Date of Award:

12-2011

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Geosciences

Department name when degree awarded

Geology

Committee Chair(s)

W. David Liddell

Committee

W. David Liddell

Committee

Carol Dehler

Committee

Peter Kolesar

Abstract

This project was undertaken with the objective of discerning the relationship between sea level change and changes in the fauna of the Spence Shale. A combination of field and lab work was employed to undertake this research. The Spence Shale is rich in fossils from the earliest period of visible life on this planet. It provides a unique window onto the evolution of life and changes in the Earth at this time. It is important to study this relationship between sea level and life changes as these conditions are constantly changing, particularly in this day and age. A better understanding of these conditions may help us prepare for future changes to this planet.

The research was relatively inexpensive to perform, as all materials required for analyses were readily available in the Geology Department at Utah State University or through the help of colleagues. The only area of cost was a consequence of travelling to the field area in the Wellsville Mountains, but this was negligible. Given the knowledge gained in through this project, it was well worth any costs incurred.

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9582218b3f4aaf8a1b5ba5632f9197f7

Comments

Publication made available electronically January 24, 2012.

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