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APRIL MEETING
Join us Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at the
Fernbank Museum of Natural
History, 760 Clifton Road NE,
Atlanta GA. The meeting social
starts at 6:30 pm. This month our
speakers will be Dr. Miles O. Hayes
and Dr. Jacqueline Michel. They will
be speaking on the evolution of the
coastal geomorphology of the
Georgia coast during and since the
Pleistocene describing coastal
processes and sedimentation
patterns that have formed the
modern coastal zone. Topics include
the origin of barriers, estuaries, and
deltas along the Georgia coast. We
also cover beach erosion causes and
methods to control erosion. We
finish with a summary of the coastal
geomorphology and processes in
four major coastal compartments.
Please come and enjoy the social time,
talk with our generous speakers and
learn from an interesting presentation
on Tuesday, May 27, 2014.
_______________________________
Next meeting of the Atlanta Geological Society is
May 27, 2014
Fernbank Museum of Natural History (Clifton Road)
Social begins at 6:30 pm – Meeting begins at 7:00 pm
May 2014
Atlanta Geological Society Newsletter
ODDS AND ENDS Ben Bentkowski, Newsletter Editor
Sorry but I will be on travel and will not
see you for Tuesday’s coastal
geomorphology presentation. I will say
that I enjoyed my own little
investigation into coastal
geomorphology last week disguised as
a family vacation at the beach. I do find
those times an opportunity time to feed
the geologist/nerd part of me. I found a
clearance sale on the GSA website and
ordered up some vacation reading. I
tend towards topics I know little of but
have some interest in knowing a bit
more. I enjoyed the relatively thin book
on the Permian Extinction. The book on
the formation of the Australian
Continent (with its three cratons) was
interesting. I didn’t get to the History of
the Gulf of Mexico Basin because I did
not have a CD drive. At $5 or $10
dollars apiece, I thought, how could I go
wrong? But I did. I must confess that
the post-Miocene Sedimentary Basins of
Bulgaria depicted in cross section was
to obscure, even for me.
BB
Page 2 AGS MAY 2014
SPEAKERS’ BIO: Miles Hayes
Dr. Miles O. Hayes is a coastal geomorphologist with over 35 years of
experience in research on coastal processes and sedimentation. He has
authored over 200 articles and reports on numerous topics relating to oil
pollution, tidal hydraulics, beach erosion, barrier-island morphology, and
petroleum exploration. Based on extensive field experience throughout the
world, he has developed innovative techniques regarding environmental
protection, depositional modeling, and shoreline processes.
Original concepts proposed and developed by him include: 1) importance of
hurricanes to barrier island and nearshore shelf sedimentation; 2) effect of tides
on shoreline morphology and sedimentation patterns (particularly in
embayments); 3) morphology of tidal inlets; 4) the mesotidal beach cycle; 5)
applications of coastal geology to oil-spill response; 6) the coastal
Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) for oil spills, which has been used to
map most of the coastline of the USA and many other coastlines of the world;
and 7) the Reach Sensitivity Index (RSI) for oil spills in small rivers and
streams.
Hayes’ teaching experience includes a range of both undergraduate and
graduate courses while a professor at the Universities of Massachusetts and
South Carolina. Seventy-two graduate students received their degrees under
his supervision, most of whom are now leaders in their respective academic,
government and industry positions. He is co-leader of various RPI courses on
Oil Spill Planning and Response, a week-long training exercise for both
government and industrial clients, encompassing numerous topics from inlet
protection strategies to appropriate cleanup strategies for oil on sand beaches.
AGS MAY 2014 Page 3
SPEAKER’S BIO: Jacqueline Michel
Dr. Michel is a geochemist specializing in terrestrial and marine pollution studies,
coastal geomorphology, and environmental risk assessments. Having worked in 33
countries, she has extensive international experience and has worked in many
different coastal and marine environments.
Dr. Michel is one of the founders of RPI and has been President since 2000. She often
leads multi-disciplinary teams on projects where her problem-solving skills are
essential to bringing solutions to complex issues. For example, her work during spill
emergencies requires her to rapidly develop consensus and provide decision-makers
needed information. Because of her routine scientific support for spills, she has
extensive knowledge of and practical experience in pollutant fate, transport, and
effect issues. She has been a leader in the development of methods and the conduct
of Natural Resource Damage Assessments following spills and groundings. She has
taken a lead role in 28 damage assessments for Federal and State Trustees since
1985.
