of Austin; passion and enthusiasm for geology inspired Erich B. Blohm (B.S. ’54) was born on Oct. and the children of Pat Bolden, Craig Bolden countless students and fellow geologists. 6, 1930, in Poth, Texas, and entered eternal (Sylvia) and Cathy Bolden, all of Houston. Known as an excellent field scientist, Bryan life on April 11, 2014. Erich was devoted to taught and mentored many of his colleagues, his family and Good New Lutheran Church. Josephine N. Bluntzer (spouse of Robert leading field schools in the beautiful wilds He enjoyed hunting with his best friend and Lee Bluntzer, B.A. ’60), age 74, passed away of Utah, New Mexico and several unique brother Boobie Blohm. Erich was an admirer on Aug. 12, 2014. She was born on April worldwide destinations. During his 27 years of nature and taking pictures. His most ad- 14, 1940, in Port Arthur, Texas, to Francis with Chevron, he set his sights on long-term mirable trait was helping people in their time Oliver Nicklin, Sr. and Josephine Mellers goals and never wavered from them, culmi- of need. He was a very well rounded person Nicklin. After she graduated from Bishop nating in his dream job in clastic stratigraphy as he could fix a car engine, hunt animals, Byrne Catholic High School in Port Arthur, research. At home in San Ramon, Judy and and play sports with anyone. He graduated she earned a bachelor’s degree in 1962 and Bryan teamed up to raise three wonder- from University of Texas at Austin in 1954, master’s degree in education in 1965 at the ful sons. Bryan was involved in almost then joined the Navy until 1958. In 1959, he University of Texas at Austin. Jo taught sixth everything they did, from school activities started his 30-year career at Kelly Air Force grade in Port Arthur, Texas and at Joslin to sports to scouting. A natural teacher, he Base in electronics. He was preceded in death Elementary School in Austin through 1968. introduced his sons to his love of nature by his wife Janis Stanton Blohm, his parents Jo was a very dedicated, loving and outstand- and the mountains. He had a rare talent for

2014 Newsletter 87 growing the biggest tomato plants in San to study the role of prenatal and early life state governor to the Texas Women Hall of Ramon! Bryan was happiest when surround- exposures to carcinogens in the development Fame. Buffler is survived by Richard, who ed by his family, whether it was hiking in of leukemia. While best known for her work shared homes with her in Berkeley, Calif. and the mountains or at home watching a movie. on childhood cancers, Buffler’s work covered Santa Fe, N.M.; son Martyn Buffler of Austin, As an Eagle Scout himself, Bryan served as a broad range of environmental health issues, Texas; daughter Monique Does of Berkeley; a leader of his sons’ scout troop for several including the effects of secondhand tobacco and five grandchildren. years and enjoyed adventurous outings in the smoke and electromagnetic radiation. In the mountains and oceans. He continued men- 1980s, Buffler chaired a scientific advisory Donald Malcolm Campbell (B.A. ’55), toring young men as they worked up to their panel formed by the Semiconductor Industry passed away on Oct. 10, 2013, Donald Eagle Scout rank even after his sons were Association to evaluate the risks of miscar- Malcolm Campbell. He was 83. Born in San no longer in the troop. Bryan lived his scout riage among its workers. Buffler was born Antonio, Texas, to the late Clyde and Janice values daily and was an excellent example to Aug. 1, 1938, in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Campbell, he spent his childhood and early his sons and countless other young men. When she enrolled in the Catholic University adult life in Texas. Mr. Campbell graduated After Bryan was diagnosed with cancer of America in Washington, D.C., she became from University of Texas at Austin with a in 2009, he continued to work and enjoy a the first person in her family to go to college. degree in geology, working as a geophysicists full life until about six months before his She graduated in 1960 with a bachelor’s for different petroleum companies before death. He endured several years of various degree in nursing and biology, and then being retained by the federal government treatments, never complained, and remained moved to New York where she worked as a for whom he worked the rest of his career, positive and upbeat throughout those years, public health nurse in Harlem. traveling extensively throughout the United serving as a model of strength and resilience While she was in New York, Buffler met States and much of South America. While to all of us. Bryan is survived by his wife her future husband, Richard Buffler, a U.S. working for the government Mr. Campbell Judy of 31 years, sons Cameron, 28, Ryland, Navy communications officer stationed in met Carol Burdette whom he married in May 25, Stewart, 23, mother Janice Bracken, five Rhode Island, on a blind date. The couple of 1973. They lived in Colorado, San Anto- nieces and seven nephews. He outlived his married in 1962 and soon moved to Califor- nio, Texas and Maryland. After retirement father Dan Bracken (1919-1971), his sister nia. While Richard Buffler obtained his Ph.D. he worked for the Frederick and Harford Frances Gay Kohen (1958-2005) and his in geology at UC Berkeley, Buffler worked County Public School System as a substitute brother Dan (1955-2012). Bryan will be as a public health nurse in Alameda County. teacher and an inclusion helper, and most re- missed by all who crossed his path, especially She then earned her master’s in public health cently for the Harford County Public Library. by his wife and three sons. in 1965, and a Ph.D. in epidemiology in He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years 1973, both at UC Berkeley. Carol Campbell, his daughter Robin Smith Patricia A. Buffler (spouse of former From 1974 to 1991, Buffler held various and her husband Edward and his step-son professor Richard Thurman Buffler), an in- faculty positions at the University of Texas, David Flynn; his granddaughter Kimberly

MEMORIALS ternationally esteemed researcher known for starting as an assistant professor in the De- Campbell, who was the light of his life. Along her work on some of the world’s largest stud- partment of Preventive Medicine and Com- with his parents he was predeceased by his ies on childhood leukemia and environmen- munity Health in Galveston, and leaving as a brother Robert Campbell. tal health, and a former dean at the Univer- full professor of epidemiology at the School sity of California, Berkeley’s School of Public of Public Health in Houston. While in Texas, Howard E. Ellis (B.S. ’51), 88, formerly of Health, has died. Buffler died of a stroke she also directed the Epidemiology Research Victoria, Texas, passed away Aug. 1, 2014, while in her campus office on the evening of Unit at the university. Among Buffler’s long at PRMC in Kerrville, Texas. He was born Sept. 26, 2013. She was 75. At the time of her list of career achievements are membership in Newton, Texas, to Virgil Oscar Ellis and death, Buffler, who held UC Berkeley’s Ken- in the Institute of Medicine and the Ameri- Maude Mary Frances Hext Ellis on Sept. 3, neth and Marjorie Kaiser Chair in Cancer can College of Epidemiology, and being 1925. He married Marjorie Louise Gilstrap Epidemiology, was leading several large named a fellow of the American Association on Jan. 26, 1951, in Austin, Texas. He at- research programs related to childhood leu- for the Advancement of Science. She was also tended many schools in Texas as his father kemia and other childhood cancers. Among president-elect of the International Epide- was a bridge engineer with the Texas High- them is the California Childhood Leukemia miological Association. She served as advisor way Department, moving as each bridge was Study, which Buffler launched in 1995 to in- to the World Health Organization, the U.S. completed. He graduated from the University vestigate the relationship between diet, genes, Department of Energy, the U.S. EPA and the of Texas at Austin, where he was a member infections and environmental exposures and National Research Council, among others. of the Sigma Nu fraternity. He worked for the the development of leukemia. Buffler also served on scientific advisory Texas Railroad Commission, the Social Secu- Buffler was also principal investigator boards of several major corporations and rity Administration, and finally for Victoria of the Center for Integrative Research on industries, including the Scientific Advisory Bank and Trust, which eventually became Childhood Leukemia and the Environment, Panel on Electromagnetic Health Effects of Wells Fargo. funded in 2010 by the National Institute of the Electric Power Research Institute and the He was a veteran of World War II, serving Environmental Health Sciences and the U.S. DuPont Company’s Epidemiologic Review in the U.S. Navy. An active Boy Scout leader Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Board. In 1985, Buffler was named by the for over 25 years in the Gulf Coast Council

