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Integrated Three-Dimensional Geophysical Analysis Of The Wasatch Fault Zone Near Rock Canyon, Provo, Utah, Leo T. Brown, Dr. Alvin K. Benson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The Wasatch fault zone extends from southern Idaho into central Utah, and approximately ninety percent of Utah’s population live in or near this fault zone. Surface rupture and ground shaking associated with earthquake events represent the biggest geologic hazards to people and structures within this fault zone. Movement and rupture will most likely occur along preexisting zones of weakness or faults. In order to mitigate damage to buildings and loss of lives, the locations of individual faults within the fault zone should be determined as accurately as possible.

Depth To Bedrock Estimations Using The H/V Spectral Ratio In The San Joaquin Valley, Tyler A. Morelli

Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences

Basin depth is a fundamental parameter in many types of geologic studies such as resource exploration and regional tectonic mapping. The Horizontal-to-Vertical Spectral Ratio (“H/V”) method has been successfully applied to estimating of basin depths up to several hundred meters. In this study the H/V method is applied to the deep basins on the western side of the San Joaquin Valley to determine the thickness of the sedimentary layers and depth to bedrock. Microtremor data from Earthscope Seismic Array stations are ideal to test the accuracy of the H/V method on deeper basins because the data is of high-quality and …

Investigation Of A Lagrangian-Point Propellant Depot Rendezvous Approach For An Interplanetary Mission To Mars, Joshua W. Ehrlich

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

This thesis investigates the feasibility of a refueling station for a beyond Earth orbit (BEO) mission. The propellant depot is located at the L₂ -Lagrangian point within the Earth-Moon system. This investigation determines if a refueling mission will reduce propulsive energy requirements necessary for Earth departure of a BEO-vehicle to achieve an interplanetary transfer to Mars. Furthermore, this research presents a trade study which identifies approximate total requirements for a direct and rendezvous mission to Mars as well as the necessary fuel masses to complete each approach. This analysis provides conclusive information in determining the benefits in utilizing a …

Earthquake Petrology: Linking Fault-Related Deformation To The Earthquake Cycle, Mitchell R. Prante

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Faults have a controlling influence on a variety of geologic processes including fluid flow, the mechanical behavior of the crust, and seismicity. The geologic sciences have long recognized that faults generate earthquakes; however, few indicators of ancient earthquakes exist in fault-zones. This dissertation documents several indicators for the preservation of ancient earthquakes in fault-zones including frictional melt (pseudotachylyte), highly-polished fault slip surfaces, and hydrothermal alteration.

These deformation products result from rapid generation of frictional heat during earthquakes. This dissertation also focuses on the seismic potential of continental low-angle normal faults (LANF). We document the preservation of voluminous pseudotachylyte along a …

Clustering Revisited: A Spectral Analysis Of Microseismic Events, Deborah Fagan, Kasper Van Wijk, James Rutledge

CGISS Publications and Presentations

Identifying individual subsurface faults in a larger fault system is important to characterize and understand the relationship between microseismicity and subsurface processes. This information can potentially help drive reservoir management and mitigate the risks of natural or induced seismicity. We have evaluated a method of statistically clustering power spectra from microseismic events associated with an enhanced oil recovery operation in southeast Utah. Specifically, we were able to provide a clear distinction within a set of events originally designated in the time domain as a single cluster and to identify evidence of en echelon faulting. Subtle time-domain differences between events were …

In Memorium: Dr. Charles J. Mankin, 1932-2012 Past National Secretary-Treasurer Of Sigma Gamma Epsilon, Kenneth S. Johnson

The Compass: Earth Science Journal of Sigma Gamma Epsilon

No abstract provided.

