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，在边坡破坏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了一个地震活跃带，这加剧了人们对这个地区和美国东南部其他地区可能发生灾难性滑坡的担忧。对潜在风险进行有意义的分析既需要短期的、实用的岩土工程考虑，也需要对自然系统进行长期的地质理解。互动活动将促进地质学家和地质工程师之间的对话。活动包括监督基于地球系统的地质实验室，该实验室已经在研究者所在的机构成功实施；主持地质助教教学策略研究生课程；并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.