Education Associate of Arts and Sciences, 1995 University of Wisconsin - Manitowoc B.S. Geology, 1998 University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh M.S. Geology, 2003 University of Kansas Current Research My current research focuses on two very different areas, the Tangra Yum Co rift in south-central Tibet and the Wolf River batholith in Wisconsin. Each project has unique unrelated goals and allow for a variety of different geologic techniques to be used. Himalayan-Tibetan Orogenic System The Himalayan-Tibetan orogenic system represents one of the classic locations to study the effects of continent-continent collision. One of the most salient features, however, is a series of prominent N-S trending rift valleys orthogonal to the Himalayan arc. These Tertiary rift systems and associated strike-slip faults appear to accommodate N-S shortening as well as eastward lateral extrusion within Tibet. The temporal and spatial significance of these extensional systems and their kinematic interaction with strike-slip faulting within and along the margins of the Lhasa terrane remain largely unresolved. The focus of this project is the ~250 km long Tangra Yum Co rift in central Tibet. It is strongly segmented and at its southern termination appears to kinematically interact with transcurrent deformation along the Indus-Yalu suture zone. Strategic thermochronological dating in conjunction with structural and fault kinematic investigations will allow us to determine the timing and magnitude of faulting and to constrain the fault geometry and kinematics of the Tangra Yum Co rift. For more information, click here. Wolf River Batholith The ages of two anorogenic igneous complexes, the Wolf River batholith and Wausau syenite complex, within central Wisconsin were determined nearly thirty years ago. Through advances and improved techniques in the U/Pb zircon dating method, it is feasible to determine if there area resolvable age differences in the emplacement of individual plutons of the main batholith as well as the associated plutons. Determination of the age of pluton emplacement within ± 2 Ma or less can be calculated by single zircon grain analyses. Such analyses may help to constrain variables like duration of magma genesis and emplacement, which in turn can be used for tectonic modeling. In addition, by determinating epsilon Nd values and TDM crustal formation ages of samples it is possible to obtain insights into the source area for these anorogenic plutons, as well as assess any possible contribution of local Archean rock. Past Research Field Laptop Mapping Evaluated the practicality of geologic mapping using laptop computers in the field. The study was designed to compare traditional paper geologic mapping techniques to mapping with use of laptop computers and GPS. This was part of a larger project conducted by Douglas Walker. Fluid Inclusion Study Analyzed fluid inclusions to obtain temperatures and pressures of faulting and P-T paths of fault rocks. This study allowed evaluation of viability of using metamorphic fluid inclusions to determine high temperatures and pressures. Microfossil Analyses Interpreted paleoenvironment by analysis of microfossils. This involved identification of microfossils down to species level and analysis of shell type and shape for environmental determination. Teaching Introduction to Geology Lab (Geol 103) Mineralogy and Structure of the Earth Lab (Geol 311) Optical Mineralogy Lab (Geol 312) Petrology Lab (Geol 522) Structural Geology Lab (Geol 562) Publications Dewane, T.J., and Van Schmus, W.R., 2003, Detailed U-Pb geochronology of the Wolf River Batholith, northcentral Wisconsin: evidence for a short-lived magmatic event ca. 1470 Ma., Abstracts with Programs - Geological Society of American (NE Section Meeting), in press. Stump, E., Foland, K.A., Van Schmus, W.R., Brand, P.K., Dewane, T.J., Gootee, B.F., Talarico, F., 2002, Geochronology of deformation, intrusion, and cooling during the Ross orogeny, Byrd glacier area, Antarctica, Abstracts with Programs - Geological Society of American, in press. Walker, J.D., Black, R.A., Ferris, A.N., Andrew, J.E., Dewane, T.J., Jackofsky, D.S., Mitsdarfer, J.M., 1999, Using computers and GIS software in the field for teaching geologic mapping, Abstracts with Programs - Geological Society of America. 31; 7, Pages 246-247. |
