Climate & the Environment
From land-water-atmosphere-biosphere interactions and climate dynamics to the carbon cycle, our research covers all aspects of climate from past to present. Our geobiology research ranges from biotic changes through time and evolutionary morphology and systematics to geomicrobiology.
Research in the Climate & the Environment theme focuses on the following subthemes:
- Atmospheric, Oceanic & Climate Dynamics
- Carbon Sequestration
- Drought & Water Resource Sustainability
- Glacier & Ice Sheet Dynamics
- Hydroclimatology
- Land-Water-Atmosphere-Biosphere Interactions
- Paleoclimate, Environment & Climate Change
- Soils & Carbon Cycling in the Critical Zone
- Uncertainty Quantification of Sensitivities, Rates, & Variability
Faculty
![]() | Jay L BannerIsotopic methods, groundwater, oceans, ancient oceans, climate change, aquifers, caves, environmental science, geochemistry, paleoclimatology |
Christopher J BellVertebrate paleontology, North American Pliocene and Pleistocene small mammal biostratigraphy and biochronology, osteology, anatomy, and systematics of squamate reptiles and turtles, Impacts of climate change on vertebrate communities | |
![]() | Philip C BennettAqueous geochemistry, geomicrobiology, environmental and microbial geochemistry, hydrogeology |
![]() | Daniel O BreeckerThe Breecker Group studies biogeochemical processes occurring at or near the land surface. We study soils and paleosols, caves and stalagmites, and other materials, such as volcanic glass, that give us insight into ancient Earth. We study timescales ranging from seasonal cycles to hundreds of millions of years. We use ... |
![]() | M Bayani CardenasHydrology and Hydrogeology |
![]() | Ginny CataniaIce sheet mass balance, ice dynamics, subglacial hydrology, ice sheet stratigraphy, radar, GPS methods, uncertainty in ice sheet response to climate, satellite observations, remote-sensing observations, outlet glaciers, Greenland, glaciology. |
![]() | Julia A ClarkeEvolution of morphology, vertebrate paleontology, systematic biology, avian anatomy and the evolution of flight, fossil birds. Dinosaurs. |
![]() | Kerry H CookClimate dynamics, atmospheric dynamics, global climate change, paleoclimate, climate and weather of Africa and South America, climate system modeling, climate change in Texas |
![]() | Sergey FomelComputational and exploration geophysics; seismic imaging; wave propagation; seismic data analysis; inverse problems; geophysical estimation |
![]() | Omar GhattasComputational geoscience and engineering, simulation and optimization of complex solid, fluid, and biomechanical systems, inverse problems, optimal design, and optimal control |
![]() | Patrick HeimbachHeimbach's research group (Computational Research in Ice and Ocean Systems -- CRIOS) in ICES is engaged in a number of projects, with main funding from NASA, NSF, DOE, and DARPA. (1) Our overarching research focusses on understanding the global ocean circulation, its role in climate variability and change, and ... |
![]() | Richard A KetchamHigh-resolution X-ray computed tomography, CT scanning, 3D image analysis, fission-track dating, thermochronology, structural geology, tectonics, digital morphology, trabecular bone |
![]() | Jung-Fu LinMineral physics, physics and chemistry of planetary materials, solid-Earth geophysics and geochemistry, high-pressure diamond anvil cell, X-ray and laser spectroscopy |
![]() | Rowan C MartindaleTriassic and Jurassic reef paleoecology, mass extinctions (Triassic-Jurassic, 201 Ma), carbon cycle perturbation events in deep time, ocean acidification in deep time, Oceanic Anoxic Events, invertebrate paleontology (corals, sponges, algae, microbes), Mesozoic marine communities and ecosystems, exceptional fossil preservation (Lagerstätten), paleoecology, carbonate petrography, warm-water and cool-water carbonate (eco)systems, low-temperature ... |
![]() | Ashley M MathenyEcohydrology, Bio- and Micro-meteorology, Vegetation Hydrodynamics, Watershed Hydrology, Land-Atmosphere Interactions, Biogeochemistry, Water and Carbon Cycles, and Modeling |
Dev NiyogiResearch seeks to significantly contribute to our understanding of the Earth system, particularly the urban and agricultural landscapes, and the dynamic role of coupled land surface processes on regional hydroclimatic and environmental extremes. An important ongoing and emerging focus of the group's research is to translate the scientific work undertaken ... | |
![]() | Geeta PersadAtmospheric Aerosols, Climate Change, Climate Modeling, Air Pollution, Global Hydrologic Cycle, Monsoon Systems, Western U.S. Climate Impacts, Climate Policy and Decision-Making |
![]() | Mary F Poteetkarst ecosystems, biotic response and vulnerability to climate change, invasive species |
![]() | Terrence M QuinnPaleoclimate, climate, climate change, climate dynamics, paleoclimatology, paleoceanography, sedimentary geology and geochemistry |
![]() | Timothy B RoweVertebrate paleontology, evolution and development of the vertebrate skeleton, phylogenetic systematics, the early history of mammals and their extinct relatives among Synapsida, the history of birds and their extinct relatives among Dinosauria, the history of other amniotes, high-resolution X-ray computed tomography, CT scanner, DigiMorph, informatics |
![]() | Timothy M ShanahanPaleoclimatology, paleoceanography, paleolimnology, sedimentary geology and geochemistry, organic geochemistry, isotope geochemistry, compound-specific stable isotope analysis |
![]() | Scott W TinkerGlobal energy supply and demand, Technology Administration, Multidisciplinary reservoir characterization, Carbonate sedimentology, Sequence stratigraphy, 3-D reservoir modeling, Resource assessment. |
![]() | Clark R WilsonGeophysics, including gravity, space geodesy, and applied seismology |
![]() | Zong-Liang YangDr. Yang's primary research interest is to understand the exchanges of momentum, radiation, heat, water, carbon dioxide, and other materials between the atmosphere and the Earth surface spanning from small (short) to very large (long) scales. This includes analysis of in-situ and remotely-sensed data for the Earth's surface, and modeling ... |
Lecturers
![]() | Marcus GaryKarst Hydrogeology |
![]() | Farzam JavadpourDispersion phenomena in porous systems (hydrocarbon reservoirs and brine aquifers); shale gas; CO2 injection up-scaling; EOR, EGR, and sequestration; nonotechnology in rock characterization. |
![]() | Jeffrey G PaineNear-surface geophysics in hydrogeology and environmental and Quaternary geology; coastal geology; Quaternary geology and geomorphology; computer applications in the geological sciences |
Emeritus
![]() | Robert E DickinsonClimate, Global Warming, Land Surface Processes, Remote Sensing, Hydrological Cycle, Carbon Cycle, and Modeling. |
