Department: College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Geology ![[clear]](close-x.png "Remove this limiter")
41 matches in the database.
These are records: 1 - 30.
[1] [2]
1.
Aaron, Gregory Lewis.
A Geochemical and Hydrologic Comparision and Assessment of Acid Mine Drainage in Glaciated and Unglaciated Eastern Ohio.
Degree: MS, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Geology, 2012, Kent State University
► Two coal mine drainage sites in eastern Ohio were characterized. The mine…
(more)
▼ Two coal mine drainage sites in eastern Ohio were characterized. The mine near Leetonia, OH is covered by glacial till with carbonate minerals that impart alkalinity to the shallow groundwater. Water is brought to the mine via subsidence fractures that cause a quick increase in discharge from the mine in response to runoff events on the surface once the mine pool has filled. A dilution effect on dissolved ions due to new recharge water is minor compared to changes in discharge and indicates that the majority of the water entering the mine has a sufficiently long time to reach chemical equilibrium. The alkaline water buffers the acidity produced by pyrite oxidation keeping the pH inside the mine circumneutral. Maintaining a circumneutral pH reduces ferric iron solubility and prevents further pyrite oxidation, essentially shutting down this positive feedback mechanism that would drive the pH down and contaminant concentrations up. Therefore without glacial deposits above the mine the drainage could be more harmful to the environment. The other mine located near Hammondsville, OH within the unglaciated region has no flowing discharge at the surface as the result of a sealing of the mine entry. Without new mine discharge, the water chemistry was controlled by variation in seasonal climate with dissolution of minerals during the wet season and precipitation of minerals during the dry season.
Advisors/Committee Members: Griffith, Dr. Elizabeth.
Subjects: Environmental Geology; Environmental Science; Geochemistry; Geological; Geology
Keywords: Acid Mine Drainage; Glacial; Alkalinity; Ohio; Columbiana County; Jefferson County; Coal
More Like This
2.
Admassu, Yonathan.
Developing Design Methodology for Cut Slopes in Ohio.
Degree: PhD, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Geology, 2010, Kent State University
► Design of cut slopes along Ohio highways depends on geologic conditions and…
(more)
▼ Design of cut slopes along Ohio highways depends on geologic conditions and type of slope stability problems prevalent in the state. Based on the stratigraphy and the type of slope stability problems, the flat lying, Paleozoic age, sedimentary rocks of Ohio were divided into three design units: 1) competent rock design unit consisting of sandstones, limestones, and siltstones that may exhibit discontinuity-related failures; 2) incompetent rock design unit consisting of shales, claystones, and mudstones that may exhibit raveling and gully erosion; and 3) interlayered rock design unit consisting of both competent and incompetent rocks where differential weathering may result in undercutting-induced failures. Geological parameters (stratigraphy, joint orientation, joint spacing, bedding thickness, total unit thickness), geotechnical parameters (point load index, slake durability index, rock quality designation) and geometrical parameters (slope heights, slope angles) were compiled from data collected from 49 cut slopes representing the three design units. These parameters were used for the commonly performed slope stability analyses techniques against rotational failure using geological strength index (GSI) for all design units, and Franklin’s shale rating system for incompetent and interlayered design units. Stability against discontinuity orientation controlled failures in competent units was also analyzed. The results showed that study sites for the most part are stable against rotational failure as well as discontinuity-orientation controlled failures such as plane, wedge and toppling failures. Additional analyses that focused on the prevalent problems were investigated and included 1) use of cartoon models to study undercutting-induced toppling in the case of competent design units 2) relationship between talus angle and stable slope angle against ravelling for incompetent design units. 3) multiple regression analysis to identify factors that contribute to undercutting of competent rocks underlain by incompetent rocks. Slopes at 0.5H:1V for competent design units; and 2H:1V – 1.5H:1V for incompetent and interlayered design units are adequate in minimizing the potential for the identified types of failure. For competent and interlayered design units steeper slopes at 0.25H:1V in conjunction with stabilization techniques are also recommended. Bench and catchment ditch designs for the three design units are recommended based on rockfall simulation analysis.
Advisors/Committee Members: Shakoor, Abdul.
Subjects: Geology
Keywords: Ohio rock slopes; cut slopes; rockfalls; undercutting; kinematic analysis; GSI
More Like This
3.
Ali, Khalid A.
PREDICTION OF WATER QUALITY PARAMETERS FROM VIS-NIR RADIOMETRY: USING LAKE ERIE AS A NATURAL LABORATORY FOR ANALYSIS OF CASE 2 WATERS.
Degree: PhD, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Geology, 2011, Kent State University
► Remote sensing has become very promising in providing temporal and spatial information…
(more)
▼ Remote sensing has become very promising in providing temporal and spatial information regarding biogeodynamics in large and open freshwater bodies. For this work, Lake Erie was selected as the site for study because it is a compact region within which there are a wide variety of optical properties. In this study, spectral analytical techniques such as wavelets, Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and multivariate techniques are applied to a full range of hyperspectral and multispectral data to better detect, differentiate among and estimate the concentrations of CPAs in optically complex environments. These methods produced more robust algorithms that can retrieve the concentrations of the various in-water constituents. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of the first-derivative transformed hyperspectral data indicated that phytoplankton and inorganic sediments characterize up to 88% of the optical variability observed in the WBLE. PCA-based chlorophyll a and Total Suspended Matter (TSM) models yielded R2 values of 0.70 and 0.75, respectively. The associated percentage RMSE values are 11.5% and 32% for chlorophyll a and TSM, respectively. Wavelet-based spectral decomposition of first-derivative transformed hyperspectral data showed that most of the CPAs in the WBLE are characterized as having medium to high-frequency signals. The wavelet-based spectral models gave R2 values as high as 0.86 with RMSE = 9.7% for chlorophyll a prediction and R2 values of 0.88 with 15% percent RMSE for TSM. A new regional ANN algorithm is developed using Full–Resolution MERIS satellite observation for retrieval of selected CPAs. The ANN-based satellite model was able to explain 76% and 82% of the chlorophyll a and TSM variability, respectively, in the WBLE. The RMSE values for these models were 0.58 µg/l and 2.59 mg/l for chlorophyll a and TSM, respectively. The percentage RMSE in this case is approximately 8.4% and 30.1% for chlorophyll a and TSM, respectively. Calibration-validation procedures indicated that the spectral analytical techniques that employ the full range of spectral data are more stable than existing bio-optical algorithms. The results from this study and the conceptual approach may be extended to a variety of optically complex environments such as coastal areas and other large inland water bodies.
Advisors/Committee Members: Ortiz, Joseph D.
Subjects: Remote Sensing
More Like This
4.
Amey, Katherine Springer.
Hydrology And Predictive Model Of Headwater Streams And The Groundwater/Surface Water Interactions Supporting Brook Trout Habitat In Northeast Ohio.
Degree: PhD, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Geology, 2011, Kent State University
► The hydrology and hydrogeology of a set of eight cold-water streams in…
(more)
▼ The hydrology and hydrogeology of a set of eight cold-water streams in Lake and Geauga Counties in northeast Ohio were evaluated in order to develop a new predictive model for the successful introduction of native Ohio brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). The model may be used to assess future sites for potential introduction of this threatened species. A field study was conducted from February 2009 to May 2010 in streams where the brook trout had been previously introduced. These streams were good candidates for study because four had been designated successful, two variable, and two failed in terms of the brook trout’s ability to flourish by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). The field study examined the groundwater/surface water interaction in the hyporheic zones, ecologically important areas where brook trout build their spawning beds, known as redds. To improve on the current model of brook trout introduction, and subsequent habitat suitability index (HSI), this study determines if there is a relationship between the temporal and spatial variability of groundwater input into the stream’s hyporheic zone, and successful, variable or non-successful outcome of brook trout introduction. Nested minipiezometers at the riffle head and tail allowed the study of the water quality, hydrogeology, stable isotopes (δ18O, δD), soils, and ultimately determined the source of coldwater input to the streams. Benthic macroinvertebrates and ostracodes were analyzed to assess the biological integrity of the stream. Factors found to be significant in successful Ohio trout populations were hydrology of the streams, including low discharge (Q<0.13-0.51 ft3/s), and hydrogeology of the aquifer, most importantly, a high hydraulic conductivity of the headwaters (K>100 gpd/ft2). Key features of successful streams include high percent canopy cover (40%-55%) or high percent instream cover (18%-37%), and a high number of benthic macroinvertebrate cold-water taxa (10-16 species). A long-term water temperature study over both winter and summer seasons (successful stream yearly average hyporheic water temperature 4.6°C-17.2°C and surface water temperature 0.3°C-18.0°C) is recommended prior to introduction. Successful streams are part of an ecologically sensitive “surface system”, and should be protected in the headwaters of streams sustaining the brook trout population.
Advisors/Committee Members: Smith, Alison.
Subjects: Aquatic Sciences; Ecology; Environmental Geology; Freshwater Ecology; Geology; Hydrologic Sciences; Hydrology
Keywords: Hydrology; Hydrogeology; Groundwater Surface Water Interaction; Vertical Hydrauic Gradient; Precipitation; Temperature Study; Brook Trout; Cold Water Streams; Stable Isotopes; Benthic Macroinvertebrates; Northeast Ohio; Predictive Model
More Like This
5.
