Geological Insights & Event News

Join the end of season social at FLC where officer elections will be announced. President Jeff Geslin reflects on a successful year of strong talks, renewed field trips, and dedicated volunteers, noting this is his final Prez Sez column. He highlights student research and encourages members to join upcoming excursions. Field trips include the Lower San Juan River geology float, the Chama River Mesozoic section, and the Jurassic Lake T’oo’dichi tour exploring Morrison Formation wetlands and mineralogy. See you at the annual picnic on August 27th.

April 2023 newsletter highlights Fort Lewis College senior geology student presentations including Scott Thomas's main talk on "Undiscovered Gold of Cherry Creek" investigating placer deposits in La Plata Mountains. Short presentations from Sierra Carter (transitional snow zone monitoring), Klara Goldman (dust impact on discharge), Jaclyn Jack (seismic ray modeling), Willem Martin (GTO fault geometry in Lisbon Valley), and Patrick Walston (Condry Mountain Schist analysis). Kristin Brown, Chuck Baltzer, and Jim Ballard sponsor student dinners.

March 2023 newsletter features Fort Lewis College's Nate Klema presenting on Cascade Range magmatic uplift signaled by geophysical signals and disequilibrium topography of Columbia River Gorge, examining how volcanic arc topography builds through magmatic and tectonic processes offset by erosion. President Jeff Geslin discusses banner snow year benefits for Rocky Mountain water resources. Chuck Baltzer sponsors five FLC student dinners.

February 2023 newsletter features Colorado Geological Survey geologists Lauren Broes, Kassandra Lindsey, and Nathan Rogers presenting surficial geologic mapping of four quadrangles near Durango, covering Cretaceous through Quaternary deposits including glacial terraces, landslides, and formations from Lewis Shale to San Jose. President Jeff Geslin discusses field safety training importance including CPR/AED, wilderness first aid, and first responder courses.

January 2023 newsletter features Dr. Bob Krantz discussing geologic and fluid evolution of the Paradox Basin, examining 10 major episodes including Laramide significance. Heartfelt memorial tribute to John Youle, beloved FCGS member who passed December 2022. President Jeff Geslin reports on SW Colorado snowpack improvements addressing drought conditions. Extensive field trip announcements for 2023 including Mesozoic Durango area, San Juan River float, Chama River, and Morrison Formation tours.

December 2022 newsletter features special holiday geo-extravaganza with two events: FLC Geosciences student poster presentations on senior research projects, and Dr. Chris Heine discussing the geology behind Nabataean archaeology at Mada'in Saleh (Saudi Arabia) and Petra (Jordan). President Jeff Geslin emphasizes strengthening ties between FCGS and FLC students, highlighting skills crucial for career success. Bisti/De-Na-Zin field trip photos showcase petrified wood, ash layers, and Cretaceous-Paleogene contacts.