Two Cultures: Bridging 'Pure' and Applied Geology

该项目的研究部分旨在开发一种跨学科方法，在边坡失稳高风险地区创建地质灾害潜在地图。 该研究将整合阿拉巴马州亨茨维尔市范围内主要古滑坡的地质观测、岩土材料测试和地理信息系统（GIC）分析。 最近在田纳西州东部划定的活跃地震活动带加剧了人们对美国东南部地区和其他地区可能发生灾难性边坡崩塌的担忧。 对潜在风险的有意义的分析需要对岩土工程的短期、务实考虑和对自然系统的长期地质理解。 互动活动将促进地质学家和地质工程师之间的对话。 活动包括对基于地球系统的地质实验室的监督，这已在研究者所在机构成功实施；为地质学助教主持一门关于教学策略的研究生课程；就地质学家和地质工程师共同感兴趣的主题举办研究生研讨会。

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.