#Sediment sampling survey

[life-on-our-planet]

At 2994 meters on a never-before-surveyed seamount north of Johnston Atoll, the team made a thrilling discovery — the chance to examine an animal spotted for the very first time in the Pacific Ocean! The sea pen, a colonial cnidarian, had a single large feeding polyp with pinnate (barbed) tentacles stretching over 40 cm from its 2-meter-long stalk.

Solumbellula monocephalus is the only described species in the genus and until this sighting was only known to live in the North and South Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Before this discovery of the colony, the animal had never been seen in the Pacific Ocean. Further review of the footage and this sample will help experts determine if this is the first Pacific S.monocephalus or potentially a new species in this ocean basin.

Enjoy some beautiful close-ups of this coral relative that astounded our team with a detailed view of its stinging feeding tentacles that capture marine snow and food particles drifting by its home on an underwater mountain sedimented saddle. Two individuals were spotted on this dive, confirming a population within the protection of the Johnston Unit of Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument. This huge range expansion of Solumbellula in the Pacific Ocean reminds us how important ocean exploration efforts are to understanding this diversity of our planet!

Learn more about this expedition funded by NOAA Ocean Exploration via the Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute

🎥video here🎥

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

Frozen in time: Rock fossils hint at Mars's ancient climate

Long ago, flowing wind and water shaped Mars's malleable sand and sediment into dunes, ripples and other landscape patterns, called bedforms. Over billions of years, some of these landforms hardened into rock—scientists then call them paleo-bedforms. Frozen in time, change only comes in the form of the slow erosion by dusty winds, burial by ancient lava flows or the occasional meteorite impact.

A team of researchers led by Planetary Science Institute Senior Scientist Matthew Chojnacki mapped and characterized paleo-bedforms across the red planet to better understand their diversity and Mars's ancient climate. The paper was published in the journal Geomorphology.

Since 2013 Chojnacki has worked on HiRISE, the High-Resolution Imaging Science Experiment on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, or MRO.

"I pulled together a collection of HiRISE images that had these weird features that looked like bedforms, but they were cratered and covered in rocks. They looked decrepit and fossilized," Chojnacki said. "We wanted to investigate further."

Their research turned up paleo-bedforms across landscapes of varying age, latitude and geologic context, including craters, canyons and basins. They can be classified into groups called paleo-dunes and paleo-megaripples, which were shaped by wind; fluvial paleo-dunes, which were shaped by water; and dune cast pits, which were paleo-dunes so eroded that only a shallow depression is left behind.

Paleo-bedforms were found all around the planet, but most were concentrated in Valles Marineris and Athabasca Valles, near the equator; Noctis Labyrinthus, west of Valles Marineris; Arcadia Planitia on the northern lowlands; Hellas Planitia in the southern hemisphere, and the highland-lowland transition between Arabia Terra and Apollinaris Mons.

"The most compelling and unambiguous paleo-bedforms were the dunes," Chojnacki said. "A lot of these paleo-dunes are dead ringers for the modern dunes, they just look more decrepit."

The most widespread paleo-bedforms were paleo-megaripples, which look like large fields of parallel ridges. These smaller bedforms occur when wind blows over abundant coarse sand.

"Paleo-megaripples are also compelling, but slightly less so than the dunes, because there are other geologic processes that could have formed similar looking landforms," Chojnacki said.

Based on what the team knew about modern megaripples, they proposed an evolutionary model for these features: The wind first shapes them, then eventually stops, allowing for the hardening and cementing of the sand into rock, leading to their preservation and eventually degradation.

The rarest and most heavily degraded paleo-bedforms were likely shaped by ancient water, called fluvial paleo-bedforms. The team only found these in what are thought to be the remnants of ancient megafloods.

Chojnacki said he was surprised they didn't find more of these fluvial paleo-bedforms.

"Mars has an abundance of dry river channels where more fluvial bedforms may have formed, but it appears their small size and channel infilling were not conducive for their preservation." he said.

The team estimates that most of the paleo-bedforms were cemented into the geological record about 2 billion years ago or more recently. Most bedforms were likely buried following their formation and transport, likely by volcanic activity like lava flows or ash fall, until erosion revealed them again, while others cemented into rock without ever being buried.

"In other cases, active sand dunes along the north polar cap are migrating over older paleo-dunes, leading to their erosion. Seasonal ice can also erode the dunes," Chojnacki said. "The variety of these bedforms speaks to the diversity of dynamics and conditions operating in the solar system."

Now that this survey has revealed a large sample of paleo-bedforms on Mars, the team hopes to identify modern dune fields which may be headed in a similar direction.

"While many bedforms on Mars are active and migrating today, other fields are static and show evidence for some sort of stabilization process that may eventually lead to lithification," Chojnacki said. "Understanding this continuum will hopefully allow us to better understand the changing climatic conditions of the red planet."

IMAGE: Paleo-megaripples – as seen in Mars’ Terra Sirenum by the High-Resolution Imaging Science Experiment – have consistent crest wavelengths, numerous fractures and craters, and can be partially covered by ancient lava flows. Credit: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona.

[jcmarchi]

Mars Sample Return a top scientific priority, Lunine testifies - Technology Org

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/mars-sample-return-a-top-scientific-priority-lunine-testifies-technology-org/

Mars Sample Return a top scientific priority, Lunine testifies - Technology Org

At the western end of Mars’ Jezero Crater, a river channel and pile of sediments resembling river deltas on Earth hold clues about how Mars evolved from a more Earth-like world to the barren, inhospitable surface seen today.