Dr. Michel has been recognized for her achievements through appointments to
many respected committees and panels, including four National Academies
committees: Spills of Nonfloating Oil (1999); Oil in the Sea (2002); Chairman of Spills
of Emulsified Fuels: Risks and Response (2001); and Chairman of Committee on
Understanding Oil Spill Dispersants: Efficacy and Effects (2005). She was on the
Oceans Studies Board for 2001-2005 and is a Lifetime Associate of the National
Academies. She was on the Science Advisory Panel to the U.S. Commission on
Ocean Policy. She is an Adjunct Professor in the School of the Environment,
University of South Carolina. She has written over 200 technical reports and
publications, including 25 peer-reviewed journal articles.
She has co-authored three books on the coastal geology and ecology of different
coastal states, targeted to the layperson living on or visiting the coast: South
Carolina (2008), Central California (2010), and Georgia (2013). A book on the
Southern Alaska coast is in preparation.
Page 4 AGS MAY 2014
Shattering past of the 'island of glass': Pantelleria, a little-known island near Sicily, was once covered in a searing-hot layer of green glass Date: May 21, 2014
Source:University of Leicester http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/05/140521094747.htm
Volcanologists Drs Mike Branney, Rebecca Williams and colleagues at the University of Leicester Department
of Geology have been uncovering previously unknown facts about the island's physical history.
And their study, published in "Geology" earlier this year, also provides insights into the nature of hazardous
volcanic activity in other parts of the world.
"Incandescent rock fragments suspended in the all-enveloping volcanic cloud were so hot, molten and sticky
that they simply fused to the landscape forming a layer of glass, over hills and valleys alike. The hot glass
then actually started flowing down all the slopes rather like sticky lava. 'Ground zero' in this case was the
entire island -- nothing would have survived -- nature had sterilized and completely enamelled the island.
"Today Pantelleria is verdant and has been re-colonised, but even as you approach it by ferry you can see the
green layer of glass covering everything -- even sea cliffs look like they've been draped in candle wax. Exactly
how this happened has only recently come to light."
The Leicester team have reconstructed how the incandescent density current gradually inundated the entire
island. They carefully mapped-out how the chemistry of the glass varies from place to place, and use this to
show in unparalleled detail how the ground-hugging current at first was restricted to low, central areas, but
then gradually advanced radially towards hills, eventually overtopping them all. Even more remarkably, the
devastating current then gradually retreated from hill-tops, and the area covered by it gradually decreased so
that, by the end of the eruption, only lower ground, close to the volcano continued to be immersed by it. Such
advance-retreat behaviour may be typical of catastrophic currents in nature, such as at other volcanoes, and it
may help us better understand undersea currents that are triggered by earthquakes.
"We are trying to ascertain whether this volcanic eruption was just a freak, oddball event. Well, it turns out
that the delightful island, now used as a quiet getaway by celebrities, has been the site of at least five
catastrophic eruptions of similar type. "The remarkable volcanic activity on the island was not just a one-off.
And as the volcano continues to steam away quite safely, it seems reasonable that in thousands of years time,
it may once again erupt with devastating effect.
"Our investigations should help us understand what happens during similar and much larger explosive
eruptions elsewhere around the world, such as the Yellowstone-Snake River region of USA."
A tiny Mediterranean island
visited by the likes of
Madonna, Sting, Julia Roberts
and Sharon Stone is now the
focus of a ground-breaking
study by University of
Leicester geologists.
Pantelleria, a little-known
island between Sicily and
Tunisia, is a volcano with a
remarkable past: 45 thousand
years ago, the entire island
was covered in a searing-hot
layer of green glass.
AGS MAY 2014 Page 5
BENEFITS OF AN AGS MEMBERSHIP Location – AGS meets at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History,
which is a truly awesome facility central to most of our membership.
Cost – AGS membership ($25 general; $10 student) is the most
inexpensive for any geological society in the SE.
Active – AGS holds nine lectures a year and is one of the most active
geological societies in the SE.
AEG – For one of our lectures, AGS co-sponsors with the Association of
Environmental & Engineering Geologists to annually present the
“Richard H. Jahns Distinguished Lecturer” while in Atlanta.
PDH – AGS is recognized by Alabama, South Carolina, and other
professional state boards to provide Professional Development Hours
for our lectures, as well as field trips and workshops.
PG Classes – AGS offers nearly monthly Professional Geologist
development training classes in preparation for passing the ASBOG
examinations and has been recognized by the Georgia State Geologist as
enhancing PG test scores for participants.