Asim, Muhammad.
HYDROCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND NUMERICAL MODELING OF GROUNDWATER FLOW IN A PART OF THE HIMALAYAN FORELAND BASIN.
Degree: PhD, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Geology, 2005, Kent State University
► This research was undertaken to test the hypothesis that abnormal fluid pressure…
(more)
▼ This research was undertaken to test the hypothesis that abnormal fluid pressure is generated in basins under tectonic compression. The site chosen for this study was the Peshawar Basin, in the Himalayan foreland in northwest Pakistan, which is experiencing a tectonic compression of 90 MPa. The study area extends from MKT and MMT in the north, through MCT and MBT in the center to SRT in the south. Springs with normal and anomalously high temperatures are abundant in the northern part of the study area. The southern part is divided into isolated basins with a number of drilled wells and dug-wells. A total of 71 springs and water wells were surveyed and sampled for analysis of major and trace elements. The research addresses three aspects of the groundwater from the study area: field characteristics, hydrochemical signatures, and model hydrodynamic behavior. Field measurements of water surface temperature show an overall surplus over the mean annual air temperature. Analyzed water compositions, measured water temperatures, and calculated reservoir temperatures from several samples all point to waters that are anomalous in both chemistry and temperature. Water samples from one shallow well and three deeper wells, all located in the immediate vicinity of major thrust zones (MMT and MBT), exhibit clear imprints of oil-brine admixture. Hydrochemical signatures of strontium (Sr), silica (SiO2), boron (B) − and the geothermometric signatures − all indicate a deep circulation of the emerging groundwater. Spatial clustering of thermally and hydrochemically anomalous waters along major mapped faults suggests that these waters ascended from greater depths along the faults. The basin has been divided into several hydrostratigraphic units in order to perform numerical simulations using the FEMWATER module of Groundwater Modeling System (GMS v. 5.1). Pressure head data generated by the numerical simulations have been compared with the field measurements of hydraulic heads. Results of the transient simulations indicate that topography alone is not sufficient to induce the pressure heads observed in the field. Instead, transient simulations indicate the presence of positive residuals over the topography-driven flow, which indicate the additional effect of tectonic compression on subsurface water flow.
Advisors/Committee Members: Dahl, Peter.
Subjects: Hydrology; Geology
Keywords: Himalaya; Thrust faults; Hot springs; Peshawar Basin; Hydrochemistry
More Like This
6.
Bloxson, Julie M.
Characterization of the Porosity Distribution within the Clinton Formation, Ashtabula County, Ohio by Geophysical Core and Well Logging.
Degree: MS, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Geology, 2012, Kent State University
► A combination of cores and geophysical logs were used to correlate the…
(more)
▼ A combination of cores and geophysical logs were used to correlate the Clinton Formation across Ashtabula County Ohio and to aid in an environmental analysis and porosity distribution. Reflectance measurements, thin sections analysis, porosity permeability measurements, and geophysical logs helped to correlate sequences found within the Clinton Formation, along with reinforcing the known environmental interpretation of the Clinton Formation, and further regional information (i.e., structure and mineralogical information) about the formation in Ashtabula County. The Clinton Formation in NE Ohio is fine grain, semi- angular to semi-round, moderately sorted, quartz sandstone interbedded with shale. The sandstone contains silica cement, although calcite is found sparingly in the cement. Plugs were taken from core 908 at 13 locations within the core based upon lithology, producing 11 samples that were able to be measured for porosity and permeability. The porosity ranged from 4.2% to 9.2%, with an average of 6.0%. The permeability ranged from 0.0005 mD to 0.809 mD, averaging 0.128 mD. Reflectance and principle component analysis (PCA) were used to determine minor minerals throughout the formation. The red tinting on the sandstone is caused by goethite and hematite, and the green tint is caused by chlorite, illite and glauconite. The PCA also produced a third component, correlating negatively with various clay minerals. This third component also highly correlates with the porosity measurements at the same depth, allowing interpretation of this component to be the siliciclastic porosity of the Clinton Formation. An equation from the linear trend of the porosity vs. component 2 was used to extrapolate porosity throughout the entire Clinton Formation core, giving a mean porosity of 6.02%, with ranges from 0.0% to 25.1%. The porosity distribution, along with the geophysical logs, were used to establish five sub-sections within the Clinton Formation that were correlated across one cross section line from East Ashtabula County to West Ashtabula County in the center of the county, indicating distribution of shale within the formation. Although porosity, permeability and shale within the formation make the Clinton Formation poor for a potential carbon dioxide sequestration site, being able to identify shale and low porosity within the formation may help with further oil and gas exploration and enhanced oil recovery operations in the future.
Advisors/Committee Members: Ortiz, Joseph.
Subjects: Geological; Geology
Keywords: Clinton Formation; geophysical logs; Ashtabula County; reflectance; porosity; principle component analysis
More Like This
7.
Clement, Susanne M.
Modeling the Pluvial Lakes of the Great Basin During the Last Glacial Maximum.
Degree: PhD, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Geology, 2005, Kent State University
► This study calibrated two new versions of the Local Climate Model version…
(more)
▼ This study calibrated two new versions of the Local Climate Model version 2 (LCM-2A and LCM-2B) and were used to compute gridded solution of mean monthly maximum daily temperature (TMAX) and the monthly total of the natural log of daily precipitation (LnP) for three large lake systems in the Great Basin: Lahontan, Bonneville and the Owens River domains. The boundary conditions used in this study represented modern (a control scenario) and the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) approximately 21,000 years ago (LGM scenario). Results of a sensitivity analysis suggested that LCM-2A and LCM-2B are sensitive to LGM scenario 500 mbar wind directions computed using Community Climate Model (CCM1) wind fields. As an alternative LCM scenario wind directions were computed using CCM1 control solutions and the computed wind speed was adjusted to reflect 21 ka wind speed. Using this method LGM climate solutions yielded TMAX departures of - 2.1 °C for the Lahontan region, -2.6 °C for the Owens River domain and -0.3 °C for Bonneville domain. Modeled precipitation was 2.2 times higher in Lake Lahontan, 1.7 times higher in the Owens River domain and 2.4 greater in Lake Bonneville. These solutions are consistent with published LGM climate reconstructions for the Great Basin. The Surface Hydrology Model (SHM) was used to compute annual surface runoff for each solution domain. The solutions of the SHM suggest LGM runoff was 4 times higher than control in the Bonneville domain, 5 times higher in the Owens River domain, 9.5 times greater in the Lahontan domain. The Pluvial Lakes Model (PLM) was used to compute lake system geometry for in equilibrium annual runoff. LGM solutions suggest that the lakes formed in the Lahontan and Owens River domains were under estimated when compared to reconstructed lake geometries based on geologic evidence. LGM solutions of the PLM for the Bonneville domain underestimate the size of the lake in the Great Salt Lake subbasin. The results of this dissertation suggest there is reason to believe that the three largest lake systems may not have responded synchronously to a climate forced by a southerly displaced polar jet stream.
Advisors/Committee Members: Craig, Rachael G.
Subjects: Hydrology
More Like This
8.
Cope, Natalie J.
Thermochronology and geochronology of the Otter Lake region, QC, Central Metasedimentary Belt, Grenville Province.
Degree: MS, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Geology, 2012, Kent State University
► High grade metamorphism preserved in the Grenville Province of eastern Canada resulted…
(more)
▼ High grade metamorphism preserved in the Grenville Province of eastern Canada resulted from multiple orogenic events (Elzevirian, Shawinigan, and Grenvillian) between ca. 1250 and 980 Ma. The Mont Laurier terrane of the Central Metasedimentary Belt (Quebec) contains intercalated gneiss, marble, amphibolite, and quartzite units that originated as a Mesoproterozoic back-arc sequence. Northwest of Ottawa in the Otter Lake region, the terrane is divided into the Marble (west) and Quartzite (east) domains, separated by the easterly dipping Heney deformation zone (HDZ). Both domains consist of pervasively deformed upper amphibolite/lower granulite facies rocks (at peak equilibrium conditions of 6 ± 1 kbar and 650-700°C). Fine- to medium-grained biotite define the foliation fabric in garnet-biotite, biotite-plagioclase, and potassium feldspar gneisses, amphibolites and metagabbros; amphiboles exhibit little to no alignment, and are relatively inclusion-free. Deformational microstructures include sutured and bulging quartz grains, subgrain development, and the rare brittle deformation of garnet. LA-ICPMS U-Pb geochronology on select gneisses/migmatites from both domains yielded bimodal U-Pb zircon and monazite age populations at ca. 1230 Ma and ca. 1160 Ma in addition to an older inherited age component of ca. 1380-1370 Ma. 40Ar/39Ar mineral analyses yielded generally well-behaved age spectra with antithetic Ca/K spectra exhibiting full or near plateaux. In proximity to the HDZ, hornblende and phlogopite ages are ca. 1145 Ma and ca. 1150 Ma, respectively, whereas to the west in the Marble Domain hornblende ages are markedly younger (ca. 970-950 Ma). Biotite ages of 905-885 Ma are similar to the majority of biotite Ar/Ar ages reported across the southern Grenville Province. The Marble and Quartzite domains record similar higher temperature U-Pb mineral ages indicating initial Elzevirian age (ca. 1245-1225 Ma) metamorphism followed by Shawinigan age (ca. 1190-1140 Ma) upper amphibolite to lower granulite regional metamorphism and migmatization. Rapid cooling of the Quartzite Domain at the end of the Shawinigan Orogeny together with the complete lack of evidence for any metamorphic overprinting in the Otter Lake region during the long-lived Grenville Orogeny (1095-980 Ma) is consistent with this region residing in the mid-crust or Orogenic Lid of the Grenville Orogen (Rivers, 2008, 2009). Cooling of Marble Domain rocks through 500°C nearly 200 m.y. after cooling of the Quartzite Domain suggests considerable late normal displacement across the HDZ analogous to that proposed for terrane bounding shear zones like the Robertson Lake and Bancroft shear zones in Ontario, perhaps related to vertical collapse or lateral stretching of the Orogenic Lid. Relatively uniform biotite Ar/Ar ages across the province suggest orogen-wide thermal stabilization at ca. 900 Ma.
