A high-resolution palynological analysis of the St. Stephens Quarry, Alabama: locating the Eocene-Oligocene boundary and characterizing the environmental changes across the margin

The Eocene-Oligocene (E-O) transition is a key interval in geological history because it marks a major change in Earth’s climate and because these strata are also popular oil targets in the Gulf Coast. E-O sequences in Alabama are stratigraphically complex. The St. Stephens Quarry (SSQ) in Alabama is one of the few accessible quarries along the Gulf Coast where the E-O boundary is visible in outcrop. Despite the abundance of research projects conducted in the SSQ, many controversies still surround the E-O boundary placement and correlation to the Global Stratotype in the Massignano section in Italy that is based on the extinction of the Hantkeninidae family. The lack of Hantkenina sp. (Miller et. al., 2008) in a core from near the SSQ and the stratigraphy there contribute to the controversy in boundary placement. To supplement the rarity of foraminifera biomarkers in the section, I present the results of a high-resolution palynological study of the St. Stephens Quarry in Alabama, to help better constrain the boundary placement and associated environmental changes. The new data provide 1) an alternate biostratigraphic zonation and locate the E-O boundary based on organic-walled microfossils to increase biostratigraphic control in the Gulf Coast region, 2) a way to supplement and assist biosteering when foraminifera are not present, and 3) new environmental data (sea-surface conditions and climate) across the boundary. By comparing SSQs palynomorph assemblages to worldwide stratigraphic charts we have established that the E-O boundary occurs within the transition between the Shubuta marl and the Bumpnose limestone (between 3.60- 3.65m depth)

Master of Science

thesisWe collected a new data set of 1354 broadband SPdKS waveforms sampling the western Pacific Ocean region. These data indicate that multiple ultra-low velocity zones (ULVZs) exist in this region. We compared these data to synthetic seismograms computed with the axisymmetric finite difference method PSVaxi for a suite of 517 unique ULVZ models. The region beneath the North and South Philippine Sea shows no evidence for ULVZ presence. The region beneath the Coral Sea shows a large ULVZ, which is approximately 700 x 700 km in lateral dimensions and up to 20 km thick. Multiple small scale ULVZs approximately 180 x 180 km and up to 10 km thick are inferred beneath the South China Sea. Our findings are consistent with previous efforts utilizing the ScP seismic phase and provide additional constraints on ULVZ elastic parameters

Pseudoatrypa Keslingi, A New Middle Devonian Brachiopod From The Long Lake Limestone, Alpena County, Michigan, U.S.A.

http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/89590/1/Contributions32 no4 12-23-2011.pd

Low Linolenic Soybean Variety Trial

This project is designed to compare the yields of the new Iowa State low linolenic soybean varieties with soybean varieties commonly grown in the territory covered by the Southeast Research Farm near Crawfordsville, Iowa. The territory where these low linolenic soybeans were grown was fairly broad, so the varieties used in this trial varied by one maturity range. The new low linolenic soybean varieties are adapted to the area surrounding the research facility, and producers will need performance data to determine whether the premium offered for growing the new soybeans is adequate. Premiums are designed to cover yield drag and identity preservation costs

Effects of Planting Date and Polymer-Coated Seed on Corn

This project was designed to study the effect that polymer-coated seed has on corn emergence and yield. The coating technology used is the Intellicoat® Early Plant Seed Coating Technology. Intellicoat is derived from natural, biodegradable fatty acids that act as temperature-sensitive switches. Thus when soil temperatures warm above 55°F for several days, the polymer allows water to permeate the seed, which in turn allows germination to proceed

Remarital Chances, Choices, and Economic Consequences: Issues of Social and Personal Welfare

Many divorced women experience a significant decline in financial, social, physical, and psychological well-being following a divorce. Using data from the NLSY79 (n= 2,520) we compare welfare recipients, mothers, and impoverished women to less marginalized divorcees on remarriage chances. Furthermore, we look at the kinds of men these women marry by focusing on the employment and education of new spouses. Finally, we address how remarriage and spousal quality (as defined by education and employment) impact economic well-being after divorce. Our results show that remarriage has positive economic effects, but that is dependent upon spousal quality. However, such matches are rare among divorced women with children and in poverty. The implications of our results for social welfare issues are discussed

Altered Fatty Acid Soybeans

This project is designed to look at the yields of Iowa State University’s new altered fatty acid soybean varieties and a similar Monsanto variety. These soybeans are being grown in the area served by the research farm only to a small extent this year and will be grown much more extensively in 2006. Premiums for 2006 will be designed to cover yield drag and identity preservation costs