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

AASG testifies on USGS budget and state co-ops

Minnesota State Geologist Harvey Thorleifson reports that the House Energy & Minerals Subcommittee hearing on the USGS budget today went well. [Right, US Capitol. Credit, Architect of the Capitol]

Jon Price spoke effectively for SME, John Geissman spoke superbly for GSA, and Harvey spoke for AASG. There were good questions and discussion, much of it, but certainly not all, on fracking.

USGS Director Marcia McNutt spoke very positively about partnerships with states, the fundamental importance of geologic mapping, and added a plug for 3D mapping.

Chairman Lamborn of CO asked Marcia to confirm that supplements to NCGMP would be distributed to Statemap and elsewhere according to the provisions of the Act, and Marcia confirmed this.

Rush Holt of NJ followed up on our testimony, in which we mentioned the New Jersey Geological Survey geologic mapping associated with nuclear facilities.

Representative Tonko of NY asked excellent questions – on geologic mapping, on NCGMP, on the distribution of funds to Statemap, and on the Great Lakes Coalition. He also asked a thoughtful question about how to optimize our preparedness for flooding and other hazards - Harvey noted stream gages, understanding stream response, documenting historic and geologic records of past events, and conveying a grasp of the risk to the public.

Bill Flores of Texas spoke strongly in favor of the Minerals program, as he depicted availability of minerals as a serious topic for the nation. GT Thompson of PA focused on fracking.

In discussions after, Chairman Lamborn spoke very positively about the Colorado Geological Survey mapping that AASG had mentioned in testimony.

Pick & Gavel Awards to Sen. Feinstein, Rep. Moran

The 2012 AASG Pick & Gavel Awards were presented to Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, and Rep. Jim Moran at a formal dinner at the Cosmos Club in Washington DC last week in front of a large audience of geoscientists and policy makers. [Right, Virginia State Geologist David Spear presents the award to Tim Aiken, Legislative Director for Rep. Moran. Photo credit, Ben Zweig]

The Pick and Gavel Award was initiated by AASG in 1999 to recognize distinguished friends of geology who have made or are making major contributions to advancing the role that geoscience plays in our society. The Pick and Gavel Dinner is held in Washington D.C. in mid-March at the Cosmos Club, whose history is steeped in geology. One of its founders and first presidents was John Wesley Powell, 1881 -1894 USGS Director and explorer of the Grand Canyon, and its membership has included many renowned geologists.

The Award consists of a mounted mineral, fossil, or rock, with a symbol that includes a geologist's pick, a policy-maker's gavel, and the Capitol, where geologists and policy-makers work together to respond to the needs of the nation.

Opening for Director of the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology

Montana State Geologist Ed Deal has announced his retirement at the end of September, 2012. The Chancellor of Montana Tech announced an open search for Ed's replacement is now underway.

Director of the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology

Montana Tech of The University of Montana seeks an individual to serve as the Director of the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology (MBMG), and as the Montana State Geologist. The Director oversees and develops MBMG programs related to its core mission of collecting and disseminating information about Montana’s geologic, groundwater, energy, and mineral resources essential for responsible and sustainable resource development, as well as educating the public about natural hazards. The Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology, established by State Statute in 1919, is a non-regulatory department of Montana Tech of The University of Montana. The Bureau is the State's geological research agency and as such conducts investigations and evaluates and disseminates information on Montana geology, and mineral, energy, and groundwater resources. With offices in Butte and Billings, a budget of $ 6.5M/year, and a staff of about 60 the MBMG maintains strong programs in groundwater resource evaluation, geologic mapping, environmental hydrogeology, mineral and energy resource evaluation, geologic hazard evaluation, and earthquake studies. Additionally, the MBMG curates one of the finest mineral museums in the Pacific Northwest, and serves as the state repository for water-well logs, groundwater data, and mineral information. The MBMG maintains organic and inorganic analytical laboratories, and active GIS and Information Services divisions. The MBMG is a leader in groundwater and geologic database development and in providing online digital data, maps and reports. The MBMG also provides technical assistance to the public, state and federal agencies, and industry. More information about the MBMG can be found on its web-site, http://www.mbmg.mtech.edu/. The Director embraces and encourages a collegial administrative/leadership style while promoting high-quality applied geoscience research that benefits the state of Montana. The MBMG, in addition to being the State geological survey, is a department of Montana Tech, and thereby collaborates closely with the university’s faculty, students and research groups. The Director works with Montana Tech, the Montana University System, and the state legislature to justify funding for, and advance the mission of the MBMG. In addition, the Director seeks external funding beyond legislative appropriations, maintains an awareness of significant geoscience research developments and applications, and integrates this knowledge with an understanding of the needs of Montana so that new advances are incorporated into long-term research planning. The position reports directly to the Chancellor of Montana Tech. The anticipated appointment date is October 1, 2012.

