Geoengineering Constraints on Foundation: Case Study from Queens, New York City, USA

This paper deals with regional geologic information coupled with geoengineering and soil characterization aspects of a facility site to be developed by New York City Agency in Maspeth (40° 43\u27 28 North, 73° 55\u27 10 West), Queens. Soil and sediment samples, collected from depths close to the surface to over 60 m into the bedrock near the Maspeth site in Queens, consist of a zone of non-compact fill materials (3–8 m thick), underlain by a compressible peat and a partially decomposed highly plastic organic layer (liquid limit around 85) associated with calcareous clay and shell fragments (1–3 m thick). The presence of the shell-bearing unit close to the surface may be indicative of a buried estuarine complex in this area. In planning construction projects near waterways in older coastal cities, it is important to consider this possibility. The organic clay and peat layer were underlain by loose-to-firm glacial sand with gravels often intercalated with thin silty clay lenses. The current upper soil horizons are not sufficiently strong to withstand the required loading, which is estimated at near 1200 kips in some locations. The foundation support system will therefore have to be established in the glacial sand, possessing N (blow count) around 50 and liquid limit close to 30 (low plasticity)

WATER FLOW NET CHARACTERIZATION BY USING A TANK MODEL: PRELIMINARY OUTCOME

A model study was conducted to observe and characterize the flow of water through sandy soil. One of the most relevant tools used for characterizing groundwater flow is the flow net. Assuming that water is incompressible and there is zero volume change in the soil mass, it is known that the total rate of inflow is to equal the total rate of outflow. Thus, following the principle of flow continuity, we use the Laplace equation of continuity, to observe the concept of the flow net. Computing the flow through a miniature channel, we observed the total head difference from the first equipotential line to the last equipotential line divided by the number of equipotential lines between the first and last head drop qchannel=(k)(∆H)Nf/Nd. This resulted in multiplication of the permeability by the head difference 1.9 inches by the number of flow channels 4 divided by the number of equipotential line drops 6. Being that this is the scenario, Darcy’s Law is then substituted. This was done by multiplying the hydraulic conductivity by hydraulic gradient to find the velocity. The tank model has been designed to display the flow of groundwater around an obstruction. This model clearly illustrates the flow path and velocity of the groundwater. Constructed with sheets of glass glued together to seal and prevent leakage. A submersible pump was connected to a clear vinyl tube, which is attached to the apparatus with silicone sealing glue, allowing for a constant difference of pressure while the water flows from one side to the other. The apparatus was leak tested prior to the soil being added. The pumps on each side are attached to a bucket of water below to prevent water from over flowing or drying out the soil. As the groundwater flows, traces of the dye which represent the flow lines, or stream function, provides evidence of the water’s flow nets. Overall, it provides a simple approach to understand the practical aspects of groundwater flow

FURTHER STUDY OF GARNET XENOCRYSTS IN NEW YORK CITY MIGMATITES

The authors have previously published an article at the 2004 Geological Society of America Annual Meeting, Petrogenetic Significance of Garnets in the Bedrock of New York City, in which they suggested that the garnet xenocrysts observed in the quartzofeldspathic zones of the migmatites, so frequently seen both at the surface, and below the surface pursuant to the construction of the Manhattan portion of New york City Water Tunnel #3, were a refractory residue of the anatectic melting of the immediately surrounding schistose bedrock. Although the relatively high melting point temperature of garnet compared to other minerals in the surrounding schists and schistose gneiss supports this suggestion, subsequent analysis of the composition of the garnets in the pegmatitic zone of the migmatites shows that they are quite different from the garnets in the immediately surrounding bedrock. This implies that the garnets in the quartzofeldspathic parts of the migmatites were not derived from the bedrock immediately adjacent to them. Further study of garnetiferous bedrock in the area, specifically for the composition of the garnets, could reveal the source rocks of the garnets. This is a project that students could be involved in and which we intend to pursue

