Bucknell Geology - Student Research

Rebekah Morris ('11) worked at several field sites in western Pennslvania this summer to better understand how to remove Manganese from Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) waters.  Manganese is typically resistant to removal and is associated with an unpleasant taste in drinking water and can leave it's black deposit on food, laundry, coat the inside of pipes in public and private water systems, and has been found in toxic levels in aquatic  animals. Many AMD sites in Pennsylvania discharge into the Susquehanna River drainage basin and Rebekah's study hopes to provide some valuable information to this poorly understood topic. 

Rebekah and her advisor Dr. Carl Kirby have devised a collection system to be installed at her field sites where AMD water will precipitate Mn on limestone gravel (see second photo in sidebar at right).  During her senior year she will bring these samples back to the lab and perform experiments to better understand what role microbes, pH, surface area and other factors might play in the removal of Manganese.

Cullen Kortyna ('11) has spent the last three summers in Alaska, performing field work (independant study projects) with his advisor, Dr. Jeff Trop, and a group of researchers from Purdue University (see photo of "Team Arkose" below). 

This year, Cullen has turned his research into a Senior Thesis project geared towards a better understanding of what sediment sources contributed to a 2,000 meter thick sequence of fluvial and lacustrine strata called the Arkose Ridge Formation.  Cullen is using U-Pb geochronology of zircon grains, and over 85 modal analyses from conglomerate and sandstone beds to constrain the sediment sources to this upper Paleocene-Eocene formation.

This year, Cullen is giving an oral presentation on his research at the National meeting of the Geological Society of America, in Denver, Colorado.  An abstract of his presentation can be seen here.

Bucknell Geology Independent Student Research Projects, 2010-2011

Tyler Szwarc ('11) is a Geology/Physics double major who spent part of his summer as a field assistant for several members of "Team Arkose" (see photo above) including Christine Kassab (BU '09).  During that time, Tyler and his advisor, Dr. Jeff Trop formulated an idea for an Independant Research Project focused on the Castle Mountain Fault that runs between the Talkeetna and Chugach Mountains in southern Alaska.  Tyler will be using detrital geochronology to evaluate the magnitude of right-lateral displacement of this fault since the Eocene Epoch (about 34 million years ago).

Tyler has been spending this fall crushing the sedimentary rock samples they collected in order to extract detrital zircon minerals.  Later this year, Tyler will analyze these samples for their respective ages at the SHRIMP Lab at Stanford University.

Tyler has a passion for Astronomy, and was recently featured in the Summer 2010 issue of the Bucknell Magazine .

Erin Donaghy ('12) became interested in the health of the Buffalo Creek Watershed in central Pennsylvania after the students in her Geochemistry class collected and analyzed  samples from the Buffalo Creek Acid Precipitation System, as part of a lab project.  She says that "...the data we interpreted left many unanswered questions which drove me to pursue doing research on the system in order to try and answer them". 

Like many streams in the northeastern U.S., the water of Buffalo Creek is acidic and can no longer be buffered and neutralized by natural alkaline materials found in the surrounding environment.  In 2009 the non-profit Buffalo Creek Watershed Alliance installed an acid precipitation treatment system to remediate these effects.  Erin's research is focused on the direct effects the treatment system is having on Buffalo Creek.

Erin has established monitoring sites in the upstream reaches (see photo in upper right), the treatment system itself, and downstream of the system.  All sites are being monitired for dissolved oxygen, Al, Ca, Mg concentrations, alkalinity, temperature, pH and specific conductance.  In addition, she is collecting macroinvertebrates and samples of algae to help clarify the effects of the treatment system and help quantify how much this system is helping the ecosystem and health of Buffalo Creek..

Erin and her advisor, Dr. Carl Kirby will be presenting her research at Bucknell's Kalman Research Symposium and will provide an in-depth report to the Buffalo Creek Watershed Alliance.