![]() | James T SprinkleInvertebrate paleontology; evolutionary biology; fossil and living echinoderms; echinoderm systematics; Paleozoic marine communities and ecosystems; paleoecology; crinoids; blastoids; rhombiferans; eocrinoids; parablastoids; blastozoans; edrioasteroids; edrioblastoids; starfish; stylophorans; ctenocystoids; helicoplacoids; Cambrian evolutionary fauna; Paleozoic evolutionary fauna; Ordovician radiation; Cambrian explosion; environment & earth science |
![]() | Ronald J SteelDr. Steel's research is aimed at using clastic sedimentology to address problems in basin analysis, dynamic stratigraphy and clastic reservoirs. I am particularly interested to decipher the signatures of tectonics, climate, sea level change and sediment supply in stratigraphic successions. |
![]() | Paul L StoffaMultichannel seismic acquisition, signal processing, acoustic and elastic wave propagation, modeling and inversion of geophysical data |
Postdocs
Drew MuscenteIn general, I have expertise in paleontology/paleobiology, geobiology, sedimentary geology, evolution, and ecology. My main areas of interest are community paleoecology, taphonomy, and paleoenvironmental reconstruction. Please visit my website for more information on my research: www.admuscente.com |
Research Scientists
Pedro Di Nezioclimate change | |
![]() | Ian J DuncanExpertise in geomechanic and geochemistry applied to: risks associated with CO2 sequestration; hydraulic fracturing for shale gas production; environmental impact of hydraulic fracturing; and the water-energy nexus. Current research focuses on the scientific, environmental and public policy aspects of unconventional natural gas production, the water-energy nexus, and carbon capture and ... |
![]() | Peter P FlaigResearch Focus: Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway of North America, North Slope-Alaska, Central Transantarctic Mountains-Antarctica, Canada,- Clastic sedimentology - Fluvial sedimentology - Paleoenvironmental reconstruction of continental to shallow-marine systems using sedimentology, stratigraphy, architecture, and ichnology in outcrop studies - Photography and high-resolution imagery (e.g. LiDAR, GigaPan) of clastic systems ... |
![]() | Craig S FulthorpeMarine geology, sedimentary geology, seismic stratigraphy and sedimentary architecture of continental margins, sequence stratigraphy and sea-level variation. |
![]() | Seyyed Abolfazl HosseiniResearch interests are mainly topics related to fluid transport in porous media. Current research includes: Enhanced Oil Recovery - Enhanced Gas Recovery - Upscaling and Upgridding - Above Zone Monitoring Interval - Reservoir Simulation and History Matching - Unconventional Reservoirs |
![]() | Susan D HovorkaGeologic carbon sequestration in deep sedimentary environments as part of carbon capture and storage. PI of the Gulf Coast Caron Center (www.gulfcoastcarbon.org) focused on research relevant to commercial development of geologic sequestration in regions where it is both needed and possible. Monitoring field projects. Petrography and sedimentology supporting ... |
![]() | Charles S Jackson (Theme Lead)global warming, abrupt climate change, sea level rise, ocean mixing, Bayesian Inference, inverse modeling, simulation, climate projections, uncertainty quantification |
![]() | Toti E Larson |
![]() | Lawrence A LawverMarine geophysics, plate tectonics, magnetics, gravity, heat flow, seismic studies, paleogeographic reconstructions of Gondwana, the Polar Regions, East Asia, and the Western Pacific |
![]() | Robert G LoucksResearch in carbonate, sandstone, and mudrock stratigraphy, sedimentology, diagenesis, reservoir characterization, and pore network analysis. |
![]() | Adam D MarshContextualizing the evolution of early saurischian dinosaurs using U-Pb detrital zircon geochronology of the Glen Canyon Group in western North America |
![]() | Kitty L MillikenPetrography and geochemistry of siliciclastic rocks; diagenesis; electron microbeam methods: X-ray mapping, cathodoluminescence imaging; micro-scale reservoir characterization |
![]() | Jean NicotSubsurface hydrology, numerical modeling and optimization of groundwater resources, multiphase flow and contaminant transport in both the unsaturated and saturated zones, geochemistry modeling and subsurface reactive transport, Mathematical geology, geostatistics, inverse modeling, optimization, risk assessment and risk analysis |
![]() | Yuko M OkumuraClimate dynamics, climate variability and change, large-scale ocean-atmosphere interactions, atmospheric teleconnections, paleoclimate and thermohaline circulation, climate change |
Judson W PartinPaleoclimate, Stable and Radiogenic Isotope Geochemistry, climate change | |
![]() | Katherine D RomanakGeochemistry and isotope systematics of carbon cycling in the vadose zone and in freshwater aquifers; soil-gas monitoring and surface gas flux measurements at CO2 sequestration sites; microbial influences on carbon geochemistry in the shallow subsurface; fate and transport of organic contaminants. |
![]() | Bridget R ScanlonEvaluation of the impact of climate variability and land use change on groundwater recharge, application of numerical models for simulating variably saturated flow and transport, controls on nitrate contamination in aquifers |
![]() | Alex SunSubjects: Carbon sequestration, hydrological modeling, computational geoscience, fracture/fault modeling Skill sets: Geostatistical modeling, inversion and optimization algorithms, numerical modeling, web-based decision support systems Programming: Matlab, Python, Fortran, C, ArcGIS |
![]() | Frederick W TaylorTectonic geomorphology, stratigraphy, and paleogeodesy/paleoseismology at convergent plate margins Paleoclimate, fossil corals as a proxy for past sea-surface temperatures. Corals as recorders of relative sea level for vertical tectonics and sea-level history. |
![]() | Duncan A YoungIce-rock physical interactions in an ice cap context, tectonic evolution of the younger planetary crusts |
Michael H YoungEcohydrology of arid and semiarid landscapes; groundwater recharge in both managed agriculture and natural (arid and semi-arid) systems; influence of soil structure and vegetation on water cycling; design and implementation of monitoring systems for above-ground and near-surface below ground environments. | |
![]() | Tongwei ZhangGas geochemistry and isotope geochemistry; Petroleum and gas generation kinetics and basin modeling; Fluid transport processes in basins and reservoirs; Organic-inorganic interactions; Unconventional gas reservoir characterization; CO2 sequestration and H2S risk prediction. |
Research Staff
Lisa D BoucherPaleobotany, Evolutionary Biology, Paleoecology, Biogeography, Plant Anatomy | |
![]() | Kathy EllinsGeoscience education; Discipline Based Education Research (DBER); teacher professional development; geoscience curriculum development; undergraduate geoscience teacher preparation; climate literacy; geoscience, art and design engagement |