Advisors/Committee Members: Holm, Daniel.
Subjects: Geology
Keywords: Grenville Province; thermochronology; geochronology; Central Metasedimentary Belt; Ar/Ar
More Like This
9.
Crawford, Robert S.
PALEOECOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF FAUNAL DISPARITY WITHIN A CONSTRAINED HORIZON OF THE MONTE LEÓN FORMATION, EARLY MIOCENE, SOUTHERN ARGENTINA.
Degree: MS, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Geology, 2007, Kent State University
► Analysis of four exposed planar surfaces, within the type area of the…
(more)
▼ Analysis of four exposed planar surfaces, within the type area of the Monte León Formation (earliest Miocene) of southern Patagonia, has revealed the preservation of significantly different fossil assemblages positioned in close geographic and stratigraphic proximity to one another. Two distinctly different assemblages were observed; 1) a relatively-diverse, normal marine benthic fauna consisting of bivalves, gastropods, bryozoans, echinoids, and decapods; and 2) a unique assemblage consisting solely of numerous, exceptionally preserved fully-articulated crabs. The occurrence and preservation of large numbers of decapods within the fossil record is rare, making these deposits remarkable. Petrographic analysis has revealed that the crabs are contained within a slightly compacted, argillaceous volcanic tuff, consisting mostly of volcanic glass shards. The apparent faunal disparity observed on the four paleosurfaces within the Monte León Formation is interpreted as representing the initial decimation and eventual re-establishment of the benthic marine fauna following a catastrophic volcanic event.
Advisors/Committee Members: Feldmann, Rodney M.
Subjects: Paleontology; Paleoecology
Keywords: Monte León Formation; Argentina; mass mortality; Chaceon peruvianus; Miocene; marine ashfall
More Like This
10.
Dalqamouni, Ahmad Yousef.
Development of a Landslide Hazard Rating System for Selected Counties in Northeastern Ohio.
Degree: PhD, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Geology, 2011, Kent State University
► The northeastern portion of Ohio is categorized as a region of high…
(more)
▼ The northeastern portion of Ohio is categorized as a region of high landslide susceptibility and hazard potential. The areas that are most susceptible to landslides are located along steep-sided valleys and along roads cuts through weak glacio-lacustrine silts and clays. Landslide hazard includes any direct or indirect hazard posed to humans and properties because of landslide activity. In order to identify slopes exhibiting varying degrees of hazard potential, and to help engineers prioritize their remediation efforts, this dissertation proposes a new landslide hazard rating system for Northeastern Ohio. Forty nine slopes with different hazardous levels (low, moderate, high) were selected for development of the hazard rating system. The slopes were selected so that they were representative of the variations of geometric, geologic, hydrologic, and traffic conditions in the study area. Twelve parameters were initially considered for developing the landslide hazard rating system. These parameters were divided into three groups: the soil-related and hydrologic group, the slope-geometry related group, and the traffic-related group. Univariate, bivariate, and cluster analyses were performed on the collected data to identify parameters that were most significant in distinguishing between slopes of varying hazard potential. The statistical analysis identified six of the twelve parameters as statistically significant. These six parameters were included in the final rating system. In addition, three other parameters that were not found to be statistically significant but have been shown to be important by the existing rating system were retained in the final rating system. The nine parameters used in the final landslide hazard rating system for northeast Ohio include liquidity index, recharge area, slope height, slope length, slope angle, average daily traffic, decision sight distance, degree of vehicle risk, and length of roadway affected. Based on site condition, each parameter in the system was assigned scores using an exponential scale (3, 9, 27, 81), with the total score for a given slope being the sum of the scores for individual parameter. According to the rating scale, the minimum scores should not be less than 27 and the maximum scores could not exceed 729. The lowest score a site in the study area scored is 87 and the highest score is 567. Based on hazard criteria discussed in the dissertation and field observations of hazard potential, sites with scores < 200 were categorized as low hazard potential sites, those with scores between 200 and 300 as moderate hazard potential sites, and those with scores > 300 as high hazard potential. The final system rated 23 sites as low hazard potential sites, 15 sites as moderate hazard potential sites, and 11 sites as high hazard potential sites whereas field observations at the start of the study categorized 26, 13, and 10 sites belonging to the low, moderate, and high hazard potential categories, respectively.
Advisors/Committee Members: Shakoor, Abdul.
Subjects: Geology; Geomorphology; Geotechnology
Keywords: engineering geology; landslides; hazard rating system; northeastern ohio; traffic parameters; liquidity index; slope geometry; cluster analysis; glacial geology; exponential scale; high hazard potential; quantitative system
More Like This
11.
Dennison-Budak, Cordelia W.
Ostracodes as indicators of the Paleoenvironment in the Pliocene Glenns Ferry Formation, Glenns Ferry Lake, Idaho.
Degree: MS, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Geology, 2010, Kent State University
► Lake Idaho was a large and permanent lake of Pliocene age located…
(more)
▼ Lake Idaho was a large and permanent lake of Pliocene age located in the southwest portion of what is now Idaho and parts of eastern Oregon. This project looks at ostracodes as paleoenvironmental indicators from an extension of Lake Idaho, the Plio-Pleistocene Glenns Ferry Lake, located in Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument (HAFO), Hagerman, Idaho. Fluvial-lacustrine sediments from the Glenns Ferry Formation dominate HAFO’s geologic record. Deposition of Lake Idaho began approximately 3.8 Ma with the deep-lake phase beginning 3.5-3.3 Ma and lasted until around 2.4 Ma (early Pleistocene time). Previous studies indicate that during the Pliocene, ENSO was in a permanent El Niño phase. However, based on cluster analysis, principal component analysis, and isotopic δ18O analysis of the ostracodes collected from HAFO, I demonstrate that ENSO was already cycling between La Niña and El Niño phases when HAFO lacustrine sediments were deposited in the late Pliocene through early Pleistocene. The range of δ18O and corresponding δ2H values is consistent with the range of modern winter and summer precipitation values, indicating a precipitation pattern similar to that of today. This conclusion is also supported with multi-proxy evidence from pollen and fish fossils, collected from the literature. Four ostracode assemblages suggest four paleolake phases. The first and earliest in this study, the Limnocythere robusta Assemblage represents a fresh but variable environment. The second, the Limnocythere friabilis Assemblage represents an oligohaline environment. The third, the Candona crogmaniana Assemblage represents a second fresh but variable environment. The fourth and final assemblage, dominated by Limnocythere ceriotuberosa represents a final oligohaline environment. The ostracode assemblages, the paleolake phases and the initiation of a cyclic ENSO phase show the start of the modern climatic variability in Idaho in late Pliocene time.
Advisors/Committee Members: Smith, Alison.
Subjects: Paleoecology
Keywords: ostracode; Pliocene; Pleistocene; Hagerman; paleolimnology; oxygen isotope
More Like This
12.
Enzweiler, Kristen.
A Geotechnical Characterization of the Epikarst at the Clearwater Dam Site, Wayne County, Missouri.
