Rhonda L Driscoll (Former Employee)
Science and Products
Analytical Chemistry
The USGS Mineral Resources Program and other USGS scientists need specialized routine analysis in order to conduct their research. The Analytical Chemistry project facilitates the ability of USGS scientists to obtain needed analyses.
Volcanic ash geochemistry and leachate analyses from the 2008 opening of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, Kīlauea Volcano, Hawaiʻi
On March 19, 2008, an explosive eruption occurred at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano for the first time since 1924. This event marked the beginning of a continuous summit eruption that lasted until the 2018 Kīlauea lower East Rift Zone eruption (Neal and others, 2019). The March 19 explosive eruption excavated a crater approximately 35 meters wide and scattered volcanic tephra over a 30-hectare area
Spectroscopy of Expanded Vermiculite Products and Insulation
This dataset contains descriptions and analytical data (i.e., electron microprobe, X-ray diffraction, spectral reflectance, and scanning electron microprobe analyses) for unexpanded and expanded vermiculite samples. These data are provided for 52 samples of vermiculite attic insulation, horticultural products, aggregate, and packing materials derived from mines near Enoree, South Carolina; Libby,
USGS Spectral Library Version 7 Data
This data release provides the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Spectral Library Version 7 and all related documents. The library contains spectra measured with laboratory, field, and airborne spectrometers. The instruments used cover wavelengths from the ultraviolet to the far infrared (0.2 to 200 microns). Laboratory samples of specific minerals, plants, chemical compounds, and man-made materials w
Filter Total Items: 17
Characterizing the source of potentially asbestos-bearing commercial vermiculite insulation using in situ IR spectroscopy
Commercially produced vermiculite insulation from Libby, Montana, contains trace levels of asbestiform amphibole, which is known to cause asbestos-related diseases. When vermiculite insulation is found in a building, evaluation for its potential asbestos content traditionally involves collecting a sample from an attic or wall and submitting it for time-consuming analyses at an off-site laboratory.
Authors
Gregg A. Swayze, Heather A. Lowers, William Benzel, Roger N. Clark, Rhonda L. Driscoll, Zac S. Perlman, Todd M. Hoefen, M. Darby Dyar
USGS Spectral Library Version 7
We have assembled a library of spectra measured with laboratory, field, and airborne spectrometers. The instruments used cover wavelengths from the ultraviolet to the far infrared (0.2 to 200 microns [μm]). Laboratory samples of specific minerals, plants, chemical compounds, and manmade materials were measured. In many cases, samples were purified, so that unique spectral features of a material ca
Authors
Raymond F. Kokaly, Roger N. Clark, Gregg A. Swayze, K. Eric Livo, Todd M. Hoefen, Neil C. Pearson, Richard A. Wise, William Benzel, Heather A. Lowers, Rhonda L. Driscoll, Anna J. Klein
Magnetic and gravity gradiometry framework for Mesoproterozoic iron oxide-apatite and iron oxide-copper-gold deposits, southeast Missouri, USA
High-resolution airborne magnetic and gravity gradiometry data provide the geophysical framework for evaluating the exploration potential of hidden iron oxide deposits in Mesoproterozoic basement rocks of southeast Missouri. The data are used to calculate mineral prospectivity for iron oxide-apatite (IOA) ± rare earth element (REE) and iron oxide-copper-gold (IOCG) deposits. Results delineate the
Authors
Anne E. McCafferty, Jeffrey Phillips, Rhonda L. Driscoll
A process for reducing rocks and concentrating heavy minerals
To obtain minerals suitable for age-dating and other analyses, it is necessary to first reduce the mineral-bearing rock to a fine, sand-like consistency. Reducing whole rock requires crushing, grinding, and sieving. Ideally, the reduced material should range in size from 80- to 270-mesh (an opening between wires in a sieve). The openings in an 80-mesh sieve are equal to 0.007 inches, 0.177 millime
Authors
Thomas R. Strong, Rhonda L. Driscoll
Assessment of the geoavailability of trace elements from selected zinc minerals
This assessment focused on five zinc-bearing minerals. The minerals were subjected to a number of analyses including quantitative X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, leaching tests, and bioaccessibility and toxicity studies. Like a previous comprehensive assessment of five copper-bearing minerals, the purpose of this assessment was to obtain structural and chemical information and to characteri
Authors
Rhonda L. Driscoll, Phillip L. Hageman, William Benzel, Sharon F. Diehl, Suzette Morman, LaDonna M. Choate, Heather Lowers
Linking geology and health sciences to assess childhood lead poisoning from artisanal gold mining in Nigeria
Background: In 2010, Médecins Sans Frontières discovered a lead poisoning outbreak linked to artisanal gold processing in northwestern Nigeria. The outbreak has killed approximately 400 young children and affected thousands more.
