Postfire debris-flow research at Arizona Geological Survey: Efforts to improve hazard assessments by Ann Youberg and Becky Beers (AZGS Research Scientists).
They discuss how wildfires impact the landscape to increase the likelihood of postfire debris flows and floods; the transient nature of fire impacts on the landscape; the challenges of mitigating these hazards in areas where fire season and monsoon overlap; and projects the AZGS and Geosciences are conducting to address these issues. We’ll close with an ongoing case study assessing the effectiveness of novel mitigation strategies deployed in northern Arizona.
September 2024 - Travis Snider and Adam Hawkins (Arizona Sonoran Copper Company) Cactus Mine Update: From Taxpayer Liability to the Top 10 US Copper Producer
May 2024 - Eytan Bos Orent (University of Arizona) - Characterization of Contrasting Ore-Related Fluid Systems in the Paradox Basin (49 minutes).
Big Sandy Field Trip Participants examining an outcrop on Big Sandy Field Trip (photo by Brian Gootee)
The recent Big Sandy Field Trip was a great success. AGS Executive Committee thanks Paul Jensen for organizing the trip and the staff of the Arizona Geological Survey - Brian Gootee, Carson Richardson, Lisa Thompson, Brad Johnson & Phil Pearthree - for leading trip and providing and excellent field guide, which can be viewed at this link.
April 2024 - Brian Gootee and Carson Richardson (Arizona Geological Survey) Basin Evolution, Deformation, and Mineralization in Big Sandy Valley, Northwestern Arizona (78 minutes)
March 2024 - Jason Ricketts, Ph.D. (Asst. Professor, University of Texas, El Paso) The Origin and Tectonic Significance of the Basin and Range - Rio Grande Rift Boundary in Southern New Mexico (58 minutes)
February 2024 - John Douglas, Ph.D. (Faculty, Paradise Valley Community College, Phoenix, Arizona) New Discovery of Beach Sand, Beachrock, and Tuffa from the Uppermost Portion of the Bidahochi Formation and their Implications for the Development of the Grand Canyon
Since 1996 the Arizona Geological Society (AGS) has presented scholarships to outstanding students at the state's three major universities, the University of Arizona, Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University.
The 2023 scholarship program drew 9 excellent applicants from Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Arizona.
Benjamin Amundsen
Ben Amundsen was awarded the 2023 Courtright Scholarship. Currently working on a MS degree at the School of Earth and Sustainabiilty of Northern Arizona University, Ben's current research interets revolve around the Platoro Caldera of the San Juan Volcanic Complex in southwestern Colorado. His thesis primarily focuses on understanding the eruptive stratigraphy and petrogenesis of the parental Conejos phase of the volcanic sequence, and perhaps provide some insight into the mineralization associated with the regional volcanism.
It was particularly difficult to select the best applicant for the 2023 Allison Scholarship. We decided to award this year's scholarship to two equally qualified candidates, Emilia Clayor and Bridgett Holman, who attend the University of Arizona.
Emilia Caylor
Emilia Caylor is presently a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Geosciences at the University of Arizona, where she is studying the impact of tectonics on upper crustal processes, paleo-depositional environments, basin subsidence, and exhumation in Cordilleran-type orogenic systems.
Upon graduating, her goal is to create a diverse research group of scientists and design curricula that lowers barriers to geoscience education in the field and classroom.
Bridgett Holman
Bridgett Holman is currently in her second year purrsuring a B.S. in Geosciences with a Geology Emphasis at the University of Arizona. Her current research involves the mechanisms of nitrogen cycling through the deep Earth, conducting high temperature and pressure experiments that simulate ultramafic-rich melanges in subduction zones.
Upon graduation she aspires to attend graduate school, continuing her study of petrology and subduction zones or pursuing other disciplines.
January 2024 - Dr. Jon Spencer (Adjunct Researcher, Department of Geosciences at the University of Arizona) Cenozoic Tectonic Extension in the Sonoran Desert Region and Reconstruction of the Initial Distribution of Porphyry Copper Deposits (62 minutes)
The 2023 AGS Field Trip Guidebook to the South 32 Hermosa Zn-Mn-Ag Project is currently available.
Stankeithite (Mn2Te4+4O10)
A Tellurite from Moctezuma Mine, Sonora Mexico
Stankeithite, a newly discovered mineral is named after long-time AGS member Stan Keith. Stan is a consulting geologist and founder of MagmaChem.
