Pierre A. Zippi

PAZ Software Homepage

Academic titles:
Affiliate assistant professor:: University of Alaska, Fairbanks, May 1994-present; PhD committee member and advisor in the Department of Geology and Geophysics.
PhD committee member: University of Texas, Dallas, March 1998-present; PhD committee member (2 students) and advisor in the Department of Geology.
Research Associate:: Institute for Environmental Studies, University of Toronto, 1989-1991; Investigated the use of organic acid-resistant microfossils as indicators of paleoenvironmental conditions (pH) in freshwater lakes.

Degrees:
Ph.D. University of Toronto, Geology: Department of Geology, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3B1; Thesis: "Palynology of the Mid-Cretaceous Mattagami Formation and correlative sediments of Ontario."; Supervisor: Dr. Geoffrey Norris. Grade Average = A (3.8/4.0)
M.S. University of Georgia, Geology: Department of Geology, Athens, Georgia 30601; Thesis: "Calcium carbonate dissolution history for deep-sea cores adjacent Portugal."; Supervisors: Dr. Michael Ledbetter and Barun Sen Gupta. G.P.A. = 3.8/4.0
B.S. Pennsylvania State University, Geological Sciences: Department of Geosciences, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802

Research interests and expertise:
Research expertise:: Mesozoic to Recent biostratigraphy (palynology and micropaleontology) stratigraphy and paleoenvironmental and paleoclimate reconstruction. Integration of several biostratigraphic data types to accurately constrain 3D seismic in terms of sequence stratigraphy. Pollen (fossil and modern), spores, dinoflagellates, fungal spores and hyphae, freshwater dinoflagellates and algal cysts. Tertiary and Quaternary paleoclimate and paleoenvironmental reconstruction. Evolution and radiation of early angiosperms; Statistics, numerical taxonomy, transfer functions and computer applications utilizing microfossil and geologic data.
Research interests:: 1) Investigation and quantification of Tertiary climate of the Pacific Northwest: My recent work in biostratigraphy of south Alaska for ARCO Alaska, Inc. has been very successful. I have used plant microfossils to deduce the paleoclimate from the Late Oligocene to the Early Pliocene. Currently, I am extending that range up into the Pliocene and down into the Eocene. In addition to furthering our understanding of paleoclimate, this work had the effect of increasing biostratigraphic resolution an order of magnitude compared to previously existing industry standards. The details of my work are currently confidential but may possibly be released for publication and further investigation. The scope of this project is very large.; 2) Establishment of a transfer function between dinoflagellate cyst assemblages from Quaternary-Tertiary marine sediments and paleoclimate: The scope of this project is also very large. A study of the North Atlantic alone will require several graduate student theses and many publications to complete. Many cores with complete isotopic and microfossil stratigraphic control are available. The resulting transfer function can be tested by comparison with foraminiferal transfer functions. The dinoflagellate data will provide paleoclimate information in areas where the ocean floor is below the calcium carbonate compensation depth.; 3) Establishment of a transfer function between the distribution of organic algal microfossils in freshwater ecosystems and pH (and additional water chemistry): Again, this is a large project that will generate several publications and graduate student theses. I have obtained permission to use the palynological preparations from the PIRLA study (82 lakes in the area of northeastern USA). The PIRLA lakes have complete water chemistry data. Most lakes have no accurate pH records extending. The concept of pH was originally defined by Danish biochemist Søren Peter Lauritz Sørensen in 1909. Accurate methods for measuring pH in the field are much younger than the concept of pH. Most lakes have no pH record before 15 years ago. Reconstructions of pH are necessary to establish benchmarks and histories for lakes with short or no pH records.