Objectives: Our aim was to undertake an interdisciplinary geological- and health-science assessment to clarify lead sources and exposure pathways, identify additional to
Authors
Geoffrey S. Plumlee, James T. Durant, Suzette A. Morman, Antonio Neri, Ruth E. Wolf, Carrie A. Dooyema, Philip L. Hageman, Heather Lowers, Gregory L. Fernette, Gregory P. Meeker, William Benzel, Rhonda L. Driscoll, Cyrus J. Berry, James G. Crock, Harland L. Goldstein, Monique Adams, Casey L. Bartrem, Simba Tirima, Behbod Behrooz, Ian von Lindern, Mary Jean Brown
Pre- and post-remediation characterization of acid-generating fluvial tailings material
The upper Arkansas River south of Leadville, Colorado, USA, contains deposits of fluvial tailings from historical mining operations in the Leadville area. These deposits are potential non-point sources of acid and metal contamination to surface- and groundwater systems. We are investigating a site that recently underwent in situ remediation treatment with lime, fertilizer, and compost. Pre- and po
Authors
Kathleen S. Smith, Katherine Walton-Day, Karin O. Hoal, Rhonda L. Driscoll, K. Pietersen
Assessment of the geoavailability of trace elements from minerals in mine wastes: analytical techniques and assessment of selected copper minerals
In this study, four randomly selected copper-bearing minerals were examined—azurite, malachite, bornite, and chalcopyrite. The objectives were to examine and enumerate the crystalline and chemical properties of each of the minerals, to determine which, if any, of the Cu-bearing minerals might adversely affect systems biota, and to provide a multi-procedure reference. Laboratory work included use o
Authors
Rhonda Driscoll, Phillip L. Hageman, William Benzel, Sharon F. Diehl, David T. Adams, Suzette Morman, LaDonna M. Choate
Multiple applications of the U.S. EPA 1312 leach procedure to mine waste from the Animas watershed, SW Colorado
Eleven acid-sulphate and quartz-sericite-pyrite altered mine waste samples from the Animas River watershed in SW Colorado were subjected to a series of 5 to 6 successive leaches using the US EPA 1312 leach protocol to evaluate the transport of metals and loss of acidity from mine wastes as a function of time. Multi-acid digestion ICP-AES analyses, X-ray diffraction (XRD) mineral identification, to
Authors
David L. Fey, Stan E. Church, Rhonda L. Driscoll, Monique G. Adams
Mineralogical and chemical characteristics of some natural jarosites
This paper presents a detailed study of the mineralogical, microscopic, thermal, and spectral characteristics of jarosite and natrojarosite minerals. Systematic mineralogic and chemical examination of a suite of 32 natural stoichiometric jarosite and natrojarosite samples from diverse supergene and hydrothermal environments indicates that there is only limited solid solution between Na and K at lo
Authors
George A. Desborough, Kathleen S. Smith, Heather A. Lowers, Gregg A. Swayze, Jane M. Hammarstrom, Sharon F. Diehl, Reinhard W. Leinz, Rhonda L. Driscoll
From Projectile Points to Microprocessors - The Influence of Some Industrial Minerals
In the language of economic geology, Earth materials are classified as metallic ores, fuel minerals, gemstones, and industrial minerals. Most people know that metallic ores yield shiny, conductive, ductile elements such as copper, iron, or gold. Most understand that energy-producing coals constitute a fuel mineral. Likewise, dazzling rubies and rare sapphires are universally recognized as gemstone
Authors
Rhonda Driscoll
Compositional data for Bengal delta sediment collected from boreholes at Srirampur, Kachua, Bangladesh
Processes active within sediment of the Bengal delta have attracted world concern because of the locally high content of arsenic dissolved in ground water drawn from that sediment. Sediment samples were collected from two boreholes in Srirampur village, Kachua upazila, Chandphur district, Bangladesh, to investigate the processes contributing to arsenic contamination. The samples were mineralogical
Authors
George N. Breit, James C. Yount, Md. Nehal Uddin, Ad. Atual Muneem, Heather Lowers, Rhonda L. Driscoll, John W. Whitney
Science and Products
Analytical Chemistry
The USGS Mineral Resources Program and other USGS scientists need specialized routine analysis in order to conduct their research. The Analytical Chemistry project facilitates the ability of USGS scientists to obtain needed analyses.
