A group photo of the 13 members of the Cataract Canyon segment of the SCREE taken at the Dirty Devil (Lake Powell) take-out. From left to right: Ben Kraushaar, Pat Kikut, Matt Cuzzocreo, Tess Harden, Rick Moscati, Erika Osborne, Jessica Flock, Jan McCool, Dan McCool, John Weisheit, Kate Hudson, Tom Minckley, and Cody Perry.
Richard J Moscati
Rick Moscati currently works in the Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry (G3) Science Center conducting research in geochronology and isotope geochemistry.
Rick Moscati began his career in Chicago as a geologist for the USEPA in 1990. In 1991 he was hired by the USGS, Branch of Isotope Geology in Denver, and then transferred to the Yucca Mountain Project Branch (YMPB) where he conducted research from 1992 to 2010 in stable isotope and fluid inclusion studies on the history of secondary mineral deposition (largely calcite and silica) in soil and unsaturated-zone settings and as PI of the Isotope and Chemical Monitoring of Precipitation study. Since 2010 Rick has focused on geochemical studies involving radiogenic isotopes (U, Pb, Sr, and Nd) using TIMS techniques, trace element geochemistry, and in situ (SHRIMP and LA-ICP-MS) U-Pb analyses of minerals for geochronology studies. Among the many projects he was/is involved in, a few standout: zircon geochronology of the Proterozoic Colorado Province, the Afghanistan geochronology project, Angel Lake (Nevada), Chalk River (Ontario), the Mountain Pass REE deposit (California), and the U-Pb dating of cassiterite from many locations and geologic environments around the world including the Sullivan SedEx deposit (British Columbia), Cornwall (England), Abu Dabbab (Egypt), and Yazov (Russia). In 2018 Rick expanded his research and joined the 40Ar/39Ar geochronology lab where he assists in method development and providing a variety of USGS and outside projects with 40Ar/39Ar age data of volcanic rocks.
Science and Products
Argon Geochronology
This project supports the USGS argon geochronology laboratory in Denver. The USGS 40Ar/39Ar geochronology laboratory is a state-of-the-art research facility for determining absolute ages of minerals and rocks. The 40Ar/39Ar laboratory contributes critical geochronology to individual USGS research projects and to partners in academia and other Federal agencies. This laboratory develops methodology...
Group photo at the Dirty Devil take out
A group photo of the 13 members of the Cataract Canyon segment of the SCREE taken at the Dirty Devil (Lake Powell) take-out. From left to right: Ben Kraushaar, Pat Kikut, Matt Cuzzocreo, Tess Harden, Rick Moscati, Erika Osborne, Jessica Flock, Jan McCool, Dan McCool, John Weisheit, Kate Hudson, Tom Minckley, and Cody Perry.
Morning shade in Narrow Canyon
The black silhouettes of the SCREE flotilla drifts in the shadow of rock walls within Narrow Canyon of the Colorado River.
The black silhouettes of the SCREE flotilla drifts in the shadow of rock walls within Narrow Canyon of the Colorado River.
Don't be groover shy
The "groover" is river slang for the toilet. At every camp, the groover site is choosen to accommodate a scenic view as well as to provide its users with a modicum of privacy. At our Ledge Camp, it was easy to find groover users an incredible view, but the privacy factor was in short supply. If you're on a river trip, you can't be groover shy!
The "groover" is river slang for the toilet. At every camp, the groover site is choosen to accommodate a scenic view as well as to provide its users with a modicum of privacy. At our Ledge Camp, it was easy to find groover users an incredible view, but the privacy factor was in short supply. If you're on a river trip, you can't be groover shy!
Ledge Camp at Mile 178 of the Colorado River
The SCREE boats are tied off at a rock ledge camp along the Colorado River at Mile 178.
The SCREE boats are tied off at a rock ledge camp along the Colorado River at Mile 178.
Paper Powell enjoying calm waters after Cataract Canyon
Paper Powell is posed in the bow of a boat relaxing upon calm waters and in the morning shade within the canyon.
Paper Powell is posed in the bow of a boat relaxing upon calm waters and in the morning shade within the canyon.
John Weisheit scouts Rapid 15 to the SCREE team
The SCREE team gathered around John Weisheit overlooking Rapid 15. John Weisheit is a river guide who has made over 400 trips through Cataract Canyon. He is describing to the SCREE team the line to take through the forthcoming sets of rapids.
The SCREE team gathered around John Weisheit overlooking Rapid 15. John Weisheit is a river guide who has made over 400 trips through Cataract Canyon. He is describing to the SCREE team the line to take through the forthcoming sets of rapids.
Tess & Rick at Cataract Canyon "Danger" sign
Tess Harden and Rick Moscati (the USGS participants for this river segment) pose for a "selfie" in front of the "Danger" sign preceeding Cataract Canyon.
Tess Harden and Rick Moscati (the USGS participants for this river segment) pose for a "selfie" in front of the "Danger" sign preceeding Cataract Canyon.
