The first meeting of the Geological Society of Minnesota for 2023-2024 is the Fall Banquet at U Garden Restaurant (http://www.ugardenrestaurant.com/), 2725 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414, (612) 378-1255, near the East Bank U of MN campus. This is the same location as the Spring Banquet held in May, 2023. The restaurant is on the north side of University Ave SE, east of 27th Ave SE.  Map  There is a free parking lot behind the restaurant.  

The banquet starts at 5:00 PM. No reservation or registration is needed. We recommend the buffet, which is priced at $17.95 + tax & tip. Hot tea and other beverages (except water) are extra. Ordering from the menu at the posted price is also an option. To make payment easy, we encourage everyone to plan to pay using cash. The restaurant does not accept checks.

You may come for just the lecture, skipping the meal if you wish; however we encourage you to enjoy the meal also, as the restaurant appreciates our business in return for hosting this event.  

During the banquet, the Video Library will be open for returns and rentals as usual.

Following the banquet, around 6 30 PM will be our Annual Meeting, during which the membership will elect new Board members to replace those leaving the Board. Starting around 7 PM, will be our first lecture of 2023-2024. As with all GSM lectures, this lecture is free and open to the public.

The Deep Caves of Minneapolis and the Shock of the Anthropocene

The Anthropocene refers to the part of the geologic record where human activities have begun making a significant impact. One aspect involves the rising temperature of the atmosphere—but also underground temperatures. As the DNR hydrologist most directly involved with mapping and measuring thousands of springs for the Minnesota Spring Inventory, I’ve been focused on the temperature of springs and groundwater for years. A study commissioned by the MPCA modeled a rise in groundwater temperature of 5.4 degrees F for Minneapolis, but actual measurement of those temperatures is far more shocking. A large subterranean spring in a cave deep under the city had the highest groundwater temperature I’ve ever measured in the state, a whopping 20 degrees F above baseline data. This is the strongest signal of anthropogenic groundwater warming in Minnesota and is attributable to vertical heat conduction from basements and pavements. It also has public health implications that the public should be aware of.

Biography

Greg Brick Ph.D. was employed as a hydrogeologist at several environmental consulting firms and has taught geology at local colleges and universities. His books include Iowa Underground, Minnesota Underground, Minnesota Caves, Subterranean Twin Cities, and Caves and Karst of the Upper Midwest USA, co-edited with Calvin Alexander.