Sabino Canyon's 'gneiss' rocks

There's a multi-page article and photo-tour of the rocks of Sabino Canyon in Sunday's Arizona (Tucson) Daily Star. AZGS's Mike Conway was consulted on the geologic history and road log, in the story ("Sabino's a gneiss canyon") by reporter Doug Kreutz with photos by Dean Knuth. [right, my photo, 2006]

Form letters dominate comments on uranium EIS

The BLM has received 161,647 total letters as of April 7 on the uranium EIS for Northern Arizona, according to Chris Horyza, the project coordinator. However, of those, 152,723 are form letters, and 1717 are letters that either aren't about this project or are not comments.

BLM has received 483 unique letters, which is where the bulk of substantive comments will probably be found. The public comment period was extended to May 4 to accommodate requests from groups reviewing the vast amount of materials used to prepare the draft EIS.

AZGS is a formal cooperating agency with BLM on the EIS process. The debate over mineral exploration in northern Arizona is highly emotional with public perceptions that mines will be placed on the rim of the Grand Canyon, or even within the canyon. [right, former uranium mine in northern Arizona. Credit, VANE Minerals]

Creating a More Disaster Resilient America

The second day of the meeting of the Advisory Council of the National Science Foundation's Geoscience Directorate (GEO) gets underway in a few minutes here in Arlington Va. I've got a lot of things to blog about already and today's agenda is packed.

But a quick note on a new program that I am only just learning about - "Creating a More Resilient America" (CaMRA), is a $10 million initiative intended to improve forecasting and prediction of national and man-made hazard events. NSF is developing a formal solicitation for proposals now. [right, debris flow in Sabino Canyon, Catalina Mountains, AZ. Credit, Chris Magirl, USGS]

The sense I'm getting is that GEO and NSF overall, is looking more at science aimed at addressing critical societal issues. Long known for fostering basic scientific research, NSF is making a major investment in Science, Engineering, and Education for Sustainability (SEES) with a proposed $338M increase in FY12 ($87M of that would go to GEO).

CaMRA and SEES are two of 4 focus areas, along with Cyberinfrastructure and continued investment in basic research, education and diversity, and scientific infrastructure.

More on these topics in future posts.

USGS groundwater model won't affect uranium EIS

The USGS is scheduled to release a Northern Arizona Regional Groundwater Flow Model [right, model area. Credit, USGS] this week, aimed at addressing issues in the Big Chino watershed but also covering the million acre area where uranium exploration has been halted while an EIS is completed. I raised the question whether this new report was included in the EIS preparation, or if not, would it be used now. John Hoffman, Director of the USGS Arizona Water Science Center in Tucson, emailed this afternoon to say,

"The regional groundwater flow model referred to in the news release does not have any new information about groundwater that is not already described in [USGS] SIR 2010-5025. There is a limited amount of hydrogeologic information in that area and what is there was very simplified within the model for the purpose of simulation of water-budget components. This model does provide a great foundation for subsequent work; however, unless more information were available, this model would probably not be appropriate for use in the final EIS."

Public comments on the northern Arizona uranium draft EIS are being accepted through May 4.

Bullish on copper prices

"Copper Survey 2011" released by research house GFSM is described by Mineweb.com as going into "immense detail of the copper industry all across the supply and demand chains." They echo other analyses that the copper market is in a supply deficit for the year which could lead to near record prices of $11,000/tonne. Rio Tinto predicts a higher deficit of 500,000 tonnes this year, with the supply deficit lasting into 2013. [photo credit, FCX]

However, GFSM and others warn about a pullback in prices in the near term, due to possible slowdown in growth in China, in the BRIC group, drawdown of stockpiles, or other factors.

I am not trying to serve as an investment advisor with these posts, but since Arizona produces roughly two-thirds of the nation's copper supply, developments in the red metal are important here.

Renewable energy standard ruling benefits geothermal energy

The Arizona Court of Appeals has upheld the authority of the Arizona Corporation Commission to establish a Renewable Portfolio Standard, or Renewable Energy Standard and Tariff (“REST”) . In somewhat of an oversimplification, the standard was set in 2006 requiring public utilities to produce 15% of their electricity from renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, and biogas. It also allows distributed power generation rather than large-scale centralized power plants.

