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AIPG California Section
Spring 2015 Newsletter
AIPG California Section - UC Davis Student Section 2015 Meeting Schedule
APRIL 2, 2015: DOT LOFSTROM, P.G.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE WITH THE DTSC
Dot Lofstrom, P.G., Division Chief of the Brownfields and Environmental Restoration Program,
Department of Toxics Substances Control (DTSC) is one of the lead regulators in the state. As
such, she will discuss her career, her decades of geology experience and her 13 years of
experience with the DTSC in Sacramento.
Dot Lofstrom is a Division Chief within DTSC’s Brownfields and
Environmental Restoration Program at DTSC. She is a California
Professional Geologist with both a B.S. and M.S. in geology (Missouri
State and University of Missouri-Columbia). Ms. Lofstrom has over 25
years of experience in private consulting, community college instruction,
and state, local and federal governments. Ms. Lofstrom is a co-author of
DTSC’s Vapor Intrusion Mitigation Advisory, and a contributing author
on DTSC’s Vapor Intrusion Guidance, Active Soil Gas Investigations
Advisory, and Vapor Intrusion Public Participation Advisory. As the State Engagement
Coordinator for the Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council (ITRC) she manages the State
Points of Contact and serves on the ITRC Advisory Board.
LOCATION: California Section AIPG - UC Davis Student Section Meeting at UC Davis, 7 pm
– 9 pm on Thursday, April 2, 2015.
Earth and Physical Sciences building
Directions: From I-80, take the UC Davis exit, turn in the direction of campus on Old Davis
Road and proceed past the Information Booth. Continue straight towards the Mondavi Center
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where the road becomes New Davis Road. Visitor parking is available in Visitor Parking Lots
everyday, and in Parking Lots on weekends except during special events.
Evening from 7 pm – 9 pm, Pizza and soft drinks are provided. Meeting is free to the public,
AIPG members and students.
MAY 7, 2015: STEVE BAKER
AIPG JOB HUNTING WORKSHOP,
PART 2: THE INTERVIEW
Steve will tackle the most challenging part of the job hunting process: the interview. For
students, young professionals and senior geologists wanting to practice the art of the interview,
this evening will be in a workshop format. Bring your resume and plan to be interviewed. Steve
has worked in the environmental industry, interviewing dozens of possible employees for his
company. For his radio programs, Steve is a seasoned interviewer and he has been interviewed
by others on many occasions. He will tell participants some of his secrets in being interviewed.
Plan to start off the evening with a decent and rousing self-introduction. Free pizza and soft
drinks will be provided. The meeting is free and will be at UC Davis Earth and Planetary
Sciences Building from 7 pm to 9 pm on Thursday, May 7th, 2015.
ROCK GARDEN AT UC DAVIS IS A MUST SEE
An identifying feature outside the Earth and Planetary Sciences Building are enormous rock
samples: The California Rock Garden is open to the public every day. Located primarily along
the eastern and southern sides of the Earth and Physical Sciences building, the garden features
boulders and core samples representing various geologic features of California. For those not
familiar with this rock garden, it has some of the best samples of California rocks found
anywhere in the state, and is definitely worth coming to the UC Davis campus to study.
Photo of UC Davis California Rock Garden – a must see for all California geologists.
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FEATURED ARTICLE: MAPPING CALIFORNIA:
PART 2: 1917 to 2015
The following public domain article is from the California Geological
http://www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/cgs_history/Pages/geologicmaps.aspx
Survey:
GEOLOGIC MAP OF CALIFORNIA - 1938
Twenty-two years later, another milestone in California geologic maps appeared in the form of a
1:500,000 scale map published in six sections by the California Division of Mines. This map was
prepared by Olaf P. Jenkins, Chief Geologist of the Division of Mines, and represented nine
years of careful geological research.
