The following definitions are for a term that is used in geological science. Stratigraphic logs could be used in many different kinds of technical documents, such as an environmental impact assessment or mineral exploration report. Such documents are read by lawyers, industry regulators, concerned members of the public and any other party interested in a proposed project. Definitions must be included to ensure that the document is accessible to those without any technical background.

Parenthetical Definition

As an exploration geologist, I am often required to produce a stratigraphic log (a record of the layers of rock in a vertical column) as part of my report.

Sentence Definition

A stratigraphic log is a vertical profile of the underlying geological layers. It delineates the boundaries between different types of sedimentary rocks, which have been deposited on top of one another.

Expanded Definition

A stratigraphic log, also called a sedimentary log, is a vertical profile of underlying geological layers. The name comes from a sub discipline of geology, stratigraphy, which is the study of different layers of rock. By stratifying rocks into groups, geologists can infer the history of a specific area. Since layers are deposited over long periods of time, the ages of the rocks, relative to one another, can be determined. This also will provide information on the conditions of the previous environments.

A sedimentary log uses symbols and a legend to represent the different rock types in a column. One edge of the column is uneven to show the relative grain size of each layer. A sandstone will not stretch out as far to the right as a granite layer. A sedimentary log can have a range of scales, from centimeters to kilometers. The example below profiles a column from Arizona 1.5km deep and includes the geological period in which the layers formed, the oldest layers being on the bottom. They are often created by examining drill cores, or by looking at an outcropping of rock that clearly shows the different stratigraphic units (layers of rock). The sides of Grand Canyon provide an excellent outcrop in which to draw a stratigraphic log, of that area.

Figure 1 is a large scale stratigraphic log of eastern Arizona (Miocic).

A sedimentary log is not a topographical description. It does not include the slope and dip (the slant) of the specific layers. It only shows the stacking of the stratigraphic units, relative to one another. It is similar to a cross section of a group of rocks, but only highlight a small column and has no horizontal extent. It also provides more information than a cross section, such as the grain size and a legend of rock type.

Works Cited

Harper, David, and Michael Benton. “Introduction to paleobiology and the fossil record.” (2009): 207.

Miocic, Johannes. “Being a Power-socket Geologist.” Jojomio. WordPress, 11 Sept. 2012. Web. 22 Jan. 2016.

O’Connor, Jim E., et al. “A 4500-year record of large floods on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, Arizona.” The Journal of Geology(1994): 1-9.

To: The Squamish Lillooet Regional District

From: Jacob Bauer

Date: Feb 3^rd 2016

Subject: Research on the feasibility of the Garibaldi at Squamish project.

Introduction:

The development of Brohm ridge has been in the works since the 1950’s. An Austrian developer, by the name of Adi F. Bauer, saw the potential to bring the European style ski resort to the Coast Mountains; he even went so far as to build a remote lodge near the alpine. Bauer’s plan ultimately failed in 1971, largely in part to the development of the nearby ski resort Whistler Blackcomb. Rumors still exist today that a group of singers from Hollywood, The Rat Pack, took up the idea and invested in the project. While this remains unproven, if this was the case they backed out of it shortly after. Finally, in 1978 Wolfgang Richter made his first bid for Brohm Ridge. Wolfgang, along with Aquilini Investment Group and Northland Properties, created Garibaldi at Squamish (GAS) Inc. and submitted their first bid for development. Nearly 40 years later, the project is finally gaining some momentum. On January 28^th 2016, The Environmental Assessment Office of BC gave an Environmental Assessment Certificate to GAS Inc. There are 40 conditions to the certificate, but it is seen as a huge step forward and that the project might finally get under way.

Problem

GAS Inc. has yet to submit their Master Plan, which will need to be approved by the province and the Squamish Lillooet Regional District (SLRD); however, many people think Brohm ridge makes poor skiing terrain. Whistler Blackomb Inc. and the municipality of Whistler, have both argued that the project is on too low of an elevation to receive reliable snowfall. The last few years have seen very little snowfall in the project boundaries and the problems will be only exacerbated by climate change. As well, many believe the slope is not steep enough to provide a variety of runs. This begs the question: Will there be any snowfall to produce a viable ski hill by the time the project is complete? Is GAS a feasible mountain resort? With a project $3.5 billion price tag, many are unsure that it is.

Solution

To decide whether GAS is a practical project, I will be looking at:

• Average freezing levels in the past for Squamish
• On site assessment of terrain and slope
• Climate modelling to determine the effect of 2°C rise in mean earth temperature on freezing levels
• Public opinion polls
• Previous evaluations on the project
• Evaluating the Environmental Impact Assessment produced by GAS Inc.

These variables will be critical in the success of the project and they will help me determine the feasibility of the resort.

Methods

Freezing level are the most important aspect of the ski hill’s viability. In order to make accurate assessments of current and projected freezing levels, I will be using historical weather data from environment Canada. To make projections on the rise of average freezing levels due to climate change, I will calculate the elevation change of 2°C warming, according to the adiabatic lapse rate (rate at which temperature changes with elevation).

