The study will focus on petrographic and geochemical properties of the Mt. Simon Sandstone in Illinois and its burial/cementation history. The study will examine and sample sedimentary cores for petrographic and geochemical analysis. The results of this study will be used to build up a database and detail different diagenetic trends within this sandstone. Experience in sedimentology and completion of GEOL440 would be an advantage. Project to begin Fall 2015, but with possibilities of summer 2015 work.

Advisors: Jared Freiberg (ISGS) and Jim Best