2010-2011 (proposals)

• Kortyna, Cullen, Provenance signature of a forearc basin modified by spreading ridge subduction: detrital zircon geochronology and detrital modes from the Paleogene Arkose Ridge Formation, southern Alaska.
• Morris, Rebekah, Characterizing the role of biotic and abiotic systems on the net rates of removal of manganese and determining growth rates of microbial colonies in passive acid mine drainage treatment sites.
• Donaghy, Erin '12 Independent Study Project,  A Study of the Effectiveness of the Buffalo Creek Acid Precipitation Treatment System and its Ecological Effects on Buffalo Creek, Union County, Pennsylvania.
• Szwarc, Tyler'11 Independent Study Project,  Evaluating the magnitude of post-Eocene dextral displacement along the Castle Mountain Fault, Alaska, using detrital geochronology.

2009-2010

• Lynch, Eric, Characterization of vascular cavity coatings and microscopic tube-shaped structures from Upper Cretaceous dinosaur bones:  Evidence for bacterial origin for dinosaur "blood vessels".
• Strader, Anne, Geophysical analysis of seasonal Montandon gravel ridge water table fluctuation and moisture gradient variation due to storm events.
• Pritz, Molly, Geochemical modeling and analysis of the frac water used in the hydraulic fracturing of the Marcellus Formation, Pennsylvania.

2008-2009:

• Daniel Hubacz, Catastrophic Paleofloods on the Lower Susquehanna: An analysis of slackwater deposits in Holtwood Gorge. PA.

2007-2008

• Hess, Anya, Sedimentological and geochemical analysis of the Keyser and Old Port Formations, central Pennsylvania:  improved constraints on late Silurian-early Devonian paleoenvironmental conditions.
• Kassab, Christine, Sedimentological analysis of overwash fan deposits on Hattaras Island, Cape Hattaras National Seashore, North Carolina:   A long-term sedimentary record of extratropical storms along the Atlantic Coast.
• Mellott, Dallas, Sedimentary record of Cenozoic tectonics and basin development in southwestern Arizona:  Geochronologic and petrologic data from the northern Mohawk Mountains.
• Smith, Stephen, A sedimentary record of overwash fans with respect to tropical storms and an east-west trending shoreline, Okracoke and Hattaras Islands, North Carolina.

2006-2007 

• Forsburg, Amanda, Stream Channel Morphology and Adjustments to Changes in Land Use in Buffalo Creek Tributaries.
• Heuer,  Dan, Evidence of Four Generations of Monazite Growth in Proterozoic Migmatites of the Santa-Fe Range, North-Central New Mexico.
• Jenson, Aubri, Evidence of Radiation Damage in Microlite from the Harding Pegmatite, Taos County, New Mexico:  An Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy and Electron Back-Scatter Diffraction Study.
• Witmer, John, Sedimentology and Stratigraphy of the Upper Triassic - Lower Jurassic McCarthy Formation, Wrangell Mountains, South Central New Mexico.

2005-2006

• Delaney, Ryan M. , Sedimentology and Stratigraphy of the Frederika Formation, Wrangell – St. Elias Mountains, south central Alaska.
• Dennis, Adam , Assessing Aeration Treatment Effectiveness for Mine Drainage at Scarlift Site 21, Ranshaw Pennsylvania and Packer 5 Discharge, Girardville, Pennsylvania.
• McInerney, Brian, The Effects of Acid Deposition on the Chemistry and Brook Trout Populations in the Headwater Streams Originating in the Tuscarora Formation, Valley and Ridge Province, Pennsylvania.
• Short, Emily, Evidence for the 1.4 Ga Regional Metamorphism and Deformation in the Thompson Peak area, New Mexico:  An Application of Monazite Thermochronometry.
• Tully, Craig, Impact of Historical Deforestation and Reforestation on Stream Channels:  A Reconnaissance Investigation of Regional Adjustment to Changes in Sediment Load in Watersheds in the Susquehanna and Connecticut River Basins.

2004-2005

• Bunting, Philip, Emplacement Processes of Quaternary Blockfields in Central Pennsylvania.
• Winer, Emily, A Ground Stability Risk Assessment of the #4 Gold Mining Shaft of the Driefontein Division of Gold Fields, Ltd., Carletonville, South Africa.