88 Jackson School of Geosciences (renamed the South Texas Council), Howard independently in the Allied Supreme Virginia. They remained in Virginia where was the recipient of the Silver Beaver Award, Command Post in Kandy, India, where the Lawrence was stationed with the U.S. Army a national distinguished service award. He headquarters was located. Also known as at Fort Eustis. In 1954, they returned to was inducted in the Order of the Arrow the Seven Wonders of the World Botanical West Texas to live and work on the family Honor Society, earning his Ordeal, Broth- Gardens. He had the opportunity to work ranch. Jodie’s happiest times were spent on erhood, and Vigil. He served on the 1973 side-by-side with many world famous gen- the ranch keeping up with her children at a National Jamboree staff in Valley Forge, erals like General Louis Mountbatten from time when all three were in diapers. As they Pennsylvania. His three sons earned the Great Britain and General Joseph Stillwell grew, Jodie was a constant fixture in their rank of Eagle Scout. His daughter earned from the United States. After returning from lives: she taught 4-H cooking to Marsha’s the equivalent award in Girl Scouts. Howard World War II, Bruce attended the University friends and supported her children as they was a valued member of First Presbyterian of Texas at Austin on the G.I. Bill where competed in 4-H wool, mohair and grass Church in Victoria, Texas, for over 40 years he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in judging competitions. She was a “homeroom where he served proudly as a Deacon and Geology in 1951. mom” for many years, as well as a Cub Scout Elder. In his later years, he served as a con- He met and married the love of his life den mother. Constantly on the move, Jodie struction supervisor for many small projects while at the University of Texas, Mary loved golf and instilled a love for the game in before moving his membership to First Lois Applewhite Fields. Bruce worked as her grandchildren. Summer weekends were Presbyterian Church in Kerrville. a petroleum geologist for Union Produc- spent with friends on the Devils River, check- An AVID Texas Longhorn fan, Howard, ing and Phillips Petroleum until he went ing trotlines in the middle of the night and affectionately known as “Tex” to family and independent in Corpus Christi in 1960. trips to Ruidoso for the horse races. Jodie friends, actively supported all of the univer- One of Bruce’s contributions in the field of traveled the world but when asked to name sity’s sports, especially football. He attended Geology happened while on a University of her favorite place, her answer was always the home games for 65 years from 1948 through Texas student field trip. His professor John same: Sonora, Texas, where she was a mother the fall of 2012 missing two home games A. Wilson stated “the day you found the jaw and grandmother to many in the community. to watch his youngest son play a Saturday in Tornillo Flat was one of those lucky days.” Throughout her life Jodie remained active MEMORIALS varsity football game. He was president of the Bruce’s discovery changed the age of Big in the Fling Ding Club, the Sonora Women’s Victoria Texas Exes chapter and thoroughly Bend Park from Cretaceous to Paleocene and Club, the Sonora Women’s Golf Auxiliary, the enjoyed ribbing the Aggies at their joint lun- Eocene which made Big Bend Park a much Sonora Rodeo and the La Tarantella Dance cheon before the annual Turkey Day game. younger age. He was a member of SIPES, Club. Jodie was passionate about Broncos Howard is preceded in death by his AAPG, Corpus Christi Geological Society athletics, traveling hundreds of miles to parents and only brother, retired Marine and the Longhorn Foundation. watch the teams play. Those left to honor and Lieutenant Colonel Frank B. Ellis. He is cherish her memory include her husband of survived by his wife of 63 years Marjorie G. Martha M. Finklea (spouse of Lawrence 62 years, Lawrence; her two sons, Bill and Ellis. He leaves behind his daughter Debra E. Finklea, B.S. ’54), 85, of Sonora, affection- Larry; her daughter, Marsha Cardwell; her Heath and husband D. Mayo Heath of Lewis- ately known as Jodie by all who knew and two grandchildren, Margo and McCurdy ville, Texas; his son Stephen H. Ellis of Clear loved her, passed peacefully at home Aug. Cardwell; her half-sister, Angie Wright; Lake, Texas, his wife Jennifer and their sons, 19, 2014, surrounded by family. A dedicated nieces Deanna Wright Tovar and April Robert and Matthew; his son David H. Ellis wife, devoted mother, doting grandmother Finklea Beckerley; nephews Peter Finklea of Kerrville, Texas, his wife Donna and their and dear friend, she was preceded in death and Keith Wright; and many, many friends. son Derek; and, his son Henry C. “Hank” by her mother, Martha, and loving stepfather, Above all, Jodie was fun. Her zest for life Ellis of North Richland Hills, Texas and William “Willie” Miers; her father, Andrew was rare and precious and she possessed a his sons Caleb and Micah. Other relatives Moore and stepmother Nellie; and half- spark that brightened the world for all who include his brother-in-law Ralph Gilstrap brother Andy Moore. Jodie was born Nov. 5, knew her. Life in Sonora will not be the of Draper, Utah, his wife Carolyn, and their 1928, in Austin, Texas. Jodie attended Sonora same without her. She will be missed by all. children, Christopher and Mollie; his niece High School and the Hockaday School in The family would like to thank the staffs of Dana Ellis Smith, nephews Christopher H. Dallas before graduating from Austin High Lillian M. Hudspeth Memorial Hospital in Ellis and Jeffrey B. Ellis, and their children. School. She went on to receive a degree in Sonora and Shannon Medical Center in San home economics from the University of Angelo for their compassion and care over Bruce W. Fields (B.S. ’51) passed away on Texas at Austin where she was involved in the past months. Aug. 26, 2014. He was born on Oct. 27, 1924 intramural sports and won the campus wide in Sparenberg, Texas. Bruce’s parents were posture contest. Goldoni E. Flack (B.S. ’51) died at his home Jessie Belum Fields and Beckham Woodard While at UT, Jodie made many lifelong in Georgetown, Texas, on April 15, 2014, Fields. He was one of seven children. Bruce friends as a member of the Delta Gamma after being cared for lovingly in his last graduated from Lamesa High School and sorority. Jodie met Lawrence Finklea in days. G.E. Flack was born in Caddo, Texas, proudly served his country during World the spring of 1951, and they married on on Feb. 1, 1924, to Elmer L. and Emma L. War II. Bruce enlisted in the United States Aug. 14, 1952, at the historic Burton Parish (Smith) Flack. His parents migrated to Texas Army at the age of 18 where he worked Episcopal Church in Colonial Williamsburg, with Elmer’s three brothers and a sister. The

2014 Newsletter 89 in Gainesville, Texas. After high school, Colt & Lilah Dow, Addison and Kyle Marti- Paul attended Cooke County Jr. College nez, Cooper and Riley Vickers. before transferring to the University of Texas at Austin. World War II interrupted his C. Clyde Hamblin (B.S. ’50) expired on Aug. education and Paul was commissioned into 10, 2014, at the age of 90 years. Clyde was the US Army Air Corp as a second lieuteant, born on May 11, 1924, to Verna Ruth Thorn- assigned to various aviation squadrons. His bury and George Herbert Hamblin in Austin, love of flying from his teens allowed him Texas. He was predeceased by his parents; to be accepted as a pilot trainee immedi- his brother, Herbert Andrew Hamblin; his ately. In a cooperative agreement with the sister, Lola Ruth Collons; and his son, George British, he was awarded his wings both from Spencer Hamblin. Clyde is survived by his the Royal Air Force and the U.S. Army Air wife of 70 years, Martha Hamblin; three Corp. Among the more memorable assign- grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and ments was flying C-46 cargo planes over the many nieces and neph- “Hump” between India and China. During ews. Clyde attended his time in the Air Force, he met and married schools in Austin, Bettie Pat Parham. They were married on Texas, graduating from Goldoni E. Flack Dec. 15, 1945. He was honorably discharged Austin High School be- as a first lieutenant and returned to UT fore joining the Marine where he completed his B.S. in Geology. He Corps during WW II. was hired by Marathon Oil Company and He married his high family followed the oil boom of Texas. G.E. grew up in Monahans, Texas. He graduated retired in 1970, having worked in Amarillo, school sweetheart, Mar- from Monahans High School in the class of Wichita Falls and Corpus Christi. Paul was a tha Poole, in Norman, C. Clyde Hamblin 1942. Upon graduation, he joined the Army member of First Christian Church in Corpus Oklahoma, on Jan. 25, Air Corps Pilot program, commissioned Christi where he was recognized as an Elder 1944, while he was stationed at the Naval Air second lieutenant at 19 years of age. On Feb. for Life. He also worked on the staff as Base in the Marine Air Wing. 3, 1943, he attended Aviation Cadet School in Church Administrator for 10 years. He proudly served his country in the Altus, Oklahoma, where he became a flight Following his retirement he devoted his Marine Air Wing during Worl War II in the instructor. He served with the 557th AAFBU energy to his woodworking talents. Many Philippines and occupation of China and in Great Falls, Montana, the 565th AAFBU in people brought their broken furniture to again in the Korean War. After leaving the Reno, Nevada. On April 12th, 1945, he was Paul for repair during his 50 years in Corpus corps, Clyde returned to his hometown assigned to the 1337th Air Transport Com- Christi. “Fixing” things was just something and earned a B.S. degree in Geology from