![]() | Marcus GaryKarst Hydrogeology |
![]() | Kelly HattoriI am a master's student in the Martindale lab. I obtained my undergraduate degrees in Geology and Marine Biology from the University of North Carolina Wilmington with a strong focus in paleontology and ecology. My research interests range broadly and include Mesozoic coral reef paleoecology, Pleistocene mollusk paleoecology, Eocene lacustrine ... |
![]() | Carey W KingEnergy and renewable energy generation, usage, conservation, policy, and education; energy systems approaches; energy return on energy invested, net energy; carbon capture and sequestration; nexus of water and energy; renewable energy and electricity integration |
![]() | Jay P KipperPersonnel management, fiscal reporting, budget management, contract negotiation, management of geological samples |
![]() | Staci L Loewy |
![]() | Christopher LoweryMicropaleontology, Stratigraphy, Paleoceanography, Geochemistry |
![]() | Nathaniel R MillerSedimentary geochemistry, isotope geochemistry, Earth system evolution, Q-ICP-MS, microanalytics, GIS, Neoproterozoic climate [link: http://www.jsg.utexas.edu/news/2018/05/new-research-suggests-that-dawn-of-plate-tectonics-could-have-turned-earth-into-snowball/] |
![]() | Rebecca C SmythCurrent: Design and oversight of monitoring for CO2 at geologic sequestration sites; hydrogeologic characterization of industrial sites where subsurface materials and groundwater have been contaminated or have the potential of becoming contaminated, including environmental assessment of sites impacted by petroleum exploration and production activities. Past: Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) ... |
Darrel M. TremaineCave and karst exploration - Speleothem and karst trace element chemistry - Speleothem and karst stable and radiogenic isotopes - Paleoclimate and paleohydrology reconstructions - Environmental chemistry - Design of electromechanical field instrumentation - Cave monitoring and calibration of proxies to modern conditions - Fledgeling tree-ring dendrochronologist - Aquifers - ... | |
![]() | Ramon TrevinoSequence stratigraphic interpretations (well logs, 3-D seismic), integrated reservoir characterization, subsurface correlation and mapping (using workstation and PC) and subsurface structural interpretation (using 3-D seismic), project management, CO2 sequestration |
![]() | Edward "Ned" K Vizyclimate dynamics, atmospheric dynamics, climate change, extreme weather events, climate system modeling, hurricanes, paleoclimate, mesoscale modeling |
Graduate Students
Arnold Aluge AlugeCO2 capture, sequestration, seismic interpretation and subsurface monitoring. Renewable energy and energy systems Mineralogy, petrology, geochemistry and petrogenetic evolution of igneous and metamorphic rocks Structural geology and tectonics Developing computer aided field mapping techniques | |
![]() | Patrick C AndrewsMy research centers on Africa's Congo Basin and modifying our understanding of the processes that underlie its rainfall from the synoptic to the climatic scale, especially in relation to MCS's, such as to evaluate the potential for future change to the climate. |
Emily BamberI am a PhD student in the Planetary Surface Processes lab My current research addresses the past hydrological evolution of impact crater lakes on Earth, Mars and elsewhere with fieldwork, satellite observations and modelling. | |
![]() | Taylor BarnhartTaylor Barnhart is a second year master's student in the energy and earth resources program at UT. After completing a Bachelor of Science degree in geological sciences with minors in economics and environmental studies from the University of Oregon, Taylor joined the Peace Corps in Tanzania teaching science and English ... |
Lillian Beaman | |
Heather Christensen | |
Sarah N DavisI study avian evolution and drivers of avian diversity both in the present and deep time. My research focuses on how the expression of bright coloration changes across modern birds and how physical aspects of integument structure change with different pigmentation. | |
Kyle W Fouke | |
Kwun Yip (Samuel) Fung | |
Sophie A GoliberSophie Goliber has been a Geological Sciences PhD student at UTIG since August 2017. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Buffalo where she got into remote sensing and glaciology research. Her fascination with the cryosphere drew her to UTIG and working with Ginny Catania who shared her interests ... | |
![]() | Evelin G GutierrezMy current research is focused on sediment routing systems at various temporal and spatial scales. I am interested on elucidating how these systems respond to allogenic controls in sedimentary basins as well as understanding the impact on the structural setting, stratigraphy and hydrocarbon systems of the basin. |
Hima J Hassenruck GudipatiResearch Interest: geomorphology, sedimentology, hydrology | |
![]() | Scarlette HsiaPhD student in Geology at the University of Texas at Austin! My primary interests include carbonate facies mapping, sedimentology, paleo-sea level reconstruction, stratigraphy, STEM outreach, canoeing, and scuba diving. If you are an undergraduate student seeking research opportunities and advice, feel free to contact me! |
Erin M Keenan EarlyMy research explores the use of geomolecular and biomolecular methodologies to address paleoenvironmental and paleoecological questions. Specifically I am researching the use of proteomics as applied to faunal material as a means of species identification and I am exploring the applications of brGDGTs recovered from various sources to aid in ... | |
![]() | Bryan P La Bissoniere |
Raven LanghorneI enjoy researching climate security, as well as regional environmental policies within Asia. | |
![]() | Michael T O'ConnorI am most interested in the hydrologic and biogeochemical processes occurring at and near the surface of the Earth. I use field and laboratory techniques as well as numerical modeling to understand and represent these complex systems. My current research focuses on the variably saturated flow and nutrient transport dynamics ... |
![]() | Junwen Peng1. Shale sedimentology: transportation and deposition processes and mechanisms of the mudrock system. 2. Shale petrography: textural variation, mineral composition, grain assemblages composition, pore types, and diagenetic features. 3. Sedimentary geochemistry: trace metals used as proxies for paleoenvironmental and paleomarine system reconstructions (e.g., hydrographic circulation, seawater chemistry, productivity, and redox conditions). 4. Unconventional ... |
![]() | Evan J RamosMy research incorporates stable isotope geochemistry, reactive transport modeling, field work, and hydrology to understand the geologic carbon cycle. Whether deep in the crust or at the Earth's surface, I see the physics and chemistry of fluid-rock interactions as a unifying lens to probe whole-Earth geochemical cycles. I have worked ... |