Since 2021, NASA’s Perseverance rover has collected more than 20 samples of rocks and sediments from the crater floor, delta fan and hills above it – resources that could answer crucial questions about what happened to the red planet’s climate and geology and improve understanding of our own.

But those samples could be stranded on Mars if Congress fails to provide adequate funding for the space agency to design and build the Mars Sample Return mission, Jonathan Lunine, the David C. Duncan Professor in the Physical Sciences and chair of the Department of Astronomy in the College of Arts and Sciences, testifiedm before a congressional subcommittee reviewing NASA’s science programs.

“The benefit of succeeding in bringing back rock and soil from an ancient riverbed on a planet 140 million miles away is that it will tell the world that this nation has the imagination, will and courage to accomplish just about anything,” Lunine said in written testimony. “And that message is priceless. To not complete Mars Sample Return – to leave the samples stranded on Mars – would be … a national disgrace.”

Lunine was one of four experts invited to testify at the U.S. House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics hearing titled, “Advancing Scientific Discovery: Assessing the Status of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.” Watch a replay here.

Earlier this year, budget uncertainty led NASA to plan for the lower of two proposed funding levels for the mission and to lay off staff at its Jet Propulsion Lab in California. Current appropriations bills defer a decision on funding, which could range from $300 million to nearly $1 billion, while the agency reassesses the mission’s architecture.

Nicola Fox, associate administrator of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, said that after an independent review board’s “sobering analysis” of the mission’s costs and challenges last fall, the agency would complete its internal reassessment this spring.

“It’s our willingness to acknowledge these challenges and overcome them, to conduct science in ways that have barely been imagined, that makes us NASA,” Fox testified.

Lunine called Mars Sample Return the most ambitious robotic program the United States has ever attempted, requiring challenging new technology and involving multiple NASA centers and the European Space Agency.

But having served as a member of an independent review board that examined the mission last year, Lunine said he’s “supremely confident” that it can and will be done despite budget pressures requiring difficult choices.

“It can be done because American engineering prowess is up to the task,” he told lawmakers. “It will be done because as a nation we surely will not simply walk away from a daring, highly visible and scientifically important challenge.”

Successive National Academies of Sciences decadal surveys have identified the mission as the top priority in planetary science, Lunine said, to help answer the questions: Did life begin on Mars? How did Mars dry up? Exactly when did it dry up?

Only instruments in laboratories on Earth, instruments far more precise and powerful than those carried by the Mars rovers, can precisely analyze the collected rock and soil samples to determine their composition and age, Lunine said. In the same way, the samples Apollo astronauts returned from the moon established a definitive chronology for the earliest history of the Earth-moon system – the program’s most profound scientific achievement, Lunine said. More than a half-century later, moon samples continue to be studied by increasingly capable instruments.

“The samples returned from Mars in the coming decade will be analyzed not only by scientists active today, but by scientists who are not yet born, using laboratory techniques not yet invented,” Lunine said. “These precious records of early Mars will be a lasting scientific treasure and a legacy of American technological prowess.”

Source: Cornell University

Mars gifts – the best space gifts from the Red Planet, ranging from Mars-themed clothes to genuine, certified meteorites from Mars.

[lithification]

can i ask what a day/week at your job is like? it sounds interesting!

Sure :-) it isn’t too exciting at the moment because it is the off season so I haven’t done many field trips recently. Mostly during the fall/winter we are processing samples/data collected during the spring/summer and preparing reports and datasets to get published. For me that means a lot of time on the computer doing GIS work, processing in R, and writing up metadata. I’ve also been helping out in the lab a bit processing water samples for my centers HABs research and getting trained on surveying equipment I’ll be using this summer and keeping all my proficiencies/certs.

During the spring and summer I get to do lots of field work! Last summer that meant a lot of traveling and time spent on the river collecting bathymetry data using a Norbit and I got to spend a week hiking and camping collecting soil samples. There were also a lot of one off day trips I did that were mainly collecting water samples or helping with macrophyte sampling. I have a meeting at the end of this week to plan out some of my field work for the summer but all I know so far is I’ve got a couple field trips to schedule to collect more bathymetry data and to do some sampling for a sediment transport study we’ve got going.

During the winter our schedules are mostly consistent and predictable but all the computer processing gets a bit slow. The summer has longer and less predictable hours since we have to work around Mother Nature’s plans but it’s my favorite part of my job :-). I don’t have many pictures on my phone right now but I’ll drop some pictures from one the field trip’s I had last summer below!

[corelaborg]

Impact of Tourism and Development on Marine Environments: The Role of Testing in Dubai

Dubai, a bustling hub of tourism and development, boasts stunning coastlines and vibrant marine ecosystems. However, the rapid growth in tourism and infrastructure can pose significant risks to these delicate environments. Understanding the impact of human activity on marine life is crucial, and this is where Marine Sea Water & Sediments Tests in Dubai come into play.

The Booming Tourism Industry

Dubai attracts millions of tourists each year, drawn by its luxurious resorts, pristine beaches, and world-class attractions. While tourism contributes significantly to the local economy, it also places immense pressure on marine ecosystems. Activities such as boating, diving, and beach construction can lead to increased pollution and habitat degradation.

