The Professional Geologist Jan.Feb.Mar 2016

Volume 53, Number 1 The Professional Geologist Jan.Feb.Mar 2016

TPG

Volume 53 Number 1 Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 Inside This Student Issue

DEPARTMENTS FEATURES 6 Students in Action INTRAW Project Michael Lawless, CPG-09224 3 25/26 Student Chapters Field Camp in Ireland-International Studies 27 Editor’s Corner Jessica Davey, SA-4424 4

28 Test Your Knowledge The Best Geologist is the One Who Has Seen the Most Rocks Allison Richards, SA-5323 5 29 President’s Message Sailing the Seven C’s of Loss Prevention 30 Test Your Knowledge Answers Lawrence C. Weber, CPG-7120 8

31 Professional Ethics and Practices Undergraduate Education Beyond the Classes: The Importance of Research Experience 34 In Memory Brittany Kime, SA-3259 9 Your Senior Year Starts When You Enter College 35 Hydrothink Diane Burns, MEM-2471 10 35 Membership Totals Do You Have a Mentor? William J. Elliott, CPG-04194 12 36 Educator’s Page The Silver Market in 2014 40 Letter to the Editor Jim Burnell, CPG-11609 12

41 Student’s Voice The Success of Your Project Determines Your Future Oludamilola Alalade 13 42 Student’s Voice Two-and Three-Dimensional Finite Element Groundwater 43 Letter to the Editor Flow Models with Isothermal Freezing and Thawing H.D. McInvale, T.V. Hromadka II, M. Phillips, and B. Landry 14 44 Professional Services Directory Predicting Thaw Degradation in Algid Climates along Highway 46 Online Courses Embankments using a Boundary Element Method A.N. Johnson, T.V. Hromadka II, M. Phillips, and J. Williams 16 Development of a Multifunction Best Fit Computer Program to Model Sediment Transport Data in Rivers Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness located in San Juan T.V. Hromadka II, A.N. Johnson and M. Phillips, 18 County, New Mexico. The Wilderness lies in the southwest portion of the San Juan Basin and Field Trip in Fort McMurray, Alberta: McMurray Formation consists of sandstones, mudstones, shales, and Reservoir Analysis coal of the Upper Cretaceous Fruitland Formation Zexuan Wang, SA-6959 20 and Kirtland Shale. Photo by Richard Renn, CPG- 06229. m

AIPG National Executive Committee PRESIDENT -Helen V. Hickman CPG, FEATURES Aquatech GeoScienece, Inc. O: (561) 307-2369, Florida Section [email protected] Environmental Due Diligence and the Power of Online Research Patricia Feeley, CPG-11020 38 PRESIDENT-ELECT - Adam W. Heft CPG, WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff, Inc. O: (517) 886-7400, Michigan Section Google Earth from a Student Perspective [email protected] Alex Waheed 39 PAST PRESIDENT- J. Foster Sawyer, CPG, SD School of Mines and Technology AGI News O: (605) 394-2462, South Dakota Section Maureen Moses 43 [email protected] VICE PRESIDENT - David G. Pyles, CPG, American Ground Water Trust KPRG and Associates, Inc. 2015 Colorado Groundwater Issues Meeting O: (630) 325-1300, Illinois/Indiana Section [email protected] David M. Abbott, Jr., CPG-4570 47

SECRETARY - Keri A. Nutter, CPG, DOWL Field Trips Connect Geology Professionals with Students O: (907) 562-2000, Alaska Section Kayla Hama, SA-6429, Randall Mickle, SA-3171, [email protected] Paul Downing, SA-4239 and Stacey A. Hundley, MEM-2546 48 TREASURER - R. Douglas Bartlett, CPG, O: (480) 659-7131, Arizona Section Preparing Geology Students for Careers in the [email protected] “New” Energy Industry EDITOR - Jean M. Neubeck, CPG, Todd A. Dallegge and William H. Hoyt, CPG-7015 50 O: (518) 348-6995, Northeast Section [email protected] Mines Research Reveals New Findings on One of the Earliest ADVISORY BOARD REPRESENTATIVES Jeffrey J. Frederick, CPG, Iguanodont Dinosuars of North America 53 Louis Berger Group O: (914) 798-3762, Northeast Section [email protected] Kevin L. Gooding CPG, Oceanit O: (808) 382-3853, Hawaii Section [email protected] Donald K. Lumm, CPG, ECSI H: (859) 272-7188, Kentucky Section [email protected] Shanna A. Schmitt, CPG, MN Pollution Control Agency O: (651) 757-2697, Minnesota Section [email protected]

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 12000 Washington St., Suite 285 AIPG Publication Policy, October 4, 2010. AIPG encourages submission of articles and editorials for publication in TPG on Thornton, CO 80241 topics related to the science and profession of geology. Submittals shall be of interest to the members of AIPG, other professional geologists, and others interested in the earth sciences. Articles and editorials may be noted as follows at the discretion of the 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM MDT; M-F Editor, “The opinions, positions and conclusions presented herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opin- (303) 412-6205 • Fax (303) 253-9220 ions, positions or conclusions of the American Institute of Professional Geologists.” All materials submitted for publication, includ- [email protected] • www.aipg.org ing author opinions contained therein, shall include accurate and appropriate references. The Editor has the authority to solicit, edit, accept, or reject articles and editorials and other written material for publication. The Executive Committee has the authority EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - William J. Siok, CPG - [email protected] if it so chooses to act on any particular case to support or overrule actions of the Editor regarding the solicitation, editing, accep- ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - Wendy J. Davidson - [email protected] tance, or rejection of any particular article, editorial, or other written material for publication. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES MGR - Cathy L. Duran - [email protected] MEMBERSHIP SERVICES MGR - Vickie L. Hill - [email protected] OFFICE ASSISTANT - Cristie J. Valero - [email protected] American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) is the only national organization that certifies the ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT - Dorothy K. Combs - [email protected] competence and ethical conduct of geological scientists in all branches of the science. It adheres ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT - Ramona J. Scott - [email protected] to the principles of professional responsibility and public service, and is the ombudsman for LIFE AND SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE the geological profession. It was founded in 1963 to promote the profession of geology GeoCare Benefits Insurance Plan and to provide certification for geologists to establish a standard of excellence for the Phone: 800-337-3140 or 602-870-4121 profession. Since then, more than 10,000 individuals have demonstrated their commitment http://www.geocarebenefits.com/ to the highest levels of competence and ethical conduct and been certified by AIPG. E-mail: [email protected] The mission of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) is to be an effective AUTO AND HOME INSURANCE advocate for the profession of geology and to serve its members through activities and Liberty Mutual programs that support continuing professional development and promote high standards of Phone: (800) 524-9400-Client #111397 ethical conduct. http://www.libertymutual.com/aipg PROFESSIONAL & GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE The Professional Geologist (USPS 590-810 and ISSN 0279-0521) is published quarterly by the American Institute of Professional The Wright Group Geologists,12000 Washington St., Suite 285, Thornton, CO 80241-3134. Periodicals Postage Paid at Denver, Colorado and additional Phone (800) 322-9773 (303) 863-7788 mailing offices. http://www.thewrightgroupinc.com POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Professional Geologist, AIPG, 12000 Washington St., Suite 285, Thornton, CO 80241 Subscriptions for all Members and Adjuncts in good standing are included in annual membership dues. Subscription prices are ALAMO RENTAL CAR - $20.00 a year for Members’ additional subscriptions and $30.00 a year for non-members for 4 issues (for postage outside of the U.S. (800) 354-2322 - Member #BY-706768 add $10.00). Single copy price is $5.00 for Members and $8.00 for non-members. Claims for nonreceipt or for damaged copies are honored for three months. AVIS RENTAL CAR - Entire contents copyright 2016 by The Professional Geologist. Original material may be reprinted with permission. Deadline for articles (800) 698-5685 - Member AWD #T003300 and advertisements is six weeks preceding publication. Advertising rates available upon request. Opinions and views expressed by the UPS Savings Program authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the American Institute of Professional Geologists, its staff, or its advertisers. www.aipg.org or www.savewithups.com/aipg Printed in U.S.A. by Modern Litho-Print Company in Jefferson City, Missouri. Use promo code WES462 For AIPG news and activities go to www.aipg.org. INTRAW Project – Bled, Slovenia

Michael Lawless, CPG-09224

In September, I participated in a workshop in Bled, Slovenia, as a representative of AIPG. The workshop included approximately 45 geoscientists from nearly 20 countries. This workshop was the first step in a project which will evaluate ways to foster international cooperation on raw materials management and mining. The project is being coordinated by the European Federation of Geologists and is funded in part by the European Union. The project, known as INTRAW, is evaluating best practices with regard to mining and raw materials development including policies and strategies; educational and skills programs; licensing and permitting; regulation and data reporting; exploration, extraction, processing and recycling practices; management and substitution of critical raw materials; and research and innovation (see INTRAW press release on p. 7). Like all meetings of geologists this one included a field trip. We visited Skocjan caves in the karst region of western Slovenia, near the border of Italy, where the study of karst geology began. The scale and scenery below ground were spectacular. The field trip was followed by a traditional Slovenian dinner at a nearby restaurant complete with homemade gin. The meeting was a great opportunity to work with colleagues from around the world over a period of three days and participate in discussions about their experiences with raw material management and development. There were many similar experiences where socio-cultural and environmental concerns are driving policies regarding raw material development despite the fact that we rely on those materials to maintain our standard of living. As geologists we are all familiar with these issues throughout the US. In particular, we have been dealing with these issues recently in Virginia with the potential for uranium mining, as well as three new natural gas pipelines planned across the state. Those issues will be amplified in the future as populations grow, the second and third world countries continue to develop, and competition for resources increases. Somewhere along the line this increased competition will create opportunities for geologists. AIPG has a key role in this project particularly with regard to our focus on professionalism, certification and licensure, and ethics. The Geological Survey of Slovenia and the European Federation of Geologists hosted a first-class meeting and I Above photos are in the Skocjan Caves. am looking forward to continuing involvement in the project.

Photo to hte left, Lake Bled, Slovenia.

www.aipg.org Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 • TPG 3 Field Camp in Ireland- International Studies

Jessica Davey, SA-4424

This past June, I attended the Burren Geology Field School Figrue. Cliffs of along with two of my fellow classmates from Metropolitan Moher State University of Denver. The Burren Geology Field School is run through the Caherconnell Stone Fort, a world-class archaeological site, and is led by instructors from the National University of Ireland-Galway along with local geologists. The field course focused on the Burren Region of Ireland, which makes up most of County Clare in the southwestern region of the country. Our class included six people from the United States and one from Newfoundland. For the duration of the course, we lived in a hostel in the very quaint village of Kilfenora and were able to enjoy the local culture. From Kilfenora, we set out each day for lecture and fieldwork. I was entirely in awe of the geological history and of what is now exposed in Ireland. The Burren is primarily Carboniferous in age; along with the shales and limestones predominant in the landscape, there were incredible effects of past glaciation and evidence of Moher represent the Tullig and Kilkee Cyclothems, which of dynamic hydrogeology. have been tied to Milankovitch cycles using Goniatites and ash During the two and a half week course we were immersed in beds. Four completely exposed cyclothems lined with caves and the study of turbidity currents, cyclothems, karst topography, sea stacks are visible above the Atlantic in this view. turloughs and cave systems, paleontology, and glacial and Day 14 was another amazingly beautiful day (we were so coastal erosion; there was so much to see and learn about in lucky to have sunny weather during our time in Ireland). the Burren. Here are a few highlights from the course: The day was spent studying at the Burren National Park in Day 5 started out as a drizzly morning; our first stop of the Mullaghmore. One of the tasks for the course was to create a day was the Bridges of Ross area. The Ross Sandstone consists walking guide for this breathtaking park. This photo is look- of turbidites that are beautifully exposed as an antiform in ing to the northeast from the highest point within the park this photo. These turbidites are alternating layers of sandy of terraced limestones that make up the Ailwee Formation, mudstone and muddy sandstone and contain areas of rip-up which hosts many of the underground cave networks through- clasts, slumps, load casts, sand volcanoes, and tool marks. out the region.

Figure 3. Mullaghmore

The Burren Geology Field School was an incredible experience. Coming from Colorado, the geology of Ireland was unlike anything I had experienced before. Being tested in a foreign Figure 1. Bridges of Ross country, with geology completely different from what I had grown accustomed to studying, and applying the skills I have learned during my undergraduate experience allowed me to Day 8 was such a beautiful sunny day, rare for Ireland. expand my geological field skills. I also came away feeling Our fieldwork ended at the Cliffs of Moher (or better known much more confident in my understanding of geological set- as the Cliffs of Insanity for us Princess Bride Fans). The Cliffs tings and processes.

4 TPG • Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 www.aipg.org “The Best Geologist is the One Who Has Seen the Most Rocks”1

Allison Richards, SA-5323

As I edge closer to graduation, I find myself dwelling on the Driving through the park, we were in awe as the enormous experiences that I had while earning my bachelor’s degree. stratovolcano emerged from the clouds. Every site was stun- Without a doubt, taking the ideas I learned in the classroom ning. Our next stop was Mount Saint Helens, where we saw the and applying them to the field proved to be invaluable to mass destruction caused by the 1980 eruption. The immensity enhancing my understanding of geology. These adventures of the eruption’s effects can be seen across the landscape and ranged from short jaunts to Wyoming to longer courses that cannot be understood merely by descriptions in the classroom. spanned the Western U.S. Miles from the eruption site, large amounts of pumice can be One of the most influential trips was the Volcanology class found effortlessly. Spirit Lake, just north of the volcano, still I took in August of 2013. Before the three week excursion, holds copious amount of floating logs that were torn down like we had classroom lectures to learn about volcanology before twigs from the pyroclastic flows. seeing it in the field. Dr. Uwe Kackstaetter, MEM-2437, (Metropolitan State University of Denver) took us across the northwestern United States, packing in as many volcanic landscapes as possible. The first major stop was majestic Yellowstone National Park, where we saw a rainbow of algae in the hot springs, geysers erupting, and bubbling mud pots. We followed the track of the Yellowstone hotspot to Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho. This seldom-visited treasure was a welcome relief after the Yellowstone crowds. We set off to Figure 3. Mount Saint Helens from Harmony Falls, Spirit discover the seemingly alien land- Lake Trail. scape. The vast lava fields seemed to go on forever, showing the complete destruction the flood basalts One of the most spectacular stops on this journey was Crater caused to the surrounding grass- Lake National Park in Oregon. Mount Mazama’s collapsed cal- lands. Entering lava tubes, just dera forms the setting of the deepest lake in the United States. feet a few from stifling heat, the This lake, with no inlet or outlet, is unbelievably clear; the temperature dropped so dramati- striking blue color makes the lake look surreal. Surrounding cally we found ice crystals. After the lake are fossilized fumaroles, called Pinnacles, left behind leaving Craters of the Moon, as erosion removed the unconsolidated pumice and ash. Before Figure 1, Mammoth Hot we headed northwest to start Springs Travertine Terraces. seeing the spires, I had never imagined this was possible. our journey along the Cascade Range, entering Mount Rainier Figure 4. In front National Park. of Crater Lake and Wizard Island cin- der cone.

After days of driving across 8 states and camp- ing each night I was ready for more adventure, but undeniably in need of a shower. This geologic excursion was one of the most eye opening experiences I had throughout college. While in the field, we learned more Figure 2. Mount Rainier from Sunrise Trail. than we ever could have if we remained in the classroom. We will remember the journey forever.

1. Herbert Harold Read, 1940 www.aipg.org Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 • TPG 5 students in action

AIPG Wisconsin Section Sponsored a Riveredge Student Research Symposium, “Connections in Nature” on Saturday, November 14, 2015. Eighty-two (82) undergraduate/ graduate students and their professors gathered at Riveredge Nature Center, Newburg Wisconsin to present and discuss their research in ecology, environmental science, and natural systems. A poster presentation titled “Holocene Records of Driftless Area Wildfire and Vegetation”, which was authored by Kendell R. Welch, Cody J Carmody, Amanda M. Carpenter, Giselle Sponsor Chris Lilek CPG-10195 congratulated the new AIPG Student Chapter at the Varrientos, Philip T. Schultz, and University of Wisconsin, Whitewater (UWW). Standing next to Chris are (left to right) Christopher A. Underwood (Tree-Ring, Student Chapter President Laura Dykstra, SA-6404,Secretary/Treasurer Melanie Sorman, Earth, and Environmental Sciences SA-6398, Social Media Coordinator Greg Guenther, SA-6413, and Professor Advisor/ (TREE), University of Platteville) dem- Sponsor Rex Hanger. Vice President Tessa Snell, SA-6401is not shown. onstrated that macroscopic charcoal fragments can provide information on regional ecotonal dynamism between tallgrass prairie and eastern deciduous forest biomass. Wisconsin Section of AIPG provided monetary assistance and two judges, Christine Lilek, CPG-10195 and Thomas Kettinger, CPG-11737, for the event. An AIPG table and display banner was popular with the students; the AIPG pens and chocolate bars flew off the table!

Attending their inaugural meeting in October, Chris presented the UWW Chapter with the AIPG poster, Student Chapter certificate, and seed checks totaling $200 from National AIPG and the Wisconsin Section.

One of the approximately 15 geology students in attendance shows his approval with an enthusi- Thomas Kettinger, CPG-11737, left, explains astic “thumbs up!” AIPG Member Benefits to Symposium Attendees.

6 TPG • Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 www.aipg.org www.aipg.org Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 • TPG 7 Sailing the Seven C’s of Loss Prevention

Lawrence C. Weber, CPG-7120

Earning money as a professional geol- smart to run credit reports and dig a little ity. Consequently, it is very important ogist is a great accomplishment, but it into their history. Are they frequently to know who to communicate with and is only part of the requirement for being involved in legal battles? Do they change what types of information are important successful. You have to be able to keep consultants for every project? Do they to each party. Remember that clients do your money and defend yourself against operate using multiple corporate identi- not like surprises and that bad news does those who might want to take it from ties? Can they offer suitable references not get better with age. Being open and you. Of course, we are talking about the or provide evidence of being a reputable timely in delivering a message, whether possibility of law suits and lawyer fees business? Do they ask for the moon? good or bad, is your best chance of build- and all those expensive, time consum- Being smart about who you work for ing confidence and trust. ing aspects of getting sued. For those helps to avoid those expensive hassles working as consultants, either indepen- that seem to follow the big dreamers with Collection dently or as an employee within a large little cash, the ego driven know-it-alls, When you work hard at satisfying a corporation, knowing and avoiding com- and the common shysters. client by delivering a service or project mon pitfalls that could cost large sums on time and within budget, you deserve in legal defense or claims are critically Contract the same consideration by being paid important. Many who have worked in Your most substantive tool for loss as specified in your agreement. Also, the design professions or larger consult- prevention is a complete and fair con- you should work only for those clients ing companies are well acquainted with tract. This document (something more who genuinely want to pay you for your the concepts of loss prevention. Others than a verbal understanding) governs service. If a client has a mindset that who may venture out on their own as how you and your client must work says “maybe I can get away without consultants or who work within smaller together to avoid breaches of responsibil- paying,” you really should not work for organizations focused on the science and ity. It defines the minimum expectations that entity. Of course, even a good client technology aspects of a business may and prescribes remedies for shortcom- can misplace an invoice, or overlook a be less aware of the importance of loss ings. In a legal contest, it is your primary payment date. Their business practices prevention as a means of safeguarding defense to protect against unfounded may not be as good as they ought to be, yourself or your company from unfortu- claims and your best offense in demand- or the financial aspects of their business nate legal battles. As an introduction, ing what is rightfully owed you. A good may be left to office personnel with less or as a reminder to those already well contract is an essential element in pro- interest in keeping accounts current. versed in loss prevention techniques, tecting your interests. Therefore, it is your responsibility to this article reviews my seven C’s of loss keep the financial aspects of your client prevention. Communication relationships on firm footing. Do not be reluctant to ask for payment when it is Poor communication is responsible Correctness due. Clients often need to pay promptly for most of the disagreements in the The most obvious aspect of avoiding to keep their own accounting in order. work place. It should be routine for claims and losses is to do your work with- Remember, a client who owes you money consultants, owners, project managers, out error or omission. While perfection may be less inclined to call you when contractors, and designers to talk and is an unrealistic goal and should not be additional services are needed. So mov- communicate frequently regarding their expected by either you or your client, the ing your client off your accounts receiv- common endeavors. But too frequently, pursuit of perfections is admirable and able list as quickly as possible keeps that important communication is lacking. clients have the right to expect a profes- relationship healthy and avoids your There seems to be two kinds of people: sional to provide error-free work. The unintended role as a banker for your those who want to know more but goal is to execute to completion without client’s projects. have less need of knowing, and those error. However, even when you have who need to know more but are satis- done so, others may not recognize it as fied with knowing less. Either can get Courtesy such. Consequently, it is important to not you into trouble. If an error is made, It is good not to offend. The rule of rely solely upon your excellent service to usually knowing more and choosing to conduct in civil society, and in manag- avoid a dispute. ignore unimportant information is pref- ing projects and people, should be to erable to knowing less. So it would seem avoid injury to others. In this regard, Client Selection that over communicating with everyone the concept of injury will extend to Basically, don’t work for a jerk. would be safe, but that is not necessarily embarrassments, insults, belittlements, Sometimes the true character of a cli- true. There are times when others may and presumptions. A degree of sensitiv- ent is hard to determine, but for those want to, or need to, guard information ity and awareness to common courtesy potential clients who are unknown, it is and you have to respect confidential- helps avoid personality conflicts that

8 TPG • Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 www.aipg.org Sailing the Seven C’s of loss prevention could erupt into larger concerns affecting a project or a client expressed it by saying “If you can keep your head when all in a negative way. Being likeable and courteous could help off- about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you, if you can set disagreements and quick temperaments that push people trust yourself when all men doubt you, but make allowance apart and set the stage for claims. for their doubting too ... ” When balanced with courtesy and respectful consideration of others, there is no mistaking con- Confidence fidence for arrogance. A consultant with confidence, properly expressed, will win the confidence of the client and reduce the Do not confuse courtesy with weakness. It is good to be chances of disagreement. strong and confident in rendering your service. Clients want the peace of mind that comes from confident consultants who Remembering and practicing these Seven “C’s” will allow demonstrate that they know what they are talking about and you to enjoy your career with improved business relationships who express decisive, consistent behavior. This is not to say and less fear of liability. that you must always have the right answer immediately at your fingertips. Confidence is more about how the message is Larry Weber is an Engineering Geologist with over 40 years delivered than what the message contains. A good consultant of professional experience as a consultant within small to knows when more information is needed and when other large corporations in the U.S. He is currently a semi-retired opinions should be sought. Rudyard Kipling in his poem “If” Principal Geologist with TTL, Inc. in Nashville, TN. He is licensed in several states and is a past president of AIPG.