Free Food – AGS offers free pizza and Coke at all of our regular
meetings, sandwiches and hors d’oeuvres at the Jahns lecture, and a sit-
down BBQ dinner at our June social.
IMAX – As part of the June social, AGS and Fernbank present a free
IMAX movie.
Networking – AGS meetings include professionals, academics,
regulators, and others who all share the same interest in geological
sciences.
Resume – AGS membership and even involvement in one of our many
committees will enhance any resume.
Annual membership dues for the Atlanta Geological Society are $25 for
professional membership, $10 for students, and $100 for corporate
sponsorship (which includes up to 4 professional memberships). Please
complete the application form and submit with your payment to the AGS
Treasurer. For further details about membership, please contact the AGS
Membership Chairman – Ben Bentkowski
cell -770-296-2529 [email protected]
Page 6 AGS MAY 2014
Mount St. Helens eruption: Rare
aerial photos never seen before shot
during 1980 eruption http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-
news/index.ssf/2014/05/mount_st_helens_eruption_the_s.html
The ash cloud was dramatic but the eruption’s lateral blast devastated an area
nearly 19 miles from west to east and more than 12 miles north. For six miles
from the former summit, the formerly dense forest had virtually no trees
remaining. Elsewhere, standing trees were blown to the ground. This photo
was taken at 10:35 a.m. May 18, 1980. R. G. Bowen/Special to The Oregonian.
Please follow the reference link for more photos. Ed.
AGS MAY 2014 Page 7
156 Heaton Park Drive, Atlanta, GA 30307
Phone: 678-874-7102 Fax: 678-874-7110 Web: fsc.fernbank.edu FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June for Geology: Walks and Talks by Fernbank Geologist and Author Fernbank Science Center Geologist and co-author of Roadside Geology of Georgia Dr. Bill Witherspoon will hit the road on three June weekends to give geology programs for the general public at several of Georgia’s favorite destinations. Roadside Geology of Georgia (Mountain Press Publishing, 2013) “takes the general reader to Georgia’s natural wonders and explains the science that lies behind the scenery,” according to Witherspoon, and his walks and talks extend this theme. Witherspoon will show visitors the geology that makes Amicalola Falls, one of the highest cascading waterfalls (729 feet) east of the Mississippi River, in a walk on June 6 at 11:00 AM. The following afternoon, June 7, at 1:00 at the Amicalola Falls Visitor Center, he will present “River Rivalries: the Battle That Made Georgia Mountain Scenery.” The slideshow illustrates how competition between eroding streams created scenic features, such as Tallulah Gorge, Amicalola Falls, and steep mountain slopes across Northeast Georgia. At 3:30 on June 7, Witherspoon will speak at the Dahlonega Gold Museum. The slideshow “Geology, Gold, and the Making of Georgia” tells how Georgia’s gold became concentrated over a time span of half a billion years, then sparked America’ s first gold rush that contributed to the state’s unique character. The following weekend, Witherspoon will visit FD Roosevelt State Park for a June 14 walk along the crest of Pine Mountain. The 9:30 AM walk will be followed by a slide program, “The Ridge that Drew Roosevelt: the Origin and Life of Pine Mountain and Warm Springs.” Appearing with him will be Georgia State University biogeographer Dr. Leslie Edwards, co-author of Natural Communities of Georgia (UGA Press, 2013). She will show why Pine Mountain is famous among botanists as a “geographic crossroads” where plants from the Coastal Plain, Piedmont, and mountains can be found in close proximity. On June 28, the two authors will team up again to reveal the geology of Brasstown Bald and how it influences plants and animals. In a slide program, “A Window through Time: Geology and Nature at Georgia’s Highest Summit,” Witherspoon shows how Brasstown Bald’s craggy rocks, with their tiny red garnets, are surrounded by very different rocks from a far-distant ocean floor. Edwards will explain, both in the talk and on the walk that follows, how the peak is like an “island in the sky,” sheltering plants that were more widespread in the southeast when the climate was cooler, and are now in their southernmost outpost here. Anna Ruby Falls, near Helen, is the last June stop for Witherspoon. On June 29 at 1:00 he will repeat a geology walk that drew a good crowd last year, despite a particularly rainy day. All events are free with admission to the respective venues. Attendees who register for these and other upcoming Roadside Geology of Georgia author events are eligible for a COOL BILLION-year-old rock. Register at georgiarocks.us/events or “Join” in facebook.com/RoadsideGeologyGA/events. Contact for information: Dr. Bill Witherspoon, Fernbank Science Center, 678-874-7150, [email protected].
