John Bluemle
My main geologic interest is the development of landforms, also known as geomorphology, particularly glacial landforms. I had opportunities, over the years, to spend time in Iceland and northern Europe where I increased my knowledge of glacial geology, landscape evolution, and related fields of geologic interest.
I was employed by the North Dakota Geological Survey from 1962-2004, and until about 1987, most of my work involved field mapping. During that time, I mapped the geology of 23 of North Dakota’s 53 counties. With time, I became more involved in management issues and the North Dakota State Industrial Commission appointed me State Geologist in 1990. I served in that capacity until I retired in 2004.
Academic & Employment History
| 1956 – 1960 | Iowa State University | BS in geology; minors in math, chemistry, physics |
| 1960 – 1962 | Montana State University | MS in applied science; minor in physics |
| 1962 – 2004 | ND Geological Survey | Staff geologist; Chief of Surface Section; NDGS Editor |
| 1966 – 1972 | University of North Dakota | Earned PhD in geology: specializing in glacial geology |
| 1987 – 1990 | ND Geological Survey | Assistant State Geologist |
| 1990 – 2004 | ND Geological Survey | State Geologist |
Summary of Experience
Professional Certification
- Certified Professional Geologist since 1970 (CPG #02221)
Research
- Geologic mapping throughout North Dakota
- Studies of surface and near-surface mineral resources
- Studies of geomorphology, stratigraphy and landform types, with emphasis on glacial landforms
- Studies of the geology of Devils Lake as a model for regional climate change
Academic /Public Information
- Adjunct Associate Professor of Geology, University of North Dakota
- Numerous lectures on glacial geology, glaciotectonics, climate change, economic geology and other geologic topics at various universities and conferences in the United States, Canada, and Europe
- Talks to service groups, classes, etc. on topics relating mainly to the geology of North Dakota
- Instruct classes for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute for the University of North Dakota/Bismarck State College
Expert Witness
- Occasional testimony in Court as an Expert Witness for the State (Office of the Attorney General) concerning legal matters relating to the geology of North Dakota.
Community Activities
- Various positions in the Boy Scouts of America as an Adult Volunteer
- Bismarck United Way Hero Club
- President’s Club, University of Mary
- North Dakota State Historical Society Foundation
- Lewis & Clark Fort Mandan Foundation
- Theodore Roosevelt Nature & History Association
- Friends of Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Service Awards
- Sertoma Club, Grand Forks, ND. Annual Award: recognition for “Exemplary Inspiration for the Communicatively Impaired,” 1989
Professional Organizations
(partial listing; year listed is the year I joined)
Geological Society of America (Fellow) [beginning year as Member: 1961]
North Dakota Academy of Science [1962]
American Association for the Advancement of Science [1963]
Sigma Xi [1963]
Friends of the Pleistocene [1965]
American Institute of Professional Geologists (CPG 2221) [1970]
Great Plains Natural Science Society [1970] (President, 1977 – 1979; 1988 – 1989)
American Quaternary Association [1972]
American Association of Petroleum Geologists [1982]
North Dakota Geological Society [1986]
Montana Geological Society [1988]
Association of American State Geologists [1991]; AASG Journal Editor [1996 – 2004]; Awards Committee Chairman [2006 – 2008]
North American Commission on Stratigraphic Nomenclature [1992 – 2003]
Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists [2000]
American Geophysical Union (Fellow) [1983]
Lewis and Clark Fort Mandan Foundation (Charter Member)
Publications
During my 42 years with the North Dakota Geological Survey, and since I retired, I published about 450 reports, articles, maps, essays, etc. Of these, about half were published as Survey reports. About a quarter were published in refereed technical journals and the remainder in a variety of other venues (magazines, etc.).
North Dakota’s Geologic Legacy Our Land and How It Formed
