Nature of opportunity: To obtain 3 credits of independent study, explore geoscience as a discipline and career option, learn about Nebraska's geology, participate in a unique field experience, and be part of a research team investigating how the earth's crust deforms.

Intended audience: This is meant specifically for students who have had only intro level courses in geoscience, or who have not had geoscience course work, but who are interested in science as a potential career path. There is no future commitment required, just an existing interest in exploring science as a career option. Geoscience majors are welcome to participate in the project through other mechanisms (please see me if interested). An absolute maximum of ten students can participate.

Description of project: In northwest Nebraska, near Crawford, is Toadstool Geologic Park. Here, numerous fractures, veins and faults deform the sediments, and can be studied in great detail in the excellent badland exposures. These faults and veins are unusually well exposed, creating an almost unparalleled natural laboratory for the investigation of crack and fault geometries. This geologic 'window', in turn, provides insight into how the earth's crust deforms in the middle of a continent and tectonic plate, far away from plate boundaries such as the San Andreas fault. Using GPS (global positioning system) units) we have started to build a very detailed database on the position, orientation and characteristics of these faults, veins and fractures. Initial results are very promising. The purpose of this summer's project is to build on this initial work, greatly expand the database, and eventually to better understand how the interior of plates can also deform. This project is particularly well suited to provide an early undergraduate research experience, as the project can be broken down easily into simple parts that are easy for someone without geologic training to understand and participate in. This is an actual research project.

Link to related student project.

Time: There will be three parts to the course:

• An initial 3 hour meeting to arrange logistics, cover some introductory lecture material, and hand out readings. June 18th (exact time to be announced).
• A week of field work in Toadstool Geologic Park. One day will be taken in traveling to the site, five days will be dedicated to field work and collecting data, and one day will be taken in returning to Omaha. We will make stops on the way there and back to learn more about the geology of the state overall. We will camp, although a town is nearby for recreation and shower purposes. From June 27th to July 3rd.
• A week of compiling, plotting and analyzing the data using the departments computer lab, followed by writing a summary report. The grade will be based on participation, the field notebook, and the final report. All participants contributions will be formally recognized in any of the resultant products. From July 5th to July 9th.

Cost: The cost is being subsidized by an NSF grant to UNO. Tuition, transportation, and some food will be paid for.

Dr. Harmon D. Maher Jr.

harmon_maher@mail.unomaha.edu

402 554 4807

Durham Science Center Rm.206