Neotectonic Evolution Of Grand Canyon : Interaction Between Volcanism, River Incision, Epeirogenic Uplift, And Faulting, Ryan Crow

Earth and Planetary Sciences ETDs

This thesis focuses on the effects of volcanism, river incision, epeirogenic uplift, and faulting on the landscape evolution of the Grand Canyon region. In the first chapter the migration of increasingly asthenospheric basaltic volcanism is used to constrain lithospheric modification of the Colorado Plateau margins. Buoyancy modification of the upper mantle, driven by the upwelling, is a likely driver for recent uplift of the area. In the second chapter, correlation between oversteepened rivers and areas of high-velocity upper mantle is used to show that recent and ongoing mantle-driven uplift is modulating the surface along the western margin of the Colorado …

Spatial And Temporal Evolution Of The Volcanics And Sediments Of The Kenya Rift, Alexandria L. Guth

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

New volumetric and mass flux estimates have been calculated for the Kenya Rift. Spatial and temporal histories for volcanic eruptions, lacustrine deposition, and hominin fossil sites are presented, aided by the compilation of a new digital geologic map. Distribution of volcanism over time indicates several periods of southward expansion followed by relative positional stasis. Volcanism occurs throughout the activated rift length, with no obvious abandonment as the rift system migrated. The main exception is a period of volcanic concentration around 10 Ma, when activity was constrained within 2° of the equator.

Volumes derived from seismic data indicate a total volume …

Amplitude-Versus-Angle Analysis And Wide-Angle-Inversion Of Crosswell Seismic Data In A Carbonate Reservoir, Mohamed S. Ibrahim

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Crosswell data set contains a range of angles limited only by the geometry of the source and receiver configuration, the separation of the boreholes and the depth to the target. However, the wide angles reflections present in crosswell imaging result in amplitude-versus-angle (AVA) features not usually observed in surface data. These features include reflections from angles that are near critical and beyond critical for many of the interfaces; some of these reflections are visible only for a small range of angles, presumably near their critical angle.

High-resolution crosswell seismic surveys were conducted over a Silurian (Niagaran) reef at two fields …

Fluctuations Of Sea Water Temperature Based On Nannofloral Changes During The Middle To Late Miocene, Adana Basin, Turkey, Manolya Sinaci

Turkish Journal of Earth Sciences

Some nannoplankton species are sensitive to water temperatures. While Coccolithus pelagicus and Reticulofenestra gelida indicate cooler water conditions, the genera Discoaster and Sphenolithus and Calcidiscus leptoporus are indicative of warmer water environments. This paper focuses on relative fluctuation of sea water temperatures during the Middle and Late Miocene, emphasised by cold and warm nannofossil changes in abundance in 2 wells. At the A-1 well in the Middle Miocene, the total abundance of cooler water species is 45%, while that of the warmer species is 3%. During the Late Miocene, the total abundance for cooler water species decreases to 34%; in …

Tectonosedimentary Development And Palaeoenvironmental Changes In The Acıgöl Shallow-Perennial Playa-Lake Basin, Sw Anatolia, Turkey, Cahi̇t Helvaci, Mehmet Ci̇hat Alçi̇çek, İbrahi̇m Gündoğan, Ünsal Gemi̇ci̇

Turkish Journal of Earth Sciences

The late Cenozoic extensional deformation formed several NE-trending fluvio-lacustrine basins in SW Anatolia, filled by alluvial, fluvial and lacustrine deposits. Among them, the Acıgöl basin , is notable for its tectono-sedimentary development of a prominent shallow-perennial playa-lake setting. The basin initially subsided to receive coarse-clastic alluvial deposits, merging into fluvial systems and central shallow lakes. Subsequent basin deepening with significant sediment supply from surrounding basement horsts caused gradual shrinkage of the relatively small shallow lakes, due to renewed progradation of alluvial fans and they eventually dried out completely. The sedimentation pattern and palaeoenvironmental changes record a constant tectonic, sedimentation, climatic …

Microfacies Correlation Analysis Of The Oligocene-Miocene Asmari Formation, In The Central Part Of The Rag-E-Safid Anticlinal Oil Field, Zagros Basin, South-West Iran, Mahnaz Amirshahkarami

Turkish Journal of Earth Sciences

The Oligocene-Miocene Asmari Formation was deposited in a carbonate ramp setting at the margin of the Zagros Basin in south-western Iran. The subsurface sedimentary successions of the Asmari Formation have been studied using cores from the Rag-e-Safid oil field, in order to determinate their microfacies and sedimentary palaeoenvironments. Based on texture analysis and faunal assemblages, 10 microfacies types have been recognised and interpreted. They indicate different depositional settings: open marine, oolitic and bioclastic shoal, lagoon, tidal flat and beach. The microfacies have been interpreted as indicative of the inner and middle ramp. In accordance with the temporal and spatial correlation …

