Features
A Journey Through Time: Paleoecology of Estuaries
An increasing human population has made its mark on the estuaries
of North Carolina, and the history of changing estuarine water quality
is recorded in their sediments. Researchers from the Duke University Wetland
Center are studying diatom fossils and other chemical and biotic elements
of these sediments, hoping that the estuarine histories these deposits
reveal can help the state manage its coastal lands and waters.
by Sherri R. Cooper
Without Firing a Shot: Seismic Exploration of the Illinois Basin
Geologists know little about the depths of the Illinois Basin; but,
historically, southern Illinois and surrounding states have experienced
moderate-magnitude temblors and some of the century’s largest central midcontinent
earthquakes. Researchers with the Illinois State Geological Survey are
making new discoveries about the area’s geology — not by acquiring new
data, but by taking a new look at old data: a large collection of logged
wells and seismic profiles recently released by the petroleum industry.
by John H. McBride
Improving Public Geoscience Education:
Utilizing University Resources and Support
Educating today’s students and the public about earth science is a
growing challenge. Two Ph.D. candidates at Michigan Technological University
describe how they reach out to and educate the community outside of their
university. They suggest strategies for tapping university resources
and for motivating professors and students to collaborate with their local
schools and communities.
by William S. Houston and Colleen M. Riley
|
