Events

William A. Thomas, Ph.D., Geological Survey of Alabama-Special Seminar

William (Bill) A. Thomas, Ph.D.
Hudnall Professor Emeritus of Geology, University of Kentucky
Visiting Scientist, Geological Survey of Alabama

THE PENNSYLVANIAN–EARLY PERMIAN ANCESTRAL ROCKY MOUNTAINS,
PROXIMAL SOURCE OF SEDIMENT AND BARRIER TO REGIONAL DISPERSAL—
THE STORY FROM DETRITAL ZIRCONS WITH A FEW SURPRISES ALONG THE WAY

Interpretations of sedimentary provenance from detrital-zircon data depend on two primary considerations—matching of detrital-zircon age distributions with crystallization ages of the inferred provenance, and tracking a dispersal pathway from source to sink. Prior to tectonic uplift of the Ancestral Rocky Mountains (ARM), a craton-wide erosion surface on Mississippian limestones was covered by the initial late Chesterian–Morrowan sedimentary deposits of the Absaroka sequence; the cover strata have cosmopolitan distributions of detrital-zircon age groups from various sources around the margins of the Laurentian craton. The late Morrowan rise of the ARM basement uplifts provided a proximal source for coarse clastic deposits, which have detrital-zircon age groups corresponding to the age of ARM basement rocks (herein termed “intraARM detritus”). The proximal sediment in alluvial-fan to marine-delta-front systems, however, did not spread widely from the source ARM uplifts, and “extraARM detritus” from distant sources around the margins of the craton mingled with the proximal intraARM detritus adjacent to the uplifts. Not far from the uplifts, extraARM detritus completely overwhelmed most of the intraARM detritus. Active uplift of the ARM basement structures ceased in the Late Pennsylvanian; erosional denudation and subsequent Permian onlap onto the truncated basement rocks covered the ARM uplifts. The Permian deposits, ranging from shallow marine to eolian, have cosmopolitan detrital-zircon distributions that represent sources from around the craton. Identification of provenances and tracking of dispersal pathways are based on a compilation of new and previously published U-Pb age data from a concentration in the proximal intraARM deposits, from regions near the ARM uplifts, from more distant intracratonic basins, and from Paleozoic orogens around the margins of the Laurentian craton.

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EPS Faculty Meeting

UTIG Seminar Series: Matt Osman, University of Arizona

Contact costa@ig.utexas.edu for a link to join the live talk.

Speaker: Matthew Osman, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Geosciences, University of Arizona

Host: Yuko Okumura

Title: The evolution of Earth’s climate since the last Ice Age

Abstract: Global climate changes since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM; 21–18 ka) offer key insights into Earth system responses to large-scale external forcing. Climate models and proxy data have each enabled us to estimate climate changes over this interval. However, they have at times yielded disparate conclusions. Here, new techniques from paleoclimate data assimilation are used to combine a suite of state-of-the-art isotope-enabled climate model simulations with nearly 600 temperature-sensitive proxy records to reconstruct changes in global climate spanning the last 24 kyr. The resulting “Last Glacial Maximum Reanalysis” i) provides the first globally complete and dynamically consistent view of the LGM-to-present temperature evolution; ii) illuminates the role of external forcing during the deglaciation and Holocene intervals, and; iii) underscores the unusual rate of post-20th century temperature rise.

UT Paleontology Seminar: James Napoli

DeFord Lecture | Natalie M. Mahowald

Constraining Atmospheric Micro Plastics

Dr. Natalie M. Mahowald, Cornell Engineering, Earth & Atmoshpheric Sciences

Abstract: Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental and social issues of the 21st century. Recent work has highlighted the atmospheric role in transporting human-derived microplastics to remote locations (1, 2). Here we use in situ observations of microplastic deposition combined with an atmospheric transport model and optimal estimation techniques to test hypotheses of the most likely sources of atmospheric plastic. Results suggest that atmospheric microplastics are primarily derived from secondary re-emission sources including road, ocean, and soil sources. However, due to limited observations and understanding of the source processes, there are still large uncertainties in source attribution. In the western USA, the dominant sources of microplastic were from roads (84%), the ocean (11%) and agricultural dust (5%). Using our best estimate of plastic sources and modeled transport pathways, most continents were net importers of plastics from the marine environment, underscoring the cumulative role of legacy pollution in contributing to the atmospheric burden of plastic. This effort is the first to use high resolution spatial and temporal deposition data along with different hypothesized emission sources to constrain atmospheric plastic. Parallel to global biogeochemical cycles, plastics now spiral around the globe with distinct atmospheric, oceanic, cryospheric, and terrestrial lifetimes. Though advancements have been made on the manufacture of biodegradable polymers, our data suggest that the non-biodegradable polymers will continue to cycle through the surface Earth. Because of the limited observations and knowledge, there remain large uncertainties in the sources, transport and deposition of microplastics. Thus, we prioritize future research directions for understanding the plastic cycle. Paper: https://www.pnas.org/content/118/16/e2020719118

DeFord Lecture Series
Since the 1940’s, the DeFord (Technical Sessions) lecture series, initially the official venue for disseminating EPS graduate student research, is a forum for lectures by distinguished visitors and members of our community. This is made possible through a series of endowments.

