the wisconsin geological and natural history survey…. · the wisconsin geological and natural...

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The Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey….

What it can do for you, and what can you do for it

Ken BradburyDirector and State Geologist

WI Land and Water Conservation Association

March 3, 2016

What is the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey?

• We do research, inventory, and teaching about the rocks, minerals, and water resources of Wisconsin

• Original Survey in 1853

• Current organization dates to 1897

• We are part of the University of Wisconsin-Extension

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What we do…

We make maps

We prepare reports

We collect field data

We advise and teach

We conduct research

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WGNHS Research and Education Center, Mt Horeb, WI

Our Staff…

Currently 24 full time staff plus additional part-time staff, graduate assistants, and student hourly workers

Staff field trip, 2013

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WGNHS Vision Statement• To be the leader in the development of innovative multi‐

disciplinary approaches to earth science and the interpretation and application of earth‐science information to critical environmental, land‐use, and resource issues;

• To be recognized for our commitment to the support and promotion of earth‐science education;

• To be the leading provider of objective earth‐science information in a wide variety of formats addressing the needs of state agencies, local governments, educational institutions, industry, business, and individual citizens;

• To be the principal facilitator and catalyst for communication and collaboration among individuals and groups working on common issues and problems in earth science.

So what can WGNHS do for you?

Resource mapsDataData CollectionAnalysesModels

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• Raw data

– Geologic logs

– Core descriptions

– Geophysical data

– Outcrop descriptions

– Sample descriptions

– Geochemical data

• Interpreted data

– Geologic maps

– Cross sections

– Bedrock topography

– Stratigraphic columns

– Water table maps

– Recharge maps

• Process studies/reports– County reports– Technical publications, journals– Groundwater models– Focused studies

• Landscape evolution• Aquitard hydrogeology• Viruses in groundwater• Data preservation/archives

– Professional/public conferences• Technical talks• Poster presentations

• Educational products– Fact sheets– Page‐size maps– Topical posters– Annual calendar– Rock sets– Web page– Social media

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Bedrock Geology

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Glacial Geology

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Glacial Geology with cross section

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Bayfield County:

Water table map and cross sections requested in response to CAFO application

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Geologic mapping Passive seismic

Ground-penetrating radar

Many tools available…

Image After ProcessingImage After Processing

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Obviously some interest!

GPR Example: Grand Marsh, Adams County

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Image After Processing

Urban hydrogeology

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Approaching a 222-ft fracture…flow pulls camera into fracture

• Advice and information– Personal contacts– Outreach events– Field trips– Formal and informal teaching

• University classes• Public lectures• Student advising• Professional development• Professional networking

– Media• Public radio and TV• Internet

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Models exist for many parts of Wisconsin

http://wgnhs.uwex.edu/

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So what can you do for WGNHS?

Keep us relevant…By telling us what you need and helping us anticipate those resource information needs.

Help us anticipate the needs for geoscience information (examples: Frac sand mines, CAFO expansion).

Look for collaborations (federal, state, county, local, NGO, industry) that will help support our work.

The Wisconsin Idea“the boundaries of the University are the boundaries of the state”

UWEX Farm Technology Days, 2014

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Thank you.

Questions…?