![]() | Ana Maria Restrepo AcevedoI am interested in studying the potential effects of ecological stresses, specifically drought, disturbance, and salinity, in forest ecosystems at tree-level scale and how can this understanding informs a global perspective. Moreover, I want to determine how forests' ecosystems react to more frequent and severe ecological stress events due to ... |
![]() | Simon ScarpettaI study biogeography and systematics of Miocene lizards in North America, phylogenetics of extant gerrhonotine and iguanian lizards, and all things anole. My main research interests are 1) how and whether climate drives cladogenesis and biogeographic shifts 2) integration of molecular and fossil data in phylogenetics 3) assessing different methods for identifying fossils ... |
Natasha SekhonPaleoclimatology & Isotopic Geochemistry | |
Lily Serach | |
![]() | Sinjini SinhaSinjini Sinha is a Ph.D. student in the Martindale lab. Her current research focuses on taphonomic pathways that leads to exceptional fossil preservation in the Early Jurassic. Broadly, Sinjini's research addresses critical questions about Earth-Life interactions in deep-time through the synergistic activities of multi-disciplinary science (Paleontology, Sedimentology, Stratigraphy, Geochemistry, ... |
![]() | Stacie Skwarcan |
![]() | Travis N StoneTravis Stone is a first year PhD student working in the Martindale lab. He received his B.S. in Geological Sciences in 2018 from California State University, Fullerton, where he studied Triassic reefs and their recovery following the End-Permian mass extinction in the Panthalassic Ocean. Travis is interested in ecosystem reconstruction ... |
Chijun (CJ) SunI am interested in understanding how the climate system responds to different forcings and under varying background climate states, with the goal of improving our predictions of future climate changes. My PhD research is focused on the use of organic geochemical (GDGTs, leaf wax) and stable isotope (C, H) proxies ... | |
![]() | Murat TamerGeo-thermochronology |
Alison Tune | |
![]() | Anna Turetcaia |
Melianna UlfahMy academic and industrial experiences are my journey in contributing to provide adequate energy while giving back to the environment. I possess theoretical and practical skills in mining, petroleum, and environment sectors, and I strive to solve challenging problems in energy from various perspectives. As a geophysicist currently working on ... | |
![]() | Wen-Ying WuWebsite Hydrologic Cycle, Climate Variability, Land-Atmosphere Interaction, Satellite Data Analysis, Land-Surface Model |
Graduate and undergraduate research in geologic sequestration of CO2Graduate or UndergraduateGulf Coast Carbon Center supports a team of students and post docs working in geologic sequestration (deep subsurface long-duration storage) of the major greenhouse gas CO2, as a method to reduce release to the atmosphere. Student projects are wide ranging, from sedimentology to policy, linked in that they are 1) multidisciplinary and 2) applied to current issues. Students are typically jointly supervised by faculty in geology or petroleum geosystems engineering and staff at the GCCC. A class in geologic sequestration is offered in the fall some years. Posted by: Susan Hovorka |
Undergraduate and Graduate OpportunitiesGraduate or UndergraduateI regularly work with from 2-5 undergraduates and am open to co-advised honors theses and other. I feel undergraduate research is one of the most important aspects of undergraduate education. I will be accepting several graduate students over the next two years (I average from 2-5 total). I am particularly interested in PhD students with prior experience in systematic methods, an interest in phylogenetic or anatomical (evolution of morphology) questions concerning the evolution of birds. I am also interested in highly motivated MS candidates with an interest in studying avian evolution. Although I have advised theses on non-avialan dinosaurs in past years, given current funded research projects, I am presently interested in advising students interested in working on birds (origin and evolution of). Please feel free to contact me via email with any questions. Posted by: Julia Clarke |
PhD Student Opportunity in Climate ResearchGraduateA PhD student is recruited to conduct modeling and observational study of Pacific decadal variability and its relation to decadal modulations of El Nino-Southern Oscillation at the University of Texas at Austin. Background in oceanic and atmospheric sciences is preferred but not required. General information on the graduate program at the UT's Jackson School of Geosciences can be found at http://www.jsg.utexas.edu/. The deadline for Fall 2014 application is January 1st, 2014. Interested candidate should contact Yuko M. Okumura (yukoo@ig.utexas.edu) for more information. Posted by: Yuko Okumura |
High Resolution 3D marine seismic for fluid studiesGraduateOpportunities exist to become involved in the design, acquisition, processing, and interpretation of high-resolution 3D marine seismic data. Current applications include characterization for subsurface storage of carbon dioxide and natural fluid migration studies. We anticipate development into imaging modern systems as reservoir analogs. Posted by: Tip Meckel |
Postdoctoral FellowGraduate - ongoingPurpose of position: To conduct research in numerical simulation of fluid flow using both traditional Darcy flow simulators as well as Invasion Percolation methods, sandbox flow modeling, and development of a strong publication record on the topic. Essential functions: Develop numerical simulations of fluid flow CO2 in mm to m scale models informed by geologic depositional heterogeneity. Assist in designing and implementing laboratory validation experiments of sandbox flow modeling to support theoretical and numerical simulations. Publish results in peer reviewed outlets, assist in project reporting and make presentations, as needed to support project. Required qualifications: PhD in hydrogeology, environmental engineering, or closely related geoscience field earned within the last three years. Relevant laboratory experience with sandbox scale flow experiments. Demonstrated research interest in forward and inverse modeling of subsurface flow and transport pertaining multi-phase flow. Preferred qualifications Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to conduct experimental studies. Demonstrated experience in presenting and publishing results, including CO2 or CCS. Posted by: Tip Meckel |
Ph.D. Students OpportunitiesGraduateMy group occasionally has openings for graduate students. Solid quantitative backgrounds with computing experience (e.g. Matlab or NCL or IDL, Linux) and climate dynamics courses are required. Qualified applicants with interests in climate are encouraged to contact me to discuss possibilities. Posted by: Rong Fu |
