stem presentation 03-04-16

Geology is…Science

TechnologyEngineering

Mathematics

Russell Keenan, PMPMesa View Middle School STEM Day

March 4, 2016

Presentation Outline

• Introduction

• What is Geology?

• What do Geologists Study?

• Examples of Applied Geology

• Who Hires Geologists?

• Shortage of Geologists

Russell Keenan, PMP Mesa View Middle School STEM Day 03/04/2016 2

Introduction, Education, and BackgroundEducation: Bachelor of Science, Geology (University of New Mexico)

Profession: Professional Project Manager, Consultant

Areas of Expertise:• Petro-chemicals• Solid waste management• Mining

Who I Work For:• Public and private companies• Local, state, and federal governmental agencies


Why Did I Study Geology?

• Rock & mineral collecting

• Building & Construction

• Earth sciences

• Geography & maps

• History

• Mathematics

• Astronomy & space exploration

• Computer science

• Travel

• Working outside

• Exploring

• Photography

• Camping, hiking, rock climbing

• Skiing, snowshoeing


What is Geology?

ge·ol·o·gy (jēˈäləjē)noun

The science that deals with the earth's physical structure and substance, its history, and the processes that act on it.

• the geological features of an area.

• the geological features of a planetary body.



Photograph of the Earth taken from space.Source: Allen Betts – Atmospheric Reasearcher; allenbetts.com


Relative ages of Earth and Life Compared to a 24-Hour Clock:

Formation of earth - 0:00 AM

Single-celled organisms - 2:08 PM (1408)

Dinosaurs - 10:36 PM (2236)

Mammals - 11:39 PM (2339)

Humans - 11:59 PM (2359)

Geology Major Course Work

Mathematics• Calculus (3)• Statistics (2)• Differential equations (1)

Chemistry• General (2)• Physical (1)• Organic (1)

Physics• Newtonian (1)• Relativistic (1)• Optics & light (1)

Geology• Historical (1)• Oceanography (1)• Mineralogy (2)• Petrology (2)• Stratigraphy & Sedimentology (1)• Structural (3)• Geomorphology (1)• Geophysics (2)• Hydrogeology (1)• Numerical modeling (1)• Mapping (2)• Engineering Geology (1)


Examples of Applied Geology

• Mineralogy

• Oil Exploration

• Geophysics

• Research

• Hydrogeology

• Economic Geology

• Environmental Geology

• Engineering Geology

• Mining Geology


Mineralogy


Mineralogy (Naima Mine, Chiahuahua, Mexico)


Off-Shore Oil Exploration & Production


Land-Based Oil Exploration & Production



Signal Hill Oil Field, Long Beach, California, 1937Source: Spence Historical Photography Library

Venice Beach, California, Oil Production, 1952Source: Spence Historical Photography Library

Local Oil Production

Geophysics (seismic exploration)


Geophysics (plate tectonics)


Geophysics (Seismicity of the U.S 1975-1995)


Research (Scanning Electron Microscope)


Electron Microscope Images


Snow Flake Pollen

Electron Microscope Images


Micro-Calcite Gem-Quality Opal at 100,000X

Space… Just Another Geology Frontier


Dr. Harrison “Jack” Schmitt(Apollo 17, 1972)

Hydrogeology (Groundwater Monitoring)


Hydrogeology (Groundwater Investigations)


Economic Geology (Ore Body Evaluation)


Economic Geology (Data Mining)


Source: “ExxonMobil 2015 The Outlook for Energy: A View to 2040”

Environmental Geology (Groundwater Cleanup)


Environmental Geology (Surface Water Cleanup)


Engineering Geology


Sink Hole Dam Foundation

Engineering Geology (Northridge Earthquake, 1984)


Mining Geology (Open Pit Gold Mine and Nuggets)


> 1 Mile

Mining Geology (Coal Mining)


Underground Coal MineSurface Coal MineImage courtesy of worradmu at FreeDigitalPhotots.net

Mining Geology (Aggregate (AKA Gravel) Mining)


Who Hires Geologists?

• Education / Teaching• Oil companies• Mining Companies• Engineering Firms• Environmental Firms• Local, State, Federal Government Agencies• Planning Firms


We Need More Geologists!!!

• National Science Foundation estimates 1% - 3% of college students major in physical sciences….even less in engineering

• There is already a shortage of geology students and graduates

• Geologists Compensation: $45,000 - $150,000+ / year


Thank You For Your Attention


stem presentation 03-04-16

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