Gary S. Solar, Ph.D.

Expertise in the interaction of metamorphic and deformational processes, development of tectonic models and the elucidation of tectonic processes based upon the synthesis of field, microscopic and geochemical data yielded from rocks formed in ancient mountain belts (e.g., the Appalachians). My research program is focused primarily on tectonic processes associated with convergent plate boundaries. I have focused study on Appalachian tectonics as recorded by rocks in Maine, New Hampshire, and Connecticut, but also parts of New York State, and Pennsylvania. I have included undergraduate students in my research program as much as possible.

1999-2000

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA

• Field relations and geochronology of schists from western Connecticut
• Experience in collaboration between Virginia Tech metamorphic petrologists and SUNY Stony Brook Geochronology Laboratory personnel where I was responsible for all sample handling and instrument operation for yielding ages using thermal ionization mass spectrometry

1998-1999

Research Assistant, University of Maryland, College Park, MD

• Thesis research in migmatites and high-temperature metamorphic rocks in association with granitic plutons in western Maine; mapping, collecting specimens, processing data, sample handing for microscopy, geochemistry, and geochronology; manuscript production; presenting research results at conferences

1995-1999

Instructor, University of Maryland, College Park, MD

• Taught the entire course in Structural Geology for undergraduate geology majors (lecture and lab)

• 2019-2021 – President of the New York State Geological Association
• 2016-2018 – Elected Vice Chair (2016), Chair (2017), and Past Chair (2018) of the Management Board of the Northeastern Section, Geological Society of America
• 2011  and 2018 – Elected Chair of the Management Board for the American Geophysical Union’s Heads and Chairs of Earth and Space Science Departments (Board member for several years)
• 2011 – Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, State University of New York
• 2010 – President’s Award for Excellence as an Undergraduate Research Mentor, Buffalo State
• 2009-2010 – Student Staff Faculty Appreciation Award, Buffalo State Campus Life
• 2008 – “Exceptional Reviewer” for the journal Geology, Geological Society of America
• 2006 – President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, Buffalo State
• 2006 – Donald and Carolyn Biggs Award for Excellence in Earth Science Teaching (College level), Geological Society of America, Geoscience Education Division
• 2005-2009 – Lead PI, National Science Foundation, Petrology and Geochemistry Division Grant: “RUI: How is the Granite Melt Flow Network Recorded in Migmatites and by Associated Granite Plutons?” (NSF EAR-0510726), $153,650.00
• 2003 – Nomination for "Best Paper in Structural Geology and Tectonics" award for the paper Brown and Solar (1999, see list below), Structural Geology & Tectonics Division, Geological Society of America

My primary research interests relate to the application of multi-disciplinary techniques to elucidate orogenic processes. Along with my collaborators, I use field relations of structures and stratigraphic sequences, and supporting petrology, to erect models that are then tested using laboratory methods including microtectonic fabric analysis, geochronology (U-Pb and Rb-Sr systems) and geochemistry (REE patterns, major and trace element composition). Where possible, supporting laboratory work is performed by me and my students in collaboration with laboratory personnel at other colleges and universities, such as the Isotope Geochemistry Laboratory at Syracuse University (S. Samson, supervisor), the Geochemistry Laboratory at the University of Maryland (Prof. R.J. Walker, supervisor), and the Geochronology Laboratory at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri (Prof. R.D. Tucker, supervisor). All my research is heavily dependent upon student involvement, primarily at the undergraduate level.

Transfer of granite magma through the crust, western and southeastern Maine, northern New Hampshire

One focus is on the processes and controls of melt transfer through the crust during progressive deformation in contractional and transcurrent orogens. This research is an investigation of the likely link between granite in migmatitic rocks (leucosomes and schlieric granite) and granite in larger bodies (e.g., plutons). If there is such a link, this relation illustrates the crustal plumbing between granite melt sources and sinks in the orogenic system. Recent collaboration with P.B. Tomascak (geochemist, SUNY Oswego) has resulted in focused research into the possible connection between granite emplacement and transpressional structures (in southern Maine). This work has been supported by the NSF (EAR-0510726, $153,650, 2005-2007).

Grenvillian tectonics of the Adirondacks and Hudson Highlands of New York State

I have a strong interest in orogenic processes recorded in Grenville rocks (southern Adirondacks and Hudson Highlands, NY; work begun in 2001 in collaboration with D.W. Valentino, SUNY Oswego, and J. Chiarenzelli, SUNY Potsdam). The granitic L-S tectonites of the southern Adirondacks show spectacular strain partitioning during the waning of the geotherm associated (apparently) with the Ottawan phase of the Grenville orogeny.