Key Issues Affecting Marine Environments

Pollution: Wastewater discharge from hotels and recreational activities can introduce harmful pollutants into the sea. Oil spills and plastic waste further exacerbate the problem, impacting water quality and marine life.

Coastal Development: The construction of marinas, hotels, and artificial islands often disrupts natural habitats. Mangroves and coral reefs, essential for maintaining biodiversity, face threats from encroaching development.

Overfishing: Increased tourism can lead to overfishing, depleting fish populations and disrupting the ecological balance.

The Importance of Marine Testing

To safeguard Dubai's marine environments, Marine Sea Water & Sediments Tests are essential. These tests help monitor the health of coastal ecosystems and ensure that regulatory standards are met.

Benefits of Marine Testing

Pollution Monitoring: Regular testing of sea water and sediments allows for the detection of pollutants, enabling authorities to take action before they cause significant harm.

Biodiversity Assessment: Understanding the composition of marine life helps in assessing the overall health of the ecosystem. This data is crucial for conservation efforts.

Regulatory Compliance: Testing ensures that industries and tourism operators adhere to environmental regulations, minimizing their impact on marine environments.

Public Awareness: Testing results can inform the public and stakeholders about the health of the marine ecosystem, fostering a sense of responsibility towards conservation.

Testing Methods and Technologies

Various methods are employed for Marine Sea Water & Sediments Tests in Dubai. These include:

Water Sampling: Collecting water samples from various locations to analyze for pollutants and other parameters.

Sediment Analysis: Examining sediment samples to assess contamination and the health of benthic organisms.

Biodiversity Surveys: Utilizing technology to study marine species diversity and population health.

Collaborative Efforts for Marine Protection

In Dubai, government agencies, NGOs, and private sectors collaborate to promote marine conservation. Regular testing provides critical data that informs policies and practices aimed at protecting marine environments.

Conclusion

As Dubai continues to grow as a tourism hotspot, it is imperative to balance development with environmental sustainability. Marine Sea Water & Sediments Tests in Dubai play a vital role in monitoring and protecting the health of marine ecosystems. By investing in rigorous testing and conservation efforts, we can ensure that future generations enjoy the beauty and biodiversity of Dubai's coastal waters.

For reliable and accurate marine testing solutions, consider partnering with CORE Laboratory. With advanced technologies and expertise, CORE Laboratory is committed to supporting the health of marine environments in Dubai, helping to secure a sustainable future for both tourism and nature.

[wayti-blog]

Scientists may have solved mystery of Egyptian pyramids' construction

© Eman Ghoneim/UNCW

"A research team from the University of North Carolina Wilmington has discovered that the pyramids are likely to have been built along a long-lost, ancient branch of the River Nile - which is now hidden under desert and farmland.

For many years, archaeologists have thought that ancient Egyptians must have used a nearby waterway to transport materials such as the stone blocks needed to build the pyramids on the river.

But up until now, "nobody was certain of the location, the shape, the size or proximity of this mega waterway to the actual pyramids site", according to one of the study's authors, Prof Eman Ghoneim.

In a cross-continental effort, the group of researchers used radar satellite imagery, historical maps, geophysical surveys, and sediment coring (a technique used by archaeologists to recover evidence from samples) to map the river branch - which they believe was buried by a major drought and sandstorms thousands of years ago."

"The discovery of this extinct river branch helps explain the high pyramid density between Giza and Lisht (the site of Middle Kingdom burials), in what is now an inhospitable area of the Saharan desert.

The river branch's proximity to the pyramid complexes suggests that it was "active and operational during the construction phase of these pyramids", the paper said.

Dr Onstine explained that Ancient Egyptians could "use the river's energy to carry these heavy blocks, rather than human labour," adding, "it's just a lot less effort"."

continue reading article

[pacificmaritimegroup]

Environmental Dredging

Environmental dredging aims the removing of sediment contaminated by organic and inorganic compounds, without resuspension of these contaminants. In environmental dredging there are strict procedures applied to the dredging operation, the transport and management of dredged material, as well as their disposal. The type of dredge used for environmental dredging are hydraulic dredges. Hydraulic dredges are widely used for sludge and sand removal, carrying sediment in liquid form. Environmental dredging projects require tedious planning.  Part of the process involves the surveying the volume and location of sediment to be removed.  Concentrations of contaminants can also be analyzed from core samples.  Processing and disposal are the final critical elements of planning sediment remediation projects - environmental dredging.

A classic example of hydraulic dredge is the suction dredgers, which make dredging with the aid of pumps. These pumps produce a vacuum in the pipe inlet and the pressure forces water and sediment through the pipe from project to completion. Maritime dredging activities are applied to the maintenance of ports and waterways, deepening of channels, environmental dredging, with a view to the treatment and disposal of dredged material. The company has a fleet of dredging consists of Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger, Cutter Suction Dredger, Submersible Pumps, Draglines dredge - Maintenance dredging.