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Much larger in scale than
any preceding geologic
maps of the state, the
1938 map shows much
more detail than the
earlier maps. The geologic
boundaries of the 81 units
depicted were drawn with
greater precision than
before. Care was taken to
follow the source data
faithfully. In areas where
no geologic maps were
available,
or
where
previous maps were too
general in nature or at a
scale much smaller than
the base map, the area was
purposely left blank. This
portrayal of the geology
of the state showed that
about 25 percent of the
state was unmapped. The
largest unmapped areas at
that time were in the
Klamath Mountains, the
northern Coast Ranges,
the
southern
Sierra
Nevada, and the desert areas of southeastern California. For the first time, faults were shown on
an official geologic map of California.
GEOLOGIC ATLAS OF CALIFORNIA - 1958-1969
The ground work for the Geologic Atlas of California began in 1951, after the popular 1938
edition went out of print. Great demand prompted OIaf P. Jenkins to set up a program for
preparing a new edition of the state map that would incorporate the large amount of new
geologic data collected since the earlier map was compiled (Jahns, 1961). The first map to be
completed, the Death Valley Sheet, was published in 1958. At the outset of the project, the
difficulties associated with compiling a geologic map of the entire state, with all of its geologic
diversity and complexity, were for the most part recognized, but it was hoped that the abundance
of new data on hand would make overcoming these difficulties fairly simple. Actually, the
inconsistent nature of these new data made the task more difficult. The source maps for some
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areas of the state were excellent; in other areas they were very poor, incomplete, or simply
nonexistent. Frequently, well-described areas were adjacent to poorly understood, incompletely
mapped, or totally unmapped areas. Often, too, there was no continuity between maps for
adjacent areas because of differences in geologic interpretation. Thus, the compilation could
easily have resulted in a patchwork of data. Fortunately, perhaps, the scale of the atlas made it
possible to ignore a multitude of discrepancies. Numerous problems, however, had to be resolved
in the field, and almost all blank areas in the state were filled in by reconnaissance mapping by
the California Division of Mines and Geology. Nevertheless, in a few areas of complex geology,
or where particularly detailed work was surrounded by less detailed mapping, white areas were
left around the more detailed area to preserve as much information as possible. Blank areas
marked on the atlas sheets as "unmapped" or "incomplete" amount to a very small percentage of
some map sheets and are absent entirely from others.
FAULT MAP OF CALIFORNIA - 1975 and GEOLOGIC MAP OF CALIFORNIA - 1977
Even before the 1:250,000 scale Geologic
Atlas of California was completed, it was
recognized that a smaller-scale map of the
state, one that would present an overview
of the geology of the entire state, was
highly desirable. It had become apparent
that the individual atlas sheets, as useful
as they were for field and office purposes,
were not satisfactory for evaluation of
statewide geologic and structural trends.
Therefore, late in 1965, plans were made
for a smaller scale map of California
(Jennings, 1965). After consideration of
various scales, 1:750,000 was chosen
because this scale is sufficiently large to
show a significant amount of geologic
information and also is consistent with the
first two official geologic maps of
California published by the State in 1891
and 1916. At the beginning of the project,
it was decided that a multipurpose map of
the state would be most desirable. In
addition to the geology, the map would
emphasize recently active faults, recent
volcanic rocks and volcanoes, thermal
springs, offshore structures, and major fold axes. Therefore, all these data were plotted on the
work sheets; but it became evident that, for publication purposes, it would be much more
effective to separate some of this information and make two maps rather than one. Pursuing this
concept, it was planned to present a series of maps at the same 1:750,000 scale illustrating
various geologic and geophysical parameters that can conveniently be studied individually or in
relation to one another. Thus, the first map in this series was the Fault Map of California with
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Locations of Volcanoes, Thermal Springs and Thermal Wells, Geologic Data Map No. 1 (1975).
This was followed by The Geologic Map of California, Geologic Data Map No. 2 (1977).
