"Geoheritage and State Geological Surveys (AASG)" is the fourth webinar of the America's Geoheritage Workshop II Fall Distinguished Speakers Program. To watch the recorded video of this webinar, please visit https://vimeo.com/465848309
Speaker: Nelia W. Dunbar
Title: Revealing New Mexico’s Hidden Gems: Geology of Parks, Monuments and Public Lands
Description: In New Mexico, geology and human activity, past and present, are closely intertwined. The Jemez Mountain Volcanic Field hosts soft ignimbrite rock that provided dwellings for pre-Puebloan peoples, and pumice from explosive volcanism made local soil farmable. The geology of these public lands, along with those in many other parts of New Mexico, are made accessible through two books, prepared by specialists, but geared towards interpreting these geological gems for non-geologists.
Bio Sketch: With a background in geochemistry, Nelia has served as director of the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources since 2016. She completed a B.A. degree, summa cum laude, in geology at Mount Holyoke College (1983) and then went on to a Ph.D. in geochemistry at New Mexico Tech (1989). She has worked for the Bureau since 1992, focusing on geochemistry of volcanic rocks, particularly volcanic ashes and other explosive eruptions, mainly in New Mexico and Antarctica. She received funding from NSF for an electron microprobe in 1996, and, until recently, managed that laboratory. Her professional interests include research on a wide range of topics broadly focused on volcanic and igneous processes, in New Mexico and elsewhere. In addition to research, Dunbar is an adjunct faculty member at the department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, taught a graduate class on electron microprobe analysis, advised graduate students and served on student committees, and is involved in outreach activities for New Mexico teachers and students.
Speaker: William Haneberg
Title: Interactive Geoheritage Maps from the Kentucky Geological Survey
Description: The Kentucky Geological Survey uses story maps and interactive map services to provide easily accessible information on geoheritage related topics such as the general geology of Kentucky, geologic tours of parks and historical sites, natural arches, sample locations, and the KGS meteorite collection.
Bio Sketch:William Haneberg is Kentucky’s state geologist, director of the Kentucky Geological Survey, and a research professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, all at the University of Kentucky. He previously spent 17 years as a consultant specializing in engineering geology and geologic hazard assessment, and before that was a senior engineering geologist and assistant director of the New Mexico Bureau of Mines & Mineral Resources. His research and professional practice have included projects around the world ranging from deepwater seafloor and subsurface geohazard assessments to investigations of Himalayan landslides and geomorphology.
Speaker: Gale C. Blackmer
Title: Geoheritage Initiatives in Pennsylvania
Description: Pennsylvania encompasses most of the Appalachian geologic provinces, giving it diverse and interesting geologic features. The Survey’s position alongside the Bureau of State Parks in the Deptartment of Conservation and Natural Resources (DNCR) ties us closely to nature tourism and environmental education. DCNR also hosts the Conservation Landscape Initiative, a program that focuses on resource conservation and community revitalization through locally driven planning and civic engagement, similar to the Geoheritage movement. This talk illustrates some of our methods of spreading the word about Pennsylvania’s geological heritage.
Bio Sketch: Gale has been a geologist at heart since she was a child. She made it formal with a B.A. in Geology from the University of Pennsylvania, and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Geology from Penn State. At various points in her career, she worked for a geotechnical drilling contractor, a small environmental firm in Philadelphia, and a hydrogeological firm in State College. She also served on the faculty at West Chester University, Bloomsburg University, and Dickinson College. She started at the Pennsylvania Geological Survey in 1999, where her focus was on bedrock mapping in southeastern Pennsylvania. Starting at entry level, she worked her way up to Manager of the Mapping Division before being name Bureau Director and State Geologist in 2015. Gale continues to flex her teaching muscle by instructing the geology module of the Pennsylvania Master Naturalist Program, doing the occasional public outreach program, and taking every opportunity to educate her fellow conservation leaders on the fundamental importance of geology to shaping the landscape, culture, and history of Pennsylvania.
Speaker: R. William (Bill) Keach II
Title: Utah’s Geoheritage—From the Iconic to the Unsung
Description: Utah is an amazing geologic canvas with a wide range of geologic landforms. Individually and collectively they tell unique stories. Home to five national parks, eight national monuments, and 43 state parks, most of which have geology as their centerpiece attraction. Millions of visitors from around the world come each year to behold their beauty. This talk will focus on some of our many geoheritage features and sights, and efforts to educate the public about them.
Bio Sketch: Bill is a scientist and educator with a 30+ year background in industry, academia and state government. He is currently the State Geologist for Utah and Director of the Utah Geological Survey. Following degrees in geology (BYU) and geophysics (Cornell) he explored for hydrocarbons with SOHIO/BP in California and offshore Gulf of Mexico. He spent 17 years with Landmark Graphics/Halliburton, traveling the world leading the effort to develop and encourage adoption of 3D visualization technology. In 2006 he came back to Utah, joining the Energy and Geoscience Institute (Univ of Utah) and BYU doing research and teaching courses on seismic interpretation and reservoir modeling, and leading field courses for students and professionals throughout Utah to see its many wonders. In addition to his role as State Geologist, Bill continues to hold adjunct appointments with University of Utah (Chem Eng) and BYU to satisfy his passion for teaching. In his off-time Bill enjoys sports, ATV riding and spending time outdoors near his home in central Utah. Bill and his wife have four children and five grandchilden.
We encourage all participants to complete our survey following the webinar here: https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/5912148/Geoheritage-and-State-Geological-Surveys-AASG-October-6