Degree: MS, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Geology, 2012, Kent State University
► The Clearwater Dam in Wayne County, Missouri, is a 154 foot (46.9…
(more)
▼ The Clearwater Dam in Wayne County, Missouri, is a 154 foot (46.9 m) high zoned earth-fill structure constructed on Cambrian and Ordovician carbonate rocks, primarily for flood control. A sinkhole, 10 feet (3 m) across and 10 feet (3 m) deep, formed in January 2003 on the upstream face of the dam at an elevation of 570 feet (173.7 m). The sinkhole development was most likely a result of sediment loss through piping due to the epikarst solution features at the base of the dam. Epikarst is defined as the uppermost weathered zone of karstified rock with enhanced porosity and permeability compared to the underlying bulk rock. Epikarst formation progresses over time through stress release, weathering, and dissolution. The near surface weathered zone acts as a recharge zone for the underlying karst. The epikarst at the Clearwater Dam site is a highly variable zone. The zone spans a thickness of up to 100 feet (30.5 m) in the foundation of the dam. Upstream, the epikarst is exposed in an outcrop where it formed along the bedding planes, joints and top surface of the Potosi dolomite, roughly 30 feet (9.1 m) thick. These solution features and joints create serious seepage and piping problems for the dam. The dam has undergone remedial measures to install a cutoff wall to block the flow of water through the open cavities. This study investigated the nature and causes of seepage problems in light of geologic conditions present at the Clearwater Dam site by evaluating outcrops and borehole logs provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Gannett Fleming, Inc. It also characterized the epikarst layer in the dam foundation in terms of its geologic, hydrologic, and engineering properties. A representative site was chosen upstream from the right abutment of the dam which contained an outcropping of the Potosi dolomite and the overlying epikarst material. This site is locally known as “epikarst beach”. A detailed line survey was conducted to measure the orientation and other aspects of the joints. Epikarst material from the site was collected to perform absorption tests, specific gravity tests, unconfined compressive strength tests and direct shear tests. Laboratory testing revealed a much weaker and more porous rock than typical dolomite. Epikarst porosity is roughly 50%, specific gravity is half of standard dolomite, and absorption is twice that of dolomite. The unconfined compressive strength and shear strength parameters were significantly lower than dolomite, proving the epikarst is at least 50% weaker. However, there was some variation of strength between the different samples that may be attributed to the amount of chert and voids in the samples.
Advisors/Committee Members: Shakoor, Abdul.
Subjects: Geological; Geology
Keywords: Epikarst; Karst; Clearwater Dam; Potosi Dolomite
More Like This
13.
Fein, Elizabeth May.
Flow fabric determination of two Mesoproterozoic midcontinent rift dike swarms, northeastern Minnesota.
Degree: MS, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Geology, 2009, Kent State University
► Dike structures represent evidence of planar conduits along which magma is transferred…
(more)
▼ Dike structures represent evidence of planar conduits along which magma is transferred via flow in the upper crust. This study documents regional-scale igneous flow patterns in two Midcontinent Rift System (MRS) mafic dike swarms by measuring anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) fabrics as a proxy for magmatic fabrics. The 1100 Ma MRS stretches about 2,300 km across the central North American continent and comprises one of the thickest packages of igneous and sedimentary rocks in the world. The Carlton County (CC) and Duluth dike swarms, located in and around Duluth, MN, are proximal but distinct in strike pattern, age, and chemical composition. The subparallel, reverse polarity (older) CC dikes intrude Paleoproterozoic metagreywackes, whereas the more irregularly striking, normal polarity (younger) Duluth dikes intrude MRS volcanic rocks. The dikes in both swarms appear massive and lack visible flow structures, making traditional, macroscopic fabric measurement impossible. AMS, defined in this study by the preferred orientations of magnetic mineral grains, provides for sensitive delineation of fabrics in apparently isotropic rocks. Using a Kappabridge KLY4-S susceptibility bridge at field intensity 300 A/m, a significant measure of magnetic fabrics was achieved for 32 oriented block samples from 26 dikes (13 from each swarm). The bulk magnetic susceptibility (Km) for all 530 cubes (an average of ~17 per sample) yielded a mean value of 3.0x10-2 SI volume, meaning that the magnetic signal is robust and likely dominated by ferromagnetic phases. The mean corrected degree of magnetic anisotropy (Pj) for both swarms is 1.036 ± 0.006 with a range of 1.002-1.142. A plot of Pj versus Km also suggests that ferromagnetic phases control the AMS signal in all samples.The principal directions cluster well at most sample sites. Site-averaged directional results for the CC dikes indicate mostly normal AMS fabrics with subvertical to steeply inclined magnetic lineations that cluster relatively consistently. In contrast, site-averaged directional results for the Duluth dikes are more complex and indicate mostly inverse AMS fabrics, with the interpretable normal sites preserving oblique to the SW magnetic lineations. The inverse AMS fabrics in the Duluth swarm rocks may be a result of the influence of tiny single-domain magnetite grains or may be attributable to the influence of a more complex stress-state during emplacement within the rift axis. The AMS data indicate vertical regional magma flow in the off-axis CC dike swarm and more complex subvertical to oblique SW to NE regional flow for the on-axis Duluth swarm. Vertical dike emplacement is predicted above a proposed 500-km-radius plume head, consistent with the CC swarm results. However, local variations in stress state may have led the on-axis Duluth swarm to deviate from this model. This study provides evidence that a single long-lived regional magma source potentially fed both sets of intrusions as the MRS evolved through time via vertical to oblique migration of rift melts from depth.
Advisors/Committee Members: Holm, Daniel.
Subjects: Geology
Keywords: Midcontinent Rift; continental rift; dikes; anisotropy of magnetic suscetibility; AMS
More Like This
14.
Fisher, James E.
Use of Remote Sensing in the Collection of Discontinuity Data for the Analysis and Design of Cut Slopes.
Degree: MS, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Geology, 2011, Kent State University
► This study was conducted to examine the use of remote sensing techniques…
(more)
▼ This study was conducted to examine the use of remote sensing techniques in the collection of discontinuity data for statistical and slope stability analyses. Two study areas where selected in Pulaski and Montgomery counties in central Virginia. Terrestrial LiDAR (light detection and ranging) and a transit compass were used to collect data at an abandoned quarry in the vicinity of Claytor Dam and Interstate 81 southwest of Christiansburg, Virginia. These data were used in a statistical analysis to compare both datasets and in a slope stability analysis for the adjacent section of Interstate 81. Digital photogrammetry was used to collect data on slopes along Interstate 81 northeast of Christiansburg. The digital photogrammetry dataset was qualitatively compared with the LiDAR dataset to illustrate differences and possible limitations of these remote sensing methods for the collection of discontinuity data. The objectives of this study were as follows: 1) compare the use of LiDAR and transit compass methods in collecting discontinuity orientation data through graphical and statistical analyses; 2) compare the kinematic analyses for both LiDAR and transit compass methods to determine the differences in the results; 3) compare LiDAR and photogrammetry methods to evaluate any limitations therein; and 4) compare the use of LiDAR and transit compass methods in the design of cut slopes along a portion of Interstate 81. For the comparison of the LiDAR and transit compass datasets, results show that the two datasets have similar mean orientation values for the corresponding discontinuity sets and are graphically similar when plotted on stereonet plots. However, the two datasets are not statistically derived from the same population. More importantly, a joint set was identified in the transit compass dataset that was either not detected or has a different mean orientation in the LiDAR dataset. These differences affected the kinematic analysis results and, therefore, the cut slope design for Interstate 81. A possible explanation for these differences is that the tectonically disturbed nature of the bedrock within the site area coupled with method limitations for both the LiDAR and the transit compass resulted in the sampling of different subpopulations within the global population. Specifically, for the apparent missing discontinuity set in the LiDAR data, limitations in the method resolution lead to the under-sampling of discontinuity data comprising that discontinuity set, causing it to be poorly represented in the stereonet plots. The qualitative comparison of LiDAR and photogrammetry methods demonstrates that the stereonet plots have distinct differences in terms of discontinuity set data density and general scatter of the data. These differences are due to the distinct data acquisition procedures and processing steps of each method, which illustrates the limitations each method has with respect to collecting and deriving discontinuity orientation data. However, with adequate preparation and planning of field investigations to minimize the effect of method limitations, incorporating these remote sensing techniques will enable faster, more efficient, and safer data collection of discontinuity data for the design of cut slopes.
Advisors/Committee Members: Shakoor, Abdul.
Keywords: remote sensing; terrestrial LiDAR; photogrammetry; disconinuity; stereonet; statistical analysis; slope stability; kinematic analysis; engineering geology; Virginia
More Like This
15.
Franţescu, Ovidiu Daniel.
Brachyuran decapods (including five new species and one new genus) from Jurassic (Oxfordian-Kimmeridgian) coral reef limestones from Dobrogea, Romania.
Degree: MS, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Geology, 2009, Kent State University
► Analysis of the fossil decapod faunas in coral reefs from localities at…
(more)
▼ Analysis of the fossil decapod faunas in coral reefs from localities at Topalu and Piatra in Central Dobrogea, Romania, yielded five new species and one new genus belonging to superfamilies Homolodromioidea Alcock, 1899, and Glaessneropsoidea Patrulius, 1959. Comparison of the abundance and diversity of decapod faunas from these Jurassic coral reefs with the abundance and diversity of decapod faunas from sponge-algal reefs in the same geographic area and of the same age (middle Oxfordian) has led to some interesting paleoecological differences. The coral reef environments yielded 30 specimens of decapods that represented six families in seven genera and ten species, including the new taxa. The sponge reef environments yielded 22 specimens that represented only three families with four genera and five species. These two different types of environments share only one genus in common, and no species. Thus, the number of specimens is similar, but the diversity is markedly different. Furthermore, the nearly complete taxonomic difference between the environments (no shared species and only one shared genus) suggests that the environments selected for different adaptations, leading to niche partitioning within and between habitats. The higher abundance and diversity in the coral environments may reflect a higher number of niches available for decapods, shallower water depth, higher oxygen content and/or difference in energy levels in the two environments, making coral reefs a more suitable environment for decapods.