Brittany Kime, SA-3259

For those pursuing the geosciences to alert stakeholders and ensure that the as undergraduates, gaining experience issues are brought to attention. Should I Become a beyond the confining classroom walls Today, I am attempting to inspire CPG? and structured field trips should be man- and promote research through volun- datory. Undergraduate research can teering in elementary, middle, and high Have a you been thinking be the gateway for a student to pursue school classrooms and also interface about upgrading your mem- education beyond a Bachelors degree, with local students obtaining their bership to CPG? If the answer which makes Graduate school an excel- degrees. Those who are fortunate to gain lent route. For those anxious to imme- research experience before entering into is yes, What are your waiting diately enter the workforce, the passion a Master’s program or a career are bet- for? To find out if you have instilled through research provides an ter able to understand the commitment, the qualifications go to Article excellent foundation providing experi- time, effort, and equally, the rewards. 2.3.1 of the AIPG Bylaws. The ence both from the physical research Inspiring even one student today, can AIPG Bylaws can be found aspects and also in working with others change the world tomorrow. and a supervisor. For many, spending on the AIPG website or the the time conducting research can be key directory. to driving a passion for geology. Do you need an The CPG application can be Conducting research as an under- idea for a section found on the website under graduate gave me more opportunities ‘Membership’. Just follow the than I thought were possible. What talk, field trip, instructions. The basic paper- began as a class project for an envi- meeting? ronment course gave way to multiple work includes the application, conferences to present my findings pro- Have you read application fee, transcripts, fessionally, ranging from local oral pre- the AIPG section geological experience verifica- sentations to international travel. The tion and sponsors. results of the groundwater research I newsletters on the conducted directly affects the health AIPG website? If you have any questions, of an entire township and confirmed you may contact Vickie Hill, what many have attempted to overlook. •Resume Writing Workshop in Manager of Membership California Groundwater quality is an ever-growing Services at [email protected] or •Interview Workshop in issue, especially when directly used call headquarters at 303-412- throughout households (drinking water California contamination being the primary con- Great ways to help your 6205. www.aipg.org cern). Through my research I was able students.

www.aipg.org Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 • TPG 9 Your Senior Year Starts When You Enter College

Diane Burns, MEM-2471

All too often, students get to their these skills can be obtained, but joining professor is publishing, then the student senior year of college and are completely a Geology Club would make more sense should see how successful the professor flummoxed as to why they are not get- in this major. Joining an honors society, is in obtaining funding. While not a ting accepted into graduate school or like Sigma Gamma Epsilon, can be even deal-breaker, the better the professor is how they are not receiving job offers in more valuable – not only can the skills at getting money, the more money there their chosen field. The smart geology set be gained, but members who apply should be to facilitate research…and students (and usually that goes hand- for federal positions are usually given “perks.” When I was in graduate school, in-hand with a good advisor) begin their an automatic pay increase over other my advisor had very little money avail- journey towards graduation years in hires just because they have that hon- able. I still did a nice project, came up advance, when they first matriculate. ors society connection. On average, this with some findings that were relatively One of the first and foremost ways to can be an increase in a starting salary new and unique and obtained my degree. lay the groundwork for success is to hit of $10,000! That said, other students working under the ground running with coursework. I Then the specifics...getting into indus- an adviser who was very successful in do not mean by taking tons of geology try is a little less work than getting into getting grants were handed laptops as classes. I mean hit the books hard, get graduate school, at least as far as prelim- they entered the program – free and good grades and keep that GPA high. inary tasks are involved. Maintain your theirs! My field area was 10 miles away It is always easier to earn a good GPA GPA, hone those professional skills and from the university, and I drove there in and maintain it than to start low and earn the respect of your teachers so that my Mazda 323 with my two canine field try to improve it later. One way to help they can provide glowing recommenda- assistants after I was finished at school facilitate this is by getting a room on tions when the time comes. For someone for the day. Other students who worked campus, preferably in a dorm that is aca- interested in going on to graduate school, with advisers with money were shipped demically oriented if possible. Studies it becomes a little more complicated in to Scotland to do field work, sent aboard have shown that if students remain on the junior and senior years. A student the Deep Sea Drilling Project ships or campus instead of having off-campus interested in this path should first start flown to Africa to collect fossils. The point housing, they have – on average – a to work a research project into their is, more money means more freedom to grade point level higher GPA than non- schedule during their junior year. This do whatever research interests there are. resident students. project does not have to be in the sub- After identifying several schools that That is not to say “work, work, work” discipline that the student envisions as have professors with whom the students and not do anything else. Another sug- their career path, although that can be feel they can work, the students might gestion for paving the way to success beneficial. Mainly, students need to be want to send the current advisees of is getting involved in some campus able to demonstrate that they can handle the professor some emails and see what group(s). This not only gets the students a project from start to finish and take it their experiences have been. Prospective a break from studying, but it helps stu- to a convention to present their findings. students need to determine a best fit dents get and practice life skills that This in itself will set students in better for them, not pigeonhole themselves will be attractive to graduate schools positions than most others graduating into what is considered the best school/ and prospective employers. This does in their year. professor from others’ viewpoints. For not mean, however, simply attending The legwork to find the best gradu- example, if a student works really well group meetings and passively staying ate school possible, however, is often on her own, she may come to detest the in the shadows. The student should underestimated and started woefully too micro-managing adviser. If a student become involved – run for officer posi- late. Students should start researching really wants his hand held throughout tions, come up with activities for the graduate schools in their spring semes- the process, an adviser who only wants group to do, manage the logistics of ter of their junior year and into that to see results and does not have time to making the activities happen, handle summer. Look for graduate programs spend with him is going to be problem- the budget for the group, come up with in the field(s) that are interesting, find atic. A little soul searching and honest new ways to run the group more effec- the professors in that department who assessment of the student’s personality tively, efficiently and financially sound. perform that kind of research and review is going to go a long way in this area. All of these skills are invaluable and to their C.V.s. If they have not published Once prospective advisers have been be able to demonstrate that the student anything in the last five years, the identified (and this process should be has that experience makes the student student should probably pass on that completed by the end of summer/begin- much more marketable. The type of professor as an option – if the professor ning of senior fall semester), students group with which the student becomes is not publishing, they are probably not should then craft an email introducing associated is important as well. Joining current in their fields and will not be themselves to the professors and ask- a bowling league may be fun and some of extremely helpful to the student. If the ing if they will be taking on students

10 TPG • Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 www.aipg.org Your Senior Year starts when you enter college the coming fall semester. The students Ideally, students would take the exam well. While all things should go smoothly should be sure to mention something and have good scores completed by early with adequate preparation, it is always a about the professor’s research to show November. In order to achieve this, stu- good idea to have a backup plan should that the students know what the pro- dents should make time to study for the one of the first three references be unable gram involves and demonstrate interest. test. As the GRE generally tests logic to write a letter by the due date. It is imperative that the students have and skills, many students who disregard In addition to setting the gears in actually looked up a recent publication studying will end up with poorer scores motion to get employed or to get into from that professor and read it through – as a result. It is not so much studying graduate school is the need to get into a more publications would be better – and content for the test as practicing taking field camp if a student has not already actually have an interest in the work that the test. A solid month of diligent prac- attended one. A capstone experience for is being done. tice will positively affect the resulting many undergraduate geology degrees, Upon learning that the professor will grade. Students could simply take the field camps are becoming fewer in num- be taking on students in the coming year, exam several times, but with the fee ber and thus competition is increasing the prospective graduate student should for the test currently set at $160, that for getting accepted into a camp. These continue the conversation, sending the gets costly fast. There are many online are not inexpensive, so the lower cost professor additional information about practice tests and websites – using them ones fill up fast. It used to be that you the student’s work, research, interests is free. could wait until March and still find a and so forth. The student, however, Last, but not least in the discussion of great camp – now, a fair few are already should not be a pest and continually pep- graduate school, is approaching under- full by November, and it is almost per the professor with emails. If possible, graduate faculty to ask if they would be impossible to get into ANY camp after the student should arrange a visit to the willing to write letters of recommenda- February. The upshot is, along with all campus to meet the professor face-to- tion. This should be done in early Fall, the other tasks that need to be done in the face. A better suggestion is to go to the well before any application packets are fall of the students’ senior year, investi- Geological Society of America’s annual being put together so that the professors gating and getting into a field camp for convention, especially if the student have time to prepare thoughtful letters, the following summer is also necessary. has done research. This is a great venue know what to expect, and so that they All of these things can be accom- in which to present results as well as can plan accordingly. When students plished with time management and investigate graduate opportunities. This have finally decided on the universities forethought, especially if the student is is the main meeting to which graduate to which they will be applying, they aware that these things need to be done. schools go to recruit for students, and should make a list of the school, address, Good luck with your futures!! there are usually fifty or more graduate to whom letters should be directed, schools represented. Many times stu- whether the letters need to be sent Diane has degrees in geology as well dents attend GSA and find universities separately or with the application packet as English and fine arts, having profi- that had not even come into their radar and – most importantly – the due dates. ciency in rocks as well as watercolors and and end up getting great graduate posi- The sooner this list can be provided to the 17th century authors. Diane’s geological tions at these schools. students’ professors the better. Three interests range from investigations into Now that students have found pro- letters of recommendation typically are paleotectonism (Penn/Perm of the Rocky spective advisers and programs, the requested. Students should also ask a Mtn region), geomorphological evolution student needs to narrow the possible fourth professor if they would be willing (mid IL region) and outreach/education graduate schools down to about five – one to write a letter on the students’ behalf as “sure thing” – a good school that is almost 100% sure to accept the student with full funding; three universities that are great Geoscience Online fits and would be very positive for the stu- Learning Initiative dent, but the funding is not necessarily a given; and – finally – a long shot (in the (GOLI) - AGI/AIPG perspective of the reality of the student’s You, as an AIPG Member, are invited and encouraged to submit a pre- accomplishments, etc.). This would be a sentation to be given online for the Geoscience Online Learning Initiative university that the student really likes (GOLI). AGI and AIPG have teamed up to build a portfolio of online learning but does not think is possible. Again, this opportunities to help support the professional development of prospective and needs to be in context of the student’s early-career geoscientists as well as addressing topics of interest to the broader achievements. If the student has a GPA geoscience profession. GOLI courses support both synchronous and asynchro- of 3.1, performed poorly in physics and nous online learning, and count toward continuing education units (CEUs). calculus and never touched a research A $200 stipend and 10% share of registration fees are provided to the project, it is impossible to imagine that presenters (details on presenters guide). student being accepted into an astro- If you are interested please read the GOLI - AGI/AIPG Presenters Guide physics program at Brown University, and Guidelines and Suggestions for Webinar Presentations on the AIPG for example. Choosing Brown University National website (www.aipg.org). as that student’s long shot is just a waste of an application fee. AIPG, 303-412-6205 Along with these tasks, students need www.aipg.org to carefully time their taking of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). www.aipg.org Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 • TPG 11 Do You Have a Mentor?

William J. Elliott, CPG 04194

If you are reading this, you are prob- mentors – they taught you to look both Once you reach the working world, ably already enrolled in a college or ways before crossing the street, to eat a close business associate will likely be university. And, you’ve probably chosen your vegetables, and to say please and the most help. No matter what you do geology (or earth-science in today’s ver- thank you. Your sports coach taught you or where you go in life, having someone nacular) as a major. Great! Welcome to to keep your eye on the ball and to be a to talk with will make your journey one of the most exciting and satisfying graceful loser. These are all socializa- easier, more pleasant -- and likely more life-long professions on this planet. tions that will benefit you throughout profitable. Now, what lies ahead? Signing up your academic and professional life. for and getting into classes you need to A modified dictionary definition of Mr. Elliott graduated in 1966, from graduate, all-nighters, studying for mid- mentoring goes something like this: San Diego State University with an M.S. terms and finals, and finally ordering Mentoring is a process of informal degree in geology. After spending five the physical trappings of a graduating transmission of knowledge and psycho- years as an Exploration Geologist with senior. Done? Not quite. social support through a personal trust Standard Oil Company of California, he moved on to the world of Engineering Humans are social animals. We need relationship between a mentor and an Geology. Retirement wouldn’t come until more in our brains than just the stuff we apprentice or mentee. Effective mentor- forty-four years later. Following eight memorized to pass tough classes. Your ing includes face-to-face communica- years of experience with geotechnical diploma only tells prospective employers tion during a sustained period of time. firms in Southern California, he hung out that you have what it takes to see a job Through this process, the mentee is his shingle to begin a thirty-seven year or project through to completion. That able to absorb knowledge and wisdom career as an independent Consulting is, you started something and saw it from the mentor’s personal experience Engineering Geologist. Being on his own through to the end. You didn’t give-up or – information that is rarely available in was scary, sometimes terrifying, but in quit. That is as important to an employer an academic classroom. the end, long hours, good, hard, honest as the book-learning you stuffed into So, don’t drag your feet. If you don’t work done on-time and within budget your brain. already have a favorite professor or led to that sometimes elusive intangible graduate-assistant who has taken you gift -- good feelings of self-worth and self- under-wing, go find one with whom you So Now, What About esteem.Would he do it all over again? feel comfortable and start systematically Mentoring? Yes. With one exception, he would play picking his/her brain. Don’t be a pest, more between the never ending cycles of Mentoring can take many forms and but take advantage of the opportunity. evolve over time. Your parents were crises that define the life of a consultant.

Jim Burnell, CPG-11609

Data released by The Silver Institute shows that worldwide installation. Demand in the electronics and photographic silver consumption stood at 1.07 billion ounces in 2014 (World sectors was down slightly. Silver Survey 2015 – Silver News, June 2015). This repre- Demand for silver bullion coins and bars was 107.6 million sents a 4% decline from 2013, mainly because of a decrease in ounces. Leading consumers were the US, Canada, India and bullion demand (coins and bars) which had reached a record Spain. Total investment demand, including physical bars, level in 2015. coins, and medals, along with ETF inventories, was 636 mil- Use of silver for jewelry increased 1.5%. Regionally, jewelry lion ounces. silver demand was up 2.2% in the US, 9.3% in Europe, and a Mine production of silver increased to 877.5 million ounces whopping 47% in India. – up 5% from the previous year. 31% of that came from pri- Industrial applications account for the largest demand mary silver mines. The leading silver-producing countries segment for silver – 56%. China’s silver demand was up 4% were Mexico, Peru, China, Australia and Chile. for the year, while other developed nations dropped slightly. New applications highlighted by The Silver News include Primary end-uses of the metal are as a catalyst in the pro- silver nanowires for the new iPad screens, silver-coated chips duction of ethylene oxide, photovoltaics, and brazing and for blood testing, anti-bacterial coatings for hospitals and alloys. Approximately 15% of total mine production went to silver-impregnated water filtration devices. the ethylene oxide plants. Demand for silver in photovolta- For those of you quick with math, you can see that once ics increased last year, reflecting an increase in solar panel again, silver demand out-paced mine production, a continuing condition in the industry.

12 TPG • Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 www.aipg.org The Success of Your Project Determines Your Future

Oludamilola Alalade

My name is (Damy). I am a gradu- that it can require millions of gallons of out your project. ate student of Natural Resources and relatively clean water, and the process 3. Choose a good method and make Environmental Management at Ball may impart significant impacts on local it applicable. State University, Indiana. I am working ecosystems (e.g., water loss and pollu- The goal of project is to find a solu- on two projects for my thesis; 1) research- tion). tion to a problem which will cost ing the removal of hydraulic fracturing I decided to embark on these two less. When you are writing a creative fluid from petroleum wastewater using projects because hydraulic fracturing is project, you should remember that sorption techniques and methods, and used by exploration companies to extract you are trying to develop the best 2) developing a method for cleaning up oil and gas from the earth and during alternative solution for a problem wetlands that have been polluted by these processes a large amount of water which will be better than other solu- hydraulic fracturing fluids. is used. My first project goal is to develop tions. Remember that in some cases, Hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) is an effective and affordable solution that the problem you are trying to solve defined as the process of creating and is best for recycling waste water that is may have already been solved by propagating a fracture within a rock generated during hydraulic fracturing, someone else. So what you need to layer by means of applying hydraulic while my second project goal is to look do is to find a better solution and/or pressure in order to release petroleum, for the best way to clean up wetland a cheaper method which will become natural gas, coal seam gas, or other pollution. more standard than the present one. potential fuels for extraction. The energy 4. Look for Grants. from the injection of a highly pressurized My Advice to Students Grants are very important when you fluid such as water creates new channels Includes: are working on a creative project. in the rock which can increase extraction You need to look for grants that will 1. Choose a good cause for your rates and the recovery of fossil fuels. help you fund your project. When project. We can also say hydraulic fractur- you work closely with your professor ing is a drilling method that uses large When writing a project, students it will be easier to get grants because volumes of chemically treated water at should focus and identify the vari- most grants require both students high-pressure to free oil and natural gas ous problems which the community, and a supervisor. Supervisors can trapped deep in underground strata. industry and country are facing. also help students to obtain grants. There are many projects students The chemical-enriched water and some 5. Presentation and planning. can work on, but you need to look groundwater are recovered from the for the main one that will benefit Students should look for conferences well along with oil and gas. Major dis- everyone and also that will make to attend and present their project. advantages of hydraulic fracturing are you marketable when you are done This is very important because it with school. will allow people, organizations and prospective investors to know what 2. Get the right supervisor for the students are researching and your project. writing, and also helps students to Before writing a project, it is impor- connect with people in the indus- tant to contact the right supervisor try. Presenting at conferences also or advisor in your field of research. allows students to get a job in an There are lots of potential supervi- industry. sors but that does not mean all of them will be the ideal one for you. As an undergraduate I conducted Finding a project supervisor who is research on five oil wells and worked on a good fit is the student’s respon- one well. Presently I am pursuing my sibility. Communication between graduate program in Natural resources you and your advisor/supervisor is and Environmental Management. After very essential. When working on my Master degree, I am planning to go your project, you will find it easier back for my PhD in Geology, pass the and not stressful if you have estab- PG exam and become a Professional lished good communication with Geologist. your supervisor. Supervisors are there to guide you on how to carry www.aipg.org Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 • TPG 13 Two- and Three-Dimensional Finite Element Groundwater Flow Models with Isothermal Freezing and Thawing

H.D. McInvale, T.V. Hromadka II, M. Phillips, B. Landry

During the summer, cadets at the United States Military Academy at West Point can choose to participate in an Advanced Individual Academic Development (AIAD) program. For the three following proposed projects, the AIAD program provides cadets with an opportunity to observe and implement concepts from their course work in computational engineering mathematics with an immersion experience during a summer internship. The AIAD program enables cadets to work alongside leaders in government and industry both stateside and abroad. The funding and coordination for these projects is through the AIAD program at West Point and is an element of the computational engineering mathematics theme at the West Point Department of Mathematical-Sciences. The described research and development work will be completed during the summer 2016 session.