2003-2004

• Forsburg, Amanda ('07),  An Assessment of Hydrology and Water Quality in the Buffalo Creek Watershed, Union County, Pennsylvania.  McKenna Summer Research Project.
• Tidmore, Robert S. , Sedimentologic and Petrologic Investigation of the Miocene Frederika Formation:  A Record of the Initial Construction of the Wrangell Volcanic Field, Alaska.  Senior Thesis.

2002-2003 

• Garfield, Robert , Placing Fractured-Rock Site Characterization Within a Regional Geologic Context:
  Results from the Bucknell University Hydro-Geophysical Research Site.  Senior Thesis.
• Guiliano, Lindsay , Analysis of Deformation Bands in Oligocene and Early Miocene Deposits
  of the Funeral Mountains, South-Central Nevada.  Senior Thesis.
• Light, K. Byron , Tracking Barrier Island Evolution: The Applicability of cm-scale GPS and GIS.  Senior Thesis.
• Nottis, Gary , The Development of Equations and Procedures for the Estimation of
  Shear Wave Velocities in Soils, Columbia and Dutchess Counties, New York. Senior Thesis with Honors.
• Turner, Melissa, D. , The influence of Bedrock Geology on the Ability of
  Pennsylvania Headwater Streams to Ameliorate Acid Rain.  Senior Thesis

2001-2002

• Hallett, Benjamin W. , Relative and Absolute Timing of Partial Melting and Regional Deformation in Proterozoic Migmatites of the Rincon Range, North-Central New Mexico, Senior Thesis.
• Hallett, Benjamin W. , 1400 MA Partial Melting and Regional Deformation in Proterozoic Migmatites of the Rincon Range, North-Central New Mexico: Application of Monazite U-Th-Pb Chemical Dating, Senior Thesis with Honors.
• Iorio, John P. , Holocene Climate of the Mesotropics and Comparison of Paleodata Climate Reconstruction with PMIP Simulations of Climate at 6000 14C Years Ago, Senior Thesis.
• Iorio, John P. , Holocene Climate of the Mesotropics and Comparison of Geologic Climate Reconstruction with PMIP Simulations of Climate at 6000 14C Years Ago, Honors Thesis.
• Szuch, Darren A. , Synorogenic Sedimentation Along the Arcward Margin of a Mesozoic Forearc Basin, Naknek Formation, Talkeetna Mountains, Alaska, Senior Thesis.
• Szuch, Darren A. , Synorogenic Sedimentation Along the Arcward Margin of a Mesozoic Forearc Basin, Naknek Formation, Talkeetna Mountains, Alaska, Honors Thesis.

2000-2001

• Casaleggio, Stephen E. , Geochemical and Biological Study of the First Passive Mine Drainage Treatment System in the Shamokin Creek Watershed, Pennsylvania.
• Kostak, Paul G. Jr. , Comparison of Laboratory Iron-Oxidation Rate Laws to Field-Measured Rates in Mine Drainage.
• Mallonee, Jonathan D. , Pleistocene paleochannel abandonment of Penns Creek in Union County, Pennsylvania.
• Scheidt, Matthew D. , Geochemical Weathering Characteristics and Soil Chronosequence Development on Blue Ridge Debris Fans in Madison County, Virginia.
• Twele, Casey C. , An Examination of Iron Photoreduction in Coal Mine Drainage.

1999-2000 

• Johnson, Adrienne C. , A Structural Study of the Silurian-Devonian Carbonates in the National Limestone Quarry in Middleburg, Pennsylvania.
• Szuch, Darren A., A Spatial Characterization of Hydrogeochemistry within the Montandon Marsh, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania (Independent Study).
• Triolo, Jason S. , Use of Stable Oxygen Isotopes in a Alpine Forest Region to Delineate the Hydrologic Factors that Govern an Alpine Ecotone.
• Cerrone, Michael , Alkalinity and Acidity in Mine Drainage: Definitions and Methods; and participant in the Bucknell University/USGS assessment of the Shamokin Creek Watershed, Pennsylvania (summer, 1999 research projects).
• Golumbfskie, Jason (Drexel University co-op student), participant in the Bucknell University/USGS assessment of the Shamokin Creek Watershed, Pennsylvania (summer, 1999 research project).