Research and employment history:
: Biostratigraphy.com consulting company: Biostratigraphic program and project management, data integration, and final interpretation of multiple data types from multiple sources. Quality control and supervision of concurrent projects and extensive network of affliated experts. Development custom databases and interactive software for depositional systems and stratigraphy.
Owner, Manager, 2000-present:: PaleoLab, The Woodlands, TX: PaleoLab is a full service paleontological sample processing laboratory jointly operated by Pierre Zippi and Baseline/DGSI. All major fossil groups are processed according to industry or client specified standards.
Owner, Software developer, 1986-present:: PAZ Software: Application and database developer of specialty scientific, mainly geological, applications and custom databases.
Senior Biostratigrapher, 1996-2000:: ARCO International Oil and Gas Company: Sole biostratigrapher providing overall biostratigraphic and paleontological support for world-wide oil and gas exploration. Biostratigraphic program and project management, data integration, and final interpretation of multiple data types from multiple sources. Quality control and supervision of concurrent projects and contract personnel. Design and implementation of multidisciplinary database and interactive software relating well data to stratigraphic events and interpretation. Project management and supervision database team personnel.; Areas of activity:
Palynologist, 1992-1996: ARCO Alaska, Inc.: I provided biostratigraphic and paleo-environmental support for Alaskan oil and gas exploration and field extension. My duties included regional stratigraphy with the integration of all types of stratigraphic data; the application of biostratigraphy to resolve regional and prospect scale correlation problems, and to help determine depositional systems.; Since 1994, I have also performed the duties of a biostratigraphic contract coordinator.
Research Associate, 1989-1991:: Institute for Environmental Studies, University of Toronto. I investigated the use of organic acid-resistant microfossils as indicators of paleoenvironmental conditions in freshwater lakes. Expertise focused on dinoflagellate cysts and several genera of green algae. Environmental preferences of algal flora, as deduced from relative abundances in surface sediments, were applied to analyses of sediment core to interpret the recent environmental history of the lake. Trends such as land-use and acidification were observed.
Consultant, 1983-1992:: Palynological consulting, oil and gas development, computer software authoring, and computer systems consulting.
Lecturer, 1988-1990:: Department of Geology, University of Toronto. Course director: Historical Geology GLG 141. Complete responsibility for offering a course in Historical Geology which consisted of 26 lectures, 5 tutorial-discussion sessions, a one day field trip, responsibility for laboratory sessions and overseeing a full time lab instructor and 2 teaching assistants. (see section on Teaching Experience for details).
Microcomputer Facility Supervisor, 1987:: Department of Geology, University of Toronto. Maintained a local area network of microcomputers (Macintosh and PC); Designed and implemented a UNIX based sedimentary rock database.
Research Assistant, 1983-1987:: Department of Geology, University of Toronto and Ontario Geological Survey, contracts: Expertise focused on Cretaceous palynology and stratigraphy of the Mesozoic Moose River Basin, Ontario. Analysis of over 40 drill holes and seven outcrop sections. Development of local palynostratigraphic zonation of Middle Albian palynofloras and recognition of associated Jurassic, Devonian, and Quaternary floras. Responsible for all logistics and field work in remote James Bay Frontier region.
Research Assistant, 1981-1983:: University of Toronto and Geological Survey of Canada. Palynostratigraphy of Triassic Sverdrup Basin, Ellesmere Island, Arctic Canada. Palynological dating of lower-middle Triassic Blaa Mountain and Schei Point Groups. Measurement, sampling, and palynological analysis of six stratigraphic sections collected during six weeks of fly-camp field work on northwestern Ellesmere Island, NWT.
Research Assistant, 1978-1981:: University of Georgia, Department of Geology. Expertise focused on Quaternary foraminifera. Thesis research dealt with the carbonate dissolution history for the last 150,000 years in the Northeast Atlantic; Magnetostratigraphy of deep-sea sediments - Drs. M. Ledbetter and B. Ellwood;; Deep-sea sediment analysis - Dr. M.T.Ledbetter;; Mass spectrometry of carbonates - Drs. N. Herz and D. Wenner;; Microfossil analysis - Drs. R. Frey and S.G. Pemberton;; Compilation and estimation of Pb-Zn ore production and reserves of USA - Dr. G. Koch.

Teaching experience:
Lecturer, 1993-1994:: Department of Geology, University of Alaska, Fairbanks. This was a 3 semester graduate level course covering stratigraphic palynology from the the Precambrian to Recent. I had complete responsibility for this course.
Lecturer, 1988-1990:: Department of Geology, University of Toronto. Complete responsibility for offering a course in Historical Geology. This included composing and delivering 26 lectures, 5 tutorial-discussion sessions, a one day field trip, responsibility for laboratory sessions and overseeing a full time lab instructor and 2 teaching assistants. GLG 141 - Historical Geology was a required course for geology majors and and an elective for 3-4 year liberal arts students and science students. I have a complete 1 semester course prepared for Historical Geology.
Teaching Assistantships, 1978-1988:: University of Toronto and University of Georgia.

