Undergraduate Research
1998 On-Campus Abstracts
Analysis of Iron-Manganese Oxide Sediment Coatings from the Michigamme River
Theresa Barber
Faculty sponsors: Dr. David Matty, Dr. Jane Matty
Iron-manganese oxide coatings on sedimentary particles commonly form in active stream environments in many areas. These coatings may be useful for documenting the past composition of stream waters. Changes in the relative abundances of trace metals and rare earth elements can reflect compositional variations in stream waters as well as changes in pH and Eh levels of stream waters. These oxide coatings can be analyzed for trace metals including cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, and silicon using electron microprobe and inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) techniques (Nath et al., 1997; Belmans et al., 1993; Buckley, 1988). These analytical methods will be applied to sediments from the Michigamme River to look for variations of the oxide coatings and to relate any observable changes to chemical changes associated with the depositional environment.
Aaron J. Berndt, William L. Collison, Holly K. Fleury, Benjamin L. Fruchey, Eric T. Goergen, Katherine A. Hartig, Sara A. Jacobs, Sean R. Miller, Tina B. Phillips, and Adrienne M.Sims
Faculty sponsors: Dr. David Matty, Dr. Eric Johnson
Geologically, the Sudbury Irruptive is well-known not only as one of the world's great ore deposits, but also for the controversy surrounding its origin. Many studies have suggested that the Sudbury rocks were formed as a result of an asteroid impact during the Precambrian; other studies have supported a volcanic origin. We travelled to Sudbury during the Fall, 1997 semester to study the Sudbury Irruptive in the field. Upon our return to CMU, we proceeded to study the mineralogy, petrology, and geochemistry of the samples we collected. We have compared our results to a suite of similar rocks, formed at about the same time as Sudbury, that crop out in the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The results of our study will be presented at the Student Research and Creative Endeavors Exposition.
David V. Dryburgh
Faculty sponsor: Dr. Stephen D. Stahl
Abstract: Tertiary tuffaceous rocks on the east flank of the Sonoma Range in a portion of the Adelaide 7.5' quadrangle were examined for this study. Previous mappers grouped these rocks as undivided. The purposes of this study were: 1) to see if the stratigraphy developed by CMU students over the past four years for the adjacent quadrangle to the north could be applied to these rocks; and 2) to determine if there is evidence, similar to that developed from the northern quadrangle, for a proximal caldera.
This work indicates that the stratigraphy of the tuffs in the northern quadrangle can be extended to the Adelaide 7.5' quadrangle. It appears that the Juniper Ridge Formation is further from source because exposures are less well welded and it is easier to distinguish individual flows. Joints and a large flow structure support a northeast to east-northeast source for the formation. The Pole Creek Tuff is better welded in the Adelaide quadrangle than in the northern quadrangle, and the joint patterns and a flow structure support an easterly source for these rocks. Therefore, this study supports earlier interpretations about the source of the upper Juniper Ridge Tuff and suggests that there is more than one caldera, or perhaps a larger caldera complex than previously thought.
The Utilization of Teleseismic Analysis to Model the Deep Structure of the Michigan Basin
Mark H. Ferguson
Faculty sponsor: Dr. Stephen Stahl
Abstract: Five events recorded by the CMU seismic station were analyzed. Selection parameters were: 1) Richter magnitude4.5; 2) azimuth of 160? to 200?; and 3) distance 2500 km. They were chosen to: 1) increase the length of the record to 10 to 15 minutes; 2) allow modeling of a narrow sector; 3) provide multiple coverage of boundaries; 4) allow variable inclinations; and 5) remove initial S-waves from the record. Arrivals of various P-wave forms (P, pP, PP, PPP, and PcP) were recognized by comparison to a Bullen chart. Further analysis was accomplished by recognizing arrivals of P-S transitions, created by P-waves as they encounter acoustic boundaries. Travel-time residuals wre calculated for transition phases and correlated to known boundaries. Anomalous arrivals were recognized: these may be related to rock bodies related to the formation of the Michigan Basin.
Chemical Analysis of the Juniper Ridge Tuff and the Pole Creek Tuff
Thomas A. Fewless
Faculty sponsor: Dr. David Matty
Recent studies have determined that the Juniper Ridge Tuff and the Pole Creek Tuff are geochemically distinct. Further study of these units is warranted, however, as certain geochemical characteristics of the tuffs suggest that the two units may be related to derivation from a common parent magma. The chemical composition of mineral phenocrysts has not been studied. Certain minerals may provide additional information about magmatic evolution and may help to answer the question of a possible relationship between the two units.