Bureau Seminar Series- Julie Bloxson, PhD Stephen F Austin State Univ.

Julie M. Bloxson, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Geology, Stephen F. Austin State University

Potential for REEs in Large Evaporitic Bodies: Examples from North American Phanerozoic Salt Bodies

Julie M. Bloxson, Brian Lesh, Melinda Shaw Faulkner, Christine Piela Cox

With increased demand for rare earth elements (REEs) that coincide with our increased technological advances, we are looking towards new sources. REEs are typically found in alkaline igneous rocks, and new potential sources lie in extensive evaporitic bodies. Even at low concentrations, these elements could have commercial value, could also be useful indicators of palaeoceanographic conditions, and lead to insights in deposition, diagenesis, and halokinesis of salt bodies. Here, we present and interpret trace and bulk geochemistry of several large evaporitic bodies: Salina Group, Louann Salt, Hutchison Salt, Salado Salt, and modern-day Searles Lake deposits. Modern seawater shows to have an enrichment of REEs, and preliminary work on the Salina Salt from the Appalachian Basin, the Salado Salt from Texas, Hutchison Salt from Kansas, and modern salt precipitates from Searles Lake, CA indicate that the trace element geochemistry of salts is highly variable, including REEs. The bulk geochemistry shows that these bodies are primarily halite, with some containing anhydrite, shale laminations, and carbonates. There are also trace amounts of various other elements, including relatively high amounts of Sr (0.0 – 1663 ppm), Fe (0 – 462 ppm), Mn (0 – 208 ppm), Nd (0 – 1237 ppm), Pr (0 – 817 ppm), Ce (0 – 468 ppm), La (0 – 471 ppm), amongst others. The REE enrichment in various samples can be argued to be an indicator of authigenic materials compared to diagenetically altered or weathered evaporite minerals. Overall, if found with high enough concentrations, these salt bodies, which are often brined for caverns, could prove to be economically valuable.

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UTIG Seminar Series: Xuesong Ding, UCLA

Contact costa@ig.utexas.edu for a link to join the live talk.

Speaker: Xuesong Ding, Postdoctoral Researcher, UCLA

Host: Thorsten Becker

Title: Surface responses to deep Earth dynamics: Insights from landscape evolution modeling

Abstract: Over Earth’s geologic history, our surface environment has been constantly reshaped by climate and tectonic events. Being able to model their interactions in a source-to-sink context provides us a unique way to decipher the dynamics of Earth interior from the geological record. In this talk I will focus on the surface evolution in two tectonic settings with: 1/ a continent moving laterally above a mantle upwelling (i.e., a pulse of dynamic uplift), and 2/ a slab subducting at different dips at a convergent margin. We find that when the continent passes over a mantle upwelling, significant drainage reorganizations are induced, which varies the sediment supply and contributes to the formation of diachronous unconformities along the continental margins. The signal of the uplift pulse is recognized by correlating offshore depositional hiatuses and unconformities. In the second scenario, by varying the dipping of subducting slabs, we found systematic changes in retroarc foreland basin geometry, stratal patterns and controlling subsidence mechanisms. This allowed us to compare with geological observations and to provide implications on the subduction dynamics and orogenic evolution.

Faculty Meeting

UT Paleontology Seminar: Hank Woolley

DeFord Lecture | Anita Marshall

Accessible Geoscience Field Experiences

Dr. Anita Marshall, University of Florida

Abstract: Geosciences field work is valued for learning opportunities and research, as well as personal and professional growth for students. But exclusion from these formative learning experiences can negatively influence degree persistence and career prospects for students with disabilities. Based on an evaluation of disability-inclusive field courses, ongoing work designing a fully accessible field program, and personal experience undertaking field research with a physical disability, this presentation will explore ways to create field programs that support all students and best practices for building supportive learning communities in the field.

DeFord Lecture Series
Since the 1940’s, the DeFord (Technical Sessions) lecture series, initially the official venue for disseminating EPS graduate student research, is a forum for lectures by distinguished visitors and members of our community. This is made possible through a series of endowments.

