Introducing Dr Stephen Kenworthy

       Dr Stephen Kenworthy joins the WKU faculty this fall after two years of postdoctoral research at the Baltimore Ecosystem Study, an NSF Long-Term Ecological Research Site focused on the ecology of the Baltimore, Maryland, metropolitan area. Dr. Kenworthy and his wife, Dr. Renae Speck, a WKU alumnus, are looking forward to exploring the Bowling Green area and getting to know the community. They enjoy camping, hiking, and canoeing, and are novice bird watchers. Stephen and Renae also enjoy yoga as a way to relax and focus. They have settled (for the time being) in Franklin, KY, with their two cats, Nixon and Isabel, who are slowly adjusting to the new environment.
       Dr. Kenworthy's professional interests include a range of environmental issues related to patterns of water and sediment flux within watersheds and the influence of these processes on stream-channel morphology, biogeochemistry, and stream ecology. Dr. Kenworthy's research has included field and laboratory studies of fluid flow and sediment transport dynamics in river channels, as well as intensive field monitoring of soil moisture patterns and stream nutrient loads in small suburban watersheds. He has also worked with aquatic biologists on understanding the role of floods as ecological disturbances in fluvial systems.
       One of Dr. Kenworthy's primary research topics is the influence of hydrologic regime and sediment transport dynamics on the ecology of streambed communities, including patterns of physical habitat formation, substrate disturbance, and flow-mediated dispersal of organisms. Specifically, he has focused on the role of sediment entrainment in regulating patterns of dispersal of aquatic insect larvae during floods in gravel bed rivers. Dr Kenworthy plans to extend this research through collaborations at WKU aimed at quantifying how patterns of streambed stability and flow-driven dispersal of organisms interact to regulate spatial distributions of streambed populations at the watershed scale. Ultimately, Dr Kenworthy believes this research will help natural resource managers to understand how patterns of land-use change and disturbance by flooding affect aquatic ecosystems and to develop management practices that limit the negative ecological effects of human activities.
       Dr. Kenworthy will be teaching introductory courses in physical geography and environmental science for Fall 2003, and will be developing courses in watershed hydrology, fluvial geomorphology, and hydro-ecological perspectives on monitoring and management of river channels and watersheds. He is looking forward to working with students in the classroom and the field!

  Introducing Margaret Crowder

       Coming to us from 20 miles south in the metropolis of Franklin, Kentucky, Margaret Crowder joins the Department as a full-time instructor this year, after serving as an adjunct faculty member since the spring semester, 2002. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from right here on the hill (she received the Department's Judson Roy Griffin Award for the Outstanding Geology Student in 1994), and a Master of Science in Teaching with an emphasis in Geology and a minor in Education from the University of Florida.
       At Florida, Margaret worked on testing the potential application of Sr/Ca ratios in the aragonitic shells of mollusks as a paleothermometer. While still interested in paleoclimate studies, she is now focusing on ways to work with teachers at the primary and secondary levels to encourage a better understanding of the geosciences and their importance in our educational system.
       Margaret has taught Historical Geology, Oceanography, and two one-time offerings: Geology in the Movies (bad geology movies are an addiction!) and Backyard Geology. She is currently teaching Introduction to Geology and a laboratory for Physical Geology and will branch into cyberspace to team teach an on-line course for the spring semester.
       Her personal interests include all things animal. She has three dogs, three cats, two degus, a fish, and various foster babies from the BG/Warren County Humane Society. (Note from Margaret: please save a life and adopt a pet (www.petfinder.com)!) Margaret also co-hosts a Sunday evening radio show, Lost Horizons, on D-93 (5-7 pm) that features jam bands and the occasional bluegrass tune.

  Introducing Will Blackburn

       William Blackburn has been added to the faculty as an instructor responsible for various classes offered at the Glasgow campus. Additionally, he will be covering courses, as needed, here on the hill. His current responsibilities include Physical Geography, Geography of Kentucky, and Geography of North American. In the coming spring semester, he will be adding World Regional Geography to his offerings.
       After several years in the real estate business, as an agent and manager, Will decided to return to school, receiving his B.S. in Geography, with a minor in City and Regional Planning, at Western in 1999. He received an M.S. in Geoscience degree from Western in 2003. Will's field of study is Physical Geography with an emphasis in Climatology. His research explored, and continues to explore, unacceptable elevated ozone concentrations at Mammoth Cave National Park, and the extent to which the Bowling Green/Warren County area influences those ozone levels. Will has great interest in aspects of Physical and Cultural Geography and he looks forward to teaching in both of these fields. The appointment to the Glasgow position should provide ample opportunity.
       Interests outside of academia include spending time with family, gardening, restoring antique jeeps and tractors, farming, and music. The farming interest is satisfied with a small track of family land in Barren County that boasts approximately 1000 cultivated Black Walnut trees. Will and his family enjoy water sports and they spend expendable summer time, which seems to be ever dwindling, at the Barren River Lake.

