Memorial for Paul K. Sims, former State Geologist of Minnesota

Paul K. Sims
1918 – 2011
Director of the Minnesota Geological Survey, State Geologist of Minnesota, and University of Minnesota Professor of Geology, 1961‐1973

Paul Kibler Sims died in Denver on October 29, 2011, at the age of 93. P.K. Sims was born on September 8, 1918, in Newton, Illinois, where he excelled in basketball and baseball as a youth. A teacher urged him to go to college, and after two years in the University of Illinois Business School, he became enthralled by a geology course taught by Harold Scott. In 1940, he completed his A.B. in Geology, and he married the homecoming queen, Dolores Thomas. He then completed a Master’s degree in Geology at University of Illinois in 1942, he worked for the Illinois State Geological Survey for a year, and he then worked with the US Geological Survey (USGS) from 1943 to 1944.

At USGS, he initially worked on the lead‐zinc deposits of the Wallapai mining district of
Arizona, and lead‐zinc deposits in the Metaline district of Washington state.

Paul then served two years with the Navy in the Pacific theatre. In 1946, Sims returned to
USGS, where he then worked on the gold deposits at South Pass, Wyoming, and he also
enrolled in the PhD program at Princeton. In 1947, he worked on iron ore at Dover, New
Jersey, followed by work in 1950/1951 in the USGS Manuscript Processing Office of the
Branch of Mineral Deposits. He completed his Princeton PhD in 1950.

From 1951 to 1953, he was in charge of the Reports Unit of the USGS Reconnaissance
Group in Denver, and he spent a month of 1953 in Washington on special assignment
working on uranium in Russia. From 1953 to 1957, Sims was a project chief in the USGS
Colorado Front Range project. From 1957 to 1958, he was District Supervisor for the USGS
Mineral Deposits Rocky Mountain area, and during this time, he also became responsible
for supervision of the Geochemical Exploration section. From 1959 to 1961, Sims was
project chief for the USGS Colorado Front Range project, and he conducted geologic
mapping in the Central City region.

As Sims’ reputation in Precambrian geology grew, he was invited by Preston Cloud of the
University of Minnesota to lead the Minnesota Geological Survey (MGS), as successor to
George Schwartz. He held the position of Director of the Minnesota Geological Survey,
State Geologist of Minnesota, and University of Minnesota Professor of Geology from 1961
to 1973. Sims assembled the first full‐time Minnesota Geological Survey staff, and he
focused on geologic mapping of the Precambrian rocks of the state, using the same
standards required by the USGS. A major achievement resulting from Sims’ time as MGS

Director was publication of ‘Geology of Minnesota: A Centennial Volume’, edited by P.K.
Sims and G.B. Morey, in recognition of the hundredth year of the state geological survey.
Sims left the Minnesota Geological Survey in 1973, and his successor was Matt Walton.
Sims then re‐joined the USGS at the Denver office, from 1973 to 1995, followed by service
as an Emeritus Scientist. From 1973 to 1980, Sims worked as project chief on Precambrian
greenstone belts of Minnesota and their regional tectonic framework. From 1980 to 1992,
Sims was USGS project chief on Precambrian tectonics of the Lake Superior region. From
1992 to 1995, PK was chief of a USGS project on Precambrian rocks of the Hartville uplift,
southeastern Wyoming. As an Emeritus Geologist at USGS after 1995, Sims worked on
several projects, including effort on unpublished geologic data obtained by George Snyder
before his untimely death, as well as Precambrian basement geologic maps.

Sims’ principal scientific achievements thus were contributions to knowledge of the
Precambrian rocks of North America, especially the regional geology and metallogeny of
the Lake Superior and Rocky Mountain regions.

P.K. Sims became a Geological Society of America Fellow in 1948. He was Colorado
Scientific Society President in 1957, and became an Honorary Member in 1977. He was a
member of the Society of Economic Geologists (SEG) beginning in 1954. He was an SEG
Councilor from 1965 to 1968, Chairman of the Publications Committee from 1967 to 1968,
Vice‐President in 1972, President in 1975, and Councilor from 1979 to 1996. He also was a
Trustee of the Society of Economic Geologists Foundation from 1979 to 1984. He was the
SEG Thayer Lindsley Distinguished Lecturer in 1984‐1985. In 1989, Sims received the SEG
Ralph W. Marsden Award, presented for outstanding service to the Society.

