Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Examining Atmospheric Dust Deposition And Its Effects On Alpine Lakes In The Uinta Mountains, Utah, Oliver J. Squire

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The composition and effects of atmospheric dust on remote alpine lakes were investigated using geological and paleolimnolgical techniques. Short cores (< 50 cm long) were retrieved from five lakes on the eastern side of the Uinta Mountains, Utah. Sediment core chronologies are based on 210 Pb and 14C dates. Dust and lake sediment core samples were analyzed for their particle size distribution, mineralogy, and chemistry. Dust was fine grained (< 10 μm) and was enriched (i.e., 50X greater concentrations) in 31 major, minor and trace elements relative to local bedrock material. In lake sediments, changes in the concentrations of key dust elements were recorded beginning in ~ AD 1900. Elements that increased in all five lakes included metals (Bi, Pb, Sb, Sn) and the nutrient P. The metals Cu and Cd also increased in four lakes. These changes are coincident with European settlement, the onset of mining, and the intensification of agriculture. The findings of this thesis show that atmospheric deposition in the Uinta Mountains is unique in composition relative to the last several hundred years. Percentage organics also increased during this period indicating increased productivity. Cladocera community composition recorded changes potentially caused by variations in atmospheric deposition of Ca in this region, although results were inconclusive.

Observational And Synoptic Analyses Of The Winter Precipitation Regime Change Over Utah, Robert R. Gillies, Shih-Yu Wang, Marty R. Booth

Plants, Soils, and Climate Faculty Publications

Previous studies have indicated a widespread decline in snowpack over Utah accompanied by a decline in the snow–precipitation ratio while anecdotal evidence claims have been put forward that measured changes in Utah’s snowpack are spurious and do not reflect actual change. Using two distinct lines of investigation, this paper further analyzes the winter precipitation regime in the state of Utah. First, by means of observation-based, gridded daily temperature, precipitation, and remotely sensed data, as well as utilizing a climatological rain–snow threshold (RST) temperature method, the precipitation regime of Utah was scrutinized. Second, a comprehensive synoptic analysis was conducted as an …

Sustainable Ski Resorts In The State Of Utah: Working Toward The Future, Andrew Call

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The Utah State University Extension branch funded a research project designed to meet an identified need and create a baseline in knowledge of the implementation of environmentally sustainable practices among Utah ski resorts. Because of the potential impacts of climate change and unsustainable practices that negatively impact both the biophysical and human/cultural aspects of these environments, the ski resort industry is facing an uncertain future both environmentally and economically. However, very little is known about this issue, or how to address it. Collecting baseline information on the subject of environmental sustainability amongst Utah area ski resorts is crucial to ensure …

Slides: Air Monitoring And Litigation Update, John Jacus

Air Quality Impacts from Oil and Gas Development (January 27)

Presenter: John Jacus, Partner, Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP, reviews recent litigation aimed at oil and gas development activities with respect to air emissions impacts, and also several recent and ongoing studies and ambient monitoring efforts focused upon air emissions from oil and gas activities

23 slides

Determination Of Paleoearthquake Timing And Magnitudes On The Southern Segment Of The East Cache Fault, Utah, James P. Mccalpin

James P. McCalpin

We investigated the late Quaternary rupture history of the southern East Cache Fault zone [ECFZ], northern Utah with geologic mapping, paleoseismic logging of fault trenches, ground-penetrating radar, and optically stimulated luminescence dating. McCalpin (1989) indicated that the southern segment of the ECFZ consisted of three strands. We excavated four trenches across these strands, and evaluate the stratigraphy and structure of the sites. We conclude that the western fault strand of the ECFZ has had no late Quaternary displacement or does not exist; the central strand has not had any late Quaternary movement and may be a drape fold; and the …