Required qualifications include: a doctorate and at least ten years of closely related geoscience experience; administrative experience in budgeting, personnel management, and program development, experience addressing natural resource (oil, gas, mineral, water) public-policy issues as demonstrated in publications and in the interaction with governmental and non-governmental groups, or others; certification as a professional geologist or registered mining engineer at time of appointment (or within three years of appointment); and excellent communication skills with both scientific and public audiences.

Montana Tech is located in beautiful and geologically interesting southwest Montana, in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, midway between Yellowstone and Glacier National Park. There are abundant opportunities for recreation including skiing and other winter sports, camping, hiking, biking, world-class fishing, and civic opportunities in the historic city of Butte and the vicinity. The state of Montana is fiscally sound and has ended recent fiscal years with budget surpluses.

For more information visit www.mtech.edu/employment. Submit a cover letter addressing qualifications, resume’, authorization for background check (obtained at above web address) and contact information for a minimum of 3 professional references to Montana Tech Personnel Office, 1300 West Park Street, Butte, MT 59701. EEO/AA

Statemap awards 1993-2012

Since it's inception in 1993, the Statemap component of the USGS National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Act has provided State Geological Surveys with over $95 million to complete geologic mapping of the nation. The states have more than matched that with their own funds.

The graph at right summarizes funding by state for the past four years.

"Switch" selected Best of the Fest at Colorado Environmental Film Festival

The new energy documentary, Switch, featuring Texas State Geologist Scott Tinker was selected "Best of the Fest" at the Colorado Environmental Film Festival last night. [Right, filming geothermal energy in Iceland]

The film description in the CEEF program explains:

What will it really take, to switch from oil and coal, to their alternatives? Dr. Scott Tinker, Director of the Bureau of Economic Geology, professor of geosciences, and renowned energy lecturer, embarks on a round the world journey to answer this and related questions: If coal is dirty, why do we keep using it? Can we really clean it up? Will oil get more expensive? Will it run out? How quickly will we adopt alternatives, and which ones? How risky is hydraulic fracturing? How dangerous is nuclear? What are the biggest challenges, and most promising solutions, to our energy transition? What role does each of us play? Dr. Tinker goes inside the world's premiere energy sites for all resources, from coal to solar, and talks to leaders in government, industry and academia, exploring the world of energy like no documentary has ever done before. Test audiences have called this 'the most important energy film since An Inconvenient Truth.'

Transition of Nevada State Geologist

Nevada State Geologist Jon Price announced that Dr. James E. Faulds [right, credit NBMG] will be replacing him as State Geologist and Director of the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology (NBMG) at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) when Jon retires at the end of June. Between now and then, Jim and Jon will be sharing duties of the position, as they transition to his leadership.

Jim, who has been with NBMG since 1997, is an expert in structural geology, tectonics, and geothermal systems. He has published widely on extensional and strike-slip tectonics, nonmarine salt deposits, and structural controls on geothermal systems, including relations between current geothermal activity and young epithermal mineral deposits. He has mapped dozens of quadrangles in Nevada, including some in the Searchlight mining district in southern Nevada, the Carlin trend, the Walker Lane, and several known geothermal resource areas. His geothermal research has been instrumental in developing more sophisticated exploration strategies for geothermal systems. He has also taught courses in structural geology, tectonics, geothermal exploration, and field geology, including serving as Director of UNR’s geology field camp for 5 years. He has served as advisor for 14 graduate students while at UNR. He is also the current President of the Nevada Petroleum Society.