Environmental dredging objectives are typically to remove sediment and any contaminants that may be attached or deposited within the sediment.  Sometimes the sediment itself can be the contaminant and inhibit water quality parameters or aquatic resources. We offer environmental dredging services.  Environmental dredging is a term that can be used as a general dredging type to remove sediment from waterways utilizing mechanical, hydraulic, or amphibious dredges.  However, more specifically environmental dredging refers to removing contaminated sediment.  River Sand dredging services include all types of environmental dredging. For more information please visit our site https://www.Pacificmaritimegroup.com/

[goldminingafrica]

Our company specializes in providing mine exploration services to clients in the mining industry. Our team of experienced geologists, engineers, and technicians uses advanced techniques and equipment to assess the mineral potential and geologic risks of a mining site.

Our services include mapping and sampling of surface and subsurface geology, geological modeling, and geophysical surveys to identify mineral deposits and structural geology.

We also provide analysis and interpretation of exploration data, as well as recommendations for further exploration or mining development.

Our goal is to help clients make informed decisions about the viability and potential of a mining project before investing in costly mining operations.

Mine Exploration Services Mine exploration services refer to a range of activities aimed at identifying and assessing mineral resources and geologic risks associated with a potential mining site. The following are the primary services offered under mine exploration:

Geological Mapping: This service involves the systematic recording of geological features, rock types, and structures exposed at the surface. It is essential to understand the geological setting and structure of the area to identify the mineral potential and risks associated with a potential mining site.

Sampling: This service involves collecting representative samples of rocks, soils, and sediments from the surface and subsurface of a mining area. Sampling is essential to determine the grade, mineralogy, and metallurgical properties of the ore body.

Geophysical Surveys: This service involves using various instruments to measure the physical properties of rocks and soil beneath the surface. Geophysical surveys include magnetic, gravity, electromagnetic, and seismic methods, which help to identify the subsurface geology and mineral deposits.

Geological Modeling: This service involves constructing a 3D geological model of the subsurface based on geological and geophysical data. The model helps to visualize the spatial distribution of mineral deposits, faults, and other geological structures.

Mineral Resource Estimation: This service involves estimating the mineral resources present in the mining area based on geological and geophysical data. Mineral resource estimation is essential to assess the economic viability of a potential mining project.

Environmental Assessment: This service involves assessing the potential environmental impacts of a mining project. Environmental assessment includes the evaluation of the potential effects of mining activities on air, water, soil, and biodiversity.

Project Management: This service involves managing the entire exploration project from start to finish. Project management includes planning, budgeting, and executing the exploration program, including sampling, drilling, and laboratory analysis.

In summary, mine exploration services aim to provide clients with a comprehensive understanding of the geological setting, mineral potential, and environmental risks associated with a potential mining site. These services help clients make informed decisions about the feasibility and potential of a mining project before investing in costly mining operations.

contact us - +27 64 000 0693 Email - info@miningandagricultureafrica.com For more information about us visit our website - www.miningandagricultureafrica.com

[spacenutspod]