This study involves analysis of plagioclase phenocrysts by electron microprobe. The composition of phenocrysts in samples collected from the top (last to be erupted) and bottom (first erupted) of the exposed sections of the Juniper Ridge Tuff and Pole Creek tuff will be determined and compared. Through this study, I hope to be able to whether these units are related or whether they were formed as separate magmas.
Benjamin Fruchey, Paul C. Low, James R. Armbruster, Theresa M. Barber, David V. Dryburgh, Thomas A. Fewless, Matthew C. Hein, Amanda J. Kesl, Arthur B. Losey, Mantez A. McDonald
Faculty sponsor: Dr. Stephen Stahl
Abstract: The 15 October 1997 earthquake near the coast of central Chile (latitude 30.982 S, longitude 071.192 W) produced a long series of waveforms recorded by the CMU seismograph station. This earthquake was a magnitude 6.8 (MB, Msz) with a focal depth of 33 kilometers. The CMU seismometer is a vertical borehole instrument 70 meters into the glacial drift and approximately 30 meters above the drift/bedrock contact. We are examining the helicorder record to recognize P-S transitions at various geologic interfaces, for example the Moho, from various waveforms, for example P, PP and PPP. This work is the initial step in a long term project to use teleseismic analytical techniques to map the deep structure of the central portion of the Michigan Basin.
Benjamin L. Fruchey
Faculty sponsors: Dr. David Matty, Dr. Eric Johnson
Until recently, it was believed that the post-deformation uplift of mountain belts was a process that spanned a time frame of roughly 200 million years. Recent evidence suggests that the Adirondack Mountains of New York were uplifted much faster than had been previously believed. The Adirondacks were compressed and then uplifted along several slightly metamorphosed shear zones, one of these being located in the Dana Hill Metagabbro (DHMG). The goal of this study is to use the Geology electron microprobe to determine the compositions of amphiboles taken from separate shear zones within the DHMG. If there is enough variation in the amphiboles, we will be able to determine the pressures and temperatures at which these shear zones formed. This information will allow us to better constrain the time and amount of post-deformational uplift in the Adirondacks.
Accessory Minerals as Indicators of Extremely Acid Lake Waters
Tawny M. Gapinski
Faculty sponsors: Dr. David Matty, Dr. Kathleen Counter-Benison
Accessory minerals precipitated from ancient lake water may help scientists gain a better understanding of present day highly acid (pH<1) environments. The intention of this research project is to interpret and describe the chemical constituents of ancient lake environments and to compare the findings with current data from modern acid environments. In order to accomplish this task accessory minerals which precipitated from mid Permian (~270ma) acid waters, forming bedded halite, will be chemically analyzed using electron probe microanalysis.
Previous studies have shown that samples of mid Permian halite collected from two sites, in Kansas and North Dakota, contain high concentrations of aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), and silica (Si) (Benison, 1997). Concentrations of these elements suggest unusual chemical evolution of acid lake environments (Benison, 1997; in press). The findings of this project may provide useful background information in the future study of highly acid environments.
Eric Goergen
Faculty sponsors: Dr. David Matty, Dr. Eric Johnson
Classical geological thought suggests that it takes mountains somewhere on the order of 200 million years to fully develop. Recent studies in the Adirondack Mountains in New York have challenged this traditional belief by suggesting a much faster development of mountain systems in as little as 20 million years. The goal of this research is to obtain a basic understanding of the relative timing of four distinct deformational events in the Dana Hill Metagabbro Body (DHMG), which is a small intrusion located in a major fault zone within the Adirondack Mountains. The study will focus on the composition of minerals from each of the deformational zones as determined by electron microprobe analysis. The compositions of the minerals will allow for pressure-temperature determination of individual shear zones within the DHMG using published geobarometers and geothermometers. These data will help to establish the relative timing of each deformational event and provide information needed for further studies in the area.
Matthew C. Hein
Faculty sponsor: Dr. Jane Matty, Dr. Peter Thibodeau
Abstract: Egg Lake is in a remote location of north-central Beaver Island and is partially surrounded by a bog on its north end. To evaluate the hydrological, geochemical, and floral variations within the bog, several methods were employed. Floral studies were completed to examine the spatial distribution of plant species within the bog. Piezometers were used to collect groundwater samples and to measure water table elevations. Water and sediment samples were analyzed for trace metals. Sediment cores were collected to examine variations in stratigraphy.
Preliminary field results show pH increases with depth and with distance away from Egg Lake. Dissolved oxygen values fluctuate but remain low throughout. Water, peat, and sediment samples were analyzed for Cd, Fe, Pb, Cr, and Mn. Spatial distribution of metals in peat and sediment samples as well as seasonal variations in water samples can be explained by the local hydrology and variations in site characteristics.