Jim earned his B.S. (with highest honors) at the University of Montana, his M.S. at the University of Arizona, and his Ph.D. at the University of New Mexico. He held postdoctoral research positions at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and at the University of Southern California and was on the faculty at the University of Iowa before joining NBMG.

Please welcome Jim in his new roles as the NBMG Director and the State Geologist of Nevada.

Nevada's Jon Price to receive WSSPC Lifetime Achievement Award

Jon Price, State Geologist of Nevada, and Director of the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology is the recipient of the Western States Seismic Policy Council Lifetime Achievement Award in Earthquake Risk Reduction.[Photo credit NBMG]

WSSPC created the Lifetime Achievement Award to recognize outstanding leaders in earthquake risk reduction. The qualifications for the award state: The recipient will have demonstrated throughout his or her career an extraordinary commitment, level of service, and contribution to the application of earthquake risk reduction to public policy. The Award is given only when a nominee’s outstanding qualifications merit granting an award.

The award will be presented at the Awards luncheon at the 2012 National Earthquake Conference/ EERI Annual Meeting on Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee.

USGS Director to keynote Indiana Geological Survey's 175th anniversary events

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Marcia McNutt, director of the U.S. Geological Survey, will present two lectures Feb. 6 at Indiana University Bloomington: one on fossil fuel resources, the other on earthquakes and community resiliency. The lectures are free and open to the public.

The first woman to serve as director of the U.S. Geological Survey, McNutt leads the nation's largest water, Earth, biological science and civilian mapping agency, whose mission is to provide the scientific data that enable decision-makers to create sound policies for a changing world.

"Dr. McNutt's visit to IU offers an extraordinary opportunity for our faculty and students," said Michael Hamburger, professor of geophysics in the IU Department of Geological Sciences. "She is not only a highly respected research scholar, but as the director of the U.S. Geological Survey, she is one of the government's leading experts on energy policy, environmental issues and natural hazard mitigation."

McNutt's talks at IU Bloomington, both on Feb. 6, are:

The Tudor Commemorative Lecture on "U.S. Energy Outlook: Whatever Happened to 'Peak Oil,'" at 4 p.m. in the IU Fine Arts Auditorium.

A lunch-time brown-bag lecture, "Earthquakes Near and Far: A Study in Community Resiliency," at noon in the Patton Room (S201) in the Geological Survey wing of the Geology Building.

McNutt, in her Tudor Lecture, will review the U.S. outlook for fossil fuel resources and the challenges presented by developing these resources. Not long ago, the public heard much concern that the nation and the globe had reached or was about to reach the point of peak oil production and would be on a downward trajectory due to declining resources. Despite growing demand for energy, however, fossil fuel resources have never been higher. But given difficulties in developing the resources, the USGS also supports wind and solar energy development to help reduce U.S. dependence on fossil fuel.

The annual Tudor Commemorative Lecture was established by a 2000 gift in honor of Daniel S. Tudor, an IU alumnus and former president of Chevron Geosciences.

McNutt's lunch-time lecture will investigate earthquake losses as a function of community resilience and preparation. Earthquakes of the past few years -- including the devastating Haiti earthquake, the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan, and the surprising Mineral, Va., earthquake -- provide a spectrum of events for addressing the topic. Surprisingly, earthquake magnitude is less important in determining the loss of life and property than other factors, such as building codes and public education.

McNutt was chosen to lead the USGS in 2010, becoming the 15th director in its 130-year history. She previously served as president and CEO of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute and as professor of geophysics at MIT.

She has participated in 15 major oceanographic expeditions and published 90 peer-reviewed scientific articles. Her research has ranged from studies of ocean island volcanism in French Polynesia to continental break-up in the Western United States to uplift of the Tibetan Plateau.

McNutt received a bachelor's degree in physics from Colorado College and a doctorate in earth sciences from Scripps Institution of Oceanography. She has served as president of the American Geophysical Union and is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Philosophical Society and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Her visit to IU is sponsored by the Department of Geological Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences.

[taken from the IU news release. Photo courtesy of Indiana University]

Nevada Mineral Exploration Coalition looks for solutions to NBMG funding cuts

YOU ARE INVITED TO AN OPEN DISCUSSION

The Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology has provided many essential services and products to the state and its citizens for more than 100 years. It is an essential organization to the geological community and the general public

In June of 2012 these services and products will be severely curtailed unless a solution to the problem is found.