1998-1999 

• Bradfield, William B. , Temperatures of Alleghanian Deformation in the Silurian Bloomsburg Formation, Lehigh Gap, Pennsylvania.
• Sherbondy, Micheal , Late Pleistocene Climate Record from the North Lake Embayment of Quaternary Lake Terreton, Idaho.
• Thomas, Heather M. , The Hydrostratigraphy of the Quaternary Valley Fill Deposits Along the West Branch Susquehanna River Between Lock Haven and Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania

1997-1998 

• Bailey, Nicole , Modeling of Barrier Island Landform and Vegetation Response to Coastal Process Variables on the Virginia Coast Reserve.
• Daniels, Noah , Role of Debris Flows in Landscape Evolution, Blue Ridge, Virginia.
• Davatzes, Nick , Strain Partitioning and Factorization in the Silurian Keefer Sandstone, Central Pennsylvania.
• Helms, Don , The Use of Field-Measured Fe2+ Oxidation Rates to Predict Treatment Pond Volumes in Acid Mine Drainage.
• Jurgens, Diane , An Investigation of the Controls on Slope Stability in the 1995 Debris Flows of Madison County, Virginia.
• Kirick, Christine , Use of Macroinvertebrates as Indicies of Ground Water Quality.
• Ressler, Ted , Examination of Groundwater Flow at Montandon Marsh, Central Pennsylvania.
• Thomas, Heather M. , Modeling of Fe2+ Oxidation as a Design Tool for Wetlands Constructed for Acid Mine Drainage Treatment.

1996-1997

• Decker, Scott , Acid Mine Drainage Sediment Composition and its Relation to Color.
• Jacob, Rob , Environmental Geophysical Study of the Chillisquaque Creek Floodplain in Central Pennsylvania.
• Macander, Natalia , Chemical and Physical Characterization of Actively and Passively Treated Acid Mine Drainage Sludge.
• Mitchell, Susan , Debris Flow Activity and Hazards in the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, Appalachian Plateau.
• Richter, Tracy , Aluminum Precipitation Rates Using a Field-Mixed Flow Reactor: Application to Acid Mine Drainage.
• Roggio, Miika , Deep Geologic Cross-Section: Lewisburg to Montoursville, Pennsylvania.
• Spiker, Elizabeth , A Study of Progressive Deformation at the Allegheny Front, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania.

1995-1996

• Daniels, Noah , A Survey of Mass Wasting Features in the Lycoming Creek Watershed, North-Central Pennsylvania.
• Elder, Jennifer A., , Development of a Field Mixed Flow Reactor for Determination of Aqueous Reaction Rates: Applications to Acid Mine Drainage.
• Farleigh, Karen , The Influence of Overwash Events on the Hydrology and Vegetation of a Pimple on Parramore Island, Virginia Coast Reserve.
• Gordon, Sara , Stable Isotope Compositions of Paleosol Carbonate in the Sherman Creek Member of the Devonian Catskill Formation, Central Pennsylvania.
• Hagan, Laura , Nucleation and Evolution of Coastal Dunes on a Low-Profile Barrier, Southern Parramore Island, Virginia.
• Leier, Andrew , Incised Valley Fills in the Sherman Creek Member of the Catskill Formation (Upper Devonian), Susquehanna Valley, Pennsylvania.
• Loges, Ed , Groundwater Flow Paths in the Nippenose Valley Karst System, North-Central Pennsylvania.
• Walsh, Jeff , Salts Evaporated from Municipal Solid Waste Ash Leachate.
• Wright, Adam , The Relation Between Paleomagnetism and Folding in the Appalachian Valley and Ridge Province: The Middle Devonian Mahantango Formation in central Pennsylvania.