Introduction engineering-mathematics and computa- of two-dimensional soil-water flow in tional geosciences. saturated and unsaturated soils. In the current project, ongoing work involves application of the finite element The main objectives of this project Chapter 3 Development of the method (FEM) applied to solving heat are fivefold: NDI model for heat flow in three dimen- and groundwater flow transport in algid (1) Provide the theoretical and modeling sions. The third dimension is included in climates where soil water freezes and background used in a two-dimen- this NDI development in order to provide thaws isothermally. A two- and three- sional and three-dimensional model for the extension of the phase change dimensional FEM computer program is of heat and soil-water flow, coupled model to other coordinate systems (an being developed for application towards by soil-water freezing and thawing; NDI analog for radial coordinates is engineering and planning studies where (2) Present the major modeling assump- presented in Appendix A) . freezing and thawing of algid soils is tions used in the computer program, Chapter 4 Development of the of concern. The computer code being and the various components of the two-dimensional soil-water phase focused upon models groundwater flow program in order to aid the end-user change model used to couple the heat and also heat transport in a two- or in the use of the model; and soil-water flow during soil-water three-dimensional domain. Because the (3) Present the necessary parameters freezing and thawing. computer program is intended for appli- and data requirements used in the Chapter 5 Summary of the two- cations involving freezing and thawing computer model; dimensional freezing/thawing model of algid soils, the freezing process dehy- (4) Discuss the computer model output and the modeling input-output charac- drates the soil at the freezing front (the product, and methods to interpret teristics. Provides documentation to the location where phase change is occur- the results; and computer program input requirements. ring) which, in turn, draws towards the (5) Present the data input sequence to Appendix Explanation of the freezing front soil water from areas in the the computer model. heat flow modeling approach developed soil where soil water can be mobilized to in Chapter 3 to radial coordinates. The move towards lower soil pore pressure. Project Computer theory developed herein applies to both The code applies in general, therefore Program Documentation heat and soil-water flow in the selection multiple freezing and thawing fronts can of mass-lumping factors for use in NDI occur within the problem domain. Basic Organization domain models. description of these transport processes The Documentation report will be are provided in the figures included. organized into five chapters and one Computational appendix: Objectives of Project Mathematical Model Chapter 1 Introduction to the Description The target project will be completed project and report. A problem of interest is the design during the summer 2016 session. This Chapter 2 Development of the and maintenance of roadways construct- particular topic involves aspects of both Nodal Domain Integration (NDI) model ed in algid climates where freeze and thaw degradation results in collapse

14 TPG • Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 www.aipg.org Two-and-three dimensionl finite element of the roadway embankments and pos- which can be obtained from the U.S. sible roadway failure. Analysis of such Army Corps of Engineers, Cold Regions embankments to estimate the maximum and Research Laboratory (CRREL). penetration of the freezing front provides PROTO0 provides a streamlined input information for use in designing mitiga- setup for typical roadway and high- tion methods to protect from freeze/thaw way cross sections and embankments. degradation impacts. Problem geometry and mesh generation, The typical roadway embankment as well as initial and boundary condi- under study has a two-dimensional tions are guided input. geometry depicted in Figure 1. In Figure Figure 5. Node J nodal domain ice volume 1, the problem domain is discretized References tracking. into triangular shaped finite elements. Hromadka II, T.V., McInvale, D., (Note: For three-dimensional problems, Gatzke, B., Phillips, M., Espinosa, tetrahedrons are the basis elements used B. 2014, A Cumulative Departure in the FEM model. The tetrahedron ele- Model of the Cryosphere during the ments are subsequently further resolved Pleistocene. ASCE Journal of Cold from modeling “bricks” used in model Regions Engineering, published definition in order to simplify model online April 2014. buildup.) Figure 2 shows the partition- ing of a triangular finite element into “nodal domains” or, similarly termed “finite volumes (areas)” or “control volumes”. The shaded area indicates that Figure 6. Node J definition of phase change accumulation of frozen soil water. portion of the partitioned finite element associated by the phase change algorithm to model node “j”. Figure 1. Discretization of roadway embank- The assembly of all associated FEM ment domin into finite elements. partitioned areas to node j results in the total nodal domain or control volume Figure 2. associated in the algorithm to node Parition of j (see Figure 3). Figure 4 depicts the finite element variation of the state variable over the into nodal nodal domain for node j. For modeling domains or finite volumes the soil water phase change within the (areas). node j nodal domain, the basis function used is the step function as depicted in Figure 5. Figure 6 shows phase change Figure 7. Node J heat flux transport across occurring at both the upper and lower nodal domain control surface (bondary). boundary regions of the node j nodal domain. Heat flux estimates are computed using the flux directions as depicted in Figure 7. Figure 7 applies to both the heat transport as well as soil water flow regimes with respect to model node j. Figure 8 defines the computer model outcome estimates for frozen soil water content associated with node k. Sharp interface displacement geometry used in the isothermal phase change algorithm Figure 8. Phase change accounting algorithm follows the geometry depicted in Figure Figure 3. Nodal domain associated to node J. depiction. 9. The computer model calculates volumetric quantities, such as volumetric ice content. The end-user interprets these quantities to develop locations of the evolving freezing front. Computer Program Source Code The Documentation includes the FORTRAN source code for the computer models. Also provided in this report is the documentation for the program PROTO0 Figure 4. Node J basis function depiction of Figure 9. Phase change moving boundary state varialbe value. sharp interface depiction of algoithm. www.aipg.org Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 • TPG 15 Predicting Thaw Degradation in Algid Climates along Highway Embankments using a Boundary Element Method

A.N. Johnson, T.V. Hromadka II, M. Phillips, and J. Williams

Introduction water in the heat balance equations, front where soil water arriving at the the governing heat transport equations freezing front location due to soil water The Complex Variable Boundary are simplified to assume steady state saturated and unsaturated transport Element Method or CVBEM is used to heat transport conditions above and is subject to isothermal phase change. develop a computer model for estimat- below the freezing front. The CVBEM Further phase change effects beyond the ing the location of the freezing front in is applied independently in the thawed phase change of arriving soil water at the soil-water phase change problems. The and in the frozen regions of the problem front results in movement of the freez- CVBEM based computer program is domain, with heat flux along the freezing front. Such displacement of the front based on the following major assump- ing front calculated by the CVBEM as redefines the problem of heat transport tions: the stream function that is conjugate domains in the thawed and frozen soil (i) the problem is two-dimensional, to the potential function (temperature). regions, respectively (Figure 1). (ii) the entire soil system is homoge- Freezing and thawing is modeled as the Figure 2 depicts the relative vicinity of neous and isotropic, net balance between the freezing and the frozen soil located above the freezing (iii) the problem thermal boundary con- thawing heat flux over small modeling front and the thawed soils located below ditions are constant values of tem- time steps. To model the displacement of the front. In the model, an arbitrary perature (or stream function), the freezing front, the computer model temperature of 0.1 degrees centigrade (iv) soil-water flow effects are neglected provides two options: is assumed applicable for the thawed (the problem is strictly geothermal), (i) Displace the freezing front coordi- soils that are subject to phase change (v) all heat flow from the freezing front nates with respect to changes along due to periodic freezing and thawing is within the control volume; there the y-coordinates only, or cycles. The CVBEM is the boundary is no heat flux associated with the (ii) Displace the freezing front coordi- element technique used to develop heat freezing front from exterior of the nates with respect to a vector normal transport quantities along the freezing control volume, to the freezing front boundary. front, where phase change effects result (vi) the freezing front movement is suf- in slow rates of displacement of the ficiently slow such that heat flux Objectives of freezing front. Under such conditions, along the moving boundary can Documentation Report the Laplace equation is modeled in each be determined by assuming steady of the thawed and frozen soil regions, The ongoing work for this project state heat flow conditions. respectively. is to be completed during the summer Figure 3 shows a typical CVBEM mod- The CVBEM is used to model the 2016 session. thermal regime of the soil system. The eling node layout. As soil water freezes or The objectives of the Documentation theory and development of the CVBEM thaws, the location of the freezing front report are: is given in Hromadka (1984). Because changes, with displacement occurring the numerical technique is a boundary (1) Provide background information orthogonal to the freezing front contour integral approach, the control volume regarding the CVBEM and the soil- (Figure 4). Figures 5 and 6 show the thermal regime is a boundary integral water phase change model used in CVBEM model boundary value problem approach, the control volume thermal program CVBFR1; specification used for each of the thawed regime is modeled with respect to the (2) Provide documentation for the data and frozen soil regions, respectively. boundary values and, therefore, the com- entry sequence associated with pro- The relationship between freezing front puter program data entry requirements gram CVBFR1; and displacement and net heat flux at the are significantly less than that usually (3) Provide FORTRAN computer code front is depicted in Figure 7. required of domain methods such as as an Appendix. Figure 8 shows details of the freezing finite-differences or finite-elements. front displacement geometric algorithm Soil-water phase change along the Computational used. To validate the CVBEM model, freezing front is modeled as a simple Mathematical Model comparison with a two-dimensional finite element method model of a road- balance between computed heat flux and Description the evolution of soil-water volumetric way embankment in algid soils is made, latent heat of fusion. Because of the The problem domain under study is with the FEM model discretized as dominating effects of phase change of assumed to have a well-defined freezing shown in Figure 9.

16 TPG • Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 www.aipg.org predicting thaw degradation in algid climates

References Johnson, A. and Hromadka II, T.V., 2014, Modeling Mixed Boundary Conditions in a Hilbert Space with the Complex Variable Boundary Element Method (CVBEM), Methods X, ELSEVIER, published online August 2015, Volume 2, Pgs. 292-305. Johnson, A.N., Hromadka II, T.V. and Horton, S.B., The Complex Variable Boundary Element Methods (CVBEM) for Mixed Boundaries, Presented at Joint Math Meetings 2015, San Antonio Texas, January 2015.

Johnson, N. Anthony, Carroll, M., Jones, L., Papas, N., Thomasy, Figure 5. Heat transport boundary value problem definition. C., Hromadka II, T.V., Horton, S., Whitley, R. and Johnson, M., 2013, A Computational Approach to Determining CVBEM Approximate Boundaries; Engineering Analysis with Boundary Elements, published online April 2014, Vol. 14, Pgs. 83-89.

Figure 6. Boundary element node definition on heat transport model domain boundaries. Figure 1. Freezing front location within model domain.

Figure 7. Moving boundary algorithm depiction for phase Figure 2. Heat transport accounting elements for phase change of change model. soil water.

Figure 8. Moving boundary displacement scheme during phase change.

Figure 3. Boundary element method nodal point definition on phase chagne region boundaries.

Figure 4. Normal vector orientation with phase chagne Figure 9. finite element model discretization for comparison to soil region. boundary element model. www.aipg.org Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 • TPG 17 Development of a Multifunction Best Fit Computer Program to Model Sediment Transport Data in Rivers

T.V. Hromadka II, A.N. Johnson, and M. Phillips

Introduction els being incorporated. The expanded and provides automated determination Mathematica computer program is being of the best fit function to the prescribed Analysis of sediment load in large directly developed from the program data set. The program can be extended rivers is an important problem in the presented in Hromadka et al, 2007. by simply adding additional bases to management of the river hydraulics The typical problem in statistical the list of functions being used as fitting as well as for environmental concerns. functions. Increases in sediment load can result analysis of data is to consider fitting (regression) functions that minimize in sediment deposition in the river The Mathematica uniformly or at high concentrations some pre-defined measure of goodness- at particular locations. Such sediment of-fit, such as the well-known least Program squares residual minimization tech- deposition can interfere with river flow The Mathematica program under nique, among others. Generally, a selec- carrying capacity and also may positive- development is currently based upon use tion of basis functions are chosen such ly or negatively impact environmental of the Mathematica FindFit operation. as polynomials or other basis functions, opportunities such as fish and wildlife The various combinations of the basis and then all of the basis functions are populations. The usual approach for functions are built from the selected minimized together as a group accord- analysis of sediment load and changes basis function family up to the dimen- ing to the selected measure. In this therein is to perform a statistical analy- sion programmed into the notebook. The case, we will develop a Mathematica sis of the sediment load data collected dimension of this family can be extended program that accomplishes the task of over time at monitoring stations. by adding additional basis functions. For fitting prescribed functions to data, but each combination of these basis func- Several computer models and pro- we will build the program to investigate tions, a new trial function is defined, grams are currently available that oper- combinations of the basis functions as an and the target data set is fitted using ate upon such sediment load data and alternative to fitting the entire family of the Mathematica FindFit operation and prepare the usual fitting of interpolation basis functions simultaneously. Because the resulting measure of fit is computed. functions for subsequent use in statisti- the procedure is automated, we have Once all the combinations of basis func- cal inferences. The USGS LOADEST the advantage of doing such an effort tions are examined, they are ranked program for estimating constituent without a significant investment of time according to goodness of fit by sorting loads in streams and rivers is one of or effort. The Mathematica program is the resulting error residual measures. these available programs. The main expandable to include other families of objective of this work is to develop a basis functions or other measures of fit. Families of basis functions of typi- library of “best fit” functions that can be The program measures the goodness cal interest include trigonometric basis used to fit to the supplied data and com- of each set of basis functions used and functions such as: a Sin (b x + c) + d which pute the standard measures of fit error then lists the measures achieved for results in several variations just with of least squares residual, maximum each attempt. these four parameters. For example, departure, and average departure. It is a Sin(x), Sin(b x), Sin(x+c), Sin(x)+d, a The use of a set of basis functions contemplated to including polynomials, Sin(b x) and so forth. With a competing to form a linear combination with coef- trigonometric, exponential and power goal in fitting functions to data being the ficients to be determined by minimizing fitting functions. The fitting errors for possibility that simpler fitting functions some best fit measure function to data the three tested measures will then be may be better models of the underpin- according to some measure of fit is a pro- ranked. nings of these data, it is instructive to cess that is well-known and so will not examine all combinations of basis func- In this current Note, we describe the be repeated here (Gallant 1987, among tions from a prescribed family. ongoing research effort to develop an many others.) A set of basis functions interpolation computer program based are selected, such as a set of monomials, The Mathematica notebook is eas- upon Mathematica. In the documenta- and then this entire set of basis functions ily expandable. The proposed extended tion, eleven regression models are tabu- is fitted to the target set of data by a program software for loading into a web- lated and are available in the LOADEST technique such as a weighted Gramm- site is currently under construction for program to be fitted to the data. In the Schmidt approach or other approach. publication on the web. current study, more than 100 regression The computer program Mathematica models are available, with more mod- is particularly well-suited to this task

18 TPG • Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 www.aipg.org Development of a multifunction best fit computer program

References from Vanderbilt University. His research involves optimization, applied statistics, Gallant, A. Ronald, Nonlinear Statistical computational science, strategic assess- Britton Landry is a Major in the Army Models, John Wiley and Sons, New ment and interdisciplinary problems. and an Instructor in the Department York, 1987. of Mathematics at the United States Hromadka II, T. V., Glen, A.G., and Dr. Theodore V. Hromadka, II is Military Academy. He received a B.S. Miguel, F., 2007, An Expandable a Professor of Mathematics at the in Systems Engineering from USMA in Mathematica Program for Fitting Department of Mathematical-Sciences 2004 and a M.S. in Applied Mathematics Families of Basis Functions to Data, at the United States Military Academy, from the Naval Postgraduate School in 6th Annual Hawaii International West Point, New York. He has been 2014. MAJ Landry has deployed twice in Conference on Statistics, Principal Engineer and Hydrologist support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Mathematics and Related Fields, for nearly 15 years at the consulting once in support of Operation Enduring 2007 Conference Proceedings, 6 pgs. firm Hromadka & Associates in Rancho Freedom. He has served as an Infantry Runkel, R.L., Crawford, C.G., and Santa Margarita, California. He holds Platoon Leader and a Special Forces Cohn, T.A., 2004, Load Estimator several professional licenses, including Detachment Commander. (LOADEST): A FORTRAN Program Civil Engineer, Geoscientist, Geologist, Mike Phillips is a Colonel in the for Estimating Constituent Loads in and holds professional certifications as Army and the Head of the Department Streams and Rivers: U.S. Geological a Hydrologist for both surface water of Mathematical Sciences at the United Survey Techniques and Methods and groundwater. He has over 40 years States Military Academy. He has served Book 4, Chapter A5, 69 p. of professional engineering experience and has served in various academic and in various leadership positions in the The following bios are for the three research positions for over 35 years. His Army to include as the Associate Dean for previous articles, starting on page 14. publications record includes 375 papers Research at the United States Military and over 20 books. He has authored more Academy. He has deployed in support of Anthony N. Johnson, LTC, United than 30 monographs that have been pub- Operation Enduring Freedom. States Army Academy Professor, lished by governmental agencies and he Department of Mathematical Sciences, has prepared or directed the preparation (USMA).Director, Mathematical of project reports and studies for over Sciences Research Program, United 1000 studies. He has served as Expert States Military Academy.Anthony Witness in over 500 Superior Court We Want N. Johnson (Tony) earned a PhD in matters, appearing in over 60 Court tri- Computational Analysis from the als. He is a Diplomate of the American Your Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey Academy of Water Resources Engineers California and has held a variety of and serves on the Board of Directors technical positions to include Fiber Feedback! of the Wessex Institute of Technology Optic Cable System Engineer for the in Great Britain. Dr. Hromadka also White House Communications Agency. serves on the Advisory Board of the He is currently an Academy Professor Department of Civil Engineering at in the Department of Mathematics at Have you the United States Military Academy at the United States Military Academy at West Point. He is Professor Emeritus used the new West Point, where he combines his sig- at the California State University, nal communications experience with his having served in the Departments of electronic version academic background in linear algebra, Mathematics, Environmental Studies complex analysis, and partial differ- and Geological Sciences. of TPG? Was it ential equations to explore and exploit networks. He deployed to Iraq with James R. Williams is a Major in easy to navigate United States Forces where he served the Army and an Instructor in the and view articles? as the Chief of Counter Improvised Department of Mathematical Sciences Explosive Device (CIED) Operations. at the United States Military Academy. Please send us He is also the co-founder of the U. S. He graduated from Greensboro College Military’s Advanced Network Analysis in NC with a B.S. in Mathematics in 2004 your comments and Targeting (ANAT) course, teach- and commissioned a Second Lieutenant ing network analysis techniques to US in the Armor Branch from the North on the electronic forces in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Carolina A&T State University. His military positions have included platoon TPG and COL Howard D. (Doug) McInvale leader and company commander. He is an Associate Professor and Senior suggestions how graduated from the Naval Postgraduate Analyst at the United States Military School in Monterey CA in 2014 with Academy at West Point where he we can improve a M.S. in Applied Mathematics. He serves as the Program Director for the is currently the course director of the Mathematical Sciences and Operations your viewing Engineering Mathematics course at the Research programs in the Department United States Military Academy at West experience. of Mathematical Sciences. He holds an Point. M.S. from Virginia Tech and a Ph.D. www.aipg.org Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 • TPG 19 Field Trip in Fort McMurray, Alberta: McMurray Formation Reservoir Analysis

Zexuan Wang, SA-6959 lithology, grain size, sedimentary structure, oil stain percentage, clay percentage and other useful features on the logging sheets to determine the overall facies distribution, 3) characterise the reservoir properties and divide the formation into several correlatable flow units to assess its potential performance, and 4) establish the lateral correlations based on stratigraphic continuity and surfaces. Results Lithology The dominated rock types are siliciclastic sedimentary rocks including sandstone that contains grain sizes which vary locally from very fine to very coarse, and also mudstone containing consistent clay-size particles. The subordinate rock types are pebble conglomerate that contain the sporadic presence of quartz pebble laminations, and paleosol (strictly, it belongs to unconsolidated surficial materials instead of rock). Composition and Texture It is quite common in the sandstone to observe quartz minerals surrounded by dark, viscous bitumen rather than the clay. This kind of clean sandstone should be categorized Location of Fort McMurray, Alberta (from the Government of Alberts). as quartz arenite; however, the mudstone apparently is full of clay. The overall sandstone is fine-grained, well sorted and Introduction well rounded. The texture of the mudstone could not be physically observed in detail. Objectives Sedimentary structure and fabric McMurray Formation in the Athabasca Oil Sand area in The major sedimentary structures contain planar stratifi- the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin is regarded as the cation, planar cross bedding with both low and high angles, largest reservoir containing in-place oil sand, which has really trough cross bedding, reversed cross bedding, small-scale soft interested geologists (Carrigy, 1959). The objectives of this sediment deformation, bioturbation which is mainly burrow in report are: (1) use outcrop data to characterize the reservoir origin, mud rip-up clasts, ripple laminations, and differential properties of the McMurray Formation; and (2) identify pos- weathering. sible flow units. With respect to the sedimentary fabric, we could observe Methodology relatively unidirectional quartz pebbles and mud rip-up clasts, cross bedded sand, slightly dipping interbedding, and the Materials sharp contacts between different patterns of bedding. A measuring tape was used to provide a means for referenc- Visible oil stain ing the outcrop measuring point elevations and a safety rope When we used the hammer to view the fresh surface, we was used throughout the whole logging process to ensure our could estimate the bitumen saturation in the sandstone was stability and safety when climbing along the outcrops surfaces. approximately 95% of pore space, indicating its oil abundance. A basic hand lens, grain size card, hammer and logging sheets In the mudstone, the pore volume was estimated at approxi- provided the means to facilitate observing and recording the mately 10%, indicating the relative absence of oil. One impor- essential information on the logging sheets with the scale of tant potential misinterpretation is that the visible oil stain in 1:50 (1 meter outcrop is denoted by 2 centimeters interval on the coarse sandstone within the filled channel system does not the logs). appear satisfactory for production, but that apparent condition Procedure is due to the leak of oil outside the rock once it becomes less The ultimate goal is to build the reservoir model, and viscous in summer. So we should also assign a relatively high the main steps are to 1) physically observe the well exposed level of bitumen saturation within those areas. outcrops which include Amphitheater, Daphne Island and Clay content Hangingstone, corresponding to different parts of McMurray Clay content was based solely on the rough estimation of formation respectively, 2) record the details which include bitumen stauration. To make it straightforward, I regarded