In order to promote ongoing discussions addressing this problem, The Nevada Mineral Exploration Coalition will host an Open Forum Panel discussion intended to identify and evaluate possible solutions and we welcome your input. Co-hosts of the event include all of the stakeholder organizations who benefit from the work of the NBM&G as listed below.

Venue: Elks Club, 597 Kumle Lane, Reno, Nevada

Date: Friday, January 20, 2012

Time: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Agenda: 1:00-2:30 PM – Statement of the problem and solution ideas: Lew Gustafson, Jon Price and others

2:30-2:45 PM – Refreshment break – sponsored by hosting organizations

2:45-4:30 PM – Identify the final one or two proposals and an action plan

4:30-whenever – Break out sessions as determined

Registration: free

Co Hosts: Geological Society of Nevada

Nevada Petroleum Society

Nevada Mining Association

Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME)

Nevada Division of Minerals

Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists

You may also like to attend the Geological Society of Nevada membership meeting at 6:00 PM at the same venue (www.gsnv.org for information).

Steve Conrad, former North Carolina State Geologist

It is our sad duty to report that former North Carolina Director of Land Resources, Steve Conrad, passed away on Wednesday, December 21, 2011. Steve was admitted to the hospital earlier in the week with chest pains and died unexpectedly of an apparent stroke.

He played a critical role in the Department’s and Division’s transition from an entirely natural resources agency into the regulatory environment. Steve was always considered an “honest broker” because he was highly respected and trusted among all sectors. Steve services and awards are too lengthily to list here, but they include such diverse activities as national president of the Association of American State Geologists, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, President of the Board of Directors of the NC State Employees Credit Union [Right, SECU Chairman Jim Barber (left) presents a Resolution of Service to long term SECU volunteer Steve Conrad, 11-1-11. Credit, SECU] and one of the founding fathers of the Interstate Mining Compact Commission and the NC Board for the Licensing of Geologists. He was also longest serving North Carolina State Geologist (1964-1990).

His funeral is at Mitchell Funeral Home at Memorial Park, 7209 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh at 11:-00 on Saturday, December 24. His family will receive friends from 1):00-11:00 at the funeral home.

[prepared from materials provided by James Simons, State Geologist & Director, NCGS]

Wyoming State Geologist named

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Governor Matt Mead named Tom Drean as the Wyoming State Geologist. Drean previously worked for ConocoPhillips as the company’s president for Iraq.

“We are excited to have Tom take on this important role for Wyoming,” Governor Mead said. “His background working across the globe is impressive, as is his knowledge of geology and mineral resources.”

As State Geologist Drean will serve on the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission and the Wyoming Board of Professional Geologists. The State Geologist leads the Wyoming State Geological Survey. The mission of the WSGS is to promote the beneficial and environmentally sound use of Wyoming’s vast geologic, mineral and energy resources while helping protect the public from geologic hazards.

“I am honored to take on this role and to work with Governor Mead,” Drean said. “Wyoming is such an appealing place for a geologist. The resources here are world class on every front and I want to be a good steward of all of these resources.”

Drean worked for ConocoPhillips for over 26 years. He has held positions in the Middle East, Africa, Australia, South America, Europe and the United States. He has a Masters of Science from Penn State University where his area of study was geochemistry and a Bachelor of Science from Western Michigan University where his area of study was geology. His first day on the job is today [Dec. 15] and he replaces Wallace Ulrich.

“I want to thank Wallace Ulrich for his work as State Geologist and for his deep passion for Wyoming and its geology,” Governor Mead said.

[news release from the office of Wyoming Governor Matt Mead]

"Dirty Jobs" digs Utah dinosaurs

Discovery Channel's Mike Rowe went to the field with Utah Geological Survey paleontologists to film an episode of "Dirty Jobs" for later broadcast. There are four 'sneak peek' video clips from the day digging for dinosaurs, posted online.



That's Utah's State Paleontologist Jim Kirkland in the blue jacket in the clip above.