Grain-scale record of deformation partitioning, central and northern Appalachians, western Connecticut, western and southern Maine, northern New Hampshire, southeastern Pennsylvania

My students and I have focused our attention to the grain-scale record of orogenic deformation through detailed studies of porphyroblast-matrix relations in metamorphic rocks of parts of the Appalachian orogen. These studies have generated detailed data sets of garnet, staurolite and kyanite crystallographic orientation documentation, and the documentation of associated microstructures.

Related process-oriented research

Age and relative timing of displacements along high strain zones, Appalachian tectonics, spatial and temporal strain partitioning, structural lithic unit and sequence stratigraphic control on the localization of strain at non-metamorphic to upper amphibolite facies conditions, timing of deformation v. metamorphism, and transpressional orogenesis.

Areas of Field Work

• Central and Southern Adirondacks and the Hudson Highlands, New York
• Central Maine Belt, west central Maine
• Presidential Range area, New Hampshire
• Norumbega Shear Zone System, southern and coastal Maine
• western Acadian belt, western Connecticut
• central Appalachian Piedmont, SE Pennsylvania
• Hudson Valley Thrust and Fold Belt, New York State, western Massachusetts
• Alleghany Thrust and Fold Belt, central Pennsylvania and western Maryland

Areas of Field Excursion

• Appalachians (Maine to Virginia, USA)
• Brittany (NW France)
• European Alps (France, Italy, Switzerland)
• Opatica Belt (Quebec)
• southern Superior Province (southern Ontario)
• Ruby Mountains (NE Nevada)
• Selkirk Mountains, Canadian Cordillera (British Columbia, Canada)
• Tuolomne Intrusive Suite, Yosemite National Park (NE California).

Peer-Reviewed Articles

Solar, G.S., 2020, The Buffalo State College campus geology display: An outdoor geology classroom. The Science Teacher Bulletin (Science Teachers Association of New York State), 83, no.2, 74-86.

Solar, G.S., 2008, The interplay between tectonics/structure and migmatite morphology in the field. in Sawyer, E.W. and Brown, M. (eds.), Working with Migmatites, Mineralogical Association of Canada, Short Course Volume 38, 145-158.

Tomascak, P.B., Brown, M., Solar, G.S., Becker, H.J., Centorbi, T.L. and Tian, J (2005), Source contributions to Devonian granite magmatism near the Laurentian border, New Hampshire and western Maine, USA. Lithos, 80, 75-99.

Stallard, A. and Solar, G., 2005, Introduction: Linked processes of metamorphism and deformation. Journal of Metamorphic Geology, 23, Special Issue (#6), 409-410.

Gates, A.E., Valentino, D.W., Chiarenzelli, J.R., Solar, G.S. and Hamilton, M. 2004, Himalayan-type syntaxis in the Grenville orogen, northeastern Laurentia, southern Adirondacks and Hudson Highlands, New York, USA. Journal of Geodynamics, 37, 337-359.

Johnson, T.E., Brown, M. and Solar, G.S., 2003, Low-pressure subsolidus and suprasolidus phase equilibria in the MnNCKFMASH system. Constraints on conditions of regional metamorphism in western Maine, northern Appalachians. American Mineralogist, 88, 624-638.

Solar, G.S. and Brown, M., 2001, Deformation partitioning during transpression in response to Early Devonian oblique convergence, northern Appalachian orogen, USA. Journal of Structural Geology, 23, 1043-1065.

Solar, G.S. and Brown, M., 2001, Petrogenesis of stromatic and inhomogeneous migmatite in Maine, USA: potential source of peraluminous granite? Journal of Petrology, 42, 789-823.

Solar, G.S. and Brown, M., 2000, The classic high-T – low-P metamorphism of west-central Maine, USA: Is it post-tectonic of syn-tectonic? Evidence from porphyroblast-matrix relations: Reply. Canadian Mineralogist, 38, 1007-1026.

Brown, M. and Solar, G.S., 1999, The mechanism of ascent and emplacement of granite magma during transpression: a syntectonic granite paradigm. Tectonophysics, 312, 1-33.

This paper was nominated to receive the award for “Best Paper in Structural Geology and Tectonics” for 2002, Geological Society of America, Structural Geology and Tectonics Division.

Solar, G.S. and Brown, M., 1999, The classic high-T -- low-P metamorphism of west-central Maine, USA: Is it post-tectonic of syn-tectonic? Evidence from porphyroblast-matrix relations. Canadian Mineralogist, Kretz Volume, 37, 311-333.

Brown, M. and Solar, G.S., 1998, Shear zone systems and melts: feedback relations and self-organization in orogenic belts. Journal of Structural Geology, 20, 211-227.

Brown, M. and Solar, G.S., 1998, Granite ascent and emplacement during contractional deformation in convergent orogens. Journal of Structural Geology, 20, 1365-1393.

