Emeritus and Research Professors

Jacqueline A. Smith - Research Professor
Areas of expertise
Environmental geoscience, geomorphology, glacial geology, paleoclimatology
Research interests
My primary research interests lie in the fields of environmental geoscience, geomorphology, glacial geology, and paleoclimatology. I am currently investigating 1) microplastic pollution in New York State watersheds; 2) the timing and extent of landsliding, glaciation, and fluvial terrace development in the southern San Juan Mountains, Colorado; and 3) the long-term record of glaciation, climate change, and faulting in the Peruvian Andes.
Field Areas: New York State Watersheds, San Juan Mountains – Colorado, Peruvian Andes – Peru
Publications
Johnson, B.G., Diemer, J.A., and Smith, J.A., (2018). Disproportionate geomorphic responses to precipitation in post-glacial landslides (Wiley Award Talk): British Society for Geomorphology Annual Meeting, 10-12 September 2018, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, Wales, UK.
Smith, J.A., Hodge, J.L., Kurtz, B.H., and Garver, J.I., (2018). Microplastic pollution in the main channel of the Mohawk River: final results of the 2016 sampling program, in Cockburn, J.M.H. and Garver, J.I., Proceedings of the 2018 Mohawk Watershed Symposium, Union College, Schenectady, NY, 23 March 2018, v. 10, 77 p., p. 69-73
Smith, J.A., Caruso, E., and Wright, N., (2018). Microplastic pollution in tributaries of the Mohawk River, New York State (abstract): 2018 GSA Annual Meeting, Indianapolis, IN (4-7 November 2018), Abstract No: 319620.
Stahl M. O. (2018). Groundwater Pumping is a Significant Unrecognized Contributor to Global Anthropogenic Element Cycles. Groundwater. doi: 10.1111/gwat.12817.
Johnson, B.G., Smith, J.A., and Diemer, J.A., Timing and possible causes for post-glacial landslides in the southeastern San Juan Mountains of Colorado and New Mexico, USA: In revision for Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, October 2016.
Rodbell, D.T., Frey, H.M., Manon, M.R.F., Smith, J. A., McTurk, N.A. 2012. Development of unusual rock weathering features in the Cordillera Blanca, Peru: Quaternary Research, v. 77, p. 149-158.
Smith, J.A., and Rodbell, D.T., 2010, Cross-cutting moraines reveal evidence for North Atlantic influence on glaciers in the tropical Andes: Journal of Quaternary Science, v. 25, p. 243-248.
Wang, A., Garver, J.I., Wang, G., Smith, J.A., Zhang, K., 2010, Episodic exhumation of the Greater Himalayan Sequence since the Miocene constrained by fission track thermochronology in Nyalam, central Himalaya: Tectonophysics, v. 495, p. 315-323.
Rodbell, D.T., Smith, J.A., and Mark, B.G., 2009, Glaciation in the Andes during the Late Glacial and Holocene: Quaternary Science Reviews (Special issue on Holocene glaciers), v. 28, p. 2165-2212.
Hall, S.R., Farber, D.L., Ramage, J.M., Rodbell, D.T., Finkel, R.C., Smith, J.A., Mark, B.G., and Kassel, C., 2009, Geochronology of Quaternary glaciations from the tropical Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru: Quaternary Science Reviews, v. 28, p. 2991-3009.
Wang, A., Smith, J.A., Wang, G., Zhang, K., Xiang, S., and Liu. D., 2009, Late Quaternary river terrace sequences in the eastern Kunlun Range, northern Tibet: A combined record of climatic change and surface uplift; Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, v. 34, p. 532-543.
Smith, J.A., Mark, B.G., and Rodbell, D.T., 2008, The timing and magnitude of mountain glaciation in the tropical Andes: Journal of Quaternary Science, v. 23, p. 609-634.
