GEOBULLETIN
September 1, 2006

Welcome to all, new and old. May the year bring you personal growth and happiness as a member of the Weeks Hall family.

This is the first Geobulletin of the 2006-2007 school year. It is distributed weekly, on Friday by E-mail. Contributions are requested! Anything and everything (well almost) that you want to see in print. If you have a news item, a request, an announcement etc. email it to geodept@geology.wisc.edu. or leave it at the reception desk, Room 236 by noon on Thursdays.

Welcome from the Chair
Jean M. Bahr

After a relatively calm summer, Weeks Hall is again bustling with the return of faculty, students and staff from field research in exciting and interesting areas of Asia, Australia, and Europe as well as throughout North America. We also have a number of new faces in the department including 15 new grad students. Come meet them today (Friday, Sept. 1) in the Library around 2:45, during the break between the new student orientation and TA training, or at the first Weeks End Seminar starting around 5 PM (on the 4th Floor balcony if the weather cooperates, otherwise in the Cline Lounge on the 2nd Floor).

I want to extend a particular welcome to our two new geophysics faculty, Harold Tobin and Kurt Feigl. Harold comes to us from New Mexico Tech, where he spent 9 years as a faculty member. Kurt has moved to Madison from Toulouse, France, where he has been a scientist with the Centre Nationale de Recherche Scientifique since 1992. For a taste of some of their common research interests, check out their joint Geophysics Seminar (Geol. 991) this fall on the topic "Earthquakes triggering by stress transfer over large distances and long times".

Other new members of the Weeks Hall community who joined us over the summer or are arriving in the fall include Chris Kennedy, Bharati Kollah, Adriana Heimann and Takayuki Ushikubo! Welcome to all.

For those of you who are new to the department, please take time to introduce yourselves to our excellent office and technical staff. These are the people who keep things running from day to day, contribute in countless ways to the success of our research and educational activities, and provide the glue that binds the Weeks Hall community. Below is a list of staff, indicating their responsibilities and ways to contact them if you need their help.

Office Staff:
Teresa Egan (Department Administrator), Rm. 225A, teresa@geology.wisc.edu
Judy Gosse (Accounting), Rm. 217, judy@geology.wisc.edu
Christine Damon (Secretarial, Travel), Rm. 236, chrisk@geology.wisc.edu
Shirley Baxa (Payroll & Benefits), Rm. 221, sbaxa@geology.wisc.edu
Jane Fox-Anderson (Student Records), Rm. 213, jefoxand@geology.wisc.edu
Karen Mullins (Office Reception, Information), Rm. 236, mullins@geology.wisc.edu

Technical Staff:
Ben Abernathy (Computer), Rm.147, ben@geology.wisc.edu
Brian Beard (Radiogenic Isotope Lab), Rm. 309, beardb@geology.wisc.edu
Mary Diman (Graphic Artist), Rm. 239, diman@geology.wisc.edu
John Fournelle (Electron Microprobe), Rm. 306A, johnf@geology.wisc.edu
Brian Hess (Thin Section Lab & Drill Rig), Rm. 206, hess@geology.wisc.edu
Jim Kern (Ion Microprobe Lab) Rm 130 - 134 jkern@geology.wisc.edu
Noriko Kita (Ion Microprobe Lab) Rm. 145, noriko@geology.wisc.edu
Neal Lord (Electronics), Rm. 146, lord@geology.wisc.edu
Lee Powell (Electronics), Rm. 146, leep@geology.wisc.edu
Lee Putman (Machine Shop), Rm. B148, put@geology.wisc.edu
Mike Spicuzza (Stable Isotope Lab), Rm. 337, spicuzza@geology.wisc.edu
Xifan Zhang (Rare Gas Geochronology Lab) Rm. 335, zhangx@geology.wisc.edu

Librarians:
Marie Dvorzak, Rm. 440, mdvorzak@geology.wisc.edu
Toby Lathrop Rm. 440, alathrop@library.wisc.edu

ORIENTATION FOR NEW GRAD STUDENTS is TODAY, September 1, 1:00 - 3:00 PM in Room A259. An orientation program for new TA's will follow. All new graduate students are urged to attend. New TAs are required to attend this session and the TA orientation session that follows (from 3-5 PM). Continuing grad students, faculty and staff are invited to the orientation and to join the students for refreshments in the Library around 2:45 PM during the break between new student orientation and TA training or come to Weeks End Seminar.

NEW GRAD STUDENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
Daniel Alvarado
Stefanie Dilts
Kallina Dunkle
Emily Freeman
Peter Garrafo
Drew Gower
Sarah Greene
Matthew Knuth
MaryRuth Kotelnicki
Seann McClure
Ian Orland
Manuel Rodriguez
Jennifer Walker
Tao Wu
Jie Xu

REMINDER ----- Department offices on 2^nd floor will be closed on Monday, September 4^th in observance of Labor Day. Reopen Tuesday at 7:00 AM.