SCREE flotilla in calm waters of Stillwater Canyon
The SCREE flotilla in the calm waters of Stillwater Canyon
The SCREE flotilla in the calm waters of Stillwater Canyon
Sunset view, looking east, at Turks Head campsite
Sunset view, looking east, at Turks Head campsite, Green River, Mile 21.
Sunset view, looking east, at Turks Head campsite, Green River, Mile 21.
Sunset view, looking west, at Turks Head campsite
Sunset view, looking west, at Turks Head campsite, Green River, Mile 21.
Sunset view, looking west, at Turks Head campsite, Green River, Mile 21.
The "media" boat passing by the Organ Rock Shale
Our media or film crew, Ben Kraushaar and Cody Perry, floating by the Organ Rock Shale in their boat filled with A/V equipment.
Our media or film crew, Ben Kraushaar and Cody Perry, floating by the Organ Rock Shale in their boat filled with A/V equipment.
The Bowknot Bend
Taken from the saddle, a panoramic view of the Bowknot Bend of the Green River. The Bowknot Bend is 7 river miles around. Erosion will eventually shorten the river course considerably.
Taken from the saddle, a panoramic view of the Bowknot Bend of the Green River. The Bowknot Bend is 7 river miles around. Erosion will eventually shorten the river course considerably.
Hiking up to the Bowknot Bend
Three SCREE hikers traversing a thin hiking trail to the saddle that separates the two arms of the Green River that defines the Bowknot Bend at Mile 63.
Three SCREE hikers traversing a thin hiking trail to the saddle that separates the two arms of the Green River that defines the Bowknot Bend at Mile 63.
Morning view at Trin-Alcove Bend
This was the morning view from my tent at our camp (Mile 90) at Trin-Alcove Bend.
This was the morning view from my tent at our camp (Mile 90) at Trin-Alcove Bend.
Dellenbaugh Butte along Green River
At about Mile 102 you can see Dellenbaugh Butte, which is also known as The Anvil, or Inkwell Butte. Powell camped here July 14, 1869. The majority of the butte is composed of the Summerville Formation.
At about Mile 102 you can see Dellenbaugh Butte, which is also known as The Anvil, or Inkwell Butte. Powell camped here July 14, 1869. The majority of the butte is composed of the Summerville Formation.
Passing under I-70 at Green River, UT
SCREE film maker, Ben Kraushaar, passes under I-70 at Green River, UT. The next time he will see a bridge over his boat will be 166 river miles away, on the Colorado River, at Hite, UT.
SCREE film maker, Ben Kraushaar, passes under I-70 at Green River, UT. The next time he will see a bridge over his boat will be 166 river miles away, on the Colorado River, at Hite, UT.
Colorful mineral deposits at Crystal Geyser
Details of Crystal Geyser can be found at https://geology.utah.gov/map-pub/survey-notes/geosights/crystal-geyser/ Photo shows tufa deposits at the geyser deposited by disolved calcium carbonate.
Details of Crystal Geyser can be found at https://geology.utah.gov/map-pub/survey-notes/geosights/crystal-geyser/ Photo shows tufa deposits at the geyser deposited by disolved calcium carbonate.
Science and Products
Argon Geochronology
This project supports the USGS argon geochronology laboratory in Denver. The USGS 40Ar/39Ar geochronology laboratory is a state-of-the-art research facility for determining absolute ages of minerals and rocks. The 40Ar/39Ar laboratory contributes critical geochronology to individual USGS research projects and to partners in academia and other Federal agencies. This laboratory develops methodology...
Group photo at the Dirty Devil take out
A group photo of the 13 members of the Cataract Canyon segment of the SCREE taken at the Dirty Devil (Lake Powell) take-out. From left to right: Ben Kraushaar, Pat Kikut, Matt Cuzzocreo, Tess Harden, Rick Moscati, Erika Osborne, Jessica Flock, Jan McCool, Dan McCool, John Weisheit, Kate Hudson, Tom Minckley, and Cody Perry.
A group photo of the 13 members of the Cataract Canyon segment of the SCREE taken at the Dirty Devil (Lake Powell) take-out. From left to right: Ben Kraushaar, Pat Kikut, Matt Cuzzocreo, Tess Harden, Rick Moscati, Erika Osborne, Jessica Flock, Jan McCool, Dan McCool, John Weisheit, Kate Hudson, Tom Minckley, and Cody Perry.
Morning shade in Narrow Canyon
The black silhouettes of the SCREE flotilla drifts in the shadow of rock walls within Narrow Canyon of the Colorado River.
The black silhouettes of the SCREE flotilla drifts in the shadow of rock walls within Narrow Canyon of the Colorado River.
Don't be groover shy
The "groover" is river slang for the toilet. At every camp, the groover site is choosen to accommodate a scenic view as well as to provide its users with a modicum of privacy. At our Ledge Camp, it was easy to find groover users an incredible view, but the privacy factor was in short supply. If you're on a river trip, you can't be groover shy!