Undergratuate StudentsUndergraduateUndergratuate students who are interested in climate change are always welcome to apply. Posted by: Rong Fu |
PhD StudentGraduateI am accepting applications for a new PhD Student in my lab. This student must be interested in paleontological or carbonate sedimentology research (both would be best), and should be aware of the current/recent projects in the Martindale Lab. Exceptional MSc students will be considered, but preference is for a doctoral student (prior research experience at the undergraduate or MSc level is desired). Posted by: Rowan Martindale |
Prospective StudentsGraduate or UndergraduateThank you for your interest in joining my research group! There are currently opportunities at all levels beginning in the Fall of 2016. I welcome the opportunity to work with students who have a strong academic record, quantitative skills, research and writing experience, and unquenchable curiosity and creativity. Our group focuses on spatial and temporal patterns of water movement in the near surface. If you're interested in joining the lab, please contact me directly (rempe@jsg.utexas.edu) with a CV and a statement of your research experience and interests. Posted by: Daniella Rempe |
Using Big Climate Data to Plan for Water Stress in the Western U.S.Undergraduate - 10 hrs/wk through Fall 2020, eligible for renewal for up to two yearsMany communities and industries across the United States, particularly in the Western U.S., already struggle to meet their water needs. State-of-the-art climate projections suggest that climate change will only intensify these problems, but water decision-makers often struggle to apply the available climate projection data to their management needs. The student working on this project will use high-resolution climate model projections of future water cycle conditions in the Western U.S. to analyze how the metrics that matter most for regional water management may change in the future. Opportunities available to present within the University community and in external venues and to engage with decision-makers. Helpful skills: • Basic experience navigating a Linux-based system using the command line • Familiarity with opening and plotting gridded data files in a programming language like Matlab or Python • Eagerness to self-teach any new programming skills necessary • Thoroughness with documenting code and research activities. Posted by: Geeta Persad |
Mapping Air Quality and Climate Impacts from the Major World EconomiesGraduate or Undergraduate - 10 hours/week through Fall and Spring semester, full time during Summer semester.Particle aerosol pollution has negative impacts on both the climate system and on air quality and human health. This project works to map the strength and geographic distribution of climate and societal impacts of aerosol emissions from the major world economies. The student working on this project will use high-resolution climate projection data to analyze the impact of regional air pollution on global weather patterns and air quality conditions. The student will have the opportunity to define their own research question, present research at an international scientific conference, and engage with project collaborators at other institutions. Helpful skills: • Basic experience navigating a Linux-based system using the command line • Interest in climate and/or air quality issues • Familiarity with opening and plotting gridded data files in a programming language like Matlab or Python • Eagerness to self-teach any new programming skills necessary • Thoroughness with documenting code and research activities Posted by: Geeta Persad |
Hydrogeochemical investigations in urban riparian zonesGraduate or UndergraduateHydrogeochemical investigations in urban riparian zones Posted by: Darrel Tremaine |
Speleothems and cave monitoringGraduate or UndergraduateSpeleothems and cave monitoring Posted by: Darrel Tremaine |
Dendrochronology and dendrochemistryGraduate or UndergraduateDendrochronology and dendrochemistry Posted by: Darrel Tremaine |
Sustainable Urban SystemsGraduate or UndergraduateSustainable Urban Systems Posted by: Darrel Tremaine |
Electromechanical instrumentation designGraduate or UndergraduateElectromechanical instrumentation design Posted by: Darrel Tremaine |
![]() | Aerogeophysical DataThe Institute for Geophysics shares data from a range of aerogephysical missions flown over Antarctica. |
![]() | Aerogeophysical SystemsUTIG has developed, maintained, and operated a suite of aerogeophysical instrumentation since the early 1990s with continual improvements since inception. The suite was installed aboard a Dehavilland DHC-6 ("Twin Otter") up to 2005 and aboard a Basler BT-67 (a version of DC-3T -- a Douglas DC-3 refitted with turboprop engines) since 2008. The current instruments are: High Capability Radar Sounder (HiCARS); Multibeam, Scanning Photon Counting Lidar; Cesium Vapor Magnetometer; Gravimeter; Dual-frequency, carrier-phase Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS); Laser Altimeter; Two GPS-aided Inertial Measurement Units; Three-Axis Fluxgate Magnetometer; System Control, Data Acquisition, and Real-time QC and Monitoring functions. |
Analytical Geochemistry Lab | |
![]() | Analytical Lab for Paleoclimate StudiesThe Jackson School of Geosciences now has four stable isotope laboratories. UTIG Director and DGS faculty member Terry Quinn supervises one of these labs: ALPS. The ALPS houses two, state-of-the-science, Thermo isotope ratio mass spectrometers and an Inductively Coupled Plasma-spectrometer (ICP). |
Aqueous Geochemistry LabCharacterizes the chemical properties of water and solids to support research in hydrogeology, geochemistry, and geomicrobiology. Equipment used: carbon analyzer (TC), Organic analysis Field and laboratory gas chromatographs, thermal desorber, high pressure liquid chromatographs, Inorganic analyses Ion chromatograph, autotitrator, field and lab spectrophotometers. BET sorptometer for N2, Ar, and Kr BET surface areas, and A microporosities, organic carbon analyzer. | |
![]() | Core Research Center (Austin)The Austin Core Research Center (CRC), located adjacent to Bureau headquarters, is the Bureau of Economic Geology's main core repository for core and rock material donated to the university. More than 500,000 boxes of core and cuttings from wells drilled throughout Texas, the U.S., and the world are available at this facility for public viewing and research. Austin, Houston, and Midland core facilities have combined holdings of nearly 2 million boxes of geologic material. The Integrated Core and Log Database (IGOR) is a searchable database for all CRC core and well cutting holdings. Public facilities include core examination layout rooms and processing rooms for slabbing core. Other services are available upon request. |
![]() | Core Research Center (Houston)The Houston Research Center (HRC), is located on the west side of Houston, Texas, six miles north of I-10 and two miles south of U.S. Highway 290. This state-of-the-art climate-controlled facility is equipped to permanently store and curate over 900,000 boxes of geologic core and cuttings. The Houston, Austin, and Midland core facilities have combined holdings of nearly 2 million boxes of geologic material. In addition to the climate-controlled core and cuttings warehouse, the HRC complex has offices, laboratories, and a well-lit core layout room available for visiting scientists. There are also two conference rooms to accommodate guests attending short courses and seminars. Other services are available upon request. Nominal fees are charged to rent table space and to view core. The HRC has space dedicated for storing samples and cores acquired by NSF-funded research. The HRC curates this material and facilitates continued access to the material by researchers. The Integrated Core and Log Database (IGOR) is a searchable database for all core and well cutting holdings. |
![]() | Core Research Center (Midland)The Midland Core Research Center (MCRC) contains nearly 500,000 boxes of core and cuttings available for public viewing and research. Midland, Austin, and Houston core facilities have combined holdings of nearly 2 million boxes of geologic material. The Integrated Core and Log Database (IGOR) is a searchable database for all CRC core and well cutting holdings. Public facilities include core examination layout rooms and processing rooms for slabbing core. |
![]() | Digital Morphology LibraryThe Digital Morphology library (www.digimorph.org) is a National Science Foundation-funded initiative offering 2D and 3D visualizations of the internal and external structure of living and extinct vertebrates, and a growing number of non-vertebrates. Images are generated using the world's first high-resolution X-ray CT scanner in an academic science department, in the CT lab at the Jackson School. |
![]() | Dual-frequency Geodetic Quality GPS ReceiversWe have 5 Trimble Net-RS receivers, tripods, choke ring antennas. One is with Tiffany Caudle at BEG used to support the Optech Lidar system. The other 4 are in JGB 3.122 and used by various groups. |
![]() | Electron MicroprobeInstalled in 2002-2003, the JEOL JXA-8200 electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) is equipped with five wavelength dispersive spectrometers (WDS), an energy dispersive detector (EDS), and two image detectors in secondary and backscattered electron modes. The primary aim of the microprobe is quantitative elemental analysis of minerals on a microscale with high precision (less than a percent relative for major constituents) and low detection limits (commonly a few tens to few hundreds ppm) |
![]() | Environmental Scanning Electron MicroscopeInstalled in the fall of 2001, this is a 30 kV tungsten gun high-resolution environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) with a 3.5 nm resolution in high vacuum, low vacuum, and environmental modes at 30 kV. The ESEM is equiped with a Peltier cooled stage, a heating stage, an EDS sytem (EDAX), a EBSD system (HKL – Oxford Instruments), and a cathodoluminescence detector (Gatan). |
![]() | Fission Track Thermochronology LaboratoryEnables analysis of fission tracks in apatite and zircon to constrain the low-temperature time-temperature (t-T) history of sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks. |
![]() | Flash Flood & Tsunami FlumeThe Flash Flood and Tsunami flume is a large (approximately 40 x 1.5 x 0.8 m) outdoor flume with a computer-controlled headbox lift gate that generates reproducible flood bores. It is being used to study the hydraulics and sediment transport of rapidly changing hydrographs. |
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry Laboratory | |
![]() | Geomicrobiology LaboratoriesFacilities for culturing and characterizing aerobic and anaerobic prokaryotes (Eubacteria and Archaeabacteria) using a Coy anaerobic chamber (H2/N2 atmosphere), Constant temperature water baths, autoclave, incubator, horizontal and vertical gel rigs, refrigerated centrifuge, UV light box, Thermalcycler, phase-contrast and fluorescent microscope. HPLC and GC facilities for degradation studies. |
![]() | High Temp. Stable Isotope LabThis newly renovated lab is overseen by Jaime Barnes and houses a ThermoElectron MAT 253 with associated peripheral devices and instrumentation (TC/EA, GasBench II, Conflo IV, online silicate laser extraction line, general purpose vacuum extraction lines, Cl purification line). Instrumentation permits measurements of the stable H, C, N, O, S, and Cl isotope ratios of silicate, phosphate, and carbonate minerals, volcanic gases, air, and waters |
![]() | High-Resolution X-ray Computed Tomography FacilityProvides high resolution non-destructive, density maps of solid samples (rocks, fossils, etc) up to a maximum size of 50 cm diameter by 150 cm high (50 kg mass). Equipment: An industrial CT scanner that is an adaptation of medical CAT scanners. |
HPLC Mass Spectromtery Laboratory | |
HR-ICP Mass SpectrometersEquipment available: Thermo Element2 HR-ICP-MS with ESI autosampler system for solutions; and Thermo Element2 HR-ICP-MS with Photonmachines Analyte G2 Excimer laser ablation system. | |
Hydro LabThis lab is dedicated to hydrogeology and environmental geology courses. It has facilities for grain-size analyses, porosity/ permeability testing, and a wide variety of lab demonstration techniques. It is also used as the base for groundwater field methods courses. | |
![]() | Hydrogeophysical EquipmentThese tools include: 1) Electrical Resistivity Meter. The AGI SuperSting R8 IP is an 8-channel resistivity and induced polarization imaging system specially designed for large surveys where speed of data acquisition is of essence. Can be used for land applications with 6 m spacing, underwater applications with 2 m spacing, or boat-towed surveys with 1 to 5 m spacing. 2) Infrared Camera. The FLIR ThermaCAM SC640 is a high-resolution thermal infrared camera. The portable handheld radiometer (7.5 to 13 micron wavelength) takes images at 640x480 pixels at rates of down to 16 Hz. The precision of the camera is 0.08 C. |
![]() | Ice Dynamics ModelA 4' x 6' bench-top physical model simulating water flow under ice sheets and glaciers. Ice is represented by a transparent polymer. Water is injected below the "ice" at varying rates to observe the effects of discharge pulses on the channel geometry and surface motion of the "ice." Changes in discharge are designed to mimic a typical diurnal discharge pattern observed on alpine glaciers. |
