Bureau of Geology News

Dr. Roshan Bhappu, renowned metallurgical engineer, former Senior Metallurgist for the New Mexico Bureau of Mines and faculty member at New Mexico Tech, passed away in Tucson, AZ on December 28, 2019 at the age of 93.

The American Geophysical Union published a recent paper co-authored by Bureau Senior Geophysicist and Field Geologist Dr. Shari Kelley. The paper “Decadal-Scale Aquifer Dynamics and Structural Complexities at a Municipal Wellfield Revealed by 25 Years of InSAR and Recent Groundwater Temperature Observations” is also co-authored by New Mexico Tech (NMT) Earth and Environmental Science Professor Dr. Mark Person, former NMT student Matthew Folsom, and by University of Alaska Fairbanks Associate Professor Dr. Ronni Grapenthin. The paper examines historical surface subsidence in the Buckman wellfield induced by groundwater extraction.

The article published by CBS News “Nature up close: An unexpected gem of a museum” discusses the Mineral Museum as a worthwhile visit. Indeed, “Sunday Morning” contributing videographer Judy Lehmberg describes the museum as, “…a crystal palace of mineral specimens…” The article details not only the spectacular specimens displayed, but delves into the many types of minerals and ways that they form.

Bureau-supported graduate students, Christine Burrill and Morgan Nasholds, are presenting posters at this year’s American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting in San Francisco, December 9^th-13^th.

New Mexico Bureau of Geology Principal Senior Economic Geologist Dr. Virginia McLemore presented December 4^th at the American Exploration and Mining Association (AEMA) Annual Meeting in Reno, Nevada.

A joint meeting of the National Academy Board on Earth Science and Resources and Water Science and Techology board on November 20 and 21, 2019, focused on the topic of "Challenges for Large River Basin Management in the United States". One of the two river basins highlighted was the Rio Grande, and a number of excellent presentations were made, and can be viewed on YouTube.

A recent article in Outside magazine by Philip Kiefer discusses the importance of gathering water data in a systematic way and maintaining a publicly-available database that can support policy decision-making. The article highlighted the role of the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources in implementing the New Mexico Water Data Act (House Bill 651) passed by the State Legislature and signed into law by Governor Lujan Grisham in April, 2019.

The 40^th Annual New Mexico Mineral Symposium convened at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in Socorro the weekend of November 9^th-10^th. The symposium is a venue for professional and amateur mineral enthusiasts to meet and celebrate the colorful, complex world of minerals. The informal atmosphere encourages the free exchange of information and ideas amongst all with an interest in mineralogy. The symposium is organized by the Mineral Museum at the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources.

Dr. Peter Scholle, Emeritus New Mexico Bureau of Geology Director and State Geologist, received the West Texas Geological Society Distinguished Service Award.