Rodbell, D.T., Seltzer, G.O., Mark, B.G., Smith, J.A., and Abbott, M.B., 2008, Clastic sediment flux to tropical Andean lakes: records of glaciation and soil erosion: Quaternary Science Reviews, v. 27, p. 1612-1626.
Smith, J.A., Seltzer, G.O., Rodbell, D.T., and Klein, A.G., 2005, Regional synthesis of last glacial maximum snowlines in the tropical Andes, South America: Quaternary International, v. 138-139, p. 145-167.
Ramage, J.M., Smith, J.A., Rodbell, D.T., and Seltzer, G.O., 2005, Comparing reconstructed Pleistocene equilibrium line altitudes in the tropical Andes of central Perú: Journal of Quaternary Sci., v. 20, p. 777-788.
Smith, J.A., Finkel, R.C., Farber, D.L., Rodbell, D.T., and Seltzer, G.O., 2005, Moraine preservation and boulder erosion in the tropical Andes: interpreting old surface exposure ages in glaciated valleys: Journal of Quaternary Science, v. 20, p. 735-758.
Smith, J.A., Seltzer, G.O., Rodbell, D.T., Farber, D.L., and Finkel, R.C., 2005, Early local last glacial maximum in the tropical Andes: Science, v. 308, p. 678-681.
Books and Book Chapters
Zech, R., Smith, J.A., and Kaplan, M., 2009, Chronologies of the LGM and its termination in the Andes based on surface exposure dating (Chapter 3): Springer – Developments in Paleoenvironmental Research Series (DPER), Vol. 14 – Past climate variability from the Last Glacial Maximum to the Holocene in South America and Surrounding regions, Vimeux, F., Sylvestre, F., and Khodri, M. (Editors).
Eslinger, E., Oko, U., Smith, J.A., and Holliday, G.H., 1994, Introduction to Environmental Hydrogeology, SEPM Short Course Notes No. 32: Tulsa, SEPM (Society for Sedimentary Geology), 230 p.
Additional media
Academic credentials
B.A., University of Maine; M.S., University of Washington; Ph.D., Syracuse University
George H. Shaw – Professor Emeritus

Professor Emeritus
Office: F.W. Olin Center 012
Phone: (518) 388-6310
Email: shawg@union.edu
Website: G. Shaw
Education:
B.S. 1967, University of Rochester; M.S. 1969, Ph.D. 1971, Geology, University of Washington
Area of Specialization:
Early Atmosphere, Geophysics, Geochemistry, Geomorphic Modeling, Saving Planet Earth
Field Areas:
California, Northern Minnesota, Australia, Quebec, New York
Research Interests:
My research interests cover the entire range of Earth’s geologic history. I have proposed a model for Earth’s early surface environment and atmosphere that contrasts sharply with the currently accepted view, but which resolves several unanswered questions concerning the Earth’s (and Mars’) early climate, the origin of life, and the transition to an oxygen-rich atmosphere. I have studied the trace element geochemistry of minute phenocrysts in altered volcanic ash layers as a means of distinguishing layers from one another and correlating them over large distances. My work on the groundwater hydrogeology (and especially karst hydrology) of the Town of Wright in New York provided the town with information for use in planning. I am currently working on three additional projects: characterization of newly discovered mantle xenoliths from a locality in eastern Australia, a numerical model simulating the development of drainage networks (including stream capture), and a potentially practical method for the capture of carbon dioxide from Earth’s atmosphere.
Courses:
Geology 100: Physical Geology
Geology 103: Great Moments in the History of Life
Geology 108: Earth Resources
Geology 209: Field Geology
Geology 303: Introduction to Geophysics
ENS 460: Senior Seminar Environmental Studies
Publications:
Earth’s Atmosphere – Hadean to early Proterozoic, Invited Review, Chemie der Erde, 68 (2008) 235-264.
Climate transition on Mars: a simple solution, Eos Trans. AGU,89(53), Fall Meet. Suppl., Abstract U23E-0091.