MEMORIALS mand in Sookerating, India. There he flew he loved to do. His other love was music, the University of Texas at Austin. After “The Hump” over the Himalayas, from India both playing and singing. In his early years, graduation, he was employed by Union to China, ferrying supplies for the troops he played drums in the Gainesville Com- Producing Company in Houston, Texas, and “The Flying Tigers.” He was awarded the munity Circus, and the University of Texas Tennessee Gas Transmission Company, later following medals: Asiatic Pacific Campaign Longhorn Band. He continued his musical Tenneco, in Corpus Christi, Texas, Denver, Medal, Victory Medal, Bronze Service Star, interests as a bass in the church choir and Colorado, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma American Theatre Campaign Medal, and The as a charter member of the Corpus Christi before moving to Midland, Texas. In 1961, Chinese Memorial Medal. Civic Chorale. He never had formal musical he became a founding partner in HMH Op- Upon Honorable discharge from the training, but did have an ability that was erators and later was an independent lease military, G.E. Flack entered the University of surpassed only by the pleasure he received broker and operator of oil and gas proper- Texas at Austin. There he met the love of his from participation. ties. He was a petroleum pioneer. life, Ruth E. James. They married on Dec. 23, During his 40-plus years with the Chorale, Music played a big part in his life and he 1947. They enjoyed 65 years of marriage and he had the opportunity to travel and perform loved all kinds of music. While in Austin had two sons, Stephen and David. Goldoni in Mexico City, and numerous locations High School, he played the clarinet in the is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer throughout the U.S., including New York marching band and the “fiddle” in a country and Emma Flack; his step mother, Helen City and the Kennedy Center in Washing- western band called the West Side Ramblers. Kinney; sister, Letha Grantham; and his ton, D.C. Paul is survived by his son, Paul While stationed at the Naval Air Station in loving wife, Ruth. He is survived by his sons, Giraudin, III, wife Elsie of Katy, Texas, and Norman, Oklahoma, he played clarinet in the Stephen and David Flack; two grandchildren, daughter, Patrissa Getz, husband David Marine Marching Band and the bass violin Amber Flack and Justin Flack; niece, Yvonne of Corpus Christi. Seven Grandchildren; in the dance band. He sang in a barbershop Dobkins; and nephew, Rodney Grantham. Nicole Martinez (John), Scott Giraudin, quartet in Midland and was in the chancel Rachel Giraudin, & Clayton Giraudin, Laura choir at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church Paul Giraudin (B.S. ’48), was born Oct. 18, Dow (Scott), Lisa Vickers (Bo), David Getz, for 54 years. He also served on the Admin- 1920, to Paul, Sr. and Mary Crow Giraudin Jr., and seven Great-Grandchildren, Luke, istrative Board at St. Luke’s and was a lay

90 Jackson School of Geosciences delegate to the Northwest Texas Annual added responsibility for developing highway officer of the Houston Geological Society, Conference of the Methodist Church. Clyde illumination designs and assistance. He was American Association of Petroleum Geolo- also was a member of the Society of Inde- then the head of the Automated Division gists (AAPG), Corpus Christi Geological pendent Professional Earth Scientists and when it was formed in 1965 and served in Society, Parent Teachers Association and the American Association of Professional this position until his retirement in 1985. Conroe Band Boosters. She was a member Landmen for 50 years. Hubert served on many professional of the Magnolia Bend Volunteer Fire committees throughout his career. In 1972 Department for 24 years where she served Miles H. Hardy (B.A. ’52) passed into the he served as the Scientific Director for as both firefighter and board member. She presence of our Lord on Jan. 3, 2014, at age the NATO Advanced Study Institute on was also a long serving Commissioner for 87. He was a loving father and husband, and Computer Systems in Highway Design in Montgomery County Emergency Service a kind and gentle friend to all. Born on Sept. Copenhagen, Denmark, and was an invited District 5, a Life Member of the University 21, 1926 in Pearsall, Texas, he was a student participant in the International Colloquium of Texas Ex-Students Association and a at Pearsall High School and graduated in on Integrated Systems in Civil Engineering member of the University of Texas Long- 1944. He attended the University of Texas at the University of Liege, Belgium. In 1975, horn Foundation. Ms. Hoover was preceded at Austin and earned a degree in Geology. he was the overseas guest speaker for the in death by her husband, Robert C. Hoover, He married Lois Darleen Glover in 1956. Symposium on Computer Applications in her parents Mary Marak Macha and Louis Henry worked for the Texas Department of Pretoria, South Africa. He loved traveling to J. Macha and her brother George J. Macha. Transportation for 34 years before retiring in these places and having the opportunity to She is survived by her three children, Carol, 1992. He also served 39 years with the Texas share his knowledge with other engineers. He Sharon and Mark. She is also survived by Transportation Federal Credit Union in vari- was very active in a variety of professional a sister, Marilyn Cloud; and various nieces ous positions. He loved music, both listening engineering organizations and received and nephews. to classical or jazz, and singing in the church many invitations to speak and participate in Eleanor was a member of the Sacred Heart choir at Trinity United Methodist Church, conferences all over the world. Catholic Church of Conroe, Texas. She was attending Spurs basketball and San Antonio He married Peggy Ruth Evans on Dec. 26, baptized in St. John’s Catholic Church, a MEMORIALS Mission baseball games, gardening and read- 1948, and they celebrated their 58th wedding designated Texas Historical Landmark in the ing. He is survived by his wife Darleen, two anniversary before her death in 2007. small community of Bomarton, Texas located daughters, Joni and Julie, and two grand- Hubert loved to go to his place on Lake in Baylor County in a part of Texas known daughters, Rebekah and Sarah. Travis and spent as much time there as he as the Rolling Plains, about ten miles west could. He enjoyed working in his beautiful of Seymour, Texas, which is on the Salt Fork Hubert A. Henry (B.A. ’48) was born on yard and entertaining at his home. He was a of the Brazos River. She was immensely in- Oct. 13, 1919, in Pleasanton, Texas. He at- Mason and a member of the Ben Hur Shrine terested in history, archaeology and geology. tended elementary school in San Antonio, Temple in Austin, Texas, for many years. He Her work in the field of geology provided Texas, and graduated from Austin High is preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Henry many opportunities for the study and enjoy- School in Austin, Texas. In 1941, he entered and his son, Leslie Evans Henry. He is sur- ment of these interests. the U.S. Army as a private. He retired from vived by his son, Jim Henry (Austin) and his the Air Force Reserve after 25 years of mili- daughter, Kathleen Moore and her husband Gretchen M. James (spouse of the late Otis tary service, including five years on active Mike Moore (Denver, CO). He is also sur- Lee James, Jr., M.A. ’52) passed away Feb. duty. He held enlisted, warrant officer, and vived by eight grandchildren and seven great 12, 2014, at the age of 78, in Dallas, TX. A commissioned grades to the rank of Major. grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, Dallas native, Gretchen was born Jan. 16, Hubert Henry cousins and other extended family. 1936, to the late Freda Y. Kadane and Henry graduated from E. Wendelborn. She loved growing up in The University of Eleanor M. Hoover (B.S. ’56), age 88, passed Lakewood, attending Lakewood Elementary Texas at Austin away Jan. 7, 2014, in The Woodlands, Texas. and Woodrow Wilson High School, and in 1948 with a Ellie was born Feb. 20, 1925, in Bomar- matriculating to the Unversity of Texas at bachelor’s degree ton, Texas, where she graduated from high Austin. She studied Geology, and was on the in geology. In school. She later attended the University of university ladies golf team. 1955, he became Texas at Austin and received a Bachelor of Before marrying Robert Alfred Hall, of a Registered Geo- Hubert A. Henry Science degree in Geology. She accepted a Waco and Valley Mills, Texas, where she logical Engineer. position as geologist with Humble Oil and spent 11 happy years in town and at the He joined the Texas Highway Department Refining Co. (Exxon-Mobil) in 1956 in ranch before the family moved back to in August, 1948, as a research assistant in Corpus Christi, Texas. She transferred to Dallas, and raising their three children, she the Highway Design Division. During the Houston in 1968 where she worked in the was a model for Neiman-Marcus in Dallas. next few years he worked in Research and Exxon Exploration Department until retire- Selected for the feature story about the store, Development. The Highway Department’s ment in 1993. “Texas Shangri-La,” in the December 1955 engineering geology program was one of his Ellie was active in both community and issue of Cosmopolitan, she was likened to major activities. In 1953 he was given the professional affairs. She was a member and Audrey Hepburn. An avid cook, she enjoyed