Volcanic ash geochemistry and leachate analyses from the 2008 opening of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, Kīlauea Volcano, Hawaiʻi
On March 19, 2008, an explosive eruption occurred at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano for the first time since 1924. This event marked the beginning of a continuous summit eruption that lasted until the 2018 Kīlauea lower East Rift Zone eruption (Neal and others, 2019). The March 19 explosive eruption excavated a crater approximately 35 meters wide and scattered volcanic tephra over a 30-hectare area
Spectroscopy of Expanded Vermiculite Products and Insulation
This dataset contains descriptions and analytical data (i.e., electron microprobe, X-ray diffraction, spectral reflectance, and scanning electron microprobe analyses) for unexpanded and expanded vermiculite samples. These data are provided for 52 samples of vermiculite attic insulation, horticultural products, aggregate, and packing materials derived from mines near Enoree, South Carolina; Libby,
USGS Spectral Library Version 7 Data
This data release provides the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Spectral Library Version 7 and all related documents. The library contains spectra measured with laboratory, field, and airborne spectrometers. The instruments used cover wavelengths from the ultraviolet to the far infrared (0.2 to 200 microns). Laboratory samples of specific minerals, plants, chemical compounds, and man-made materials w
Filter Total Items: 17
Characterizing the source of potentially asbestos-bearing commercial vermiculite insulation using in situ IR spectroscopy
Commercially produced vermiculite insulation from Libby, Montana, contains trace levels of asbestiform amphibole, which is known to cause asbestos-related diseases. When vermiculite insulation is found in a building, evaluation for its potential asbestos content traditionally involves collecting a sample from an attic or wall and submitting it for time-consuming analyses at an off-site laboratory.
Authors
Gregg A. Swayze, Heather A. Lowers, William Benzel, Roger N. Clark, Rhonda L. Driscoll, Zac S. Perlman, Todd M. Hoefen, M. Darby Dyar
USGS Spectral Library Version 7
We have assembled a library of spectra measured with laboratory, field, and airborne spectrometers. The instruments used cover wavelengths from the ultraviolet to the far infrared (0.2 to 200 microns [μm]). Laboratory samples of specific minerals, plants, chemical compounds, and manmade materials were measured. In many cases, samples were purified, so that unique spectral features of a material ca
Authors
Raymond F. Kokaly, Roger N. Clark, Gregg A. Swayze, K. Eric Livo, Todd M. Hoefen, Neil C. Pearson, Richard A. Wise, William Benzel, Heather A. Lowers, Rhonda L. Driscoll, Anna J. Klein
Magnetic and gravity gradiometry framework for Mesoproterozoic iron oxide-apatite and iron oxide-copper-gold deposits, southeast Missouri, USA
High-resolution airborne magnetic and gravity gradiometry data provide the geophysical framework for evaluating the exploration potential of hidden iron oxide deposits in Mesoproterozoic basement rocks of southeast Missouri. The data are used to calculate mineral prospectivity for iron oxide-apatite (IOA) ± rare earth element (REE) and iron oxide-copper-gold (IOCG) deposits. Results delineate the
Authors
Anne E. McCafferty, Jeffrey Phillips, Rhonda L. Driscoll
A process for reducing rocks and concentrating heavy minerals
To obtain minerals suitable for age-dating and other analyses, it is necessary to first reduce the mineral-bearing rock to a fine, sand-like consistency. Reducing whole rock requires crushing, grinding, and sieving. Ideally, the reduced material should range in size from 80- to 270-mesh (an opening between wires in a sieve). The openings in an 80-mesh sieve are equal to 0.007 inches, 0.177 millime
Authors
Thomas R. Strong, Rhonda L. Driscoll
Assessment of the geoavailability of trace elements from selected zinc minerals
This assessment focused on five zinc-bearing minerals. The minerals were subjected to a number of analyses including quantitative X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, leaching tests, and bioaccessibility and toxicity studies. Like a previous comprehensive assessment of five copper-bearing minerals, the purpose of this assessment was to obtain structural and chemical information and to characteri
Authors
Rhonda L. Driscoll, Phillip L. Hageman, William Benzel, Sharon F. Diehl, Suzette Morman, LaDonna M. Choate, Heather Lowers
Linking geology and health sciences to assess childhood lead poisoning from artisanal gold mining in Nigeria
Background: In 2010, Médecins Sans Frontières discovered a lead poisoning outbreak linked to artisanal gold processing in northwestern Nigeria. The outbreak has killed approximately 400 young children and affected thousands more.