Solar, G.S., Pressley, R.A., Brown, M., and Tucker, R.D., 1998, Granite ascent in convergent orogenic belts: Testing a model. Geology, 26, 711-714.

Book Contributor:

Sawyer, E.W., 2008, “Atlas of Migmatites”, Canadian Mineralogist, Mineralogical Association of Canada.

• Contributed 4 migmatite localities’ field photographs and their descriptions, Maine.

Published Field Guides for Professional Field Trips Led

Solar, G.S., Tomascak, P.B., Brown, M., 2017. Devonian Granite Melt Transfer in Western Maine: Relations Between Deformation, Metamorphism, Melting and Pluton Emplacement at the Migmatite Front. In Johnson, B. and Eusden, J.D., ed., Guidebook for Field Trips in Western Maine and Northern New Hampshire: New England Intercollegiate Geological Conference, Bates College, p 217-246.

Solar, G.S. and Tomascak, P.B., 2016, The Migmatite-Granite Complex of southern Maine: Its structure, petrology, geochemistry, geochronology, and relation to the Sebago pluton. In Berry, H.N, IV, and West, D.P., Jr., editors, Guidebook for Field Trips Along the Maine Coast from Maquoit Bay to Muscongus Bay: New England Intercollegiate Geological Conference, Trip A2, p. 19-42.             This trip was run again in 2021 (invited) with some updated data.

Solar, G.S. and Tomascak, P.B., 2009, The Sebago pluton and the Sebago migmatite domain, southern Maine: results from new studies. Geological Society of America, Field Trip Guide. Trip 2, 24p.

Valentino, D.W., Chiarenzelli, Williams, L. and Solar, G.S., 2008. Sinistral transpression in the Adirondack Highlands during the Ottawan orogeny: Structural evolution of the Snowy Mountain dome and Piseco Lake shear zone. in Guidebook for Field Trips for the Annual Meeting of the New York State Geological Association and the Friends of the Grenville Annual Field Conference, Trip 3.

Solar, G.S., Tomascak, P.B. and Brown, M., 2006, Metamorphism, deformation, melting and granite melt transfer in the Rangeley-Rumford area. in Gibson, D., Daly, J. and Reusch, D. (eds.), Guidebook to field trips in Maine in Honor of Charles V. Guidotti, New England Intercollegiate Geological Conference, 98, Trip C-3, 26p.

Piaschyk, D., Valentino, D.W. and Solar, G.S., 2005, Variations in L- and S-tectonite on the northern boundary of the Piseco Lake shear zone, western Adirondack mountains, New York. in Valentino, D.W. (ed.), Guidebook for Field Trips for the Annual Meeting of the New York State Geological Association, 77, Trip B2, 20p.

Valentino, D.W., Solar, G.S., Chiarenzelli, J.R., Gates, A.E., Freyer, P. and Price, R.E., 2004. L- verses S-tectonite fabric variations within the southern Adirondack shear zone system:  progressive deformation associated with a sinistral conjugate to a Grenville syntaxis. in Badger, R. (ed.), Guidebook for Field Trips for the Annual Meeting of the New York State Geological Association, 76, Trip B1, 33p.

Gorring, M.L., Valentino, D.W., Solar, G.S. and Gates, A.E., 2003. Late Ottawan ductile shearing and granitoid emplacement in the Hudson Highlands, NY. in Johnson, E. (ed.), Guidebook for Field Trips for the Annual Meeting of the New York State Geological Association, 75, Trip B7, 26p.

Solar, G.S., Brown, M. and Tomascak, P.B., 2001, Deformation, metamorphism, and granite ascent in western Maine. in West, D.P., Jr. and Bailey, R.H. (eds.), Guidebook for Geological field trips in New England, 2001 Annual meeting of the Geological Society of America, Boston, Massachusetts, Trip Q, 30p.

Solar, G.S., 1996, Relationship between ductile deformation and granite magma transfer, Tumbledown Mountain area, west-central Maine. in van Baalen, M.R. (ed.), Guidebook to field trips in northern New Hampshire and adjacent regions of Maine and Vermont, New England Intercollegiate Geological Conference, 88, Trip C-5, 341-362.