Advisors/Committee Members: Feldmann, Rodney.
Subjects: Earth; Geology; Paleoecology; Paleontology
Keywords: Decapod; Romania; Dobrogea; Jurassic; Brachyurans; Coral reefs.
More Like This
16.
Gautam, Tej P.
An Investigation of Disintegration Behavior of Mudrocks Based on Laboratory and Field Tests.
Degree: PhD, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Geology, 2012, Kent State University
► Mudrocks are highly susceptible to disintegration under natural climatic conditions. Using grain…
(more)
▼ Mudrocks are highly susceptible to disintegration under natural climatic conditions. Using grain size distributions of the slaked material, this research compares the disintegration behavior of twenty different mudrocks (5 claystones, 5 mudstones, 5 siltstones, 5 shales) subjected to the standard slake durability test in the laboratory with the disintegration behavior of replicate mudrock samples exposed to natural climatic conditions, by placing them on the roof of the McGilvrey Hall, for 1 to 12 months. Disintegration ratio, DR, (area under the grain size distribution curve of a sample divided by the total area encompassing grain size distribution curves of all samples) was used to quantify the disintegration degree of lab and field samples. The research also examines the relationship between engineering properties, geological characteristics, and disintegration behavior of mudrocks and purposes a mudrock durability classification based on disintegration ratio. Results show that the relationship between slake durability index and disintegration ratio is nonlinear. The relationship indicates that rocks with high slake durability index values can have low disintegration ratio values based on grain size distributions of the slaked material. For the mudrocks studied, average disintegration ratio values after the 2nd cycle of slake durability test are 0.324, 0.461, 0.846, and 0.705 for claystones, mudstones, siltstones, and shales, respectively. Claystones disintegrate rapidly into mostly small fragments whereas siltstones disintegrate slowly into relatively larger fragments. Disintegration ratio of laboratory samples shows a better correlation (R2 ranging from 0.70 to 0.79) with disintegration ratio of roof samples than the slake durability index (R2 ranging from 0.60-0.70), indicating that the disintegration ratio better describes the disintegration behavior than the slake durability index. Statistical analysis shows that the geological and engineering properties that have the most influence on disintegration ratio of mudrocks are clay related properties including absorption, adsorption, clay content, amount of expandable clay minerals, and void ratio. Based on the results, a durability classification is purposed which categorizes mudrocks into four classes: low (DR = 0-0.20), medium (DR = 0.20-0.65), medium high (DR = 0.65-0.85), and high (DR = 0.85-1.00).
Advisors/Committee Members: Shakoor, Abdul.
Subjects: Environmental Studies; Geological; Geology; Geotechnology; Hydrologic Sciences; Transportation
Keywords: disintegration, mudrocks, clay-bearing rocks, slaking, durability, shale, field tests
More Like This
17.
Ghosh, Amiya Kumar.
Reconnaissance U-Pb geochronology of Precambrian crystalline rocks from the northern Black Hills, South Dakota: Implications for regional thermotectonic history.
Degree: MS, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Geology, 2009, Kent State University
► Th/U-bearing accessory minerals monazite, zircon, and titanite occurring in selected metamorphic and…
(more)
▼ Th/U-bearing accessory minerals monazite, zircon, and titanite occurring in selected metamorphic and igneous rocks from the northern Black Hills (NBH), South Dakota, were analyzed by standard U-Pb radiometric methods to unravel the Precambrian thermotectonic events that affected the area. Four metapelites from the Crook Mountain borehole contain metamorphic monazites for which EMP spot-analysis yielded total-Pb dates ranging from ~2680-1600 Ma but mostly between ~1790-1650 Ma. Individual spot-dates obtained for the metapelites were grouped according to compositional domains, as revealed by X-ray imagery, whereupon the resultant domain ages resolved into four discrete age clusters of ~1780 ± 3 Ma (32% of the dates), ~1751 ± 3 Ma (44%), ~1718 ± 14 Ma (7%), and ~1650 ± 9 Ma (16%, all dates reported at 95% confidence). These dates correspond to thermotectonic and magmatic events previously recognized at these times in the southern Black Hills, and the timing of Homestake gold mineralization is constrained between ~1740 -1718 Ma. Spot-analysis of zircon grains extracted from a Crook Mountain granite pegmatite yielded 207Pb/206Pb upper- and lower-intercept ages of 1718 ± 22 Ma and 51 ± 17 Ma, which are interpreted as intrusive and uplift ages, respectively. Detrital zircons of magmatic origin from two Black Hills metapelites have also been spot-dated. Five 207Pb/206Pb age populations are recognized at: ~3830 ± 8, ~3365 ± 5, ~3425 ± 7, ~3240 ± 4, and ~2970 ± 11 Ma. These ages indicate zircon provenance from the ~3550-2550 Ma Wyoming craton rather than from the ~2900-2600 Ma Superior craton. Thus, the Black Hills appears to have been part of the Wyoming craton as of 2015-1880 Ma shale deposition.
Advisors/Committee Members: Dahl, Peter.
Subjects: Geochemistry; Geology
Keywords: Black Hills, Crook Mountain granite, Homestake gold mine, gold mineralization, magmatism, metamorphism, metapelite,g monazite, zircon, titanite, geochronology, thermotectonism
More Like This
18.
Griffin, Jason Allan.
DEVELOPMENT OF A RATING CLASSIFICATION FOR ROCK TO BE USED AS TOE-BENCH MATERIAL.
Degree: MS, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Geology, 2008, Kent State University
► Engineering properties of a rock considered suitable for rock toe benches in…
(more)
▼ Engineering properties of a rock considered suitable for rock toe benches in highway embankments are different than the properties required for fill material. A method of evaluating toe-bench material is needed to assess various rock strata that are encountered during preliminary site investigations for highways so that easy distinctions can be made between rock preferred for toe benches, rock favored for use as fill material, and rock that is not suitable for either. Rock quality is assessed on the basis of absorption, density, slake durability, unconfined compressive strength, freeze-thaw durability, and L.A. abrasion loss. These are considered important properties in defining the integrity of the rock, and provide for a basis for systematic evaluation of rock material. A rating classification for evaluating rock material from Carboniferous strata of western Pennsylvania for use as toe-bench material is presented herein. A series of laboratory tests were performed on three sandstone and two limestone rock units for differentiation on the basis of strength, durability, and overall usefulness as a fill material. Samples were collected from five Mississippian-Pennsylvanian strata consisting of low to high durability rock. Typically, low durability rock units such as shales, claystones, and siltstones, etc., are neglected considering their infrequent use as durable rock fill. Specifications for acceptance of rock toe material do not currently exist within state and federal construction manuals. Therefore, research was conducted to determine the commonly specified engineering property values for rock fill applications in highway construction. These engineering properties were then used to determine rational cutoff boundary values for acceptance of rock material for use within a rock toe structure. Values for various properties tested range from 0.26-4.7% for absorption, 2.46-2.67 for specific gravity, 154-170 pounds per cubic foot (pcf) (2.47-2.72 Mg/m3) for bulk density , 0.7-11.6% for porosity, 10,300 to over 25,000 pounds per square inch (psi) (71-172 Mpa) for unconfined compressive strength, 97.3-99.6% for slake durability index, 21.2-45.9% for L.A. abrasion loss, and 1.5-21% for freeze-thaw loss. Bivariate statistical analysis showed a lack of significant correlations within the data set. Compressive strength showed the best correlation with bulk specific gravity (r2 = 0.61) and exhibited modest relationships with L.A. abrasion loss (r2 = 0.52) and with the value of L.A. abrasion divided by bulk specific gravity (r2 = 0.58). Based on the test data produced, an evaluation of rock material is conducted on the five rock units studied. Each rock unit is categorized as passing, marginal, or failing based on the previously determined cutoff boundaries. Predicted values of engineering properties from bivariate correlation equations produced similar results in the evaluation, although based only on compressive strength as estimated by other index properties. The use of empirical equations is considered to be marginally useful as only values of unconfined compressive strength, L.A. abrasion, and bulk specific gravity could reasonably be determined in this manner. Test data proved to be useful in determining the relative, and to a lesser extent, overall quality and durability of rock material for use in rock toe structures, as defined by other uses of rock fill material in highway and embankment construction.
Advisors/Committee Members: Shakoor, Abdul.
Subjects: Civil engineering; Engineering; Geology
Keywords: geology; rock; toe; bench toe-bench; strength; durability; classification; rating; material; geotechnical; slope; stability; embankment; carboniferous; western; pennsylvania; key; berm; compressive strength; abrasion: L.A.; LA; engineering
More Like This
19.
Hajdarwish, Ala' M.
Geologic Controls of Shear Strength Behavior of Mudrocks.