Sims was Secretary of the Subcommission on Precambrian Stratigraphy of the
International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) from 1975 to 1984. He received the
Minnesota Geological Award of the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and
Petroleum Engineers Minnesota Section in 1973. In 1983, he became an Honorary Member
of the Association of American State Geologists (AASG), and of the International
Association on Genesis of Ore Deposits. He received the Meritorious Service Award of the
U.S. Department of Interior in 1984, and a Department of Interior Distinguished Service
Award in 1991. He received the Sam Goldich Medal of the Institute on Lake Superior
Geology in 1985. In 2009, Sims received the Central Region Best Publication Award under
the USGS Scientist Emeritus Program, for his map, “Precambrian basement structure map
of the continental United States – An interpretation of geologic and aeromagnetic data”
Sims was preceded in death by his wife, Dolores, and he is survived by his friend Holly
Stein, daughter and former Miss Minnesota Charlotte Olein, son Thomas, as well as his
grandchildren and great‐grandchildren. PK Sims was a consistent, reliable, unselfish,
dignified gentleman. He will be missed.

[Prepared by Harvey Thorleifson, State Geologist of Minnesota]

New officers of AASG

The Association of American State Geologists elected new officers at the annual meeting held in Austin, Texas last week.   The office of Past President is automatically filled by the current President Vicki McConnell (Oregon).

Other positions are:

President Harvey Thorleifson (Minnesota)  [right]         

President-Elect John Parrish (California)

Vice President Jon Arthur (Florida)                      

Secretary Joe Gillman (Missouri)                           

Treasurer Mike Hohn (West Virginia)                              

Editor David Spears (Virginia)                                

Statistician Rick Allis (Utah)                              

Historian Mike Bograd (Mississippi)     

Terms begin July 1, 2012.

Utah Geological Survey Receives National Award for Earthquake Research

 

The Utah Geological Survey (UGS) received a 2012 National Award in Excellence for Research at the National Earthquake Conference. The award recognizes the significant contributions to earthquake research and risk reduction made by three Utah Earthquake Working Groups convened under the auspices of the UGS in cooperation with the Utah Seismic Safety Commission and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

Utah’s Earthquake Working Groups program was initiated in 2003 to bring together a broad spectrum of technical experts from state and federal agencies, universities, and the private sector to prioritize and coordinate earthquake-hazard research in Utah.

The three groups, which meet annually, focus on (1) active faulting, (2) earthquake ground shaking, and (3) liquefaction. The groups have been highly successful in expanding various targeted areas of research (in part by obtaining funding and developing partnerships), which has advanced earthquake-related knowledge in Utah.

The significant increase in new data and improved understanding about Utah’s earthquake hazards has spurred the USGS to ask UGS to make presentations to other states in the hope of generating similar programs elsewhere.

Bill Lund (UGS) accepted the award on behalf of the working group members at the 2012 National Earthquake Conference in Memphis, Tennessee.

 

 

AASG Annual Meeting underway in Austin, Texas

The 104th annual meeting of AASG got underway on Saturday, in Lakeway, outside Austin, Texas.   Attendance is up substantially from 2011. The theme for the meeting is "Forging New Partnerships"

Among the challenges we're addressing are:

• Do we really know who our users are?
• Whom are we missing?
• How can we evolve our present partnerships?
• Let's explore our options and broaden our horizons.

Colorado Geological Survey study tying geology to poor water quality wins national award

Is high, pristine mountain water always clean and pure? Can streams unaffected by human activities and livestock influences be unfit for human consumption, or fish? A study by the Colorado Geological Survey (CGS) has some surprising answers. The study examines areas in Colorado that have naturally poor, surface-water quality due to the area’s geology. The pioneering report, titled “Natural Acid Rock Drainage Associated with Hydrothermally Altered Terrane in Colorado,” was recently recognized by the Geological Society of America (John C. Frye Memorial Award) as the best environmental publication of 2011. The report identifies a number of streams in Colorado where surface water is acidic and has high concentrations of metals upstream of historic mining.