Editor, Field Conference Guidebook

92nd Annual New York State Geological Association Field Conference Field Trip Guidebook, 2021, Solar, G.S., and Valentino, D.W. (eds.), New York State Geological Association, 133p.

https://www.nysga-online.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/NYSGA-2021-Guidebook.pdf

Geology Textbook Content Author:

Key concepts, quizzes and tests, textbook website for Tarbuck, E.J and Lutgens, F.K., 2007, Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology, 9th edition, Prentice Hall Inc. (wps.prenhall.com/esm_tarbuck_earth_9)

Key concepts, quizzes and tests, textbook website for Lutgens, F.K. and Tarbuck, E.J., 2006, Essentials of Geology, 9th edition, Prentice Hall Inc. (wps.prenhall.com/esm_lutgens_essentials_9)

Key concepts, quizzes and tests, textbook website for Tarbuck, E.J and Lutgens, F.K., 2005, Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology, 8th edition, Prentice Hall Inc. (wps.prenhall.com/esm_tarbuck_earth_8)

Abstracts - Conference Presentations (reverse chronological order, since 2000):

(* = Undergraduate Research Student Presenter, name in italics)

2023

*Krzystek, C., Solar, G.S., and Tomascak, P.B., 2023, Mylonites in coastal Maine: microstructural analysis of garnet porphyroblast-matrix relations. Geological Society of America, Abstracts w Programs, 55. https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2023SE/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/385514

2022

*Ballow, A.K., Mistriner, M.A., Piotrowski, A.L., Solar, G.S., and Tomascak, P.B., 2022, Comparison of granites in the Sebago pluton, its contact zone, and in the adjacent migmatite-granite complex, southern Maine. Geological Society of America, Abstracts w Programs, 54.

*Crist, C. and Solar, G.S., 2022, Pinkham Notch migmatite, New Hampshire: evidence of high melt percentage deformation during diatexis, and the transition from stromatic migmatite to diatexite. Geological Society of America, Abstracts w Programs, 54.

Solar, G.S. and Williams, K.K., 2022, Teaching 3-D spatial cognition in mineralogy and structural geology using the immersive planetarium environment. Geological Society of America, Abstracts w Programs, 54.

2021

*Baldassarre, G., Solar, G.S., and Tomascak, P.B., 2021, Fabric analysis in mylonite in the Norumbega shear zone system, Freeport-Harpswell area, southern Maine. Geological Society of America, Abstracts w Programs, 53.

https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2021NE/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/361917.

2020

*Kopinski, K.P., Solar, G.S. and Tomascak, P.B., 2020, Porphyroblast-matrix relations in mylonite in the Norumbega shear zone system, Harpswell Neck area, southern coastal Maine. Geological Society of America, Abstracts w Programs, 52. https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2020SE/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/345386

*Rappleye, S., Tomascak, P.B., Nachlas, W.O., and Solar, G.S., 2020, Apatite as a halogen tracer in the Migmatite-Granite Complex of southern Maine. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 52. https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2020SE/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/344999

2019

*Griffin, C.G. and Solar, G.S., 2019, Porphyroblast-matrix relations in western Connecticut: inclusion trails and strain-shadow tails. Geological Society of America, Abstracts w Programs, 51. https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2019NE/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/328652

2018

*Morales, V.M., Solar, G.S., Tomascak, P.B., 2018, The granite boudinage strain record in deformed migmatites in the Norumbega shear zone system, southern Maine - Part 2: Strain quantification. Geological Society of America, Abstracts w Programs, 50. https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2018NE/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/311343

2017

*Morales, V.M., Solar, G.S., and Tomascak, P.B., 2017, The granite boudinage strain record in deformed migmatites in the Norumbega shear zone system, southern Maine. Geological Society of America, Abstracts w. Programs, 49. https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2017AM/webprogram/Paper308324.html

*Caldwell, S. M., Morales, V.M, Solar, G.S., and Tomascak, P.B. 2017, Three-dimensional structure of deformed migmatites and granites in the Norumbega Shear Zone system, southern Maine. Geological Society of America, Abstracts w. Programs, 49. https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2017NE/webprogram/Paper291058.html

2016

Solar, G.S., 2016. On the limits of the inverse SURFOR wheel in fabric analysis. Structural Geology and Tectonics Forum 4th Biennial Meeting, Geological Society of America, Structural Geology and Tectonics Division https://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/structure/2016-Forum/abstracts/153037.html

Solar, G.S., Bestine, J.P. and Murphy, K., 2016. The “log-jam” schist of western Connecticut: its fabrics and origin. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 48. https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2016NE/webprogram/Paper272236.html

Tomascak, P.B. and Solar, G.S., 2016. Anatomy of the migmatite-granite complex, southwestern Maine. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 48. https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2016NE/webprogram/Paper272917.html

*McCarthy, H.J. and Solar, G.S., 2016, Composition and fabric analysis of garnet mica schist in the Rowe Formation, western Connecticut. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 48. https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2016NE/webprogram/Paper272819.html

2015

*Luther, B.D., Swenson, C. and Solar, G.S., 2015, Microscopic structural and petrographic variations in a 3-D mega-exposure in the Migmatite Granite Complex, southern Maine. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 47, p.767. https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2015AM/webprogram/Paper262011.html

*Luther, B.D., Solar, G.S. and Tomascak, P.B., 2015, Centimeter- to meter-scale structural and petrographic variations in a 3-D exposure in the Migmatite Granite Complex, southern Maine. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 47, p.112. https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2015NE/webprogram/Paper253842.html

