Project Info
Supercritical flow sedimentary structures
Piret Plink-Bjorklund
pplink@mines.edu
Project Goals and Description:
Recent recognition of the significance of Froude supercritical flow in deep ocean turbidity currents and rivers has spiked a lot of interest, but the specific recognition criteria of supercritical flow sedimentary structures and their distinction in different environments are not well known. This project will document supercritical flow sedimentary structures in pyroclastic flow deposits and compare them to the structures in turbidites and rivers.
More Information:
Grand Challenge: Not applicable.
Please contact Piret Plink-Bjorklund pplink@mines.edu
Primary Contacts:
Piret Plink-Bjorklund pplink@mines.edu
Student Preparation
Qualifications
We are looking a students who is curious and interested in learning. No specific skills are needed.
TIME COMMITMENT (HRS/WK)
up to 5 hours per week but flexible
SKILLS/TECHNIQUES GAINED
The student will learn how to set up and conduct research projects, including scientific questions and testable hypothesis, how to plan and conduct work that ensures results, and how to disseminate the results by conference presentations or publications. The student will learn to identify sedimentary structures that provide information about sediment transport and deposition. The student will also learn about different types of sediment transport and depositional processes: pyroclastic flows, turbidity currents and river streamflow.
MENTORING PLAN
The student will work closely with me and with a PhD student. We will set up regular weekly or bi-weekly meetings to monitor the progress. We will together develop a research plan and decide on expected outcomes. The student is also invited to join weekly research group meetings and any activities. I will encourage the student to present at the department's yearly science fair as well as at a major conference, and to co-author a publication.
Preferred Student Status
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior