Dr. Mobasher and I have recently won a presidential summer incentive award to
investigate the geology of the Elachee Nature Center. The Elachee Nature
Center is nineteen hundred acres, not a lot is known about the geology and our
idea was just to go out and take some samples at the rock outcrops that are
there and see what we can learn and how we can fit the story of Elachee geology
into the regional, what is known about the regional geology.
Our purpose was really to understand why these rocks are there. How they are related or connected
to each other and be able to contribute to the geology of Georgia.
We are using more modern technology such as handheld microscope and also handheld XRF or
x-ray fluorescence, which allows us to do chemical analysis right there in the field.
Well the students who help us on the research project will certainly
learn something about fieldwork, about the importance of safety in the field, of
taking careful notes in the field, and recording locations of where they obtain
samples -- that sort of thing.
When I was offered this research project I
immediately said "yes" because I wanted the experience of working on a research
project with a professional team.
Our two student researchers involved in this
project are going to present their findings in geological conferences.
For Dr. Allison and I, we're going to use our findings in our classrooms and also
we're going to use it for future research purposes.