Dr. Scott Werts
Assistant Professor of Geology
Department of Chemistry, Physics and Geology
Winthrop University
Rock Hill, SC. 29733
(803) 323-4930
Office: Sims 213A
Lab: Sims 210 and 110
Research Interests
My research interests lie primarily in the fields of geobiology and paleoclimatology. Geobiology is the study of earth/life interactions. Because soil is the main interface between biology and geology in the terrestrial realm, I have a keen interest in researching this thin skin of the Earth. My main research tool in these investigations is the use of stable isotope geochemistry, most frequently carbon, oxygen and deuterium. Some of my current projects involve evaluating the effect of varying parent material on soil formation in central New Mexico, carbon sequestration in the various soils of the Carolina peidmont and the effects of fire events on carbon in the mineral horizons of common soils. I am also beginning work on developing paleoclimate records utilizing fossil shark teeth.
Education
Johns Hopkins University, PhD. Geobiology
Johns Hopkins University, MA. Geobiology
Penn State University, BS. Geology
Students
Current: Matthew Milligan
Courses I Teach
Physical Geology: GEOL 110
Physical Geology Lab: GEOL 113
Earth and Space Systems: GEOL 250
Earth and Space Systems Lab: GEOL 251
Fundamentals of Geochemistry: GEOL 335
Hydrogeology: GEOL 340
Field Sites
Soil Chronosequence in Appalachians of Maryland
Paleoclimate work at Calvert Cliffs, Maryland
Lithosequence at Mountainair, New Mexico
Peat Fields of County Kerry, Ireland
A Brief Vita