Graduate Study in Earth Surface Processes and Sedimentology

State University of New York at Binghamton

Graduate research opportunities in Earth Surface Processes and Sedimentology are primarily associated with the following faculty members:

 

 

  • Bridge, J.S.
    • Experimental studies of sediment transport, bedforms and sedimentary structures
    • Studies of modern river processes and deposits
    • Computer simulation of large-scale fluvial deposition
    • Sedimentology of fluvial and coastal deposits around the world
  • Demicco, R.V.
    • Sedimentology of carbonate rocks
    • Application of fuzzy logic in geology
  • Knuepfer, P.L.K.
    • Effects of neotectonics on river processes
    • Landscape evolution in active orogens
    • Origin of glacial depositional features
    • Proglacial lakes in New York State: isostatic rebound and meltwater flux
  • Lowenstein, T.
    • Paleoclimatic studies of saline lake deposits
    • Temporal variations in seawater chemistry deduced from marine evaporites
    • Paleobiology of ancient salt formations

     

      These research activities involve collaboration with other faculty members within our department, as well as scientists in other departments or institutions. For example, Salvage and Barker collaborate with Bridge on examining effects of sediment heterogeneity on groundwater flow, and on application of ground-penetrating radar in shallow subsurface studies, respect ively. Salvage, Graney, and Knuepfer are examining the hydrolog y of small watersheds in the Binghamton area, combining surface and subsurface studies by them and their students.


A comparison between a photomozaic of a trench (top) and a 450 MHz GPR profile taken at the same location (bottom). Research of John Bridge and Ian Lunt on the North Shore of Alaska.


Graduate students Andy Bobst (left) and Matt Hein (right) sample salt deposits in the Atacama Basin, Chile. Research of Tim Lowenstein.

Relevant research facilities include:
  • sedimentology laboratory with standard facilities;
  • 10-m long laboratory flume that recirculates water and sediment;
  • equipment for measuring water flow, sediment transport and bedforms;
  • sediment coring equipment;
  • DCP-atomic emission spectrometer;
  • JEOL-8900 'Super Probe';
  • scanning electron microscopes;
  • X-ray diffractometer;
  • heating-freezing microscopes;
  • cathodoluminescence microscope;
  • 24-channel shallow seismic reflection instruments;
  • paleomagnetics laboratory;
  • aerial photographic interpretation equipment;
  • GIS laboratory.

Across-strike synthetic cross-section of a del ta model in which the sediment dispersal pattern was controlled by a fuzzy logic routine. Cross section is approximately 250 km across. Colors reflect sediment type. Bright colors are coarse, well-sorted sands whereas blues represent muds. Research of Bob Demicco.

Most graduate students in Earth Surface Processes and Sedimentology are supported financially by grant-supported research assistantships or teaching assistantships. Our graduate students have subsequently become employed in a broad range of activities, including in the oil industry, in government (research laboratories, environmental conservation departments or geological surveys), as high school teachers, as university professors and researchers, and in geological and environmental consulting companies.

Graduate courses in Earth Surface Processes and Sedimentology are as follows:
  • GEOL 510 RIVERS AND FLOODPLAINS
  • GEOL 511 ADVANCED GEOMORPHOLOGY
  • GEOL 513 QUATERNARY GEOLOGY
  • GEOL 535 SEDIMENTARY ENVIRONMENTS AND FACIES
  • GEOL 537 PHYSICAL PROCESSES OF SEDIMENTATION
  • GEOL 539 ADVANCED TOPICS IN SEDIMENTOLOGY
  • GEOL 614 SEMINAR IN GEOMORPHOLOGY
  • GEOL 678 CHEMICAL SEDIMENTS
  • GEOL 679 DIAGENESIS

John Bridge and graduate students in the Siwalik Range, Pakistan.

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Last modified: October 4, 2007 (adh)