Kentucky Geological Survey celebrates completion of statewide 1:100,000 geologic maps

The Kentucky Geological Survey at the University of Kentucky celebrated a major achievement today in the mapping of Kentucky's geology. KGS has published all 25 maps in the 30 by 60 minute geologic map series (1:100,000 scale), making them available to the public. This achievement is unparalleled by any other state, making Kentucky a leader in geologic mapping and map technology.

These detailed maps show surface and subsurface rock types, formations, and structures such as faults. Geologic formations and faults control the occurrence of minerals and fuels, groundwater, and geologic hazards.



"They are an important contribution to society because the information they provide assists in the production of resources, protection of groundwater and the environment, stability of foundations and infrastructure, and avoidance of hazards," says KGS Director and State Geologist Jim Cobb. "Because the maps are available on the Web, they are always accessible to the public at no cost. Hardcopy versions of the maps can be ordered from the Survey's Publication Sales Office."

At a news conference on campus this morning, a super-sized geologic map of Kentucky, 10 feet high by 23 feet wide, was unveiled in the foyer of the Mining and Mineral Resources Building on campus. A symposium on geologic mapping, "Celebrating Geologic Mapping for Science and Society," was held later that day at the Boone Center and featured experts from the University of Kentucky, KGS and other state surveys, the United States Geological Survey, and academic institutions.

Remarks by Dr. Jim Cobb, Director of the Kentucky Geological Survey at UK and State Geologist of Kentucky , on November 30, 2011, to celebrate completion of the geologic map of Kentucky at the scale of 1:100,000:


I could not be more pleased about the celebration we are having today.
I want to thank everyone for being here.

It has long been recognized that knowledge of the earth leads directly to economic development, improvements in public health and safety, lower costs for society, and wise use of our resources.

We have completed all 25 maps covering Kentucky in the 30 by 60-minute series. A 30 by 60-minute map is 35 by 56 miles or about 1900 square miles in area.

These geologic maps contain information vital for society. They are like blueprints of the earth. I believe we are the first state to accomplishment this goal.

The banner hanging on our wall that we unveil today for the public is a composite of all the 25 individual maps.
This banner is a symbol of what has been created. It is data-intensive to the extreme and just getting it plotted onto vinyl material took a huge effort.

There are a few amazing facts from this map that only a computer could calculate. There are three billion, billion with a B, feet of lines represented on this map. These lines were acquired by geologists, walking across all parts of Kentucky to collect this data in the field. Three billion feet is equal to 579,000 miles or 23 trips around the earth, that’s a lot of mapping and a lot walking.

A great amount of science about Kentucky has been learned from geologic mapping and many students and faculty have benefited from being part of this effort.

The colored areas on the map represent 334 mapped stratigraphic units. The stratigraphic units range in age from middle Ordovician to Holocene spanning 460 million years of Earth history.

There are 427,000 lines that trace around each stratigraphic unit.

There are 21,200 mapped fault segments and 99,000 miles of coal outcrops.

If I refer to this accomplishment in the singular, as in this map, it is because all 25 individual maps once in the computer become a single map even though we have published all of them separately. In the computer environment and on the Internet it is one seamless geologic map.

This map has utility for economic development, mineral and energy production, and environmental protection for Kentucky.
It is used by geologists, engineers, citizens, landowners, developers, and planners to locate resources, protect ground water and the environment, avoid natural hazards, and design infrastructure such as roads, bridges, industrial parks, and buildings.
Of equal importance to the field geology that was done, is the computer and programming work that converted the lines on the map to digital data that can be served over the Internet.

The real value of this accomplishment is not in this banner or in the printed paper maps; it is in the digital data derived from the maps that we serve over the Internet 24/7. The computers we use to serve this data consume 7 terabytes of storage.
We record an average of 500 daily users and so far 326,000 downloads of map information. If we count each download as an individual publication as we would have in the past with traditional paper publications, this is a best seller.

We have developed an AP so that anyone anywhere in Kentucky with a smart phone can readily see the geology at their location identifying geologic formations, sinkholes, faults, landslides, mineral deposits and other features.
Land-use planning maps that were created from this map are used in county planning offices and are in 1300 class rooms in 500 schools. This map has benefits for every county in Kentucky.

There has been a team of dedicated field geologists, cartographers, digitizers, programmers and IT personnel; men and women whose efforts have culminated in the accomplishment we celebrate today. We owe a great deal to all who took part. Today’s celebration is a thank you to all of them for what has been accomplished. This is a testament to what can be achieved through federal-state-university research partnerships.

