Opportunity in Soil Science:
Jacobs Laboratory
What do we study?
We are interested in the age and distribution of loess (windblown dust) and effects on soil formation in two distinct landscapes. The two study areas are the Green Bay Lobe glacial land surface in southcentral Wisconsin and the dissected bedrock uplands of southeast Minnesota that remained ice free during the last glaciation. In each study area field based sampling will be used to determine the spatial distribution of loess along hillslopes and timing of redistribution. In addition, we will assess the impact of the mantle on soil development, specifically focusing on whether ecosystem support properties of loess
(e.g., moisture holding capacity, nutrient availability, carbon storage) could be regenerated from underlying sediments if the loess mantle were eroded.
What would a typical week working in the Jacobs Research Laboratory be like?
Field work consists of soil sampling using a soil coring rig and also digging pits. Lab work at UWW will consist of several basic lab procedures, but will focus on mineral analysis. Opportunities to visit and work in labs at UW-Madison and the Luminescence Lab (for dating the loess) University of Nebraska also exists.
For specific questions about working with Dr Jacobs, please contact him at jacobsp@uww.edu. For general questions about the summer program, please contact Dr Woller at wollerm@uww.edu.