The Paul Edwin Potter Internship - Past Projects

2024 Projects:

2023 Projects:

Dolomitization and mineralization of the Jeptha Knob structure

Summary: The enigmatic Jeptha Knob has intrigued researchers for a long time with various origins proposed including cryotovolcanic, cryptoexplosive, and meteorite impact origins, as well as origins related to explosive release of gases, and hydrothermal alteration associated with tectonic processes. Interestingly, dolomitization of some carbonate units is restricted exclusively to the area of Jeptha Knob. The goal of this project is to characterize these dolomites, which, in turn, will help decipher the origin of Jeptha Knob.

Final Project:


Ethan Davis, University of Kentucky Earth and Environmental Sciences: "A Petrographic and Geochemical Investigation into the Dolomitization of the Jeptha Knob Structure, Kentucky" (pdf)

Machine Learning Assisted LiDAR Sinkhole Mapping

Summary: Sinkholes are a well-known hazard in Kentucky where more than half of the land surface is underlain by carbonate rocks susceptible for sinkhole development. We propose to identify sinkholes from LiDAR-derived high-resolution elevation data with assist from a machine learning model.

Final Project:


Olivine Painter, Berea College Geology and General Chemistry: "Advancing Sinkhole Identification and Mapping in Kentucky using Lidar and Machine Learning" (pdf)

Using Arc Hydro Groundwater to delineate hydrostratigraphy in the northern Mississippi Embayment, Kentucky

Summary: Intern will use Arc Hydro Groundwater software to delineate the hydrostratigraphy of the northern Mississippi Embayment in western Kentucky.

Final Project:


Maxwell Mickelson, University of Kentucky Earth and Environmental Sciences: "A Preliminary Hydrogeologic Assessment of the McNairy Aquifer in Marshall and Calloway Counties, Kentucky" (pdf)

Dye Tracing Karst Groundwater in the Daniel Boone National Forest

Summary:The Daniel Boone National Forest has extensive karst resources along the Cumberland Escarpment. The groundwater systems have not previously been documented. The intern will work with KGS researchers to document springs, caves, and conduct dye traces to determine groundwater flow paths in the National Forest.

Final Project:


Will Hemenover, Western Kentucky University Biology and Environmental, Sustainability, and Geographic Studies: "Groundwater Vulnerability Assessment of War Fork Watershed in Daniel Boone National Forest" (pdf)

2022 Projects:

Machine Learning Assisted Lidar Sinkhole Mapping

Summary: Sinkholes are a well-known hazard in Kentucky where more than half of the land surface is underlain by carbonate rocks susceptible for sinkhole development. We propose to identify sinkholes from lidar-derived high-resolution elevation data with assistance from a machine learning model.

Final Project:


Ellie Stevens, University of Kentucky Geography: "Machine Learning Aided LiDAR Sinkhole Mapping" (pdf)

Kentucky Seismic Wave Data

Summary: This internship with the Kentucky Seismic and Strong-Motion network will focus on using new seismic instrumentation to investigate the effects of near-surface sediments on seismic waves in the New Madrid seismic zone. The intern will assist with operating the instruments and will process, analyze, and make an initial interpretation of their recordings. This project will require two nights of overnight travel.

Final Project:


Russell Rogers, University of Kentucky Earth and Environmental Sciences: "H/V Spectral Ratios of the Jackson Purchase Region, Kentucky Using 5Hz Nodal Geophones" (pdf)

Paleo-fluid evolution in the Western Kentucky Fluorspar District

Summary: Fluid inclusion analysis can provide an insight into the evolution of the mineralizing fluids and provide a better understanding of the controls of ore mineralization. The intern will work in the KGS fluid inclusion lab to collect fluid inclusion microthermometry data from rock core samples created during an ongoing critical mineral research project.

Final Project:


Zachary Walton, University of Kentucky Earth and Environmental Sciences: "Paleo-fluid evolution in Western Kentucky Fluorspar District" (pdf)

Landslide Inventory Mapping and Landslide Characterization Using a UAV

Summary: This project proposes a comprehensive evaluation of landslide activity in the Hindman 7.5-minute quadrangle, eastern Kentucky. The primary tasks will include landslide inventory mapping, lidar-based elevation differencing, and landslide characterization using the KGS unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

Final Project:


Alexandra Arimes, University of Kentucky Earth and Environmental Sciences: "Landslide Inventory Mapping in Eastern Kentucky" (pdf)

Mapping the Geology of Environmental Justice in Kentucky

Summary: This project will use a variety of data sources and geographic information system (GIS) software to explore the nexus between topography, geology, natural hazards such as flooding and landslides, natural resource exploitation, economics, and demographics to better understand the spatial relationship between Kentucky’s geologic legacy and environmental justice issues.

Final Project:


Dilni Abeyrathne, University of Kentucky Department of Geography: "From Perished Peaks to Sliding Slopes: Mapping Landslides and Environmental Justice on Select Mountaintop Removal Sites in Eastern Kentucky" (pdf)

S

Drone-Based Aeroradiometric Mapping to Characterize Soil Radon Potential

Summary: Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is a public health concern because it is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. KGS researchers have previously shown there is a relationship between bedrock type and indoor radon levels. The intern will work with KGS researchers to expand upon that research by mapping levels of naturally occurring uranium, the parent material of radon, in soil using a drone-based gamma spectrometer and comparing the results to soil radon measurements.

Final Project:


Alexandria Thomas, University of Kentucky Earth and Environmental Sciences: "Field Tests Of A UAV-Compatible Spectrometer To Evaluate Its Suitability For Detailed Soil Radon Potential Mapping" (pdf)

2022 Potter Interns: