Department of the Earth Sciences Newsletter SUNY College at Brockport, Fall 2018

Summer Research Cindy Brownson (Earth Science ’19) Geochemical Characterization of Meromictic Lakes in Western NY Cindy is investigating the relationship between geologic setting and the geochemistry of three meromictic lakes in Western NY. Meromictic lakes are permanently stratified with a highly saline layer at depth. The study is looking at major and trace elements, along with stable isotopes of O,H and S to determine if geologic setting is an important factor in current lake geochemical profiles, along with providing evidence for the source of dissolved constituents.

Cindy Brownson (ESC ’19) and Dr. Noll prepare a water sample from Devil’s Bathtub for sulfur stable isotope analyses.

Eliza Crane (Water Resources ’20) Fractionation of Phosphorus in Suspended Sediments of Irondequoit Creek Eliza spent the summer waiting for it to rain. During storm flow events, suspended sediment is transported through watersheds. Since phosphorus is strongly sorbed onto sediment, this is the primary way that it is transported through a watershed. She is comparing the fractionation, or different forms of P, in suspended sediment compared to stream bed sediment.

Eliza Crane (WTR ’20) spent a lot of time with Coby the Centrifuge collecting suspended sediment for analysis.

Peter Valenti (Geology ’20) Application of Ground Penetrating Radar to the Location of Early Republic Period Graves in East Bloomfield, NY Peter is working with the East Bloomfield Historical Society to locate graves in a lost cemetery. The cemetery served the newly established village from around 1790 to 1830. When more space was needed, the cemetery moved along with the headstones, but bodies were not exhumed. The location was intended to remain as a park, but over time had many uses. The historical society is attempting to implement the original intent of the village elders, but the location of the grave sites is unknown.

A Ground Penetrating Radar survey line showing the location of grave sites in East Bloomfield NY from the early 1800’s.

Reilly Blocho (Geology ’19) Organic Geochemistry of Lipids within the Marcellus and Utica Shales Reilly is continuing research he started in the summer of 2017 where he studied the degree of anoxia in black shales across NY State. He is continuing this work by characterizing the organic material in the shales to determine the degree of maturation of organic material, especially within the Marcellus formation.

Reilly Blocho (GEL ’19) collecting samples from the Marcellus shale near Canajoharie, NY Marissa Pellnat, ESC (’19) "Using GIS to Optimize Sidewalk Use and Maintainance on a College Campus" Over the summer, I took on the task of mapping the sidewalks and foot traffic on the College at Brockport campus. By using aerial photographs, data from OpenStreetMap, and field data collected

with GPS I was able to develop a definitive map of the sidewalks and paths on campus. I also used a Web scraping program to compile data about student enrollments. By doing a spatial join of the enrollment data with the locations of campus classrooms, I developed a GIS that characterizes where Brockport students are on campus, where they need to go, and what sidewalks are most useful. These results can inform the planning and prioritizing of sidewalk snow removal and general maintenance.

Adrianna Kremer (MET ’20) NEPARS REU at Hobart and William Smith Colleges Over this summer, I spent nine weeks researching foliage influences on diurnal temperatures in forest microclimates at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, NY. Over the summer we went out to collect data from field and forest weather stations, while also analyzing years of previously collected data. While the main focus of this project was the research we were conducting, there were also a variety of workshops and activities, such as networking and preparation for graduate school. At the end of the program we also

presented our completed research at The State University of New York at Albany to various faculty members and students. As another part of this opportunity, I will be presenting my research during the American Meteorological Society Student Conference in Phoenix, AZ this winter.

Molly Bartley (Meteorology ’20) “Topographical Influences on Hudson Valley Thunderstorms” I used storm tracking software to track thunderstorms that crossed the Hudson River Valley and used the output to determine how storms evolved in response to the changing terrain. Specifically, I looked at Volume Integrated Liquid (VIL) as a proxy for storm strength and compared it to the elevation of the storm’s reflectivity centroid as it crossed the valley.

Summer Internships A.J. Fallon and Mary Flynn, Meteorology ‘19

Over the summer we had the opportunity to work as a student intern at the National Weather Service Buffalo Office. We spent the much of our time working on a group research project under the supervision of Science Operations Officer David Zaff and Forecaster David Church. The goal of this project is to create maps of wind directions during lake effect snowstorms from 1994-2018. These maps will allow us to see which wind directions create the most bias in forecasts, which in turn, can increase the accuracy of future lake effect snow forecasts.

We also learned how to use the software AWIPS II, shadowing many forecasters and watch them make forecasts and publish severe weather warnings. We were was also able to take part in a Weather Event Simulator (WES) case: a series of storms that moved through Norman Oklahoma and produced multiple tornadoes, large hail, and damaging straight-line winds. Our job during the WES case was to analyze the “real time” AWIPS II radar data and publish tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings.

I also spent a lot of time doing weather balloon launches. Learning how to work with upper data is very important as meteorologist and being able to actually launch radiosondes myself twice a week was a great learning experience.

Violet Scibior, Meteorology ’19 During the summer of 2018, I had the pleasure of working with some of the most experienced meteorologists in the broadcasting industry at Spectrum Bay News 9 in Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL. I was 1 of 6 people chosen, out of 60 applicants, for the 10 week long internship as a Broadcast Meteorology Intern. I worked almost full time with 5 different meteorologists, including the Chief Meteorologist Mike Clay. They taught me forecasting and broadcasting tips, but also life advice for my career path and future endeavors. During the internship, I learned how to forecast for Florida’s weather using the newest models and programs. Spectrum Bay News 9 even has their own helicopter for storm chasing and to survey damage after storms, which we receive live feed from and can play live on TV. I was also able to create my own graphics, produce, and record my own broadcasts to keep for future job applications. I had the privilege to work with many others at the station, such as the producers and directors who helped me record my own broadcasts, anchors and reporters taught me about presenting, engineers helped me with equipment, editors helped me edit my footage, and human resources helped me with resume tips and career advice. I highly recommend doing as many internships as you can because not only are they fun, but you can make so many connections and discover what you want to do with your future!

Brockport Students Attend Regional and National Conferences Northeast Storm Conference (Spring ’18) Students and faculty from the Earth Sciences department attended the Northeastern Storm Conference in Saratoga Springs, NY from March 9th through March 11th, 2018. In attendance were, from left to right, Dr. Rochette, Sam Cherubin, Donald Bullen, A.J. Fallon, Kevin Zimmer, and Dr. Jessup.

Geological Society of America (Fall ’18) Several students who worked with Dr. Noll this summer will attend the Geological Society of America conference this fall to present their summer research. The meeting will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana from November 4th to 7th. GSA is one of the largest geoscience conferences in the world, with thousands of attendees. Weather Challenge Successes! Kevin Zimmer (MET '20) placed third in the Junior/Senior Division (13th overall) for Sioux Falls, South Dakota, while Dr. Rochette took first place in the Faculty/Staff Division (9th overall) for Macon, Georgia.

Return to Puerto Rico! In March, students travelled with Dr. Noll to Puerto Rico to collect samples for a study that is looking at variations in weathering and biogeochemistry of several watersheds across a natural climate gradient. The six streams drain granodiorite plutons along the southeast coast of Puerto Rico. While there, the group helped with clean up efforts at a local school and saw first-hand the impact of a major hurricane.

Senior Seminar Projects Spring 2018 “COASTAL DRUMLIN-BLUFF VOLUME LOSS DUE TO WAVE IMPACT; WAYNE COUNTY, NY,” Trevor James “META-IGNEOUS ROCKS IN THE NORTH-WEST REGION OF THE PISECO LAKE QUADRANGLE,” Lydia Williams “IDENTIFYING SINKHOLES USING A GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS),” Andrew Kita “IC LIGHTNING PRECURSOR IN CELLULAR STORMS THAT PRODUCED FLASH FLOODS IN NEW JERSEY,” Bob Continelli

For more information on our programs and students, visit our website: http://www.brockport.edu/esc

or call the Earth Sciences department at 585-395-2636 to arrange a visit