Industrial Minerals Geologist 

Utah Geological Survey

Bio:

Andrew Rupke joined the Utah Geological Survey as an industrial minerals geologist in 2010. Prior to that, he worked as a geologist in the mining industry for over 6 years. His work and research at the UGS focuses on Utah’s diverse industrial mineral resources including potash, phosphate, high-calcium limestone, and others. He manages the survey’s Great Salt Lake brine sampling program and conducts research on the north arm’s salt crust. He received his B.S. in geology from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI, and his M.S. in geology from the University of Utah. He is a registered Professional Geologist in Utah.

Title: A Consistent Great Salt Lake Monitoring Protocol

Abstract: Several groups monitor the Great Salt Lake’s brine for a variety of parameters, and a variety of methods and tools are employed to that purpose. Shortly after its formation, the Great Salt Lake Salinity Advisory Committee recognized the need for a consistent method of brine monitoring to allow comparison between these various groups. To evaluate some of the monitoring methods, the committee facilitated a round robin to compare analytical methods used at the lake. Based on results of the round robin and discussion within the committee, they concluded that measuring density of the lake brine with a density meter that uses oscillating U-tube technology was a simple, accurate, and cost-effective way to monitor the Lake. The committee also published a standard operating procedure (SOP) for measuring density and recommends that the various lake-monitoring entities use this SOP to allow for accurate comparison.