20 TPG • Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 www.aipg.org field trip in fort mcmurray, alberta the clay content in the clean sandstone as almost 5%, in the face that was used for this purpose. For the Daphne Island, mudstones as almost 95%, and in the interlayers as almost the paleosol on the top was used for correlation. 50%. The overall trend is inversely proportional to the trend Outcrop descriptions of bitumen saturation. (details in Table 1) Facies description During the logging, the elevations initially recorded were Based on three kinds of particular lithology and sedimen- actually measured along the dip instead of along the vertical tary structure features, the reservoir facies generally include profile. Thus, I converted these measurements into vertical FA1, Inclined Heterolithic Stratification (IHS), and filled elevations by estimating the dip of each outcrop. Some linea- channels. tions containing very coarse or even pebble quartz grains and FA1: This lithology is sandstone. The grain size in this facies some clay layers were observed to exist sporadically. But due ranges from very fine to medium, but typically is dominated by to the ignorable influence on overall reservoir production, finer grain sizes combined with good sorting, good roundness, these variations were not considered in the facies distribution. and little clay content. The sedimentary structures within this The Amphitheatre outcrop represents the well-exposed part are mainly planar cross bedding, trough cross bedding, middle McMurray formation. The outcrop identified as ripple lamination and mud rip-up clasts. was logged at the north, and was logged to the south. The IHS: The lithology represents repeating sets of sandstone distance between these two logs is roughly 300 meters. ① ② and mudstone layers. The grain size of muddy layers is usually The well-exposed Daphne Island outcrop represents the clay. In contrast, the grain size of the sandy layers is usually lower McMurray formation. The outcrop was logged at the fine to coarse size combined with good sorting, good roundness, east, and was logged at to the west. The distance between and little clay content. The sedimentary structures within these two logs was roughly 150 meters. ① ② this part represent primarily lateral accretions with very low The Hangingstone outcrop was not well logged due to dip and bioturbation leading to the mud-filled burrows pierc- inclement weather limitations. ing into the underlying sandy layer. Sometimes differential weathering could be seen as an apparent result of differences Discussion in the weathering resistivity characteristics. Filled channel: This lithology is sandstone. The grain sizes Depositional setting interpretation in this facies typically are dominated by coarse or very coarse Based on the observed petrophysical properties of differ- sizes combined with moderate sorting, moderate roundness, ent outcrops, the various depositional environments could and little clay content. The sedimentary structures within be interpreted by analysis of the lithologies, grain size and this part were difficult to observe due to the very coarse grain sedimentary structures. sizes and the transverse cross section we were facing. Only The middle McMurray Formation: The IHS which presents one cross bedding feature was observed. here represents the subaerial point bar within the estuarine Based on this single lithology and sedimentary structure system containing brackish water. The FA1 which always features, the non-reservoir facies usually include the thick underlies the IHS here indicates a subaqueous dune and shale or mudstone interval. bar setting, and the reverse ripple lamination and reversed Shale/mudstone interval: The grain size in this facies is cross bedding represent a strong tidal influence (Rangers and very small and is full of clay with little porosity, permeability Gingras, 2010). and oil saturation. The lower McMurray Formation: There are several meters Facies vertical continuity of distinct horizontal paleosols covering the top of lower McMurray formation, which should be interpreted as alluvial The individual facies are roughly continuous in each log. plains. The large scale, very coarse grained migrating channel Despite the occasional unexpected laminations that were pres- fill deposits could be regarded as incised valleys belonging ent, the laminations do not affect the overall vertical distribu- to the fluvial system, and are stratigraphically consistent tion of facies. At the Amphitheatre outcrop, the FA1 facies is with the underlying sediments that were truncated due to continuous within the lower part. The IHS facies is continuous sea level regression (lowstand). That angular unconformity within the upper part above the FA1 and alternates from sand- indicates a sequence surface. Below the angular unconformity, dominated to mud-dominated. The shale facies is continuous the IHS facies represents a similar estuarine system as that at the very top above the IHS. At the Daphne Island outcrop, observed within the middle McMurray Formation (Rangers the FA1 was hardly seen. The sand-dominated IHS was and Gingras, 2010). continuous until encountering the sequence boundary which represents the underlying IHS facies that was truncated by Flow units defined the channel fill deposits. Meanwhile, the filled channel facies There are mainly four types of flow units defined that is only continuous for several meters, and is covered by the indicate variable flow performances respectively. These units paleosol at the head. include filled channel facies, FA1 facies, IHS facies, and the Facies lateral continuity and correlation unit with shale/mudstone intervals. Because of the considerable thicknesses observed in all the Porosity and permeability interpretation facies and the proximity of the logged sections within the same Porosity: This is reflected by the combination of grain outcrop, the facies should be continuous laterally, but needed sizes and clay content because of the proportional relationship to be confirmed by the correlation. To perform the correlation, between porosity and grain size. The overall porosity should the first thing is to determine the datum level that matches be highest within the filled channel facies. The overall poros- the elevations of the logs. For the Amphitheater outcrop, the ity of FA1 also should be considerable. The overall porosity shale capstone marks the horizontal maximum flooding sur- of the sand-dominated IHS facies should be less, but still www.aipg.org Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 • TPG 21 field trip in fort mcmurray, alberta

be higher than that of the mud-dominated IHS. The lowest ers which act as flow barriers, the ratio of muddy to sandy porosity should present within the thick shale or mudstone layers sometimes exceeding 1, and its non-continuous pres- interval. Thus, ence vertically. The reason is that the discontinuity of the sandstone only exists vertically but not laterally, suggesting that it could function as a lateral migration path for fluids owing to its relatively coarse grain sizes, good sorting, good roundness, and its estimated clay content of less than 1%. Permeability: From the Kozeny-Carmen equation, Another feature that I interpret is that the muddy layer acting as a vertical barrier could make the lateral migration or flow more efficient compared with the vertical flow, because the fluid would be subjected to a relatively high and stable driving pressure rather than decreasing driving pressure. Its We know that the shape factor (which accounts for sort- continuity within the outcrop scale also is relatively good. ing and the tortuosity) could presumably be similar, but the Flow unit with shale/mudstone: Strictly speaking it could surface area which considers the grain size and clay content belong to the flow unit, but it has obvious and significant underscores the influence of grain size. From the above equa- negative properties related to potential fluid migration and tion, it can be seen that a small difference in grain size would performance. So considering potential for economic produc- result in a considerable difference in permeability, potentially tion, this flow unit should be avoided due to its small grain representing orders of magnitude. size and more than 95% clay content from the estimation. So based on the porosity, grain size and clay content it Differences between the IHS Amphitheater outcrop and follows that: the Hangingstone outcrop There are overlying shale intervals at the very top of both these outcrops. Even though these outcrops may represent the result of the similar stratigraphic stacking patterns and geological events, their thicknesses are different. There are typical IHS facies present underlying the shale intervals. Stratigraphy, facies and flow unit continuity The main difference between these two sets of IHS facies is that the Amphitheater outcrop is mud-dominated and the interpretation Hangingstone outcrop is sand-dominated. At the Amphitheatre outcrop, the thickness of IHS was observed to thin considerably from outcrop location to , Conclusions moving south (Table 1). Precisely, the mud-dominated IHS became nearly non-existent, not reaching the location① of ②. 1) The depositional environments that formed the McMurray Only the thinner sand-dominated IHS presented there. This Formation are mainly fluvial and tidal settings. phenomenon might be due to different tidal influences and② 2) The facies vary considerably as a result of a set of different different tectonic activities acting on the two facies. The under- depositional settings; however, a regular sequence pattern lying FA1 remained nearly the same in thickness between could be correlated laterally. the two logs, as a result of similar depositional environments 3) Different facies correspond to different flow units. The along that facies. favorable flow units for petroleum production are mainly At the Daphne Island outcrop, the filled channel facies the unit with channel fill deposits, the unit with cross thickened from location to , toward the west. And the bedded sandstones (FA1), and the unit with muddy and thickness of the IHS facies became thinner that same southern sandy interlayers (IHS). direction. It is probably because① ② location is near the chan- 4) Even though there are distinct heterogeneities within the nel center which represents a deeper incision or truncation McMurray Formation, the reservoir performance is still of the underlying IHS and that mid-channel② feature could excellent due to the abundance of clean sandstones con- accumulate larger volumes of deposited sediment. taining extremely high bitumen saturation and displaying large-scale lateral continuity. Flow units comparison The following order is ranked from the most favorable to References the lowest potential contribution to reservoir performance. Carrigy, M. A., 1959. Geology of the McMurray Formation. Flow unit within channel fill deposits: Its performance Geological Division, Memoir 1, Research Council of should be the best, which is demonstrated by the fact that the Alberta. bitumen can directly leak off the surface once it is exposed due to its larger local grain size and thickness, and its estimated Ranger, M. and Gingras, M., 2010. Field Guide & Overview clay content of less than 1%. It is easy to predict its longitu- Geology of the Athabasca Oil Sands. dinal continuity along the channel flow direction. After receiving his first Master degree in petroleum geology Flow unit with FA1: Its apparent properties include rela- at University of Alberta, Zexuan Wang currently conducts tively large grain sizes, good sorting, good roundness, large research in the field of deep marine seismic stratigraphy of thickness, less than 1% clay content from the estimation and the Gulf of Mexico as a current Masters student at University relatively good continuity. These characteristics suggest rela- of New Orleans. His career goal is to work for an oil & gas tively good flow and reservoir performance. company as a researcher. To achieve this, he always keeps an Flow unit with IHS: This sandstone could still represent eye on PHD positions within some reservoir characterization- an acceptable flow unit despite repeating mudstone interlay- oriented research groups.

22 TPG • Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 www.aipg.org field trip in fort mcmurray, alberta

Table 1. Detailed description of three outcrops

Vertical Lithology Grain size Sedimentary Oil stain Clay Facies Flow unit Elevation thickness structures content ranking (m) (m)

Shale Clay Horizontal 0%-10% 90%-100% Shale inter- 5th 36-40 lamination val Sandstone Mainly very Planar lamina- 90%-100% 0%-10% FA1 2nd 2-17 fine to fine, tion, ripple lam- sometimes ination, planar Amphitheatre medium to cross bedding, 40 outcrop very coarse and trough cross bedding ① Sandstone Mainly fine in Bioturbation 90%-100% 0%-10% Sand- 3rd 17-28 and mud- sandy layer, (burrows of in sandy in sandy dominated stone inter- clay in muddy skolithos) and layer, and layer, and IHS layer layer differential- 0%-10% 90%-100% Mud- 4th 28-36 weathering in muddy in muddy dominated layer layer IHS Vertical Lithology Grain size Sedimentary Oil stain Clay con- Facies Flow unit Elevation thickness structures tent ranking (m) (m) Shale Clay Horizontal 0%-10% 90%-100% Shale inter- 5th 25-27 lamination val Planar lamination, ripple lamination, planar cross bedding (30°~40°), Amphitheatre Sandstone Mainly very 90%-100% 0%-10% FA1 2nd 2-22 30 trough cross fine to fine, outcrop bedding, sometimes reversed cross medium to ② bedding, mud very coarse rip-up clasts (5~10mm), and soft sediment deformation (10~20cm) Sandstone Mainly fine in Bioturbation 90%-100% 0%-10% Sand- 3rd 22-25 and mud- sandy layer, (burrows of in sandy in sandy dominated stone inter- clay in muddy skolithos) layer, and layer, and IHS layer layer 0%-10% 90%-100% in muddy in muddy layer layer Vertical Lithology Grain size Sedimentary Oil stain Clay Facies Flow unit Elevation thickness structures content ranking (m) (m) Paleosol Unknown Horizontal 0% 50% None None 11-12 lamination 50% 0%-10% Filled chan- 1st 9-11 near the nel Daphne Island 12 surface, outcrop Sandstone Coarse to very Cross bedding 90%-100% coarse inside the ① unexposed formation Sandstone Mainly fine in Bioturbation 90%-100% 0%-10% Sand- 3rd 22-25 and mud- sandy layer, (burrows of in sandy in sandy dominated stone inter- clay in muddy skolithos) layer, and layer, and IHS layer layer 0%-10% 90%-100% in muddy in muddy layer layer

www.aipg.org Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 • TPG 23 field trip in fort mcmurray, alberta

Vertical Lithology Grain size Sedimentary Oil stain Clay con- Facies Flow unit Elevation thickness structures tent ranking (m) (m) Paleosol Unknown Horizontal 0% 50% None None >6 lamination 50% 0%-10% Filled chan- 1st 5-6 near the nel surface, Daphne Island Sandstone Coarse to very Cross bedding 90%-100% 6 outcrop coarse inside the unexposed ② formation Sandstone Mainly fine in Bioturbation 90%-100% 0%-10% Sand- 3rd 1-5 and mud- sandy layer, (burrows of in sandy in sandy dominated stone inter- clay in muddy skolithos) layer, and layer, and IHS layer layer 0%-10% 90%-100% in muddy in muddy layer layer Hangingstone The observation of Hangingstone outcrop was from a fair distance away. The IHS and FA1 facies both present here. The ratio of outcrop muddy to sandy layers is less than one, denoting that it is sand-dominated IHS. The total thickness of the IHS and FA1 could be approximately 20 meters. Above it is a 2-meter thick shale interval acting as the capstone.

Photo 1. IHS facies in the middle McMurray formation. Photo 2. Soft sediment deformation within the middle McMurray formation.

Photo 3. Reversed cross bedding in the middle McMurray formation. Photo 4. Cross bedding visible within the lower McMurray formation.

24 TPG • Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 www.aipg.org AIPG Student chapters

Bowling Green University Georgia State University University of Georgia Founded in 2004 Founded in 2005 Founded in 2011 Chapter Sponsor: Chapter Sponsor: Chapter Sponsor Robert K. Vincent, MEM-0216 Ronald Wallace, CPG-08153 Ron Wallace, CPG-08153

Central Michigan University James Madison University University of Kentucky Founded in 2003 Founded in 1998 Founded in 2015 Chapter Sponsor: Chapter Sponsor: Chapter Sponsor Eric Wallis, CPG-09518 Cullen Sherwood, CPG-02811 Bill Brab, CPG-11693

Colorado School of Mines Metropolitan State University of Nevada-Reno Founded in 1999 University of Denver Founded in 2008 Chapter Sponsor: Founded in 2013 Chapter Sponsor: Graham Closs, CPG-07288 Chapter Sponsor: Jonathan G. Price, CPG-07814 Thomas Van Arsdale, CPG-11073 Columbus State University University of Northern Founded in 2011 Middle Tennessee State Colorado Chapter Sponsor: University Founded in 2014 Ron Wallace, CPG-08153 Founded in 2014 Chapter Sponsor: Chapter Sponsor: Willam Hoyt, CPG-07015 Eastern Illinois University Todd McFarland, CPG-11348 Founded in 2013 University of North Georgia Chapter Sponsor: Northern Kentucky Founded in 2015 Craig McCammack, MEM-1295 University Chapter Sponsor: Founded in 2015 Ron Wallace, CPG-08153 Eastern Michigan University Chapter Sponsor: Founded in 2006 Bill Brab, CPG-11693 University of South Dakota Chapter Sponsor: Founded in 2013 Walter J. Bolt, CPG-10289 Ohio State University Chapter Sponsor Founded in 2004 Derric Iles, CPG-10986 Florida Atlantic University Chapter Sponsor: University of St. Thomas Founded in 2014 Robin Roth, CPG-09264 Chapter Sponsor: Founded in 2015 Anne Murray, CPG-11645 SUNY Geneseo Chapter Sponsor Founded in 2015 Sara Nelson, MEM-2505 Chapter Sponsor: Florida State University Dennis McGrath, CPG-08578 University of Tennessee- Founded in 2014 Chattanooga Chapter Sponsor: Temple University Founded in 2014 Anne Murray, CPG-11645 Founded in 2006 Chapter Sponsor Chapter Sponsor: John R. Sewell, MEM-2487 Dennis Pennington, CPG-04401 Georgia Southwestern State University University of West Georgia Founded in 2013 University of California-Davis Founded in 2010 Chapter Sponsor: Founded in 2010 Chapter Sponsor: Eric Lowe, MEM-0385 Ronald Wallace, CPG-08153 Chapter Sponsor: James Jacobs, CPG-07760

www.aipg.org Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 • TPG 25 AIPG student chapters

University of Wisconsin- Whitewater AIPG DIRECTORY OF GEOSCIENCE Founded in 2015 Chapter Sponsor: PRODUCTS & SERVICES Christine Lilek, CPG-10195 GET YOUR MESSAGE IN FRONT OF 7,000 Wayne State University PROFESSIONAL GEOLOGISTS Founded in 2012 Chapter Sponsor: John Barkach, CPG-09121 AIPG is excited to announce the recent launch of the latest edition of our new online buyer’s guide, the Western Michigan Directory of Geoscience Products & Services. This University industry-specific search engine efficiently connects Founded in 2015 your company with geoscience professionals. Request Chapter Sponsor: a Media Kit – [email protected]. Please be John Barkach, CPG-09121 aware that you may be contacted by our publishing partner, MultiView, during the coming weeks in order Wright State University to verify the information currently displayed in your Founded in 1996 organization’s listing. If you have any questions about Chapter Sponsor: Thomas Berg, CPG-08208 this program, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You may also contact MultiView directly at 1(800)816-6710 or by email at [email protected]. AIPG Members that are contacted by MultiView that would like to be removed from the solicitation list, please send an email to [email protected].

26 TPG • Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 www.aipg.org AIPG student chapters editor’s corner The World Needs Your Mad Geologic Skills

Jean M. Neubeck, CPG-11438

I enjoy the student issue because ensuring students are “well rounded” side-bars but it is noticeable that many of it’s an opportunity learn what students outside the sciences. It seems logical those authors do not consider the larger are studying at the moment and the that geologists who have a broad base non-geologic issues such as macroeco- challenges they face. Sometimes they of knowledge may perform better in nomics, politics, and life-cycles, etc., for offer insightful advice delivered with the sense that they will have a broader which they were not educated. wisdom beyond their years. We rely on perspective, for example, of understand- Geoscientists lose their credibility contributions from student authors and ing project goals vs. simply executing when we stray into geopolitics. To those seasoned geologists alike for content, so tasks to meet a series of objectives. It who wish to change politics and influence we are grateful for all those who have is also important to establish respectful policy, you will do well to study law and volunteered their time through the years relationships, develop effective commu- become advocates. To those geoscien- to submit pieces of their research, geo- nication skills, and learn how to function tists who want to significantly contrib- logic and life experiences, and advice. I on teams. But while acknowledging ute to the discussion, please maintain remind us of that because regardless of that most professionals tend to be most and continue to apply your geologic the seemingly random nature of the vari- satisfied when they feel connected and skills. There will always be opportuni- ous submittals, the topics and nature of engaged with their work, there also ties elsewhere to voice your opinions or opinions provides both direct and subtle appears to be pressure (internal and interpretations, and you might estab- indications of what’s happening in the external) that geoscience be on the lish yourself as an expert when you practice of geology and research. “correct” or populist side of arguments have accrued the requisite knowledge Academic-related articles may rep- outside the practice of geology. Without and experience. But we can earn more resent cutting edge research of interest judging or agreeing, I am concerned that credibility and strengthen our geologic or may simply reflect the areas funding “broad concepts” not replace or be valued voices by impartially applying geologic - after all, funding is required to sup- greater than basic geologic skills. skills to obtain the most representative port research. But among the technical Contributing to solving problems answer(s) while fairly acknowledging papers, undergraduates’ stories of stress starts with understanding (knowledge). the uncertainty and risks. and success, we also get a glimpse of The world needs your mad geologic This TPG issue contains some articles what students value or maybe, what skills. Geologists need to be able to step by others who also mention related they are being taught. And that teach- back in the field and understand the themes of developing and maintaining ing or those values may reflect a sign of geologic framework – we need to assess geologic skills and the importance of the evolving times and society’s broader what data are needed, what data are maintaining impartial scientific per- values. I remain very optimistic about most representative, and the best meth- spective throughout one’s career. I hope the next generation of geologists but ods to collect that information, including you will please read the articles by David have a concern that geologic skills must understanding (and communicating) the Abbott (page 32), Michael Urban (page remain the basis of geologic education. limitations. Geologists need to correctly 36), Kristina Portabib (page 41), Dr.s I’m writing about the importance of (and accurately) measure and record Dallegge and Hoyt (page 50), and com- geologic training and education because field observations or run calculations in mentary from C. Victor Chevillion (page I’ve noticed subtle and not-so-subtle the office. We need to check the applica- 40) for additional perspectives. changes through reading scholarship bility of the method or algorithm, to cor- A scientist may eventually become essays, research topics and career goals rect the computer-drawn contours with a planner, politician, lawyer, or a com- from multiple geoscience sources. It’s field observations, to interpret the labo- mentator, but the reverse is not the case good to see that AIPG student members ratory data against chemical knowledge – those who do not possess the training, are applying their skills to focus on (not just check regulatory boxes), and to education, and skills do not eventually solving problems, and many express the support the logic of geologic interpreta- evolve to become scientists. The practice desire to make a difference or improve tions with findings and data. of geology encompasses many integrated their world in some way. The future Within the last few months, I have fields and the best geologists bring looks bright for those students who can read geoscience-based articles that con- their life experiences and apply their apply their geologic skills to “real world” tain opinions about what energy sources non-geological skills to their work. But issues and contribute through research, the authors prefer, what governments the world will always need your mad development, and project work. should legislate, or how they envision geologic skills. Your geologic success But some geoscience and non-geosci- the world should function, for examples. depends on it. ence sources appear to be focusing on That’s lofty and may create provocative

www.aipg.org Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 • TPG 27 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Answers on Page 30

Robert G. Font, CPG-03953 [email protected]

1. Hydrothermal solutions related to magmatic activity may give rise to a process through which a given mineral may be replaced by another of different chemical composition. Which of the following terms best applies to this situation? a) Metasomatism b) Diagenesis c) Applanation

2. “Diastrophism” implies: a) Cation exchange capacity b) The evolution of “diatomaceous earth” c) Tectonic deformation

3. In our field studies we find a sedimentary deposit that contains abundant tests of fossil “ostracods.” What are these? a) A type of small to microscopic crustacean. b) A type of microscopic fresh water algae. c) A type of small to microscopic mollusk

4. From the work of Sir Isaac Newton, Henry Cavendish and others, we know that the gravitational force of attraction between two masses is directly proportional to their product and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. Thus: 2 F = G m1 m2 / r (1) Also, from Newton’s second law of motion, we may write: F = mg (2) For the above equation, “g” is the acceleration of gravity. Based on the above-referenced information and given:

Average radius of the Earth: re = 6,400 kilometers (3) Acceleration of gravity: g = 9.8 msec-2 (4) Gravitational constant: G = 6.67 x 10-11 newton-m2 kg-2 (5) What, then, is the actual value of the Earth’s mass in kilograms? 24 a) Me = 7.32 x 10 kg 24 b) Me = 5.98 x 10 kg 24 c) Me = 4.29 x 10 kg d) Not again! Yak!