Offices held:: Director: Palynodata, Inc., 2000-; Treasurer: Palynodata, Inc., 1996-1999; Director-at-large: American Association of Stratigraphic Palynologists, 1997-1999; Editorial Board: American Association of Stratigraphic Palynologists, 1996-1999
Scientific journal reviewer:
Palynology: Published by the American Association of Stratigraphic Palynologists Foundation.; Editorial Board: American Association of Stratigraphic Palynologists.
Micropaleontology: Published by Micropaleontology Press.
AASP Foundation Books and other scientific publications: Published by the American Association of Stratigraphic Palynologists Foundation.
GSA Memoir: Published by the Geological Society of America.

Publications:
Zippi, P.A., 1998.: Freshwater algae from the Mattagami Formation (Albian), Ontario: Paleoecology, botanical affinities, and systematic taxonomy. Micropaleontology, 44 supplement 1: 1-78 p.
McGregor et al., 1996.: Economic applications of palynology. In / Principles, applications etc. American Association of Stratigraphic Palynologists Foundation.
Landis, C.R., McGowen, J.H., Morris, W.R. and Zippi, P.A., 1995.: Variation in Hydrocarbon Potential of Late Cretaceous Fruitland and Pictured Cliffs coals and coaly facies, San Juan Basin, NM. Geochemistry of non-marine source rocks and petroleum. 1995 International Chemical Congress of Pacific Basin Societies: Pacifichem'95.
McMahan, J., Dale, J., and Zippi, P., 1995.: Analysis of an Early Historic Russian burial from the Aleutians: A glimse into the past of the Unalaska settlement. Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Anchorage, AK.
Zippi, P.A., 1992.: Dinoflagellate cyst stratigraphy and climate fluctuations in the eastern North Atlantic during the last 150,000 years. In M. Head and J. Wrenn (editors), Neogene and Quaternary Dinoflagellate Cysts and Acritarchs: American Association of Stratigraphic Palynologists Foundation, pp. 55-68.
Zippi, P.A., 1991.: SEM-LM mounting and specimen location technique for same specimen study of palynological strew mounts. Micropaleontology, 37 (4): 407-413.
Zippi, P.A., Yung, K., McAndrews, J., Stokes, P. and Norris, G., 1991.: Extraction of zygnematacean zygospores from lake sediments and their potential as paleo-indicators of lake acidification. R. A. C. Project No. 464G. Environmental Research, 47 pages, Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Toronto, Ontario (ISBN 0-7729-8587-1).
Telford, P.G., Long, D.F., Norris, G., Zippi, P. and R. Griffis, 1991.: Mesozoic geology and lignite potential of the Moose River Basin. Ontario Geological Survey, Open File Report 5777, 185 pages, 4 plates.
Norris, G. and Zippi, P., 1991.: Mesozoic palynostratigraphy of the Moose River Basin. In P.G. Telford, D.F. Long, G. Norris, P. Zippi, and R. Griffis, 1991. Mesozoic geology and lignite potential of the Moose River Basin, Ontario Geological Survey, Open File Report 5777, pp. 87-126, 4 plates.
Zippi, P. and Bajc, A.F., 1990.: Recognition of a Cretaceous outlier in northwestern Ontario. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, 27: 306-311 (includes a taxonomic note by P. Zippi).
Zippi, P., Yung, K., McAndrews, J., Stokes, P. and Norris, G. 1990.: An investigation of the potential of zygnematacean zygospores, Peridinium, and Pediastrum as paleo-indicators of recent lake acidification. Environmental Research, Technology Transfer Conference, Proceedings, Volume 1: 393-396.
Norris, G. and Zippi, P., 1986.: Palynological analysis of OGS drillhole series OGS 83-01 to 83-08D and OGS 84-01 to 84-11, Moose River Basin, Ontario. Ontario Geological Survey Open File Report 5597, 157 p. 4 figures.
Zippi, P., 1986.: Vibration sieving. American Association of Stratigraphic Palynologists Newsletter Technical Section, vol. 19 (1): 9.