2014

*Fletch, A. and Solar, G.S., 2014, Detailed mapping of leucocratic bodies in the Pinkham Notch migmatite, New Hampshire: Do leucosomes represent melt plumbing? Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 46, p.51. https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2014NE/webprogram/Paper236522.html

*Wisor, S. and Solar, G.S., 2014, The Wildcat “granite,” New Hampshire: pluton or diatexite? Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 46, p.52. https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2014NE/webprogram/Paper236639.html

2013

Tomascak, P.B., Solar, G.S. and Samson, S.D., 2013. Age dinstinctions among granites and migmatites in southwestern Maine. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 45, p.96. https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2013NE/webprogram/Paper216597.html

*Murphy, K. and Solar, G.S., 2013, Petrographic and fabric analysis of the Log-Jam schist and surrounding rocks, western Connecticut. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 45, p.73. https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2013NE/webprogram/Paper216582.html

*Tahan, A.G. and Solar, G.S., 2013, Transpression along the southern Chester valley, Tredyffrin Township, SE Pennsylvanian piedmont. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 45, p.76. https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2013NE/webprogram/Paper216552.html

           Won “Best Undergraduate Student Poster”.

2012

*Wehrfritz, J.E., Tahan, A.G., and Solar, G.S., 2012, Porphyroblast-matrix and structural relations along the metamorphic field gradient in the Wissahickon schist type section, SE Pennsylvania. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 44, p.98. https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2012NE/webprogram/Paper200835.html

2011

*Naschke, D., Solar, G.S., Tomascak, P.B. and Ventura, K., 2011, The nature and extent of the eastern part of the northern cantact zone of the Sebago pluton, SW Maine. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 43, p.63. https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2011NE/webprogram/Paper185716.html

2010

*Bohlen, T. and Solar, G.S., 2010, Structural and mineralogical variations at the eastern contact zone of the Sebago pluton, SW Maine: Results from new mapping. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 42, p.160. https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2010NE/webprogram/Paper170144.html

*Thalhamer, E. and Solar, G.S., 2010, Mineralogical and textural variations in the migmatite-granite complex near the western contact of the Sebago pluton, SW Maine. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 42, p.159. https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2010NE/webprogram/Paper170209.html

2009

*McAdam, S.M., Tomascak, P.B. and Solar, G.S., 2009. Elemental geochemistry of migmatites within the Sebago migmatite domain, southwestern Maine. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 41, p.80. https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2009NE/webprogram/Paper155961.html

*Nyitrai, K.A., Solar, G.S. and Tomascak, P.B., 2009. Mineral and textural variations in granites of the Sebago pluton at its eastern contact zone, southern Maine. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 41, p.31. https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2009NE/webprogram/Paper155952.html

*Tebo, L.N. and Solar, G.S., 2009. Textural and mineralogical variations in a single exposure of metagabbro and meta-anorthosite, Indian Lake, Adirondacks, NY. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 41, p.109. https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2009NE/webprogram/Paper156049.html

2008

Valentino, D., Chiarenzelli, J., and Solar, G.S., 2008. The Piseco Lake structure: Arc plutonism, generation of the AMCG Suite, and escape tectonics, Southern Adirondacks, New York?  Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 40, p.235. https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2008AM/webprogram/Paper149519.html

*Grasso, J.M, Martinez-Hackert, B. and Solar, G.S., 2008. Interpreting geology depicted on the first geological map ever produced and assessment of artistic techniques used by William Smith in his landmark “Map that Changed the World”. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 40, p.10. https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2008NE/webprogram/Paper135519.html

*Kalczynski, M.J. and Solar, G.S., 2008. Structural and mineralogical variations associated with the southwestern contact of the Sebago pluton with the Sebago Migmatite Domain, SW Maine: Results from new mapping. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 40, p.27. https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2008NE/webprogram/Paper135525.html

*LaFleur, L.L., Solar, G.S. and Tomascak, P.B., 2008. Documentation of a pluton's contact zone in the middle crust: details and implications of a new exposure of the eastern contact of the Sebago pluton and the eastern Sebago Migmatite Domain, southern Maine. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 40, p.26. https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2008NE/webprogram/Paper135583.html

Tomascak, P.B., Grade, M.S. and Solar, G.S., 2008. Isotopic heterogeneity and potential variable sources of granitic rocks of the Sebago Migmatite Domain, southern Maine. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 38, p. 26. https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2008NE/webprogram/Paper135166.html

Tomascak, P.B. Kaufmann, C.P., Valentino, J.D., Solar, G.S. and LaFleur, L.L., 2008. Timing of granite-migmatite relations, Sebago migmatite domain, southern Maine. Geological Association of Canada – Mineralogical Association of Canada, Programme with Abstracts, Quebec City, Quebec 2008.