The Delay in Oxidation of Earth’s Atmosphere Following the Emergence of O2-producing Photosynthesis: an Explanation, Eos Trans. AGU, 90(22), Jt. Assem. Suppl., Abstract U21D-03
Primordial Degassing of Terrestrial Planets: the Case for Reduced Carbon Compounds on the Early Surfaces, Eos Trans. AGU, 90(22), Jt. Assem. Suppl., Abstract U21D-01.
The Faint Young Sun Paradox: a Resolution, Eos Trans. AGU, 90(22), Jt. Assem. Suppl., Abstract P23A-07.
Carbon Isotopes, Carbon Cycling and the Early Evolution of Carbon Reservoirs, Eos Trans. AGU, 90(22), Jt. Assem. Suppl., Abstract V72B-05.
Climate Transition on Mars: Solution and Implications, Eos Trans. AGU, 90(22), Jt. Assem. Suppl., Abstract P21A-03.
Kurt T Hollocher - Professor Emeritus

Professor Emeritus
Office: F.W. Olin Center 012
Phone: (518) 388-6518
Email: hollochk@union.edu
Website
Area of Specialization:
Petrology, Geochemistry
Research interests
I work on rocks in the deeply, eroded cores of mountain belts to see what the igneous and metamorphic rocks there can tell us about the tectonic development of the original mountains. The mountains and the processes that made them are gone today, but old rocks can shed light on where and how they developed in a plate tectonic context. I also work on the chemistry of natural surface and ground waters to understand how they formed and to track contaminants, and on dinosaur fossils to better understand the fossilization processes.
Field Areas: Norway, Upstate New York
Courses
GEO 106: Restless Oceans
GEO 110: Physical Geology
GEO 220: Mineral Science
GEO 302: Geochemical Systems and Modeling
GEO 320: Origins of Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks
GEO 405: Senior Seminar
Publications
Hollocher, K., Robinson, P., Lucas, B., and Mabee, S.B., 2018, The Prescott plutonic complex of central Massachusetts: geochemistry an d new interpretations reconciling age dates and contact relations. Northeastern Section meeting of the Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, Burlington, VT.
Michel, A., Dietsch, C., Van Nostrand, M., Hollocher, K., 2018, Whole-rock geochemistry of intermediate to felsic orthogneisses in western Connecticut record volcanic arc magmatism. Northeastern Section meeting of the Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, Burlington, VT.
Van Nostrand, M., Hollocher, K., and Robinson, P., 2018, Petrology and thermodynamic modeling of amphibolite facies rocks (retrograded eclogites) in the Blåhø Nappe of the Middle Allochthon, Scandinavian Caledonides in Norway. Northeastern Section meeting of the Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, Burlington, VT.
Catalano, J., Hollocher, K., and Wong, M., 2009, Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility and geochemistry of the Hyde School Gneiss and Rockport Granite, northwest Adirondack Lowlands. Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs, v. 41, no. 3, p. 109. (Poster presentation)
Hirsch, H.V.B., Possidente, D., Averill, S., Despain, T.P., Buytkins, J., Thomas, V., Goebel, W.P., Shipp-Hilts, A., Wilson, W., Hollocher, K., Possidente, B., Lnenicka, G., Ruden, D.M., (in press 2009), Variations at a quantitative trait locus (QTL) affect development of behavior in lead-exposed Drosophila melanogaster. NeuroToxicology.
Denney, A., Hirsch, D., and Hollocher, K., 2008, Determination of the duration of retrograde metamorphism at Gore Mountain, NY: Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs, 43rd annual Northeastern Section Meeting, Buffalo, NY, v. 40, no. 2, p. 21.
Hollocher, K., 2008, Origin of big garnets in amphibolites during high-grade metamorphism, Adirondacks, NY: Keck Geology Consortium, 2008 meeting at Smith College, Symposium v. 21, p. 129-134.