Degree: PhD, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Geology, 2006, Kent State University
► Shear strength is one of the most important properties for design of…
(more)
▼ Shear strength is one of the most important properties for design of engineering structures built on or within mudrocks (claystones, mudstones, siltstones, shales, etc.), and also the most difficult to evaluate. This is because it is usually difficult to obtain undisturbed samples of mudrocks, due to their weak nature, as required for determination of shear strength parameters. This research investigated geological characteristics and engineering properties that can be used statistically to predict the shear strength parameters of a broad range of mudrocks. Forty-five samples of various types of mudrock were collected from highway cuts from eleven different states. Clay content, clay mineralogy, water content, Atterberg limits, specific gravity, dry density, void ratio, absorption, adsorption, slake durability, and shear strength parameters of cohesion (c) and friction angle (Φ) were determined for each sample. Data were analyzed statistically, using bivariate and multivariate regression techniques, to determine the relationships between shear strength parameters, geologic characteristics, and engineering properties. Prediction equations were developed for all mudrocks using selected number of independent variables on the basis of bivariate plots. Results show that cohesion and friction angle of mudrocks can be meaningfully predicted from a few geologic or engineering properties. Cohesion is found to be controlled by percent expandable clays, absorption, adsorption, and slake durability index, whereas friction angle is controlled by percent expandable clays, absorption, adsorption, and plasticity index. The adjusted R2 values for cohesion and friction angle are 0.278 and 0.370, respectively. However, the role of lithologic characteristics and engineering properties involved in the prediction equations is clearly evident.
Advisors/Committee Members: Shakoor, Abdul.
Subjects: Geology
Keywords: Cohesion; Friction Angle; Shear Strength Parameters; Multi-regression analysis; Prediction; Direct Shear Test; Mudrocks; Weak Rocks; Claystone; Mudstone; Siltstone; Shale
More Like This
20.
Hark, Jessica Sandra.
Zircon, monazite, and xenotime as provenance indicators in selected Precambrian crystalline rocks, Black Hills uplift, South Dakota.
Degree: MS, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Geology, 2009, Kent State University
► The eastern margin of the Archean Wyoming craton (Black Hills, SD) records…
(more)
▼ The eastern margin of the Archean Wyoming craton (Black Hills, SD) records a complex history of Precambrian thermotectonism and magmatism associated with convergence, rifting, and supercontinent cycles. U-Pb isotopic spot-analysis by ion-microprobe of zircon, monazite, and xenotime in six rocks from here provides new insights into part of this history. Firstly, quartzite and metapelite xenoliths in the 2560 Ma Little Elk Granite (LEG) record 207Pb/206Pb upper-intercept ages of 2554 ± 15 Ma (2σ, MSWD = 18) and 2552 ± 14 Ma (2σ, MSWD = 3.2), indicating that older, pre-LEG zircon was reconstituted during LEG reheating. Secondly, nine populations of detrital zircon were found within the 2560-2480 Ma Boxelder Creek metaconglomerate, which range in age from 2590 to 3370 Ma and thereby indicate Wyoming cratonic provenance. Thirdly, zircon from the Bogus Jim mafic sill (BJS) has yielded a 207Pb/206Pb upper-intercept age of 2011.8 ± 3.5 Ma (2σ, MSWD = 1.8), which constrains the time of magmatism, represents a maximum age for deposition of the Homestake iron formation and its associated gold deposit, and indicates that the eastern Wyoming craton was actively rifting at this time (probably from the southern Superior craton). Fourthly, magmatic zircon, monazite, and xenotime in the Harney Peak Granite (HPG) have yielded precise 207Pb/206Pb ages of 1716.8 ± 9.3 Ma (2σ, MSWD = 0.95); 1703.2 ± 2.2 Ma (2σ, MSWD = 2.1); and 1695.9 ± 2.9 Ma (2σ, MSWD = 1.8), respectively. Within error, these results appear to indicate that the HPG magmatic event lasted for 9-33 (or 23 +10 -12) Myr.
Advisors/Committee Members: Dahl, Peter S.
Subjects: Geochemistry; Geology
Keywords: Precambrian; Black Hills; geochronology; provenance; ion-microprobe; zircon; monazite; xenotime
More Like This
21.
Hojnowski, Jenna C.
Tying together textures, temperatures, and timing in the Western Tatra Mountains, Slovakia.
Degree: MS, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Geology, 2010, Kent State University
► In the Western Tatra Mountains, the Variscan-age (~340 Ma) exhumed shear zone,…
(more)
▼ In the Western Tatra Mountains, the Variscan-age (~340 Ma) exhumed shear zone, reveals high-grade metamorphic rocks thrust over medium-grade metamorphic rocks, creating an unusual macroscopic rock geometry known as an inverted metamorphic sequence. Polyphase petrographic fabrics record the formation of the inverted metamorphic sequence, making it ideal for characterizing mid-crustal deformation mechanisms of large-scale tectonic processes. A combination of microstructural (optical petrography) and microanalytical (monazite EMPA, Titanium thermometry, Electron backscatter diffraction-EBSD fabric analysis) techniques reveal the dynamic processes involved in the evolution of this major crustal-scale discontinuity. The timing of the Early Variscan continent-continent collision was measured by U/Pb monazite dating at c. 370 Ma in the mica schists, with titanium-in-zircon temperatures of ~ 880 °C in the migmatite. These data reflect the peak metamorphic conditions of Early Variscan deformation. During or following exhumation of the high-grade rocks into the mid-crust, titanium-in-quartz data suggests the newly formed inverted metamorphics coexisted at temperatures of approximately 540 °C. The age of Variscan SE thrusting (~ 340 Ma) and its kinematic indicators are lacking in the mica schists. Instead, additional monazite ages from mica schists correlate to younger (c. 315 Ma) plutonism/uplift? and microstructural and analytical results reflect kinematics in a E-W orientation. Collectively, data on the textures, temperatures, and timing within the Tatra tectonic zone do not support the ‘hot iron’ model of inverted metamorphic formation. Rather, simultaneous or closely related exhumation of the high-grade metamorphics with orogen parallel extension.
Advisors/Committee Members: Holm, Daniel.
Subjects: Geological; Geology
Keywords: Tatra Mountains; inverted metamorphic sequence; Variscan; EBSD; TitaniQ; Monazite
More Like This
22.
Jones, Carson L.
U-Pb geochronology of monazite and zircon in Precambrian metamorphic rocks from the Ruby Range, SW Montana: Deciphering geological events that shaped the NW Wyoming province.
Degree: MS, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Geology, 2008, Kent State University
► U-Pb accessory minerals in metamorphic rocks from the Ruby Range, southwestern Montana,…
(more)
▼ U-Pb accessory minerals in metamorphic rocks from the Ruby Range, southwestern Montana, were analyzed isotopically and chemically by microprobe techniques in order to constrain the timing of Precambrian thermotectonic events that affected the NW edge of the Wyoming craton. Dated samples represent the Cherry Creek Metasupracrustal Suite and associated pegmatites (CCMS, youngest), the Dillon quartzofeldspathic gneiss (DQG), and the Pre-Cherry Creek basement gneisses (PCCG, oldest). Undeformed bodies of pegmatite cross-cut the NE-trending fabric of the CCMS, and coexisting monazite and xenotime from the pegmatite yield crystallization ages of 1762 ± 6 Ma and 1754 ± 6 Ma, respectively (207Pb/206Pb upper-intercept ages reported at 95% confidence). These results constrain latest magmatism to within a ~1760 Ma time frame, while also establishing this as a minimum age for the cross-cut fabric. Metamorphic monazite in CCMS metapelites formed at 1814 ± 15 and 1773 ± 8 Ma, whereas monazites preserved as inclusions in CCMS garnet record a much older ~2450 Ma event (total-Pb ages reported at 95% confidence). In DQG samples that also contain ~2450 Ma monazite in garnet, matrix monazite preserves mixed ~1760-1580 Ma dates. In one DQG sample, polymetamorphic matrix monazite formed at 1784 ± 57 and 2468 ± 11 Ma, whereas older magmatic zircon formed at 2772 ± 11 Ma. Polygenetic zircon in another DQG sample formed at both 2471 ± 20 Ma (metamorphic; Th/U = 0.0-0.1) and at 2772 ± 7 Ma (magmatic; Th/U = 0.5-0.7). Likewise, zircon in two PCCG samples preserves mostly 2437 ± 47 and 2762 ± 37 Ma ages in rims and cores, respectively, but also exhibits subordinate, inherited cores of ~3000-3500 Ma age. Indications of a ~2550-2500 Ma event in the Ruby Range are represented by a single total-Pb date of monazite (inclusion in DQG garnet) and by a population of PCCG metamorphic zircon dated at 2523 ± 14 Ma (upper-intercept age). The mixed ~1760-1580 Ma dates observed for monazite in one DQG migmatite are of uncertain origin. Possible hypotheses include rifting related to the development of the Belt Basin or to younger break-up and dispersal of supercontinent Rodinia. The ~1760 Ma mineral ages date the waning phases of thermotectonism associated with the Wyoming-Medicine collision along the Great Falls tectonic zone, which spanned an ~1865-1760 Ma interval. Monazite growth ages of ~1815-1770 Ma document earlier stages of this collision. The ~2460 Ma mineral ages reflect an earlier, cryptic thermotectonic event that is temporally associated with incipient breakup of the ~2700-2500 Ma supercontinent Kenorland. The ~2550 Ma ages may record the juxtaposition of the Montana metasedimentary terrane as part of the Wyoming craton, along the NE-trending Madison mylonite zone, during terminal assembly of Kenorland. Finally, occurrences of ~2780 Ma mineral ages in the DQG record the Beartooth orogenic signature, whereas preservation of ~3000-3500 Ma zircon ages documents a Pre-Beartooth history for the PCCG basement.