5. (Submitted by David Abbott, CPG-4570) - The recent EPA-caused spill of an estimated 3 million gallons of mine waste from the Gold King Mine workings north on Silverton, CO on Cement Creek makes one wonder about the volume of mine workings required to store this volume of water prior to removal of the “cork,” Working towards an answer requires unit conversion and some assumptions about mine opening sizes. For simplicity’s sake assume that all the volume consists of horizontal mine workings 2 yards high by 1.3 yards wide. How many miles of working are required to hold 3 million gallons? a) ≈1.3 miles b) ≈3.3 miles c) ≈5.3 miles d) ≈7.3 miles

28 TPG • Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 www.aipg.org PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Transitioning to a New Year

Helen V. Hickman, CPG-07535 [email protected]

Welcome to the new and returning entist in the United States or overseas, offers several scholarships for under- members of the American Institute of if international travel appeals to you. graduate and graduate students and a Professional Geologists. The first TPG of Did you know that AIPG has cooperative student Chapter can win an award too. 2016 means that the President’s message agreements with several organizations Check the AIPG website under Students is written by somebody new! My name overseas including Canada, Britain and Resources for more information on mem- is Helen Hickman and I am your 2016 Europe? The AIPG offers something for bership and scholarship information. President. I will briefly introduce the everyone at all stages in their careers, We have a wonderful staff at head- new 2016 Executive Committee includ- and we believe that we can all succeed quarters in Denver, Colorado, so if you ing me below to those who do not know by helping each other. have any questions about membership- us yet, but firstly I wish to thank our How can we help you to be successful related issues, you can contact Vickie Immediate Past President, Dr. Foster as students and transition into a suc- Hill via email; she is the Membership Sawyer, who has served AIPG with cessful career? AIPG wants to encourage Services guru! All the staff information such dedication last year as the 2015 all Geosciences students to become full is listed on the website under “Contact”. President. As you probably know, Foster members of AIPG. We would like AIPG Now a short introduction of the 2016 is a professor who works with students student sections in Universities across Board and me: Our new 2016 Executive every day at the South Dakota School this country, so we can provide sup- Committee are as follows: Foster Sawyer of Mines. He worked particularly hard port to students that supplements their becomes Past President and Adam Heft, last year, combining his duties as 2015 Departmental and University career from the Michigan section, becomes AIPG President in what turned out to be centers. It is for this reason that our President Elect. Adam has several years an unusually complicated year - with his student membership is free. We are a of involvement with AIPG, both at the duties as teacher, mentor and advisor at unique organization that focuses on the National and section level, and is a very his regular job, so he certainly deserves importance of educating our members on strong Michigan section member. David our thanks for his efforts. However, he the Geosciences profession. The student Pyles, the new Vice President from the is not quite off the hook! I continue to section is run by the students, which Illinois/Indiana section is also a strong look forward to working with him on teaches leadership skills. An AIPG mem- section member, having been the 2011 the Executive Board this year, as the ber is a sponsor for the chapter, so they National Conference Chair in Chicago Immediate Past President. can help guide the student Executive and served on the Advisory Board for Traditionally, the first edition of TPG Committee and help with inviting speak- the past two years. As Vice President, focuses on our student members. It is ers on topics that might be of interest Dave will be coordinating the Advisory an opportunity for students to write to the Chapter. It is important that stu- Board’s work with the individual Section and submit articles that will be read dents think early in their careers about officers, so if you need some help as a new by all AIPG members. This provides all the types of courses they need to take to section officer or inactive section, please our members a window into the lives meet career goals, and that they network talk with Dave. Doug Bartlett is our of students in today’s fluctuating, fast- with professionals in order to broaden Treasurer in his second year of a two year paced and competitive environment, and the opportunities to find a job. The state term; Doug is also serving as chair of the introduces everyone in the organization AIPG section organizes talks and field Executive Director Search Committee, to the important aspects of a student trips throughout the year; students are and serves other important roles in Geoscientist’s life, like how a student also welcome to attend these events. some business aspects of AIPG. He is a uses Google Earth or the importance Student members and Chapters are supporting member of the Arizona sec- of field work. This issue also contains eligible to apply for scholarships. Now is tion and co-chaired the 2014 National articles by practicing and retired pro- the time to be applying for these scholar- Conference in Prescott, Arizona. Keri fessional geoscientists. It contains won- ships. Some state AIPG sections award Nutter is our new Secretary – also a two derful advice on the important subjects scholarships; for those opportunities you year position. Keri has served on the that are not taught on most University need to check with the individual section Advisory Board for two years and was the curricula - like the need for a mentor; officers whose names and contact infor- Chair for the 2015 National Conference Loss Prevention; how to adapt to the mation will appear at www.aipg.org, new “Energy” career market. AIPG can then click on Local AIPG to allow you to President’s Message continued provide information on what it takes to see information on the individual section on page 33. obtain a license to practice as a geosci- contacts and websites. National AIPG www.aipg.org Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 • TPG 29 answers to questions on page 28

Answers: 1. The answer is choice a” or “metasomatism.” “Diagenesis” is the process that involves physical and/or chemical changes of sediment, after deposition, and its transformation into solid bedrock. Consolidation and compaction, cementation and recrystallization are examples of “diagenetic” changes. “Applanation” describes the physiographic processes which result in the reduction of topographic relief.

2. The answer is choice “c” or “tectonic deformation.” In soil mechanics, “cation-exchange capacity” describes the number of exchangeable “cations” (positively-charged ions) per dry weight that a soil can hold at a given pH value, and which are available for exchange with the soil-water solution. “Diatomaceous earth” is a sedimentary deposit made up of nearly-pure silica formed by the accumulation of fossilized “diatom” shells. “Diatoms” are microscopic, single-celled plant organisms that secrete siliceous tests and which constitute an important component of phytoplankton. . 3. The answer is choice “a” or “A type of small to microscopic crustacean.” “Charophytes” relate to fresh-water algae as given in choice “b.” Sorry, no mollusks here!

24 4. The answer is choice “b” or “Me = 5.98 x 10 kg. ” The proof follows: Consider a mass “m” near the surface of the Earth. Recall equations (1) through (5):

2 F = G m1 m2 / r (1) F = mg (2)

re = 6,400 km (3) g = 9.8 msec-2 (4) G = 6.67 x 10-11 newton-m2 kg-2 (5)

For (1), let m1 = m, m2 = Me (the Earth’s mass) and r = re (the average Earth’s radius). Thus, (1) becomes: 2 F = G m Me / re (6) Equating (2) and (6): 2 mg = G m Me /re (7) 2 g = G Me / re (8) Solving (8) for Me we obtain: 2 Me = g re / G (9) Equation (9) allows us to calculate the answer that we seek. Substituting (3), (4) and (5) into (9): -2 6 2 -11 2 -2 Me = [(9.8 msec ) (6.4 x 10 m) ] / (6.67 x 10 newton-m kg ) (10) Me = 5.98 x 1024 kg (11) Equation (11) corresponds to our choice “b” and depicts the numerical value of the Earth’s mass. Wow! That’s heavy!

5. (Submitted by David Abbott, CPG-4570) – The answer is choice “b,” or “~3.3 miles.” The calculation follows: 1 gallon = 0.005 cubic yards/gallon (1) Assume mine openings are 2 yards high × 1.3 yards wide ×1 yard long. Then: Mine opening = 2.6 cubic yards (2) 3 million gallons ÷ 0.005 cubic yards/gallon = 15,000 cubic yards (3) 15,000 cubic yards ÷ 2.6 cubic yards/lineal yard = 5,769 lineal yards (4) 5,769 lineal yards × 3 feet/yard = 17,307 feet (5) 17,307 feet ÷ 5,280 feet/mile = 3.3 miles (6) Equation (6) is the answer that we seek.

In fact, much of the volume will be in stopes, the voids left after ore extraction, which are very irregularly shaped. Plate 8 from USGS Professional Paper 535 (available online from usgs.gov), shows both map and sectional views of the mine workings of the Gold King Mine, the American Tunnel, and the various mines of the Sunnyside Mine complex. Most of the water is believed to have come from the Sunnyside Mine because the Gold King Mine’s mineralization doesn’t include base metals and the Sunnyside Mine complexes workings do. The American Tunnel is the lowest working in the interconnected complex of underground workings, around 2,000 feet below the Terry Tunnel, which also drains parts of the complex. The American Tunnel is about 2 miles long.

30 TPG • Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 www.aipg.org answers to questions on page 28 PROFESSIONAL ETHICS AND PRACTICES - Column 157

Topical Index-Table of Contents to the Professional Ethics and Practices Columns A topically based Index-Table of Contents, “pe&p index.xls” covering columns, articles, and letters to the editor that have been referred to in the PE&P columns in Excel format is on the AIPG web site in the Ethics section. This Index-Table of Contents is updated as each issue of the TPG is published. You can use it to find those items addressing a particular area of concern. Suggestions for improvements should be sent to David Abbott, [email protected]

Compiled by David M. Abbott, Jr., CPG-04570, 5055 Tamarac Street, Denver, CO 80238, 303-394-0321, fax 303-394-0543, [email protected]

Continuing Professional Development • private reading of industry publications Revisited • industry engagement/service to industry/society committee meetings/mentoring Most geoscience professional ethics codes encourage geo- • professional ethics scientists to engage in continuing professional development (CPD). Some geoscience professional organizations require There are rules on how much of some activities may be members to engage in a minimum amount of CPD to maintain counted and other details depending on the particular CPD a particular membership status. Currently eight of the 30 reporting program. But in order to report these activities, you Association of State Boards of Geology require some amount need a record or log of the activities you engage in. of CPD in order to maintain a professional or registered geolo- The Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists recently gist’s license as do some state engineering boards. AIPG has reported that much of its enforcement activity involved licens- always encouraged CPD and briefly required new-at-the-time ees who (1) didn’t think they had to report CPD, (2) failed to CPGs to report CPD. This program soon died for a variety of report their CPD, or (3) did an inadequate job of doing so. I reasons. asked the members of the MMSA CPD committee to log their Some professional societies have recently either initi- CPD in a draft reporting form to identify problems with the ated required CPD programs or are considering doing so. proposed CPD reporting form or accompanying instructions. In particular, the Association of Professional Engineers The committee members realized that if they had a log or cal- and Geoscientists of British Columbia (APEG or APEGBC) endar of meetings, etc. they could easily record the minimum is in the process of establishing a required CPD program. number of hours being considered as a reporting minimum, a British Columbia is the last major Canadian mining province number that initially seemed daunting. The needed CPD log that has not required CPD. Some believe that after British is easier to compile than the time sheets most of us have to fill Columbia requires CPD, the requirements for recognition as in so that our employers, or those of us who are independent an overseas professional organization for NI 43-101 reporting consultants, can bill our clients. purposes will be changed to require reported CPD. Should Keeping a simple log of the foregoing types of activity pro- the Canadian rules be changed, AIPG will be forced to come vides the data needed to fill out any CPD reporting log. I use up with a program of required CPD for those who wish to a OneNote1 page with a table format that is easily ported to continue to be recognized as Qualified Persons for NI 43-101 Excel at year’s end for classifying and summarizing informa- reporting purposes. The Mining and Metallurgical Society of tion. The data can consist of the following: the date of the America (MMSA) is actively working to develop a required activity, the hours spent on the activity, a description of the CPD reporting program. activity, and the sponsoring organization’s name, if relevant. The most important thing in tracking one’s CPD hours for The following list is my log for September 2015. either a voluntary or a required CPD program is keeping a log 09/01/15 1 CO Sec ExCom of one’s CPD activities. CPD activities can include (require- 09/05/15 2 SME Valuation Committee re Standing ments vary by organization): Committee status in SME • professional practice 09/08/15 1 MMSA QP committee conf call on CPD • formal (tested) learning and informal (untested) learning 09/14/15 1 DMC Colorado Soda solution mining • external and internal short courses and webinars 09/18/15 7.5 AIPG National Ex Com & Advisory Board • attendance at technical conferences, society meetings, and 09/21/15 8 AIPG Annual meeting, includes my talk field trips 09/22/15 5 AIPG Annual meeting talks • contributing to knowledge-presentations, publications, 09/24/15 0.5 GSL SP 419 read & review leading field trips 09/25/15 0.5 GSL SP 419 read & review • on-the-job skill enhancement or maintenance-e.g. regula- 09/28/15 4 work on MMSA CPD program tory courses to maintain mining or environmental certifica- 09/30/15 1 MMSA QP committee conf call tions

1. OneNote is part of Microsoft Office and a handy program for electronically capturing all sorts of information and synchronizing it between your computers and smart phones and tablets. Evernote is a similar program that is free at the basic level. I’ve used both and been very happy with both.

www.aipg.org Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 • TPG 31 PROFESSIONAL ETHICS AND PRACTICES - Column 157

I logged 31.5 hours of CPD activity in September alone, over professional associates, consultants, or employees, and shall 80% of the annual required minimum CPD hours of the CPD advise the employer or client if any professional advice is programs with the highest minimum requirements (excluding outside of the Member’s personal expertise.” D. Albarello’s professional practice hours, which are required by some CPD paper, “Communicating uncertainty: managing the inherent programs). Because GSL SP 419, discussed below, is about probabilistic character of hazard estimates,” makes an impor- ethics, I even logged an hour of professional ethics.2 tant ethical point regarding geoscience predictions. As geosci- A more detailed discussion of keeping a CPD log is contained entists, we should effectively communicate the probabilities in my paper, “Maintaining a professional activities log for CPD of a geohazard event occurring. Thus we are effectively the and other reporting,” The Professional Geologist, Jan/Feb ′06, bookmakers. But we are not the policy makers deciding what p. 61-62. Recent communications with the Enforcement Head the public should do. We should not place the bets. Doing so, for the Texas Board of Professional Geologists regarding the or being viewed as having done so, leads to the legal troubles number of Texas cases on CPD issues made clear that having of the seismologist defendants in the L’Aaquila, Italy trial, the the will to and actually maintaining a CPD log were critical subject of another paper in the book. elements in being able to comply with required CPD report- P. Vecchia’s paper, “The oil and gas industry: the challenge ing. If you have the log, no problem, if you don’t big problem. for proper dissemination of knowledge,” provides an example AIPG does not currently require CPD reporting. But if social licensing for petroleum in Italy. Vecchia addresses the mandatory CPD reporting should become part of the Qualified problems presented by NIMBYism, the so-called (but actually Person requirements in Canada, then AIPG will have to devel- ignorant) experts on social media, and those who allege that op a reporting program, at least for those CPGs who wish to anyone with actually knowledge of the petroleum industry can- maintain their current QP status. This is a big deal for those not be relied on because of their conflict of interest resulting of us in the mining industry. I’m considering some ways that from association and experience in petroleum and bias in favor AIPG might implement such a program, if it becomes neces- of an “evil” industry. The public’s general scientific ignorance sary. If you would like to contribute your thoughts, let me know. combined with skepticism stemming from such allegations of unresolvable conflict of interest and bias presents a real chal- Geoethics lenge to reaching a geoscientifically reasonable resolution of the issues surrounding petroleum development in Italy (and In column 156, I provided a brief description of Geoethics: elsewhere), or dealing with seismic risks, or other geohazards the role and responsibility of geoscientists, Geological Society or issues. of London Special Publication 419, including the titles of a One of the major failings of the papers in GSL Special number of the included papers. I’ve subsequently published Publication 419 is the lack of discussion of basic geoscientific a review of this book in the GSL’s Geoscientist.3 What follows ethical principles that would provide an ethical foundation is an expansion of that review, which was limited to 400 ±10 for the topics covered. D. Albarello’s paper on communicat- words. ing uncertainty described above makes no mention of the Geoethics.org defines geoethics as dealing “with the ethical, geoscience ethical principle of restricting one’s professional social and cultural implications of Earth Sciences education, advice to one’s professional expertise. The 2015 AGI Guidelines research and practice, and with the social role and responsibil- for Ethical Professional Conduct address a number of issues ity of geoscientists in conducting their activities.” Geoethics. that apply to the areas of geoethics concern. Sadly, neither org appears to be a largely European organization that has these nor any other guidelines are cited as an ethical founda- discovered that which in this country has become known as tion for the papers in the book. social licensing, particularly to the mining and petroleum We must remember that ethics are not necessarily the equiv- industries, applies to other parts of the geoscience profession alent of whatever concept someone views as good. The paper as well, particularly geohazards. The 21 papers in this book by M. Brocx and V. Semeniuk, “The development of solar salt address the interaction between geologic processes, geoscien- ponds along the Pilbara Coast, Western Australia—a coastline tists, the general public, and decision makers. Most papers of global heritage significance used for industrial purposes,” present geohazard examples but ground water, oil and gas illustrates this point. The first two sentences of their abstract development, geotourism, geoheritage siting, and geoeduca- summarize their view of issue. “The Pilbara Coast in NW tion issues are included. Communication or, more commonly, Australia stands unique as the most geologically/geomorphi- the lack of effective communication between geoscientists, the cally diverse arid coast globally and, as such, it is a coastline general public, and decision makers is an appropriately com- of Global Significance. Ideally, it should have been listed as mon theme in the book, with a particular focus on effectively a site of World Heritage.” The Figure 1 shows northwestern communicating the risk that a geologic event will occur within Australia, the over 400-mile portion of the Pilbara Coast Brocx a specified time frame. and Semeniuk discuss and the location of Shark Bay. Prior to While geoethics may address the intersection of geoscience, reading Brocx and Semeniuk’s paper, I had not heard of Pilbara sociology, politics, and human welfare, geoscientists are not Coast as a place of any sort of significance. I have heard of experts in all these areas. Rule 3.3.1 of the AIPG Code of Shark Bay, also shown in Figure 1, the location of the first Ethics states, “A Member shall perform professional services discovered living stromatolites. Brocx and Semeniuk clearly or issue professional advice which is only within the scope of object to the development of solar ponds and what they view the education and experience of the Member and the Member’s as the environmental destruction of an unusual environment.

2. I didn’t finish reading and writing my review of GSL SP 419 until October. 3. http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/Geoscientist/Books-Arts/Geoscientist-book-reviews-online/2015-Book-Reviews-Online/Geoethics-the-role- and-responsibility-of-geoscientists-SP-419

32 TPG • Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 www.aipg.org PROFESSIONAL ETHICS AND PRACTICES - Column 157

Figure 1. Geologic Ethics & Professional Practices Northwestern is now available on CD Australia: the white curve This CD is a collection of articles, columns, letters to the editor, indicates and other material addressing professional ethics and general issues the portion of professional geologic practice that were printed in The Professional of the coast Geologist. It includes an electronic version of the now out-of-print described as a World Geologic Ethics and Professional Practices 1987-1997, AIPG Reprint Heritage site. Series #1. The intent of this CD is collection of this material in a single GoogleEarth place so that the issues and questions raised by the material may be photo. more conveniently studied. The intended ‘students’ of this CD include everyone interested in the topic, from the new student of geology to professors emeritus, working geologists, retired geologists, and those interested in the geologic profession. AIPG members will be able to update their copy of this CD by regularly downloading the pe&p index.xls file from the www.aipg. They urge the use of geoethics to establish World Heritage sites org under “Ethics” and by downloading the electronic version of The that would preclude commercial development. I am unable to Professional Geologist from the members only area of the AIPG web- determine whether the Pilbara Coast deserves the protection site. The cost of the CD is $25 for members, $35 for non-members, Brocx and Semeniuk wish it had. But I strongly suspect that $15 for student members and $18 for non-member students, plus others disagree with Brocx and Semeniuk’s views and with shipping and handling. To order go to www.aipg.org. equally good ethical reasons. It is a result of how different people rank different “good” outcomes. Ethical analysis is not always able to arrive at a unique answer for such questions, for example, debates over abortion or capital punishment. Instead we must agree to disagree and respect that the other side has a sound ethical basis for its opposing position. As Dr. Ian Gould points out in the October 2015 AusIMM Bulletin4 regarding mining, “For some, there seems to be a jus- tification to consider any form of mining unethical, although the accusers are content to extensively utilize its products on a personal level and share the benefits of the wealth it gener- ates.” Others urge that we should not exploit known mineral resources now so that the mineral resources remain for future generations. I haven’t observed any of those advocating such policies volunteering to be among those denied access to these mineral resources. I liken such folks to those who advocate greater use of public transportation so that fewer people will be on the roads they drive. Continued from President’s message on page 29 Edward Jones provides another example of confusing his in Anchorage, Alaska. Jean Neubeck from the NE own, self-labeled moral view of a situation as being a general Section is the TPG Editor. And last, but not least, our new moral principle. In an article, “Towards a ‘moral geology’,” Advisory Board members: Kevin Gooding from Hawaii, in the Geoscientist, Nov. ′15, Jones opines, “My only solution Donald Lumm from Kentucky, Shanna Anna Schmitt from Minnesota and Joe Frederick from the NE Section. I am from to this [problem of human-produced CO2 leading to climate change] is that we should not take any more oil out of the the Florida section, also known as the Florida Association ground.” Jones’ solution to the problem is not morally well of Professional Geologists (FAPG). I served on the 2010 thought out. Assume that the World’s Grand Pooh-Bah existed National Conference Committee, in Orlando, Florida and and followed Jones’ solution forthwith. The catastrophic then the 2011 and 2012 National Advisory Boards. In 2015, impacts on the world’s population from immediately stopping I served as President Elect. I also have served on the Florida the use of all petroleum-based products would far exceed the Executive Committee as President and Past President. more gradual impacts of taking no steps to reduce greenhouse I am very happy to introduce you to this Board, they gases and allowing the most direly predicted impacts of global are a dedicated group who represent many facets of the warming to occur. Moral solutions to global warming must membership and will work very hard to serve AIPG in the take both present and future impacts on society into account. coming year. If there is anything we can help you with, Despite the lack of ethical foundation, Geoethics: the role please call or email me. and responsibility of geoscientists provides important case his- Also, I am interested in meeting new people and new tories and guidance for geoscientists operating at the intersec- sections or renewing old acquaintances, so if you would like tion of geoscience, the public, and decision makers. This is the me to visit your section, contact me and we can arrange a same intersection occupied by social license to operate issues. visit. I would very much like to visit several section meetings or field trips this year and meet as many folks as possible.

