Geological Insights & Event News

Dr. Smith will update the FCGS on a joint CCUS project between Advanced Hydrocarbon Stratigraphy and N.M. Tech. By extracting volatiles from core samples and well cuttings from the San Juan Basin and Four Corners Platform, the group are re-evaluating historical interpretations of hydrocarbon migration pathways and seals. The new model can be used to predict the effectiveness of targeted zones for storing captured gases. President Nate Klema puts the recent flooding in LaPlata County in context by comparison with historical data and finds this is at odds with the more sensational AI summary.

Dr. Missy Eppes from UNC-Charlotte will speak on rock fractures caused by thermal stresses, which create long-term, sub-critical cracking, rather than one catastrophic fracturing event. President Nate Klema reviews exfoliation in both igneous and sedimentary bedrock outcrops. Jim Corken announces two fall field trips (Hidden Valley in Durango on October 18th and Sand Canyon, west of Cortez, on November 15th). Cindy French announces that a Foundation M.S. grant recipient will present to the society in 2026 on 1.23 Ga old stromatolites and bimodal magmatism in the Burro Mountains of NM.

September 2025 newsletter features Bruce Fouke presenting biomineralization research connecting Yellowstone thermal processes to human tissue calcification. President Nate Klema reports on geological observations from Ladakh expedition along the Indus Suture Zone. Foundation announces new officers and seeks increased donations after receiving only $1200 year-to-date.

FCGS announces the Aug. 17 picnic at Junction Creek with food, games, and a raffle supporting FLC students. Fall events include new field trips, talks at FLC, and a website update. The Grand Junction Geological Society’s Sept. 13 Unaweep Canyon field trip is detailed, covering geologic history, canyon formation, mineralization, and key stops. Sign up is required by Sept. 1.

The FCGS announces the May 8th, end of season party, shares mineral name humor by Dr. David Gonzales, the politics behind the renaming of the Grand River to the Colorado River in 1921 by Dr. Vince Matthews, and the Foundation’s final grant awards, which totaled $2,900 distributed to four M.S. students. Other updates include recent photos from the Aztec Arches and Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness Area field trips, upcoming meetings and trips, the August picnic, and membership renewal details.

April 2025 newsletter features Magdalena Sandoval Donahue on writing the Roadside Geology of New Mexico guidebook. President David Gonzales explores metallic mineral colors through band gap theory and atomic structure. Foundation awards $2900 in M.S. thesis grants to four students. Spring field trips to Aztec Arches and San Juan Basin paleobiology sites.