Isotope Clean Lab (Banner)The Isotope Clean Lab is a 600 square foot clean chemistry lab with seven Class-100 workspaces for preparation of rock, mineral, soil, plant and water samples for chemical and isotopic analysis under low-contamination conditions. | |
![]() | Isotope Clean Lab (Lassiter)Within the Department of Geological Sciences there are three clean-room laboratories supplied with HEPA-filtered class 100 air where sample preparation and ion-exchange chromatography for isotopic analysis may be done under ultra-clean conditions, making possible very low analytical blanks (e.g., < 1 pg Pb for U-Pb geochronology, and <10 pg Sr). There are also two other laboratories with HEPA-filtered work stations where sample preparation and ion-exchange chromatography are performed. These labs are affiliated with the Mineral Separation Facility (see description). |
Multi-Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (MC-ICP-MS)The MC-ICP-MS facility is centered around a Nu Instruments Nu Plasma 3D MC-ICP-MS featuring 6 Daly detectors for simultaneous measurement of multiple low abundance isotopes, in addition to 16 stationary Faraday cups, enhanced abundance transfer sensitivity optics (EATO) and dry scroll pumps. It is installed in a positively pressured, hepa-filtered, clean lab and supported by two clean chemistry labs for dissolution of samples and isolation of specific elements for isotope analyses. Samples may be introduced as a solution using the DSN100 desolvating nebulizer or as a solid using an Elemental Scientific Lasers (ESL) NWR193 laser. The facility regularly analyzes Li, Pb, Hf isotopes, parent isotopes Lu, Sm, and Rb for isotope dilution analyses (Sr and Nd measured by TIMS), and Lu-Hf in zircon by laser ablation. We are developing methods for multi-Daly measurement of low abundance isotopes for U isotope measurements, U-Th dating and laser ablation Pb and Li isotope measurements. | |
![]() | Narrow Temperature-controlled Open Channel FlumeCustom built 5-m tilting flume. Width: 30 cm. Depth: 1 meter. Other features: 3 removable windows with septa ports, fluids can be extracted or injected from the floor. |
![]() | Non-vertebrate Paleontology LabNPL, part of the Texas Natural Science Center, was created in 1999 as an answer to the increasing conservation and curation issues developing with the huge increase in collection size. Collections placed in the care of TNSC mainly were derived from research at the BEG, the UTDGS and the Museum (TMM) itself. Other material came from orphaned collections within Texas. Numerous other collections have been contributed as donations. Although an exact count has never been made, the collection is estimated to contain about 4 million. |
Paleoclimatology and Environmental Geochemistry LaboratoryMajor instrumentation includes: (1) Gas chromatograph-single quadrupole mass spectrometer (GC-IRMS) for quantification and identification of organic compounds, and (2) HPLC-signgle quadrupole mass spectrometer (HPLC-MS) equipped with intelligent fraction collection for identification, quantification and isolation of high molecular weight compounds. | |
Paleolimnology Laboratory | |
Quadrupole ICP Mass SpectrometerThe Quadrupole ICP-MS laboratory (with laser ablation) is used for elemental determinations in a wide range of liquid (e.g., natural waters, dissolved sediments/rocks, digested biomass) and solid (e.g., rocks, minerals, glasses) samples. The ICP-MS instrument is an Agilent 7500ce, capable of measuring trace element concentrations in solution over a nine-order linear dynamic range, from ppt to 100s of ppm. Sample introduction systems include a Micromist concentric nebulizer with a Peltier-cooled spray chamber for aspirating solutions, and a New-Wave UP¬193-FX 193 nm excimer laser ablation system for micro-sampling of solids. Sub-ppm detection limits are obtained routinely by laser ablation. The Agilent 7500ce is equipped with a collision/reaction cell, allowing for quantification of environmentally important matrix/plasma-sensitive elements such as As, Se, and Fe. The instrument is housed in a positive-pressure HEPA-filtered laboratory equipped with a weighing station, laminar flow bench, and Type 1 (18.2 M?) ultrapure water station. | |
![]() | Scanning Electron Microscope Lab (DGS)Installed in 2008, this is a high-performance, 30 kV tungsten gun scanning electron microscope with a high resolution of 3.0 nm. The low vacuum mode allows for observation of specimens which cannot be viewed at high vacuum due to a non-conductive surface. This SEM has three detector systems - secondary electron (SE), backscattered electron (BSE), and X-ray EDS detectors. |
![]() | Skeleton Preparation FacilityLocated at the VPL Annex on the Pickle Research Campus, the Skeleton Preparation Facility is used to transform fleshy carcasses of modern animals such as birds, mammals and reptiles into clean skeletons for comparison with paleontological specimens. |
![]() | Superconducting Gravimeter LabA GWR superconducting gravimeter (precision ~0.01 micrGals) configured to be transportable, used in hydrologic and other studies. This is usually deployed in the field for campaigns of months and longer. |
![]() | Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry (TIMS) LabThe TIMS Lab is a state-of-the-art facility capable of measuring Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, Re-Os, U-Th-Pb and U-series isotopes in a variety of materials, with the goal of resolving fundamental questions in the fields of geology, hydrology, archaeology and environmental science. |
![]() | Vertebrate Paleontology LabThe Vertebrate Paleontology Laboratory (VPL) is known worldwide as a major repository for unique scientific collections from the American Southwest. VPL was founded in 1948 by John A. Wilson, Emeritus Professor of Geology at The University of Texas at Austin. Today, VPL is the principal repository for vertebrate fossils collected from state and federal lands in Texas and contiguous areas, as well as for specimens collected elsewhere using state and federal funds. The fossil vertebrate holdings of VPL rank among the seven largest in North America. |
![]() | Walter Geology LibraryThe primary research collections of the library presently include more than 100,000 book and journal volumes and 46,000 geologic maps, among them the publications of the U.S. Geological Survey, most state geological surveys, and those of many foreign countries. Regional emphasis of the collection is on the Southwestern United States, Texas, and Mexico. The Institute and Bureau also have extensive libraries related to their specific research areas. |
Center for Integrated Earth System ScienceThe Center for Integrated Earth System Science (CIESS) is a cooperative effort between the Jackson School of Geosciences and the Cockrell School of Engineering. The center fosters collaborative study of Earth as a coupled system with focus on land, atmosphere, water, environment, and society. |