Hot water circulating in the earth’s crust can “hydrothermally alter” rock composition by dissolving some minerals and depositing others. In affected areas, the hydrothermal-alteration process deposited metal-sulfide minerals, commonly pyrite (fool’s gold), in the rocks. When these rocks interact with oxygen, the iron sulfide "rusts" to form iron oxide minerals, creating striking yellow, orange, and red colors – similar to the oxidation of metal in an old rusty car. “Acid rock drainage” occurs when the sulfur combines with water to form weak sulfuric acid. The acid then dissolves minerals in rock, often adding significant amounts of dissolved metals to streams. Natural acid rock drainage has been active in Colorado for thousands, possibly millions of years. Many of the areas exhibiting intense hydrothermal alteration also contain historic mine sites. Frequently, acid rock drainage from natural sources and mine sites combine to cause severe downstream water quality problems. In these situations it is important to distinguish the natural, or background, water quality so that realistic clean-up goals for water quality can be set.

“Due to Colorado’s many naturally mineralized areas, it is challenging to separate mining impacts on water quality from natural sources. This well-written study has been invaluable in determining man-made mining impacts on water quality and the selection of reclamation projects at historic mines,” said Bruce Stover, the director of the Colorado Office of Active and Inactive Mines.

“This useful publication provides an understanding of how natural acid rock drainage affects water quality in and downstream of Colorado’s mineralized regions and is an invaluable resource to the Division,” said Andrew Ross, Senior Hydrogeologist with the Colorado Water Quality Control Division.

Funding for this study came from the Colorado Geological Survey portion of the Department of Natural Resources Severance Tax Operational Account. Colorado severance taxes are derived from the production of gas, oil, coal, and metallic minerals. To order the “Natural Acid Rock Drainage: Associated with Hydrothermally Altered Terrane in Colorado”, please call 303-866-2611 Option 0, or visit the online book store at http://geosurveystore.state.co.us and search for NARD. Price is $30.00 plus shipping.

Assistant Director position open in Oregon

The Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) is seeking motivated and qualified candidates to fill the position of Principal Executive/Manager E, Assistant Director Program One – Geologic Survey and Services Program. The position is located in Portland and serves as part of the agency’s management team and answers directly to the agency Director.

The mission of the Department of Geology & Mineral Industries is to provide earth science information and regulation to make Oregon safe and prosperous. The Department has two programs: Geologic Survey & Services and Mined Land Regulation & Reclamation, each managed by an Assistant Director.

This position resides as the lead of the Geologic Survey & Services (GS&S) Program whose strategic goals are to acquire and organize geologic information and data to inform the people of Oregon, to reduce risk, damage and loss from natural hazards throughout the state of Oregon, to produce earth science and natural hazard information and make it available for policy decisions at an individual, local, regional and statewide level. The program consists of 17 technical services and public education staff, 6 business office staff, and 14 earth science and engineering expert staff and varying number of temporary technical staff. Current areas of policy concern include geologic mapping for groundwater management, climate change adaptation, renewable energy development, statewide lidar data acquisition and development and geohazards mitigation including earthquakes and tsunamis, landslides, flooding and coastal hazards. This program conducts complex, long-term geoscientific investigations, supporting the primary Department mission and the 2009 – 2015 Strategic Plan.

  

PEM E (Assistant Director, Geologic Survey & Service Program)

Utah Geological Survey discovers 3 new raptor dino's

The Utah Geological Survey reports that their paleontologists have discovered what appear to be three new raptor species of dinosaurs based on fossils recovered near Arches National Park.

A team led by the Utah Geological Survey published a paper describing one of these early Cretaceous fossils, which are between 120 and 130 millions years old, on Tuesday in the online journal PLos One, or the Public Library of Science.  [Right,artist's depiction of Yurgovuchia doellingi, named in honor of long-time UGS geologist Helmut Doelling, Courtesy Brad Wolverton, Utah Geological Survey]

National search for Ohio State Geologist

Larry Wickstrom, State Geologist and Director of the Ohio Geological Survey, is stepping down to return to the classified ranks in anticipation of retirement.  The Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources announced a national search for his replacement. Meanwhile, Mac Swinford will serve as Interim Director.

20th anniversary of National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Act

Congress passed the National Cooperative Geological Mapping Act twenty years ago, on May 4, 1992.

The National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (NCGMP) is the primary source of funds for the production of geologic maps in the United States and provides accurate geologic maps and three-dimensional framework models that help to sustain and improve the quality of life and economic vitality of the Nation and to mitigate natural hazards.

The NCGMP represents 2 decades of successful cooperation among Federal (FEDMAP), State (STATEMAP), and university (EDMAP) partners to deliver digital geologic maps to customers. Each of these three components has a unique role, yet all work cooperatively to select and map high-priority areas for new geologic maps.