Paleoseismologic Evidence For Holocene Activity On The Pinto Mountain Fault, Twentynine Palms, California, Ana Maria Cadena

All Master's Theses

Excavations across the Pinto Mountain fault in Twentynine Palms, California exposed faulted strata across a 32-m wide zone. Trench wall exposures revealed clear evidence for five ground-rupturing events during the Holocene, and two additional events in the late Pleistocene. Optically stimulated luminescence ages from alluvial sediments suggest that the most recent event occurred between 1.7-2.9 ka B.P. and the penultimate event between 2.7-4.2 ka B.P.. Prior to the penultimate event, there were five ground-rupturing earthquakes on the eastern Pinto Mountain fault between 3.5-13.6 ka B.P.. The average recurrence interval since 13.3-13.6 ka B.P. is 1510-1680 years, and 1200-1500 years in …

Palaeoecological Analysis Of The Decline In Stromatolite Abundance During The Ordovician Period, Noran Mhm El-Sherif

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

A stromatolite is a laminated benthic microbial deposit. Its uniqueness arises from being present since the Precambrian to the present. Stromatolites recorded a peak time during the Mesoproterozoic, subsequently they witnessed abrupt rises and falls in abundance with the steepest decline in the Ordovician period, from which it never recovered from. There is no consensus yet regarding the reasons behind the decline of stromatolites. Thus the decline of these microbial deposits remains an enigma. Additionally, a literature gap exists regarding the reasons that specifically led to the Ordovician decline. Accordingly, the focus of this literature-based MSc. thesis is to find …

A Structural Analysis Of The El Kasr Structure In The Western Desert Of Egypt, Trevor Charles Ellis

Masters Theses

"The El Kasr structure was studied in order to investigate the origins and evolution of the enigmatic Desert Eyes structures of the Western Desert due to its accessibility and uniqueness among the structures. The El Kasr structure, an elongate structural basin with low limb dips, is unique among the "Desert Eyes" structures in that it: 1) occurs in isolation in otherwise horizontal sedimentary rock, 2) the long dimension of the basin is oriented NNW, 3) it is closely spatially associated with the less common NNW fault zones, and 4) is composite in nature. The structure was investigated using remote sensing …

Application Of Various Remote Sensing And Aerial Photography Data Sets To Resolve Surface Structure In Areas Of Poor Exposure: Examples From Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia And Katalla Area, Alaska Usa, Sarah Natalie Heinlein

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

For many years now remote sensing data sets and application techniques of these various data have been routinely used in geological studies. Some of these studies are as basic as using Google Earth applications for general reconnaissance to more sophisticated methods for energy exploration or development of active tectonic models for a region. This dissertation presents data from two study areas within the northern pacific region utilizing a number of remote sensing and aerial photography data: 1) Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia, and 2) Katalla area of southern Alaska, USA. The Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia study evaluates surface geomorphology which includes the morphology …

Geomechanics And Elastic Anisotropy Of The Bakken Formation, Williston Basin, Mehdi Ostadhassan

Theses and Dissertations

Many of the earth’s rocks exhibit anisotropic characteristics. Anisotropy is particularly common in many sedimentary rocks, such as shales. Anisotropy is defined as the spatial alignment of mineral grains, layers, fractures and stresses which causes elastic wave velocity and other elastic properties to vary with direction. There are two types of anisotropy: intrinsic and stress-induced. Intrinsic anisotropy is caused by beddings, microstructures or aligned fractures formed during deposition. Stress-induced anisotropy is caused by strain associated with external stresses. Intrinsic anisotropy originates in the absence of external stresses, while stress-induced anisotropy results from tectonic and overburden stresses. The style of earth …

Exploring The Surface Liquid And Lake Regions Of Titan With Laboratory Experimentation And Cassini Spacecraft Data, Felix Casimir Wasiak