Hollocher, K., Stack, K., Denney, A., and Emerson, E., 2008, Petrology of big garnet amphibolites, North Creek-Warrensburg area, Adirondacks, NY: Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs, 43rd annual Northeastern Section Meeting, Buffalo, NY, v. 40, no. 2, . 21.
Stack, K., Hollocher, K., Wobus, R., 2008, Comparative analyses of the Warrensburg and Gore Mountain big-garnet amphibolites, Adirondacks Mountains, NY: Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs, 43rd annual Northeastern Section Meeting, Buffalo, NY, v. 40, no. 2, p. 22.
Hollocher, K., Robinson, P., Walsh, E., Terry, M., 2007, The Neoproterozoic Ottfjället dike swarm of the Middle Allochthon, traced geochemically into the Scandian Hinterland, Western Gneiss Region, Norway. American Journal of Science, v. 307, p. 901-953.
Regel, M.E., Walsh, E., Gehrels, G., Hollocher, K., and Robinson, P., 2008, Zircon geochronology of migmatites and pegmatites from the Western Gneiss Region, Norway: Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs, 42nd annual North-Central Section Meeting.
Robinson, Peter, Solli, Arne, Hollocher, Kurt, Osmundsen, per Terje, and Roberts, David, 2008, Day 5: Scandian geology of the outer Trondheimsfjord region. In Robinson, Peter, Roberts, David, Gee, D. G. and P. G. Andréasson, Editors. Guidebook: A tectonostratigraphic transect across the central Scandinavian Caledonides, 33rd International Geological Congress, Oslo, Norway, Day 5-p.1-37.
Robinson, Peter and Kurt Hollocher, 2008, Day 6, Part II: Geology of Trollheimen. In Robinson, Peter, Roberts, David, Gee, D. G. and P. G. Andréasson, Editors. Guidebook: A tectonostratigraphic transect across the central Scandinavian Caledonides, 33rd International Geological Congress, Oslo, Norway, Day 6, Part II-p.1-7.
Robinson, Peter and Hollocher, Kurt, 2008, Mafic dikes and basement cover relationships, southern coast of the islands of Midsund. In Robinson, Peter, Roberts, David, Gee, D. G. and P. G. Andréasson, Editors. Guidebook: A tectonostratigraphic transect across the central Scandinavian Caledonides, 33rd International Geological Congress, Oslo, Norway, Day 7, p.17-22
Academic credentials
B.S., Antioch College; M.S., University of Massachusetts at Amherst; Ph.D., University of Massachusetts at Amherst
John I. Garver - Professor Emeritus
Professor Emeritus

garverj@union.edu
External Website
John I. Garver
Geosciences, ESPE, STS
Areas of expertise
Tectonics, sedimentation, geochronology, Mohawk River, water quality
Research interests
Primary interests are on flood hazards, watershed analysis, the sediment record of environmental change, tectonics, the systematics of zircon, and environmental radioactivity. The main research focus in the area of tectonics is on the evolution of orogenic belts in the Pacific Rim using geochronology of detrital minerals. Studies of radioactivity involve understanding the distribution of uranium and radon in natural rocks. Research in the Hudson and Mohawk watersheds is directed at understanding hydrology, sediment budget, pathogens and water quality, and the effects of climate change in the watershed. Part of this work is directed to assessing water quality in local streams and rivers using fecal indicator bacteria.
Field Areas: Pacific Rim, including Alaska; Maine, Mohawk watershed
Teaching interests
GEO 117: Natural Disasters
GEO 160: Environmental Challenges in the Mohawk Watershed
GEO 201: Stratigraphy And Depositional Environments of New York

Publications
Garver, J.I., (2018). Ice Jam flooding on the lower Mohawk River and the 2018 mid-winter ice jam event In: Cockburn, J.M.H. and Garver, J.I., Proceedings from the 2018 Mohawk Watershed Symposium, Union College, Schenectady NY, 23 March 2018, v. 10, p. 13-18.
