Floyd Gray
On September 15, 1951, Floyd Gray, a research geologist with the Western Mineral Resource Branch of the United States Geological Survey (USGS), was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He moved at an early age to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he attended public school. His early interest in science was encouraged by his father, who took him through the laboratories in the refinery where he worked. In the fourth grade Floyd's interest in science was sparked by a wonderful science teacher, and in the ninth grade he won a statewide science competition.
In college he started studying journalism, but a summer USGS geology job changed his life. The job took him to Hawaii, where he saw a volcanic eruption. In fact, he had the opportunity to gather data and make observations of that eruption.
Upon returning to the mainland, Gray enrolled in the University of California at Santa Cruz. His two bachelor's degrees were in earth science and anthropology. He earned a master's degree at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. For his thesis he studied the magmatic ore deposits in southern Oregon.
Currently Gray is working for the USGS, evaluating the mineral potential of rocks of the ocean floor that have been forced onto the continental crust in northern California and southern Oregon. He does field mapping and lab petrology work and makes geochemical analyses of these rocks. He is looking for geochemical tracers to ore deposits.
Why does he like his work? He says, "I like outside work that is challenging. I'm interpreting nature and I like that. I enjoy traveling and the chance to do something rewarding."
- When and where was Floyd Gray born?
- Where did he attend public school?
- How did his father encourage his interest in science?
- How well did he do at school?
- What did he study in college?
- What did he do in summer?
- What did he see in Hawaii?
- When did he enroll in the University of California?
- What kind of degrees did he earn?
- What did he study for his thesis?
- Where is he working?
- What does his job consist of?
- What kind of work does he like?
- What does he enjoy doing?
A geomorphologist is a person who makes a study of surface landforms and the processes that cause them. Geomorphologists are also interested in the changes in landforms over time. Geomorphologists recognize that every landform is in the process of becoming something else. Hills that are worn down and V-shaped stream valleys that become flatter and wider are two examples of changes in the land surface that geomorphologists study.
Dr. A. Wesley Ward is a geomorphologist working for the United States Geological Survey in Flagstaff, Arizona. Currently he is working on a large-scale map showing the geology in the San Juan Basin. This region is located in northwest New Mexico. Dr. Ward is studying the surface features, soils, and climate relationships involved in the development of landforms in this area. When completed, the map will be used in the search for oil, gas, and coal that are thought to exist in this region.
To make such a map requires a great deal of training. Dr. Ward took many courses in geology, chemistry, physics, engineering, atmospheric science, and mathematics.
Geomorphologists usually have a great interest in and love of the outdoors. Dr. Ward's love of the outdoors began as a child when he collected frogs, turtles, and other living creatures with his grandfather in Michigan. When asked why he liked his work, Dr. Ward replied, "Because it is like solving a great big puzzle. I like the outdoors. I observe the surface and then try to figure out how it got to be that way. I like this kind of detective work."
- What does a geomorphologist study?
- What kind of changes in landform interest them?
- How do geomorphologists view energy landform?
- What particular changes in the landforms do they (geomorphologists) study?
- Where does Dr. A.Wesley Ward work?
- What is he currently working on?
- Where is this region (the San Juan Basin) located?
- What kinds of relationships are involved in the development of landforms in this area?
- What is thought to exist in this region?
- What for will his map be used (when completed)?
- What is required of a person to make such a map?
- What courses did he take?
- What did Dr. A.Wesley Ward love to do as a child?
- Why does he call his work a great big puzzle and detective work?
Hydrologist
Some cities use streams and lakes as a source of water. Other cities use groundwater. How do the cities know about the water quality and how much water is available? They ask a hydrologist, a scientist who measures the amount and quality of fresh water.
Do you know anyone who started in one career but later changed to another one? Judy D. Fretwell, who started as an elementary school teacher, did that. She taught school for four years. She found doing research for science projects very exciting. But she also wanted to work outside, and she enjoyed writing.
Judy Fretwell left her teaching job and went back to college. There she studied science, mathematics, and computers. Two years later, she found work that included all the things she enjoyed doing. She was hired as a hydrologist by the U.S. Geological Survey. As a hydrologist, Judy Fretwell measures the water levels in lakes, streams, and wells. She also evaluates the water quality. After collecting this and other information, she writes reports. The reports tell other people about possible threats to their water supply.
Judy Fretwell wants other people to know about their surface water and groundwater supply and not to take it for granted. She states that water is our most valuable resource.
· Do all the cities use ground water as a source of water?
· Is it possible to know how much water is available?
· Who can provide the information on water resources to the cities?
· What career did Judy Fretwell start in during the first four years of her work?
· What was her attitude towards research?
· What else did she enjoy doing, besides science projects?
· What subjects did she study when she went back to college?
· Where did she start working as a hydrologist?
· In what way does she summarize the results of her work?
· What do people learn from her reports?
· What do people usually take for granted as regards water?
· How does Judy Fretwell evaluate water?