The "groover" is river slang for the toilet. At every camp, the groover site is choosen to accommodate a scenic view as well as to provide its users with a modicum of privacy. At our Ledge Camp, it was easy to find groover users an incredible view, but the privacy factor was in short supply. If you're on a river trip, you can't be groover shy!
Ledge Camp at Mile 178 of the Colorado River
The SCREE boats are tied off at a rock ledge camp along the Colorado River at Mile 178.
The SCREE boats are tied off at a rock ledge camp along the Colorado River at Mile 178.
Paper Powell enjoying calm waters after Cataract Canyon
Paper Powell is posed in the bow of a boat relaxing upon calm waters and in the morning shade within the canyon.
Paper Powell is posed in the bow of a boat relaxing upon calm waters and in the morning shade within the canyon.
John Weisheit scouts Rapid 15 to the SCREE team
The SCREE team gathered around John Weisheit overlooking Rapid 15. John Weisheit is a river guide who has made over 400 trips through Cataract Canyon. He is describing to the SCREE team the line to take through the forthcoming sets of rapids.
The SCREE team gathered around John Weisheit overlooking Rapid 15. John Weisheit is a river guide who has made over 400 trips through Cataract Canyon. He is describing to the SCREE team the line to take through the forthcoming sets of rapids.
Tess & Rick at Cataract Canyon "Danger" sign
Tess Harden and Rick Moscati (the USGS participants for this river segment) pose for a "selfie" in front of the "Danger" sign preceeding Cataract Canyon.
Tess Harden and Rick Moscati (the USGS participants for this river segment) pose for a "selfie" in front of the "Danger" sign preceeding Cataract Canyon.
SCREE flotilla in calm waters of Stillwater Canyon
The SCREE flotilla in the calm waters of Stillwater Canyon
The SCREE flotilla in the calm waters of Stillwater Canyon
Sunset view, looking east, at Turks Head campsite
Sunset view, looking east, at Turks Head campsite, Green River, Mile 21.
Sunset view, looking east, at Turks Head campsite, Green River, Mile 21.
Sunset view, looking west, at Turks Head campsite
Sunset view, looking west, at Turks Head campsite, Green River, Mile 21.
Sunset view, looking west, at Turks Head campsite, Green River, Mile 21.
The "media" boat passing by the Organ Rock Shale
Our media or film crew, Ben Kraushaar and Cody Perry, floating by the Organ Rock Shale in their boat filled with A/V equipment.
Our media or film crew, Ben Kraushaar and Cody Perry, floating by the Organ Rock Shale in their boat filled with A/V equipment.
The Bowknot Bend
Taken from the saddle, a panoramic view of the Bowknot Bend of the Green River. The Bowknot Bend is 7 river miles around. Erosion will eventually shorten the river course considerably.
Taken from the saddle, a panoramic view of the Bowknot Bend of the Green River. The Bowknot Bend is 7 river miles around. Erosion will eventually shorten the river course considerably.
Hiking up to the Bowknot Bend
Three SCREE hikers traversing a thin hiking trail to the saddle that separates the two arms of the Green River that defines the Bowknot Bend at Mile 63.
Three SCREE hikers traversing a thin hiking trail to the saddle that separates the two arms of the Green River that defines the Bowknot Bend at Mile 63.
Morning view at Trin-Alcove Bend
This was the morning view from my tent at our camp (Mile 90) at Trin-Alcove Bend.
This was the morning view from my tent at our camp (Mile 90) at Trin-Alcove Bend.
Dellenbaugh Butte along Green River
At about Mile 102 you can see Dellenbaugh Butte, which is also known as The Anvil, or Inkwell Butte. Powell camped here July 14, 1869. The majority of the butte is composed of the Summerville Formation.
At about Mile 102 you can see Dellenbaugh Butte, which is also known as The Anvil, or Inkwell Butte. Powell camped here July 14, 1869. The majority of the butte is composed of the Summerville Formation.
Passing under I-70 at Green River, UT
SCREE film maker, Ben Kraushaar, passes under I-70 at Green River, UT. The next time he will see a bridge over his boat will be 166 river miles away, on the Colorado River, at Hite, UT.
SCREE film maker, Ben Kraushaar, passes under I-70 at Green River, UT. The next time he will see a bridge over his boat will be 166 river miles away, on the Colorado River, at Hite, UT.
Colorful mineral deposits at Crystal Geyser
Details of Crystal Geyser can be found at https://geology.utah.gov/map-pub/survey-notes/geosights/crystal-geyser/ Photo shows tufa deposits at the geyser deposited by disolved calcium carbonate.
Details of Crystal Geyser can be found at https://geology.utah.gov/map-pub/survey-notes/geosights/crystal-geyser/ Photo shows tufa deposits at the geyser deposited by disolved calcium carbonate.
USGS Location