The scope of undergraduate research projects is being expanded by studying certain geophysical aspects of bedrock and surficial deposits with instruments capable of measuring the radioactivity of the rocks or fluids contained in the rocks. Purchase of a radon detector with accessories for degassing of fluids and a gamma-ray spectrometer will allow students to do these research projects. The units are rugged, portable field instruments capable of use by a single individual on projects such as: 1.investigation of a major crustal fracture in northeastern Ohio embedded beneath several thousand feet of Paleozoic strata. Details concerning position of this fault and others may be established by mapping radon ascending from deep radioactive shales along fractures 2. New research, resulting from a hydrogeology course will use the instruments to map radon and radioactivity in glacial and bedrock aquifers and assess the environmental impact. The college will contribute an amount equal to the award.