4. www.ausimmbulletin.com/opinion/the-new-ethics-of-resource-extraction/

www.aipg.org Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 • TPG 33 In memory Hydrothink

Alan D. Branham INSURANCE CPG-10979 Member Since 2006 PROGRAMS September 4, 2015 East Helena, Montana GeoCare Benefits Program For information: Life, Dental, Disability, Ernest E. Cook Supplemental Insurance, CPG-03593 and Cancer Expense GeoCare Benefits Member Since 1976 Insurance Plan Alan David Branham, 55 of Helena, September 5, 2015 http://www.geocarebenefits. Montana went to be with his Savior on Houston, Texas com/ Phone: 800-337-3140 September 4, 2015. The funeral service or was be held at 2:00 pm on September 805-566-9191 11, 2015 at Helena First Assembly of William V. Knight God followed by graveside and recep- CPG-00153 tion. Pastor Paul Feuerstein will be Liberty Mutual Insurance officiating. Funeral arrangements were Charter/Emeritus Auto and Home Insurance handled by Big Sky Cremations. Member http://www.libertymutual. Alan was born February 11, 1960 Member Since 1964 in Glenwood Springs, CO. He grew up com/lm/ aipg in Idaho Springs, CO. He graduated October 7, 2015 Phone: 1-800-524-9400 from Stanford University and contin- Tulsa, Oklahoma ued his education in Washington State Please mention client University and graduated with a Masters Thornton L. Neathery #111397 when you contact in Geology. He married Charlotte J. CPG-01243 Liberty Mutual. Branham December 27, 1986. Member Since 1966 Alan worked as a geologist for October 4, 2015 Newmont Gold Company for 17 years. The Wright Group Then he was President and CEO of Tuscaloosa, Alabama Professional Liability Midway Gold Corp. He built American Insurance Vanadium Corp and jointly built General Liability Insurance American Innovative Minerals most C. Lane Sartor http://www.thewright- recently with Don Decker. CPG-03279 His hobbies included gardening, pros- groupinc.com pecting, investing in people and ideas Member Since 1976 Phone: 303-863-7788 and exploring the outdoors. He worked September 24, 2014 with Compassion Tanzania drilling Shreveport, Louisiana Financial Services clean water wells, he traveled the world for work, he was a treasure-hunter but The Consulting Group at also knew how to invest his treasure in RBC Wealth Management heaven and use the gifts he’d been given James P. Walker David Rhode, Senior to bless others. Those who invested in CPG-01708 Investment Management him and he in them… Member Since 1968 Specialist/Financial Advisor He was a man with many interests August 24, 2015 http://rbcfc.com/david. and loved spending time with his family. Oklahoma City, rhode/ [email protected] Oklahoma Phone: 1-800-365-3246 Fax: 303-488-3636 Please remember to notify AIPG National of any Daniel C. Zinz changes you may have. Did you know that insur- CPG-11764 ance is available to •Employer Member Since 2015 •Address November 30, 2015 AIPG MEMBERS? •Email Akron, Ohio

34 TPG • Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 www.aipg.org Hydrothink But I Didn’t Say That!

William J. Stone, MEM-2164 [email protected]

A Superfund site is a contami- had been considered. The third part nated property designated by the asked whether maintaining the mine Environmental Protection Agency and river water close to the same levels to AIPG Membership Totals (EPA) for cleanup using a special minimize flow and volume to be pumped account established by Congress under had been considered. the Comprehensive Environmental A full year later, responses to com- As of As of Response, Compensation and Liability ments were finally available for review in 2/2/15 1/13/2016 Act (CERCLA). Once a facility is added the Record of Decision, filed at the town to the National Priorities List, EPA’s hall of the village near the mine. In that CPG / Active 3,316 3,241 Superfund process includes public meet- document each comment was summa- CPG / Non-Practicing 418 468 ings, where they present and accept com- rized then followed by EPA’s response. I Prof. Member 1043 1006 ments on their proposed cleanup plan. was shocked to find they had incorrectly Associate Member 49 56 Although semi-retired, I still like to presented my comment as suggesting follow local environmental cases. When water level in the mine should equal Young Professional 90 115 EPA declared a nearby metal mine a that in the river! Furthermore, EPA’s Student Adjunct 3,405 3,665 Superfund site, I watched for notices of brilliant response was simply to repeat Totals 8,321 8,551 public meetings I could attend. Three what had been stated in the fact sheet meetings were held: two identical intro- (and what I prefaced my comment with): ductory presentations on an afternoon mine water would be maintained lower New Applicants and Members can and evening of the same day and a than the river. They ignored the question now be found on the AIPG website at follow-up meeting a month later. The on water rights altogether. TIP: Don’t http://aipg.org/membership/newapps- initial presentations outlined possible expect too much from EPA’s public-com- mems.html cleanup options, as well as those favored ment process. You may be disappointed. for implementation and recommended Editors Note: We are very sad to Section News can now be found on by EPA. report that the family of William (Bill) the AIPG website at http://aipg.org/ A fact sheet summarizing the pro- Stone has informed TPG that Bill passed sections/sectionnews.html posed cleanup options and plan was away on January 5, 2016. William available online prior to the initial meet- Jay Stone, MEM-2164, probably was Among Bill’s professional achieve- ings. One item on the fact sheet that best known to AIPG members for his ments was his book, Hydrogeology in caught my eye was the plan to maintain “HYDROTHINK” columns (this page). Practice: a Guide to Characterizing water in the underground mine at a level To paraphrase Bill’s “LinkedIn” descrip- Ground-Water Systems, Prentice Hall, below that of the adjacent major river. tion, Bill delivered his instructive com- 1999. As his publisher summarizes, This was logical as it would prevent mentary with humor, highlighting many the book [is] “Designed to fill the gap contaminated mine water from flowing real world challenges in hydrology and between the theoretical world of tradi- to the river. Furthermore, EPA proposed environmental work since 2010 for TPG. tional college courses and the applied that water pumped to maintain the lower His used his presentations of actual world of real-life water studies, this water level be used in the mill or treated case-history flaws to suggest simple solu- text explains how to conduct sound for other uses. Good idea. tions to common mistakes and scientific hydrogeologic studies and prepare solid However, that plan would promote misconceptions. hydrogeologic reports.” flow of river water into the mine. It Bill was a Hydrogeologist and writer, Bill discovered youngest and north- seemed to me that unless the flow of river having earned BS, MS, and PhD degrees ernmost specimen of fossil rhinoceros water into the mine was kept small, two in Geology from Bowling Green State Amphicaenopus in North America, and undesirable consequences would result: University, Kent State University, and he also determined the origin of the 1) an unnecessary amount of water the University of North Dakota, respec- Knife River flint, an important pre- would be lost from the river and 2) there tively. Prior to writing for TPG, Bill was an historic tool material. His dissertation would be excess mine water to pump. So adjunct at the University of New Mexico work was interrupted for active duty in I submitted a three-part written com- for 15 years, teaching courses including the Army (an ROTC commitment) but he ment. The first two parts questioned Physical & Historical Geology, Survey completed his PhD in 1973. In addition whether the mine had water rights to of Hydrology, Hydrogeology, Geology of to geology, Bill’s interests included water cover the diversion and whether the New Mexico, Survey of Paleontology, and quality, teaching, writing, and travel. resulting volume of water to be pumped Watersheds, among others. We will miss you, Bill. Rest in Peace. www.aipg.org Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 • TPG 35 educator’s page Professionals Apply the Three R’s: Reading, Writing, and Researching Michael J.Urban, MEM-1910

You remember those original three R’s a computer click away. Consequently, easily forgive slips of the tongue than of academic parlance, reading, writing, if we know where and how to look (i.e., slips of the pen, so for this reason and also and arithmetic, right? Well, possessing research), we can supplement most, if because of its permanence, we empha- some level of mastery over them is just not all, of our deficiencies in knowledge size and prize error-free writing. Good as critical in college and professional about recent advances in the field and writing is a skill that can be learned, settings today as it was back in grade writing technique. and practice goes a long way toward school. Why then, you may ask, does making perfect. the title of this article replace the word Reading There are many forms of writing, arithmetic with researching? Is this Every profession requires some degree including creative and persuasive, but meant to, in addition to snubbing our of minimum proficiency in knowledge in the sciences it is technical writ- former teachers, somehow imply that and performance that must be main- ing, or writing to share information mathematics is not critical to geologists tained, or supplemented, throughout in a professional setting, that is key. or geoscientists? Of course not, but at one’s career. Staying informed about A primary goal of technical writing is the admitted risk of offending a few the advancements in any profession to provide detailed, yet concise, infor- number lovers everywhere, repurposing generally rises to the level of expectation mation. Technical writing necessitates the last “r” allows me to cleverly1 initiate – even if not explicitly stated. Reading having, or finding (or both), knowledge a discussion about the value of reading, hard-copy journals, online science news about a topic and an ability to convey writing, and researching to most profes- websites, e-news feeds, university and it in an articulate and formal manner. sions (geology included). government publications, and other The desired outcome of writing is to be Whether you are a student, teacher, reputable sources of information are understood – to communicate something or scientist, the art of communicating excellent ways to remain current on the to someone. How we go about communi- is essential. We all communicate in a latest innovations in the field. Joining a cating through written word is crucial, variety of ways, both formally and infor- professional organization is yet another, since our readers do not enjoy the same mally, through reports, presentations, since membership usually includes a benefit as does someone we are speak- papers, and conversations (to name a subscription to a professional journal ing to, namely, our readers cannot ask few). Being able to effectively present (for example, The Professional Geologist for clarification in the moment. They our findings, analyses, or perspectives is the journal of the American Institute must fill in any gaps in our presentation when speaking and writing is something of Professional Geologists). Even though with their own conclusions. Omissions we rely on every day, almost regardless attending university classes should (ide- of information introduce gaps and so do of our occupation. Equally imperative ally) present you with the most up-to- inadvertent grammatical errors. Our is staying abreast of new findings and date information about a topic, there is aim for technical writing is to create the changes in our fields of emphases; we no substitute for reading peer-reviewed2 fewest number of gaps possible. must be able to participate in discussions and authoritative references about a Teachers, professors, supervisors, and about cutting-edge science, particularly topic. yes, employers too, abhor glaring typos, in relevant sub-disciplines (e.g., miner- mistakes in grammar and mechanics, alogy, etc.), and we do this by reading Writing and wordiness in papers, reports, appli- a lot (and, if not a lot, then maybe just cations, and résumés. Although it is true In most cases, the spoken word tends enough). In this age of information, we that we all fall victim to these nuisances to be fleeting, and soon forgotten (unless rest easier knowing we need not know on occasion, carefully proofreading what recorded), but the written word stays everything – because we simply cannot we have written is an indispensable, yet around for a long time. Those of us who – and content ourselves in the knowl- often underutilized, tool at our disposal. do any amount of professional writing edge that we really are able to seek, As a university professor, I routinely shudder when we come across mistakes and usually find, answers to questions receive papers in response to formal class in our published, or now unalterable, about nearly any topic relatively eas- assignments, which have clearly evaded ily. In many cases, information is just work. It seems that people tend to more

1. Or, so I thought anyway. Much to my dismay, it turns out that many other authors have already had this idea and written about these three Rs: reading, writing, and research. 2. Peer-reviewed means that the work has undergone a process wherein an author’s peers, or other experts in the discipline, have reviewed the work for accuracy and consistency.

36 TPG • Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 www.aipg.org educator’s page rigorous proofreading and substantial ic databases or public and university revisions in their evolution from incep- libraries (though access may be restrict- tion to final submission. In part, I believe ed to members, subscribers, students, this frequently happens as a result of or employees). For example, this issue’s failing to plan for the time necessary to featured resource is GeoRef, an online construct a well-written document. Good database for geosciences information. For those who need only an occasional search of the GeoRef database, technical writing seldom just happens, To sum up, three R’s come to mind it is easy to request a GeoRef custom rather it is a laborious process, one in when I think of the activities and skills search. A member of the GeoRef staff which the fruits are borne out of a great professionals rely on: reading to stay will conduct the search according to deal of concentration and effort. A few current on information in the field; writ- your specifications. The search results simple suggestions might be beneficial to ing to effectively and articulately com- will be delivered by email. always keep in mind: a) allow an appro- municate; and researching to quickly priate amount of time to write; b) solicit and efficiently locate useful information. To order a Custom Search, contact input from others about the readability While there are certainly many other Jim Mehl at [email protected], (703) and flow of information in your composi- important activities specifically inher- 379-2480 ext 236 or Monika Long at tion; c) thoroughly proofread3 your final ent to individual professions, these three [email protected]. manuscript to catch and correct errors. stand out to me as applying broadly to The cost of a custom search is most professions. So, when you hear or $225.00 plus $.45 per reference. Researching read about the traditional 3 R’s of read- Please mention AIPG when order- It is often necessary to supplement ing, writing, and arithmetic, be sure to ing your custom search. our current understanding about a topic also take a moment to remember the through intentionally seeking, identify- other professional 3 R’s of reading, writing, and reducing additional relevant ing, and researching. information. The process of doing so can be called researching. Inevitably, Featured Resource at some time in our careers, we will This issue’s featured resource is be faced with the ugly reality that the American Geosciences Institute’s we do not know something, or worse GeoRef database: http://www.ameri- still, have forgotten something we once cangeosciences.org/georef/georef-infor- Is Your Profile knew. Researching4 enables us to solve mation-services a problem and directly address a need GeoRef is an excellent resource for Correct? by informing our decision about what geology students, instructors, and prac- to read or write about. Researching is It is important to keep ticing professionals. According to their your address, phone num- crucial to our professional success; we webpage, GeoRef contains over three need to know how and where to look for million references to geosciences-related bers, and e-mail infor- information. materials, including USGS publications, mation up to date in our Internet researching normally first academic theses and dissertations, and records. Please take the brings to light a tremendous amount of maps. Although there is an associated misinformation and non-information; cost for using it, most university and time to go to the AIPG it is critical we understand how to sift college libraries will have access to it National Website, www. through it all to find the reputable infor- already. mation of value to us. Utilizing Boolean aipg.org, login to the operators (e.g., and, or, not) restricts the member portion of the access to information in an electronic We want your site and make sure your search and immediately constrains the information is correct. quantity of resources to be reviewed. feedback! Have you Understanding how to correctly search perused the electronic You can edit your record for information can make our investiga- version of TPG? Was online. If you do not know tions more productive and efficient. it easy to navigate and your login and password Knowing where to look for information can save time and energy (in more view articles? Please send you can e-mail National ways than one!). While a Google search us your comments on Headquarters at aipg@ is certainly easy, it is not specifically the electronic TPG and aipg.org or call designed to find academically-oriented suggestions how we can information (though, Google Scholar (303) 412-6205. may be a step in the right direction). improve your viewing Instead, it is better to rely on electron- experience.

3. There are numerous recommendations for proofreading, but three that work well for me are: 1) let the paper sit for a bit (do not work on it for a day or two, then read it with “fresh” eyes); b) read the paper aloud to see if it flows well; and c) read the text backward (i.e., begin at the end of the paper by reading each sentence from the last to the first word to catch typos and spelling mistakes). 4. I use the word researching here, instead of research, to distinguish this activity from conducting scholarly original research. www.aipg.org Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 • TPG 37 Environmental Due Diligence and the Power of Online Research

Patricia Feeley, CPG-11020

Over twenty years ago, I started in the These broad statements were departments. Historical aerial photo- field of environmental consulting, con- the beginning of the practice of graphs can be found on line. The amount ducting Phase I and II Environmental Environmental Site Assessments for of on line research that can be conducted Site Assessments (ESAs) in accordance commercial and real estate transactions to complete a Phase I ESA today versus with American Society for Testing and that are now commonly performed by 20 years ago is astounding, exciting and Materials (ASTM) standard 1527-93. environmental professionals as a stan- efficient. Even to the extent of being The process has been refined over the dard due diligence in acquiring com- able to view a relatively current image years; many of the elements are the mercial property. Why is this important? of the site address from above and street same but the accessibility of the data You may choose to purchase an old strip view 360 degrees, thanks to Google and the ability to “see” the site from mall that has been vacant for 20 years. Earth, Google Maps and other mapping your computer has gone beyond my You want to demolish the building and resources in the public domain. I have imagination. Google Earth™ has created build a new building, when excavat- used Google Earth to prep myself and a snapshot view of a property that has ing for building footings or boring for colleagues for the site visit, preparing become a standard part of the Phase geothermal, the construction workers to look for remnants of a gas station, of I ESA process. The accessibility of the come across a strange chemical odor in chemical storage areas on or adjacent to Google Earth maps, aerial views, and the soil. If you had performed your due the subject site. It has also been incred- street views have become a vital tool in diligence and had an environmental ibly useful to remember what may have the environmental assessment process professional conduct a Phase I ESA, been visible or not visible during a site that enhances the environmental profes- the site history would have identified visit. The site visit, depending on the size sional’s ability to provide a reliable and a former cleaners operated at the strip of the site and building, may have taken cost effective service to the real estate mall. The former cleaners may have 1-4 hours, but was a one-time chance to community. used tetrachlorethene (perc or PCE) observe. The ability now to conduct the The Comprehensive Emergency and filed chemical inventory generator research, review the data, visit the site, Response Compensation and Liability paperwork with the state EPA. The write the report, and revisit the site by Act (CERCLA) combined with the sub- historical use of chemicals on the site Google Earth is an incredibly useful sequent Superfund Amendments and would have lead to a Phase II ESA with public free resource that enhances the Reauthorization Act (SARA) in 1986 soil and groundwater sampling in or environmental professional’s ability to created legislation for what has become around the building. Without property provide quality due diligence for prop- known as the “innocent landowner’s due diligence to investigate the property, erty real estate transactions. defense.” In summary, a landowner pur- a new property owner can be held liable However, by no means am I suggest- chasing a contaminated property may for the contamination and corrective ing that the site visit can be replaced by not be held liable for the contamination action cleanup may be required. Google Earth. We environmental profes- if the purchaser at the time of acquisition In response to the CERCLA and SARA sionals must keep in mind that Google “completes all appropriate inquiry into legislation, ASTM created a sub-commit- Earth represents a snapshot in time and the previous ownership and uses of the tee in 1989 to develop an all appropriate may or may not represent current condi- property consistent with good commer- inquiry to investigate historical property tions. I have checked Google Earth and cial or customary practice.” Legislative uses and obvious contamination. The found a site under construction, while guidance includes the following: result of this subcommittee was the the site visit indicated construction was 1. Specialized knowledge or experi- ASTM Standard 1527 published in 1993. complete and the park or commercial ence on the part of the defendant These standards have been updated building was fully operating; or the (purchaser); over the years in 2005 and 2013. In opposite, finding the former structure 2. Whether the purchase price was 2013, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) being razed. Both snapshots are useful below market value; published 40 CFR Part 312 Innocent information to include in the Phase I Landowners, standards for conducting ESA report, but I do caution to document 3. Commonly known or reasonably All Appropriate Inquiries (AAI). the timeframe of the Google Earth image ascertainable information; The Phase I ESA requires historical the same as we document the aerial pho- 4. Obviousness of the contamination; research and current research of a site tographs reviewed and the topographic and address. Database records can be avail- maps reviewed. Google Earth also has 5. The ability to detect the contamina- able on line for registered underground limitations only allowing views from tion by investigation. storage tanks (USTs), leaking USTs, streets, while site visits include a walk of and chemical waste records from state the full site; the front, the back, the side,

38 TPG • Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 www.aipg.org environmental due diligence and inside the buildings are critically Another on line research caution to research will require multiple sources important to fully assess the potential those new to the environmental profes- and may require several searches to environmental impacts from chemical or sion of due diligence is that researching complete the site history and assessment petroleum releases and to determine the an address for spills, leaks, or releases of RECs for the site. Remember this is presences or potential presence of a rec- may require some creativity and should an all appropriate inquiry. ognized environmental condition (REC). not be limited to one address. At times, I am excited and astounded by the GoogleEarth does not yet have interior sites may have had several different information available on line to perform views of buildings, may not view the addresses. The commonly known address our due diligence work and we have site from the alley, and trees and other today may not be the address used to always be considering new ways to ground cover may hide visible evidence when the underground storage tank was incorporate technology and new infor- of USTs or surface staining which may installed at the site in 1949 for the formation into our environmental profes- only be visible during a site visit. mer gas station present between 1949- sional work. The use of Google Earth According to ASTM, a REC is defined 1955. The site of a spill was sometimes and Google Maps to provide a snapshot as the presence or likely presence of described as the corner of 5th Street and of the site is a valuable tool as well as on any hazardous substances or petroleum 6th Avenue, and may not appear during line federal and state database searches. products in, on, or at a property (1) due an on line search for your current site Properties were surveyed by Section, to any release to the environment; (2) address. Remember the history of a site Township, and Range, which can still under conditions indicative of a release should tell a story and the story should be used to describe a property on a to the environment; (3) under conditions connect and make sense. If you request topographic map. Identifying a property that pose a material threat of a future information from the Office of the State by Section Township and Range may be release to the environment. A REC can Fire Marshall for underground stor- part of the legal property description be identified from historical records age tanks at a highway maintenance but the common address can bring us (i.e. a former gas station), existing site facility using a specific address and the to a powerful Google Earth image. The conditions (i.e. evidence of a spill from a response is that no records were found, future is in using GPS coordinates and large stained area), or database listing then dig deeper to find an alternative technology with handheld instruments information (i.e. a leaking UST database address, name, or facility identifica- and powerful images. I continue to learn listing). tion number to research the informa- and investigate with caution and experi- tion. A records search does not end at ence to produce relevant information for one resource or one search; adequate the real estate community.

