Earl Ingerson

Studies of unconsolidated sediments - I: Quartz fabric of current and wind ripple marks

Die Technik der Impragnierung locker gefugter Sedimente mit Kunststoffen zur Herstellung orientierter Dunnschliffe fur Gefugestudien wird beschrieben. Die Orientierung des Quarzgefuges von durch Wind- und Wasserwirkung gebildeten Rippelmarken wurde in dieser Weise untersucht und verglichen. Die durch Wasserstromungen gebildeten Rippel zeigen einen hoheren Grad und einen etwas anderen Gesamtcharakter der Regelung. Die Unterschiede in der Grosenverteilung der Quarzkorner in den beiden Arten von Rippelmarken gehen klar aus Mikrophotographien hervor.

Geochemical work of the Geochemistry and Petrology Branch U.S. Geological Survey

Abstract The current geochemical work of the Geochemistry and Petrology Branch of the U.S. Geological Survey is outlined under the headings of geochemical compilations, laboratory projects, and field-laboratory projects. Some thirty-seven active projects are described. Six others are mentioned which are planned for the near future. The importance and value of cooperative projects and the “team approach” are emphasized. The hope is expressed that more such projects can be undertaken; also, that summaries of geochemical work under way elsewhere will be published soon for the advancement and better coordination of geochemical research.

The next decade in geochemistry

Abstract The purpose, associations, functions; and activities of the Geochmical Society are reviewed briefly. Work on the Colorado Plateau uranium deposits is described as an example of what geochemical research, in conjunction with detailed field work, mineralogical studies, and related techniques can contribute to the understanding of a type of deposit. It is pointed out that not only have these studies given a great deal of information about the origin of the ores, but they have brought about directly a manifold increase in production and reserves of uranium in the United States. Indirectly, they aided the discovery of the tremendous deposits of the Blind River area in Ontario. It is suggested that similar broad cooperative attacks could not only yield comparable results with other types of mineral deposits, such as laterites and Mississippi Valley type lead-zinc deposits, but could also advance our knowledge and understanding of such diverse problems of geology and cosmology as the origin of granites, origin and geologic implications of meteorites (including tektites), origin and search for petroleum, and geochemical relations and interpretations of natural waters. For each of these problems methods of approach are outlined and for some of them, specific projects and correlative problems are mentioned. It is further suggested that the broad cooperative attack needed for most of these problems might be fostered most effectively by a programme comparable to that of the I.G.Y., even though for most types of geochemical research synoptic sampling and observations are not as important as they are for many projects in geophysics.