Exploring the land-shore-ocean geochemistry of the California Coast.
Jim Bishop, Professor
Earth and Planetary Science
Applications for Spring 2025 are closed for this project.
California Coast is dominated by streams, creeks, and ephemeral surface and groundwater flows that terminate in bar-built estuaries, many of which become seasonally isolated from direct flow to the ocean. Flowing water often seeps directly into the sand and may undergo significant reaction before entering the ocean; furthermore, there can be massive on-shore/off-shore movements of this sand and sand pore water on a seasonal basis. The project team (at least 2 undergraduates) will undertake multiple trips to sample and analyze beach sand pore waters (and pore water sources) at McLures Beach, Point Reyes (and at least one other estuary) for temperature, salinity, pH, oxygen, alkalinity, and major chemical species (Na, Cl, K, Mg, S, Fe and Mn) to build on 2024 observations.
Role: Under guidance of project lead students will learn:
1) laboratory work needed to prepare for field trips
2) how to collect samples using a pore water sampling probe
3) learn field sample analysis techniques
4) learn laboratory analysis methods (alkalinity, chloride meter, ICP-OES)
5) learn data analysis methods (ms excel, python..)
6) Synthesize and interpret results.
Qualifications: 1) Should have at least one chemistry laboratory course.
2) Experience in EPS103: Intro to aquatic and marine geochemistry a plus
3) An analytical chemistry course would be a plus.
4) Ability to work carefully with others.
5) Ability to drive an SUV would be a plus
Hours: 9-11 hrs
Off-Campus Research Site: The field trips will sample Mclures Beach, at Point Reyes and possibly other nearby systems.
Environmental Issues Mathematical and Physical Sciences