LITHOLOGIC CONSTRAINTS ON THE HYDROLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF REGIONAL AQUIFERS IN THE IBB PROVINCE, WEST-CENTRAL REGION OF YEMEN (MIDDLE EAST)

The lithology of the Ibb Province Yemen (Middle East) consists of Precambrian gneissic bedrocks with post-tectonic intrusions of granite and granodiorite. The overall topography is dominated by extensive volcanic extrusions that randomly surround Ibb Province with minimal Mesozoic sedimentary outcrops. According to the Yemen Geological Survey and Mineral Resource Board (YGSMRB), the origin and age of such extrusive bodies that manifest on the surface as dikes, lava flows, and small (currently passive) cinder-cone volcanoes are of Cenozoic age associated with the rifting episode of the Arabian Peninsula and subsequent opening of the Red Sea. The overall aerial extension of the volcanic extrusions diminishes further east towards Hammam-Damt (Al’Dali Province) with a noticeable shift in magma composition from basaltic to rhyolitic. The regional aquifer, a vital source of drinking water, seems to possess similar hydrogeological properties across the Province. However, physical surveys of watersheds, stream patterns, passive pumping stations, and active freshwater wells suggest that unlike rhyolitic rocks, Basaltic rocks are non-vesicular type, dense and having no apparent hydraulic conductivity and in view of these unique lithological characteristics, do not promote groundwater recharge. Also considering extensional geomorphic control on the drainage pattern, it is possible that investigated drainages are fault or structure-controlled and provide a significant constraint on groundwater flow. Therefore, an assessment of such a geomorphological disadvantage was conducted by correlating with terrain geomorphology, bedrock composition, stream patterns, and hydrologic conductivity observed in water wells

Memorial to Charles Alexander Baskerville (1928–2009)

Charles Alexander Baskerville captured our imagination, as a senior colleague in the practice of engineering geology in New York City. “Charlie” held the seat of master Big Apple Geologist during his matured career. He was the source, he knew the possibilities, he was aware of the pitfalls of this most geologically complex of American cities. His final work was his greatest reach—the four bedrock geologic quadrangles of the city. Baskerville mapped New York City for more than fifty years. He was sought and given access to sites of bedrock and bedrock/ overburden interface on the various capitol construction projects undertaken by the City of New York including City Water Tunnel #3. Charles Baskerville had a vision and a sense of duty about his profession: to make the most of his opportunity to practice and to teach applied geology in one of the most difficult of all territories known to geologists—America’s largest city. Professor Baskerville fully knew that the geologic complexities of New York City will never be known to the degree to which new and renovated engineered works can be insulated from huge potentials of cost impacts related to geologic conditions. What he did to improve this situation was to make the most of his determination to solve the emerging riddles and to teach many other geologists, engineers, and public officials to pay attention to what each generation of Big Apple geologists have left us as their legacy. Charlie will hold that record for the foreseeable future, for he worked smart, hard, and gave of his time and knowledge freely and openly

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH NASA STEM CONTENT ALLOWS GREATER GRASS ROOT-LEVEL UNDERSTANDING OF THE PRESENT DAY’S EXTREME CLIMATE CHANGE SCENARIO