Page 8 AGS MAY 2014
AGS MAY 2014 Page 9
The 2014 Georgia Student Archaeological Research Grant
The Society for Georgia Archaeology (SGA), Georgia Council of Professional
Archaeologists (GCPA), and Georgia Department of Natural Resources are
jointly sponsoring student research grants for 2014. These research grants are
competitive awards given to support undergraduate and graduate student
research that focuses on the archaeology of Georgia.
A total of three research grants will be awarded in 2014. Two grants of $375.00
will be awarded at the 2014 SGA Fall meeting to support undergraduate
research projects, and one grant of $2,000.00 will be awarded for thesis or
dissertation research. Proposal and budget guidelines and instructions for
submission may be found on the Georgia Student Archaeological Research
Grant application form, located on the SGA website
http://thesga.org/2014/03/joint-researchgrant-debuts/).
The following shall be required of each applicant:
1. The primary focus of the project must be in Georgia, including but not limited
to a particular site or group of sites, a collection, or theoretical issue of particular
relevance to the state.
2. Each applicant must be a member of SGA and must maintain an active
membership throughout the life of the project.
3. Each applicant must be sponsored by a faculty member who has an active
membership in SGA and GCPA. Out-of-state applicants whose sponsoring
faculty member is not a member of GCPA may contact Tom Lewis as
[email protected] to discuss GCPA co-sponsors.
4. The successful applicant will give a presentation at a SGA meeting and will
agree to submit a manuscript to Early Georgia, a biannual journal published by
the Society for Georgia Archaeology, and see it through to publication within
one year for undergraduates and two years for graduate students.
For questions or assistance with problems, please contact Tom Lewis at
Page 10 AGS MAY 2014
Whales: Giants of the Deep On view February 15 – August 24, 2014
Journey to the vibrant underwater world of the mightiest animals on Earth.
Did you know that a blue whale is the same size as a 737 airplane, or that its
tongue alone weighs more than a whole elephant? Did you also know that gray
whales migrate over 12,000 miles a year, farther than any other mammal known?
Plunge into the mysterious world of whales and explore their relationship with
humans. Featuring a unique blend of science and storytelling, this interactive
exhibition is filled with fun ways to explore whales from the inside-out.
Highlights include opportunities to explore whale songs, traditional legends from
the South Pacific, beautiful artifacts, enormous whale skeletons up to 58-feet-long,
and unique experiences such as climbing through a life-sized model of whale heart
(that’s as big as a car!).
Read what critics have to say about Whales: Giants of the Deep.
Tickets for Whales: Giants of the Deep are included with Museum admission and
are free for members.
Birds of the Bali Aviary
On view February 15 – August 24, 2014
Inspired by magazines including Life and National Geographic, photographer
Frank Sharp developed a passion for both photography and travel. During his
travels, he’s used his camera to record the cultures, landscapes and animals he’s
encountered. This exhibition features color photos taken in the Taman Burung Bali
Bird Park, situated in the Papua rainforest in southern Bali, Indonesia. The park
plays a key role in protecting and conserving Indonesia’s endangered wildlife and
also includes species from Africa, Australia and the Americas.
AGS MAY 2014 Page 11
Now Showing in the Fernbank IMAX movie theater:
Journey to the South Pacific Showing January 23 – June 5, 2014 Run time: 40 minutes
Take a breathtaking IMAX® adventure to the lush tropical islands of remote West Papua, where life flourishes above and
below the sea. Join Jawi, a young island boy, as he takes us on a journey of discovery to this magical place where we
encounter whale sharks, sea turtles, manta rays, and other iconic creatures of the sea. Home to more than 2,000 species
of sea life, this exotic locale features the most diverse marine ecosystem on earth. Narrated by Academy Award® winner
Cate Blanchett, Journey to the South Pacific is an uplifting story of hope and celebration, highlighting the importance of
living in balance with the ocean planet we all call home.
Island of Lemurs : Madagascar Now showing through August 14, 2014 Run time: 40 minutes
A real place you could never imagine. Strange creatures you will never forget.
Experience the incredible true story of nature’s greatest explorers in the NEW giant screen adventure, Island of Lemurs:
Madagascar. The film takes audiences on a spectacular journey to the remote and wondrous world of Madagascar.
Lemurs arrived in Madagascar as castaways millions of years ago and evolved into hundreds of diverse species. Now,
these charmingly strange creatures are highly endangered. This film features trailblazing scientist Dr. Patricia Wright on
her lifelong mission to help lemurs survive in the modern world.