2014 Newsletter 91 holding gatherings for family and friends, graduated from the University of Texas for their love and care especially Felizidad, sharing her love of all things flavorful. at Austin with a degree in Geology. After Cydie, Mia, LaToya, Bernice, Gayle, Dee Whether it was laid out with family Lebanese several years in the oil business in Texas and Dee, Annette, Chris and David. Angels recipes, her truly Southern fried chicken or Louisiana, he settled in Oklahoma to start watch over all of you. homemade ice-cream and cobbler, Gretchen’s a career in commercial real estate and raise table was always a favorite. After dinner his family. He was preceded in death by his Laddie F. Long (B.S. ’52) passed away on games such as Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit, first wife, Virginia Flanagan Koppel, son April 17, 2014. He was born on April 4, cards or Yatzhee, were often seen at family Joseph and daughter Melissa. Years later by 1926, to Fred and Flossie Long in Wright holiday celebrations. She always strived to his second wife, Donna Farber Koppel. He City, Oklahoma, the second of three sons. bring her family together, and loved to see is survived by his daughter Carolyn Kelley He moved at an early age to Barstow, Texas, them happy. and her husband Sean, son Mike Koppel and where he grew up and graduated from high She spent many happy years with her daughter Kristy Copeland and her husband school in 1943. Shortly after finishing high second husband Otis Lee James, Jr., before Bill, grandchildren Tyler Koppel, Kaitlyn and school he entered the U.S. Navy flight train- his passing in 2008. They loved to laugh, Jacob Copeland and Laurel Kelley. ing program and served in the Pacific area as and were a loving and caring duo. She is pilot of a patrol bomber. Upon the discharge survived by daughter Heidi Hall Bass of Elizabeth A. Lochte (B.S. ’56) was called from the Navy in 1949, he attended the Dallas; Audrey Hall (Tim) of Phoenixville, to her heavenly home on March 5, 2014. University of Texas at Austin and received Pennsylvania; and son Robert Alfred Hall, Elizabeth “Bess” was born on March 23, a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology in Jr. (Colette) of Wylie; grandchildren, Amber 1930, in Houston, Texas, the fourth child 1952. He worked for several oil companies Bass and Timothy and Hannah Hall; great- of Cary and Arthur Sitterle. She grew up as an exploration geologist in the Panhandle, grandchildren, Trinity and Timothy Hall, in Beaumont attending St. Ann’s Catholic West Texas, New Mexico and East Texas be- Jr.; sister Barbara Wendelborn Thompson. School. The family moved to San Antonio in fore accepting a position with the University She is preceded in death by her parents 1943 where Bess attended Thomas Jefferson of Texas Lands, Midland office. He retired and husband Otis Lee James, Jr. Her first High School. She attended the University of in 1986 as Manager of Oil and Gas after 22 husband, Robert A. Hall, passed away on his St. Thomas in Houston and the University years in service. ranch in Valley Mills on Feb. 21, 2014. They of Texas at Austin. She was married for 52 He married his high school and lifelong will both be dearly missed and always loved. wonderful years to Erwin Richard “E.R.” sweetheart, Faye Echols, in 1946. Four sons Lochte, Jr. who proceeded her in death in were born to this union. He was a long time Luther G. Jones (B.S. ’59) passed away 2004. Bess was a parishioner of St. Gregory’s member of the American Association of peacefully in his sleep after a lengthy illness Catholic Church where she was a devout Petroleum Geologists, West Texas Geological on June 28, 2014. Born in Temple, Texas, member of the Eucharistic Adoration Ador- Society and the Presbyterian Church, which on June 10, 1930, to Catherine Panton and ers. She enjoyed spending weekends at the he served as deacon, elder and Sunday school

MEMORIALS Luther G. Jones, Sr., he graduated from Texas family ranch in Willow City, Texas, annual teacher. He enjoyed bird hunting and fishing; A&M high school in College Station and trips to Rockport, New Orleans and Las especially in the streams and lakes of the then travelled around Texas working for “Ma Vegas. Her faith in God always guided her Colorado Rocky Mountains. He took great Bell.” After serving in Army during the Ko- and was the source of her strength. pleasure in attending Navy and squadron rean War, he attended the University of Texas Her devotion to Christ and the close re- reunions, renewing old friendships from the at Austin on the G.I. Bill, earning a bachelor’s lationships she fostered among her children service years. He was preceded in death by degree in Geology. Following a stint of work- and grandchildren is the legacy she leaves. his parents and two brothers. ing in the oil fields, he settled in San Antonio, Bess was preceded in death by her parents, He is survived by his wife of 67 years, where he worked at Kelly Air Force Base. sister Jeanne Hicks, brother Arthur “Ossie” Faye Long; four sons, Stephen Long of Taos, Luther retired in 1990 and spent his sunset Sitterle and son in law David Alan Linahan. New Mexico, Michael Long and wife Dee of years reading travel books, building various She is survived by her children Dr. Richard Colorado Springs, Colorado, David Long and contraptions, and happily puttering around Lochte III and wife Mary Ann, Cary Lochte wife Martha of Terlingua, Texas, and Kevin the house. He is survived by his wife of 45 Kopecky, Anne Linahan and husband Long of Marfa, Texas; three grandsons, Lance years, Karen Lee, sons Luther (Kristy) and Craig Kirby, Marci Aune and husband Jon, Keith and wife Maggie of Comanche, Texas, Anthony (Genevieve) and daughter Madeline Traci Darr and husband David, nephew Dustin Polk and wife Sara of Artesia, New (Lorne); sister Louise (Bob) King; brother Ricky Gregorie and wife Jennifer. She was Mexico, and Samuel Long; granddaughter, Bill (Carol) Jones; three grandchildren; and blessed with 23 grandchildren, Trey, Emily, Anna Long of Colorado Springs, Colorado; numerous nieces and nephews. Beth, Casey, Rich, Randy, Kristie, Katie, and by four great-grandchildren, Rylie, Jason, TJ, Chad, Mitch, Betsy, Chip, Ashley, Laddie, Tinsey and Ayden. Laddie is also David G. Koppel (B.S. ’50) passed away Carson, Coy, Kaylee, Mary Catherine, Liesl, survived by his sister-in-law, JoeAnn Long Feb. 15, 2014, peacefully and with dignity Cary, Keith, Lyndsie and 11 great-grand- of El Cajon, California; and many nieces and surrounded by his family. He was born in children. The family would like to thank nephews. The family would like to thank Houston, Texas, to Mae and Joe Koppel. the staff of The Lodge at Leon Springs and Laura Serrano for the devotion and care that He attended San Jacinto High School and her devoted caregivers, “Momma’s Angels”, she has provided the last five years.

