SIR Earth and Space Sciences Investigation Abstract
A GEOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE GOSSMAN FARM IN ZWINGLE, IOWA
Presenters:
Meghan Carroll, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 W. Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506
Mary Logue, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 W. Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506
Max Silvestre, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 W. Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506
Tiffany Todd, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 W. Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506
Mentor:
Mr. David Gossman, Gossman Consulting, Inc.
Abstract:
The geology team performed a geological survey of the Gossman farm in Zwingle, Iowa. After some preliminary research on geological techniques, we divided the exposed bluffs on the farm into different layers and collected samples from each, as well as some fossils. We then analyzed the samples and correlated our findings with professional literature on the area. Both our data and research confirmed that this area of Iowa was once located near the equator and was covered with a shallow inland sea. The limestone and dolostone, types of sedimentary rocks, were deposited during the Silurian period (443 to 417 million years ago) in an area under the influence of oceanic upwelling. The dominant wind patterns moved warm surface water away from the shore, bringing up underlying organic-rich water, allowing marine life to flourish. Rock samples contained fossil remains of creatures that would have lived in a tropical marine environment. The results of our geological study were therefore in agreement with previous studies and reference sources.