The 2006 decision not only increased the goal but added geothermal for the first time. While Arizona doesn't have any commercial geothermal power plants, there is a growing number of ground source (goethermal) heat pumps in residences that contribute by reducing demands for electricity. [right, geothermal well test at Clifton Hot Springs, Arizona, 2005. Credit, APS]

"Fracture": new Arizona geo-mystery published

Susan Cummins Miller's new geology murder mystery, "Fracture" is set in Tucson and California. Susan is a Tucson-based geologist and author, who sets her books in Arizona and surrounding regions. Fracture is the 5th book in the Frankie MacFarlane mystery series. I've read and recommended all of Susan's previous mysteries and will be diving into this one shortly.

The publisher's comments offer this synopsis:

Geologist Frankie MacFarlane and P.I. Philo Dain, just back from Afghanistan, are packing for an R&R trip to a cooler clime when Philo's Aunt Heather is murdered in her empty Tucson mansion. Her husband, wealthy developer Derek Dain, is the prime suspect. The day before, Heather had left town with the Dain coin collection, worth millions. Now it's missing.

Though Philo and his uncle haven't spoken in years, Philo and Frankie agree to backtrack Heather on a quest that takes them from the sun-baked Tucson Basin to the foggy San Francisco Peninsula. Among California's fault-scarred hills they uncover painful secrets from Philo's past--and clues to a mysterious chess set worthy of kings, long protected by one family and long coveted by another. A treasure worth killing for--but who will survive to claim it?

Susan and I were undergrads together at UC Riverside, and I went to field camp with her now husband, Jonathan Matti, who works for the USGS in Tucson. Their son Jordan is doing an internship with AZGS this semester.

N. Arizona groundwater model embroiled in controversy

The Northern Arizona Regional Groundwater Flow Model is scheduled to be released by the USGS publicly on Tuesday but it's already embroiled in controversy. [right, USGS map of study area]

The Prescott Daily Courier reports that Prescott and Prescott Valley officials were worried about the model conclusions impacts on Big Chino water rights and turned to Congress.

"Then-Congressman John Shadegg of north Phoenix met privately with the USGS director in Washington, while Congressman Paul Gosar of Flagstaff posted a You Tube video of himself grilling a USGS associate director about the issue on March 2. Gosar represents this region."

All this maneuvering is drawing complaints about possible 'tainted science.'

However, the Daily Courier story doesn't mention the possible impacts of the USGS study on the Northern Arizona uranium EIS that is underway. The USGS report covers the 1 million acre area that is proposed for withdrawal from mineral exploration and development for 20 years. One of the biggest issues is the potential impacts of uranium mining on groundwater. The draft EIS was released two months ago and I have to presume that the BLM did not have the USGS groundwater study results to use in making their recommendations.

The EIS comment period has been extended 30 days to May 4, because some stakeholders needed more time to review the vast amount of data. What impacts will this major new groundwater study have on our understanding of potential uranium mining and will it be significant enough to affect the EIS process or decisions?

Geologic mapping in Springerville Volcanic Field

The USGS will fund mapping under the EDMAP program for Dr. Christopher Condit and his students at University of Massachusetts, for geologic mapping in the Springerville Volcanic Field, east-central Arizona, in parts of two quadrangles: southeastern part of the Horseshoe Cienega Quadrangle, and the southwestern part of the Greens Peak Quadrangle.


The proposed mapping in this area will complete a large part of the remaining unmapped sections of the Springerville Volcanic Field, considered one of the most scientifically important such features in the world. The planned flow-by-flow mapping will provide important constraints and documentation on the origin of the field, but also has near-term practical applications for groundwater resources for the White Mountain Apache Tribe.

AZGS anticipates publishing the maps when completed.

Mining & Mineral Museum volunteers recognized

Volunteers and donors to the Arizona Mining & Mineral Museum were honored last night in Phoenix at an annual banquet held in the museum.