Name: Michael Thorpe Title: Sedimentary and Planetary Geologist Organization: Planetary Environments Laboratory, Science Directorate (Code 699) Sedimentary and planetary geologist Dr. Michael Thorpe studies sediments’ journey from mountains to downstream lakes, both on Earth and on Mars. Photo Courtesy of Iceland Space Agency / Daniel Leeb What do you do and what is most interesting about your role here at Goddard? How do you help support Goddard’s mission? As a sedimentary and planetary geologist, my research focuses on how sediments are transformed from the mountains to the lakes downstream, which is a process called source to sink. I study this phenomenon around the globe on Earth and then compare the results to those from similar sites on Mars. Why did you become a geologist? I grew up on the Hudson River Valley and loved to be outdoors. I knew that I wanted to pursue a career that kept me outdoors hiking, looking at nature and the environment. My sister, my hiking companion, always told me that rocks have a story to tell, which inspired me. What is your educational background? I have a bachelor’s degree in geology from Towson University, and both a master’s and a doctorate in geosciences from Stony Brook University. I then did a NASA post-doctoral fellowship at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. I was also later contracted at Johnson as a Mars Sample Return scientist. Why did you come to Goddard? Goddard was a dream job for me because I have always admired the group of scientists here, and I really wanted to work with the team in the planetary environments laboratory. Over the years, I closely followed their work, and it is exciting to be in a role to start contributing. I came to Goddard in July 2022 and tried to hit the ground running. Dr. Michael Thorpe, a sedimentary and planetary geologist at Goddard, travels around the world on field campaigns to collect sediment samples. “I hope to keep exploring places around the globe because each field site adds a new piece to the puzzle,” he said. “However, every place I go, the puzzle ends up getting more complex and it motivates me to develop more questions for the next adventure.”Photo Courtesy of Iceland Space Agency / Daniel Leeb Tell us about your field campaigns. I target terrains on Earth that may have been similar to ancient environments on the surface of Mars. To add some complexity to the system, I explore environments around the globe to better understand the impact climate has on the weathering of rocks. This work has implications for planetary exploration but also helps in understanding the long-term carbon cycle on Earth and its role in climate change. In the field, I scoop up sediments, rocks, and water samples all the way from the source terrains in the mountains to depositional sites downstream. I then bring them back to our labs here at Goddard to study their geochemistry and minerology, but also ship samples off to my amazing collaborators for additional analysis in their labs around the world. I have been super lucky early in my career be a part of five field campaigns to Iceland and then one to Hawaii, Idaho, and most recently Lazarote, Spain. I hope to keep exploring places around the globe because each field site adds a new piece to the puzzle. However, every place I go, the puzzle ends up getting more complex and it motivates me to develop more questions for the next adventure. What preparations do you take to conduct remote field work? I’ll use Iceland as example for this one. For this work, we commonly are trekking to remote locations. In order to get there, we took modified trucks which were able to go through water, ice, and snow and even climb some pretty steep terrains. Theses trucks are cool because the driver can inflate and deflate the very large tires in real-time. In the field, we wear our warm gear including down jackets but also sometimes waders to keep us dry while surveying a river. One of my favorite pieces of clothing in the field is a buff, which sits around our necks but we can also pull it up over our faces to shield us from the elements, which can include 70-plus mph winds at times. Some recent and exciting preparation we have for the field is bringing an inflatable boat, basically a floating pontoon, to sample lake sediment. We take the pontoon over the water and then drill for sediment samples off the platform. How important is a good team during remote field work? Establishing a good team is the foundation for successful field work. As a team leader, it is important to recognize the strengths as well as the limitations of all personnel, including myself. I am aware of my specialties and the areas where each teammate may thrive. When you put the right person in the right position, it makes the team excel. This fosters mutual respect and builds a support system. We understand we need to get the job done and how important each role is for the entire team. I tend go out in fairly large groups, sometimes as many as 25 people. We all respect the science and each other. Everyone brings a different piece to the team. When we are sampling, everyone has a mission and a role, sometimes creating sub-teams to a sample different area or components of the study site. Dr. Michael Thorpe, a sedimentary and planetary geologist at Goddard, is regularly taken to harsh environments in his study of sediments around the globe.Photo Courtesy of Iceland Space Agency / Daniel Leeb What is the most important advice your mentor Amy McAdam told you? Amy is the geochemist who leads our lab. Amy’s most important advice for me has been “go for it.” I say that jokingly, but it truly is incredibly helpful as a scientist to have someone backing you like that. She puts me in a position to succeed and always gives me the thumbs up to follow my scientific curiosity. Amy leads by example, both in the lab and field, I am grateful for all her support and look forward to working with her for many years. As a mentor yourself, what is the one thing you tell your students? Stay curious and do what you love. That’s the motto I have been following in my career, passed down from an amazing lineage of mentors, and I encourage all my mentees to do the same. It’s important for my students to follow their passions as well as to come up with new ideas. At the end of the day, it is remarkable to see a student develop their own research avenue. I hope to continue paying it forward and I look forward to mentoring the next generation of scientists for years to come. What do you do for fun? I love to watch and play all sports. Additionally, hiking brings me to my happy place. Hitting the trails with friends or my pup is icing on the cake. Speaking of cake, I also thoroughly enjoy cooking. Cooking relaxes me, it brings the family together, and it’s also something my wife and I love to do together. One of our favorite traditions is pizza Fridays, where we make some homemade pies and everyone is welcome. As for toppings, my favorite might be fried eggplant or spicy Italian sausage. If you were to have a dinner party, who would you invite, living or dead, in addition to your family? Easy! I’ve actually thought about this a ton. I would of course first invite my favorite athletes: Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Derek Jeter, and Emmitt Smith. These guys were my role models growing up and their work ethic was truly inspiring. Additionally, I would love to sit down and have a pizza pie with Neil Armstrong and Jack Schmitt. Neil was obviously the first man on the Moon and Jack was the first geologist on the Moon. Hearing some stories from these pioneers would no-doubt be a lifetime highlight. What is your “six-word memoir”? A six-word memoir describes something in just six words. Motivated. Passionate. Curious. Supportive. Hard-working. Family-man. By Elizabeth M. JarrellNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md. Conversations With Goddard is a collection of Q&A profiles highlighting the breadth and depth of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center’s talented and diverse workforce. The Conversations have been published twice a month on average since May 2011. Read past editions on Goddard’s “Our People” webpage. Share Details Last Updated Jan 17, 2024 EditorJessica EvansContactRob Garnerrob.garner@nasa.gov Related TermsPeople of GoddardClimate ChangeEarthGoddard Space Flight CenterMarsPlanetary Geosciences & GeophysicsPlanetary SciencePlanetary Science Division Explore More 5 min read NASA Study: More Greenland Ice Lost Than Previously Estimated Article 19 mins ago 5 min read NASA’s Roman to Search for Signs of Dark Matter Clumps Article 1 hour ago 5 min read Webb Shows Many Early Galaxies Looked Like Pool Noodles, Surfboards Article 2 hours ago

[credgenics12]

Field collections- Credgenics

Field collections refer to the process of gathering samples, data, or specimens from their natural or specific environments for scientific research, study, or analysis. These collections are typically conducted by scientists, researchers, or professionals in various fields, including biology, geology, ecology, archaeology, and more. Field collections are essential for acquiring firsthand data and materials to further understanding and knowledge in these disciplines.

Here are some common examples of field collections:

Botanical Field Collections: Botanists collect plant specimens, including leaves, flowers, and seeds, to study plant taxonomy, ecology, and biodiversity. These collections often contribute to the creation of herbaria, where pressed and preserved plant specimens are stored for future reference.

Zoological Field Collections: Zoologists and wildlife researchers collect animals, such as insects, birds, mammals, or reptiles, to study their behavior, genetics, distribution, and conservation status. These specimens can be used for museum displays, genetic research, or ecological studies.