There are many people important to this celebration that deserve recognition. I cannot possible name them all but the late Wallace Hagan, the 10th State Geologist of Kentucky, started the modern geologic mapping program in 1960 and partnered with then Director Thomas Nolan of the U.S. Geological Survey to achieve the original mapping that was the foundation for our current work. Doc Hagan had a great vision for what geologic mapping could accomplish that was shared by the USGS.
Also, Don Haney the 11th State Geologist of Kentucky, my predecessor, continued the partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey and began the digitizing and computerization of the original maps. Don is here today.

I also want to acknowledge the great efforts of the nearly 200 field mappers, 188 of them from the U. S. Geological Survey who conducted the original mapping program. We have a number of original field mappers, cartographers, paleontologists, and scientists with us today. Thank you all for the contributions you made!

I want to acknowledge the 60 digital mappers, and programmers at KGS who digitized the data and converted the maps for computer use, especially Warren Anderson and Tom Sparks who oversaw these efforts.

We also want to acknowledge the Commonwealth of Kentucky who supported the mapping. State government is today one of the largest users of this information for many of the land and resource management programs in the state.

The accomplishment we celebrate today would not have been possible without the support and participation of the U. S. Geological Survey. We thank them for their support. Also the Association of American State Geologists and the 49 other state geological surveys are a big support for the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program in Congress.

KGS is a research institute of the University of Kentucky and being a part of this university and this campus with all of its capabilities and facilities has made our job much easier. We are proud to be a part of UK and could not have accomplished this achievement without the support of UK.

The National Geologic Mapping Act was passed and signed into law in 1992. It created the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program at the U.S. Geological Survey and the StateMap component of that program that has supported a large part of our recent mapping efforts. The U. S. Geological Survey was also our partner in the original mapping that laid the foundation for this new accomplishment.

Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Len Peters.

I have a few final announcements
I want to again thank our speakers for being here to celebrate this achievement.
I want to thank Dr. Jim Tracy, UK Vice President for Research, our boss, who has been tremendously helpful to the Kentucky Geological Survey.
I am pleased to introduce the members of the State Geologic Mapping Advisory Committee who are also members of the KGS Advisory Board.
• Karen Thompson
• Roger Rectenwald
• John Tate
• Mark Mangun
• Doug Reynolds
• Greg Yankee
• Ron Gilkerson
• Marco Rajkovich

It is also my pleasure to introduce fellow state geologists who are here today.
• Don McKay, State Geologist of Illinois
• Bill Shilts, former state geologist of Illinois and current Executive Director of the Illinois Prairie Research Institute
• John Steinmetz, State Geologist of Indiana
• Harvey Thorleifson, State Geologist of Minnesota
• Larry Wickstrom, State Geologist of Ohio
• Don Haney, State Geologist Emeritus of Kentucky, I would like to point out that Dr. Haney was one of the principal workers who got the National Geologic Mapping Act passed by Congress.

I want to acknowledge our guests from the U.S. Geological Survey:
Of course Suzette Kimball Deputy Director who was previously introduced.
• Kevin Gallagher, Associate Director for Core Science Systems.
• Randy Orndorff, Center Director for Geology and Paleoclimate and the previous coordinator of the StateMap program.
• Doug Howard, Associate Program Coordinator for the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program and the current coordinator of the StateMap program. We work with Doug a lot.

I would like to acknowledge the Head of the KGS Geologic Mapping Section Dr. William Andrews.

I want to give very special credit to Terry Hounshell, the KGS cartographer, who created this banner; he created the ½- scale map and all the 30 by 60 minute geologic maps. He is a skilled cartographer and artist as is evident from his maps.
I am proud of this accomplishment and all the efforts and contributions by so many. But to put this into perspective it is a milestone because data are still being collected and will be added to this map. The beauty of the computer age is that new data can be added easily. Needs and questions will undoubtedly change in the future so the data that goes into a map such as this will also change. The work continues.

Additional remarks were offered by President of the University of Kentucky, President Eli Capilouto, Deputy Director Suzette Kimball of the U. S. Geological Survey, and Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Len Peters.