To get an overall sense of public opinion for the project, I will go to downtown Squamish and take a survey. This survey will not only include local knowledge of the area, but predictions on the success of GAS. Furthermore, to try and understand why it has taken so long for the project to start moving forward, I will be reviewing a report produced in the 70’s on potential ski hill location in the Sea to Sky corridor. I’m interested to see how this report rates Brohm ridge; keeping in mind that skiing tastes and climate have changed since then. There is also the EIA report that will contain detailed information about environment and the specific conditions GAS will need to abide by. Finally, an onsite assessment will give me firsthand experience on the terrain.

Qualifications

This area of research plays into my expertise, both as earth science academic and an avid snowboarder. My experience in atmospheric science is from a course in Geography. GEOB 200, taught by Professor Ian McKendry, has taught me where to access resources needed to do basic climate modelling. One of the labs for this course had a very similar procedure as the one I have suggested and I will be repeating it for this research. As well, I have access to Brohm ridge through the Black Tusk Snowmobile Club, who has maintained access by use of an unused logging road. From there, my experience as an intrepid skier will prove useful as I judge the terrain, slope and aspect.

Conclusion

There remains a lot of hearsay on this project and little science to prove any claims. My research will help to clear up these rumors. The SLRD needs clarity in their judgement of this project and my research may be of some assistance.

To: Thomas Chisholm

From: Jacob Bauer J.B.

Date: March 3^rd, 2016

Subject: Review of the “You Attitude” Assignment

Your memo to Evan had some very excellent tips on improving his professional communication. It was concise and informative with some salient points. With your tips, Evan will improve his chances of getting into that class.

Although your memo is great, I wanted to provide you with a little feedback. Below are a few comments and suggestions on your own writing, which could strengthen your future memos.

Format

Great use of bullet points. Made for a dense and concise document.

Tone

Your tone is very professional and formal, but considering Evan is one of your peers, you may want to sound less distant. Adding some semi-informal language, or addressing Evans work directly, will help you sound more personal.

Writing Style

Your writing exemplifies some great techniques. You weren’t condescending and you didn’t use any imperatives, which as you noted, is an important part of professional communication. This helps to show Evan how to improve his writing.

Normalization’s (nouns manufactured from verbs) should be avoided because they can confuse a sentence. Instead of writing “The message should be considerate of the professor’s motivations and time”, you could write “The message should consider the professor’s motives and time”.

Grammar

As usual, your grammar is flawless, except for one mistake I noticed. In the sentence “The Greeting is respectful and uses the…”, “Greeting” should not be capitalized.

Overall, you made some excellent points. The section on providing reasons was especially good advice. There are a few minor adjustments you could make to you grammar, tone and writing style, but the memo should give Evan a good start. Great job and let me know if you have any further questions.

Letter #1

Mr. Jacob Bauer
123 Fake st.
Vancouver BC, V6H 1H8

March 1st, 2016
City of Vancouver Bylaw Office
453 West 12th Avenue
Vancouver, BC V5Y 1V4

ATTENTION: Parking Ticket Dispute Manager
On January 25th my vehicle was towed by a busters tow truck from 855 Broadway at 2:59 pm. I was at a doctor’s appointment and was aware of the bylaw that prohibits parking at 3:00 pm. I came out of the office at 2:59pm, according to my watch, at the precise time the tow truck was picking my car up. I confronted the driver by stating that it was not yet 3:00pm, at which point he showed me his watch and claimed that it was.
I understand the need to enforce parking bylaws, and I don’t blame the driver. His watch may well have read 3:00 pm, but I believe there should be some lenience on the precision of the time of offense. There may have been some degree of error in the watch of the driver. Maybe if there was a 5 minute window before towing began, I would not have any grounds for a complaint.
The driver agreed to drop my vehicle for $40. Not wanting to cause I scene I agreed to this and payed him the money. I would like to request this money back, as well as suggest a change in parking policy. Tow truck drivers should not be allowed to begin towing until 3:05.
I have always received fair treatment from the bylaw office in the past, so I trust this matter we be handled in a timely and in a just manner. Thank you for your consideration. Please contact me if you have any more questions regarding the incident.
Sincerely,
J.Bauer
Jacob Bauer
Enclosed: Receipt from Buster’s

Letter # 2

City of Vancouver Bylaw Office
453 West 12th Avenue
Vancouver, BC V5Y 1V4

March 12th, 2016
Mr. Jacob Bauer
123 Fake st.
Vancouver BC, V6H 1H8
Dear Mr. Bauer:
Thank you for contacting the Vancouver City Bylaw regarding your dispute. I have opened a complaint file, which is numbered #342346. Please keep this number for your records, or for any further correspondence.
Our records of the incident show that: on January 25th of 2016, a Red Subaru with the license plate GHF 456 was found in breach of parking bylaw 24-8 at 3:01 pm, at 855 Broadway.
Tow truck drivers do not operate alone, they work in coordination with bylaw officers. The officer must have passed your vehicle already. Our bylaw officers use accurate clocks that updated daily with the precise time. I’m afraid our policy is quite strict in this matter and that the bylaw officer’s clock is taken as the true time. I am unable to grant your request of a refund of $40.
I have passed your suggestion about policy change to the managers in the bylaw office, where they are considering it. We appreciate your feedback. These kind of suggestions can often have impact on the decisions made in the bylaw office. If you have any further questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to ask.
Sincerely,
J.S.
Mr. Smith
Complaints department Vancouver City Bylaw