Welcome New Graduate Students

      The Department also welcomes many new and several returning graduate students to the Department. Some are familiar faces from the undergraduate program, while others are new to the campus and to the Department.
Sara All, Michael Briggs, Mark Graham, Jenna Harbaugh, Christina Henry, AJ Iovanna, Joey Islas, Pat Kambesis, Greg Lockhart, James Russ, Dan Taylor, and Joel Thomas are all returning for their second year and are diligently working on thesis research projects.
Our newest students are Laura Benneyworth, John Broome, Andrea Croskrey, Huw Evans, Mark Flick, Jason Kuykendall, Pierre MaCoy, Yancy Moore, Elizabeth Robb, Scott Schoefernacker, and Ben Tobin. They come from several different states around the region and we look forward to their involvement in the research activities of the Department.
Bill Curry, Joel Despain, David Ek, Johnny Meredith, Katie Seadler, and Tonya Travelstead are all non-resident students working in a variety of fields around the country and are in the process of completing their theses for graduation.
We extend a very warm welcome to all of our graduate students and we look forward to some educational, fun, and interesting experiences over the next couple of years.

ADVENTURES IN GEOSCIENCE

by L. Michael Trapasso

       When I decided to visit Iceland last January, my friends asked, “Iceland in January? … Are you crazy?” I replied, “Yes … but that has nothing to do with going to Iceland in January.” I was in bad need of some adventure, and also needed some time on my own. I, above all, know about the dreaded Icelandic Lows (the fierce storms of those latitudes) as well as the short days of a Northern Hemisphere winter (early January yields about 5 hours of sunlight in Reykjavik). I also know that Iceland is actively volcanic (warm ground) with a warm North Atlantic Drift current flowing by. I was willing to take my chances. As it turned out, the temperatures were mild (above freezing even at night), but overcast skies and drizzle dominated most of the available daylight hours.
       At any rate, Iceland was my choice and I've never regretted it. This small island nation has a geography, geology, and history unlike other nations. For example, the term 'geyser' is Icelandic. The name of Iceland's biggest effusion is Geysir (pronounced gay-sur), and from this name all other steamy emissions of water were named. The country practically runs on geothermal energy! Volcanoes, active and extinct, are everywhere. Much of Iceland's surface is comprised of ancient lava flows covered by tundra vegetation. Water resources (second only to Indonesia) flow majestically over numerous waterfalls. Glaciers (which only cover about 12% of Iceland) looked fabulous, capping beautiful volcanic peaks. At night, the aurora borealis shone through the partly cloudy skies. Though I was limited to about 5 hours of sunlight per day, I made the best of it and roamed through the countryside taking advantage of every natural site I could find.
       Of all the sites I visited, one will always stand out in my mind, and that place was Thingvellir (Thingi = parliament, vellir = plain). I had heard about this location and truly wanted to see it. At this site physical geography, cultural geography, and geology all intertwine.