92 Jackson School of Geosciences Lester E. Ludwick (B.S. ’50), age 87, of El World War II and after his tour of duty he for over 30 years. He expanded to include Paso, Texas, passed away on March 12, 2014. married Betty in 1947. He then enrolled in a real estate office and savings and loan Lester was born on Sept. 21, 1926, in Temple, the University of Texas and graduated in agency. Billy served on Bastrop City Council, Texas, to Lester Ludwick and Mona Renker. 1951 with a B.S. in geology. Immediately Chamber of Commerce Board, Histori- Lester graduated from Temple High School after graduation he went to work for the cal Landmark Commission and numerous in 1943. He attended Temple Junior College, Humble Co. on the King Ranch in Kings- church boards. and during this time, worked for the U.S. ville, Texas. After Humble, he worked for Postal Service and for Scott and White Hos- the Seaboard Oil Co. in Dallas and later Robert J. Oliver (spouse of Evan Royal- pital as a film developer and then an X-ray transferred to Corpus Christi as a district Oliver, B.A. ’02), 61, died Feb. 1, 2014, at technician in the X-ray department. During geologist. Seaboard merged with Texaco in his home in Austin, Texas. He was born this time, he met his future wife, Martha 1955 and Bob then became an independent Nov. 10, 1952, in Bennington, Vermont, and Richards. They were married on June 5, 1947. exploration geologist from 1955 to present was the son of the late Morris A. Oliver and After graduating from Temple Junior (Luker Energy). Josephine Burn Oliver who emigrated from College, Lester and Martha moved to Bob was an avid hunter; hunting dove and Great Britain after World War II. He was a Austin, Texas, where Lester attended the quail, he loved ranching with his favorite graduate of Central Dauphin High School, University of Texas, earning a Bachelor of bull “Big;” he was a tremendous family man class of 1970. He attended HACC, and joined Science in geology in 1950. He then began a and planned numerous family trips and the U.S. Naval Reserves in October 1976. He successful career in the oil and gas indus- vacations, and he loved to water ski, skiing graduated from the University of Texas at try, joining Standard Oil of Texas in Iraan, until the age of 70. He was a member of Austin and worked as a real estate appraiser Texas. In 1954, he joined El Paso Natural Gas AAPG, SIPES, TIPRO, IPAA and CCGS. He and later started Bufalo Bob’s Chalupa Wag- Company in Houston, Texas, as a reservoir is preceded in death by his daughter, Vicki on. He is survived by his wife, Evan Royal engineer. In 1959, Lester and Martha moved Lynne Luker and daughter-in-law Melissa Oliver of Austin, Texas; his brother, Michael to El Paso, Texas, where he continued his Ann Luker. He is survived by his wife of 67 W. Oliver of Downingtown, Pennsylvania; career with EPNG until his retirement in years, Betty Luker; children, Steve (Jeanne) and his sister, Kathryn O. Armstrong of MEMORIALS 1986. Lester was an avid golfer. He loved Luker, Scott Luker; six grandchildren Austin Linglestown, Pennsylvania. He has five nieces music and when the occasion allowed, Luker, Stephanie (Garrett) Weidman, and nephews. enjoyed dancing. He enjoyed time with his Catherine Pennington, Shaun Dunk, Valena family, and especially enjoyed time spent Hanson (Jose Jacquez), Ricky Hanson; two Ora S. Ottmann (spouse of the late Robert during summers with his wife, children, and great grandchildren Khloe Jacquez and Cairo “Bob” Ottmann, B.A. ’51), age 84, of Hous- extended family members at Lake Belton, in Hanson; two brothers Clifford (Ruth) Luker, ton, passed away July 25, 2014. She was born Belton, Texas, where he taught his children Ernest (Nannette) Luker; a sister Marge July 21, 1930, in Seguin, Texas, daughter to water ski and to love being on the water. Reuter; numerous nieces and nephews. of Monroe and Elsie Schmitt. Ora gradu- He demonstrated his love of his children ated from Seguin High School in 1948. She and grandchildren by his participation and William E. Maynard (B.S. ’51), 89, of Bas- trained as a vocalist and a pianist for 14 years attendance at sports and music events and trop died at home on Jan. 24, 2014. He was and was a member of the First United Meth- activities. He was always ready to make an born on April 7, 1924, in Bastrop, Texas. Billy odist Church where she sang in the choir. ice cream cone or play a game of backgam- graduated from Her favorite jobs while growing up involved mon or gin rummy with a grandchild. He Bastrop High work at a local candy store, which enhanced enjoyed traveling, and during his retire- School in 1941 her love of chocolate, and a local radio ment years, was able to take many road and received an station where she wrote copy for on-air com- trips with Martha, traveling throughout the associate’s degree mercials and other broadcasts. After high United States. Lester was a loving husband from Shriner school she attended The University of Texas and father and will be greatly missed by his College in 1949 at Austin, where she met the love of her life, family. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, and a B.A. in Robert “Bob” Ottmann, in the biology lab. Martha, his son Larry and wife Donetta of William E. Maynard Geology from the She and Bob were married in 1950. During Mansfield, Texas, his daughter Laura and University of Texas Bob’s career with Exxon as a geologist, the husband Dennis Svatek of Jacksonville, at Austin in 1951. He married Clara in 1982 couple lived in Texas, California, Oklahoma, Florida, and his daughter Mary and husband after an eight-year courtship. He is survived and Louisiana. Brent Thompson of El Paso; eight grandchil- by his wife, Clara Maynard, three children: Ora was a devoted mom to her three dren, and three great grandchildren. Dawn Kana and husband Chris, Scott Curtis, children, and at various times worked in Craig Curtis and wife Rosie. Grandchildren, retail and real estate. She and Bob loved Robert W. Luker (B.S. ’51), age 90, passed Erica Kana, Laura Lee Curtis, Morgan Curtis, to travel, taking the family on numerous away on Feb. 20, 2014, in Corpus Christi, Sam Curtis, Dan Curtis. He was preceded in car trips throughout the United States in Texas. Bob was born on Sept. 30, 1923, death by his parents William “Ed” and Elsie the early years. During retirement, they in Austin, Texas to W.F. and Charlotte N. Maynard and his sister, Betty Maynard. Billy continued their love of travel throughout Luker. He served in the U.S. Navy during owned Maynard Insurance on Main Street the country and abroad. Ora was also a

2014 Newsletter 93 proud grandmother, known as “Mimi” to and the Midland SPCA, which was recently of Southmont Baptist Church, and later her grandchildren, spending countless hours taken over by Grand Companions Midland. members of First United Methodist Church attending dance recitals, soccer, basketball, He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, in Denton, where Don often taught and was and football games. She was preceded in Jeanette; two children Teresa Bowman of Ft. President of Searchers Sunday School Class death by her husband, Bob, just months shy Worth and Jeff Probandt of Dallas; grandson until he had to resign for health reasons. of their 59th wedding anniversary; and her Joshua Bailey of Ft. Worth; and pets Shadow Finally, after a long struggle with chronic lung daughter, Janis Ann Ottmann. Surviving to and Button. The family greatly appreciates disease he went to be with Jesus on March cherish her memory are son, Jeff Ottmann all the calls and visits with Bill over the past 5. Don was loved and will be greatly missed and his wife, Margaret Ottmann; daughter difficult years of his life. by his family and friends. Don is survived by Judi Ottmann; grandchildren Kaitlyn and his wife, Nancy; sons Thomas Donald Reed Robert Ottmann; sister Mozelle Howton and T. Donald Reed (B.S. ’62) was born to Jr. and wife Angie, John Stephen Reed and brother-in-law Jack Howton, and many other Thomas Ervin Reed and Luna Catherine wife Desiree; daughter Maridon and husband family members and friends. Seale Reed in Camp County, in the Holly Jason Grochowski; grandchildren Austin Springs Community of East Texas. He was Reed, Shlby McAdoo, Andrew Reed, Whitney Rodulfo Prieto Cedraro (Ph.D. ’87), age the only son and the youngest of nine chil- McAdoo, Tyler Reed and wife Abigail, 60, passed away April 5, 2014, in Houston, dren. Don attended Holly Springs Elementa- Danielle Reed, Kimberlyn Reed, Alexandra Texas. Our dear friend Rodulfo left us too ry and graduated from Pittsburg High School Grochowski, Annaleise Grochowski, and soon. Those of us who knew him will always in the Class of 1950. He started attending great-granddaughter Elyse Reed. remember him as an honorable man who the University of Texas at Austin in 1953 and was dedicated to his family and his profes- stopped to serve in the U.S. Army in August, G. Phil Roberts (B.S. ’58), beloved husband, sion. He was a scholarly man who had many 1955, in the DMZ Police Company in Korea. father and friend, passed away on April 21, close friends around the world. Rodulfo In June of 1957, he received an honorable 2014, with his family at his side. Phil was was passionate about education; he received discharge from the Army and returned to the born in Gilmer, April 14, 1932, the only child a Bachelor of Applied Science in Geologi- University of Texas to continue his studies. to Loraine Powers and Gordon King Roberts. cal and Geophysical Engineering from The While at the university he met Nancy Far- Phil’s father owned the Chrysler dealership Pennsylvania State University in 1980, rington from Wimberley, Texas, in the fall in Gilmer but was also interested in aviation. a Geophysical Engineering degree from of 1957, and they were married Feb. 6, 1959. He had learned to fly from an old barn- Universidad Central de Venezuela in 1983 Together they were blessed with three chil- stormer and owned a Waco airplane. When and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Geological dren: Thomas Donald Reed Jr., John Stephen World War II broke out, that put an end to Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin Reed and Maridon Reed Grochowski. people buying cars. The United States was in in 1987. His research resulted in numerous After graduating in 1962 as an honor desperate need of training for pilots so Mr. publications. His work career began with student with degrees in Geology and Math, Roberts, in conjunction with Kilgore Junior Petrόleos de Venezuela S.A. where he held Don became employed in Tyler, Texas, as College and the United States Government, MEMORIALS many leadership roles until 2003. As a result a geophysicist for Pan American Oil Co., opened a training facility for Navy pilots at of his vast knowledge and strong work ethic which later became Amoco Production Elder Field in Kilgore. During this period of his career path led to the position of Vice Co. While with Amoco, the family was time, he met Walter Beech, founder of Beech President and General Manager of Suelopet- located in Tyler, Texas; Houston, Texas; Aircraft, Wichita, Kansas, who also had a rol Corporation in Houston, Texas. In addi- Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Denver, Colorado. training school for Navy pilots. When the tion, he shared his knowledge with students After working with Amoco for 17 years, war ended, Mr. Roberts went into business at the Universidad Central de Venezuela Don decided to resign and start Geotrace with Walter Beech and was awarded the where he taught for many years. Technologies Inc., his own Seismic Services Beechcraft dealership and distributorship for Co. in Denver. The family continued to live Dallas and East Texas. Mr. Roberts moved W. T. Probandt (B.S. ’56) passed away on in Denver for 30 years. Through the years, his family to Tyler and established a dealer- April 25, 2014, following a lengthy illness. Don was a committed Christian, always ship and maintenance facility for Beech He was born on Feb. 22, 1929, in San Angelo, active in his church, serving as an ordained Aircraft Corp. at Pounds Field and in Dallas Texas. He served in the Army during the Ko- Deacon, and adult Sunday school teacher at Love Field which he managed out of his rean War. He received his bachelor’s degree and being involved many other ways. He businesses, Tyler Aero, Texas Aviation and in Geology from the University of Texas at and Nancy raised their children in the Roberts Aviation (now Johnson Aviation) Austin and master’s degree in Geology from church. Don was also active in his sons’ at Pounds Field. Since Phil was surrounded Texas Tech at Lubbock. After working as a sports as a winning little league baseball by aviation, he learned to fly at a very early geologist for Anderson-Prichard he struck and football coach. In 2002, Don and age and soloed on his 16th birthday in a 40 out on his own finding oil and gas in West Nancy moved to Argyle, Texas. Horse Cub. He had a license to fly before he Texas and New Mexico. Two of his passions In 2004, he retired and sold Geotrace, had a driver’s license. were music and animals; he was involved in which by then had branches in Denver, Phil graduated from Tyler High School many philanthropic causes, including The Dallas, Houston, England and Norway. After in 1949 where he was on the golf team. He University of Texas Performing Arts Center moving to Argyle, they became members attended Virginia Military Institute in Lynch-