Geological Field Collections: Geologists collect rocks, minerals, fossils, and sediment samples from various geological formations to study Earth's history, structure, and processes. These collections help in understanding the Earth's geological evolution.

Archaeological Field Collections: Archaeologists excavate and collect artifacts, pottery, bones, and other archaeological remains at historical or prehistoric sites to study past human cultures, lifestyles, and history.

Environmental Field Collections: Environmental scientists collect water, soil, air, and biological samples to assess pollution levels, monitor environmental changes, and study ecosystems' health.

Social Science Field Collections: Social scientists, such as anthropologists and sociologists, conduct fieldwork to collect data on human societies, cultures, and behaviors. This may involve interviews, surveys, observations, and the collection of artifacts or documents.

Meteorological Field Collections: Meteorologists gather weather data through instruments like weather stations, balloons, and aircraft to study weather patterns and climate change.

Field collections are often conducted with meticulous care to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the collected data or specimens. Ethical considerations, such as obtaining proper permits and minimizing ecological impact, are crucial when conducting fieldwork. Additionally, documenting the location, date, and context of the collection is essential for future research and reference.

[the-plantman-is-queer]

"The Salton Sea is a complicated, dynamic ecosystem on the decline. At 240 feet below sea level, it has filled with water and dried many times over the centuries. In 1905, Colorado River floodwaters breached an irrigation canal and filled the depression with water. Since then, the sea has served as the dumping ground for decades of pollution from farming as well as legacy bomb-testing material.

In 2002, U.S. Geological Survey conducted sediment sampling from 73 locations and concluded that “the agricultural runoff that keeps the sea alive is loaded with salts, pesticides, selenium, and other metals.”"

[geotechnicalservices]

Geotechnical Engineer - What Does a Geotechnical Engineer Do?

A Geotechnical Engineer is a Civil Engineering professional who specializes in the study of soil. They are able to determine whether a site is suitable for construction projects. They also help to design and construct buildings, roads, tunnels and dams.

Typically, they are employed full-time with a dedicated organization, which may supply specialty equipment and provide other services. They often work in the field and need to be comfortable working in most weather conditions.

Job description

The job details of a geotechnical engineer involve using scientific methods and principles to collect and interpret data that might affect a construction project. They often work on buildings, roads, dams, and other structures. They are also involved in identifying geological hazards like landslides and earthquakes. They also help with environmental projects such as waste water treatment plants and mining.

Some of the duties of a geotechnical engineer include developing a strategic investigation plan and performing field investigations. They must be willing to travel and spend a long time on site and should have excellent communication skills. Geotechnical engineers are also required to meet clients regularly.

Many geotechnical engineers begin their career with an apprenticeship or an engineering technician role. They can gain additional experience by participating in internships or working as an assistant to a geotechnical engineer. Those seeking to advance their careers can look into leadership roles or starting their own company. They can also seek out professional development opportunities and participate in conferences.

Education requirements

Geotechnical engineering is a branch of Civil Engineering, and as such it shares many of the same core STEM subjects. It is recommended that any engineer seeking a career in this field takes at least a BS degree and considers taking minors in math, physics, and environmental science to ensure they have a strong background in these core subject areas.

Many engineers choose to pursue a graduate certificate in geotechnical engineering, as it can help them advance in their careers. In addition, it may be helpful to find an engineering continuing education course provider that offers live webinars. Most state boards will accept these types of courses for engineering CEUs, but it is important to check with your board before enrolling.

Most states require engineers to obtain licensure, which typically involves completing a four-year accredited engineering program and gaining work experience. Once an engineer completes the required number of years of documented work, they can take a professional engineering exam and become licensed as a Registered Professional Geotechnical Engineer.

Work environment

During fieldwork, geotechnical engineers work in a variety of weather conditions. They use a range of tools including rock sampling drills, sediment corers and magnetic surveying equipment. They also use a variety of computer software for research and data management.

Working with a team of other engineers and geologists, you’ll plan a wide variety of structures for mining operations and civil engineering construction projects. You’ll analyse the natural geology of each location and design foundations for a project’s specific conditions.

As you gain experience, you’ll specialise in infrastructure such as railways and roads. You’ll also focus on renewable energy, offshore and onshore oil and gas and nuclear power.

As the primary point of contact for emergent slope failures, washouts or sinkholes that may impact FirstEnergy assets, you’ll hire and oversee geotechnical consultants and prepare geotechnical designs. You’ll also manage site investigation contractors and liaise with project teams. You’ll also participate in design reviews, peer assists and technical audits.

Salary

The salary of a geotech engineer varies depending on the type of employer and level of experience. You can increase your earning potential by obtaining advanced degrees or gaining experience in the field.

Geotechnical engineering is a branch of civil engineering that deals with the engineering behaviour of Earth materials, particularly soil. It incorporates knowledge of geology, hydrology and more. It also draws from the disciplines of engineering geology, civil engineering and soil mechanics.

Structural, geotechnical and transportation civil engineering are essential areas of expertise that help mitigate the effects of natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods and hurricanes. Geotechnical engineers are intimately involved in every high-profile building project around the world. This is not an easy feat, and the work that they do is crucial to human civilization.