Abstracts and presentations:
Brooks, L.L., Wagner, J.B., Zippi, P.A., Sheffield, T.D., Stevens, K.M., Dablain, M.A., Brown, B., and Offenberger, R., 2000 (submitted).: Integrated analysis of the Upper Jurassic Bossier deltaic complex, East Texas. AAPG, Denver.
Zippi, P., 2000.: Integrated multi-disciplinary biostratigraphy: methods and applications. University of Texas, Dallas Department of Geosciences Seminar Series, March 2000.
Mahmoud, S., Pessagno, E. and Zippi, P., 1999.: Palynology in reference to sequence stratigraphy, Upper Cretaceous of South Texas, Rio Grande Embayment. Geological Society of America, South Central Sec., 33 Ann. Mtg., Abstr. with Progr. 31(1): 12.
Landis, C.R., McGowen, J.H., Morris, W.R. and Zippi, P.A., 1995.: Variation in Hydrocarbon Potential of Late Cretaceous Fruitland and Pictured Cliffs coals and coaly facies, San Juan Basin, NM. Geochemistry of non-marine source rocks and petroleum. 1995 International Chemical Congress of Pacific Basin Societies: Pacifichem'95.
McMahan, J., Dale, J., and Zippi, P., 1995.: Analysis of an Early Historic Russian burial from the Aleutians: A glimse into the past of the Unalaska settlement. Alaska Anthopological Association 22nd Annual Mtg. Anchorage, AK.
Zippi, P., 1994.: Peridinium and Pediastrum as potential indicators of recent changes in lake water chemistry. Department of Geology, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, May 1994.
Zippi, P. and Norris, G., 1991.: Freshwater paleoenvironmental indicators in the Mattagami Formation (Albian), Moose River Basin, Ontario. American Association of Stratigraphic Palynologists Annual Meeting, San Diego, Program and abstracts, October 1991.
Zippi, P., Welbourn, P., and Norris, G., 1991.: Peridinium and Pediastrum; Algal paleo-indicators of recent lake acidification. American Association of Stratigraphic Palynologists Annual Meeting, San Diego, October 1991.
Zippi, P. and Norris, G., 1991.: Freshwater paleoenvironmental indicators in the Mattagami Formation (Albian), Moose River Basin, Ontario. Geological Association of Canada Annual Meeting, Toronto, Program and abstracts, p. A138, May 1991.
Zippi, P., Welbourn, P., and Norris, G., 1991.: Peridinium and Pediastrum as paleo-indicators of recent changes in lake water chemistry. Geological Association of Canada Annual Meeting, Toronto, Program and abstracts, p. A138, May 1991.
Head, M. and Zippi, P., 1991.: Fossil and modern species of Debarya (Zygnemataceae, Chlorophyta) from Canada and the United Kingdom. Geological Association of Canada Annual Meeting, Toronto, Program and abstracts, p. A53, May 1991.
Zippi, P., 1989.: Nonmarine dinoflagellate cysts from the Albian Mattagami Formation, Ontario. IGCP Project 245 Nonmarine Cretaceous Correlations, Drumheller, Alberta.
Zippi, P., 1988.: Early Cretaceous angiosperm pollen from the Mattagami Formation, Ontario. American Association of Stratigraphic Palynologists 21th Annual Meeting, Houston, Program and abstracts (In/ Palynology, 13: 290).
Zippi, P. and Norris, G., 1988.: Ceratioid dinocysts from Albian carbonaceous clastic sediments, Moose River Basin, Ontario, Canada. VII International Palynological Conference, Brisbane.
Zippi, P., 1987.: Ceratioid dinoflagellate cysts from lignitic strata of the Mattagami Formation, Moose River Basin, Ontario. American Association of Stratigraphic Palynologists 20th Annual Meeting Program and Abstracts, Halifax, p. 154.
Zippi, P., 1987.: S.E.M.-L.M. mounting and specimen location technique. American Association of Stratigraphic Palynologists 20th Annual Meeting, Program and Abstracts, Halifax, p. 156.
Zippi, P. and Norris, G., 1985.: Palynostratigraphy of Lower Cretaceous fluvial deposits and lignite occurrence in the Moose River Basin, Ontario. Geological Association of Canada Annual Meeting, Fredericton, Program with Abstracts, Volume 10, p. A70.
Zippi, P. and Norris, G., 1984.: Problems and some stratigraphic solutions to correlations of lignitic strata in the Moose River Basin, Ontario. Geoscience Research Seminar, Abstracts, Ontario Geological Survey, p. 11.
Zippi, P., 1981.: Calcium carbonate dissolution history for deep-sea cores adjacent Portugal. EOS, 62 (17): 297.