Garver, J.I., Capovani, E., and Pokrzwka D., (2018). Photogrammetric models from UAS mapping and ice thickness estimated of the 2018 mid-winter Ice jam on the Mohawk River, NY, In: Cockburn, J.M.H., and Garver, J.I., Proceedings from the 2018 Mohawk Watershed Symposium, Union College, Schenectady NY, 23 March 2018. p. 19-24.
Hardie, RA, Schneider, DA, Garver, JI, (2017). (U-Th)/He thermochronology of the Ottawa Embayment, Eastern Canada: the temperature-time history of an ancient, intracratonic rift basin, Journal of Geology, v. 125.
Davidson, C. and Garver, JI, (2017). Age and origin of the Resurrection Ophiolite and associated turbidites of the Chugach-Prince William terrane, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, Journal of Geology, v. 125.
Montario, M.J., and Garver, J.I., 2009 The thermal evolution of the Grenville Terrane revealed through U-Pb and Fission-Track analysis of detrital Zircon from Cambro-Ordovician quartz arenites of the Potsdam and Galway Formations, vol. 117, no. 6, p. 595-614.
Draper, S., Evans, J., Garver, J.I., and Kirschner, D. and Janecke, S.U. 2009, Arkosic rocks from the San Andreas Fault observatory at Depth (SAFOD) borehole, central California: implications for tectonics along the San Andreas Fault. Lithosphere 1; p. 206-226.
Gombosi, D.J., Barbeau, D.L., Garver J.I., 2009. New thermochonometric constraints on the rapid Paleogene exhumation of the Cordillera Darwin complex related thrust sheets in the Fuegian Andes. Terra Nova (in press).
Enkelmann, E., Zeitler, P.K., Pavlis, T.L., Garver, J.I., Ridgway, K.D. 2009. Intense Localized Rock Uplift and Erosion in the St. Elias Orogen of Alaska. Nature Geoscience 2, no. 5, 360-363.
Perry, S.E., Garver, J.I., and Ridgeway, K., 2009, Transport of the Yakutat Terrane, southern Alaska, evidence from sediment petrology and detrital zircon fission-track and U/Pb double dating. Journal of Geology. V. 117, n. 3. p. 156-173.
Garver, J.I., 2008, Fission-track dating. In Encyclopedia of Paleoclimatology and Ancient Environments, V. Gornitz, (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Earth Science Series, Kluwer Academic Press, p. 247-249.
Garver, J.I., Reiners, P.R., Walker, L.J., Ramage, J.M., Perry, S.E., 2005, Implications for timing of Andean uplift based on thermal resetting of radiation-damaged zircon in the Cordillera Huayhuash, northern Perú, Journal of Geology, v. 113, n. 2, p. 117-138.
Garver, J.I., and Cockburn, J.M.H. 2009. A historical perspective of Ice Jams on the lower Mohawk River. In: Cockburn, J.M.H. and Garver, J.I., Proceedings from the 2009 Mohawk Watershed Symposium, Union College, Schenectady NY, p. 25-29.
Bucci, A., and Garver, J.I., 2009, The temporal pace of landslide movement determined from growth asymmetry in Tsuga canadensis, Bowman Creek, Mohawk River watershed, NY. In: Cockburn, J.M.H. and Garver, J.I., Proceedings from the 2009 Mohawk Watershed Symposium, Union College, Schenectady NY, p. 8-11.
Cockburn, J.M.H., Garver, J.I., and Kern, A., 2009, Current trends and future possibilities: monitoring for the future and how watershed dynamics may be affected by global climate change. In: Cockburn, J.M.H. and Garver, J.I., Proceedings from the 2009 Mohawk Watershed Symposium, Union College, Schenectady NY, p. 14-18.
Additional media
Academic credentials
B.A., Middlebury College; M.S., University of Washington; Ph.D., University of Washington