2023 Newsletter
Welcome to the Jackson School of Geosciences Newsletter.
A tradition since 1950, the Newsletter highlights research, news and achievements by Jackson School faculty, students, scientists and alumni.
Features
Is There Life on Europa?
Scientists at the University of Texas Institute for Geophysics are working to discover if Jupiter's icy moon could support life.
Deepwater Methane Mystery
The story of the Jackson School's mission to collect cores of mysterious frozen gas from deep beneath the seafloor.
The Real Cost of Electricity
Unravelling the hidden costs and environmental impacts of producing electricity — option by option.
Q&A: Carbon-Free Mining Revolution
Esti Ukar on the Carbon-Free Mining Revolution.
The End of an Era
After 24 years leading the Bureau of Economic Geology, Scott Tinker is stepping down, leaving behind a deep legacy at the storied institution.
Ancient Cave Cats of Texas
What kind of wildcats lived in prehistoric Texas? Rare feline fossils are taking UT scientists deep underground in search of answers.
Briefs
- UTIG: 50 Years of Exploration and Discovery
- Seamount Collisions Produce Slower Earthquakes
- Upgraded Soil Moisture Map
- Measuring and Managing the World’s Water
- Drilling Deep Into the Earthquake Zone
- UTIG Joins International Earthquake Effort
- Cloud Cover Behind Shrinking Daily Temperature Gap
- Dino Diversity in Ancient Patagonia
- When Air Pollution and Climate Change Mix
- New Name Reflects Evolving Field
- Beaver Fossil Named For Buc-ee’s
- Climate Change Could Cause Tropical Plankton Exodus
- Carbon-Trapping Termites
- NASA Endorses Jackson School Lab for Planetary Science
- Shaping the Future of Graduate Geoscience Education
- Critical Minerals, Zero-Carbon
- Making Quakes in Austin
- Fault Healing
- Breaking Down Broken Foreland Basins
- Could Comets Stir Life-Giving Stew?
- Carbon Capture in Corpus
- Salt Could Play Key Role in Energy Transition
- Probing Ice Sheets on Earth and Europa
- Mineral Origins of Golden Fossils
- Bureau Partners With Island of Timor-Leste on Energy Project
- Newly Discovered Layer of Earth
- The Ancient Parrots Next Door
Profiles
Research Experiences
- A Day in the Life of a Field Geologist in Japan
- Downloading Earthquake Data from the Bottom of the Ocean
- Transport on the Trinity: Erosion & Bank Failures
- New-Look Field Class Explores Sedimentology and Stratigraphy in California
Outreach
- DIG: Notes on Field and Family
- Jackson School Spotlights Scientists in New Publication
- Bureau Staff Goes to School for “Geology Day”
- Hot Science — Cool Talks
- Space Outreach Program Joins UTIG
- Collaborating With Neighborhoods on Climate Change Resilience
- Tisato Shares World of Seismology at Elementary School Talk
- Books
- Texas Science Museum Reopens
- Two New Podcasts for Geosciences
- Student Social Media Team Finds Success on Instagram
- Dazzling Gem and Mineral Gallery Opens in UT Geology Library
- Boerne Gets Water Data Dashboard
Academic Update
- Academic Programs Supporting Future Geoscientists
- Q&A with Danny Stockli on Department’s New Name
- Starting in the Field: An Update on GEO 401, ‘Physical Geology’
Summer Field Camps
In the News
Awards & Honors
- Banner Named Cherry Award Finalist
- NSF Helping Matheny Take Water Monitor for Trees to Market
- Top Petroleum Geology Award Goes to Milliken
- Top Gulf Coast Geology Medal Goes to UTIG’s John Snedden
- Rempe Receives NSF CAREER Award
- Awards List
- 12th Annual Student Symposium Winners
- Mosher Joins Hall of Distinction
- European Distinguished Geoscientist Medal Goes to Becker
- Bureau Team Wins International Earthquake Forecasting Competition
- Grad Students Win SEG Challenge Bowl World Final
- Highest Honor in Antarctic Exploration Goes to Ian Dalziel
- Steve Grand Receives AGU Lehmann Medal
FANs Board
Alumni Notes
Donors
Geology Foundation Advisory Council
Memorials
Dean's Welcome
Dear Alumni and Friends,
As geoscientists, we study the world in unique ways. Sometimes, we go big: placing sensors deep in subduction zones, using supercomputers to probe massive data sets, collecting sediment cores from deep under the ocean and deploying ice-penetrating radar in Antarctica. Natural systems are not just big. They are also complex, and they stretch the ingenuity of our scientists to tackle important and pressing problems. This year’s Jackson School of Geosciences Newsletter showcases some amazing “go-big” stories.
Our cover story addresses a question central to energy production choices around the globe: What are the true, cradle-to-grave, economic and environmental costs of using different energy options, including renewables, to produce electricity? When it comes to energy, there is no free lunch (at least no free hot lunch)! Scientists and students at the Bureau of Economic Geology are untangling this complex issue with a project that is remarkable in scope and detail to provide the objective results needed to make sound energy choices in the future.
We report on the huge accomplishment of a successful scientific drilling expedition to recover pressure cores of methane hydrate bearing sediments from the deepwater Gulf of Mexico. Those cores are now here at The University of Texas at Austin for study. Core samples from the expedition were also examined and sampled for everything from chemistry to microbiology. UT was lead institution in this nearly decade-long effort, with Peter Flemings serving as chief scientist. Of special interest: the inclusion of a Jackson School undergraduate student on the rig, participating actively in the science!
Our geophysicists have their sights on Europa — one of Jupiter’s icy moons, which may harbor the conditions needed for life. One feature shares their pioneering science and how they are modeling oceans under the ice-encased moon and making plans to peer beneath its shell with radar carried by NASA’s Europa Clipper mission, launching October 2024.
Finally, enjoy the feature and a couple of pictures from “way back when” on Scott Tinker, who is stepping down as director of the bureau after 24 years at the helm. What an amazing run! Under Scott’s leadership, the bureau has grown into a $30 million per year research juggernaut known across the globe. After stepping down, Scott will continue to work for the bureau in a part-time, remote capacity.
Enjoy the Newsletter!
Claudia Mora, Dean