Volunteers contributed 9,730 hours to the museum in 2010, which is equal to nearly four full time workers for a year.

Anniversary of the El Mayor-Cucapah earthquake

http://tremblingearth.wordpress.com/2011/04/09/el-mayor-cucapah-earthquake-anniversary/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

April 4 was the one-year anniversary of the magnitude 7.2 El Mayor-Cucapah earthquake in northern Baja California. Geology grad student Austin Elliott, is just back from 3 weeks of field work on the quakes effects and posted the first of a series on the aftermath on his blog, The Trembling Earth. He's got photos and videos I haven't seen before and promises to post quite a few more.

Austin has a video clip in his post showing a spectacular swimming pool seiche but that links to another 20 or so videos on YouTube, many showing swimming pools sloshing heavily in the ground shaking such as the one below. The quake occurred on Easter Sunday so there are a lot of home videos of family's celebrating that catch the action.

Key provisions of Mines Dept. - Geo Survey consolidation

The ADMMR-AZGS agency consolidation bill, SB1615, was sent to Gov. Brewer on Monday for signature. Here is the summary of the key provisions, as provided by Legislative staff:

Department of Mines Minerals and Resources Transfer to Arizona Geological Survey

· Transfers all of the duties and responsibilities of the Department of Minerals and Mining Resources (DMMR), including the director membership on the Centennial and Mining and mineral Museum advisory council, to the Arizona Geological Survey.

· Repeals statutes relating the DMMR including the Board of Governors for DMMR and the Mines Minerals Resource Fund.

· Specifies that this act does not alter the effect of any actions that were taken or impair the valid obligations of DMMR in existence before the effective date of this act.

· Stipulates that the administrative rules and orders that were adopted by DMMR continue in effect until superseded by administrative action by the Arizona Geological Survey.

· Specifies that all certificates, licenses, registrations, permits and other indicia of qualification and authority that were issued by DMMR retain their validity for the duration of their terms.

· Transfers all equipment, records, furnishings and other property, all data and investigative findings and all appropriated monies that remain unexpended and unencumbered on the effective date of this act from DMMR to the Arizona Geological Survey.

· Stipulates that all personnel who are under state personnel system and employed DMMR are transferred to comparable positions and pay classifications in the respective administrative units of the Arizona Geological Survey on the effective date of this act.

Mines and Minerals Fund

· Transfers $32,200 from the Mines and Minerals Fund (MMF) to the Arizona Historical Society Revolving Fund and the remaining monies in the MMF to the Geological Survey Fund.

Geology curator sought for rededicated Arizona museum

The Arizona Historical Society has opened two museum curator positions for the new "Arizona Experience." The new museum is being built from the Arizona Mining & Mineral Museum which was transferred from the Dept. of Mines & Mineral Resources last year. The original concept for a Centennial Museum [right] based on Arizona's historical 5 C's has undergone considerable evolution and will focus more on Arizona's future.

The senior position is described as "a leadership position in the agency that will assist senior staff in determining program policy. The Museum Curator has principal responsibility for daily management and operation of the facility and it programs. In conjunction with appropriate staff, the position helps research, develop, and implement public programming. The position serves as the museum's "first" point of contact with the public thereby representing the agency to its diverse audiences. Working with a variety of stakeholders, the position has an opportunity to shape the museum's future direction."

The Arizona Historical Society also seeks a Curator 2 "having geological expertise to manage mineral collections and associated educational programming at its new museum, The Arizona Experience, a project of the state's 2012 Centennial. The position participates in the development of exhibits, programs, events, and other museum activities by performing technical and specialized work in these areas."

This position requires a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology with specialized knowledge of Arizona minerals/mineralogy; knowledge of research techniques; preparing, selecting, and cataloguing specimens; one year experience equivalent to curator responsibilities.

Preference will be given to candidates having a degree in a mineral-related field with museum experience.