2007

Solar, G.S., 2007, [INVITED] Peer-mentoring as an introduction to upper-level independent research: Early undergraduate research experiences within a team of undergraduate researchers. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 39, p.246. https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2007AM/webprogram/Paper131250.html

Solar, G.S., 2007, [INVITED] Undergraduate research group dynamics: An effective system to involve students with little science background in scientific research. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 39, p.252. https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2007AM/webprogram/Paper131535.html

*Kalczynski, M.J. and Solar, G.S., 2007. Fabric analysis using point counting: a new 3-D use for an old 2-D tool? Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 39, p.223. https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2007AM/webprogram/Paper131138.html

*Gulino, C.P., Solar, G.S. and Tomascak, P.B., 2007. Structural, textural and petrographic variations in rocks on Bruce Hill, eastern Sebago Migmatite Domain, southern Maine. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 39, p.77. https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2007NE/webprogram/Paper118461.html

2006

*Cirmo, A.C., Tomascak, P.B. and Solar, G.S., 2006. Geochemistry of undeformed granites of the Sebago Migmatite Domain, southern Maine. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 38, p.343. https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2006AM/webprogram/Paper110827.html

*Hays, S.G.and Solar, G.S., 2006. Migmatite-granite relations at the centimeter- to meter-scale: Documenting structural and petrographic variations in a 3-D exposure, eastern Sebago Migmatite Domain, southern Maine., Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 38, p.415. https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2006AM/webprogram/Paper116441.html

Solar, G.S., 2006. [INVITED] Migmatites, granites and shear zones: The signature of Appalachian sutures. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 38, p.87. https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2006NE/webprogram/Paper101082.html

*Hirtzel, A. and Solar, G.S., 2006. Preliminary mapping of glacial erratics south of Buffalo, New York. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 38, p.12. https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2006NE/webprogram/Paper100913.html

2005

*Skotnicki, S. and Solar, G.S., 2005. Fabric variations and the record of Grenvillian strain partitioning in rocks of the Southern Adirondack shear zone system, Hooper garnet mine, New York. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 37.

Valentino, D.W., Paischyk, D., Price, R.E., Freyer, P., Solar, G.S. and Chiarenzelli, J., 2005. Post-to Late Ottawan retrogression associated with east-west extension in the southern Adirondacks, New York. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 37, p.9.

2004

Gorring, M.L, Gates, A.E., Valentino, D.W., Solar, G.S. and Chiarenzelli, J.R., 2004. Late Ottawan ductile shearing and granitoid emplacement in the Hudson Highlands, NY. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 36.

Gorring, M.L., Gates, A.E., Valentino, D.W., Solar, G.S. and Chairenzelli, J.R., 2004. Consistent isotopic signatures of Acadian granites from the Laurentian border. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 36.

*Bauer, M., Valentino, D.W., Chiarenzelli, J.R. and Solar, G.S., 2004. Metamorphic petrology and unit distribiton in the Oliver Hill dome, eastern Adirondack mountains, New York. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 36.

*Fissler, D.A. and Solar, G.S., 2004. Variations in porphyroblast-matrix fabrics associated with high-temperature deformation, Roxbury, Connecticut, USA. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 36.

*Smith, N., Valentino, D.W., Chiarenzelli, J.R. and Solar, G.S., 2004. Distribution of L- and L-S tectonite in the Oliver Hill dome, eastern Adirondack mountains, New York. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 36.

2003

Solar, G.S., Valentino, D.W. and Chiarenzelli, J.R., 2003, The southern Adirondack shear zone system: Proterozoic (Grenville) progressive strain partitioning. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 35.

Solar, G.S. and Valentino, D.W., 2003. L‑tectonites: What do they tell us about deformation history? Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 35.

Tomascak, P.B., Brown, M., Solar, G.S. and Centorbi, T.L., 2003. Isotopic signatures of Acadian granites from the Laurentian border: An eye into basement sources and mantle contributions in a convergent setting. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 35, p.554.

*Freyer, P., Valentino, D.W. and Solar, G.S., 2003. Deformation spanning high- to low-grade in the Piseco Lake shear zone, Speculator, New York. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 35.

*Price, R.E., Valentino, D.W., Solar, G.S. and Chiarenzelli, J.R., 2003. Greenschist facies metamorphism associated with the Piseco Lake shear zone, central Adirondacks, New York. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 35.

2002

Brown, M. and Solar, G.S., 2002, Connecting pieces of the Acadian puzzle in the northern Appalachians.  Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs. 34.

Johnson, T.E., Brown, M. and Solar, G.S., 2002, Petrogenesis of Acadian metapelitic migmatites, western Maine - quantitative investigations in the NCKFMASH model system. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs. 34.

