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The Brule Formation outcrop is representative of the erosional remnants that form the Nebraska's Panhandle's many bluffs, buttes, badlands, and ridges, as well as pinnacles such as this. The state's geology spans hundreds of millions of years, and the Panhandle in particular is a paleontological and geological treasure trove. |
Earth Resources Program
The Earth Resources program area includes environmental soil microbiology, soil chemistry and soil physics; cycling of natural and human-made chemicals; soil restoration and remediation; soils and geomorphology (landscape structure and development); and many aspects of geology and geologic survey.
Research into one aspect of chemical cycles – nutrients – identifies changes in soil profiles and microbiological communities in natural and managed ecosystems and transition areas. Other work examines carbon cycles, in particular its storage in soils and plants, for the mitigating effect on concentrations of greenhouse gases.
Soils restoration research focuses on developing new and practical remediation technologies; determining soil physical responses and chemical reactions; measuring environmental and mammalian toxicity; and demonstrating remediation techniques at field sites.
Investigations into land structure and development examine the history, uses and identification of soils and landscapes. This knowledge helps agriculture, business, decision-makers and the public make good land-use choices. It also aids in sustainable production, wetlands identification and restoration ecology.
Geologic survey, research and service cover all aspects of the science related primarily to Nebraska. These range from analysis of rock strata (stratigraphy) and studies of geologic structure to technical help in the siting of buildings, roads and landfills. SNR geologists also provide assistance in exploration for oil and gas and other minerals and in understanding ancient environments and lifeforms. In addition, stratigraphy yields a detailed analysis of the subsurface rocks and sediments essential to a thorough understanding of ground- and surface-water resources.
For more information about Earth science in Nebraska and elsewhere, visit the web site of the Conservation and Survey Division, the Nebraska geological, geographical, water and soil survey.
Participating Faculty