94 Jackson School of Geosciences burg, Virginia. After spending a summer and it was with great sorrow that he sold Seth Goldberg, Katherine and Eric Lange and working for his close friend, Jack Bunn’s his last airplane last year. The end of an era. Paul Allison along with great grandchildren, father, who was in the oil business, Phil There was never a dull moment when Phil Kailey Elizabeth Sexton and Sarah Britton decided that the oil patch was his destiny was around because he was always fun, had Lange and his nephew, Charles Sexton. and transferred from VMI to The University a marvelous sense of humor (no one could of Texas at Austin, obtaining a Bachelor of tell a joke like Phil) and had a zest for life. Science degree in geology and petroleum He had impeccable manners and was truly a engineering in 1958. He was a member of the gentleman. He never complained or lost hope Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Phil served during his 3 1/2-year battle with cancer and in the United States Army during the Korean was optimistic to the end. He was looking War as a survey specialist based at K-8 Air forward to the birth of another grandchild Force Base in Pusan, Korea, for one year. The due in June. He was preceded in death by his next year he served at Camp Hakata on the parents, Gordon K. and Loraine Roberts, and island of Kyushu in Japan. The general of the his grandson, Benjamin V. McGee. base saw Phil playing golf one day, was duly He is survived by his wife, Carrie Anna impressed, and asked him to wind up his Roberts, Emerald Bay, Bullard; son, Gordon survey job and take over the base golf course, H. Roberts and wife Kelley, Fort Worth; which he gladly did. Phil was employed son, Andrew B. McGee and wife, Elizabeth, as a geologist by Trice Production Co. in New York, N.Y.; cousins, Barbara Pinkston, Longview in 1958. He was transfered to Buddy Nolley, Suzanne Mayfield; and his Mary Alice Nitschke Smith Houston as district manager in 1961 to 1965 best buddy, Frankie, who was his constant when he became an independent and started companion at home. A special thank-you Mary Alice Nitschke Smith (spouse of the his own company, R.O.M. E. (Roberts Oil goes out to Joyce Storey and Yolanda Veezey late Joe E. Smith, B.S. ’48) was born to Lew- and Mineral Exploration). for the loving care they provided. is Nitschke and Mayme Cocreham Nitschke He was a member of AAPG, a lifelong on June 4, 1922 in Austin, Texas. She gradu- MEMORIALS member of the Houston Geological Society Albert L. Sexton (B.S. ’40), a native of ated from high school in 1939. She gradu- and was a founder and president of the Orange, Texas, went to his eternal rest in ated from the University of Texas in 1942 Houston Geological Log Library. He was a Houston, Texas, on March 21, 2014. Lee was with a Bachelor of Business Administration. member of The Petroleum Club of Houston, born on Sept. 28, 1918, to William Putnam She married George Roy Huston in 1943 in Memorial Drive Country Club and West- Sexton, Sr. and Annie Lee McGuire Sexton. Austin, Texas, and lived with his parents in minster United Methodist Church where He attended the public schools in Orange Los Angeles, California, while he was serving he married Carrie Anna Crockett McGee in and graduated from the University of Texas overseas during the last year of the war. They March 1980, in Houston. Phil was a lifelong at Austin in July, 1940. Following his gradu- had three children: Nancy, Kathleen and member of the Methodist Church, growing ation, he returned to Orange and married George and lived in Casper, Wyoming, and up in Marvin United Methodist in Tyler, and his lifelong sweetheart, Lillian Addington on Salt Lake City, Utah, until George Huston’s was a member of the Emerald Bay Commu- Oct. 28, 1940. To this union, two sons were death in 1965. She then moved back to nity Church, Emerald Bay, Bullard. In high born, David Andrew Sexton and Dr. John Austin with her three children. Mary Alice school and college, Phil was well known for Alan Sexton. Lee’s first job was at Consoli- married Joe Earl Smith of Beaumont in 1971. his water-skiing ability. Reading a magazine dated Steel where he built warships. At the They lived in Austin. Joe Smith died in 1987. about the 1949 World Water Skiing Cham- beginning of World War II, he began his Mary Alice’s father’s family originally came pionship in France, he was intrigued by the career at E. I. DuPont Refinery where retired to Austin in the 1850’s and she was proud slalom ski but it was not readily available in following 38 years of dedicated service. of her early Texan history and could tell the U.S. So from the magazine pictures, Phil Lee was a lifelong member of First endless stories about “Old Austin.” She had made his own slalom ski, taught himself how Presbyterian Church in Orange. He joined a wonderful sense of humor and loved being to use it, then taught his friends. the Madison Lodge #126 in Orange in 1940 around people; volunteering for numerous Phil was a marvelous and innovative cook, where he became a 32nd degree Mason and clubs, committees and her sorority Alpha an avid hunter and fisherman who taught became a Shriner in 1944 at the El Mina Chi Omega; bragging on her grandchildren his family that “if you shoot it or catch it, Shrine in Galveston. Lee is predeceased by and being the “life of every party.” She was you clean it and eat it.” He was an exemplary his parents; two brothers, W.P. Sexton, Jr. and particularly fond of the Sunday Night Supper father to his two boys and actively devoted John Graham Sexton. He leaves to cherish his Club and all of its regulars over more than his time to their activities and upbringing. memory his devoted wife of 73 years, Lillian, 20 years. Always playful and fun, she will Phil loved playing golf and snow skiing, but and their two sons, David and wife, Karen be greatly missed. Survivors include Nancy his life’s passion was flying and he continued Sexton and Dr. Alan and wife, Jan Sexton all Huston of Houston, Kathleen Huston of to fly until he was 80 years old. The many, of Houston. Also surviving are grandchil- College Station, George Huston of Austin, many family trips to exciting places will be dren, Jason and Alice Sexton, Adam Sexton, and four grandsons: Colin and Corey Liter remembered and cherished by his family William Sexton, Laura Sexton, Stefani and and Matthew and Zachary Rider.

2014 Newsletter 95 Lee Middleton person his entire short life. He held himself leader and was a lifetime member of the Hooper Walker to exceptionally high standards. He enjoyed Parent Teacher Association. travel and visited Yosemite, Yellowstone, She was a board member for the Robert L Muir Woods, New Zealand, France, Scot- Moore Community Center and made dyeing land, England, Durango, Jackson Hole and Easter eggs for the children a family tradition Washington D.C., among many other places. as well as organizing children’s activities His most favorite place, though, was hiking and other services. Shirley was a charter through the woods and mountains and he member of the Key Study Club. She was also preferred simplicity. He is survived by his an importantmember of Bill’s dental office parents, Mark Callis Walker, UT Jackson team, helping with accounting and other School alum, B.A. ’81, and UT Law ’85 and administrative functions. She was president Kathleen Campbell Walker, UT Law ’85, and of the Auxiliary to the Nueces Valley District his grandparents, Barbara Callis Walker and Dental Society and served on the board and Arland R. Walker, all of El Paso. He was the various offices and committees for the Auxil- only child of Mark and Kathleen. He was iary to the Texas Dental Association. Shirley cherished every day of his life and always was a Master Gardener and was quoted in a will be. A service in honor and celebration of Caller Times article saying: “Truly, I think Lee’s life was held on May 29, 2014, at First you are closer to God in a garden than any- Ruth Ann Tips (spouse of Craig Adams Presbyterian Church in El Paso. where else. Nature is what supports us, and Tips, B.S. ’48), beloved wife, mother and there is a new gift every day. A new flower, a grandmother passed away at home in Ban- Shirley W. Whiteside (B.S. ’52), born Dec. rainbow, a lizard, a frog, whatever.” dera on Nov. 11, 2013, surrounded by her 3, 1931, in San Angelo, Texas, passed away She loved going to schools and teaching family. She was born July 27, 1926, to Wil- peacefully in her home after a long battle children about plants, flowers and insects. liam and Evangeline Ratcliffe who preceded with breast cancer. She was preceded in death Her home garden is a beautiful wonder her in death. Ruth Ann was also preceded in death by her sister Edith Granger. She is by her parents Niles Baker Winter Sr. and enjoyed by monarch butterflies, lizards, hum- survived by her husband of 65 years, Craig Glenna (Allen) mingbirds and too many cats. She served Adams Tips; sons Jack Tips and William Winter and two as chair of the projects committee of the Ratcliffe Tips; granddaughter Lauren Tips- months earlier by Beautify Corpus Christi Association and this Smith; great grandchild Jaxon Tips-Smith; her beloved hus- led to the creation of the Xeriscape Coalition sister Evangeline Wilson; and numerous band of 62 years, board on which she also served. They worked nieces, nephews,and a host of dear friends. Wilfred Drennen across a number of organizations to create (Bill) Whiteside the Xeriscape Garden at the Corpus Christi

