Project Description
The objective is this project is to investigate the geological environments and geographic distribution of a collection of ~800 Chinese minerals by digitally cataloging the collection, mapping specimen origins, identifying associated deposit types, and analyzing regional mineralogical diversity in relation to China’s tectonic and geologic framework. This research will produce a new dataset, interpretive maps, geologic summaries, and digital resources (photos, 360-degree videos, accessible maps) that illustrate how geologic processes shape mineral occurrences across China. A website will be made to host some of this data to engage the community. Results will be showcased into a comprehensive, accessible, secure, and robust online interactive platform. The proposed outcome of this research will be to create a new geospatial dataset derived from this unique Chinese mineral collection unlike any geological database available at UWM currently. Creation of this database will undoubtedly contribute to future geological research of Greene Geological Museum specimens and is hopeful to lead to further collaboration.
Tasks and Responsibilites
Student tasks include onsite data acquisition and cataloging, specimen inventory, and database entry. Select specimens may be digitally scanned and/or photographed. The student will link mineral data to geospatial reference locations to focus on the relationship between mineral environments and geologic processes. To do this, the student will connect their research data with existing geographic and geological data. The student will use tools like ArcGIS software to plot specimen localities and overlay geologic maps, research the geologic context of locations from which the samples were sourced, and compose a written summary of their findings. Website features may include displaying research data in web-compatible formats, search functionality with QR code features, photo and video from the collection, and a StoryMap (map with multimedia).
Desired Qualifications
None Listed