Anna Szynkiewicz
Anna Szynkiewicz
Anna Szynkiewicz’s interests involve studies of global geochemical and biogeochemical cycles related to the lithosphere and hydrosphere using stable isotope tracers (S-O-H-C-Zn) and chemical methods. This interdisciplinary research integrates areas of low-temperature geochemistry and water-rock interaction, hydrogeology, and environmental studies. Szynkiewicz is trying to integrate these fields in order to better quantify the chemical weathering of crustal rocks as a result of climate and to enhance knowledge and understanding of modern and past hydrological cycles on Earth. Szynkiewicz also attempts to elucidate human impacts such as land cultivation and hydraulic fracturing on natural ecosystems. Consequently, her recent environmental studies have been focused on characterizing sources of salinity in agricultural districts of Chihuahuan and Sonoran Deserts as well as investigating sources of methane in groundwater of Central Appalachian Basin impacted by hydraulic fracturing and surface mining. Major research findings of these studies have been published recently in Chemical Geology and Applied Geochemistry.Szynkiewicz’s earliest research focused on the characterization of anthropogenic impacts on freshwater environments in Eastern Europe related to acid rain in mountain and lake ecosystems. She used multiple stable isotope tracers (S-O-H-C) to calculate the sulfate inputs from atmospheric acid wet deposition and performed several incubation experiments to evaluate the buffering capacity of lake sediments in response to anthropogenic acidification of freshwater. Major research findings of these studies have been published in Chemical Geology and Applied Geochemistry.
Contact
Phone: 865-974-6006
Email: aszynkie@utk.edu
Professional Website: faculty.utk.edu/Anna.Szynkiewicz
Research Interests
I am a geologist and stable isotope geochemist using chemical and light isotope tracers to study surface processes related to water activity on Earth and Mars. I also investigate the origin of sulfur-bearing minerals on Mars.