Flagpole marks the Logberg of Speaker's Stand

The North American Plate seen from the Eurasian Plate

       Physical geography and geology come into play when you consider that this plain (more specifically a flat-bottomed rift valley) lies on the Mid-Atlantic Rift (Ridge). You'll recall from introductory classes that the Mid-Atlantic Rift runs almost from pole to pole and represents a gigantic crack in Earth's crust. The rift spreads apart at a rate of a few cm/year. The concept of plate tectonics, of course, explains continental drift, thus these massive but slow movements determine the shape and distances between the seven continents. This famous rift valley constitutes the division between the North American, and the Eurasian Plates, and farther south, the boundary between the South American and the African Plates. The Mid-Atlantic Rift runs primarily along the ocean floor (thus the name Mid-Atlantic), and the only place where the Rift runs on solid ground is through Iceland. This is the only location where one can walk across this famous Rift Valley, literally walking from the Eurasian to the North American Crustal Plate. As a physical geographer, I relished the opportunity to make this short but significant stroll. The actual Rift itself was rather small and unimpressive. It looked like an entrenched stream channel, about 7 meters deep and 2 to 3 meters wide, with a small stream running peacefully within.
       Though the separation of the plates is estimated at about 2 cm/year, the movement occurs in spurts, accompanied by serious earthquake activity and then all is quiet, perhaps for centuries. It is believed that the Rift Valley at Thingvellir was created about 10,000 years ago. In 1789 there were major earthquakes resulting in a displacement of over ½ meter along the Rift.
       The valley also contains Thingvellavatn (thingvella = parliament plain, vatn = lake). This lake is fed by a few surface streams, but mainly by glacial melt water that seeps beneath the ancient lava flows. Thingvellavatn is the largest lake in the country at about 84 sq. km. The water is crystal clear and pure enough to drink. The whole National Park area of about 50 sq. km. was quite serene and appears much the same as when the ancient Vikings viewed it.
       Herein lies the other part that makes this place so unique and significant. As the name suggests, this was the site of the Althingi, or parliament. Iceland can truly claim the oldest, continuous-running parliament in western civilization. The Althingi was established in 930 c.e. (almost 300 years before the Magna Carta was signed). It was a place where the Viking tribal leaders came during the 10th week of summer and stayed for about 2 weeks. The place was perfect for large encampments, plenty of space for shelters to be built, abundant pasture for the horses, and a large fresh water lake with plenty of fish. These two weeks also represented a friendly gathering filled with reunions with old friends, trading goods, and celebrating with abundant food, music, and dancing.
       When it came time for business, the elected leader of the Althingi would stand at the Logberg (speaker's stand) and recite all the laws agreed upon at previous sessions. Then the court of legislature (the Logretta) would exchange views, discuss matters of importance, make decisions, and set laws. No doubt matters concerning trade and business were also discussed. At times, these discussions would result in arguments, and, if all peaceful settlements failed, the two antagonists would row a boat out to 'dueling island', out in the middle of Thingvellavatn. Two men go out, and one man comes back: argument settled. Criminals would also be judged and, if necessary, executed during this time as well … men were beheaded, women were drowned. (Well after all, we are talking about Vikings here.)
       Of all the exotic places I've visited through time, Thingvellir will remain in my mind. Where else can one find such a significant geologic boundary and the place where the first inklings of Icelandic democracy both coincide so closely. Though the Vikings were rather rough in their dealings and governmental rule, we need to give some credit to these people, long thought to be so barbaric. Some people view this place as sacred with strange spiritual and mystical powers. Then again, some people like to hug trees, hear spirit voices, and talk to rock crystals. That's not my style. However, it does seem strange that, in this one place, both Earth and society made very significant advances.

by Richard Deal

       This summer, I had the opportunity to visit Nauru, one of the least visited countries in the world. Situated just south of the equator in the western Pacific, its nearest neighbor is Kiribati. With an area of eight square miles, it is the world's smallest republic (only the Vatican and Monaco are smaller). It has a population of only 10,000, again among the world's smallest.
       The country is noted for being one of the three great phosphate islands in the Pacific, and extremely pure phosphate has been mined here since 1906. The phosphate is then used to make fertilizer, which is mainly shipped to Australia. Mining made Nauru one of the world's wealthiest countries, but mining has left most of the interior of the island (”topside”) uninhabitable, as, after the phosphate is mined, the underlying surface of jagged coral pinnacles is exposed. The only inhabitable land is a narrow ring along the coast (“coconut land”).
       The deposits have nearly run out and mining continues at a small fraction of peak output and is expected to end in about a decade. An enormous trust fund, created from mining revenues and intended to provide for the country after the mining stops, has nearly disappeared due to corruption, mismanagement, and bad investments. The country today struggles to survive economically. Politically, the country is very unstable, having had five presidents so far this year alone.
       Nauru is certainly a fascinating island and society. One day during my visit, the phosphate mine was paying each worker $100 of back wages, which were months behind. Grand public buildings were slowly decaying. Most of the cars were very expensive, but several years old, as no new ones had been purchased since the economy collapsed. Half-built buildings were all over the island. The country once had dozens of night clubs, bar and restaurants, of which only two bars and a handful of Chinese takeout places remained. The shops' shelves were empty, while the surviving restaurants had numerous items crossed off the menu due to a lack of ingredients.
       Nauru has very limited development options. It has little usable land, and no money to pay for reclamation of mined areas. It has a very small workforce and is distant from major markets. The country does manage to sell a few postage stamps to collectors. Its main source of income today is from refugees, mostly Afghanis, that the Australian government pays Nauru to house. This generated 20-50 million dollars last year. This project has been very controversial in Australia, where there is concern about the treatment and well-being of the refugees. The camp is in the inhospitable interior of the country and is guarded by Australian Federal Police, so I could not look at it closely. Nauru is so afraid of negative publicity, and the resulting removal of the refugees and loss of income, that the country is virtually closed to foreign tourists. I was barely allowed in. The immigration authorities only allowed me into the country because of a miscommunication about visa requirements, the fact that the plane wasn't going back for three days, and by me swearing to the immigration authorities that I was not a journalist or human-rights activist.
       Nauru is one of the most interesting places I have ever visited. Its problems, while severe, are similar in nature to many of its island neighbors. How does a small country, with limited resources, and a peripheral location, survive in the modern global economy? This question continues to be asked in the other Pacific states, most all of which are suffering from some sort of economic or political problems today.