FAULT ACTIVITY MAP OF CALIFORNIA AND ADJACENT AREAS - 1994
New data concerning the age and activity of California faults necessitated a revision to the 1975
Fault Map of California. In 1990 Charles W. Jennings began compilation of new data and
classification of Quaternary faults into a five age subdivisions (historic, Holocene, late
Quaternary, undivided Quaternary, pre-Quaternary. This map took advantage of the extensive
mapping of active faults for the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning act. Age designations
were also enhanced by the extensive work for Alquist-Priolo zoning: faults must be shown to
have Holocene surface displacement to be included in “A-P” zones. Any fault evaluated and
included in such a zone can be shown on the Fault Activity Map as Historic or Holocene. In
addition, a more extensive explanatory text was keyed to numbers for many faults to allow
geologists to look up the source of the original fault mapping and reason for the age
classification.
GEOLOGIC MAP OF CALIFORNIA AND FAULT ACTIVITY MAP OF CALIFORNIA
- 2010
New editions of the Geologic Map of California and
the Fault Activity Map of California have been
prepared in recognition of the California
Geological Survey’s 150th Anniversary. Both are alldigital products built on the original compilations of
C.W. Jennings published in 1977 and 1994. The
digital version of the Jennings (1977) geologic map
was released in 2000 (Saucedo and others, 2000) and
serves as the base digital geologic data layer for the
new geologic map with additions and modifications
described below. The new editions remove, as much
as possible, distortions in the previous digital
versions that were inherited from the composite base
map
of
the
original
printed
versions.
The 2010 Fault Activity Map of California presents a
much more detailed depiction of faults in California
than previous versions. Faults active in the
Quaternary (2.6 Ma) were digitized from their
original sources in order to preserve as much of the
original detail as possible. Similar to the 1994 Fault Activity Map, the new map is accompanied
by an extensive listing of the sources of fault maps and age determinations.
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In the 2010 Fault Activity Map, the faults are
depicted in as much detail as possible at the scale
of the map. The 2010 Geologic Map of
California includes modifications to the fault
traces for consistency with the 2010 edition of the
Fault Activity Map of California. Due to the
complexity of the onshore geologic data depicted
on the Geologic Map of California, it was not
technically feasible to incorporate the detailed
fault data in its entirety. A comparison of the
datasets was made and numerous fault traces were
replaced with simplified fault traces based on the
new fault map. In addition, several faults that
have been mapped since the compilation of the
original geologic map were also identified and
added, and traces no longer believed to be faults
were removed. In general, the Quaternary faults
shown in the onshore region of this map are
intended to be a simplified representation of the
faults depicted on the Fault Activity Map.
Although the modification of faults in some areas
necessitated the modification of bedrock geology adjacent to those faults, the distribution of
bedrock geologic units compiled by Jennings (1977) has otherwise not been modified.
Jennings (1977) simplified the depiction of Quaternary geologic units on the original map. As he
put it: “various surficial deposits of Quaternary age are lumped into the unit ‘Q’.” Since
Jennings’ work, subdivisions of these deposits have been found to have very different potential
for liquefaction and for amplification of seismic shaking. Relative age of Quaternary alluvial fan
deposits have also been found to correlate with potential for flooding. Since these units are
important for evaluation of geologic hazards, the 2010 update of the geologic map includes a
subdivision of Jennings “Q” into younger alluvium “Q” and older alluvium “Qoa”. In general,
younger alluvium was deposited in Holocene time and represents the modern deposition in flood
plains and on alluvial fans. Older alluvium is generally of Pleistocene age and represents
depositional systems that are not currently active.
References (for Part 1 and Part 2)
Blake, W.P., 1857, Geological report, in Williamson, R.S., Report of explorations in California
for railroad routes (from Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean) 1853 [Senate Ex. Doc. no. 78],
v. 5, pt. 2, 310p.
Guillemin-Tarayre, Edmond, 1871, Description des anciennes possessions mexicaines du nord:
Paris, France, Mission Sci. au Mexique et dans I'Amerique Centrale, Geologie, pt. 2, 216 p.