Alex Waheed

Rapidly advancing technology is con- most types of geologic features. In such map on Google Earth to see the area tinuously changing the way our society cases Google Earth fills an important and buildings affected by the contami- operates, and today one of these tech- gap in the educational process, bringing nant plume, giving me a better grasp nologies is Google Earth. An everyday students closer to features than would be on the impact of this type of pollu- convenience to many for its driving ordinarily possible. For example, during tion. Google Earth is also useful for directions and street view features, it is a class on sedimentology last semester, geologic mapping. The cross section also an invaluable tool for students, par- our instructor used Google Earth to show feature allows one to create an accurate ticularly in the field of geology. Google the class excellent examples of braided elevation profile of a site to help make Earth links the classroom with the out- streams, tide-dominated deltas, and a geologic map and accompanying cross side world in ways that other learning other concepts located far from eastern section. Additionally, Google Earth can tools and methods cannot. Washington where I am a student. be overlain with geologic units to allow Generally speaking, the best way to Google Earth allowed the class to see a student to “see” the geology below become a better geologist is to study, a multitude of geologic features effi- the surface and how that may or may observe, and practice it in the real world, ciently and with unparalleled ease. Even not relate to formations on the surface. in the field. Geologic concepts in the months later, when I hear or read the Google Earth may also help a student real world are rarely as straightforward term barchan dunes, my first thought is in determining stream sinuosity by lay- as the textbook or class lectures might of a Google Earth image our instructor ing waypoints on a map. Instrumental present them. Field trips are a com- showed us. Aside from helping to con- for students to learn concepts or “visit” mon and effective method for exposing ceptualize large features, Google Earth geologic features and helpful in solving students to geology because they offer is also useful to a student working on a problems, Google Earth is easily adapt- real-world experience, and because they specific problem. able, broadly applicable, user friendly, allow instructors to teach students about Google Earth can be instrumental to free, and packed with useful informa- things that cannot physically be brought students in lab or exercise situations. tion (both quantitative and qualitative) into a classroom, such as glacial till, or In a hydrology lab, I was tasked with about the Earth. It is a powerful tool, and a submarine fan. However, due to geo- mapping the groundwater contaminant students who get to use it are exception- graphic, financial, and time restrictions, plume of PERC from a former dry ally fortunate. it is not always possible for a class to visit cleaner location. I then overlaid the www.aipg.org Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 • TPG 39 letter to the editor

Dear TPG Editor, tional platforms money can buy: why not Dear Mr. Chevillon: Just received the 4thQ edition of undergraduate students? Thank you for your message. My reply TPG and read through the AGI ad on You surely can see where I’m headed, is solely on behalf of TPG. page 1, the inside cover: Critical Skills particularly for undergraduates. Where As a member society of AGI, AIPG for the Development of Undergraduate in their careers will they learn the fun- routinely supports related geoscience Geoscience Students. damental skills that they can put to work organizations, including through TPG. It seems to me the AGI list of critical for the synthesis and data handling skills The page to which you refer is a regu- skills highlights some of the fundamen- listed in the ad? They surely will not lar AGI feature “Geoscience Currents.” tal misconceptions and problems with learn them in graduate school. While not an ad, these one-page “bul- our profession and the current American In my travels through American uni- letins” provide general information and higher educational system rather than versities over the years, I’ve noticed trends about the geosciences - in this critical skills. As a geoscientist for fewer rigorous fundamental geologic case Currents #106 presents the results example, critical skills, particularly for skill classes, fewer petrographic micro- of an online survey. undergraduates include at least mega- scopes and optical mineralogy cours- Like you, I practice in the private scopic mineral identification and hand es and professors, even fewer geology sector and agree with you that students sample petrology, optical mineralogy departments. The departments have need to be trained and develop critical and beginning petrography. These skills often been combined with forestry and geologic skills during their undergradu- are essential for any geoscientist from environmental science studies and ate education. I share your concerns field geologists, geological engineers, to homogenized away. American mining about students’ learning environments geophysicists, to planetary scientists, schools have also largely disappeared. and that there be distinction between anyone who considers and studies the With less fundamental skills at the rock geologic sciences and social perspectives. earth in a scientific way. Rocks are the human interface for undergraduate level However, I note that the categories earth’s words, minerals the alphabet, students, what will all the critical think- presented in the AGI survey are very and their geologic relationships present ing be about? broad and might well be interpreted to the story. Those who can’t read, develop In the list, why aren’t ethics, pro- encompass the skills you mention under problems that accelerate with time and fessional standards and integrity the first three “critical geoscience skills.” muddy the waters for their coworkers, mentioned? These acquired skills are The survey appears to be very general other researchers and the broader public especially important in the observa- and we may be thinking too specifically audiences. tional, semi quantitative sciences, not about basic geologic skills. Some of the best geophysicists I’ve only to achieve quality end results, but “Field skills” does appear lower on worked with understand and consider for realistically defining and evaluating the list but it is lumped with GIS in this the actual rocks and their subtleties in the multiple working hypotheses that survey. Because the other lowest-ranked the subsurface from what can be seen lead to the final product and ultimately skills appear to be technology-based, at the surface better than many geolo- real progress. perhaps the survey reflects that criti- gists working on the same site. Those You need only to look at the types cal thinking, integrating concepts, and geophysicists understand that the rock of studies some of the major geologic applying math and science to solve geo- signals, data and models are proxies for research institutions and organizations logic problems using your brain are more particular properties of the rocks. The are currently involved in to see where valued by the respondents than data more they know about rocks and rock the lack of fundamentals leads on an processing/analysis. Hopefully the sur- properties the better geophysicist they institutional scale. vey stresses the preference for scientific are and the more predictive are their Discouraging ad, particularly in the synthesis and interpretation vs. routine results. Those that don’t understand AIPG TPG. data collection and analysis. The text rocks and minerals on an intuitive level states that 78% of the respondents are tend to focus more on their instrument from academia so their survey reflects signals and models in a grand academic Vic Chevillon those opinions (and possibly some mis- voyage that is really not that useful in C. Victor Chevillon M.A., conceptions as you point out). the end. C.P.G. AIPG 11054 I encourage you and others to take Another example of a critical skill is President & Consulting the AGI survey and weigh in on behalf reading and then making a descriptive Exploration Geologist of the private sector, as I have done geologic map and the ability to draw Chevillon Exploration recently for other academic surveys. a realistic balanced cross section and Consulting Most practitioners I know are very clear alternative cross sections. Or better Reno, Nevada about valuing basic geologic skills and yet, constructing a realistic virtual 3D training. Professors want their students geologic model under the geologic map. to be employable and routinely ask for Field skills is way down on the list, feedback so it is imperative to identify even though observation of the earth at the geologic skills students need to suc- the rock human interface, including the ceed. displayed geologic relationships, pro- Thanks for your feedback. vides some of the best direct evidence Jean Neubeck, of what went on here we have. Look at CPG-11438 the Martian rovers; they are trying to Editor, TPG be the best descriptive, field observa-

40 TPG • Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 www.aipg.org student’s voice Branching Out

Kristina Pourtabib, SA-3410 [email protected]

Some may say that an individual is duction to printmaking class. When the shaped by their experiences, and I would first day of class got underway, it took **Attention Students** agree with this. Going through achieve- me some time to realize that I had to Are you going to grad school? ments and setbacks in your life and adjust to a new pace of working and a Have you graduated? understanding how you handle these new approach to grading. At first it was diverse types of situations really helps to a little daunting to walk into a new class Please notify AIPG Headquarters shape who you are as a person. By getting with completely unfamiliar faces who so we can keep your contact informa- more familiar with your strengths and all have had some sort of artistic back- tion updated. weaknesses, you will be better equipped ground and who knew the ins and outs [email protected] at seeing where your unique skills may of the art department, but eventually I fit into a prospective new job. Geology, settled in. Printmaking was a way for like many other fields, is competitive, me to work with my hands and challenge and there can be tens if not hundreds of myself in a new medium completely applicants vying for the same position unrelated to the research I was doing. Your section as you with similar academic back- I found myself looking forward to the needs to start a grounds and research interests. By set- days when I had class just so that I could Student Chapter ting yourself apart through different not think about research for a while. travel experiences, minor degrees, lan- My finished works definitely improved Today. Contact guages learned, or other skill sets, you towards the end of the semester, I real- Vickie Hill at AIPG can become a stand out to a potential ized that I am not great at free hand employer. drawing, but when I incorporated some Headquarters for These days, it is not enough to just geometric elements into my work then more details. graduate at the top of your class; you I produced pretty neat final projects. [email protected] have to also be a “well-rounded” indi- Incorporating some concepts from my vidual. Although this may mean differ- mineralogy background into my artwork ent things to different people, the way made me feel a deeper connection to the I interpret the word “well-rounded” is works that I was creating, and a sense someone who has knowledge and practi- of pride when I was able to go into detail cal experience in a variety of subjects, not about the scientific meanings behind my ree esume just solely in the discipline you study. By work during our class critiques. F R broadening your understanding of many After my first semester in printmak- Posting different topics, you can not only find ing I decided to take the second semester potential new and innovative discoveries of it, and I am still enjoying it as much in your major field, but you can find com- as I did initially. My work is continually Are you out of mon interests with your fellow peers and improving, and I am able to make min- make future connections with ease. Plus, eralogy and my research more and more work??? experiencing a discipline that is opposite the focal point of my pieces. Being in a Post and View from your primary field of interest can printmaking class has renewed some of Resumes for Free open up your creativity and allow you to my favorite aspects of why I decided to visualize your work or research in a new pursue a higher degree. So for those of on the AIPG light, and revive the passion you have for you who dare to take a short departure National Website your work. In my experience as a gradu- from your major field of study to learn ate student, last semester I decided to a new skill or explore your artistic side, View Job Listings take a “fun” class outside of the typical I would encourage it. Not only will you for Free science and math based coursework and I become a more “well-rounded” individ- am so happy that I did. Trying to branch ual, but also you will be able to look at www.aipg.org away from geology completely I decided your work with a fresh prospective, and Click on Jobs. to take a class in the Art department, the benefit of making your self stand out in particular, I chose to take an intro- to future employers doesn’t hurt either. www.aipg.org Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 • TPG 41 student’s voice GSA Annual Conference Experience

Franklin Wolfe, SA-4334 [email protected]

This year’s GSA Annual Conference in Baltimore, Maryland All in all, GSA 2015 was a great experience and I feel as had a totally different feel to me than last year. No longer was though I took full advantage of the opportunity provided to I awe-struck by the sheer number of geologists in attendance me by the Washington and Lee Department of Geology and and the overwhelming number of things to do. Instead, I was the generous alumni, whose contributions helped make my calm, cool, collected, and prepared to make the most of my attendance possible. I recommend that all undergraduate time at the conference. Equipped with the GSA conference geology students should attend a major geologic conference guidebook, I planned my time strategically so that I could to expose them to the wide-ranging opportunities and fields learn, network, and enjoy the conference. within geology. If you arrive prepared, it is an unparalleled My friend Andrew Clements, SA-7147, (Washington and Lee way to grow as a geologist in a very short period of time. University ’16) and I arrived in Baltimore two days before the start of the conference to participate in a short-course titled, “Sequence Stratigraphy for Graduate Students.” This course provided us a unique opportunity to build on the stratigraphic concepts that we had been learning in our Sedimentation and Stratigraphy course and to gain insight into the type of work that we want to conduct in our respective careers. This course was extremely neat because we got the opportunity to look at new types of data that we have little exposure to, such as well cores, seismic surveys, and well logs. We also got to interact with three highly experienced geologists – one each from Chevron, ExxonMobil, and Anadarko – all who have over 30 years of experience in the industry and were able to provide great insight for interpreting geologic data. During the conference, I stayed busy attending lectures, posters, and graduate school and industry booths. Some highlights of my time were spent attending the AGI Student Networking Luncheon and volunteering at the AIPG booth. At the luncheon, I learned about internships opportunities for summer 2016 and while working at the AIPG booth, I helped Reuniting with my friends who I met while participating in the GSA/ExxonMobil Bighorn Basin Field Seminar in August. Left many new young geologists sign-up to become members of to right: Lauren Bane (Wisconsin Oshkosh), Franklin Wolfe, AIPG. It was exciting to meet so many new people, all with SA-4334,(Washington and Lee), Cheyne Aiken (Vermont), David different interests and aspirations in geology. Lastly, GSA McLennan, SA-5353, (Indiana State), Erin Conlon (Florida). was a great opportunity for me to reach out to professors who I would be thrilled to work with next year as I pursue a graduate degree.

Have You Paid Your 2016 Dues?

42 TPG • Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 www.aipg.org student’s voice Letter to the editor

Dear Editor Pacific Northwest Section South Carolina State A complete list of the Outstanding Andrew Bagley Jennifer Bowling Pitman Earth Science Teacher winners for the New England Section Florida State 2015 NAGT OEST program is listed Rodney Ward Christine Danger below. On behalf of NAGT, thank you Southwest Section Ohio State and your organization for bringing addi- Rob Reisener Beth A. Holmes tional visibility and stature to geosci- Southeast Section/Georgia State Oregon State ense education through your support of Susan Oltman Christopher R. Carlton NAGT’s award program. Far Western Section Indiana State OEST Committee, NAGT Ryan Hollister Heather A. Hall The American Institute of Professional Pennsylvania State Idaho State Geologists has agreed to provide a one- Blake Colaianne Ken Berger year subscription to The Professional New York State Alabama State Geologist to the following winners: Ken Abbott Michelle Peterson Eastern Section Iowa State Southeast Section/Georgia State John Russell Brandon Fritz Susan Oltman North Central Section Illinois State Louisiana State Ann Anderson Joe Schoen Lisa Swenson Central Section Wisconsin State North Carolina State Michele Svoboda Adam J Keeton Rebekah Fuerst AGI News

Maureen Moses

Alexandria, VA - The American Earth Science and Diversity in the has led a career filled with service Geosciences Institute welcomed its 2015- Geoscience Community. She also played to geoscience organizations. She has 2016 at the Geological Society of America a key role in strengthening the rela- been active in many organizations (GSA) Annual Meeting held last month tionship between GSA and the GSA including GSA as well as the Council in Baltimore, Maryland. New officers Foundation. on Undergraduate Research. She has included President-Elect Jean M. Bahr, Sundermann was lauded for her basic served on many committees helping Treasurer Charlene Sundermann, and skills in non-profit financial manage- organize meetings, scholarships, awards Member-at-Large Diane Smith. These ment that she honed while serving as and research in addition to maintaining new officers joined officers already the President for the Association for her own research program in Igneous in service of AGI including President Women Geoscientists (AWG) from 2009- Petrology and Geochemistry at Trinity Scott Tinker, Past-President Eric Riggs, 2010 and then as President of AWG University. Her peers recognize her for Secretary Bill Siok, and Members-at- Foundation from 2011 to 2013. While at her stalwart service to the geoscience Large Katherine Lee Avary and Paul AWG, she is credited with establishing community, and noted that she will Bertsch. awareness of specific financial controls carry this level of enthusiasm and com- Bahr is currently a professor at required for a fiducially stable organiza- mitment to AGI. University of Wisconsin at Madison, and tion. She also increased partnerships The American Geosciences holds degrees from Stanford and Yale. with other geoscience organizations Institute is a nonprofit federation of She is a fellow and was the President such as the GSA Women in Geology geoscientific and professional asso- of GSA from 2009-2010. She currently Mentoring Program.Following several ciations that represents more than is an editor of the AGU journal Water years working in the private and govern- 250,000 geologists, geophysicists Resources Research. In 2012 she was ment sectors, she received a graduate and other earth scientists. Founded appointed by President Barack Obama degree in science and environmental in 1948, AGI provides information to serve on the Nuclear Waste Technical public policy from the Humphrey School services to geoscientists, serves as Review Board. Under her leadership of Public Affairs at the University of a voice of shared interests in the at GSA, position statements were Minnesota and currently pursueing a profession, plays a major role in finalized on Climate Change, Public law degree from the University of St. strengthening geoscience education, Investment in Earth Science Research, Thomas. She continues contributing to and strives to increase public aware- Role of Government in Mineral and the geoscience community through ser- ness of the vital role the geosciences Energy Resources Research, Expanding vice to organizations like AWG and AGI. play in society’s use of resources, and Improving Geoscience in Higher Smith, currently the Chair of resiliency to natural hazards, and Education, the Importance of Teaching Geosciences at Trinity University, interaction with the environment.

www.aipg.org Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 • TPG 43 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTORY

This service is open to AIPG Members as well as non-members. The Professional Services Directory is a one year listing offering experience and expertise in all phases of geology. Prepayment required. Advertising rates are based on a 3 3/8” x 1 3/4” space.

ONE YEAR LISTING FOR ONLY: AIPG Member $400.00 Non-Member $500.00 Space can be increased vertically by doubling or tripling the size and also the rate.

David M. Abbott, Jr. Consulting Geologist LLC AIPG CPG, FAusIMM, EurGeol, PG-TX, UT, WY

Evaluating natural resources, disclosures about them, reserve estimates, and geological ethics & practices

5055 Tamarac Street Tel: 303-394-0321 Denver, CO 80238 Mob: 303-946-6112 [email protected] PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTORY PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTORY

Want to purchase minerals and other oil/gas interests. Send details to: P.O. Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201.

ADVERTISE

www.aipg.org Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 • TPG 45 ONLINe Courses

On Demand Webinars

•Global Energy Resources: Current Trends and •Making a PowerPoint Presentation into a Work of Short Term Predictions. Art. Presented by Ronald J. Wallace, Presented by Chris Mathewson, .01 CEU’s .01 CEU •Critical and Strategic Minerals: Concepts and For more information go to www.aipg.org, Status. Presented by Jim Burnell, select Store, then Events, or contact AIPG .01 CEU Headquarters at 303-412-6205.

46 TPG • Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 www.aipg.org ONLINe Courses American Ground Water Trust 2015 Colorado Groundwater Issues Meeting

David M. Abbott, Jr., CPG-4570

I’m a mining geologist and also a 4th generation Coloradan. In the West, water is for fighting over. Colorado is noted for being the source of major rivers: the Platte (North and South), the Arkansas, the Rio Grande, and the major Colorado River tribu- taries: the San Juan, Animas, Delores, Gunnison, Colorado, White, and Yampa. The Green does flow through northwestern Colorado but doesn’t currently affect Colorado’s water supplies unlike its major tributary, the Yampa. Most of Colorado’s surface water falls as snow and rain in the greater Colorado River drainage area known as the Western Slope, while most of the population is on the Eastern Slope, particularly in the Front Range Corridor between Colorado Springs and Wellington (almost to Wyoming). Trans-mountain diversion of water across the Continental Divide begins with the Grand Ditch Top and bottom photo show the several attendees at the one-day conference. along the Never Summer Range on the northwest boundary of Rocky Mountain National Park that flows across the Continental Divide at La Poudre Pass, 10,182 feet, and into the Cache La Poudre River drainage. This is followed by the large Colorado-Big Thompson Project (C-BT) that connects Grand Lake, the source of the Colorado River prior to the C-BT in southwestern Rocky Mountain National Park, with Estes Park and the Big Thompson River on the east side of the Park, the Pioneer Bore of the Moffat Tunnel from the Fraser River sources near Winter Park into South Boulder Creek, the Roberts Tunnel from Dillon Reservoir to the North Fork of the South Platte, and the Frying Pan-Arkansas Project in central Colorado. But these surface water diversions fill only part of Colorado’s water needs along the Front Range Corridor. The rest comes from groundwater sources both shallow and deep. As a Coloradan, water is an important topic. The American Ground Water Trust of Concord, NH holds an annual groundwater conferences in Colorado and elsewhere around the country. These bers. It was an interesting day. The focus was on northeastern conferences bring together the hydrologists, water engineers, Colorado and I’ll include details in a longer article for The water supply companies, well drillers, regulators, NGOs Colorado Professional Geologist’s Winter 2016 issue. interested in water issues, County Commissioners, state I came away from the meeting with two main impressions. Legislators, and interested folks such as me for day-long First, the water side, particularly the water sources side, of sessions on the groundwater issues of the particular region. the geoscience business is healthy and growing, unlike most I attended the conference in Denver on December 4th. AIPG of the rest of the geoscience specialties. And second, American was a “cooperating organization,” one of those interested Ground Water Trust’s conferences are worth attending for any- NGOs, which provided a reduced registration rate to mem- one interested in water supply issues, which should be all of us.

www.aipg.org Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 • TPG 47 Field Trips Connect Geology Professionals with Students

Kayla Haman, SA-6429, Randall Mickle, SA-3171, Paul Downing, SA-4239 and Stacey A. Hundley, MEM-2546,

The students of AIPG at Wright State Hocking Hills, located in South- University are active in the geologic Central Ohio, is famous for the Black community. AIPG & WSU emphasize Hand Sandstone formation of the the importance of relationships with pro- Mississippian period. This formation is fessionals in the field. Networking is an comprised of well-rounded quartz gravel important key component in promoting and sand which was deposited from a employment success, including interact- large river delta. The name Black Hand ing with business leaders and alumni at Sandstone originates from an ancient conferences and events (Fertig, 2012). black handprint placed on the walls of WSU students and members of the Ohio this formation. This is thought to have Chapter of AIPG have been working pointed early natives toward the flint together to make these connections by deposits in the area. Hocking Hills is creating, organizing and leading field a non-contiguous Ohio State Park that Elizabeth Freeman, providing the pre- excursions across Ohio. covers 2,356 acres including sites such as sentation. Conkle’s Hollow is a deep gorge that houses many ferns and Each year the officers of the WSU Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave, Rock House, mosses due to the cool atmosphere and Chapter of AIPG meet with its members Conkle’s Hollow and Cantwell Cliffs indirect sunlight. Conkle’s Hollow was to determine which sites of geologic (Hocking Hill State Park, 2015). named for W.J. Conkle, whose initials interest to visit. Sites visited include The tour began at Ash Cave, Ohio’s and the date 1797 were found carved Hocking Hills State Park, Caesar Creek largest recess cave, formed by differ- into the formation’s sandstone (Conkle’s State Park, and Ohio Caverns. Each ential weathering. Its name originates Hollow, 2015). site of interest will be discussed in from the ash deposits of campfires left further detail later. Several profession- by Native American over time. (Hocking Rock House was the final site on als joined the WSU students at these Hill State Park, 2015). At this stop, Greg this geological journey with AIPG/WSU locations including individuals work- Geise, 2013 AIPG/WSU President, pre- member, Paul Downing, presenting. ing for the Ohio EPA, Department of sented facts about the cave. Ohio AIPG Rock House, the true cave of the park, Natural Resources, and private environ- members and WSU student chapter was formed by a principal joint being mental consulting companies (Eagon & members explored the area, observing compromised by water. Rock House is 20 Associates, Inc.; Hull & Associates, Inc.; the magnificent formations and sheer feet wide and more than 200 feet long, and Terran Corporation). The profes- size of the cavern. with perpendicular joints forming win- dows (Hocking Hills State Park, 2015). sionals shared their geologic knowledge Site two for the trip was Old Man’s with WSU students, helping make these Cave, the most visited area of Hocking trips a success. Hills State Park. Presentation for this Caesar Creek State Park stop was given by Ashlynn Boedecker In April of 2014, WSU students were Hocking Hills State Park and Randy Mickle, 2013 & 2014 AIPG/ joined by members of AIPG at Caesar In August, 2013 the first combined WSU Secretaries. Old Man’s Creek is Creek Lake in Waynesville, Ohio. AIPG AIPG/WSU trip was held at Hocking responsible for carving out this beauti- members and students gathered togeth- Hills State Park. This park has several ful formation, cutting through approxi- er to learn and explore one of the best geologic points of interest, making this mately 150 feet in elevation from the Ordovician fossil sights in Ohio. The trip the most extensive of the three. Upper Falls to the Lower Falls. Hemlock event began with presentations on the Student-led presentations played a key trees and other plants not normally geology of the area followed by fossil role in the implementation of the event. found in Ohio are abundant in this collecting. At each stop, a WSU student highlighted area. It has formed its own ecosystem Caesar Creek Lake is a flood man- the history and geologic significance of comprised of plants normally found agement lake created in 1979 by the the site. Student members were able to in Canada (Hocking Hills State Park, US Army Corps of Engineers. The lake develop their organizational and public 2015). This cave feature was created by was originally created to help relieve speaking skills while describing the geol- glacial activity that formed this area as and control the flood levels of the Little ogy of the area. recently as 12,000 years ago. Miami River in Southwest Ohio. It is a The third site for the day was Conkle’s 10,500-acre park with a lake at summer Hollow with AIPG/WSU member, pool of 2,800 acres. This is the deepest