Geologic mapping data from all of North America are presented via the National Geologic Map Database, and a common set of geologic map standards is being developed by the NCGMP in cooperation with the North American Geologic Map Data Model Steering Committee.
The USGS National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program is congressionally mandated by the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992.

[Much of this post is taken from the program page on the USGS website]

Greer Price named State Geologist of New Mexico

Greer Price, who has been serving as Interim Director of the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, has accepted the position as State Geologist and Director on a permanent basis.  [That's Greer on the left]

Ceremonies for release of Vermont geologic map

Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin [top, at podium. State Geologist Larry Becker at left] brought the presentation of the New State Bedrock Geologic Map into his Executive Office in the State House on April 11, 2012. Approximately 45 people from the geologic and interested community trooped and squeezed in to hear the presentation with the State House press corps in attendance. He noted that “Every 50 years or so something big happens, this is one of them”.

This is a cooperative map between the Vermont Geological Survey (VGS), USGS and our primary academic partner the University of Vermont. Attached are pictures of the Governor, the lead VGS author, Marjorie Gale [third photo], the State Geologist [second photo] with more of the Governors ornate office, map contributors surrounding the Governor, and audience looking on.

Peter Lyttle in his role as National Geologic Mapping Program Coordinator was there so was Randy Orndorff and the lead USGS author, Nick Ratcliffe. State Geologists Steve Mabee (Mass) and Rick Chormann (NH) were in attendance. [bottom photo, map authors Ratcliffe, Gale, Thompson, and Walsh]

Rep. David Deen a member of the Vermont Statemap Advisory Committee introduced a resolution and brought Survey members to the floor of the House to stand and be recognized.

Resolved: That the Secretary of State be directed to send a copy of this resolution to Secretary of Natural Resources Deborah Markowitz.

VGS link to the Map: http://www.anr.state.vt.us/dec/geo/StateBedrockMap2012.htm

Link to Press Release – Quote from Governor Shumlin, Marcia McNutt Director of the USGS, Laurence Becker Vermont State Geologist and Charlotte Mehrtens, UVM Geology Department

http://governor.vermont.gov/newsroom-new-geologic-map-of-vermont-unveiled

Secretary Markowitz’s remarks in the Governor’s Office

Vermont's New Geologic Bedrock Map

Yesterday ANR presented the governor with a new Geologic Bedrock Map of Vermont. The last bedrock map was created over 60 years ago, before our modern understanding of plate tectonics. The current map took 30 years to complete. Geologists and students walked the state and, using pace and compass, mapped the visible bedrock, took core samples and using this data created a detailed map of Vermont's bedrock. In a statement yesterday at the Statehouse Secretary Markowitz thanked and congratulated the geologists from ANR, the US Geological Survey and the University of Vermont who worked collaboratively to create this new map. She went on to say that

"Our new Geologic illustrates, not just the layers of rocks below our feet, but it tells the story of the history of Vermont, from its earliest contours to the present. The geologic forces that have shaped this landscape have also shaped the lives of the people who have lived here, from the Abenaki through each successive wave of immigrants.

It also guides the contours of our modern economy which is tied to the working forests and farms, mines, ski industry and tourism -- all of which are in turn intimately connected to our state's geology.

It is the foundation of the natural beauty of our state. The varied palette of colors shows how complex our bedrock is and in turn symbolizes the sublime and mysterious world that lives below our feet and in the surrounding hillsides.

It underlies the ecology of our landscape, our forests, streams, farms and meadows, all of which vary according to the underlying geologic formations.

This map also illustrates the state's commitment to the use of science to inform our collective decisions about environmental stewardship with the latest and best information available, and to present that information in a manner that is easily accessible and useful to the broader public

Finally this map is a tribute to the art and poetry inside the souls of our state's dedicated geologists who are closely attuned to the rhythms and vibrations of our landscape as well as to the deep history embedded in the rocks below our feet."

To see this map visit: http://www.anr.state.vt.us/dec/geo/StateBedrockMap2012.htm

To learn about how it was created visit: http://www.anr.state.vt.us/dec/geo/BedrockMapofVTHistory.htm

About the Map: The Bedrock Geologic Map of Vermont incorporates 30 years of new approaches to geologic mapping and the technologies that support it. As a fundamental data layer, it is a show piece of the present understanding of Vermont geology. The map will be the geoscience base for years to come, helping us to address Vermont's environmental issues and informing our interaction with and protection of our natural resources.