MEMORIALS Lee Middleton Hooper Walker, the joy Jr. She is survived Museum of Science and History. She received of his parents’ lives, passed away on May Shirley W. Whiteside by children Tom the Jefferson Volunteer Award for this effort. 22, 2014. Lee was born in El Paso, Texas, Whiteside (Judy), She and Bill were volunteers at the dental on Oct. 25, 1994. He loved the outdoors, Lee Ann Kreig (Ray) and Will White- clinic in Progresso, Mexico, helping to bring dogs, history, hiking, camping, fishing, side (Shannon) and brother Niles Winter dental and other care to the poor. Shirley hunting and learning. He enjoyed Alaska (Margot). Shirley attended the University of crossed the language barrier by bringing and volunteered with the Student Con- Texas at Austin, graduating in 1951 with a crafts to the children. servation Association to help care for our Bachelor of Science degree in Geology and She was also a member of First Friday, National Parks, including the Kenai Fjords was a member of the Delta Zeta sorority. But an organization of support for women with National Park. He was a scholar and an the real accomplishment at UT was meeting breast cancer. Shirley combined sweet- academic. He attended St. Clement’s and the love of her life, Bill, whom she first met ness, persuasion, tenacity and meticulous Coronado High School. At St. Clement’s, he dissecting a fetal pig in biology lab. They attention to detail to accomplish whatever received the Rector’s Award for the highest were married June 21, 1951, and moved to she set out to do. She loved people but most academic performance, but more dear to his Houston for Bill to attend dental school. especially her true love, Bill. Bill had numer- heart was the Outdoor Program awards he After Bill graduated from dental school ous serious health issues as did she, and both received every year. He was one of the top and four years in the army at Fort Hood, lived to take care of the other. She was not 10 graduates from Coronado High School the family moved to Corpus Christi in 1958. afraid of dying and looked forward to seeing and competed in debate. He completed his Shirley and Bill were very active members Bill and Jesus, in that order. freshman year in 2014 at the University of of the First United Methodist Church Texas in Austin, where he was in the Plan II from their arrival in Corpus onwards and Wilfred D. Whiteside (spouse of Shirley Honors Program and in the Jackson School cherished the church and their many friends Whiteside, B.S. ’52), age 82, passed away of Geosciences on scholarship. there. Shirley got involved in all things on May 26, 2014. Bill was born in Houston, Lee was a leader and a kind, polite, related to her children including becoming Texas, to Wilfred Drennen Whiteside, Sr. honorable, respectful and compassionate a Cub Scout den mother and a Girl Scout and Tommye (Bell) Whiteside on Oct. 16,

96 Jackson School of Geosciences 1931. He grew up in Timpson, Texas. He and children Tom (Judy), Lee Ann Kreig she loved “getting them to see the light.” At began his pre-dental studies at the Univer- (Ray), and Will (Shannon). In keeping with home and in the community, she was known sity of Texas at Austin where he met the love his dedication to others, his body has been for putting others’ needs first. of his life, Shirley Lee Winter, in a biology donated to the University of Texas Health Millie outlived three husbands—Walter class. Nothing like dissecting a fetal pig to- Science Center at Houston. At a future date, McGonagill, James Rucker, and Carl Wil- gether to spark a lifelong romance! Bill and his ashes will be buried at Woodlawn Cem- liams. She is survived by three sons—Grady Shirley married June 21, 1952. Bill attended etery in Timpson, Texas. Bill’s life was one of McGonagill (Lanng Tamura) of Brookline, dental school in Houston, graduating at the service, love, laughter and joy. Massachusetts; Richard Rucker (Marianne) top of his class in 1954. He then served four of Pflugerville, Texas; and Dan Rucker of San years in the Army Dental Corp at Ft. Hood. Mildred A. Williams (spouse of the late Marcos—and one daughter, Margy McG- They moved to Corpus Christi and opened James Howard Rucker, B.A. ’48) died of onagill (Garry Bryant) of Tucson, Arizona. a dental practice in 1958 after falling in love natural causes on September 28, 2013, in Millie was very proud of her grandchildren, with the “Sparkling City by the Sea” while Tucson, Arizona. Known as “Millie” to her Evan McGonagill and Aurora, Alvie and Max on vacation. They soon joined the First friends and family, she was born on July 28, Rucker, and her many nieces and nephews United Methodist Church, the source of 1921, in Whitehouse, Texas, to Grady and whom all looked up to her. great life enrichment and many friendships. Jo Robinson Winston. Although the second Bill combined a talent for attracting and oldest of five children, she outlived her Leonard M. Young (Ph.D. ’68) was born building a top-tier staff with a dedication to siblings. Millie grew up in Robstown, Texas; Oct. 20, 1935 in Dallas, Texas, and passed excellence and downright fun, establishing her father was a farmer and her mother was a away May 3, 1914. Leonard graduated from one of the most successful dental practices in teacher and both were strong role models for Woodrow Wilson High School, Dallas; Rice Corpus Christi. He had a passion for preven- their daughter. When she was 34 she earned University, Houston, B.A. Geology; Universi- tive dentistry. His goal was that his patients a degree in education at the University of ty of Oklahoma, Norman, M.S. Geology; The would take such good care of their smiles Texas at Austin in only three years, while University of Texas at Austin; and Ph.D. Ge- that they would put him out of business. Bill working full time as a single parent. She then ology. Young served three years at U.S. Corps MEMORIALS was instrumental in establishing the Dental taught English, Geography, and Texas His- of Engineers Research and Development Assisting and Dental Hygiene Programs at tory at Baker Junior High in Austin, where Labs, Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. He was a Professor Del Mar College. He served as president of she earned the Teacher of the Year Award in of Geology for 35 years at University of Loui- the Nueces Valley District Dental Society and 1959-1960. siana at Monroe. He was preceded in death as president for the Texas Academy of Dental While still teaching she obtained a master’s by his parents, L.E. and Vivian Cheek Young, Practice Administration. He was made a Life degree in counseling and found her true his brother David Young; sister-in-law Linda Fellow of the American College of Dentistry vocation as a counselor. Millie spent 20 years Sue Jones Anderson; father-in-law Luther in 1986. He served as a governor appointee in this role in the Austin Public Schools, as “Cig” Jones; mother-in-law LaVerne Knight. on the Texas State Board of Dental Exam- Director of Counseling at McCallum and He is survived by his wife, Mary Frances iners from 1990 to 1993. He received the Reagan High Schools. She had passion for Jones Young, beloved pet, Paris; sister, Mary Master Practitioner Alumni Award from the music, playing the piano at home as well as Black, brother-in-law, John L. Jones (Sharon); University of Texas Health Science Dental at church and Sunday school. Additionally, brother-in-law, Roy Anderson (Donna); Branch in 1998. Bill was honored with the loved to sew and in high school made all her nephews, Roy, “Hank” Anderson (Diane); Texas Dental Association Lifetime Service clothes and this continued throughout her Brian Anderson (Cheryl); Jeffery Anderson Award in 2009. life. At the drop of a hat, she would design (Brandi); Joby Jones (Lauren); Justin Jones Bill enjoyed a good story and reliably kept and sew outfits for everyone—dresses, shirts, (Audra); great nephews and nieces, Martin us laughing. He truly loved people and was pants and curtains or whatever was needed. Anderson, Hunter Anderson, Colt Ander- first and foremost a mentor in whatever role Certainly Millie was happiest when doing son, Kealea Sue Anderson, Brooke-Lynn he served—father, dentist, Sunday school something for someone else. Anderson, Breanna Anderson, Landon Jones, teacher or scout leader. He was very active She was a dedicated and active member Madison Jones. in Indian Guides, Cub Scouting, and the of the Methodist church, a member of Delta Boy Scouts of America. He became an Eagle Kappa Gamma, a volunteer at the Wesleyan The staff and members of the Jackson School of Scout in his youth and later received the Home, the Caring Place and earned the title Geosciences community would like to convey Order of the Arrow and the Boy Scout Silver of Stephen Minister (a lay minister) through our respects to the families of the following Beaver Award. He was a past president of the First United Methodist Church in alumni and friends: the YMCA and received their Distinguished Georgetown. She always had a deep interest Olusegun K. Agagu (M.A. ’75) Service Award. Bill led Boy Scouts on trips to in others, especially young people. At work, Cheryl H. Gucwa (wife of Paul Gucwa, M.A. Camp Karankawa, on canoeing expeditions she was dedicated to helping students achieve ’71, Ph.D. ’74) in Canada, to a national jamboree, and on to the best of their ability by directing them Jack A. O’Mara (B.S. ’54) hiking treks at Philmont Scout Ranch. to colleges and universities suited to their Edwin C. Robinson (B.S. ’50) Bill was preceded in death by his parents. interests. When asked what was most mean- Eva K. Worrel (spouse of the late Charles He is survived by his sister Barbara Ferguson, ingful, she said it was her students and that Worrel, Jr., B.S. ’51)

