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Department of Geological Sciences
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC
(cohen@geol.sc.edu)
Professor of Geological Sciences and Professor of Marine Sciences
B.S., 1964, University of Delaware;
Ph.D., 1968, The Pennsylvania State University
Honors: Gilbert H. Cady Award, Geol. Soc. Amer. (Int. Award
for Research (2005); Michael J. Mungo Undergrad Teaching Award 2003
(University-wide award); Geol. Soc. America Distinguished Service Award, Coal
Div. - (1996); ASTM, Standards Development Award (1996-97); USC Award for
Excellence in Research (1994 & 1995); Standards Development Award, ASTM (1992);
Elect. President, Soc. Organic Petrol. (1989-90); Outstanding Paper Award, Coal
Geol. Div., GSA (1987); Two papers included in: "Benchmark Papers in Coal
Geology." (1910-1984); Elect. Chair, ASTM Classif. of Peat (1979); Elected
Chair, Coal Div, GSA (1976); BS with Honors & Distinction, U. Del. (1964);
Awarded Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Xi , Phi Kappa Phi (1964); Tidewater Oil Co. Award
Outstanding Geology Major (1963);
2005 Cady Award
Recipient
Research Areas: Paleoecology, palynology, wetlands restoration, hazardous waste and groundwater remediation utilizing organics, coal and peat petrology; holocene climate and sea-level changes; peat resources and utilization
Palynology and Paleoecology: Those who suffer from hay fever realize that pollen and spores are microscopic in size and distributed widely. However, they may not be aware that pollen are also readily preserved and identifiable as fossils in ancient sedimentary rocks. Pollen analysis can, therefore, be a valuable tool in reconstructing ancient environments and in dating of geologic events. My students and I are utilizing this technique not only to reconstruct the history of ancient geologic units but also to evaluate recent climatic and sea level changes in support of global climatic models and of archeological research. We are also using a combination of palynology and peat-petrography to evaluate the effects of recent industrial or agricultural contamination on natural wetlands for the pupose of aiding in wetlands restoration (e.g. in the Everglades of Florida).
Coal and Peat Petrology: Contrary to popular belief, worldwide use of coal for fuel continues to increase yearly. However, because of ever-increasing environmental concern (global warming, acid rain, etc.), it is imperative that we continue to improve the efficiency and reduce the environmental consequences of both mining and utilization of this resource. In this regard, I am working with others to develop "clean coal technologies" and, in particular, to utilize petrographic methods to evaluate techniques for separation of macerals and minerals. Additionally, our research on modern environements of coal formation (i.e. coastal, peat-containing swamps and marshes) is being used to develop predictive models to improve our understanding of coal bed composition. A related focus of research involves the potential of these peat deposits, given the right geologic conditions, to later become sources of both liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons (i.e. petroleum and coal-bed methane).
Climate and Sea-level Changes: A combination of pollen analysis and plant fragment analysis
(utilizing microtome sectioning and other techniques developed by me and my students) is being used to determine regional changes in climate and sea level in the southeastern U.S., the Caribbean Islands, and Central America. This area of inquiry is possible because plant assemblages (as preserved in peat deposits) can be sensitive indicators of salinity, temperature, and water levels.
Use of Peat for Industrial, Chemical, and Environmental Pollution Control: Peat and other organic-rich sediments have many uses. Numerous chemicals and medicinals are made from peat (e.g., waxes, resins, steroids, fertilizers). Furthermore, our recent experiments indicate that peats can adsorb hydrocarbons from groundwater that has become contaminated from leaking underground storage tanks. Various heavy metals and radioactive isotopes can also be extracted from either industrial effluent sources or from groundwater. Peats have also been shown to be highly effective in removing nitrates, phosphates, and intestinal bacteria from septic tank or municipal wastewater treatment facilities. Work is also presently being undertaken to evaluate peat as a deodorizer of liquid hog manure.
Some Selected Recent Publications (of
280 total)
ATTENTION: FIELD/LECTURE COURSE OFFERED ON MODERN COAL-FORMING ENVIRONMENTS WITH EMPHASIS ON PREDICTING SOURCES AND DISTRIBUTIONS OF METHANE & OIL IN COAL BEDS
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