Colorado Scientific Society – Earth Sciences since 1882
The oldest scientific society in the Rocky Mountain region
Founded in 1882, the Colorado Scientific Society promotes knowledge, the understanding of science, and its application to human needs.
We focus primarily on earth science, welcoming members with interests in all fields of science. Learn more.
from bottom left: Marith Reheis 2017, Jeff Pigati 2024, Cal Ruleman 2023, Ned Sterne 2021, Bill Nesse 2007, Pete Modreski 2012, Mark Hudson 2000, Karl Kellogg 1997, Steve Sonnenberg 1992, Scott Minor 2010, Jim Paces 2020
Membership dues paid in November and December also apply to the following year.
Future Colorado Scientific Society Meetings and Field Trips
We normally hold monthly meetings from September through May.
Our meetings are normally now both in-person and virtual.
CSS January Meeting
Geologic Map Derivatives: From Pen and Paper to Digital Databases
Thursday, January 16, 2025
Michael Frothingham, U.S. Geological Survey. Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center.
All are welcome – no admission charge
6:30 pm – Social time begins at Golden Calvary Episcopal Church. Enter off 14th St.
6:45 pm – Join Zoom meeting, if attending remotely
7:00 PM – Meeting starts.
Please arrive early. Church doors are locked, and no one will be at the door to let you in after 7:00 pm.
Link to Join CSS January Meeting via Zoom
CSS invites you to our Zoom meeting on Thursday, January 16th at 6:45 pm.
Meeting ID: 880 2837 5722
Passcode: 684793
Quick Business Meeting
Approve Amy Atwater as the new President Elect of the Colorado Scientific Society
Geologic Map Derivatives: From Pen and Paper to Digital Databases
Abstract: Geologic maps are venerable hallmarks of earth science. While traditional pen and paper maps have impressively withstood the test of time, they are currently undergoing a revolution as maps are compiled into integrated databases. These new digital databases are becoming increasingly accessible and user friendly, with queryable data that enables new scientific applications and analysis. I present three examples of derivative geologic maps, generated from geologic map data compiled in the Seamless Integrated Geologic Mapping extension to the Geologic Map Schema (SIGMa GeMS). Using attribute queries and spatial intersections in a geographic information system, derivative maps are created from 1:100,000-scale geologic map compilations within the footprints of Cortez, Durango, Trinidad, and Aztec 1×2 degree quadrangles in Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. The derivative maps include: (1) an aggregate and infrastructure map, (2) a sand dune/sheet and infrastructure map, and (3) a surficial mass wasting deposits versus bedrock geology map. These maps illustrate where aggregate resources (e.g., unconsolidated gravel and sand) occur relative to civil infrastructure, identify areas where mobile landforms (e.g., sand dunes or sand sheets) pose potential future risks to roads, and explore correlations between surficial mass wasting deposits (e.g., landslides, rockfalls, debris flows, etc.) and the underlying bedrock geology. These examples demonstrate the utility of modern geologic map databases, highlight opportunities for improving subsequent mapping, and inspire the development of future derivative maps to address pressing geological problems and societal needs.
In-person Meeting at Golden Calvary Episcopal Church
1320 Arapahoe St, Golden, CO 80401
Click on link to open a Google map.
Enter off 14th St., going in via the main glass doors on 14th St.
Do not enter the old church above 13th St.
Go through building following the CSS signs to the Community Rooms 1 and 2, where we meet.
The church doors must stay locked, and we will have a person to let you in at the doors off 14th st.
They want to see the presentation too, so please arrive before 7:00 pm.
There will be a phone number that you can text to be let in if you arrive late.
Parking
On street parking is available close by, west of Washington Ave in downtown Golden.
The AirGarage parking structure, which can be entered from Arapahoe St., is $3.00 for three hours.
Copies of The Geology of Boulder County by Raymond Bridge (2004) will be available for $20.
CSS February Meeting
Colorado River resources management between upper- and lower-basin states:
upcoming changes mandated by the federal government
Thursday, February 20, 2025
Joe Casola, U. S. Geological Survey
CSS March Meeting – Title TBD
Thursday, March 20, 2025
Harrison Gray, U. S. Geological Survey
CSS April Meeting and Emmons Lecture – Title TBD
Thursday, April 17, 2025
Lauren Heerschap, Brunton Company
CSS May Meeting – OPEN
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Past Presidents’ Dinner
Tarryall Valley: Gold, Glaciers, and Giants
Thursday, September 18, 2025
Mark Hanson
Mark Hanson is a geologist, historian, and author of the upcoming book Tarryall Gold: From Rush to Hush. He profiles the miners, mines, cabins, and their resulting patina on today’s Tarryall Valley. A resident and owner of several patented gold claims, Mark peels back 160 years of rust and reforestation to reveal a time capsule showcasing yesterday’s rush, and today’s hush.
CSS October Meeting – OPEN
Thursday, October 16, 2025
CSS November Meeting – Posters and Lightning Talks
Thursday, November 20, 2025
CSS December Potluck, Business Meeting, and Past President’s Address
Whiskeytown boulder sampling to elucidate wildfire history and role in debris flows using luminescence
early December
Shannon Mahan, U. S. Geological Survey
Please pay your CSS dues for 2025!
You may pay dues online or print out a PDF of the membership form and mail it to us with a check. Continuing your membership in CSS will enable us to continue all our ongoing programs, including our field trips, virtual meetings, Student Research Grants, and more.
See Membership and Donations for the CSS membership PDF and our online membership payment form.
Regular CSS Membership is $25;
Student Membership, $5;
Life Membership, $395.
Send your membership payment, if not done through our online membership payment form, to Colorado Scientific Society P.O. Box 150495 Lakewood, CO 80215-0495.
Thank you!
New and renewal memberships in November and December are also good for the next year.
Read past Colorado Scientific Society Newsletters
Archive of Past Colorado Scientific Society Meetings
About the Colorado Scientific Society
The Colorado Scientific Society was founded in 1882 as a forum for the exchange of observations and ideas on the topics of earth science. Lecture topics largely focus on earth science, and are open to the public. In addition to our monthly lecture series, the society is also active in public service. We fund student research grants, construct and post signs that describe local geologic features, and organize and lead field trips.
The Colorado Scientific Society normally meets on the third Thursday of the month from September through May. (In the summer months of June-August, too many members are out in the field.)
6:30 – Social time at in-person meetings
6:45 – Join Zoom meetings
7:00 – Meeting and Program begin
The Colorado Scientific Society is an Associated Society of the Geological Society of America
Please send comments about the Colorado Scientific Society website to ColoSciSoc.webmaster@gmail.com .
We meet at the Golden Calvary Church and appreciate them sharing their facilities.
We have our December Business Meeting and Potluck Supper at New Terrain Brewing Company and appreciate their support.
We appreciate the support for our website by Table Mountain Web Design.