Ireland, William, Jr., 1890, Report of the State Mineralogist: California State Mining Bureau
tenth annual report, 983 p.
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Jahns, R.H., 1961, Geologic Map of California, Olaf P. Jenkins edition: Economic Geology, v.
56, no. 6, p. 1154-1156.
Jennings, C.W., 1965, 1:750,000 geologic map project: Memo to lan Campbell, Chief California
Division Mines and Geology, December 30, 1965, 8 p.
Jennings, C.W., 1975, Fault map of California with location of volcanoes, thermal springs, and
thermal wells: California Division of Mines and Geology Geologic Data Map No. 1, scale
1:750,000.
Jennings, C.W., 1977, Geologic Map of California: California Division of Mines and Geology
Geologic Data Map No. 2, scale 1:750,000. 5 February 2015 California Section Newsletter
Marcou, Jules, 1883, Note sur la geologie de la Californie: Soc. Geol. France Bull., 3d ser., v. 11,
p. 407-435.
Smith, J.P., 1916, The geologic formations of California with reconnaissance geologic map:
California State Mining Bureau Bulletin No. 72, 47 p.
ATTRACT-RETAIN-ENGAGE: Meetings to Inspire
Presenter Steve Baker, an official California Section Mentor, works the crowd in a job searching
skills workshop.
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AIPG CALIFORNIA SECTION – UC DAVIS
STUDENT SECTION MEETINGS
March 2015 AIPG California Section – UC Davis Student Section Meeting featured Steve Baker,
an official California Section Mentor providing a workshop on networking, job hunting skills,
dressing for success at the interview and how to be better prepared for the challenges of the job
search. He discussed jobs versus careers, and participants practiced getting up and introducing
themselves to the crowd. Fortunately, the room was a friendly audience. Another meeting is
planned in the future to discuss the subtle art of resume writing, posting and social media issues,
improved networking for the young and experienced job hunter.
UC DAVIS STUDENT SECTION PRESIDENT
TIMOTHY NELSON
Timothy Nelson, formerly manager of Ground Zero Skate and
Snowboard of Davis, California, has been a Student Researcher
and Geochemistry Student Lab Assistant while at UC Davis
pursuing his undergraduate degree in geology. He is also the 2015
UC Davis Student Section President who with the team of the
advisor, sponsor and student mentor, has had a successful string of
monthly meetings since October 2014. Tim will graduate soon,
and we wish him well with his career.
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Tim, like the previous president, Richie Winn, has made a sizeable contribution to the UC Davis
Student Section and we thank him for his efforts. Thanks again Tim!
PROFESSOR ZIERENBERG- 2010-2015: 5 YEARS
AS UC DAVIS STUDENT SECTION ADVISOR.
Professor Robert A. Zierenberg has been the UC Davis Student Section Advisor since the
founding in 2010. AIPG California Section appreciates his commitment to the UC Davis
Student Section for the past five years.
Professor Zierenberg, or “Z” as he likes to be called, is an expert in a variety of topics, including
aqueous geochemistry; stable isotope geochemistry; economic geology. Research has focused on
water/rock interaction in active and ancient hydrothermal systems, including the "black smokers"
on the mid-ocean ridges.
Research topics include the geology and
geochemistry of sulfide deposits and
hydrothermal alteration in seafloor
hydrothermal systems and on-land
analogs. Hydrothermal activity at
sediment-covered portions of the
northern Juan de Fuca Ridge and
southern Gorda Ridge seafloor spreading
centers have been a long term research
interest, including participation in Legs
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139 and169 of the Ocean Drilling Program. The Iceland Deep Drilling Project is providing new
opportunities to investigate water/rock interaction in the deep, high-temperature roots of
hydrothermal systems. Other interests include the environmental effects of mining, particularly
the generation of acid mine drainage, mercury contamination in Clear Lake related to the
abandoned Sulphur Bank Hg mine, the geochemical and biological cycling of sulfur, and sulfur
isotope geochemistry.