Bureau Seminar Series - JP Brandenburg, PhD - Haley & Aldritch

JP Brandenberg, Ph.D.
Associate Geologist, Haley & Aldrich

Subsurface Techniques from Hydrocarbon E&P in the World of Environmental Geology

Development of modern subsurface environmental technology has followed a track with interesting echoes of oil and gas exploration and production. With similar needs but vastly different scales and motivating factors, hydrocarbon exploration tools often find a second life in environmental applications. Here, this relationship is explored. In particular, sophisticated numerical tools for subsurface interpretation and modeling are finally becoming cost effective for environmental applications. This has created opportunities but also some unique challenges which are, again, often related to differences in the scale of application. The applied experience of oil and gas practitioners may be the key to unlocking the full potential of these tools in the environmental world.

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UTIG Seminar Series: Mark England, UC Santa Cruz

Contact costa@ig.utexas.edu for a link to join the live talk.

Speaker: Mark England, Postdoctoral Scholar, Earth & Planetary Sciences Department, UC Santa Cruz

Host: Patrick Heimbach

Title: Investigating the causes and effects of polar climate change using targeted comprehensive climate model simulations

Abstract: In this talk I will discuss two projects where I have used innovatively designed climate model simulations to understand the drivers and effects of polar climate change.

The first half of the talk explores the global impacts of projected polar sea ice loss. Under the current trajectory of greenhouse gas emissions, models project a large decline in both Arctic and Antarctic sea ice extent by the end of this century. Previous studies have shown that the effects of Arctic sea ice loss are not limited to the northern high latitudes, but reach into the lower latitudes. And yet, little is known about the effects of future Antarctic sea ice loss, notably outside of the southern high latitudes. I will present my work investigating the response of the atmosphere and ocean to projected end-of-the-century Arctic and Antarctic sea ice loss using the fully coupled configuration of CESM-WACCM. We show that both Arctic and Antarctic sea ice loss are likely to have far-felt impacts on the lower latitudes; both produce a mini-global warming signal; both have important effects on the tropospheric jet and both contribute significantly to changes in surface temperature and precipitation in the equatorial Pacific. The results also demonstrate that the effect of sea ice loss over each pole will actually reach all the way to the other pole. The potential pathways for polar-tropical and pole-to-pole teleconnections are investigated. Overall, this is an case where the polar regions can exert a considerable influence on the rest of the climate system.

The second half of the talk explores the role of ozone depleting substances (ODSs) in recent and future Arctic climate change using large ensembles of comprehensive climate model simulations. While the dominant role of carbon dioxide in the observed rapid Arctic warming is undisputed, another important set of anthropogenic greenhouse gases (GHGs) was also being emitted over the second half of the twentieth century: ODSs. These compounds, in addition to causing the ozone hole over Antarctica, have long been recognised as powerful GHGs. I will present work quantifying the contribution of ODSs to Arctic warming over the period 1955-2005. We show that, when ODSs are kept fixed, forced Arctic surface warming and sea ice loss are only half as large as when ODSs are allowed to increase. I will also present work that shows the Montreal Protocol, which was signed in 1987 and heavily regulates the emission of ODSs, has had unintended, positive climate change mitigation effects. We show that the Montreal Protocol has helped us to avoid accelerated future warming in the Arctic and has delayed the projected date of the first ice-free summer in the Arctic by approximately a decade. We also demonstrate that the large impact of ODSs on the Arctic surface climate occurs primarily via direct radiative warming, not via ozone depletion.

CPSH Seminar Series: Scott Gaudi, Ohio State University

A seminar from the Center for Planetary Systems Habitability.

Speaker: Scott Gaudi, Thomas Jefferson Professor for Discovery and Space Exploration, Department of Astronomy, Ohio State University

Host: Brendan Bowler

Title: NASA’s next Great Observatory: a large, UV/Optical/Near-IR telescope capable of characterizing nearby habitable worlds

Bio: B. Scott Gaudi is the Thomas Jefferson Professor for Discovery and Space Exploration at the Ohio State University Department of Astronomy. A member of the faculty since 2006, Prof. Gaudi is a leader in the discovery and statistical characterization of extrasolar planets using a variety of methods. Prof. Gaudi was the 2009 recipient of the Helen B. Warner Prize of the American Astronomical Society, won an NSF CAREER Award and Presidential Early Career Award in Science and Engineering (PECASE) in 2012, and received NASA’s Outstanding Public Leadership Medal in 2017. He earned his Ph.D. in Astronomy from the Ohio State University. He was co-chair of the NAS Exoplanets Science Strategy committee, and co-community chair of the NASA Habitable Exoplanet Observatory mission concept study.

