Outcrop and petrographic studies of the Eocene Green River and Colton formations in the Uinta basin, Utah, document the facies architecture and heterogeneity characteristic of lacustrine reservoirs. A southwest-northeast transect of Eocene strata in the Uinta basin records three main marginal lacustrine depositional environments: fluvial, deltaic, and wave-dominated. Heterogeneity exists between and within individual depositional systems. Reservoir rocks of Outcrops One and Two (the flu vial facies of the Colton Formation and the deltaic facies of the Green River Formation, respectively) consist of 2 to 18 m thick lenticular, tabular, or undulatory channel-fill, distributary channel, and distributary mouth bar deposits that are partially to entirely compartmentalized, or encased, by mudstone units. These reservoir analog intervals are dominated by large­ scale heterogeneity, in that sand bodies show a variety of connectivity and lateral continuity. Small-scale heterogeneity exists within these sand bodies in the form of mud chip lag surfaces, large mud clast horizons, and discontinuous finer-grained beds. These features add complexity to the systems by reducing flow transmissibility or acting as flow baffles. The complex heterogeneity characteristic of these reservoir analogs confirms the need for detailed reservoir characterization studies on all scales in order to improve exploration and production efficiency in such systems. Outcrop Three (the wave-dominated facies of the Green River Formation) is dominated by thinner (2 to 4 m) tabular and laterally extensive offshore bar deposits that are compartmentalized by mudstone units. Large-scale heterogeneity is minimized in these reservoir analogs, in that sand bodies exhibit excellent lateral continuity and less complex amalgamation. Therefore, documentation of the smaller-scale heterogeneities (similar to those mentioned in the previous two outcrops) is necessary to better address exploration and production potential in these types of reservoirs. Data collected in this study were utilized in geostatistical simulations and fluid flow models in an attempt to document the effects of reservoir heterogeneity on hydrocarbon exploration and production efficiency in lacustrine basins. Further studies of this type are necessary if predictable classification systems and hierarchies of bounding surfaces are to be derived for lacustrine reservoirs. (152 pages)

Well-preserved echinoderm faunas are rare in the fossil record, and when uncovered, understanding their occurrence can be useful in interpreting other faunas. In this study, two such faunas of the same age from separate localities in the shallow-marine Ramey Creek Member of the Slade Formation in the Upper Mississippian (Chesterian) rocks of eastern Kentucky are examined. Of the more than 5,000 fossil specimens from both localities, only 9–34 percent were echinoderms from 3–5 classes. Nine non-echinoderm (8 invertebrate and one vertebrate) classes occurred at both localities, but of these, bryozoans, brachiopods and sponges dominated. To understand the attributes of both localities (Valley Stone and 213 quarries), the geologic and structural settings, lithofacies and depositional environments, as well as faunal makeup and abundances (diversity, evenness, density), were compared and contrasted. Faunas from the Valley Stone Quarry were located on an uplifted fault block in more shallow, open-marine waters with higher energies. As indicated by four distinct lithofacies, the depositional setting was more extensive and varied with interspersed shoals and basins that could accommodate a greater richness (65 species), even though organism densities and abundance were less. In contrast, fauna from the 213 Quarry were located on a downdropped fault block in a more localized, deeper, storm-shelf setting, characterized by a single lithofacies. Although organism density and abundance were nearly twice as high as that at the Valley Stone Quarry, species richness was lower (45 species), and only one species, a bryozoan, predominated. Overall, echinoderm classes, species and individuals were more abundant at the Valley Stone Quarry, and I suggest that this is related to the shallower and more varied depositional environments that developed in response to presence on the shallow, uplifted fault block. This suggests the importance of regional features like faults in controlling environments and organism distribution through time. Although the faunas were originally collected for their echinoderm-dominated “crinoid gardens,” in fact, echinoderms were in the minority, and bryozoans and brachiopods predominated in the communities. Hence, the communities might better be described as bryozoan “thickets” and brachiopod “pavements.”