Advisors/Committee Members: Dahl, Peter.
Subjects: Geology
Keywords: Geochronology, Radiometric Dating, Plate Tectonics
More Like This
23.
Klompmaker, Adiël A.
Mesozoic Decapod Diversity with an Emphasis on the Early Cretaceous (Albian) of Spain.
Degree: PhD, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Geology, 2012, Kent State University
► Decapod crustaceans are known to have lived in a variety of sedimentary…
(more)
▼ Decapod crustaceans are known to have lived in a variety of sedimentary environments in the geological past including reefs. This dissertation focuses on fossil decapods found mainly in reef environments, specifically coral reefs. For that purpose, the Early Cretaceous (late Albian) reefal carbonates from the Koskobilo quarry of the Albeniz Unit within the Eguino Formation in northern Spain were sampled for decapods during parts of the summers of 2008, 2009, and 2010. In total, 36 decapod species were found in this quarry based on 1100 specimens. Seventeen new species and eight new genera are described herein. The fauna from Koskobilo consists of brachyuran and anomuran decapods; shrimp and lobsters are absent. Based on an overview of decapod-rich localities and formations from the Cretaceous, the Koskobilo locality and the Eguino Formation appear to be the most diverse known thus far, both on the species and genus level. Other Cretaceous localities and formations associated with corals also show high decapod diversities, consistent with high decapod abundances in coral reefs from the Recent. The highest decapod diversity within the Koskobilo quarry is found in association with in situ branching corals. The specimens found at this site are statistically smaller than those from other decapod-rich localities in the quarry, which are not associated with these corals. Decapod diversity throughout the Mesozoic varies significantly with a peak diversity in the Late Jurassic on the species level. Based on the collection of ecological data from all ~1300 Mesozoic decapods, it appears that this peak is in part caused by the explosive radiation of brachyuran and anomuran decapod species in coral and, to a lesser extent, sponge reefs, coincident with a high eustatic sea level. The drop in diversity of anomuran and brachyuran species near the Jurassic/Cretaceous boundary was probably caused by the collapse of reefs due to a lowering of the eustatic sea level. More decapods have been found in the mid-Cretaceous and Late Cretaceous, possibly due to a radiation of Brachyura, coincident with a high eustatic sea level. To highlight the vast development of decapods during the Mesozoic the term 'Mesozoic Decapod Revolution' is proposed.
Advisors/Committee Members: Feldmann, Rodney.
Subjects: Biology; Geology; Oceanography; Paleoecology; Paleontology; Zoology
Keywords: Cretaceous; Decapoda; Meszoic; fossil; crab; Spain; diversity; biodiversity; Albian; systematics; paleontology; geology; reef; sea level; decapod; lobster; shrimp; coral; evolution; paleoecology; Mesozoic decapod revolution
More Like This
24.
Maharjan, Madan.
INTERPRETATION OF DOMESTIC WATER WELL PRODUCTION DATA AS A TOOL FOR DETECTION OF TRANSMISSIVE BEDROCK FRACTURED ZONES UNDER COVER OF THE GLACIAL FORMATIONS IN GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
Degree: MS, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Geology, 2011, Kent State University
► The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility of identifying…
(more)
▼ The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility of identifying transmissive bedrock fracture zones and regional trend(s) of fracture under the blanket of glacial till in NE Ohio by mapping hydraulic conductivitiy estimated by using the residential water well production data provided in the Water Well Log and Drilling Reports. Water Well Log and Drilling Report data for private residential water wells were collected randomly amid the wells tapped within the Sharon Sandstone aquifer. Typical Well Log and Drilling Report includes a rudimentary description of the lithological column along with the following data from the well production test: (1) static water level, (2) time duration of pumping or bailing, (3) the rate of pumping or bailing and (4) water level at the end of the production test. The data was used to estimate hydraulic conductivity from the tests in water wells within the Sharon Sandstone aquifer in Geauga County, Ohio by applying Cooper and Jacob (1946) and Jacob’s (1950) approximation to Theis’ (1935) non-equilibrium radial flow equation. As all the wells in the study area were neither cased nor screened within the aquifer and the production test rates were low (27.25-109.02m3/day, or 5-20gpm), the well loss can be assumed negligible. The resulting hydraulic conductivity values followed quasi-log normal distribution with the geometric mean of 9.88x10-6 m/s. (2.80 ft/day). The hydraulic conductivity values were mapped and grouped into two distinct populations: the low values presumably corresponding to the primary porosity zones within the aquifer and high values assumed corresponding to the fractured zones. The mapped patterns of the higher hydraulic conductivity values clearly followed two distinct orientations: N340E and N440W. Trends on map of hydraulic conductivity correlated fairly well with the regional fracture pattern of the Allegheny Plateau Province, the trends of N210E and N570W obtained for Southwestern Pennsylvania and Northwestern West Virginia with equal amount of separation between the joint systems (Bench, Diamond and McCulloch, 1977). N340E also follows the alignment of glacial advance and retreat as a result of the stress loading and subsequent unloading during glaciation. The result of the research implies that the use of private residential water well data can serve as an alternate method for detecting regional transmissive fractures under the cover of glacial drift.
Advisors/Committee Members: Eckstein, Yoram.
Subjects: Geology
Keywords: Sharon Sandstone; Hydraulic conductivity; Pumping test; Water Well Log; Fractures; orientation of fractures in NE-Ohio
More Like This
25.
Mehrota, Nivedita.
Reconstruction of Holocene Paleoclimate Based on Benthic Foraminiferal Assemblages from Soledad Basin.
Degree: MS, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Geology, 2011, Kent State University
► The variation in paleoclimate during the last deglaciation and Holocene were evaluated…
(more)
▼ The variation in paleoclimate during the last deglaciation and Holocene were evaluated based on physical and biological variation in the bottom water oxygen level on the Baja margin in Soledad Basin. Sediment from core OXMZ MV99-PC14 raised from a depth of 540m off the Magdalena Margin of Baja California, Mexico was analyzed for the presence of benthic foraminifera, which are presumed to respond to marine productivity and change in bottom water oxygen. This location is an ideal location to study paleoclimate oscillation and ocean and atmospheric interactions due to its shallow sill depth (290m), high sediment rate (~110cm/kr), sensitivity to El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and ENSO-like variations. Computed Benthic Foraminiferal Oxygen Index (BFOI) and productivity (DSR-Factor3) variations down core showed enhanced productivity and low oxygen during the Mid Holocene. ENSO-like signals were recorded during the Mid Holocene (4-10 cal BP) when the climate witnessed a cold La Niña-like state. A changing pattern of ocean circulation, depth of thermocline and fluctuations in productivity occurred throughout Holocene in Soledad Basin. This was mainly due to the changing budget of oxygen, created primarily by variations in productivity which had an inverse relationship with oxygen levels. Similar variability was found in low and high latitude paleoclimate records from Chukchi shelf, Cariaco Basin, Santa Barbara basin, Point Conception, and Baja California.
Advisors/Committee Members: Ortiz, Joseph.
Subjects: Geology
Keywords: Holocene Paleoclimate, El Niño Southern Oscillation, Benthic Foraminifera, Benthic Foraminiferal Oxygen Index, productivity , bottom water oxygen level
More Like This
26.
Nowicki, Lisa Ann.
Engineering geology considerations for realignment of interstate 70/76 across the landslide at New Baltimore, Somerset County, SW Pennsylvania.
Degree: MS, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Geology, 2011, Kent State University
► The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission plans to widen I-76 due to increased traffic…
(more)
▼ The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission plans to widen I-76 due to increased traffic in the Somerset County. The New Baltimore landslide, which has caused serious problems for the turnpike since its construction in 1939, is located within this area. The landslide extends 2000 feet (610 m) upslope and 1000 feet (305 m) laterally, and moves 5 to 10 inches (13 to 25 cm) per year. The Turnpike Commission plans to cut into the slope between mile markers 128 and 129 on the south side of the turnpike, thereby passing through the New Baltimore landslide. When the Pennsylvanian Turnpike is realigned, there could be new instability, reactivating the landslide and adding to instability. The bedrock geology of the New Baltimore landslide site consists of the Upper Devonian Catskill Formation which contains interbedded sequences of harder and softer strata including siltstone, shale, and grayish red sandstone units. This research project was conducted to determine the engineering properties of rocks and stability of the slope located between the mile markers mentioned above. A subsurface investigation was conducted on the New Baltimore landslide by the American Geotechnical and Environmental Services, Inc. of Pennsylvania. Field work was conducted to find the upper limit of the landslide and to collect discontinuity data. The discontinuity data were analyzed to evaluate various modes of slope failure. Lab work conducted in this study included the dry density test, slake durability test, unconfined compression test, and the shear strength test. The results of the study show that slake durability index of the claystone units ranges from 72 to 99% whereas the unconfined compressive strength of the sandstone/siltstone units ranges from 8,900 to 25,600 psi (61.4 to 176.5 MPa). Direct shear test results show that the claystone has a cohesion of 28,455 psf (1362 kPa) and a friction angle of 17 degrees. The inclinometer data shows that there is small movement along the weaker claystone units (where gouge was encountered during drilling) and this is being closely monitored. Stability analysis indicates that the factor of safety for a dry slope is 1.1 and for a wet slope it is 0.4 with a average pore pressure 546 psf (26 kPa). Selected remedial measures are proposed for the New Baltimore landslide so that the interstate highway can be realigned safely.