SUCCESSFUL SELF-INTRODUCTIONS
It may be more art than science, but introducing oneself by standing up in a public dinner
meeting is not all that easy. It takes practice and nerve to try to appear calm and intelligent. All
participants in the recent March 2015 AIPG California Section – UC Davis Student Section
meeting had the chance to get up and prepare an impromptu self-introduction. The trick is to
give just enough information to be interesting and appealing, while not wearing out the welcome.
ATTRACT-RETAIN-ENGAGE CAMPAIGN
The AIPG California Section has an official mentor program to encourage regular and sustained
involvement with the students, young professionals and senior members. This goes along with
the concept of “attract-retain-engage” which is the focus of the California Section. Attraction
occurs by getting students and young professionals interested in AIPG. We provide free
meetings, free electronic versions of The Professional Geologist and free membership to
students. We retain members by providing a simple value proposition: the cost and efforts
associated with membership are far less than the benefits received. The value proposition is not
a complicated equation. We engage our membership by having high-quality publications,
meetings, training events, and professional activities.
STEPHEN BAKER: OFFICIAL AIPG CALIFORNIA
SECTION MENTOR
Stephen J. Baker, MEM-2353, is an official California Student Section Mentor. There is a
different level of commitment than just showing up to meeting occasionally. That means he
helps plan student section meetings, goes to the meetings and related programs, and works with
students and AIPG members on their career goals and job hunting challenges.
Steve exemplifies the make-it-happen attitude of the
professional geologist trying to give back to California
geology students and the professional community. Steve has
participated in more than half a dozen Annual Sacramento
Drive-In legislative days with AIPG and other groups. He
started attending the AIPG California Section meetings on a
random basis several years ago. By 2013 he agreed to be an
official AIPG California Section Student Mentor, and has
consistently been in attendance at the California AIPG - UC
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Davis Student Section meetings. In the past few years, there have been 8 monthly meetings and
one or two field trips every year, and as an official AIPG Student Mentor, Steve has participated
in almost all the meetings and a recent field trip. He gave two presentations at the AIPG
California Section meetings, including a well-received workshop about job hunting skills and
career development in March 2015 featuring resume writing, interviewing and networking skills.
In helping the profession in California, Steve participated as an AIPG Student Mentor at the
2015 International Goldschmidt Conference in Sacramento where he spoke about career
development to about 95 enthusiastic geology students. In 2014, Steve developed the “Meet
Your Mentor” internet radio program to connect real mentors in the water industry with listeners
who have interest in training and education in vocational and academic schools, finding a job,
continuing education, ethics education and dealing with setbacks experienced in the industry. He
has interviewed seasoned professionals and has piloted the project in California. Based on the
initial success of the program, with appropriate funding, Steve plans to take the Meet Your
Mentor Program nationally. Professionally, Steve not only started his own groundwater
consulting company and ran it for over 29 years, but more recently, he has produced a short
segment radio series that guides the listener in feeling and intellectually understanding the
importance of water in their lives. “Water is a Many Splendid Thing” series of short-segment (3
to 8 minute) radio broadcasts that explore water’s relationship in the world. Two hundred forty
seven segments have been produced to date. They are designed as public outreach pieces and to
be easily understood. The radio show is popular and locally, Steve is known as “the Water Guy.”
As a founding member of Operation Unite®, he has given workshops for communities,
neighborhoods and private individuals interested in developing groundwater sustainability
strategies and management programs. He also facilitates round table discussions of real
situations in communities and public meetings. Some of these meetings are live or recorded radio
broadcasts. Stephen J. Baker has given a lot of his time and energy to the California Section and
mentoring activities and his efforts are appreciated!
California from space (ESA)
Have a good spring 2015!
James A. Jacobs, C.P.G. #7760; California Section President
Tel: 510-590-1098; jjacobs@clearwatergroup.com Website: www.jamesajacobs.net
Clearwater Group, 229 Tewksbury Ave., Pt. Richmond, CA 94801; www.clearwatergroup.com
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