Mono Lake (CA) is a hydrologically closed lacustrine basin well-known for its paleo-shorelines, which record fluctuations in water level for the last deglacial and late Holocene. Mono Lake is a sentinel of California’s water supply, situated in the rain shadow of the Sierra Nevada, a mountain range whose snowpack is a vital source of freshwater for urban and agricultural districts to the west and south. Recent droughts, floods, and wildfires show that California is threatened by climate change, but how these changes impact and get recorded by Mono Lake sediments remains poorly known. Here, we use a new radiocarbon-dated deepwater sediment core from Mono Lake to test the hypothesis that organic facies development is controlled by climate and limnological change. An integrated stratigraphic analysis of the core reveals seven lithostratigraphic units that track environmental changes from ~16-4 ka. When compared to available paleo-shoreline and shallow water core data, our results show that high amplitude lakelevel fluctuations of the late Pleistocene produce different patterns of sedimentation and organic enrichment than lower-amplitude water level changes of the early and middle Holocene. The results have implications for understanding patterns of paleo-production and hydroclimate change at Mono Lake.

The Late Paleozoic Ice Age represents a dynamic period in Earth system history recording a shift from icehouse to greenhouse conditions. Concomitant with this change was a series high-frequency, high-amplitude sea level fluctuations leading to the deposition of “Kansas type” cyclothems in the Mid-Continent, and a similar rhythmic expression of interbedded shales and carbonates in the Midland Basin. Stable isotope geochemistry is a particularly powerful tool when examining these mud-rich successions because changes in organic matter partitioning may be recorded first in δ13CDIC of sea-water and consequently in δ13Ccarb of marine rocks. The δ13Ccarb record may also illuminate early and late-stage diagenetic processes and associated destruction of organic matter. This study used high-resolution x-ray fluorescence (XRF) and δ13Ccarb measurements to analyze paleo-environmental conditions in two cores within the Midland Basin Wolfcamp Formation. Using this approach, the combination of more positive δ13Ccarb measurements and enrichment of redox-sensitive elements reflect conditions more favorable for organic matter enrichment in the distal core. Additionally, four (< 6 in.) early-diagenetic intervals have been identified representing prolonged periods of reduced or non-deposition based on sharp negative δ13Ccarb excursions. These horizons are proposed as potential chronostratigraphic tie-points between the two core localities.

Detrital monazite Th-Pb and detrital zircon U-Pb and U-Th/He double-dating coupled with sandstone petrography and exhumation rates can be used to test for sediment recycling in Pennsylvanian sandstones within the Alleghenian clastic wedge. The Alleghenian clastic wedge is a logical system in which to test for sediment recycling as four major collisional events (Grenville, Taconic, Acadian and Alleghenian orogenies) likely reworked the continental margin and recycled siliciclastic sediment. The combination of these geochronologic and thermochronologic methods provide a more accurate assessment of the proportion of recycled sediment in the Grundy Formation (sublitharenite) and the Corbin Sandstone (quartz arenite), which past studies and the use of standard zircon U-Pb alone could not distinguish. Recognition of sediment recycling is thus critical for sedimentary provenance studies, which assume a direct path from sediment source to depositional basin. Zircon U-Pb age modes for both formations include the dominant “Grenville doublet” along with a lesser component of Granite-Rhyolite and Taconic age modes. The Corbin Sandstone is temporally more expansive, with age modes associated with the Yavapai-Mazatzal and Kenoran orogenies not present in the Grundy Formation. Monazite Th-Pb age modes are younger than zircon U-Pb for both samples, with dominant modes in the Taconic, Acadian, and Alleghenian, and only minor age modes associated with the Grenville Orogeny. The extent of sediment recycling was quantified by the difference in crystallization ages and exhumation/cooling ages of detrital zircon. This difference in time (∆t) becomes higher in the case of recycling (> ~300 Ma). A median 288 Ma ∆t cutoff value between first-cycle and multi-cycle Grenville aged zircons was calculated using post-Grenville exhumation rates. Furthermore, “detrital diagenetic monazite” grains older than the 312 Ma age of deposition are present in both the Grundy Formation and Corbin Sandstone and proves the occurrence of sediment recycling. In conclusion, most detrital grains of Grenville origin and older are likely multi-cycle, while detrital grains associated with the Taconic, Acadian, Neo-Acadian, and Alleghenian orogenies are likely first-cycle in origin.

