Eberly News

Tagged with Geology and Geography
The world’s forests are on a fast food diet of carbon dioxide, which is currently causing them to grow faster. But a researcher at West Virginia University, along with an international team of scientists, finds evidence suggesting that forest growth may soon peak as the trees deplete nitrogen in the soil over longer growing seasons. West Virginia’s wildlands are a “canary in the coal mine for climate change” because of the forests’ biodiversity, which, along with rich soils and abundant rainfall, make them among the strongest forests globally, according to Brenden McNeil, an associate professor of geography at WVU’s Eberly College of Arts and Sciences. The state’s forests have been resilient to a barrage of logging and acid rain in the 19th and 20th centuries but are now exhibiting symptoms of declining health because of climate change.

New research suggests forests, like humans, require a balanced diet

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The world’s forests are on a fast food diet of carbon dioxide, which is currently causing them to grow faster. But a researcher at  West Virginia University, along with an international team of scientists, finds evidence suggesting that forest growth may soon peak as the trees deplete nitrogen in the soil over longer growing seasons. 

Looking back on her career at West Virginia University, Elizabeth Young, a Charleston, West Virginia, native reflects on memories of her adventures competing on the rowing team, walking through the snow blanketed campus and the lifelong friendships she created along the way. Her passion for history led her to double major in history and geography and obtain a minor in French. In summer 2018, the Gilman Scholarship sent Young on a four-week study abroad trip to Montpellier, France, where she was able to practice her French language speaking skills.

Meet the Grads: Elizabeth Young

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While taking a drive down West Virginia’s “country roads,” have you ever considered the origins of the windy hills and valleys that make up the landscape fondly thought of as “Almost Heaven?” West Virginia University geologist Joseph Lebold leads you through them in his new book, “Roadside Geology of West Virginia.” Part of Mountain Press Publishing Company’s national series, “Roadside Geology,” it is available now.

West Virginia is shaped by geology

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WVU geologist gives tour of state's 'roadside geology' in new book

In Cuba, over 65 percent of the archipelago of islands is karst, a landscape that is characterized by numerous caves, sinkholes, fissures and underground streams. These caves are rich in biology, archeology and history and played an important role in the interactions between American and Cuban scientists during the Cold War and in the years following. Maria Perez, an assistant professor of geography in West Virginia University’s Department of Geology and Geography, led members of the student caving club, WVU Student Grotto, on a new study abroad trip to Cuba in May 2018.

Beneath the surface: WVU students cave in Cuba

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WVU students cave in Cuba

Improving shale energy productivity and reducing the environmental footprint of the natural gas industry are the goals of a West Virginia University partnership at a second Marcellus Shale Energy and Environmental Lab to be located in western Monongalia County. WVU researchers from multidisciplinary departments, as well as undergraduate and graduate students, will use the advanced models they develop for this project, continuing to address complex technical, environmental and social issues surrounding unconventional energy development. The researchers will use best practices in environmentally responsible shale development as they undertake subsurface scientific investigations.

WVU advances technology and transparency to shale gas in new MSEEL site

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Improving shale energy productivity and reducing the environmental footprint of the natural gas industry are the goals of a  West Virginia University partnership at a second  Marcellus Shale Energy and Environmental Labto be located in western Monongalia County. 

Before he was rafting 40 miles down a river in Alaska and sailing in the South China Sea, West Virginia University student Ben Johnson was an engineering major at Michigan State University. However, he quickly realized that engineering was not for him. Recognizing the combination of taking an introductory geology course and his love of being outside, Johnson knew a geology major would be the right fit for him. After completing his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Michigan State University, Johnson enrolled at WVU to pursue a Ph.D. in the Department of Geology and Geography in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.

WVU geology student researching “world of the past”

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Before he was rafting 40 miles down a river in Alaska and sailing in the South China Sea, West Virginia University student Ben Johnson was an engineering major at Michigan State University. However, he quickly realized that engineering was not for him. Recognizing the combination of taking an introductory geology course and his love of being outside, Johnson knew a geology major would be the right fit for him.

Geology grad receives GeoCUR Award for Outstanding Research

Geology grad receives GeoCUR Award for Outstanding Research

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Alumna Holly Pettus (BS Geology, 2018) is among 15 undergraduate students from universities across the nation to be recognized for her outstanding research with the 2018 GeoCUR Award for Excellence in Student Research. Her research focused on investigating the origin of potassium feldspar (K-feldspar) megacrysts from a small granitoid intrusion in western Nevada. 

Among the lions and zebras in Tanzania in the summer heat, a West Virginia University environmental geoscience student explored the geography of the land. Weirton, West Virginia, native Francesca Basil (BA Environmental Geoscience, 2018) traveled to the East African country with support from the Eberly College of Arts and Science’s Academic Enrichment Program.

Environmental geoscience student explores Tanzania through Eberly College Academic Enrichment Fund

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Environmental geoscience student explores Tanzania through Eberly College Academic Enrichment Fund

Kassandra Colón, a junior triple majoring in Latin American Studies, Geography and Women’s and Gender Studies, is an influential figure in creating a more inclusive and welcoming experience for students from underrepresented groups at West Virginia University. The Fort Lauderdale, Florida, native is the former executive director of diversity for the Student Government Association, has developed a microaggression training at WVU for the New Student Orientation staff, serves as an emeritus board member for The Women’s Debate Institute, is an intern for Title IX and is the project organizer for Project La Resolana, an initiative that donates books to students of color at the Miami Urban Debate League. Colón talked with us about the inspiration for her involvement at WVU and her plans for the future.

Emerging scholar adds momentum to diversity initiatives at WVU

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Kassandra Colón, a junior triple majoring in Latin American Studies, Geography and Women’s and Gender Studies, is an influential figure in creating a more inclusive and welcoming experience for students from underrepresented groups at West Virginia University. The Fort Lauderdale, Florida, native is the former executive director of diversity for the Student Government Association, has developed a microaggression training at WVU for the New Student Orientation staff, serves as an emeritus board member for The Women’s Debate Institute, is an intern for Title IX and is the project organizer for Project La Resolana, an initiative that donates books to students of color at the Miami Urban Debate League. Colón talked with us about the inspiration for her involvement at WVU and her plans for the future.

Kathy Benison

WVU geologist receives NASA grant to research environments similar to Mars

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Is there life on Mars? One WVU researcher is discovering ways to improve the search for life on the desert planet.