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The surface liquids and lake regions of Titan are studied utilizing three unique techniques, the results of which are reported in this dissertation. The development of a facility to simulate the surface conditions of Titan, and to conduct experiments on samples within that facility, brings an understanding of Titan's surface not possible through observation and modeling alone. The properties of this facility are presented, including conceptual methodology, design, implementation, performance, and experimental results. The facility, the main component of which is a simulation chamber, allows for Titan temperatures of 90 - 94 K and a 1.5 bar N2 atmosphere. The …

The Surface Distribution Of Oil Spills, The Environmental Status Of The Visoka Oilfield, Its Rehabilitation Ways: Case Study, Nevton Kodhelaj, Aida Bode, Piro Zoga, Nevina Koja, Esmeralda Zeqo, Dulian Zeqiraj

UBT International Conference

Visoka oilfield was explored in 1963 through the well G-622. In this oilfield had been drilled more than 170 production wells. Through all this years of its exploitation, mainly because of the outdated technology, the environmental pollution reached really dramatic values. The pollution extends on the Visoka village, affecting so the life for the entire community. The oil spills, the gas emissions and the formation water affected and polluted and ―k illed‖ the Gjanica River, its delta and the Adriatic coast in the Semani beach. Due to the technology and the completely wrong policies, used in the past, the wells …

Discriminant Analysis Of Xrf Data From Sandstones Of Like Facies And Appearance: A Method For Identifying A Regional Unconformity, Paleotopography,And Diagenetic Histories, Stephen Paul Phillips

Theses and Dissertations

The placement of an unconformable surface within a stratal succession affects the interpreted thickness of units and sequences in contact with that surface. Unit thickness influences the interpretation of basin subsidence, paleotopography, diagenesis, and depositional style. Accurate placement of an unconformity results in true formational thicknesses for formations associated with that unconformity. True thicknesses aid in producing more precise surface to subsurface correlations, isopach maps, and paleogeographic maps. An unconformity may be difficult to identify in the stratal succession due to similar rocks above and below the unconformity and the presence of multiple candidate surfaces. Using statistical discriminant analysis of …

Small-Scale Mapping Of Indeterminate Arborescent Acroporid Coral (Acropora Cervicornis) Patches, Brian K. Walker, E. A. Larson, Alison L. Moulding, David S. Gilliam

Marine & Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles

Western Atlantic populations of the staghorn coral Acropora cervicornis have drastically declined over the past few decades. Hence, interest in its ecology and spatial extent has increased. Acroporid corals with indeterminate arborescent growth like A.cervicornis primarily reproduce asexually by fragmentation, which can lead to extensive monotypic patches. Since fragmentation is a major component in indeterminate acroporid reproduction, these patches may expand or move over time. Periodic perimeter mapping facilitates comparison of patch areas to determine movement or expansion. A repeatable, low-cost method using a differential GPS carried by a snorkeler was employed to map the perimeter of A.cervicornis …

Holocene Earthquakes And Late Pleistocene Slip-Rate Estimates On The Wassuk Range Fault Zone, Nevada, J. M. Bormann, Benjamin E. Surpless, M. W. Caffee, S. G. Wesnousky

Earth and Environmental Geosciences Faculty Research

The Wassuk Range fault zone is an 80‐km‐long, east‐dipping, high‐angle normal fault that flanks the eastern margin of the Wassuk Range in central Nevada. Observations from two alluvial fan systems truncated by the fault yield information on the vertical slip rate and Holocene earthquake history along the range front. At the apex of the Rose Creek alluvial fan, radiocarbon dating of offset stratigraphy exposed in two fault trenches shows that multiple earthquakes resulted in 7.0 m of vertical offset along the fault since ∼9400 cal B.P. These data yield a Holocene vertical slip rate of 0.7±0.1  mm/yr. The south trench …

Spatial Patterns Of Herbaceous And Woody Recruitment In A Recently Restored Mixed Tidal Regime Freshwater Wetland, James B. Deemy

Theses and Dissertations

Ecological restoration of a converted wetland was characterized within a recently drained impoundment along the James River in Charles City County, Virginia. Colonizing vegetation was assessed over three growing seasons in both tidal and non-tidal environments. Study objectives were to (1) examine geospatial relations of recruitment patterns among colonizing species over three growing seasons, (2) quantify species composition and potential differences between extant species cover and soil seed banks across restored and natural wetland habitats and (3) assess geospatial patterns to develop a GIS model of bald cypress (Taxodium distichum L.) recruitment. The two most common native colonizing species during …

