standard.net
Using laser scanning and sophisticated computer modeling, scientists in England and Argentina have simulated the likely lumbering gait of the largest-known dinosaur, according to a new study.
Iron County, Utah
Photographer: Tyler Knudsen
Finely laminated sandstone of the Chinle Formation, Iron County, Utah.
Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, Kane County, Utah
Photographer: Tyler Knudsen
Dinosaur skin is preserved at many Utah dinosaur sites. Fossilized dinosaur skin impressions, Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, Kane County, Utah.
By: Paul Inkenbrandt, Kevin Thomas, and Christian Hardwick
North Logan City modified a gravel excavation site at the mouth of Green Canyon during the spring of 2011 to retain excess flow from the Green Canyon catchment. From August 2011 to March 2012, the Utah Geological Survey (UGS) monitored water flow into the gravel pit, and recorded gravity data and groundwater levels at several sites within a mile of the gravel pit. The UGS observed a significant increase in gravity from August to September in an area southwest of the gravel pit, which indicates an increase in the amount of water in that region from August to September. Based on the measured increase, water is traveling from the gravel pit towards the region of the principal aquifer of Cache Valley.
OFR-615………………..$14.95
Edited By: Thomas H. Morris and Robert Ressetar
The Sections in this CD Include: Introduction, Structure, Statigraphy and Sedimentary Geology, Geologic Resources, and Field-Trip Guide
UGS-42 CD………….. $34.95
livescience.com
A supervolcano blasting Yellowstone National Park to smithereens may capture the imagination, but the region’s real risk comes from earthquakes, researchers reported here Sunday (Oct. 27) at the Geological Society of America’s annual meeting.
upr.org
Morning recess at St. Augustine Catholic School in Culver City, Calif., is like recess in many other schools. Children run and play in the afternoon sun. But nearby, away from the basketball hoops and the games of tag, the staff is preparing.
High Uintas Wilderness, Summit County, Utah
Photographer: Rich Emerson
On the north slope of the Uinta Mountains, Henrys Fork Lake is a paternoster lake—one of a chain or series of lakes in a glacially eroded valley. Most of the glaciers had retreated by 14,000 years ago, leaving behind moraines, U-shaped valleys, and cirques carved into Precambrian-age Uinta Mountain Group rocks.
Since October 1998, the American Geological Institute (AGI) has fostered this national and international event to help the public gain a better understanding and appreciation for the Earth Sciences and to encourage stewardship of the Earth. Efforts to highlight the role of Earth sciences have increased dramatically on local, national and international levels. This year’s Earth Science Week at the Utah Geological Survey was celebrated from October 7th to 10th at the Utah Core Research Center.
Activities include panning for “gold,” learning about rocks and the rock cycle, identifying minerals, observing stream erosion and deposition, and seeing how fossils are prepared in the lab. To see photos from previous years, visit the UGS website at http://geology.utah.gov/teacher/esweek.htm
This year we had 863 students participate in Earth Science Week (ESW), along with about 60 parents and 35 teachers consisting of seven public schools, one private school, and six home schools. In addition to Utah Geological Survey staff, many volunteers contributed to the success of ESW including personnel from the Department of Natural Resources Division of Oil, Gas, and Mining and the Division of Water Resources; Utah’s Office of Energy Development; the organizations R.O.C.K. (Rockhounder’s Outreach for Community Knowledge), A.W.G. (Association of Women Geoscientists, Utah Chapter), and the U.G.A. (Utah Geological Association); and from the private sector, Professional Service Industries, Inc., and North American Exploration, Inc. Additionally, minerals were provided by Utah Kennecott Copper, CML Metals Co., and U.S. Magnesium.
After reviewing critiques from teachers and students, we think that ESW 2013 was a success. Here’s some of the kudos:
Teacher Quotes
“The students loved it, the parents with us enjoyed it, and the other 4th grade teachers thought it was great” Oakwood Elementary
“The teaching was exceptional. The rotations were just so interesting . . . the adult parents were all marveling how much great training their kids got . . .” Sunrise Elementary
“It’s the best thing out there” Sharon Walkington, Governor’s Medal Recipient for Volunteerism
Student Quotes
“It was so fun when I got home I told my mom everything about the trip”
“It is the best place ever you guys rock”
“I liked when we did the sand dams and what would happen if you lived on top of one”
“We had a blast!!!!”
“I am planning on coming back with my whole family.”
It was a VERY and I mean very cool trip, in fact I want to go again.”
“I just wanted to tell you guys that was the best field trip I had ever gone on.”
“The best part I think was panning for rocks and minerals. Of course though, lots of kids liked that. When I got home, I tricked my little brother into thinking it was real gold! No wonder they call it fool’s gold”
Lone Peak, Salt Lake and Utah Counties, Utah
Photographer: J. Lucy Jordan
Differential weathering creates unusual patterns on the Little Cottonwood quartz monzonite, Lone Peak, Salt Lake and Utah Counties.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UTAH GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
The Utah Geological Survey (UGS) is a division of the Utah Department of Natural Resources. Several specialized programs comprise the UGS: Data Management, Energy & Minerals, Geologic Hazards, Geologic Information & Outreach, Geologic Mapping, Groundwater & Wetlands, and Paleontology.