The San Bernardino Mountains are well known for their rich mining history, especially, gold in the mid-1800s and the current mining of one of the world’s largest deposits of high purity limestone. The purpose of this study was to compile new, current, and historical data of the major economic resources that are present and mining that has gone on in the San Bernardino Mountains. It is estimated that historical mining of the Holcomb Valley recovered $457,660,000 of gold or about 350,000 troy ounces based on samples collected for this study and 2013 gold price. The current major geologic resource is the limestone deposits on the north slope of the San Bernardino Mountains. Presently, there are three operators: Omya, Specialty Minerals, and Mitsubishi Cement. The San Bernardino Mountains are well known for skarn gold deposits. New work indicates that the placer gold from Holcomb Valley is often of very high purity. Placer gold samples were analyzed using the scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive x-ray spectra to determine the purity of the gold. Rim and core analysis of the placer gold was used to determine if the gold was transported from its source and to give an estimate of transportation distance. Results show some of the placer gold of Holcomb Valley has been rounded and flattened by weathering and transportation with increased gold purity in the rims while other gold grains still sustain their octahedral crystalline structure. Rims range in gold purity from 84.26% to 100%, with core gold purity ranging from 79.51% to 99.79%. Gold samples were weighed, photographed, measured, and classified by shape, angularity and texture, to assess the effects of transportation. Gold weights where used to calculate an economic value of gold. Geographic Information System “GIS” was used to visually display geology, historical and current mine locations, locations of samples used in this study, and to help calculate the volume of the Holcomb Valley TsE rock unit, which is where the placer gold is deposited. Sediment sample 15 from TsE had the lowest gold value of .002 ounces per cubic yard. This value is inferred to represent the amount of gold remaining after mining. Based on this assumption and the estimated volume of TsE at 50,027,000 cubic yards, the estimated total weight of gold remaining in the deposit is about 100,000 troy ounces, with a dollar value of about $130,760,000, using gold values for 2013. Sample 17 had the highest gold value, with .014 ounces per cubic yard. This is inferred to represent the concentration of placer gold deposits within parts of Holcomb Valley that have never been mined. This yields a total weight of the deposit of roughly 700,000 troy ounces, with an estimated value of $915,320,000 using gold prices for 2013. The gold values were calculated using November 7, 2013 gold spot price of $1,307.60.

Water waves generated by wind and ships; ebb tidal currents; water level fluctuations; and dredging impact sediment transport in shallow water of the lower Columbia River. Observations were made over a one-year period after sand dredged from the navigation channel was placed at three study sites in the Puget Island region, 46°15'N 123°25'W, Oregon and Washington. Sediment composition is fine to medium grained, low density dacitic volcanics with small percentages of pumice, heavy minerals, and basalt.

Soil samples from 118 sites on 71 geologic units in southwest Oregon were collected and analyzed to determine the background concentrations of metals in soils of the region. Sites were chosen in areas that were relatively undisturbed by human activities. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved total-recoverable method was used to recover metals from samples for analysis. The twenty six metals analyzed were: Ag, AI, As, Ba, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, La, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Tl, V and Zn. The Klamath Mountains followed by the Coast Range contain the highest soil concentrations of AI, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Ni, V and Zn. Soils of the Coastal Plain and High Lava Plains contain the lowest concentrations of these metals. Unusually high soil As concentrations are found at two sites in the Klamath Mountains. All Be and Cd values above laboratory's reporting limits are also from the Klamath Mountains and Coast Range. Concentrations of soil Ba and La are fairly uniform throughout the region. Soil Pb levels are generally low with a few exceptions in the Klamath Mountains, Coast and Cascade Ranges. The region west of the Cascade Range has higher soil Hg contents than in the east. Soil metal concentrations are generally much higher in the region west of the Cascade Range, excluding the Coastal Plain, than in the east with the exception ofNa, because of more ultramafic rocks and a wetter climate. Soil metal concentrations are directly related to soil development with the highest concentrations being found in well developed Alfisols and Ultisols and the lowest concentrations in poorly developed Entisols. Most metals have similar averages and ranges of concentration compared to the rest of the United States (U.S.). Metals with high values compared to the rest of the U.S. are Cr, Co, Cu, Mn and Ni. In general, AI, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, La, Li, Mg, Na, Ni, and V are concentrated in the B horizon while Ba, Ca, Hg, K, Mn, Pb and Zn are concentrated in the A horizon.