A map is the medium by which geologists communicate data and its interpretation. Mapping at the surface allows geologists to predict what is in the subsurface. Predictive capabilities are important for understanding issues such water supply, contaminant remediation, natural geochemical hazards, and rockfalls.

Map-making process: The new map incorporates field mapping studies at various scales by more than 60 geologists. Mapping was done by pace and compass on a variety of base maps and there was no use of GPS or digital GIS mapping in 1984. Geologists observe the exposed rock types and structures (folds, faults, fractures) in the field, sample the rock for microscopic, chemical, and geochronological studies, then use this information to develop a three dimensional model of the underlying bedrock and to understand the depositional and deformational history of Vermont. Maps were hand drafted in ink on mylar, reproduced on paper, then hand colored. The entire process from field work to map publication is labor intensive. Mapping is still done through walking the land, but now (2011) incorporates the use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems

New Geologic Map of Vermont Unveiled

Gov., USGS, Vermont Geological Survey and University of Vermont roll-out details

MONTPELIER, Vt. – A new bedrock geologic map of the state was unveiled in a ceremony at the Vermont State House today, bringing a critical tool to land managers involved in natural resource planning and environmental assessment.

The event, hosted by Gov. Peter Shumlin, included the Secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources Deb Markowitz; Peter Lyttle of the U.S. Geological Survey; Laurence Becker, Vermont Agency of Natural Resources; and Char Mehrtens of the University of Vermont. These three organizations were the main collaborators to produce this updated, highly detailed map. The state’s last map of this kind was produced in 1961, with the first geologic map of the state being produced 150 years ago.

“Through the balanced work of all the partners, Vermonters now have a comprehensive map that will help us better understand and plan for issues like groundwater, energy, hazards, infrastructure development, and environmental protection for years to come,” Gov. Shumlin said. “Such up to date information is crucial to the State when addressing the economic and environmental concerns of citizens, lawmakers, government, business, and local communities.”

Geologic maps enable resource managers and land management agencies to identify and protect aquifers, evaluate resources and land use, and prepare for natural hazards, such as earthquakes and land subsidence, for example. Geologic maps are also critical tools for choosing safe sites for solid and hazardous waste disposal and for protecting sensitive ecosystems.

Understanding where different rock types are located provides important clues about where groundwater and mineral resources exist. The map provides a template for future studies in a variety of disciplines -- not only geologic, tectonic and hydrologic studies, but also economic and environmental evaluations.

"It was an incredible tour de force to bring this level of detail to the new bedrock map on account of the many intense geologic events that have left their mark on the state of Vermont over the eons," said USGS Director Marcia McNutt from the bureau’s headquarters in Reston, Va. "Without the steadfast and enduring partnership of the USGS, the Vermont Geological Survey, and the University of Vermont, this achievement would not have been possible."

Vermont’s new map shows an uncommon level of detail for state geologic maps. Mapped rock units are based on lithology, or rock type, rather than traditional rock formations that may include multiple rock types. This map identifies more than 486 different types of rock throughout the state of Vermont, a design feature intended to facilitate use by multiple disciplines. During the project, scientists also discovered many fault lines, advancing understanding about how and where water travels through the underground rock formations and providing clues about where underground aquifers -- an important source for potable fresh water -- may be located.

“The Vermont map is the visual presentation used to communicate data, ideas and interpretations. New map patterns developed through years of field and laboratory studies led to recognition of terranes from different geologic settings. Most importantly, understanding these settings gives us predictive capabilities for the sub-surface including areas where rocks are covered by glacial deposits,” said Laurence Becker, the 13th Vermont State Geologist. “The bedrock geology, in conjunction with the overlying glacial deposits, form the geologic system crucial to understanding economic and environmental issues that face our state”

Vermont’s new geologic map substantially builds upon the state’s previous geologic map – created in 1961– by incorporating the theory of plate tectonics, which had not yet been developed 50 years ago. The Green Mountains form the backbone of Vermont. Their geologic history, spanning more than 1.4 billion years, attests to a complex series of plate tectonic events including the formation of corals reefs, ocean basins and volcanic arcs punctuated by periods of Appalachian mountain building.