[neetemp]

Technical and Financial Template for Water Wells

Steps for digging an artesian water well and extracting & after extracting water

Digging an artesian water well and extracting water requires specialized knowledge and equipment, so it is important to consult with a professional well driller before attempting this process. However, here are the general steps involved in the process:

Site selection: The first step is to choose a suitable location for the well. An artesian well requires a natural underground aquifer or water-bearing formation that is under pressure. A qualified well driller will typically use geological surveys and other tools to locate a suitable site.

Drilling: Once the site has been chosen, the well driller will drill a borehole deep into the ground until the aquifer is reached. The well may be lined with casing to prevent the borehole from collapsing and to keep the water clean.

Installation of well screen: A well screen is typically installed at the bottom of the borehole to prevent sediment and debris from entering the well.

Development: After the well has been drilled, it must be developed to remove any debris or sediment that may have entered the borehole during drilling. This is typically done by pumping large amounts of water down the well and backwashing it to remove any debris.

Installation of pump and piping: Once the well has been developed, a pump and piping system will be installed to extract the water from the well. The type of pump and piping system used will depend on the specific needs of the well.

Testing: After the pump and piping system have been installed, the well will be tested to ensure that it is producing water at the desired rate and that the water quality meets the necessary standards.

Maintenance: Regular maintenance of the well is necessary to ensure that it continues to function properly and provide a reliable source of water. This may include periodic testing of the water quality, replacing worn or damaged parts, and cleaning the well

Storage: The first step after extracting water from an artesian well and desalination is to store the water in a suitable storage tank or reservoir. This may be necessary if the water is not needed immediately or if the demand for water varies throughout the day.

Treatment: Depending on the intended use of the water, further treatment may be necessary to remove any remaining impurities or contaminants. This could include filtration, disinfection, or additional chemical treatment.

Distribution: Once the water has been treated and stored, it can be distributed to its intended destination. This may involve a network of pipes or a system of pumps to move the water to where it is needed.

Monitoring: It is important to regularly monitor the quality of the water to ensure that it meets the necessary standards and remains safe for its intended use. This may involve regular testing and analysis of the water.

Maintenance: Regular maintenance of the system is also important to ensure that it continues to function properly and provide a reliable source of water. This may include repairing or replacing equipment, cleaning filters or membranes, and inspecting the system for any signs of damage or wear.

A feasibility study is an analysis of the viability of a proposed project, in this case, the construction of a water well. The study assesses the technical, financial, and economic feasibility of the project, and helps to determine whether the project is viable or not.

Here are some of the key factors that would need to be considered in a feasibility study for a water well:

Water Availability: The first and most important factor is the availability of water in the proposed location. A hydrogeological survey would need to be conducted to assess the quantity and quality of water available in the area.

Water Quality: The quality of water must meet the required standards for domestic or agricultural use. Water samples should be analyzed to determine if it is safe for human consumption and irrigation.

Location: The location of the well must be suitable for construction and maintenance. Factors such as accessibility, topography, and proximity to potential sources of contamination must be considered.

Construction Costs: The cost of constructing the well, including drilling, casing, and pumping equipment, must be estimated. The cost of any necessary permits and licenses must also be included.

Operating Costs: The ongoing costs of operating and maintaining the well, including electricity, maintenance, and repair costs, must be estimated.

Revenue Potential: The potential revenue from the well, such as selling water to nearby communities or agricultural operations, must be estimated.

Return on Investment: A financial analysis must be conducted to determine the expected return on investment. This should consider the costs of construction and operation, as well as the potential revenue generated by the well.

Based on these factors, a feasibility study can be conducted to determine whether the construction of a water well is viable or not. It is important to note that the study should be conducted by qualified professionals with experience in hydrogeology and well drilling to ensure accurate results.

[waterfiltergurus]

What Is Turbidity in Water? (A Water Doctor Explains)