Objectives: Our aim was to undertake an interdisciplinary geological- and health-science assessment to clarify lead sources and exposure pathways, identify additional to
Authors
Geoffrey S. Plumlee, James T. Durant, Suzette A. Morman, Antonio Neri, Ruth E. Wolf, Carrie A. Dooyema, Philip L. Hageman, Heather Lowers, Gregory L. Fernette, Gregory P. Meeker, William Benzel, Rhonda L. Driscoll, Cyrus J. Berry, James G. Crock, Harland L. Goldstein, Monique Adams, Casey L. Bartrem, Simba Tirima, Behbod Behrooz, Ian von Lindern, Mary Jean Brown
Pre- and post-remediation characterization of acid-generating fluvial tailings material
The upper Arkansas River south of Leadville, Colorado, USA, contains deposits of fluvial tailings from historical mining operations in the Leadville area. These deposits are potential non-point sources of acid and metal contamination to surface- and groundwater systems. We are investigating a site that recently underwent in situ remediation treatment with lime, fertilizer, and compost. Pre- and po
Authors
Kathleen S. Smith, Katherine Walton-Day, Karin O. Hoal, Rhonda L. Driscoll, K. Pietersen
Assessment of the geoavailability of trace elements from minerals in mine wastes: analytical techniques and assessment of selected copper minerals
In this study, four randomly selected copper-bearing minerals were examined—azurite, malachite, bornite, and chalcopyrite. The objectives were to examine and enumerate the crystalline and chemical properties of each of the minerals, to determine which, if any, of the Cu-bearing minerals might adversely affect systems biota, and to provide a multi-procedure reference. Laboratory work included use o
Authors
Rhonda Driscoll, Phillip L. Hageman, William Benzel, Sharon F. Diehl, David T. Adams, Suzette Morman, LaDonna M. Choate
Multiple applications of the U.S. EPA 1312 leach procedure to mine waste from the Animas watershed, SW Colorado
Eleven acid-sulphate and quartz-sericite-pyrite altered mine waste samples from the Animas River watershed in SW Colorado were subjected to a series of 5 to 6 successive leaches using the US EPA 1312 leach protocol to evaluate the transport of metals and loss of acidity from mine wastes as a function of time. Multi-acid digestion ICP-AES analyses, X-ray diffraction (XRD) mineral identification, to
Authors
David L. Fey, Stan E. Church, Rhonda L. Driscoll, Monique G. Adams
Mineralogical and chemical characteristics of some natural jarosites
This paper presents a detailed study of the mineralogical, microscopic, thermal, and spectral characteristics of jarosite and natrojarosite minerals. Systematic mineralogic and chemical examination of a suite of 32 natural stoichiometric jarosite and natrojarosite samples from diverse supergene and hydrothermal environments indicates that there is only limited solid solution between Na and K at lo
Authors
George A. Desborough, Kathleen S. Smith, Heather A. Lowers, Gregg A. Swayze, Jane M. Hammarstrom, Sharon F. Diehl, Reinhard W. Leinz, Rhonda L. Driscoll
From Projectile Points to Microprocessors - The Influence of Some Industrial Minerals
In the language of economic geology, Earth materials are classified as metallic ores, fuel minerals, gemstones, and industrial minerals. Most people know that metallic ores yield shiny, conductive, ductile elements such as copper, iron, or gold. Most understand that energy-producing coals constitute a fuel mineral. Likewise, dazzling rubies and rare sapphires are universally recognized as gemstone
Authors
Rhonda Driscoll
Compositional data for Bengal delta sediment collected from boreholes at Srirampur, Kachua, Bangladesh
Processes active within sediment of the Bengal delta have attracted world concern because of the locally high content of arsenic dissolved in ground water drawn from that sediment. Sediment samples were collected from two boreholes in Srirampur village, Kachua upazila, Chandphur district, Bangladesh, to investigate the processes contributing to arsenic contamination. The samples were mineralogical
Authors
George N. Breit, James C. Yount, Md. Nehal Uddin, Ad. Atual Muneem, Heather Lowers, Rhonda L. Driscoll, John W. Whitney