Jerusalem Showing January 3 – April 27, 2014 Run time: 43 minutes Sun @ 5 pm, Fri @ 7 pm
Discover the heart of the world. Jerusalem: sacred to half the people on earth; fought over more than any other place in
history; conquered and destroyed, rebuilt and reinvented repeatedly over 5,000 years. Now, for the first-time ever, a new
giant screen film adventure immerses audiences in a spectacular cinematic journey—soaring high above the Holy Land
and plunging deep into the vibrant Old City—so they can experience the iconic sites cherished by billions as never before.
Membership Dues Payment Status:
Professional Student Corporate* Complimentary
2003 62 22 5 15
2004 81 3 8 15
2005 26 0 3 16
TOTAL 168 22 14 15
* 14 corporate sponsors with329 of 56
individual memberships in active use
Finances:
The AGS account balance is
growing as we receive new 2005
dues payments, advertising, and
sponsors.
Account Balance
as of January 10,
2005 - $ 8,017.69
Fernbank Museum of Natural History Upcoming Public Programs and Events
(All programs require reservations, including free programs)
Page 12 AGS MAY 2014
Heteromorph
NATURE AT ITS MOST BIZARRE
Experiments In Creative Evolution A major new natural history book by Wolfgang Grulke
http://www.heteromorph.com/#/home
Available as a pre-printing order. I just love this stuff.
Who knew you could prospect for these types of fossils
in Japan? Ed.
224 pages, large coffee table format 252 x
297mm landscape
Ammonites dominated the sea before and
during the time dinosaurs dominated the
land. Some ammonites were large
predators not unlike today's giant squid;
others small and delicate. Three times
during their reign of more than 300 million
years ammonites experimented with the
most bizarre and startling shell shapes.
Now, new technology is revealing the full
beauty of these 'heteromorph' ammonites
and they have become some of the most
desirable and passionately collected natural
objects. This is their story … and how they
are becoming a vibrant part of 21st century
lifestyles, art and design. This magnificent
new book is a must for anyone interested in
the wonders of the natural world, and their
impact on our culture.
AGS MAY 2014 Page 13
AGS Committees
AGS Publications: Allison Keefer
Phone (404) 657-8642
Career Networking/Advertising: Todd Roach
Phone (770) 242-9040, Fax (770) 242-8388
Continuing Education: Currently Open
Fernbank Liaison: Chris Bean
Phone (404) 929-6313 [email protected]
Field Trips: Josh Jenkins
Phone (770) 421-3412
Georgia PG Registration: Ken Simonton
Phone: 404-825-3439
John Salvino, P.G.
Teacher Grants: Bill Waggener
Phone (404)354-8752
Hospitality: Currently open
And in need of a volunteer or two.
Social Media Coordinator: Carina O’Bara
Newsletter Editor and Membership
Ben Bentkowski
Phone (404) 562-8507,(770) 296-2529
Web Master: Kathaleen Bentkowski
www.atlantageologicalsociety.org
AGS 2014 Meeting Dates
Listed below are the planned meeting dates for
2014. Please mark your calendar and make
plans to attend.
May 24 PG Workshop
May 27 AGS meeting
Drs. Hayes and Michel on coastal
geomorphology
June 24 Annual Social
June 28 PG Workshop
August 26 AGS meeting
AGS Officers
President: Nils Thompson
Phone (678) 486-2766
Vice-President: Cassidy
Sutherland
Phone (770) 492-8230
Secretary: Rob White
Phone (404) 321-5399
Treasurer: Shannon George
Phone (717)-343-4452
Page 14 AGS MAY 2014
ATLANTA GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY
www.atlantageologicalsociety.org
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FORM
Please print the required details and check the appropriate membership box.
DATE:
NAME:
ORGANIZATION:____________________________________________________________
TELEPHONE (1): TELEPHONE (2):
EMAIL (1): EMAIL (2):
STUDENT $10
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP $25
CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP $100 (Includes 4 professional members, please list names and emails below)
NAME: EMAIL:
NAME: EMAIL:
NAME: EMAIL:
NAME: EMAIL:
For further details, contact the AGS Treasurer: [email protected]
.
Please make checks payable to the “Atlanta Geological Society” and remit with the completed form to:
Atlanta Geological Society
c/o Golder Associates
Attn: Shannon George
3730 Chamblee Tucker Road
Atlanta, GA 30341
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CHECK (CHECK NUMBER: .)