Turbidity is one of the common methods of measuring water quality. If you get a Water Quality Report from your local drinking water utility, you should see "turbidity" listed alongside other chemical and physical water parameters, like pH, temperature, and total dissolved solids (TDS). In this guide, we've answered the question, "What is turbidity in drinking water?" 📌 Key Takeaways: - Turbidity in water is a measure of a water's clarity or cloudiness. - Organic matter, clay, sediment, phytoplankton, algae, and other microscopic organisms all cause turbidity of a water body. - There are numerous methods of turbidity measurement, including with a secchi disk, turbidity meters, and transparency tubes. 🤔 What Is Turbidity? Turbidity is a measure of how much light can pass through a water body. Another way to look at turbidity is a measure of the clarity or cloudiness of a water source. The more scientific definition of turbidity is water's “relative clarity” – or the amount of light refracting off the suspended particles in the liquid. When measuring turbidity, higher levels of light refraction indicate a higher level of turbidity. 🔎 What Causes Turbidity? Turbidity is caused by any materials that have the ability to block a light beam from traveling straight through the water. There are a number of suspended particles and impurities that can cause turbidity. These include: - Organic and inorganic matter - Clay - Silt - Sediments from erosion - Phytoplankton - Other microscopic organisms How does turbidity get into water sources? Turbidity may increase naturally over time in a surface water supply. Other ways that turbidity may enter a water supply include from waste discharge, urban stormwater runoff (from impervious surfaces, construction sites, etc.), and soil erosion. Human activity can influence the concentration of suspended solids in a water supply. Farming activities and the use of phosphorous in wastewater treatment processes may increase turbidity due to increased algae growth in the water body. The type of water source often determines the source of turbidity. For instance, a shallow pond or lake in a warm climate is most likely to be affected by algae growth, while a fast-flowing river is more likely to be affected by sediment, decomposing organic matter, and other suspended material. 📐 How Do You Measure Turbidity In Water? Turbidity in water is measured in Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU). Some experts measure turbidity in Formazin Nephelometric Units, or FNU. The best way to take an accurate turbidity reading is with a turbidity sensor or turbidity meter (nephelometer). This turbidity measurement method measures scattered light in the water. There are other, cheaper methods of measuring turbidity, such as transparency tubes and secchi disks, which are often used in lake and stream monitoring programs. A laboratory analysis can also be used to measure total suspended solids in water, which are linked to turbidity (see below). 👨‍🔧 We've shared an in-depth guide on how to measure turbidity in water if you're looking for more information. source: United States Geological Survey (usgs.gov) 🆚 Turbidity vs Total Suspended Solids Turbidity and total suspended solids (TSS) are similar, but not the same. Turbidity refers to the concentration of material suspended in a water sample, and how this affects light penetration. On the other hand, total suspended solids (or suspended particles) are the materials in the water that cause turbidity. So, turbidity and TSS are linked because the higher the concentration of suspended solids, the more turbid the water. 🚱 What's Wrong With High Turbidity? High turbidity has an environmental impact and affects the quality of water that is used for drinking. In natural water bodies, high turbidity readings may harm aquatic life by raising the water temperature and reducing dissolved oxygen. This could affect the function of fish gills, reduce food supplies, and damage spawning beds. Very turbid water may even kill fish or reduce their growth rate, or make them less tolerant to disease. The treatment processes for turbid water used for drinking water and food processing are more complex and expensive. Water treatment facilities must work harder to make water with a high turbidity level clean and safe for drinking, compared to water with a low suspended particles count. Drinking water with low turbidity is usually safe, but excess turbidity could be dangerous for human ingestion, depending on what is causing the turbidity. Algae and bacteria in water could make you sick and increase the risk of waterborne disease outbreaks, while high sediment levels could damage your home's plumbing system. 📈 What Is The Maximum Allowed Turbidity In Drinking Water? There is no EPA MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level) for turbidity because turbidity isn't a single contaminant, and high turbidity levels in one water source could look very different than another. However, some of the individual solids that are found in turbid water are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that the maximum amount of turbidity that should be present in water is 5 NTU, but ideally, turbidity measured in water should be 1 NTU at most. 👨‍🔬 Should You Reduce Turbidity In Water? So, should you reduce turbidity in water? There's actually no straight "yes" or "no" answer to this question. Whether or not you should reduce turbidity in your water depends on the concentration of the turbidity, the contaminants causing the turbidity, and your own personal tastes. - Turbidity concentration - If your water turbidity exceeds 5 NTU (nephelometric turbidity units), you should look at methods to reduce turbidity because high levels of turbidity could affect water quality, safety, and taste. - Contaminants causing the turbidity - Certain sediments in your water might not have a big effect on your water quality, while turbidity caused largely by algae or impurities from waste discharge might be unsafe to drink. - Your own personal tastes - For health reasons or to improve the taste of your drinking water, you might personally decide to reduce your water's turbidity concentration even if it isn't higher than the safe level. To decide whether or not you should reduce turbidity in your water, test your water to see what you're dealing with. From there, you can decide on a suitable method of water treatment, if necessary. 📉 How To Reduce Water Turbidity There are a few different water filtration systems and treatment methods that can be used to reduce turbidity. In the water treatment plant, coagulation and flocculation is used to encourage suspended particulate matter to clump together, making them easier to remove from water. For at-home use, there are two popular methods of reducing turbidity: - Reverse osmosis - Ultrafiltration Both these systems use a membrane filtration process that traps the majority of total dissolved solids, effectively lowering water's turbidity. However, high turbidity concentrations may foul or damage the membrane. ❔ What Is Turbidity? FAQs What is the normal range for turbidity in water? The normal range for turbidity in water is 0.1 to 1 NTU (nephelometric turbidity units). Ideally, municipal water suppliers should aim to reduce turbidity levels to an average of 0.2 or less in treated drinking water, regardless of the initial water source or quality. Is high turbidity good or bad? High turbidity in drinking water is bad because it means there's a high concentration of sediments, algae, phytoplankton, and contaminants from urban runoff, which reduces water's aesthetic quality and potentially makes it unsafe to drink. Even in natural water sources, high turbidity is considered a bad thing because it could affect aquatic life, recreation, and tourism. How does turbidity affect water quality? Turbidity affects water quality because generally, the higher the turbidity levels, the higher the likelihood of poor water quality. That's because many of the causes of turbidity, such as algae and phytoplankton, influence water quality. Can you drink high turbidity water? No, you shouldn't drink high-turbidity water because certain contributors to turbidity (such as algae and waste discharge) may have health effects. Plus, high concentrations of turbidity often indicate the presence of disease-causing microorganisms, which have definite health effects. What level of turbidity is safe to drink? The level of turbidity that's considered safe to drink is 5 NTU or lower. Ideally, water should contain less than 1 NTU of turbidity for it to be guaranteed safe to drink. If you're drinking from an unknown water source, test its turbidity first, and avoid cloudy or dirty-looking water. Read the full article