Ask A Geologist
Got a geologic question you need answered? Ask A Geologist!
Did you find something that puzzled you in your backyard or on top of a mountain? Have questions about local environmental problems? Want to know about what's going on in Boone Creek, the Watauga River, and the New River? Concerned about hydraulic fracturing in your region? Do you have a mineral that you can't identify? Think you found a meteorite? We will do our best to answer any geological/environmental question. We also have pages that answer some of our most frequently asked questions.
What is Geology?
Geology is about more than just rocks.
We have expertise in all fields of earth science.
Click on our each of our research programs below to see what we do!
How does the earth move?
Tectonics Research Group:
- Dr. Richard Abbott
- Dr. Gabe Casale
- Dr. Jamie Levine
- Dr. Scott Marshall
- Ms. Crystal Wilson
What processes affect water supply and quality?
Hydrology and Environmental Geology Research Group:
- Dr. Bill Anderson
- Mr. Brian Gibson
- Dr. Ellen Cowan
- Dr. Chuanhui Gu
What do fossils tell us?
Paleontology Research Group:
- Dr. Andy Heckert
- Dr. Steve Hageman
- Dr. Johnny Waters
What do landforms tell us? How do humans influence landscapes?
Surface Processes Research Group
- Dr. Ellen Cowan
- Dr. Cynthia Liutkus-Pierce
- Mr. Brian Zimmer
What do the minerals in rocks tell us? What is the role they play in the environment?
Mineralogy, Petrology, and Geochemistry Research Group:
- Dr. Richard Abbott
- Dr. Sarah Carmichael
- Dr. Chuanhui Gu
- Dr. Jamie Levine
- Dr. Cynthia Liutkus-Pierce
- Ms. Crystal Wilson
- Mr. Brian Zimmer
How is Earth's climate recorded in minerals, rocks, sediment, water, and ice? How has climate changed through time?
Records of Climate Change Research Group:
- Dr. Bill Anderson
- Dr. Sarah Carmichael
- Dr. Ellen Cowan
- Dr. Steve Hageman
- Dr. Cynthia Liutkus-Pierce
- Dr. Johnny Waters
Appalachian Geology on Facebook
Why Study Geology at Appalachian?
The Appalachian State University Geology program provides students with a solid foundation on which to build a successful career in the geosciences.
Because we have no graduate program, we can focus entirely on high quality instruction and provide numerous undergraduate research opportunities. The department offers both a BA and BS in Geology, with the option of concentrating in Paleontology, Environmental Geology, Quantitative Geoscience, or Geoscience Education.
We have been successful in establishing a program that is arguably among the best Bachelor degree programs in geology available in the Southeastern United States. For more information, click here.
Geology Department Newsletter
News
Dr. Ellen Cowan in the news for her work on the fate and transport of the spilled coal ash in the Dan River Basin.
Soft tissue paleontology research of Dr. Johnny Waters and his students in the spotlight
App State dinosaur hunter (Andy Heckert) makes discovery in Raleigh
Road Salt and Temperature Extremes: Dr. Bill Anderson talks about the health of Boone Creek
Work by Dr. Andy Heckert on aetosaur fossils from North Carolina showcased
Upcoming Events
May 26 - June 25
Summer Session I
June 30 - August 3
Summer Session II
see more
Quick Links
Ask-A-Geologist and Answersphere
- Got a question? We've got answers! Faculty and Staff answer your geologic questions!
- Answersphere - Geology majors answer student questions
Prospective Students
- Information about our degree programs
- Honors Program
- Four Year Guides
- Scholarships and Funding Opportunities
- Student Handbook
Links for Current Students and Advisors
- List of courses in the Geology Major
- Pre-requisite chart for Geology courses [PDF]
- CAS Independent Study Forms
- Geology Student Handbook [PDF]
- Scholarships and Funding Opportunities
- Internships
- Degree Program Checksheets
- Honors Program Requirements
- Four Year Guides
- General Education Checksheets
Research and Facilities
- Faculty and Staff
- Research Programs
- Facilities and Instruments
- McKinney Teaching Museum
Field Trip Information
- Field Trips (interactive web page)
- Field Trips (.kmz file)
- Geology Department Van Schedule
Contact
Physical Address
Department of Geology
033 Rankin Science West
572 Rivers Street
Boone, NC 28608
Postal Address
Department of Geology
Appalachian State University
ASU Box 32067
Boone, NC 28608-2067
Phone: 828-262-3049
Fax: 828-262-6503
Chairperson:
Dr. Bill Anderson
andersonwp@appstate.edu
Ask-A-Geologist:
Anthony Love
loveab@appstate.edu
Webmaster:
Sarah Carmichael
carmichaelsk@appstate.edu
(for web content questions only; for geology-related questions do not contact the webmaster, please visit our Ask-A-Geologist page instead)