*Familiarity with the discipline of geology
*Specialized knowledge of Arizona minerals/mineralogy
*Research techniques, preparing, selecting, and cataloging specimens
*Museum policies/procedures, and collections management
*Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships among team members and volunteers
*Ability to apply sound critical judgment
*Skills in oral and written communication
*Skill in conducting research
*Skill in curatorial skills such as handling and displaying specimens
*Skill in interpersonal relations and skills useful for interpreting and maintaining a historic building and/or modern facility.
*Skill in preparing exhibits and in preserving museum objects and document
*Skill in locating objects and documents for collection and/or loan
*Skill in registration, cataloging, and archival techniques
*Skill in basic photographic techniques, scanning and equipment use
*Skill in applying/interpreting historic research
*Ability to write reports, grant requests, research reports, etc.
*Ability to continue education or professional development through various settings-there should be a continuing program of acquiring and developing skills through study-practice and through attending workshops.

Applicants should go to the State Jobs site, and search for Curator or click here.

ASU's SESE recruiting video

ASU's School of Earth & Space Exploration was formed almost five years ago and it's still getting the message out about who they are. A new video explains the learning opportunities, "from Earth and Environmental Studies to Astrophysics, Geology, Engineering and Science Education."

Tucson as Science City

A proposal by UA Dean of Science (and Geosciences professor) Joaquin Ruiz to brand Tucson as "Science City" got a lot of attention in today's special newspaper section on jobs in southern Arizona in the Arizona Daily Star. The idea of using "UA's status as a top-20 U.S. research university to foster business growth and economic development" has been around for years, but there is growing business and community interest in the concept.

And it's not just research and technology jobs. A companion story by Alex Dalenberg points out that Biosphere 2 will draw 100,000 visitors this year, and Kitt Peak Observatory attracts 45,000 visitors annually, contributing to southern Arizona's science tourism economy.

S. AZ consensus: We need science-based jobs

'Science City' fits Tucson's image

UA a driving force for jobs in science

High-tech employment presents mixed picture

Phoenix utility proposes 20% renewable energy by 2020

The non-profit Salt River Project is not bound by state rules to produce electricity from renewable sources, but the utility announced plans on Friday to ramp up its voluntary goals of renewable energy and energy efficiency from 15% in 2025 to 20% by 2020. Ryan Randazzo writes in the Arizona Republic that management is taking the plan to its board of directors for approval. [right, credit SPR]

The Arizona Corporation Commission had previously set a goal of a 15% Renewable Portfolio Standard, that includes distributed generation - ie, renewable energy generated at customers homes or businesses - which has encouraged utilities to subsidize these systems to limit the need for building large, centralized power plants.

The new RPS approved by ACC included geothermal energy for the first time, and we assume SRP will also include geothermal in its program. The company's renewable energy web page says,

SRP has signed a 30-year agreement to purchase the entire output of the Hudson Ranch 1 project, a new 49-megawatt (MW) geothermal power generation project located in the Imperial Valley of Southern California. Construction of the plant is underway. The builder of the facility, EnergySource LLC, expects it to become commercially operational in early 2012.

Changes in Mineral Resources management at USGS

Kate Johnson, who has been manager of the USGS Mineral Resources Program since 1998, has moved into a new job as the Senior Management Advisor for the Energy and Minerals, and Environmental Health Mission Area at USGS.

Jeff Doebrich is serving as the Acting Program Coordinator for the USGS Mineral Resources Program beginning March 28, 2011. We're told that a vacancy announcement for the Mineral Resources Program Coordinator position will be posted in the next few weeks.

The announcement to staff in USGS said:

Kate has very ably led the Mineral Resources Program (MRP) since December 1998. Notable accomplishments under her leadership include: serving geology, geochemistry, geophysics, and mineral locality data for the Nation via MRP’s innovative internet data source, MRDATA; collecting the 14,400 soil samples required for a comprehensive new database of soil geochemistry of the lower 48 States; the first-ever global mineral resource assessment; and establishing the USGS Mineral Resources External Research Program, which has awarded over $2.6 million in research grants to 44 State agencies, academic institutions, and private research companies in an annual peer review process since 2004. Kate also participated in developing and sustaining the USGS Human Health Coordinating Committee, and fostered a strong collaboration with the Energy Resources Program on uranium research. She has actively supported the growth of mineral resource knowledge and exploration in Afghanistan, Iraq, and numerous other developing countries.

