Link to PDF Version.
Project Hypothesis or Objectives:
The objective of this internship is to determine surface and subsurface variations in mineralogy and geochemistry geologic materials from Yellowstone National Park. This study will use drill hole core obtained from the Park by USGS scientists in the early 1970s. These rocks provide a unique view of the Yellowstone hydrothermal system with respect to the mineralogy, geochemistry and structural framework that underlies the geysers and hot springs. The intern may support this study using skills in mineralogy, geochemistry, remote sensing, or applied mathematics.
Duration: Up to 12 months
Internship Location: Denver, CO
Field(s) of Study: Chemistry, Engineering, Geoscience
Applicable NSF Division: AGS Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences, EAR Earth Sciences, EFMA Office of Emerging Frontiers and Multidisciplinary Activities, AST Astronomical Sciences, CHE Chemistry, DMR Materials Research, DMS Mathematical Sciences, PHY Physics
Intern Type Preference: Either Type of Intern
Keywords: mineralogy, spectral, remote sensing, Yellowstone, hydrothermal
Expected Outcome:
The project will provide the intern with a unique opportunity to work with mineralogy and water-rock interaction associated with this world class hydrothermal system. The student may use this opportunity to develop a thesis topic that will continue collaboration with USGS scientists working in Yellowstone. The USGS study will benefit from having a junior colleague who can contribute their emerging skill sets and curiosity towards the larger study.
Special skills/training Required:
The intern's specific involvement will be determined by their skill set and academic interests. Computational skills would be useful for georeferencing data sets. A working knowledge of mineralogy would be applicable to working with the electron microprobe and/or scanning electron microscope to obtain data on trace metal associations. A working knowledge of geochemical thermodynamics would help bridge the chemistry data from the rocks with the geochemistry of geothermal fluids that produced alteration.
Duties/Responsibilities:
The intern will be trained to use spectroscopic and/or microanalytical instrument facilities available in the Mineral Resources Program centers in Lakewood, Colorado. The intern will support ongoing work by assisting with sample preparation and analytical measurements under supervision of the lead scientist on the project. There is potential for field work in the backcountry of Yellowstone National Park during the "shoulder season" in May, September and October.