"The new bedrock geologic map of Vermont changes the way we look at the geologic history of the state because we can now see relationships between rock types and structures that were obscured on the old map,” said Char Mehrtens, contributing author of the map and professor of Geology at UVM. “The level of detail provided by the new map is also a huge help to geoscience educators because we can now design student projects to utilize the three dimensional information it contains. The significance of this map can't be understated; it places us in the national conversation about the origin and evolution of mountain belts, particularly because the National Science Foundation-funded Earth Scope project will be working in New England starting in 2013. The new bedrock map sets the stage for collaborative studies of University of Vermont geologists with their national and international colleagues."

The process for creating a geologic map for an entire state is very field intensive, and The Bedrock Geologic Map of Vermont has been in development since the 1980s. The authors who originated this project and brought it to fruition include Nicholas M. Ratcliffe, USGS; Rolfe S. Stanley*, UVM; Marjorie H. Gale, VGS; Peter J. Thompson, VGS; and Gregory J. Walsh, USGS.

Other contributors included Norman L. Hatch, Jr.*, USGS; Douglas W. Rankin, USGS; Barry L. Doolan, UVM; Jonathan Kim, VGS; Charlotte J. Mehrtens, UVM; John N. Aleinikoff, USGS; and J. Gregory McHone, Wesleyan University. Linda M. Masonic, USGS, was responsible for the cartography.

The Bedrock Geologic Map of Vermont covers 246 7.5-minute quadrangles at a scale of 1:100,000 where one inch equals about 1.6 miles. The map consists of three oversize sheets (52 x 76 inches), and displays the state’s geology in an 8.5-foot tall map. Printed copies of the map will be available for sale by the USGS and by the Vermont Geological Survey. The map is also available online and in a variety of formats through the USGS at http://pubs.usgs.gov/sim/3184/ and the VGS at http://www.anr.state.vt.us/dec/geo/vgs.htm

* Deceased

New Bedrock Geologic Map of Vermont

Vermont Public Radio offers a podcast report on release of the new Bedrock Geologic Map of Vermont by the Vermont Geological Survey and the USGS:

Since Vermont's last Bedrock Geologic Map was completed over 50 years ago, there have been new interpretations of geologic history, like plate tectonics theory. That theory was accepted in the mid-1960s. There have also been advancements in the science of geologic mapping and technology. A new map will be released this week by the Vermont Geological Survey. It will incorporate these new elements and will help address some of Vermont's environmental issues and the protection of our natural resources.

Geologists Marjie Gale and Nick Ratcliffe discuss how the map was created over a span of three decades, what it tells us about the state's bedrock geology and how the map can be utilized.

Reference: Ratcliffe, N.M., Stanley, R.S, Gale, M.H., Thompson, P.J., and Walsh, G.J., 2011, Bedrock Geologic Map of Vermont: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Map 3184, 3 sheets, scale 1:100,000.

State Geological Surveys in the news

Time magazine's cover story on "The Truth about Oil" includes a quote from Scott Tinker.

The Arkansas Geological Survey is featured prominently in the March 23 issue of Science, in the story on "Learning How to NOT Make Your Own Earthquakes."

The Kentucky Geological Survey is showcased in the Spring 2012 issue of Esri's ArcUser magazine, in an article titled, "Responsiveness and Reliability: Kentucky Geological Survey benefits from ArcGIS for Server."

There's a feature article in the same issue about mapping by the Illinois State Geological Survey, titled, "Modeling the Terrain Below:
Creating dynamic subsurface perspectives in ArcScene."

Alaska Survey recruiting Energy Program Manager

Tired of sitting in front of the computer, correlating logs, and dreaming about outcrop?

The wait is over!

The Alaska State Geologic Survey (Alaska Division of Geology & Geophysical Surveys) has a position opening that they hope will be very attractive to someone that wants a field-research based management position in the geology ‘candy store’ of Alaska.

They are currently recruiting for a Geologist V to manage and lead the Energy Program here at the Alaska State Geologic Survey in beautiful warm Fairbanks. [Right, DGGS geologist Jennifer Athey. Credit, DGGS]

This is a demanding position, that will involve significant geologic field work in remote Alaska, supervision of up to 5 geologists, and setting the priorities of our Energy program.

Please forward this information to your contacts, and please be liberal with your email list. DGGS is performing a national search and is looking for a candidate that wants to make a difference in the understanding of Alaska’s complex sedimentary basins.

You can access the position details here Geologist V