KGS 64th Annual Seminar to Explore “Geology in the Modern World”
The Kentucky Geological Survey (KGS) will host its 64th Annual Seminar, themed "Geology in the Modern World," on Tuesday, June 10. This free public event will spotlight recent advances in geoscience and hydrogeology research across Kentucky, with a particular focus on karst landscapes, groundwater systems, and natural hazard assessment.
Continuing the tradition of addressing timely and impactful topics, Desireé Cunningham will present on the integration of lidar and machine learning to map and monitor sinkholes in the Barren River Area Development District. Glynn Beck will discuss the use of drone-based thermal imaging and subsurface sensors to study groundwater flow and elevation changes across that region.
This year's keynote is "Rocks, Rivers, and Responsibility: A Reflection on Kentucky's Water Resources," presented by Sarah Jon Gaddis, director of the Kentucky Division of Water. Gaddis will provide an overview of the Division of Water's mission, its evolving regulatory mandates, and the enduring principles that guide its work. Attendees will gain insight into how the Division upholds scientific integrity while meeting regulatory requirements and promoting environmental stewardship to manage the Commonwealth's water resources.
The morning session concludes with a moderated panel discussion on the Kentucky EPSCoR CLIMBS initiative and newly established EPSCoR-supported laboratories, featuring researchers Mike McGlue, Jason Dortch, Matt Crawford, Sarah Johnson, Seth Carpenter, and Junfeng Zhu.
A complimentary lunch will be served to further facilitate discussion. During this time, attendees may also browse a curated poster session that showcases current water-related research projects, providing attendees with opportunities to engage directly with researchers and discuss their findings.
New this year, seminar participants will have the option to attend one of two hands-on workshops in the afternoon. The Landslide Hazards Workshop, led by Matt Crawford, will be held on campus at William T. Young Library. This session will discuss and explain landslide data and its practical applications in mitigation planning. The second workshop, Aquifers and Core Analysis, will be hosted off campus at KGS's Earth Analysis Research Library (EARL), and participants will delve into some new techniques for characterizing limestone aquifers. This workshop is divided into two parts: a core discussion led by Chuck Taylor and Angela Torres-Zamora at EARL and a borehole tool demonstration led by Glynn Beck and Junfeng Zhu across the street at the Kentucky Horse Park.
Event Details
- Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2025
- Time: 8:15 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Location: Don and Cathy Jacobs Academic Science Building, University of Kentucky; afternoon workshops at the W.T. Young Library or EARL
- Registration: Free but required via EventBrite; registration closes June 5
- Parking: Free parking at Parking Structure #2, 301 Hilltop Ave., Lexington, KY 40506