The Length-Biased Lognormal Distribution And Its Application In The Analysis Of Data From Oil Field Exploration Studies, Makarand V. Ratnaparkhi, Uttara V. Naik-Nimbalkar

Journal of Modern Applied Statistical Methods

The length-biased version of the lognormal distribution and related estimation problems are considered and sized-biased data arising in the exploration of oil fields is analyzed. The properties of the estimators are studied using simulations and the use of sample mode as an estimate of the lognormal parameter is discussed.

Rock Properties And Structure Within The San Andreas Fault Observatory At Depth (Safod) Borehold, Northwest Of Parkfield, California: In Situ Observations Of Rock Deformation Processes And Fluid-Rock Interactions Of The San Andreas Fault Zone At ~ 3 Km Depth, Kelly Keighley Bradbury

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth (SAFOD) is a scientific drilling experiment situated along the central creeping segment of the San Andreas Fault, near Parkfield, California, and north of a segment of the fault that has experienced large historical earthquakes. Drilling into active fault zones allows scientist’s to examine in situ rock samples and to record real-time data.

The main goal of this study is to characterize the geologic setting and rock properties of the San Andreas fault at ~ 3 km depth in the SAFOD borehole. In this region, the fault deforms nearly continuously through aseismic creep and …

Pharmacists' Role In Safe And Legal Medication Disposal, Allyson Lamb

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

No abstract provided.

Geothermal Alteration Of Basaltic Core From The Snake River Plain, Idaho, Christopher Joseph Sant

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The Snake River Plain is located in the southern part of the state of Idaho. The eastern plain, which this study focuses on, is a trail of volcanics from the Yellowstone
hotspot. Three exploratory geothermal wells were drilled on the Snake River Plain. This project studies basaltic core from the first well at Kimama, north of Burley, Idaho. The objectives of this project are to establish zones of geothermal alteration and analyze the potential for geothermal power production near the center of the Snake River Plain. Thirty samples from 1,912 m of core were sampled and analyzed. Mineral data, temperature …

The Mesozoic Carbonate Deposits From The Borehole 6042 Deleni (Transylvanian Depression), Ioan I. Bucur, Marcel-Adrian Piteiu, Emanoil SăSăRan

Studia UBB Geologia

The borehole 6042 Deleni is among the few wells located in the central part of the Transylvanian Depression that crossed the rocks in the basement. Among these, the Mesozoic deposits were cross-cut along 916 m. Based on the investigations carried out on core samples from the Mesozoic deposits three carbonate units attributed to the Late Oxfordian -Tithonian (?Neocomian) have been separated. A preliminary evaluation of the terrigenous and carbonate-terrigenous deposits overlaying the carbonate ones indicated an Aptian-Albian, respectively Senonian age. Considerations on the paleoenvironment of the Mesozoic deposits studied are also presented.

The Miocene Calcareous Nannofossils From Bistriţa Area (Transylvania, Romania), Carmen Chira, Ana-Maria Vulc

Studia UBB Geologia

The Middle Miocene (Badenian, Sarmatian and Pannonian) deposits from the region of Bistriţa, between the localities: Susenii Bârgăului, Livezile, Bistriţa, Sărata, Sărăţel, Budacu de Sus (Transylvanian Basin) have been analysed from the nannofloral point of view. The nannofossils are relatively scarce, excepting the ones related to Lower Badenian deposits. Only the fossil index for NN5 Zone – Sphenolithus heteromorphus, and for NN6 Zone – Discoaster exilis have been identified.

A Study On The Geology Of The Ţaga Region (Cluj District), Ioan MâRza

Studia UBB Geologia

The geological formations from Ţaga area (Cluj District) are Sarmatian in age (in outcrops) and Badenian (under surface). Lithologically, they are represented mainly by sands and sometimes fine sediments (clays, marls), interbedded with volcanic tuffs a low fossil content. The Badenian is the host of gas accumulations, concentrated in dome structures.