Discover the latest from Wisconsin Geological Survey staff as they describe recent projects. Many of these talks were recorded by our Extension partners at Wednesday Nite at the Lab (WN@TL).
Streams of data from streams of Wisconsin
In this talk, Dave Hart explained how he and his team used canoes outfitted with an array of sensors to record vast amounts of data about the streams they paddled. See also our Staff Story about this project. (August 28, 2019 | 1:12:59)
Keeping Wisconsin water clean
As part of Here & Now’s report on efforts to improve water quality in the state, Survey Director Ken Bradbury discusses the results of a study testing water quality in private wells of southwestern Wisconsin. (May 24, 2019 | 06:51)
The Precambrian geology of the Baraboo Hills
In this talk, Esther Stewart shares her newest insights into some of Wisconsin’s oldest rocks. It’s a story of reading the deep-time sedimentary record and how old mine records and outcrops reveal a history of ancient rivers, oceans, and faulting in Wisconsin. (March 27, 2019 | 59:39)
Mapping the springs of Wisconsin
Springs can be vulnerable to human activities that cause groundwater pollution or depletion. In this talk, Sue Swanson (Beloit College) and Grace Graham (WGNHS) describe the efforts of the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey and Beloit College to locate, describe, and monitor these special water resources. (August 22, 2018 | 1:12:09)
Groundwater, wetlands, and geology: The invisible links
Why do wetlands occur where they do? Where does their water come from? How are they connected to the groundwater systems around them? Ken Bradbury explains the hidden links between wetlands, groundwater, and geology. (April 11, 2018 | 1:20:22)
Wisconsin’s geoheritage: How geology shapes Wisconsin’s past, present, and future
Our geologic landscape plays an integral role in shaping our history and cultural identity. Join Ken Bradbury (WGNHS) for a brief overview of Wisconsin’s geoheritage. (October 12, 2016 | 1:20:26)
Geology and soils of the Lakeland area
Wisconsin’s glacial history and soils impact the landscape of Wisconsin’s Lakeland area. Elmo Rawling (WGNHS) and Nick Balster (UW-Madison) discuss their work at Science on Tap in Minocqua. (September 7, 2016 | 1:30:03)
Little Plover River groundwater study
Wisconsin’s Central Sands region is home to abundant streams, rivers, and lakes as well as a thriving agricultural industry. Ken Bradbury (WGNHS) and Mike Fienen (USGS) present the results of a multi-year project developing a tool to evaluate various water management options for the Little Plover River basin. (April 12, 2016 | 2:15:31)
Standing on the shoulders of giants in the digital age: A look at Charles Van Hise’s field notebooks
Charles Van Hise, father of the “Wisconsin Idea”, performed pioneering work defining the Precambrian rock in the Lake Superior region. Carol McCartney describes his work and the Survey’s efforts to preserve it while also making it more broadly available. (Aired: February 17, 2016 | 1:00:48)
When the ancient Wisconsin River flowed east
Eric Carson explains the case for the Lower Wisconsin River having reversed its flow. (Aired: January 29, 2014 | 57:28)
Sinkholes
Dave Hart talks about Wisconsin’s sinkholes—how they form, why they occur, and how to deal with them. (Aired: October 2, 2013 | 51:22)
The phosphate crisis in agriculture
Pat McLaughlin discusses concerns about the dwindling supply of phosphorus, one of the key nutrients for growing green plants. (Aired: January 16, 2013 | 59:37)
Viruses in groundwater
Ken Bradbury plumbs the depths of our groundwater to detect and track viruses that can contaminate our drinking water. (Aired: August 1, 2012 | 45:06)
Where the ice never roamed: Wisconsin’s Driftless Area and the record of surrounding glaciations
Eric Carson shares his research of the Driftless Area of southwest Wisconsin. (Aired: March 28, 2012 | 59:39)
Tapping geothermal resources in Wisconsin: Energy from the earth for heating and cooling our homes
Dave Hart takes us on a tour of the geothermal resources in Wisconsin. (Aired: February 15, 2012 | 53:41)
Frac sands: Resources and issues in Wisconsin
Bruce Brown explains hydrofracking, the use and characteristics of frac sand, and why our sand is in demand. (Aired: November 30, 2011 | 58:47)
Catastrophic geologic events in Paleozoic Wisconsin (500 million years ago)
Patrick McLaughlin discusses research focused on deciphering the rock record of shifts in the ancient ocean-atmosphere system and their correlation with biological evolution. (Aired: November 2, 2011 | 50:27)
Geological perspectives on climate change
Todd LaMaskin explores the history of paleoclimatology and what geology can tell us about the history of climate on earth. (Aired: April 13, 2011 | 01:21:43)