Solar, G.S. and Tomascak, P.B., 2002, Transpression and granite magmatism in southern Maine: Integrated structural and geochemical studies. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs. 34.

*Bestine, J.P. and Solar, G.S., 2002, Structural analysis of preferred orientations of kyanite in the "log-jam" schist, western Connecticut. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs. 34.

*Centorbi, T.L., Tomascak, P.B., Brown, M., Solar, G.S. and Tian, J., 2002, Nature of the crust near the Grenville border in northern New England: New Pb isotope data from the Mooselookmeguntic Igneous Complex, Maine. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 34.

2001

Brown, M. and Solar, G.S., 2001, Processes that link fertile protolith, melt-depleted crust and peraluminous granite. Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs, 33.

Brown, M. and Solar, G.S., 2001, Three dimentional spatial and temporal evolution of rheology in orogens: a field perspective. EOS Tranactions, American Geophysical Union, 82.

Chiarenzelli, J.R., Valentino, D.W., Solar, G.S. and McLelland, J., 2001, Evidence for retrogression during progressive deformation in the Piseco Lake tectonite zone, southern Adirondacks, New York. Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs, 33.

Solar, G.S. and Tomascak, P.B., 2001, Is there a relation between transpressive deformation and pluton emplacement in southern Maine? Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs, 33.

Tomascak, P.B., Brown, M., Becker, H., Solar, G.S. and Tian, J., 2001, Multiple sources and multiple processes: unraveling Acadian magmatism. Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs, 33.

Tomascak, P.B. and Solar, G.S., 2001, Integrated structural/geochemical studies of granite magmatism, Maine Appalachians. EOS Tranactions, American Geophysical Union, 82.

*Klauk, E.E. and Solar, G.S., 2001, Quantifying the strain record in naturally deformed conglomerate, Silurian Rangeley Formation, western Maine. Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs, 33.

*Kerr, S.D. and Solar, G.S., 2001, Documentation of the transition between contrasting structural zones in western Maine, USA: testing a model. Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs, 33.

*Chmura, S.M and Solar, G.S., 2001, The record of granite magma flow through deforming rocks, comparative meter-scale mapping of contrasting types of migmatite in western Maine, USA. Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs, 33.

2000

Brown, M. and Solar, G.S., 2000, Do multistage processes link leucosomes and smaller-volume granites in migmatites to leucogranite in plutons - an example from the Acadian orogen, western Maine? Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 32.

Solar, G.S. and Brown, M., 2000, Using porphyroblast-matrix relations to unravel mechanisms of strain accommodation during orogenesis - an example from the Acadian orogen, western Maine. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, 32.

Brown, M. and Solar, G.S., 2000, [INVITED] Feedback relations between deformation and melt, the evolution from weakening to hardening in transpressive orogens. in "(Un)coupled 2000: Continental Collision and the Tectonosedimentary Evolution of Forelands: Mechanics of Coupling and Far-Field Deformation," The European Geophysical Society Conference, Abstract Volume, Journal of the Czech Geological Society, 45, 215-216.

Presentations, since Fall 2000

• The Transition of Metatexite to Diatextite Migmatite Recorded at Mt. Washington, New Hampshire. Geological Society of America, Northeastern Section Annual Meeting, Reston, Virginia, March, 2023.
• The Applied Learning Conversation Series “Remote and Hybrid Learning”, The Teaching and Learning Center and Approved Applied Learning Fellows, Buffalo State, October, 2020.
• Applied Learning in Geology Courses in the Field:  Adapting to the Online Mode. The Applied Learning Conversation Series “Remote and Hybrid Learning”, The Teaching and Learning Center and Approved Applied Learning Fellows, Buffalo State, October, 2020.
• Appalachian Tectonic Sutures: Evidence in Rocks. Keynote address, National Science Honor Society Awards Ceremony, Cheektowaga High School, Cheektowaga, New York, March, 2018.
• On the Limits of the Inverse SURFOR Wheel in Fabric Analysis. Structural Geology and Tectonics Forum 4th bienial meeting, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, California, August, 2016.
• The “Log-Jam” Schist of Western Connecticut: Its Fabrics and Origin. Geological Society of America, Northeastern Section Annual Meeting, Albany, New York, March, 2016.
• Being a Geologist. Regan Intermediate School, Starpoint School District. April, 2015.
• Careers in the Geosciences. Roy-Hart High School, Gasport, New York, October, 2014.
• Structural Geology of Partially Melted Rocks in the Northeastern Appalachians. Rochester Institute of Science, Rochester, New York, January, 2014.
• Migmatites in the Orogenic System. Buffalo Geological Society, Buffalo, New York, February, 2013.
• Working with Migmatites in the Field. Short course on “Working with Migmatites,” Mineralogical Association of Canada, Quebec, Canada, May, 2008.
• Peer-Mentoring as an Introduction to Upper-Level Independent Research: Early Undergraduate Research Experiences Within a Team of Undergraduate Researchers. Geological Society of America, Annual Meeting, Denver, Colorado, October, 2007.
• Undergraduate Research Group Dynamics: An Effective System to Involve Students With Little Science Background in Scientific Research. Geological Society of America, Annual Meeting, Denver, Colorado, October, 2007.
• Migmatites, Granites and Shear Zones: The Signature of Appalachian Sutures. Geological Society of America, Northeastern Section Annual Meeting, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, March, 2006.
• Contrasting Migmatites in the Orogenic System. Department of Geology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, March, 2004.
• The Southern Adirondack Shear Zone System: Proterozoic (Grenville) Progressive Strain Partitioning. Geological Society of America, Northeastern Section Annual Meeting, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, March, 2003.
• L Tectonites: What Do They Tell Us About Deformation History? Geological Society of America, Northeastern Section Annual Meeting, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, March, 2003.
• Transpression and Granite Magmatism in Southern Maine: Integrated Structural and Geochemical Studies. Geological Society of America, Northeastern Section Annual Meeting, Springfield, Massachusetts, March, 2002.
• Is There a Relation Between Transpressive Deformation and Pluton Emplacement in Southern Maine? Geological Society of America, Northeastern Section Annual Meeting, Burlington, Vermont, March, 2001.
• Evidence for Retrogression During Progressive Deformation in the Piseco Lake Tectonite Zone, Southern Adirondacks, New York. Geological Society of America, Northeastern Section Annual Meeting, Burlington, Vermont, March, 2001.