1994-1995

• Berntsen, Jon P ., Hydrogeomorphic and Vegetative Relationships on Low Profile Barrier Islands, Virginia Coast Reserve.
• Carlson, Bradley B ., Kinematic History of a Mesoscopic fault-propagation fold, Meckley's Quarry, Mandata, PA.
• Hildebrand, Douglas C ., Relationship of Calcium Carbonate Nodules and Paleosol Features to Paleoclimatic Conditions: Upper Mississippian Mauch Chunk Formation, Central PA.
• Jerz, Jeanette K ., The Changes in Water Chemistry Along Rauchtown/Antes Creek in Central Pennsylvania.
• Klawon, Jeanne E ., Analysis of the Light Street Fault in Relation to the Berwick Anticlinorium.
• Miller, James N ., Structural Controls on Karstification in the Nippenose Valley, Pennsylvania.
• Myer, Eric M ., Karst Hydrogeomorphology of Nippenose Valley, North-Central Pennsylvania.

1993-1994

• Berntsen, Jon P ., The Morphology and Sedimentology of Alluvial Fans and Debris Flow Fans in the Ridge and Valley Province, Central Pennsylvania.
• Gerrits, Michele , Physical Effects on Middle Creek due to Decommission of Musser Dam.
• Jerz, Jeanette K ., Genesis and Diagenesis of Oolitic Ironstones in the Mahantango Formation (Middle Devonian) of the Susquehanna Valley Region in Pennsylvania.
• Wilt, Denise E ., Relation of Fossil Assemblages and Communities to Paleoenvironmental Conditions: Middle Devonian Mahantango Formation, South Central Pennssylvania.
• Woytowich, Kathleen A ., A Baseline Study (from May 1993 to May 1994) of the Chemical Composition of the Montandon Wetlands Alluvial Aquifer.

1992-1993

• Cohn, Matthew , The Relative Role of Geomorphic Processes in the Storm Recovery of Washover Sites on the Virginia Barrier Islands.
• Hoover, Andrew R ., Noncontemporaneity of Changes of Relative Depth in Trenton Group Carbonates of Central Pennsylvania.
• Kowalski, Katherine A ., Influence of Stratigraphy and Bathymetry on Erosion Rates, Virginia Barrier Islands.
• Terry, Jonathan M ., Cyclicity in the Irish Valley Member of the Catskill Formation, Central Pennsylvania.
• Valigorsky, Lara , Hydrogeologic Investigation of an Alluvial Aquifer System Located on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River.

1991-1992

• Anderson, Pamela J ., Hydrogeologic Analysis of an Alluvial Aquifer System Located on an Eastern Floodplain of the Susquehanna River.
• Bock, James E ., Geophysical Investigations in the Montandon Alluvial Aquifer.
• Clark, Christopher J ., Comparison of Storm Characteristics and their Relation to Barrier Island Overwash, Eastern Shore of Virginia.
• Larsen, Andrea , Examining the Groundwater System of the Montandon Marsh during the April 1993 Floods of the Susquehanna River and Surrounding Region.
• Owens, Robert , Influences of Structural and Stratigraphic Geology on Construction of Rts. 11 & 15 North of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
• Rockwell, Curtis , A Geomorphic Study of the Mitchell Tract and Lower Aughwick Creek River Valley near Mt. Union, Pennsylvania.

1990-1991

• Berelson, Wendy L ., A Study of the Physical and Chemical Characteristics of the Meckley's Quarry Limestone Which Make it Effective for Sulfur Capture in Circulating Fluidized Bed Combustion.
• Malin, Matthias , The Geologic Explanation of Little Mountain, North of Hartleton, Union County, Pennsylvania.
• Perry, Elisabeth D ., Remagnetization of the Clinton Ironstone (Silurian) in Central Pennsylvania: Alleghanian (Permian) Age Iron Mineralization.
• Smith, Kristine and Kormeier, Elizabeth , Hydrogeology Research Project, Montandon Marsh, Central Pennsylvania.