by Debbie Kreitzer and Scott Dobler

       During the 2003 May summer term, Scott Dobler and Debbie Kreitzer introduced eight students to the U.S. southwest as part of a geography field camp. The students were asked to use the scientific method to extract themes (either cultural or physical) from the landscape and hypothesize about their observations. The students studied either physical or cultural geography. This 5600-mile odyssey allowed eight students and two instructors to merge into one coherent team of geoscientists. Yes, it was not easy camping under the stars and taste-testing local cuisine, but they managed to get through the experience with a smile on their faces, a song in their hearts, and a rich human-environmental map of experience that they will take with them for the rest of their lives.
      The trip officially began in Memphis, TN, with a visit to Graceland. We discussed how Elvis Presley combined the music styles of different races to change popular music completely and why Memphis was important in this process. From there we went to Hot Springs, AR, and then to Ft. Worth, TX. However, our southwest experience really began when we reached Carlsbad Caverns, NM. From there we traveled to Roswell, Albuquerque, and Sky City, NM. We studied a variety of physical and human processes including cave formation, cave flora and fauna, climate, Latino and Native American culture, illegal aliens, aliens in general, and tourism.

Field Trip Students at the Continental Divide

Field Trip Students climbing the St. Louis Arch

      We then left New Mexico and entered Arizona, where we were able to visit the Petrified Forest, the Painted Desert, the Grand Canyon, and Winslow, AZ (where we were standing on the corner). Our next destination was Nevada, where we visited Hoover Dam. Because of heightened security, the dam guards searched the whole van (car-top carrier included) and our luggage before we were allowed to cross. From there it was just a short drive to Las Vegas, where the students were able to study the entertainment industry close up.
      After Nevada, we visited the southern Utah town of St. George. Here the students were exposed to Mormon (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) culture by taking a tour of the Mormon Temple visitor’s center. The next six days were spent in Utah visiting Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Dixie National forest, Brian Head Ski Resort, Cedar Breaks National Monument, the mining community of Price, and Arches National Park. Students studying physical geography learned about weathering and erosion, the evolution of landforms, and arid climates as they applied to southern Utah. The human geographers studied tourism, religion, natural resource extraction, population issues, and human environment interaction. Some of our activities included hiking a couple of miles in the Narrows at Zion, horseback riding at Bryce Canyon, and a Haunted Mine tour in Price.

Field Trip Students horseback riding in Byrce Canyon, Utah

Field Trip Students standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona

      From Moab we traveled to Mesa Verde National Park in southern Colorado. Here human geographers were able to study Native America issues, both past and present. We drove through the Ute Reservation to visit the Four Corners and shopped for Native American jewelry. Although there were many things for physical geographers to study, the best part of the trip was when we spotted a tornado at Mesa Verde! Most of the next day was spent driving up and down twisty roads through the Rocky Mountains (no one got carsick). Our last adventure in the “west” was the drive to the top of Pike’s Peak. The summit of Pike’s peak is 14,110 feet! The nineteen-mile road is only paved part of the way. For some (Kreitzer) this was a terrifying experience since there are no guardrails, and it is a long way down. We ended our journey by visiting the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial and riding to the top of the St. Louis Arch in the tram. This trip was a resounding success. Students were able to use the landscape as a classroom and not only had a memorable experience, but learned more. Maybe we’ll visit the northwest next time!