Center for International Energy & Environmental PolicyIn 2005, the University of Texas at Austin chartered the Center for International Energy and Environmental Policy (CIEEP), to join the scientific and engineering capabilities of the University's Jackson School of Geosciences and the College of Engineering with the LBJ School of Public Affairs. The University's first center dedicated to energy and environmental policy, CIEEP will seek to inform the policy-making process with the best scientific and engineering expertise. |
Gulf Coast Carbon CenterThe Gulf Coast Carbon Center (GCCC) seeks to apply its technical and educational resources to implement geologic storage of anthropogenic carbon dioxide on an aggressive time scale with a focus in a region where large-scale reduction of atmospheric releases is needed and short term action is possible. |
High-Resolution X-ray Computed Tomography FacilityThe High-Resolution X-ray Computed Tomography Facility at The University of Texas at Austin (UTCT) is a national shared multi-user facility supported by the Instrumentation and Facilities Program of NSF's Earth Sciences (EAR) directorate. UTCT offers scientific researchers across the earth, biological and engineering sciences access to a completely nondestructive technique for visualizing features in the interior of opaque solid objects, and for obtaining digital information on their 3D geometries and properties. |
Land, Environment & Atmospheric DynamicsThe LEAD group consists of graduate research assistants, postdoctoral fellows, research scientists and visiting scholars. We view the earth system in a holistic way, linking the atmosphere, ocean, biosphere, cryosphere, and solid earth as an integrated system. We use powerful methodologies such as satellite remote sensing and supercomputing simulations which are now profoundly changing research in earth system sciences. We place a strong emphasis on the societal impact of the research in earth system sciences. |
Latin America & Caribbean Energy ProgramThe Latin America & Caribbean Energy Program will create, foster and maintain a regional outreach network that will nurture cooperative and frank discussions of issues related to sustainable development of energy resources and environmental stewardship. The network will include representatives from governments, universities, private sector, multilateral agencies, industry and professional associations and other stakeholders. |
Non-vertebrate Paleontology LaboratoryNPL was created in 1999 as an answer to the increasing conservation and curation issues developing with the huge increase in collection size.
Collections placed in the care of TNSC mainly were derived from research at the BEG, the UTDGS and the Museum (TMM) itself. Other material came from orphaned collections within Texas. Numerous other collections have been contributed as donations.
Although an exact count has never been made, the collection is estimated to contain about 4 million specimens. |
Remote Sensing of Earth and Planetary Surface and Environment ProgramThis program will bring visibility to satellite remote sensing research at JSG among funding agencies and peers, and attract students with strong physics and engineering background and interests in using satellite remote sensing technology to study earth-atmosphere processes. |
Vertebrate Paleontology LaboratoryThe mission of the Vertebrate Paleontology Laboratory is three-fold, involving research, conservation, and education pertaining to the history of vertebrates. In particular, VPL focuses on the history of vertebrates in Texas and adjacent regions, but much broader studies are also conducted to establish a national and global context for Texas vertebrate history. |
Affiliated UT Programs & Centers
Center for Frontiers of Subsurface Energy SecurityCFSES is one of only two centers out of 46 EFRCs with focus on subsurface energy. Our goal is a scientific understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological subsurface processes from the very small scale to the very large scale so that we can predict the behavior of CO2 and other byproducts of the energy production that may need to be stored in the subsurface. At this aim, we need to integrate and expand our knowledge of subsurface phenomena across scientific disciplines using both experimental and modeling methodologies to better understand and quantify the behavior at conditions far from equilibrium. The unique aspect of our research is the approach of the uncertainty and of the complexity of the fluids in the geologic media from the molecular scale to the basin scale and their integration in computational tools to better predict the long term behavior of subsurface energy byproduct storage. |
Center for Space ResearchThe University of Texas at Austin, Center for Space Research was established in 1981 under the direction of Dr. Byron D. Tapley. The mission of the Center is to conduct research in orbit determination, space geodesy, the Earth and its environment, exploration of the solar system, as well as expanding the scientific applications of space systems data. |
Environmental Science InstituteThe Environmental Science Institute is a multi-disciplinary institute for basic scientific research in environmental studies founded by The University of Texas at Austin. The Institute serves as a focal point on campus for a wide scope of interdisciplinary research and teaching involving the complex interactions of the biosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere in the Earth system, as well as the human dimensions of these interactions. |
Texas Advanced Computing CenterThe Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) at The University of Texas at Austin is one of the leading centers of computational excellence in the United States. Located on the J.J. Pickle Research Campus, the center's mission is to enable discoveries that advance science and society through the application of advanced computing technologies. |
UT Austin Energy InstituteThe Energy Institute has been established at the University of Texas at Austin to provide the State of Texas and the Nation guidance for sustainable energy security through the pursuit of research and education programs - good policy based on good science.
The Institute will determine the areas of research and instruction in consultation with an Institute Advisory Board, faculty and staff at the University of Texas at Austin, the private energy sector, public utilities, non-governmental organizations, and the general public.
The economic future of the State of Texas, and our Nation, depends upon the viability of sustainable energy resources. The mission of the Energy Institute is to provide the transformational changes through research and instruction that are required for this State's and Nation's sustainable energy security. |
Research Groups
ENCOMPASS: Research for Earth-Society Systems |