Advisors/Committee Members: Shakoor, Abdul.
Subjects: Geological; Geology
Keywords: New Baltimore landslide
More Like This
27.
Ranasinghage, Pradeep Nalaka.
Holocene Coastal Development in Southeastern-Eastern Sri Lanka: Paleo-Depositional Environments and Paleo-coastal Hazards.
Degree: PhD, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Geology, 2010, Kent State University
► Following the 2004 Asian tsunami, worldwide tsunami scientists recognized the need for…
(more)
▼ Following the 2004 Asian tsunami, worldwide tsunami scientists recognized the need for identifying stratigraphic signatures of paleo-tsunami events in the Indian Ocean and to develop a regional tsunami chronology. This project carried out detailed, fine resolution, sediment profile studies to recognize the signatures of paleo-coastal environmental change in southeastern and eastern Sri Lanka, so that they can be differentiated from the regional record of tsunami deposits. Sediment cores (~100 m total sediment) were extracted along landward transects from nine lagoons, two swales, and one back barrier marsh along the prograding coastline in southeastern and eastern Sri Lanka. Multiple proxies, including grain size, magnetic susceptibility (MS), visible and near IR reflectance, chemical composition, mineralogy and texture of sediments, micro, and macro fossil contents were used for this study. Measurements of grain size, MS, reflectance, and x-ray florescence were taken at 1-2 cm resolution. AMS 14C dating was used for age determination. Results indicate a sea level high-stand between 5200-4900 yrs BP followed by sea level stabilization. Gradual filling of the Kirinda paleo-estuary and the Okanda lagoon commenced around 4900 yrs BP as a result of this sea level stabilization. Proxy evidence and a high rate of erosion after 4500 yrs BP suggests a sea level regression after 4500 yrs BP. Beach ridge development started around 4900 yrs BP and intensified after 2500 yrs BP. Climate proxies suggest a weakened monsoon system until ~3500 yrs BP, when monsoon activity gradually increased. Four drought phases around 5500, 4500-3500, 1500 and 300 yrs BP are recognized. Significant ~6yr, ~20-25 yr and ~128 yr cycles, in monsoon variability can be discerned in wavelet power spectra of climatic proxies. According to previous studies, these Indian monsoon cycles are controlled by ENSO and solar variability. According to results, the most recent pre-2004 tsunami event likely occurred around 1000 yrs BP with the older events around 4200 yrs BP and 4900 yrs BP. The sedimentary record from these estuaries, lagoons, and beach-ridge plains shows clear localized evidence for several additional flood and storm events, and possibly two other tsunami events around 4500 yrs BP and 7000 yrs BP.
Advisors/Committee Members: Ortiz, Joseph.
Subjects: Geology
Keywords: Paleo-tTsunami; paleo-climate; sea level; Sri Lanka; Indian Ocean
More Like This
28.
Razzano, Mandy L.
Monitoring Algal Production in Akron Water Supply Reserviors in Northeast Ohio Using Satellite Imagery.
Degree: MS, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Geology, 2011, Kent State University
► Akron Water Supply has been plagued for years with drinking water treatment…
(more)
▼ Akron Water Supply has been plagued for years with drinking water treatment issues related to nuisance algal growth in their drinking water reservoirs, located in the Upper Cuyahoga Watershed in Northeast Ohio. Chlorophyll a concentrations analyzed by Akron Water Supply Laboratory from Lake Rockwell and Wendell R. LaDue Reservoir were used to investigate the effectiveness of spectral measurements as a predictive tool for estimating algal production. Surface and depth integrated water samples collected by Akron Water Supply were filtered and the spectral reflectance of the water color was analyzed on a LabSpec Pro spectrophotometer. Landsat 5 TM and 7 ETM images of Lake Rockwell and Wendell R. LaDue Reservoir were utilized for this study. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values were calculated from spectral reflectance captured in the Landsat images and from the spectral reflectance recorded by the LabSpec Pro spectrophotometer on the filtered water samples. NDVI values were calculated from the actual pixel reflectance values within the Landsat images that were identified by the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates of the field collected chlorophyll a samples, and a NDVI interpolation value was calculated from the eight surrounding pixel reflectance values. The NDVI values that were calculated from the spectral reflectance on the filtered water samples did produce strong positive correlations for surface water samples (r2= .94) and depth intergrade samples (r2= .84) with field collected chlorophyll a concentrations. NDVI values from Landsat satellite images proved statistically significant to estimate chlorophyll a concentrations in Lake Rockwell and Wendell R. LaDue Reservoir for a wide range of chlorophyll a concentrations. Moderate negative correlation coefficients were established between Landsat NDVI actual pixel (r2= .48) and Landsat NDVI interpolation (r2=.57) with field collected chlorophyll a concentrations.
Advisors/Committee Members: Witter, Donna L.
Subjects: Environmental Management
Keywords: Landsat, NDVI, chlorophyll a, spectrophotometer
More Like This
29.
Rhenberg, Elizabeth C.
BIOTIC INTERACTIONS OF BIVALVES FROM THE LATE CRETACEOUS COON CREEK TYPE SECTION OF MCNAIRY COUNTY, TENNESSEE.
Degree: MS, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Geology, 2007, Kent State University
► The bivalves and mollusks of the Late Cretaceous Coon Creek Formation in…
(more)
▼ The bivalves and mollusks of the Late Cretaceous Coon Creek Formation in Tennessee are well preserved and exhibit biotic interactions with a variety of organisms. Almost 60% of the bivalves collected in the field show some form of interaction; many show multiple forms of biotic activity. These interactions provide information on how the bivalves lived, and if they were alive at the time the other organisms were interacting with them. Bivalves were used as substrates by several organisms, including sponges, bryozoans, other bivalves, worms, microbial fungi, and foraminifera. Predation of the bivalves by gastropods is also noted. Location of burrows, impressions, and drill holes provides information on the orientation of the living bivalves. Interactions that are seen on the interior of the valves indicates that the bivalve was dead at the time the other organism began living on it.
Advisors/Committee Members: Feldmann, Rodney M.
Subjects: Geology; Paleontology
Keywords: Tennessee; Biotic Interactions; Cretaceous; Paleontology; Coon Creek Formation; Bivalves
More Like This
30.
Robins, Cristina M.
Systematics of the Late Jurassic members of the superfamily Galatheoidea Samouelle, 1819, from the Ernstbrunn Limestone of Ernstbrunn, Austria.
Degree: MS, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Geology, 2008, Kent State University
► Jurassic galatheoids have long been underrepresented in the literature, so theirexplosive diversification…
(more)
▼ Jurassic galatheoids have long been underrepresented in the literature, so theirexplosive diversification during the Late Jurassic has only recently become apparent. However, critical early stages of this explosive radiation are well represented in the extensive mid-20th century collections made by Friedrich Bachmayer, from from five quarries in the Ernstbrunn Limestone, from around Ernstbrunn, Austria. The Naturhistorische Museum of Vienna, Austria, recently made the Friedrich Bachmayer decapod collection available for study. During the summers of 2006 and 2007, over 250 galatheoids from the superfamily Galatheiodea Samouelle, 1819, were borrowed from the extensive collection, of which more than 170 were studied for this thesis. The remaining galatheoids, as well as additional ones borrowed during the summer of 2008, will be studied in a future work. Galatheoids that were either never studied before or previously had been assigned solely to the genus Gastrosacus von Meyer, 1851, were found to be diverse enough to form a new family, with 8 new genera, and 22 new species. In addition to the new species, three previously identified species were studied: Gastrosacus eminens (Blaschke, 1911), Gastrosacus ernstbrunnensis Bachmayer, 1947, and previously synonymized Galathea acutirostris Moericke, 1889, now placed within a new genus. The galatheoids that belong to this new family have a distinctive groove structure with extensive regional definition and strong ornamentation. A standard terminology for these galatheoids is enumerated within this work in order to simplify the diagnoses and descriptions.
Advisors/Committee Members: Feldmann, Rodney.
Subjects: Geology; Paleontology
Keywords: galatheoids, galatheids, Gastrosacus; Ernstbrunn, Austria; systematics
More Like This
[1] [2]