48 TPG • Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 www.aipg.org Field trips connect geology professionals with students lake in Ohio, formed by glacial runoff created by an underground aquifer that Fertig, A. (2012, October 23). For Today’s thousands of years ago. During construc- cut through the limestone bedrock, leav- College Kids, Landing a Job is tion of the 160-foot tall earthen dam, ing behind vast open rooms. There are About More Than Classwork. U.S. materials were gathered locally to form two miles of passageways, reaching a News & World Report. Retrieved an emergency spillway. This revealed depth of 103 feet. The cavern maintains from http://money.usnews.com/ 440 million year old bedrock containing a constant 54 degrees with 90 percent money/blogs/outside-voices- ancient sea life fossils (Caesar Creek humidity (About Ohio Caverns, 2015). careers/2012/10/23/2-crucial- Lake, 2015). Ohio Caverns has crystal stalagmites ways-college-students-can-guaran- The day began with the presentation, and stalactites, the oldest dating back tee-they-land-a-job “An Introduction to the Paleontology and 250,000 years (About Ohio Caverns, Fuller, John. What’s the difference Stratigraphy of Caesar Creek State Park” 2015). These struc- between stalagmites and stalac- by David Schmidt Ph.D., Director of tures form when tites? Science. Retrieved from: Environmental Sciences Undergraduate calcium carbonate http://science.howstuffworks.com/ Programs at WSU. The presentation was is carried by water environmental/earth/geology/sta- followed by a discussion on the construc- through cracks in lactite-stalagmite1.htm tion and history of Caesar Creek led by the limestone ceil- Hansen, Michael. Geology Of The AIPG/WSU Secretary and USACE Park ing. Once the water Hocking Hills State Park Region. 1st Ranger, Randy Mickle. The group toured is exposed to air ed. Columbus: Division of Geologic the control tower for Caesar Creek Lake and evaporates, Survey, 1975. Print. and went fossil hunting in the spillway. calcium carbonate Ordovician fossils such as brachiopods, crystalizes into a Caesar Creek Lake. (2015, October 29). trilobites, crinoids, and bryozoans were calcite precipitate History. Retrieved from: http:// collected. (Fuller, 2015). www.lrl.usace.army.mil/Missions/ These precipitates CivilWorks/Recreation/Lakes/ are left behind on CaesarCreekLake.aspx the cave ceilings, creating stalactites. Conkle’s Hollow. (2015, October 26). This water continues to drip onto the Ohio History Central. Retrieved cavern floor with dissolved calcium car- from: http://www.ohiohistorycen- bonate, leading to the formation of sta- tral.org/w/Conkle’s_Hollow lagmites (Fuller, 2015). These structures Hocking Hills State Park. (2015, October are the main attraction of the cavern. 29). ODNR Division of Ohio State The Wright State Chapter of AIPG Parks. Retrieved from: http:// values these opportunities to link stu- parks.ohiodnr.gov/hockinghills dents with geologic professionals on a personal level. Connections with leaders Paul Downing is a senior pursuing working in the profession fosters enthu- a B.S. in Earth and Environmental siasm that intrinsically drives students’ Ohio Caverns Sciences with a concentration in Earth interest in geology. There is no better Science at Wright State University. The most recent field excursion took way to build these connections than to Paul is President of Wright State’s place August 29, 2015; the WSU stu- observe and appreciate the environment Delta Epsilon chapter of Sigma Gamma dents joined AIPG geology profession- which ultimately brings us together in Epsilon Honor Society als to tour Ohio Caverns. This was the study and profession. AIPG/WSU would first of the field trips that was not led like to inspire other student sections to Kayla Haman is a senior at Wright by a WSU affiliated individual. The invest in similar activities in order to State University working toward her group participated in a guided “Natural share their experiences in a collaborative B.S. in Earth and Environmental Wonders” tour of the cavern. environment. Wright State University Science with an Environmental Science plans to nurture these student-profes- Concentration. Haman is the 2015-2016 sional relationships by continuing our Vice President of the WSU/AIPG student joint field excursions. The 2016 schedule Chapter. has yet to be finalized, the historic town of Yellow Springs is being considered. Randall Mickle is a senior at Wright Wright State students look forward to State University working toward his working with AIPG to create another B.A. in Earth Science with a heavy exciting field experience in the new year. background in Environmental Science. References Stacey Hundley is a Lecturer in the Department of Earth and Environmental The Ohio Caverns is an important About Ohio Caverns. (2015). Ohio geologic formation located in Champaign Sciences at Wright State University. For Caverns: Ohio’s Most Colorful the past 6 years she has served as the County, north of West Liberty, Ohio. Caverns. Retrieved from: http:// Geology of the subsurface comprises Faculty Adviser to WSU/AIPG Student www.ohiocaverns.com/about-cav- Chapter. sand and gravel deposits left behind by ern.html receding glaciers, and is underlain with limestone bedrock. These caverns were www.aipg.org Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 • TPG 49 Preparing Geology Students for Careers in the “New” Energy Industry

Todd A. Dallegge and William H. Hoyt, CPG-7015

total energy produced. Global energy production expresses similar trends in recent years. The carbon based economy is still overwhelmingly carbon based! As well, geologists need to be versed in the social, health, and economic impacts of drilling and development; moreover, those impacts caused by nuclear, hydroelectric, wind, geothermal, ocean thermal energy conversion, tidal, ocean currents, wave, solar, biomass, geothermal, and other emerging strategies for energy generation require that geoscientists be versed in a whole new set of emerging energy production industries. These mineral and natural resource-needy strategies are the Introduction frontier areas for some of the geologists currently training in The geologist’s role in the energy industry has evolved universities. We think it is fair to say that impacts of alterna- considerably over the past two decades with heavy emphasis tive energy strategies are not discussed much in traditional on interdisciplinary knowledge, collaboration and commu- geoscience courses in the United States, with the possible nication. However, core classes in science and geology are exception of nuclear energy. That needs to change to prepare still absolutely vital to a successful career in the industry. geoscientists for their future careers. This article emphasizes the needs of the petroleum industry Suburban sprawl continues to interact with historic produc- but most of these observations and principles apply to all ing areas which are now active with renewed unconventional energy industries (the newer ones are commonly referred to activity. Today’s geologists are reducing the surface impacts as “alternative”). The petroleum industry’s transition from of fossil fuel development by drilling multi-well pads and conventional geologic exploration and development techniques reaching more reserves with fewer wellbores by drilling hori- to resource-based unconventional development has changed zontally. It is worth pointing out that none of these energy- how we function as geologists. Understanding the total producing strategies sail through the permitting process petroleum system from maturation, migration, trap timing, without opposition and complete state and federal oversight reservoir quality, and aerial extent is “old hat” but still critical and regulation. The United States population clearly demands in undeveloped corners of the globe. energy to run the economy and our high-tech lives, but please Here in the United States, the way we evaluate resources don’t put those impacts in “my back yard!” has changed dramatically. What was bypassed historically as As commodity prices rise and fall so do the bottom lines for tight reservoirs with low flow rates and ultimately uneconomic energy companies. Geologists play a vital role in determining is now the “new” industry due to advancements in drilling and resource extent, recovery, production, and economics of future completion technologies. These new engineering technologies development. While many core interpretation principles still have opened up hundreds of new targets and play concepts apply to today’s geologist, students with desires to enter this requiring today’s geologists to be more versed in engineering principles and techniques. Collaborative, interdisciplinary work environments are now the norm which creates an emphasis on communication skills and group-based project work. With all these new concepts, large volumes of digital data are readily at the hands of the geologist. Best practices with data management and a working knowledge of software are vital to the geologist’s ability to synthesize and incorporate these data. The advancements in drilling and completion techniques bring more public awareness and focus on the fossil fuel industry from advocacy groups so today’s geologists are also promoters for that energy sector at work, on the street, in the class or living room. The fact is, fossil fuels currently comprise ~80% of energy used on Earth, and that will continue for some time as the economy and population growth continue. For the United States, the recent upsurge in unconventional production of oil and gas and the downturn in nuclear production can be seen in Figure 1. Energy generated from Figure 1. United States energy production by source, as measured by total renewables has been approximately flat over the last BTUs produced and normalized as heating value index (data from The Monthly Energy Review, 2015). five years in the United States, as measured as a percent of

50 TPG • Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 www.aipg.org preparing geology students for career in the “new” energy industry dynamic industry need more exposure to engineering, envi- As educators we must strive to provide access to engineer- ronmental, economic, health, and social impacts of energy ing best-practices and concepts, cover environmental concerns industries on the populace. associated with energy related activities, outline federal and state regulatory issues with energy extraction permitting Key College Foundations and highlight the social concerns facing the energy industry. As part of our outreach program to the various energy The core geologic academic principles of chemistry, physics, industries we need to establish collaborations to get students mathematics, mineralogy, petrography, structure, sedimentol- to the offices and out to extraction sites to observe and gain ogy, stratigraphy, paleontology, and field methods are still valuable knowledge of how today’s geologists are interacting fundamental to the success of energy geologists. It is critical in this multidisciplinary industry. Companies are routinely that these core classes continue to be taught in universities providing extraction-site guided tours to the general public with emphasis on best practices data management and criti- and students as part of their community outreach and educa- cal evaluation of data and interpretations. Hand contouring, tion programs. Students need this exposure and knowledge to 3D understanding of structure, and knowledge of various decide their future career path and prepare them for interviews depositional systems are even more crucial in this digital age. and careers in the industry. Anyone can push the gridding button on geologic software and get an “answer” but without the core fundamental geologic training to revise, evaluate and correct for geologic viability, Energy Alternatives Require Resources, the accuracy and effectiveness of the geologist’s interpretation Present Challenges could potentially cost companies millions of dollars testing Every decision in the energy industry is scrutinized for eco- invalid interpretations. nomic viability. Companies have obligations and requirements Students need real-world data sets to test their academic imposed on them from their shareholders and equity backers. training and familiarize themselves with the software and Every dollar spent must have sound scientific and business data they will use in their careers. Universities must continue reasoning. Students should be encouraged to add statistics, to provide state of the art computer labs loaded with typical economics, and business management classes to their cur- software used by energy geologists. Many suppliers of the riculum. When possible, geologic classes should incorporate geologic software offer licensing at no cost to institutions or information on geologic risk assessment and economic deci- at rates equivalent to pennies on the dollar. With these new sion factors used by energy companies. A minor in business, technologies and datasets, professors have to work diligently mathematics, or communication is a great addition to the to keep their skills current and the datasets relevant to today’s geologist’s toolkit and will propel those interested in taking emerging play concepts. Industry companies recognize this on future, higher-level management positions. need in academia and often supply datasets and financial support for licensing to help prepare students for the transition Key Communication Skills to the work place. As professors we need to reach out to the The energy industry requires geologists with the ability to various energy industries and seek out the professionals who present in front of peers and management groups and have do the internal hiring and training of young professionals so leadership skills. Most companies are using PowerPoint™ we can align our energy-focused curriculum to maximize the presentations as their primary source of communicating limited time we have to provide the skills industry is seeking. interpretations and project summaries. Today’s geologists need to be well versed with creating and importing graphics The “New” Global Energy Industry within PowerPoint™, documenting their work in a logical and The “new” energy industry is truly interdisciplinary in systematic way and providing proper citation and referenc- nature. Gone are the days of the geologist sitting in isolation ing. Often PowerPoint™ presentations become the historical generating a play concept and handing it across the hall to record-keeping for a company requiring proper documentation the engineers to drill and evaluate. Today’s geologists interact of the presenter’s thoughts and concepts from the slide in the daily with drilling, completion and reservoir engineers along Notes section of the PowerPoint™. with landmen, permitting specialists, environmental scien- We encourage all educators to incorporate public present- tists and others. This interaction requires a good working ing into their class syllabi. Summarizing and documenting knowledge of the principles and functions these other roles project-based work and the ability to present and convince provide. Often engineering data is fundamental to refining a peers, management and investors is a key skillset all employ- geologic interpretation that was originally based on traditional ers demand from students entering the workforce. Nothing geologic data only. Geologists are involved in every step of the is better than classroom repetition with peer evaluations in planning process which requires a firm understanding of the preparing students for that first industry presentation. Group environmental concerns at the surface location, permitting project work in the classroom is an excellent way to develop process with regulatory agencies, concerns of mineral and leadership skills among our students. Rotating leaders and surface owners and the drilling challenges associated with get- groups simulates a typical work place environment where ting from a surface location to a geologic-defined, bottom-hole geologists often are the lead on many projects and are fre- location. As part of the preplanning process, geologists work quently switched to different teams within the company. The closely with reservoir engineers and economists to evaluate more students are placed in leadership roles the more prepared the financial merits and risks of the development program. they are to take on individual contributors roles or progress After a well is drilled, geologists are integrally involved with into management positions later in their careers. assisting completion engineers with stage design and later Today’s geologist has to be intimately involved in advocacy evaluating the recovery efficiency with reservoir engineers. for the energy industry. As a group we are trusted for our knowledge of earth systems and processes and our compre- www.aipg.org Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 • TPG 51 Preparing geology students for career in the “new” energy industry

hension of changes to the earth over time. These principles prepared students for their intern program. We should work we acquired from our core educational training in the sciences with our College’s Career Services to provide an opportunity and geology gives us a lot of credibility with the media and the for on campus recruitment in our departments. We need to general public. We need to be active at the town halls, at the demonstrate and document how our current core curriculum coffee shop or with friends and family to have open and candid is well balanced by exposure to energy related principles, discussions about society’s basic need for energy resources and concepts and work methods, and emphasizes communication how that interacts with our environment. We need to listen, and collaborative-based project work. Several industry-related be courteous of others’ opinions, understand their fears, and organizations have created career fairs and opportunities work to educate them on the facts, science and regulatory for students to get in front of multiple companies at a single oversight involved in our industries. We also need to engage venue. These venues are becoming key places for students to them on how they can be more energy responsible and aware get exposure to energy related companies who are looking for and how they can actively participate in energy conservation. future talent. Providing information and being a resource for these keys events is a way we educators can be more involved Advanced Degrees, Special in actively getting our students hired right after they graduate. Certifications Resume preparation, interviewing skills and encouragement to take advantage of collegiate Career Services programs are Continuing education is still a key factor in hiring decisions items we can provide to better prepare our students. among energy companies. A Master’s degree in the geosciences is preferred or even required with some companies. When Conclusion commodity prices wane, most companies get selective with their hiring and generally look for higher levels of education Today’s geologists entering the energy industry workforce in candidates. A Master’s degree provides an advanced level require a solid background in the core sciences and geologic of critical thinking skills and the ability to design, execute, courses we have historically taught while augmenting their deliver and lead projects. These skills are active sought out education with industry information and concepts. Exposure by energy companies as more demands are placed on fewer to engineering, environmental, economic, social, health, and people due to companies downsizing or “rightsizing” their regulatory principles and practices builds the skills necessary businesses. As educators we should encourage our students to collaborate with their future colleagues in industry. A focus to plan for graduate studies in the geosciences. This graduate on group and project-based assignments documented by pre- studies emphasis should start in their first year of instruction sentations emphasizing communication skills is paramount and not as they are about to graduate. Jobs are available to to preparing our students for industry careers. After all, our geologists with bachelor’s degrees but those are limited in success as academic educators and developers of young profes- number and often entry-level and/or lower-paying positions. sionals is measured in how many students we place in geologic By preparing our students earlier that graduate level educa- careers whether they are energy related or not. tion may be required, we will not disappoint or discourage them as they attempt to find careers after their bachelor studies are References finished. And there are new types of professional geoscience The Monthly Energy Review, 2015, U.S. Energy Information degrees certified by the Council of Graduate Schools that are Administration, http://www.eia.gov/totalenergy/data/ worth considering as viable alternatives to traditional master’s monthly/index.cfm#summary degrees (e.g. Professional Science Master’s in Environmental Hoyt, William and Urban, Michael, 2015, The Value of Geosciences: http://unco.smartcatalogiq.com/en/current/ Professional Internships, The Professional Geologists, Graduate-Catalog/Graduate-Programs/Masters-Degrees/ v.55, no. 1, p 21-24. Environmental-Geosciences-PSM-Professional-Science- Masters). Also, having training in Hazardous Materials and Photo Credit: YouTube.com Site Investigations as required by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120(e), which is commonly referred to as “HAZWOPR certification,” Dr. Todd Dallegge, a geology alumnus of the University of can get you on many jobs that are not accessible without that Northern Colorado, is back to teach the inaugural offering of important credential. “Petroleum and Energy” in the spring of 2016. He has his MS How companies hire young professionals has shifted con- in geology from Northern Arizona University and a Ph D in siderably in the energy industry and other disciplines. Many geology from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He currently companies are hiring their inexperienced talent pool directly is Senior Geologist/Geological Advisor for Jonah Energy in from company internship programs. This unique screening Denver, and has worked for 15 years for half a dozen major tool provides an opportunity for the company to evaluate a and mid-major energy companies on a variety of global energy student’s work ethic, collaboration skills, project-based evalu- prospects. In addition he has taught geology on and off in a ation ability and communication skills in a work-place setting. wide variety of settings since 1996. Many of these internships are focused on real-world problems Dr. William Hoyt, Chair of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences the company is trying to solve or case studies looking at past at the University of Northern Colorado, initiated the new performance or competitor activity. This 2-3 month period Professional Science Master’s (PSM) in Environmental provides the student with invaluable experience and an option Geosciences in the fall of 2015. That degree focuses on all to evaluate if the industry is the right fit for them. aspects of industry, agency, and energy geosciences and These internships are highly sought after and very competi- includes requirements in graduate communications and tive. Our academic obligation is to leverage the collaborations internship courses and experiences. He has been teaching we have established with industry professionals and previous geology and oceanography since, well, 1973. graduates to encourage their companies to hire our well-

52 TPG • Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 www.aipg.org Mines Research Reveals New Findings on One of the Earliest Iguanodont Dinosaurs of North America

RAPID CITY, S.D. (Sept. 24, 2015) – New research published by paleontolo- gists at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology reveals an herbivorous dinosaur from the Black Hills as more than 20 million years older than previously thought. Findings published this week in the online journal PeerJ are significant because they could help piece together the evolutionary picture of the Dakotadon lakotaensis and its descendants. New research by South Dakota Mines paleontologist Darrin Pagnac, Ph.D., and Clint Boyd, Ph.D., former Mines paleontologist now employed with the North Dakota influenced inaccuracies in prior descriptions and reconstruc- Geological Survey, determined the dinosaur is between 135 tions, according to Pagnac and Boyd. million and 127 million years old, putting it in the geologic age “Mr. Rossow discovered an exceedingly important speci- of the early Cretaceous period, making it one of the earliest men, the only of its type known worldwide. The cranial types of such dinosaurs known from North America. anatomy of Dakotadon is revealing a great deal about the The fossil housed at the university is the only Dakotadon evolution of these herbivorous dinosaurs between the late lakotaensis specimen known to exist. Jurassic and early Cretaceous periods,” said Pagnac. Dakotadon lakotaensis is an iguanodont, a type of herbivorous dinosaur that lived throughout the northern hemisphere Traveling Geologist Photo Below in the early Cretaceous period. Iguanodonts are characterized by an elongate, horse-like skull, robust hind limbs and short- ened forelimbs with an immobile “spike” in place of a thumb. The specimen was donated to the university’s Museum of Geology in the mid 1970s after Louis Rossow discovered it on his property east of Whitewood in an outcropping of the Lower Cretaceous Lakota Formation. In 1989, it was described as Iguanodon lakotaensis in a paper by David Weishampel and Philip Bjork, former Museum of Geology director. Subsequent work in 2008 revealed it to be a new genus, hence the new name Dakotadon. The original site of excavation was relocated in 2014 with the aid of Rossow’s grandchildren. Relocation of the site helped Pagnac and Boyd determine the precise age of the specimen. At the Paleontology Research Laboratory on campus, then preparator Mindy Householder conducted additional preparation and conservation, revealing new anatomy and other information not included in the original description. Householder’s work exposed several new bones not included Late evening view, looking south across Moldefjord from Ottroy, an in the original description and revealed some bones that were island on the Atlantic coast. The rosy summits rise to an elevation of previously misidentified. Extensive deformation due to fos- about 1000 meters above the very nearby sea level.Photo from Kurt silization processes in areas of the skull was also noted that Hollocher, Union College. www.aipg.org Jan.Feb.Mar 2016 • TPG 53