2014 Newsletter 97 Faculty & Staff Professor emeritus Edward Jonas passed away of gracious Southern living: in January 2014. In lieu of a memorial, which, an outhouse, eight fireplaces we offer this edited version of remarks written but no furnace, wood-burning by Leon Long on the occasion of Jonas’ retire- stove, butter churn, and an ment in 1988. antique piano. Professor Edward C. Jonas retired from It was a fascination with active teaching in the Department of Geolog- clay minerals that attracted ical Sciences in May 1988. His entire profes- Ed Jonas to the University of sional career as a geologist, thirty-four years, Illinois where he received his was accomplished in this one department. M.S. (1952) and Ph.D. (1954) Ed was one of the few UT-Austin geology in association with Ralph The late Edward Jonas, with wife Martha, was a professor at professors who was actually a native Texan. E. Grim, his major profes- UT-Austin for 34 years. He was born in San Antonio of parents sor. During part of this time whose roots went back to Germany and he worked for the Illinois State Geological which he has been twice elected to council France. Early experiences, neither sought nor Survey. Ed was an eager but very green, be- membership, and for six years was treasurer. expected, helped channel Ed’s career into its ginning graduate student when he traveled to Industry has also recognized and rewarded unique direction and style. Perhaps the most his first scientific meeting. There he met Pro- Ed’s expertise. He has been a long-standing important was his contact with one of his fessors Ellison, DeFord, Flawn, and Bell who consultant to companies that mine the raw grandfathers who was a diamond merchant. were to become his close associates. Profes- materials kaolinite and other clay products. Even if Ed’s love of minerals may not have sor DeFord characteristically launched into a Ed Jonas, like all geologists, is basically been genetic, his childhood discovery of discussion of entropy and Fourier synthesis, an adventure seeker. And what better way gemstones made a big impression on him. subjects that a clay mineralogist should know to have adventure than to travel to remote Years later he was to design and teach a very something about. But an experienced clay parts of the earth? Ed and Martha look back popular university course in gemstones. mineralogist and a young graduate student with nostalgia on his Fulbright-sponsored Ed did not start out as a geologist. His are not the same thing. Professor DeFord had 18 months in New Zealand. Other adven- B.S. degree in 1944 was in chemical engi- Ed absolutely terrified! tures don’t hold such fond memories. While neering from the Rice Institute in Houston Shortly after completing his Ph.D., Ed Ed was attending a Geological Congress in (now Rice University). The enthusiasm of was to have another scary experience. Upon Prague, the Soviets invaded the city. His trip one of his professors, an authority on the his arrival as an assistant professor at the to Iraq was cancelled when war erupted in subject of colloids, was influential in steer- University of Texas in 1954, he began to the Middle East. One can soon gain a reputa-

MEMORIALS ing Ed toward his eventual specialty, the teach the introductory course in physical tion as a harbinger of bad fortune this way, study of clay minerals. But first there was geology. When one who has had no teaching and Ed has kept a petition from 1968, signed a stint of active duty in the Navy during experience is suddenly thrust into an audito- by 48 members of the Department, asking the later war years. Ed left the Navy as an rium facing 250 students, that is an exercise him please to stay home next time! ensign in 1946, lectured in physics briefly in terror. Ed introduced courses in crystal One of Ed’s chief pleasures has been his at the University of Houston, and found a chemistry, x-ray diffraction and fluorescence many years or contributing to the general job as chemist for the Shell Oil Company analysis, mineralogy of shales, and gem- welfare of the Department. After Steve Cla- where a good friend and mentor was doing stones. In a department with many students baugh retired, Ed continued to upgrade the research on clay minerals. Despite such but no surplus of professors, he eventually Barron Collection by negotiations that added close encounters with earth science, in the taught nearly every required course in the to it many valuable gems and gem quality timescale of Ed Jonas these were all events B.S. curriculum. minerals. He was the graduate advisor for in the Pregeological Era. Ed Jonas was an expert in the crystal an amazing 11 years, at a critical time of About this time, Ed married Martha Sulli- chemistry of clay minerals. His publications growth and development of the Department’s van. After a glorious (Ed’s emphasis) summer addressed such subjects as the post-deposi- graduate program. Ed was especially fond of of honeymooning in Europe, they settled tional alteration of clay minerals, which led working with the undergraduates. He spon- down to a long, stable family life and had to interpretations of how and why the clay sored the Undergraduate Student Geologi- three children. Ed and Martha were an ex- minerals in recent and ancient sedimentary cal Society (our local version of USGS) for traordinary couple who put much effort into rocks are different. His research focused on 12 years, during which period he led many filling their home with charm and beauty. In both the theoretical and applied aspects of mineral-collecting field trips to Mexico and 1967 they trucked a dilapidated old house the subject. He has studied the bentonites of elsewhere. Students loved the enthusiasm he in pieces out to Manchaca, south of Austin, Texas and South Texas uranium ore deposits. showed as he introduced them to the myster- and went on to spend years restoring it to be He was the Department’s first recipient of ies of geology and of gemstones. like an authentic Texas farmstead of the last an NSF research grant. He was a charter Professor Jonas, you served us long and well. century. Their home contains the amenities member of the Clay Minerals Society, in We are grateful, and we thank you!

98 Jackson School of Geosciences 2014 JACKSON SCHOOL OF GEOSCIENCES CONTRIBUTION FORM

The support of many drives the success of the Jackson School. You may make your donation by completing and returning this Your contributions can touch the lives of students, further our form with your gift in the envelope provided. If your employer research mission and help us realize our vision of becoming the pre- matches charitable gifts, please obtain the form from your human eminent geoscience program in the country. resources department and enclose it with your contribution. Donors Contributions are tax-deductible and may be mailed to the Devel- of $10,000 or more (including cumulative matching gifts) are rec- opment Office, Jackson School of Geosciences, 2225 Speedway, Stop ognized as members of the Hill Society. Our goal is to raise JSG C1160, Austin, Texas 78712-1692. Please make checks payable to alumni-giving participation to 15 percent, so every gift counts. the University of Texas at Austin. Stocks and bonds may also be Whether or not you send a contribution, please use the back of assigned to the University of Texas at Austin. For your convenience, this form to submit alumni news for the next Newsletter. Please stay a postage-paid envelope is inserted with this edition of the Newsletter. in touch! MEMORIALS Contributor Information Contribution Options

Name m Check or money order enclosed. Please make checks payable to the University of Texas at Austin. Address Check # Check amount $

City State ZIP Code Please charge my credit card: m Visa m MasterCard m American Express m Discover Country $______one-time charge OR If we have questions, how may we contact you? Deduct $_____ per month until ______OR until further notice Credit card # Phone ( ) Expiration date Fax ( ) Name on card Email Authorized signature

Contribution Opportunities

$______Friends of Student Field Experiences Endowment

$______GeoFORCE Texas

$______Friends of the Jackson School

$______Please designate my gift to an area about which I feel strongly (specify): ______

2014 Newsletter 99 2014 JACKSON SCHOOL OF GEOSCIENCES ALUMNI NEWS UPDATE SUBMISSION FORM All personal and work information submitted is confidential and All alumni, former researchers, faculty and staff affiliated with JSG will not be shared outside of the University of Texas at Austin. All and its research units are encouraged to submit. If you are not receiv- fields are optional but we appreciate your effort to help us keep your ing the Newsletter in the mail, this form will ensure you receive future information accurate and current. copies.

Personal Information

Name

Mailing Address City State ZIP

Country Home Phone ( ) Email

Work Information Class Notes for the 2015 Newsletter

Company Attach a separate sheet or use the online form at www.jsg.utexas.edu/ alumni for longer entries. Title

MEMORIALS Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City State ZIP

Country Work Phone ( )

Preferred Mailing Address: m Home m Work m Please do not send me mail Preferred Email Address: Check if you would like more information on: m Home m Work m Please do not send me email m Alumni events in your area or at upcoming geoscience meetings Print Preferred Email Address in Alumni News? m Mentoring and recruiting students m Yes m No m K-12 outreach programs Research Unit Experience: m Continuing education and learning programs m BEG m UTIG m Other Additional Details on UT-Austin or JSG Experience: m Endowments and other support opportunities

Or submit news and updates at www.jsg.utexas.edu/alumni

100 Jackson School of Geosciences