The NASA MAA (MUREP Aerospace Academy) project at York College has demonstrated a track record of providing experiential learning opportunities (ELO) to its participating students. ELOs associated with MAA are designed to increase learners’ involvement, knowledge, comprehension and application of learning in one or more STEM subjects/disciplines. They involve inquiry-and-activity-based learning approaches designed for the level of the learner to inspire, engage, and educate while progressively challenging each student. ELO activities enable learners to acquire knowledge, understand what they have learned, and apply that knowledge through inquiry-based tasks. Specifically, we are prepared to address the following priority: Encourage, increase, and sustain youth and public engagement in STEM—Expand the number of U.S. youth (especially those from traditionally underrepresented groups) who have an effective, authentic STEM experience each year prior to completing high school. Being in southeast Queens, York’s program is essentially playing a pivotal role to disseminate STEM resources to minority persons eagerly seeking content knowledge to further their education. Through MUREP, we are committed to advance understanding of the earth and develop technologies to improve the quality of life on our home planet. The introduction of a curriculum enhancement activity (CEA) to the K9-16 students is becoming a new initiative of our MAA project, as well as the formal addition of climate change curricula to the MAA 7-9th grades, and supplying the oversight and resources to accomplish that goal. Numerous studies have shown that providing climate change curriculum to the middle to high school students can allow greater grass root-level understanding of the changing phenomena and scientific constraints associated with such dramatic changes we are now facing. NASA’s Science Directorate in conjunction with MAA will enable us to train MAA students and pre-service teachers in this endeavor and bring greater prominence of the MAA STEM contents to the participating students and disseminate real-time data for a realistic overview of the climate change scenario. NASA MAA STEM Outreach Grant Funded This Projec

PROVENANCE OF A GARNET-RICH BEACH PLACER DEPOSIT, MONTAUK POINT, LONG ISLAND, NY

Garnet and magnetite rich sand, also enriched in monazite and zircon, has been observed and sampled near Montauk Point, Long Island. The sediment is derived from the glacial till and stratified drift of the Ronkonkoma Moraine by mechanical weathering and erosion due to wave action at Montauk Point, the headland on the eastern tip of Long Island. Sand sized sediment is moved westward along the southern shore of Long Island by longshore transport. The garnet and magnetite components of this sediment are significantly denser than the quartzo-feldspathic components. This allows for hydraulic segregation of these components, by wave action, producing a placer deposit of sand enriched in garnet and magnetite. Although the proximal source of the sediment is obviously the Ronkonkoma Moraine, the ultimate source remains to be determined. The chemical composition of selected minerals in the placer deposit is compared that of the same minerals in the rocks of the till. Preliminary results indicate similar garnet compositions, for the most part, in the placer deposit and the rocks of the glacial debris. However the possibility of a mixed provenance for some of the beach sand minerals exists. For example, stratified drift in the Montauk Point area may, in part, be derived from the Harbor Hill Moraine as well as from the Ronkonkoma Moraine. Rocks belonging to the till may come from different source areas as well

DISSEMINATION OF GEOLOGICAL INFORMATION IN AVOIDING GEOTECHNICAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH TUNNEL CONSTRUCTION: LESSONS LEARNED FROM DEEP VOIDS IN MARBLE IN LOWER MANHATTAN, NEW YORK CITY

Test boring associated with the recently accomplished City Water Tunnel # 3 in Manhattan, New York City revealed moderately to highly weathered marble with insoluble silicate residues composed mostly of phlogopite, chlorite, and tremolite. Apparent control on the weatherability of the marble was in response to original mineral constituents dominating this lithology. Encountered marble samples ranged between pure calcitic to mixed dolomitic/siliceous types. Fresh marble samples collected from adjacent boring locations revealed characteristic geochemical data: Lime (25-45%), Silica (4-7%), Alumina (1-3%), MgO (5-20%), and LOI (35-42%); compressive strength of unweathered marble varied between 2000-3000 Kg/cm2. Relict foliations with schistose in nature were also noted in some marbles. Geotechnical characteristics such as sudden decrease in N-value (blow counts), faster drilling rate, and poor RQD (Rock Quality Designation) associated with this weathered zone also suggested incompetent and unconsolidated rock debris. Both physical and geotechnical attributes of the marble indicated the existence of dissolution-controlled subsurface conditions. Although the probability is low, deep voids in the marble in Lower Manhattan could cause problems if the tunnel boring operation intersects them. Usually, solution voids in carbonates do not occur at such depth, unless there is the presence of intricate joint or fracture systems, which continue deep within the subsurface rocks. However, faulting, in and around Canal Street, could create just such a situation. Possible occurrences of complex and perhaps interconnected fractures, enlarged by solution within the marble, may create an easy passageway for water flow. Moreover, it appears that such a void was encountered by a test boring on Bowery Street just south of Canal Street at a depth of about 200 feet. If a water filled void, which is part of an interconnected fracture system, is encountered during the tunnel boring, then water could enter the tunnel at a rate that would be difficult to control. From the test boring data, it appears that the present, proposed tunnel alignment is well west of the major occurrence of the marble. Nevertheless, it would be prudent to be alert to signs of excessive water entering the tunnel, particularly during the probe drilling operations

