Two Cultures: Bridging 'Pure' and Applied Geology

该项目的研究部分旨在开发一种跨学科的方法，以创建在高风险地区的地质灾害潜在地图的斜坡故障。 该研究将整合地质观测、岩土材料测试和地理信息系统（GIC）分析亚拉巴马州亨茨维尔市范围内的主要古滑坡。 最近田纳西州东部地震活动带的划定加剧了人们对美国东南部这一地区和其他地区发生灾难性边坡破坏的可能性的担忧。 对潜在风险进行有意义的分析，需要对岩土工程进行短期、务实的考虑，并对自然系统进行长期的地质了解。 互动活动将促进地质学家和地质工程师之间的对话。 活动包括监督已在调查员所在机构成功实施的地球系统地质学实验室;为地质学助教主持一个关于教学战略的研究生课程;并就地质学家和地质工程师共同感兴趣的专题举办一个研究生研讨会。

The research component of this project is designed to develop an interdisciplinary approach to creating geologic hazards potential maps in areas at high risk for slope failure. The study will integrate geological observations, geotechnical materials testing, and geographic information systems (GIC) analysis of major paleo- landslides within the Huntsville, Alabama city limits. Concerns about the potential for catastrophic slope failures in this and other parts of the southeastern US has been heightened by recent delineation of a belt of active seismicity in Eastern Tennessee. Meaningful analysis of the potential risks will require both the short-term, pragmatic considerations of geotechnical engineering and longer-term geologic understanding of natural systems. The interactive activities will promote dialogue between geologists and geological engineers. Activities include supervision of Earth- systems based geology laboratory, already successfully implemented at the investigator's home institution; leading a graduate course on pedagogical strategies for geology teaching assistants; and conducting a graduate seminar on a topic of mutual interest to geologists and geological engineers.