Jeff Munroe
Associate Professor of Geology
Email: jmunroe@middlebury.edu
Phone: work802.443.3446
Office Hours: Monday 10 - 12, Tuesday 10 - 12 and by appointment
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Jeff Munroe was raised in Massachusetts and received an undergraduate degree in geology from Bowdoin College. For his M.S. research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison he studied the development of permafrost-affected soils on the north slope of Alaska. In 1996 he began a research collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service in northern Utah that continues to this day. Part of this work formed the basis of his Ph.D. dissertation, also at the UW-Madison, studying the glacial and post-glacial history of the Uinta Mountains. Since coming to Middlebury in 2001 he has continued his work in Utah and has developed additional research studying environmental change in northeastern Nevada, glacier retreat in Glacier National Park, and the evolution of lake environments and mountain soils in northern Vermont. He teaches courses on geomorphology, Quaternary geology, environmental geology, paleolimnology, and Arctic & Alpine Environments. When not in the lab or doing fieldwork, he enjoys hiking and nordic skiing.
Please visit Jeff's website for more information.
Courses
Courses offered in the past four years.
▲ indicates offered in the current term
▹ indicates offered in the upcoming term[s]
FYSE 1306 - Mountains of the Northeast ▲
Mountains of the Northeast
The mountains of the northeastern U.S. are an integral part of the cultural and natural history of this region. In this seminar we will consider topics germane to northeastern mountains including the geologic origin of the northern Appalachians, characteristics of mountain environments, changing perceptions of northeastern mountains over time, mountains as resources for modern society, and challenges facing these environments today and in the future. Readings and discussion will be combined with field excursions to enhance our understanding of mountains from a variety of perspectives. 3 hrs sem./disc.
Fall 2010, Fall 2013
GEOL 0112 - Environmental Geology
Environmental Geology
Geological processes form the physical framework on which ecosystems operate. We require an understanding of the geological environment in order to minimize disruption of natural systems by human development and to avoid hazards such as floods and landslides. This course is an overview of basic tectonic, volcanic, and landscape-forming processes and systems, including earthquakes, rivers, soils, and groundwater. Environmental effects of energy, mineral, and water resource use, and waste disposal are also examined. Weekly field labs after spring break. Registration priority for first and second-year students. 3 hrs. lect./disc., 3 hrs. lab/field trips
Spring 2009, Spring 2010, Spring 2011, Spring 2013
GEOL 0250 / GEOG 0250 - Arctic and Alpine Environments
Arctic and Alpine Environments
In this course we will focus on the physical processes and environmental issues unique to arctic and alpine environments. Topics will include cold-climate weathering and landforms, ecosystem adaptations to cold environments, and snow and snowpack hydrology. The goal is to provide a strong scientific grounding through which contemporary issues involving arctic and alpine regions can be understood. Laboratory exercises will include field trips to the surrounding mountains, as well as analysis of datasets from other alpine and high latitude environments. (Any 0100-level GEOL or GEOG course, or by waiver) 3 hrs. lect., 3 hrs. lab
Fall 2012
GEOL 0251 / GEOG 0251 - Geomorphology
Geomorphology
In this course we will investigate processes that shape the Earth's surface, including weathering, mass movements, and the effects of water, wind, and ice. Students will examine how such processes govern the evolution of landforms in differing climatic, tectonic, and lithologic settings. Field and laboratory study will focus on the role of active surficial processes, as well as glaciation and other past events, in development of the landscape of west-central Vermont. We will also discuss implications for human activities and maintenance of natural systems. (GEOL 0112 or GEOL 0161 or GEOL 0170 or by waiver) 3 hrs. lect., 3 hrs. lab
Fall 2010, Fall 2012
GEOL 0352 / GEOG 0352 - Quaternary Geology
Glacial and Quaternary Geology
This course will provide an overview of the tools used in determining depositional environments and tectonic settings of sedimentary rocks. Lectures will cover depositional systems and facies relationships, stratigraphic principles, origin of sedimentary structures and textures. Labs and field trips will include methods in sedimentary basin analysis, and sedimentary petrology. (formerly GEOL 0321) (Any 0100-level geology course, or by waiver) 3 hrs. lect., 3 hrs. lab/field trips
Spring 2010
GEOL 0400 - Senior Thesis Research Seminar
Senior Thesis Research Seminar
This seminar will focus on methods and strategies for completing advanced geological research and provides a springboard for senior thesis research. Topics will include field and laboratory techniques, primary literature review, and scientific writing. Students taking this course are expected to be simultaneously working on the early stages of their senior thesis research. During the semester students will present a thesis proposal and the seminar will culminate with each student completing a draft of the first chapter of their senior thesis. GEOL 0400 is required of all geology majors. 3 hrs. disc. or lab
Fall 2009
GEOL 0500 - Readings And Research ▲ ▹
Readings and Research
Individual or group independent study, laboratory or field research projects, readings and discussion of timely topics in earth and environmental science. (Approval only)
Spring 2009, Fall 2009, Winter 2010, Spring 2010, Fall 2010, Winter 2011, Spring 2011, Fall 2012, Spring 2013, Fall 2013, Spring 2014
GEOL 0700 - Senior Thesis Research ▲ ▹
Upon completion of GEOL 0400, all senior geology majors will continue their independent senior thesis research by taking one unit of GEOL 0700. This research will culminate in a written thesis which must be orally defended. (Approval only)
Spring 2009, Fall 2009, Winter 2010, Spring 2010, Fall 2010, Winter 2011, Spring 2011, Fall 2012, Spring 2013, Fall 2013, Spring 2014
GEOL 1033 - Paleolimnology
Paleolimnology
In a glaciated region like the Northeast, lacustrine sediments can be analyzed to interpret evolution of a lake and the surrounding catchment since deglaciation. Students in this class will core a local lake through the ice and work in small groups analyzing the core in the laboratory. The results will be pooled, allowing each student to interpret the postglacial sedimentary, geomorphic, and ecologic history of the lake basin. Students will work independently and collectively, and will gain experience working with actual data on a project where the outcome is not known beforehand. Winter outdoor experience strongly recommended.
Winter 2011
Recent Publications
- Munroe, J.S., 2012: Physical, Chemical and Thermal Properties of Soils Across a Forest-Meadow Ecotone in the Uinta Mountains, Northeastern Utah, U.S.A. Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research, 44: 95-106. PDF
- Laabs, B.J.C., Marchetti, D.W., Munroe, J.S., Refsnider, K.A., Gosse, J.C., Lips, E.W., Becker, R.A., Mickelson, D.M., and Singer, B.S., 2011: Chronology of latest Pleistocene mountain glaciation in the western Wasatch Mountains, Utah, U.S.A. Quaternary Research, 76: 272-284. PDF
- Carlson, B.Z.*, Munroe, J.S., and Hegman, B., 2011: Distribution of alpine tundra in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, USA. Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research, 43(3): 331-342. PDF
- Munroe, J.S., and Laabs, B.J.C., 2011: New investigations of Pleistocene glacial and pluvial records in northeastern Nevada, in Lee, J., and Evans, J.P., eds., Geologic Field Trips to the Basin and Range, Rocky Mountains, Snake River Plan, and Terranes of the U.S. Cordillera: Geological Society of America Field Guide 21, p. 1-25. PDF