• Rock Preparation Laboratory
  • Saws: 24” slab saw, Trim saw, and Precision saw
  • Polishers: Logitech (UK) automatic polisher, 2 polishing wheels (10” and 18”), a vibratory polisher, and glass polishing plates
  • Integrated Retsch jaw crusher and disk mill
  • Reorientation sandbox
  • Frantz model L-1 magnetic separator
  • Buehler Petrothin Thin Sectioning Machine
  • Epoxy station
  • Microscopes:  Leitz specimen stereoscope, and 2 Leica petrographic microscopes
  • Comco Microblaster
  • Sonicator
     
• Laboratory for Orogenic Studies
  • Microscopes: 
    • Nikon petrographic microscope with transmitted light
    • Leica petrographic microscope
    • Leica stereoscope with petrographic stage and automation
    • Cameras attached to the Leica scopes for image capture and analysis
  • Light table
  • Sonicator
  • Map storage unit
  • Student computers loaded with specialty software (e.g., graphics, GIS, plotting)

Outdoor Geology Classroom

Courses Taught (*-Regularly offered)

• GES 101 – Introductory Geology*
• GES 103 – Introductory Geology Laboratory
• GES 200 – First Year Geology Field Experience
• GES 303 – Mineralogy (formerly Mineralogy and Petrology)*
• GES 306 – Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (team taught with Drs. Singer and Williams)
• GES 323 – Third Year Geology Experience
• GES 401 – Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
• GES 408 – Structural Geology*
• GES 410 – Undergraduate Research Seminar
• GES 418 – Structural Geology Field Experience*
• GES 450 – Field Geology
• GES 465 – Tectonics

Research Mentor Since Fall 2000 (as of Spring 2023):

• 75 Buffalo State students supervised in undergraduate research
• 78 different Buffalo State student projects mentored
• 63 undergraduate student posters presented at the annual Buffalo State Student Research and Creativity Conference
• 33 oral and poster papers presented by students at the professional geology meeting of the Geological Society of America
• Over $71k of undergraduate research funding awarded to students
  • Including to 22 Buffalo State Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowships

University Service

• College Senate
• College Senate Curriculum Committee (19 years, and workgroup leader)
• School of Arts and Sciences Curriculum Committee
• Provost’s General Education Task Force
• Institutional Planning Advisory Council (IPAC)
• Faculty-Student Association
• Approved Applied Learning group member
• Science and Mathematics Complex (SAMC) Advisory Committee
• University-wide search committees (President, Vice President, etc.)
• Science Designer, Outdoor Geology Classroom (SAMC)

Professional Service

• Chair (2017), the Northeastern Section of the Geological Society of America Management Board
• Chair (2011, 2018) and Member, the Management Board for the American Geophysical Union’s Heads and Chairs of Earth and Space Science Departments
• President (2019-2021), the New York State Geological Association
• General Chair, organizer, and treasurer (2008) of the annual meeting of the Northeastern Section of the Geological Society of America
• Editorial board member for 2 peer-review geology journals
• Reviewer of submitted manuscripts for 9 different journals
• Outside reviewer for tenure decisions and graduate theses at both domestic and international institutions