Extracting Soil Cores and Using Geophysical Methods to Determine the Geology of IMSA’s Campus
Advisor(s)
Dr. Melissa Lenczewski, Northern Illinois University
Sarah O'Leary-Driscoll, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Location
Room B108
Start Date
26-4-2019 9:45 AM
End Date
26-4-2019 10:00 AM
Abstract
Our goal was to investigate the geological makeup of IMSA’s campus through drilling near No-Pond. First, the surficial geology of the area was examined using previously drawn maps of both the surficial and subterranean geology. From there, we were able to determine the ideal depth and location to drill: 25ft deep and west of No-Pond. Subsequently, when we went out to drill using the geoprobe, we successfully extracted a soil core that we then extracted DNA from to analyze the microorganisms in IMSA’s soil. As of now, we have only begun the stage of running polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and have not obtained any data or analysis from said tests. We also extracted water with which we analyzed the effectiveness of Micros 20’s. On our second drill date, we hit bedrock sooner than expected, hence interrupting subsequent drilling until the ground thawed. During which time, using the geophysical methods of refraction and magnetism, we determined probable cause for the unexpected drilling interruption. There is likely a sizable gravel layer before the limestone bedrock.
Extracting Soil Cores and Using Geophysical Methods to Determine the Geology of IMSA’s Campus
Room B108
Our goal was to investigate the geological makeup of IMSA’s campus through drilling near No-Pond. First, the surficial geology of the area was examined using previously drawn maps of both the surficial and subterranean geology. From there, we were able to determine the ideal depth and location to drill: 25ft deep and west of No-Pond. Subsequently, when we went out to drill using the geoprobe, we successfully extracted a soil core that we then extracted DNA from to analyze the microorganisms in IMSA’s soil. As of now, we have only begun the stage of running polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and have not obtained any data or analysis from said tests. We also extracted water with which we analyzed the effectiveness of Micros 20’s. On our second drill date, we hit bedrock sooner than expected, hence interrupting subsequent drilling until the ground thawed. During which time, using the geophysical methods of refraction and magnetism, we determined probable cause for the unexpected drilling interruption. There is likely a sizable gravel layer before the limestone bedrock.