FACULTY MEETINGS ----- The first faculty meeting of the year will be held Wednesday, September 13, 2006 at 3:30 pm. The remainder of meetings for first semester will be at the same time, same room and are scheduled as follows: October 11, November 8 and December 6. Council meetings will normally be held on the Wednesday preceding the faculty meeting.

GEOCLUB OFFICERS FOR THIS YEAR ARE AS FOLLOWS:
PRESIDENT --------- Jon Carter

VICE PRESIDENT ------ Morgan Herrick
SECRETARY --------- Bryn Benford

TREASURER ------------ Mark Stevens
SODA CZAR ---------- JoAnn Gage
ELUCIDATOR --------- Eric Shullenberger

FIELD TRIP ------ Chris Lowry & Chris Muffels
MONITORS ----- Jessica Lopez, Kathy Bolger and Ninfa Harrington
WEBSITE GURU ---- Penny Lancaster

GEOCLUB FIELD TRIP is scheduled September 22 & 23. See Chris Lowry or Chris Muffels for details.
GEOCLUB FALL PICNIC ----- Friday, September 8th; 5:30pm =AD 9ish AT Elver Park, Old Shelter ----- Cost is $7 for adults and kids are free. Sign up with Karen in the office by Thursday, Sept 7^th.

FALL 2005 LECTURE SCHEDULE ---- All lectures (unless otherwise noted) are held on Fridays at 3:30 PM in AB20 (Laudon Lecture Hall). Coffee and cookies are served in the lobby starting at 3:15 PM.
September 8

September 15
September 21 -------- Pradeep Talwani ----
September 22 --------- Katerina Billups ----- University of Delaware ----- IODP Distinguished Lecturer

September 29 --------   Peter Heaney ----- Pennsylvannia State University ----
October 6 ------------- Dimitri Sverjensky ---- Johns Hopkins University ----
October 13 -----------  Fred Frey ------ MIT

October 20
October 27

November 3
November 10
November 17

November 24 ------- THANKSGIVING RECESS
December 1

December 8

THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PETROLEUM GEOLOGISTS FOUNDATION announces its 2007 Grants in Aid Program for geoscience graduate students whose research has application to the search for and development of petroleum and energy-mineral resources, and/or related environmental geology issues. For further information, contact Rebecca Griffin Grants-in-Aid Coordinator Toll-Free 1.888.945.2274 Ext. 644. Visit the web site for the 2006 Grant-in-Aid recipients

The Institute on Lake Superior Geology (ILSG) provides grants up to $500 to support student projects in the Lake Superior region. Deadline in August 31. for more info go to http://lakesuperiorgeology.org/studentscholarship.html

Seismology Education Short Course Offered At GSA -------- Enhanced Seismology Education for Undergraduates [504] Sat., 21 Oct., 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Cosponsored by GSA Geoscience Education Division. This workshop is intended for faculty at 2- and 4-year colleges and universities who wish to learn both new seismology content and instructional strategies to effectively convey content to students. Seismology topics will include "hot topics," causes of earthquakes, propagation of seismic waves, statistics and data, Earth's structure, and hazards. Educational topics will feature instructional sequences, student conceptions in geoscience, and constructivist learning theory. Effective science instruction will be modeled by emphasizing hands-on and inquiry-based activities to deliver content to learners.   Faculty: Jeff Barker, Ph.D., Binghamton University; Michael Hubenthal, IRIS Consortium; Tom Owens, Ph.D., University of South Carolina; Michael Wysession, Ph.D.   Limit: 25. Fee: $15; includes course materials and lunch.   Registration for the course occurs during the meeting registration process. http://www.geosociety.org/meetings/2006/index.htm   Michael Hubenthal ----- Education Specialist ----- IRIS Consortium 607-777-4612   www.IRIS.edu --- --

GSA GRANTS ---- GSA is offering travel and research to selected GSA Student Associates. More information and application forms can be printed from the GSA North-Central Section web site at: http://ncgsa.unl.edu/current-forms/student-forms.htm.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE -- DETAILS AVAILABLE IN THE OFFICE -
University of Leeds, UK ------ Postdoctoral Research Associate in Environmental Mineralogy/Geochemistry to work in the Environmental Biogeochemistry group. Available for a fixed term of 3 years with an anticipated start date 1st January 2007. The project involves investigating the formation and transformation of ferric/ferrous oxyhydroxide mineral phases (i.e. green rusts) in contaminated land environments. This NERC funded project will examine the fundamental mechanisms and kinetics of the mineralogical reactions and changes in speciation of associated trace elements, including radionuclides. Applicants should have a PhD and relevant experience in mineralogy, geochemistry, inorganic chemistry or related fields and a strong interest in multidisciplinary research. Further details concerning the School, its research activities and structure are available at    Informal enquiries to Dr Sam Shaw, School of Earth and Environment s.shaw@see.leeds.ac.uk tel +44 (0)113 3435237. To apply on line please visit and click 'jobs' Application packs are also available from Kate Higham, School of Earth and Environment, EC Stoner Building, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT tel (0113) 343 5201 email   Job ref 315042 Closing date 30 September 2006 Interviews will be held in October 2006.