UT Paleontology Seminar: Evan Parker

Canceled | DeFord Lecture | Laure Zanna

This event will take place at a future date

Machine Learning for Ocean and Climate Modeling: Advances & Challenges 

Dr. Laure Zanna, New York University, Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences

Abstract: Climate simulations remain our best tools to predict global and regional climate change. Climate projection uncertainty stem, in part, from the poor or lacking representation of processes, such as turbulence, clouds that are not resolved on the grid of global climate models. The representation of these unresolved processes has been a bottleneck in improving climate projections.
The explosion of climate data and the power of machine learning algorithms are suddenly offering new opportunities. For example, can data-driven machine learning methods help us deepen our understanding of these unresolved processes and simultaneously improve their representation in climate models to reduce climate projections uncertainty?
In this talk, I will discuss the current state of climate modeling and its future, focusing on the advantages and challenges of using machine learning for climate projections. I will present some of our recent work in which we leverage tools from machine learning and deep learning to learn representations of unresolved ocean processes and improve climate simulations. Our work suggests that machine learning could open the door to discovering new physics from data and enhance climate predictions. Yet, many questions remain unanswered, making the next decade exciting and challenging for hybrid climate modeling.

DeFord Lecture Series
Since the 1940’s, the DeFord (Technical Sessions) lecture series, initially the official venue for disseminating EPS graduate student research, is a forum for lectures by distinguished visitors and members of our community. This is made possible through a series of endowments.

Bureau Seminar Series - Kristie McLin, PhD - ConocoPhillips

Bureau Seminar Series – 10:00 am Central

Water Geochemistry for the Oil Industry

Water geochemistry is a well utilized tool for reservoir characterization and diagnostics in numerous industries, including hydrology, environmental, mining, and geothermal. The oil industry is no exception, and water chemistry is often the bridge between the geoscience (what’s in the ground) and operations (how we access the reservoir). In this presentation, we will review the ways water chemistry can be utilized across a broad spectrum of applications in exploration and production and how to better communicate on things that matter to engineering colleagues. We will also look to applications that still need to be developed to better understand our subsurface. Questions and discussion during the presentation are strongly encouraged.

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Meeting ID: 917 3392 0954
Passcode: 021605

UTIG Seminar Series: Eric Attias, University of Hawai'i

11th Annual Jackson School of Geosciences Student Research Symposium

Each spring semester, Jackson School students present their research in a day-long poster competition. This year is the 11th Annual Jackson School of Geosciences Student Research Symposium.

The event is a day of poster presentations by graduate, undergraduate, and high school students affiliated with the Jackson School. Presenters participate in competitions which are judged by faculty, research scientists, post-docs, and industry professionals or JSG alumni.

At the closing ceremony, 1st- and 2nd-place poster awards are presented in the following categories: Undergraduate, Early-Career Graduate, Late-Career Masters, and Late-Career Ph.D. Another award is given to the best represented research group(s) and to the 1st- and 2nd-place best figures of the symposium.

UT Paleontology Seminar: Dr. Chris Law

DeFord Lecture | Christopher Bell

Austin’s Zero-Waste Initiative: Getting it Right with the Blue & Green Bins

Dr. Christopher Bell, The University of Texas at Austin

Abstract: In 2011 The City of Austin adopted a master plan for materials (formerly ‘waste’) management and established goals for the diversion of materials from landfill and incineration.  Austin’s zero-waste initiative is an ambitious goal but requires effective participation by the residents of (and visitors to) the city.  A Universal Recycling Ordinance was adopted in a step-wise fashion for residential and food services properties across the city and is now in full effect.  The city uses three collecting bins to organize materials for trash, recycling, and composting.  Many residents, including many students on the UT campus are unfamiliar with what should and should not be placed in the various bins and why, and contamination can be a serious problem.  I will discuss the difference between what is conceptually recyclable, what is recyclable in Austin, and what should go in the blue and green bins.  Many of the materials in our ‘waste’ stream are valuable Earth resources, and are readily captured and sorted by semi-automated systems at a Material Recovery Facility (MRF).  Others are not readily captured, and require special handling.  Knowing the difference makes a difference!!  An active investigation of the trash and recycling bins of JGB will help illustrate the point.

DeFord Lecture Series
Since the 1940’s, the DeFord (Technical Sessions) lecture series, initially the official venue for disseminating EPS graduate student research, is a forum for lectures by distinguished visitors and members of our community. This is made possible through a series of endowments.