Internal loading of phosphorus (P) from lake sediments can delay the recovery of lakes from eutrophication for years to decades following decreases in external nutrient inputs. While internal P loading is a pervasive problem in freshwater systems, molecular speciation of P in benthic sediments of these systems remains poorly characterized. As different P species will exhibit different responses to changing sediment-water interface (SWI) geochemistry, quantifying P speciation in sediments is a critical step in understanding P dynamics in sediment-water systems. Here, various synchrotron-based techniques were employed to directly probe the bonding environments of P and iron (Fe) in natural and experimentally manipulated lake sediments in order to link chemical speciation to chemical behavior and to identify the geochemical drivers that mediate this linkage. We manipulated SWI redox conditions in mesocosm experiments to investigate the impacts of prolonged anoxia and redox oscillations on P mobility and speciation in sediments. Mesocosm experiments demonstrate that oscillating redox conditions near the SWI may drive accelerated P release from sediments relative to uninterrupted reducing conditions. Sediment P is found to be predominantly associated with Fe oxyhydroxides, calcium carbonate, and apatite minerals in three shallow hyper/eutrophic lakes in northern Vermont. In Missisquoi Bay and Lake Carmi, Fe redox cycling controls P mobility via precipitation and dissolution of Fe oxyhydroxides. In the hypereutrophic Shelburne Pond, the presence of Fe sulfides precludes redox-driven P cycling and P mobility is instead dominated by organic matter mineralization. Our results demonstrate that internal P loading can manifest differently in similar shallow lake systems due to differences in lake configuration, sediment P and Fe speciation, and organic content of sediments. This work demonstrates the potential utility, as well as the limitations, of P K- edge X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy in determining sediment P speciation in freshwater lakes.

Several previous Neoproterozoic microfossil diversity studies yield evidence for arelatively sudden biotic change prior to the first well‐constrained Sturtian glaciations. In an event interpreted as a mass extinction of eukaryotic phytoplankton followed by bacterial dominance, diverse assemblages of complex acritarchs are replaced by more uniform assemblages consisting of simple leiosphaerid acritarchs and bacteria. Recent data from the Chuar Group of the Grand Canyon (770‐742 Ma) suggest this biotic change was caused by eutrophication rather than the direct effects of Sturtian glaciation; evidence includes total organic carbon increases indicative of increasing primary productivity followed by iron speciation values that suggest sustained water column anoxia. A new data set (this study) suggests that this same eutrophication event may be recorded in shale units of the formation of Hades Pass and the Red Pine Shale of Utah’s Neoproterozoic Uinta Mountain Group (770‐742 Ma). Results of this study include a significant shift from a higher‐diversity (H’= 0.60) fauna that includes some ornamented acritarchs to a lower‐diversity (H’ = 0.11) fauna dominated by smooth leiosphaerids and microfossils of a bacterial origin (Bavlinella/ Sphaerocongregus sp.). This biotic change co‐occurs with a significant increase in total iii organic carbon values that directly follows a positive carbon‐isotopic excursion, suggesting increased primary productivity that may have been the result of elevated sediment influx and nutrient availability. Both the biotic change and period of increased total organic carbon values correspond with the onset of an interval of anoxia (indicated by total iron to aluminum ratios above 0.60) and a spike in sulfur concentration. Like those reported from the Chuar Group, these biotic and geochemical changes in the upper Uinta Mountain Group are independent of changes in lithofacies , and they suggest that either a eutrophication event or direct inhibition of eukaryotes by sulfide (or perhaps both) may have been the cause of the biotic turnover. These findings support current correlations between the Uinta Mountain and Chuar Groups, the idea that the biotic turnover preserved in both strata was at least a regional phenomenon, and current models of punctuated global ocean anoxia during mid‐ to late‐Neoproterozoic time. Whether or not this hypothesized eutrophication event was more than regional in extent remains a very interesting question and will certainly be a focus of future research.