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Articles 1 - 5 of 5
Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics
Evaluating Our Reliance On Rare Earth Minerals And Platinum Group Metals Over The Period Of 2012 To 2021, Ryan Smith
Evaluating Our Reliance On Rare Earth Minerals And Platinum Group Metals Over The Period Of 2012 To 2021, Ryan Smith
Spring Showcase for Research and Creative Inquiry
Rare Earth Elements (REE’s) are minerals used in our everyday lives. They can be found in our household appliances, phones, computers, cars, as part of wind turbines and solar panels. The US relies on imports of these rare earths from several other countries (e.g. China, Estonia, Malaysia, and Japan) as we cannot mine a majority of the minerals (e.g. cerium, lanthanum, europium, etc) domestically. Since the year 2012, the US has imported approximately 3,000 metric tons of rare earths, and in recent years, this number significantly increased. As of 2021, the US now imports approximately 43,000 metric tons of rare …
Fluid Inclusion Analysis Of Halite: A Snapshot Of The Cambrian Explosion, Amy R.A. Lefebvre
Fluid Inclusion Analysis Of Halite: A Snapshot Of The Cambrian Explosion, Amy R.A. Lefebvre
Undergraduate Student Research Internships Conference
This research focused on obtaining a brief overview of information preserved within evaporite samples formed during the Early Cambrian. With the help of halite screening methods, fluid and gas analysis, through a micro thermometer and mass spectrometer, respectively, as well as trace element analysis conducted by Act Labs, results reflecting Earth's climate over 500 million years ago were obtained. These indicated the approximate weather conditions, and atmospheric composition, during this time period, within an intracontinental dessert location. Specifically, these results reflects a global warming period, with daily variations. Although much more research is needed in order to validate this summer's …
Uncovering The Mysteries Of Retention Ponds: Comparing The Abundance And Type Of Microplastics In Storm Water Ponds In London Ontario, Natalie Rose Minda
Uncovering The Mysteries Of Retention Ponds: Comparing The Abundance And Type Of Microplastics In Storm Water Ponds In London Ontario, Natalie Rose Minda
Undergraduate Student Research Internships Conference
Microplastics are plastics <5 mm (Liu, 2019; Arthur et al., 2009). They are created in two ways: Intentionally or from the fragmentation of larger pieces of plastic (National Ocean Service, 2021). They can negatively impact human, wildlife and ecosystem health in many ways depending on the exposure, type, size, and shape of the microplastic (Campanale, 2020). Retention ponds are often created in neighborhoods to collect water in order to prevent flooding. They also often serve as habitat for wildlife. Sediment samples were collected in two ponds in London Ontario both dredged in 2016. Samples were processed in the lab and further analyzed under the microscope to isolate the microplastics. Results have not been determined yet, but the abundance and type of microplastic varies in both ponds. Plastic pollution in retention ponds should be considered more, as it poses a threat to human and ecosystem health.
Using Stable-Isotopes To Determine The Effects Of Land-Use Change On Carbon Storage, Morgan Basile
Using Stable-Isotopes To Determine The Effects Of Land-Use Change On Carbon Storage, Morgan Basile
Undergraduate Student Research Internships Conference
Over the last century, there has been drastic conversion of natural vegetation to agriculture. The decomposition of plant tissue is transformed into soil organic matter that is rich in carbon and stored within soil aggregates. This research examines the effects of land-use change on carbon storage by using stable-isotopes of organic matter. The stable-isotopes of organic matter within aggregates will be used to quantify the amount of carbon that has been added to the soil after a change in land-use (e.g. restoration of agricultural land to grassland).
Meteorite Investigation And Classification, Olivia N. Benest
Meteorite Investigation And Classification, Olivia N. Benest
Undergraduate Student Research Internships Conference
Several meteorites arrive on Earth every day, but only a small percentage of them are found. They are easiest to spot on deserts or frozen ice. Western has a large number of unclassified meteorites found in the Northwest Africa (NWA) and Oman deserts. These meteorites include chondrites, achondrites, irons, and even Lunar and Martian meteorites. Classifying a meteorite requires detailed examination by optical microscopy, as well as micro X-ray diffraction (µXRD), and Electron Probe Microanalysis (EPMA), to observe their mineralogy (metal, oxide, sulfide, and silicate mineral phases), textures (e.g. chondrules, CAIs) and composition, in order to classify their petrologic type …