Contact Info

195 Rankin Science
572 Rivers Street
Boone, NC
28608
(828) 262-3049
FAX: (828) 262-6503

Chairperson:
Dr. Johnny A. Waters
watersja@appstate.edu

General Questions:
Geology Webmaster

Research in Geology

Geology students are asking:

• What happens to rocks under Antarctic glaciers?
• Can you tell dinosaurs and other reptiles apart by their teeth?
• What does a rock from 10 miles below the surface look like?
• How can I use lake sediments to understand climate change?
• How do fractures in rocks control well-water availability?
• When will the San Andreas fault rupture again?

Fieldwork

Appalachian students have drilled sediment cores from ships in Alaska and dry lake beds in Nevada, excavated dinosaurs from New Mexico, and measured the streams of Watauga County.  Most field work incorporates technology – river flow meters, differential GPS for surveying, in-situ chemical probes, and even backhoes.  Of course, most field work involves a lot of dirt and usually a shovel!