Environmental Geochemistry (GEL 402) Research Projects
Amanda Kesl, James Armbruster, Theresa Barber, Christopher Behnke, Autumn Thomas, David Hill, and Toby West
Faculty sponsor: Dr. Jane Matty
Students in GEL 402 Environmental Geochemistry design and perform research projects following EPA-approved methods and protocols for collection, processing, and analysis of samples. The results and environmental implications of both projects will be presented.
The first project was an investigation of the impact of petroleum refinery effluent on a river system. Refinery wastes contain heavy metals which could have adverse environmental effects. To evaluate this possiblity, water and sediment samples were collected from points upstream and downstream of the effluent discharge, and analyzed for nickel, lead, chromium, and cobalt.
The second project was an assessment of how hydrodynamic processes near a dam affect the distribution of lead, barium, and cadmium in sediments. The hypothesis was that sediments trapped behind the dam retained heavy metals, improving downstream water quality; this was evaluated by analyzing sediments collected upstream and downstream of the dam, and suspended sediment from water flowing over the dam.
Mantez A. McDonald
Faculty sponsor: Dr.Peter Thibodeau
Abstract: This project will be a hydrologic and stratigraphic investigation of a local watershed on Beaver Island, Michigan. Lake Geneserath is a popular area for summer residences and is thus subject to potentially significant impacts from humans and pollution. The people that live there during the recreation season have homes that utilize septic fields that help dispose of the human waste byproduct. These fields are possible sources of high contamination. From sewage waste heavy metals and light bicarbonate chemicals get into the environment. Examination of the groundwater flow dynamics of this system will allow us to examine the impact of human development in the area surrounding Lake Genesrath. The ultimate goals of this project are: 1.) Characterize the physical setting and groundwater flow regime of this ecosystem on Beaver Island, and 2.) Study the evolution of the forest/wetlands interface based on spatial variations in stratigraphy, geochemistry, and botanical changes.
Chemical Analysis of the Onaping Formation, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
Sean R. Miller
Faculty sponsor: Dr. David Matty
Two different, but highly possible, theories of the controversial origin of the Sudbury Structure have been proposed. The elliptical shape of the structure and the volcanogenic character of the heterolithic breccias of the Onaping Formation suggests a volcanic origin. Shatter cones, shock metamorphic features, and the interpretation of the Onaping Formation as fall-back impact breccias suggest formation related to meteorite impact.
The Onaping Formation is a critical part of each argument: volcanic supporters interpret the breccias as volcanic pyroclastic deposits Conversely, meteorite supporters point out that the Onaping Formation contains recrystallized glasses unlike any known from other volcanic deposits.
The chemical compostion of the Black Member of the Onaping Formation has been determined using an electron microprobe. These data have been used to evaluate the composition of the clasts within the Black member and have been compared to existing analyses of the Sudbury Structure. These results will be presented.
Emily K. Rose
Faculty sponsor: Dr. Kathleen Counter-Benison
Abstract: A geological educational program has been developed for the purpose of teaching critical observational skills to young children. This curricula is designed as a series of in-classroom exercises. Regular first- and second-grade classroom teachers will be provided with the necessary geological samples and lesson plans to sue at their discretion. Rocks, minerals, and fossils for this program have been collected throughout the students' home state of Michigan. Students will compare and contrast the geological samples in order to learn observational skills. These skills will include: description, classification, and identification. Young children are particularly enthusiastic about rocks, minerals, and fossils, as has been seen in the recent dinosaur craze. The enthusiasm created will provide a solid foundation for learning. This hands-on activity may provide young students their first experience in scientific exploration. Not only will this program give students exposure to scientific observations, it will also provide an outlet for discovering how fun interactive learning can be.
A New Method of Measuring the A-axis in Deformed Quartz Using Fluid Inclusion Morphology
Susan M. Rosin
Faculty sponsor: Dr. Eric Johnson
Abstract: To understand fully the processes at work in the deformation of rock, focus is placed upon the microstructures within the rock; mainly, the orientations of the axis of the minerals. In cases where deformation results from a low strain rate and temperature, measuring the axis is an uncomplicated procedure. However, with higher strain and temperature, measurements can become complicated and costly. Therefore, development of a new procedure for obtaining orientation of minerals in rocks would greatly benefit microstructures studies.
This project endeavors to develop a new procedure using fluid inclusion morphology to measure the a-axis in quartz crystals of rock sampled from the Simplon Fault Zone in Switzerland. Measurements from this study will be compared to measurements derived by an X-ray texture goniometer of the same rock. A successful match of the two sets of measurements will bring to the world of microstructure studies a new method that will save time and money.