INTEGRATING DIGITAL TOOLS IN REMOTE LEARNING TO ENHANCE THE DELIVERY METHODS OF TECHNICAL CONTENT IN UNDERGRADUATE GEOSCIENCES

The global transition to remote learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic was an extremely difficult task for both students and faculty in geological sciences. Technical courses, such as Structural Geology, Mineralogy, Petrology, and Invertebrate Paleontology, that require in-person lectures and laboratory sessions involving various rocks and mineral samples, fossils, maps, and models, were a major concern at the start. The challenge of delivering the technical content via Microsoft Teams, Skype, Webex, Blackboard Collaborate Ultra, Zoom, and other internet based platforms was not only a burden for the faculty to carry, as students were struggling to conceptualize outcrop-and-type-section-based information and link these to pertinent geological phenomena dealing with depositional environment, provenance and diagenesis. Traditional classroom teaching heavily depends on signature samples and scaled models routinely used in the classrooms. However, the adaptive approach that integrates ArcGIS Pro, Google Earth Pro, and other geospatial tools coupled with digital libraries of rock samples, video simulations, and 3D scaled models can yield positive results. A preliminary assessment followed by subsequent surveying among the students enrolled in gateway geology courses mentioned above at York College – The City University of New York - revealed that not only was the delivery of the content effective for the most part, students managed to comprehend the conceptual aspects of various plate tectonic processes, key deformational features, association of mineral(s) and rock types with particular tectonic setting, post depositional and geomorphological changes on both a micro- and - macroscale

THE MULTIDISCIPLINARY ENRICHMENT OF UNDERGRADUATE ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY STUDENTS FROM INTERNATIONAL SUMMER PROGRAMS. CASE STUDY: SUMMER 2019 3MUGIS, RUSSIA

Hosted by the People’s Friendly University of Russia (RUDN), the Modeling, Monitoring, and Managing of Urban Green Infrastructure (3MUGIS) summer program was organized by the collaboration of the New York City Urban Soil Institute (NYC-USI), City University of New York – Brooklyn College, and under the auspices of the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS). The program consisted of one-week lecture sessions and two-weeks of fieldwork across five bioclimatic zones, ranging from the sub-arctic tundra of the Kola Peninsula to the Southern Steps of Rostov, Black Sea. Faculty and guest lecturers included scientists with various expertise from Germany, USA, Russia, Italy, and France. Participants consisted of undergraduate and graduate students from Germany, USA, Russia, and China. Lead instructors enriched the participant with valuable content from different disciplines such as climatology, pedology, ecology, environmental geochemistry, hydrology, botany, and geology. Students were exposed to rigorous and hands-on practical field training at various natural preserves, industrial wastelands, and agricultural farmlands. The instructors provided a wealth of information in multi-disciplinary scientific fields that corroborated with knowledge pertaining to geological and environmental sciences. Participating students from different cultural and scientific backgrounds managed to optimize their own learning experience by sharing key aspects of their field of studies, learning from each other, and distilling information. The result of the three-week summer program was a remarkable expansion of skills that enhanced the participants’ research techniques, and correlated with numerous scientific fields including environmental geology. From a social point of view, international students had a unique platform to enjoy their time and bond with each other, thus promoting soft skills and infusing political boundaries