Jeff has been an economic geologist with the USGS for the past 28 years and the Associate Coordinator for the USGS Mineral Resources Program since 2006. Jeff holds a BSc in Geological Engineering and MSc in Economic Geology, both from the Colorado School of Mines. His research has focused on deposit genesis and understanding regional geologic controls on the distribution of nonfuel mineral resources, in the Great Basin of the western U.S., in Central Asia, and in the Middle East. He has held postings in Denver, Reno, and Reston, and served two tours of duty with the USGS Saudi Arabian Mission, including one as Mission Chief Scientist. Jeff has coordinated large regional mineral resource assessments in the Great Basin and Central Asia, including initiation of the USGS mineral resource assessment of Afghanistan. Most recently, Jeff led the overall USGS effort in Iraq, a multidisciplinary effort involving mineral and water resource studies, establishment of an Agro-meteorological network, and creation of a national spatial data infrastructure.

Mining jobs lead southern Arizona recovery

The annual review of southern Arizona's top 200 employers by the Arizona Daily Star reports that "mining and agriculture added more than 1,000 jobs in 2010, an increase of 13.5 percent, as Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold added more than 800 jobs and Asarco LLC added another 140 as copper prices rallied."

In a companion story, Freeport is said to be trying to fill 500 positions at 4 southern Arizona sites while Asarco is adding 100 workers at 3 locations. [right, copper mines south of Tucson. Credit NASA, image ISS022-E26137]

Freeport is considering reopening the Twin Buttes mine south of Tucson and major mines are proposed at Rosemont and Resolution, which would all add jobs if they go forward.

The Star reports that "Of Southern Arizona's top 200 employers, 91 companies reported adding jobs in 2010, including 76 that added at least 10 full-time-equivalent positions. Seventy-six employers reported cutting jobs, while 24 employers reported no change."

Why dust is a big deal

High winds across northern and eastern Arizona prompted dust and air pollution warnings yesterday and today. In addition to the possible health concerns from high dust levels, they can also trigger federal regulations and cost Arizona federal highway funds. [right, windborne dust plumes in northeast Arizona from MODIS satellite. Credit, NASA]

I was in a conference on Friday where AZ Dept. of Environmental Quality Henry Darwin talked about EPA Clean Air rules. If I understood it all, Maricopa County is in nonattainment and is engaged in a developing "5% plan" where dust is being reduced 5% per year until the area is in compliance.

Rather than tracking average air quality, exceeding the national standards more than 3 times in 3 years at any single air quality monitor is a violation. However, 'exceptional' events triggered by natural causes such as high winds, are not counted as violations.

Rejection of the plan by EPA could lead to loss of federal highway funds.

Henry and other members on the conference panel called the EPA "exceptional event" a terrible rule and said EPA agrees but is bound by Congressional mandates.

The major sources of dust are from traffic on unpaved roads and windblown dust from undeveloped lands. Other sources are each minor compared to these.

The TriValley Central paper recently listed complaints filed by citizens in 2010 with authorities in Pinal County over dust sources. You can see the challenges in controlling dust from possibly thousands of sites.

Grand Canyon sold to China

Arizona officials announced that the state budget was balanced today as a result of selling the Grand Canyon to a Chinese company. When asked how the state could sell a national park, a spokesperson said "Possession is nine tenths of the law. The park is inside the state boundary, so we own it. And we sold it. Simple."

Fern Willow, Director of the National Park Service, responded to reporter inquiries with "Say what?"

At the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Hao Yurong, President of Chengdu University and Manufacturing Company, said they plan on making the transaction profitable by bottling the Colorado River water for sale to Las Vegas and Los Angeles one pint at a time instead of the bulk deal on water those communities now receive. He said the company is still considering what to do with the canyon itself. "This was just too good a deal to pass up. You know what they say - location, location, location."

Reported this April 1st, 2011