Teaching

• Introduction to Geology
• Geomorphology

Research

Recent Publications

Contact Information
Office: Swords 234
Lab: Swords 211
Email:smitchel@holycross.edu
Phone: (508) 793-3420 -- (Office and Labs)
(508) 793-2656 -- (Department)
FAX: (508) 793-2696

Office Hours: Fall 2006 TBA

last updated Jan. 24, 2007
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Research

I am a geologist who specializes in the long- and short-term evolution of landscapes. My current research focuses on the relationships between climate, tectonics, and erosion in the topographic development of mountain ranges. In particular, I am interested in the effects of glacial erosion on the height and morphology of young mountain ranges. The techniques and methods I use include field observations, geographic information system (GIS) analysis of digital topography, and isotopic and geochemical measurements. These techniques allow me to investigate rates of surface processes, landform ages, and erosion patterns in mountainous regions. I am also interested in the effects of human settlement on landform evolution, the effects of development on surface and subsurface hydrology, and the linkages between geomorphology, hydrology, and ecology, particularly in river environments.

Students with an interest in geology who would like to consider pursuing a research project in my laboratory are encouraged to contact me at their earliest convenience.

Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

Mitchell, S. G., and Montgomery, D. R., 2006. Polygenetic topography of the Cascade Range, Washington State, USA. American Journal of Science, v. 306, p. 736-768.

Mitchell, S.G., Montgomery, D.R., 2006. Influence of a glacial buzzsaw on the height and morphology of the Washington Cascade Range, Washington State, USA. Quaternary Research, v. 65, no. 1, p. 96-107. {Get PDF}

Mitchell, S.G. and Reiners, P.W., 2003. Influence of wildfires on apatite and zircon (U-Th)/He ages, Geology, vol. 31, no. 12, p. 1025-1028. {Get PDF}

Reiners, P.W., T.A. Ehlers, S.G. Mitchell, D.R. Montgomery, 2003. Coupled spatial variations in precipitation and long-term erosion rates across the Washington Cascades, Nature, v. 426, p. 645-647 {Get PDF}.

Reiners, P.W., T.A. Ehlers, J.I. Garver, S.G. Mitchell, D.R. Montgomery, J.A. Vance, and S. Nicolescu, 2002. Late Miocene exhumation and uplift of the Washington Cascade Range. Geology, v. 30, no. 9, p. 767-770. {Get PDF}

Mitchell, S.G., A. Matmon, P. R. Bierman, Y. Enzel, and M. Caffee, D. Rizzo, 2001. Displacement history of the Nahef East fault, northern Israel, using cosmogenic 36Cl, Journal of Geophysical Research, v. 106, no. B3, pp.4247-4264. (Get PDF}

Gran, S.E., K. K. Nichols and P. R. Bierman, 1999. Teaching winter geohydrology in Vermont using frozen lakes and snowy mountains. Journal of Geoscience Education, v. 47, no. 5, pp. 420-437.

Patterson, Carrie J., A. R. Knable, S.E. Gran and S. J. Phippen, 1999. Surficial Geology, in Patterson, C. J. project manager, Regional Hydrogeologic Assessment, Upper Minnesota River Basin: Minnesota Geological Survey RHA-4, Part A, scale 1:200,000.

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