2008 U.S. Geological Survey Mendenhall Postdoctoral Opportunity at NEIC ------ Improved earthquake monitoring using seismic array data . Starting in 2006, by agreement of the national delegations, the NEIC is receiving all primary data from the International Monitoring System (IMS) of the U.N. Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) in its role as part of the United States National Data Authority along with the Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC). This includes numerous high-quality small- and medium-aperture seismic arrays around the world. Seek a candidate who will not only investigate the possibility of adapting existing methodologies, but will actively investigate and develop new, innovative array-processing techniques. Possible areas of research include, but are not limited to, improved earthquake detection capabilities (including aftershocks), source directivity, seismic rupture process, and seismic phase identification and enhancement. Proposed duty station is Golden, CO Areas of Ph.D.: Seismology, geophysics   The final classification of the position will be made by the Personnel specialist. Research Advisor(s): Harley Benz, (303) 273-8497, benz@usgs.gov; Stuart Sipkin, (303) 273-8415, sipkin@usgs.gov ; David Wald, (303) 273-8441, dwald@usgs.gov Personnel Office contact: Kathleen Scheich, (303)   General Information:    SPECIFIC OPPORTUNITY: http://geology.usgs.gov/postdoc/2008/opps/opp13.html Deadline for application: November 15, 2006

Ponmona College ------ Faculty Position in Petrology/Mineralogy ------ The Geology Department invites applications for a tenure-track position at the level of Assistant Professor beginning July 1, 2007. Teaching responsibilities are expected to include mineralogy, igneous/metamorphic petrology, introductory and specialty courses. Seek a candidate who applies integrative field and lab based approaches to petrologic problems - the ideal candidate will have a research direction which diversifies our existing research programs. Candidates with significant teaching experience are encouraged to apply. Applicants should send a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, undergraduate and graduate transcripts, a statement of teaching philosophy, a summary of research plans and three letters of reference to Pet-Min Search, Geology Department, Pomona College, Claremont, CA 91711. Website: http://www.geology.pomona.edu Email: www.unavco.org. ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED.

******* DEPARTMENTAL INFORMATION *******

COFFEE/HOT CHOCOLATE ------ There is coffee and hot chocolate available in Room 237 as a convenience. It operates on the honor system. The price is 25¢ per cup, 50¢ if it you have a large cup. Continued operation is possible only if receipts meet expenses. Please pay for what you use and when making coffee please do not use more than one package of coffee per pot. Pop machine, supported by the GEOCLUB is also located in 237 at 50¢ a can. The machine will not make change ---- quarters can be obtained in room 236.   There are also a toaster, 2 small microwaves and a refrigerator in room 237 for everyone to use. Please clean up after yourself!!

CLASSROOM USE IN WEEKS HALL ---- If you wish to use a room in Weeks Hall for a class, meeting, exam, etc. please check with the office staff in Room 236 to reserve the room. Also, if there is any change for a class, meeting etc., please inform the office so the schedule can be updated.

MAIL ---- Mail is distributed as quickly as possible after it arrives in the office, approximately noon. The mail (both campus and U S mail) leaves the department once a day at approximately 10:00 AM. If you have something that needs to be sent FEDEX please check with Karen. It needs to be in the office NO LATER than 3:00 PM to get the necessary paperwork filled out before the pickup time at 3:15 PM.

UNDERGRADS ---- There are mailboxes for Geology/Geophysics Majors on 2^nd floor, i n the annex hallway outside of room A230.   Please check your box frequently for mail and messages.

AFTER HOURS PASSES ---- Obtain one from Karen in Room 236. If you intend to be in the building after hours it is required. If yours has expired please pick up a new one.

INTERDEPARTMENTAL MAIL ENVELOPES ---- Extra envelopes may be returned to Room 238.

POLICY ON UNIVERSITY TELEPHONES --- The State Telephone System is to be used for long distance calls which are related to University business. Use of the system for personal calls, even if reimbursement is subsequently made to the University by the individual, IS NOT permitted and is considered an abuse of the system. Unavoidable personal calls are to be made as collect calls, billed directly to the your home phone, charged to personal credit card or made from a pay telephone. There is a charge for each local call and for calls to directory assistance made from an office telephone. LONG DISTANCE BUSINESS CALLS are to be made by dialing "8", the area code and number being called. Such calls SHOULD NOT be made by dialing "9-1", area code/number.

PHONES IN THE HALLS --- The phone numbers ARE NOT to be given out. TAs, please inform your students that if they need to speak to you they should call the front office (262-8960), leave a message and you will return the call.
LOST AND FOUND ---- located in the department office (Room 236) .

STUDENTS SEEKING EMPLOYMENT ---- the department office maintains a file of employment applications and resumes.   If you are seeking employment contact Karen (Rm 236) for an application form. Students who previously filled out an application must update it every semester.

FAX MACHINE----The Department FAX number is 608-262-0693. Please inform anyone sending you a FAX that your name should be on the FAX. It will be put in your mailbox when received.

BUILDING HOURS - (Fall Semester -2006)
Monday - Thursday --------       7:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M.
Friday ----------------------       7:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
Saturday -------------------        9:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Sunday ---------------------       1:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.
If you intend to be in the building at any other time please pick up an "After Hours Pass" from Karen Mullins in Room 236.

BULLETIN BOARDS - The bulletin boards in the stairway landings are for posting notices of Weeks Lectures, brown bag talks, prelims, etc. You are responsible for removing any notices that you post immediately following the talks.

SECURITY - DO NOT BLOCK outside exit doors or keep fire doors open. Authorized personnel should make sure they have an outside door key.   Also, be sure to lock your door when you are out of your office.

LCD PROJECTORS, LASER POINTERS ----- Check with Karen (Room 236) to reserve and pick up.

UW FIRE POLICY
1.   UW Police & Security and the Madison Fire Department are notified upon a fire alarm in a University building.
2.   When an alarm is sounded, occupants of the building MUST evacuate if it can be done safely.
3.   Departmental personnel ARE NOT to reset alarms.
4.   Only the fire department can give permission for people to return to the building.

DEPARTMENT VANS AND FLEET VEHICLES -------

EVERYONE (including Faculty) must have taken the Van Driver Course WITHIN THE LAST 3 YEARS to be certified to drive a department van. You also must be at least 25 years old to be authorized to drive a van.
If you have any questions regarding the van driving permits etc check with Judy in room 232, also see Judy to sign up for a van driving course and receive the necessary forms.   New (and old) grad students, especially TAs, should sign up ASAP.   Remember, students must have their Driver Authorization cards renewed each year.

Parking permits for the vans ---- they hang from the rear view mirror. DO NOT REMOVE IT FROM THE VEHICLE, DO NOT LOSE IT!!! If the permit is lost or for any reason we have to replace it the transportation department charges a $65 fee in addition to the amount we are already paying for the privilege of parking our vehicles in the lots.

To use or reserve a department van or University fleet vehicle check with Karen in Room 236.

Each van has it's own credit card for gas purchases. It is included in the log book, along with the keys.   When using the credit card you are required to put in the odometer reading and the PIN number. If you do not know the PIN number please check with Karen before taking the van out. When fueling Department vehicles use REGULAR UNLEADED gasoline only, NOT premium and NOT mid-grade. The gas credit cards are to be used for fuel, emergency repairs, and NECESSARY automotive fluid (oil, auto transmission fluid etc.) replacement ONLY. They are NOT to be used for food, beverages, or any other items not specifically related to the vans or truck. Also, it is good practice to check the engine oil when gas is purchased.   If you don't know how to do this find instructions in the manual that is located in the glove compartment or check with Neal Lord for instructions.

REMEMBER--- there is a University rule against smoking! So in other words --- NO SMOKING in Department vehicles.

All paper waste, food, and beverage containers MUST be removed from the vehicles and thrown away when finished with the vehicle. CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF!!!!

Dates, mileage (leaving and returning), driver's name, and account to be charged must be recorded in the book for that vehicle. Please make note of any problems you had with the van, repairs made, or anything you noticed that could be a problem. We need MORE information than is usually jotted down so please report problems in a style and with enough information that enables those in charge of the vans to see that the problem be corrected. This is VERY important to insure that the vans are properly maintained.

Upon completion of the trip all doors should be locked. The keys (all sets given to you), the log book and the credit card must be returned to the Department Office. If the office is closed please put the keys in the mailbox marked "Office". This will insur e that the van can be used again immediately if necessary.    Replacement of lost keys will be the responsibility of the person who lost them.

Geology & Geophysics Electronics Shop -----Room 146 Weeks Hall ----- Lee Powell ------ Neal Lord
We provide electronics support for teaching and research. This can range from fixing a little gizmo that stopped working to planning, design and development of hardware and computer software for laboratory and field data systems.