Contract reports: - unpublished
Zippi, P. 1992-1995.: Numerous confidential ARCO internal reports dealing with palynology, stratigraphy, paleoenvironments and paleoclimate.
Zippi, P., 1991.: Report to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment on the potential of zygnematacean zygospores as paleo-indicators of recent lake acidification.
Zippi, P., 1990.: Report to the Ontario Geological Survey on the palynological analyses of sediment samples from Limestone Rapids on the Kabinakagami River in northern Ontario.
Zippi, P., 1989.: Report to the Ontario Geological Survey on the palynological analyses of sediment samples from the Cargill carbonatite and Limestone Rapids on the Kabinakagami River in northern Ontario.
Zippi, P., 1988.: Report to the Ontario Geological Survey on the palynological analyses of drillhole F-88-33, near Kenora, Ontario.
Norris, G. and Zippi, P., 1985.: Interim report to the Ontario Geological Survey on the palynostratigraphical analyses of drillhole series OGS 84-01 to 84-11, Moose River Basin, Ontario.
Norris, G. and Zippi, P., 1984.: Interim report to the Ontario Geological Survey on the palynostratigraphical analyses of drillhole series OGS 83-01 to 83-08D, Moose River Basin, Ontario.
Zippi, P., 1983.: Triassic palynostratigraphy of the Eastern Sverdrup Basin, Ellesmere Island, NWT, Canada. Unpublished report to the Geological Survey of Canada.

Zippi, P. and Molyneaux, S., (in prep).: Palynology of the subsurface lower Paleozoic Ghudun, and Amin Formations of Oman.
Zippi, P. and Jan du Chene, R., (in prep).: New palynomorph taxa from the Temane area offshore Mozambique.
Zippi, P., (in prep).: The potential of Peridinium cysts, Pediastrum coenobia and other algal microfossils from lake sediments as indicators of recent lake acidification. (submission requested by Journal of Paleolimnology).
Zippi, P., (in prep): Freshwater paleoenvironmental indicators in the Mattagami Formation (Albian), Moose River Basin, Ontario.
Zippi, P., (in prep).: Early Cretaceous angiosperm pollen from the Mattagami Formation, Moose River Basin, Ontario.
Zippi, P., (in prep).: Palynostratigraphy of the Mattagami Formation using nonparametric rank order correlation.
Zippi, P., (in prep).: Descriptions of selected zygnematacean zygospores from south-central Ontario.
Zippi, P., (in prep).: Algal microfossil evidence of 17th century changes in water chemistry of Plastic Lake, Ontario.
Zippi, P., Von Gernet, A., and Norris, G. (in prep).: Palynological evidence of 17th century Indian settlements and horticulture in the catchment of Plastic Lake, Ontario.

Awards - grants and contracts:
1991: Grant from Ontario Ministry of the Environment: to investigate the potential of Peridinium and Pediastrum as paleo-indicators of recent lake acidification: co-authored with P. Welbourn.
1990: Grant from Ontario Ministry of the Environment: to investigate the potential of zygnematacean zygospores as paleo-indicators of recent lake acidification: co-authored with P. Welbourn, and K. Yung.
1990: Contract from the Ontario Geological Survey: for palynological analyses of sediment samples from Limestone Rapids on the Kabinakagami River in northern Ontario.
1989: Grant from Ontario Ministry of the Environment: to investigate the potential of zygnematacean zygospores as paleo-indicators of recent lake acidification: co-authored with P. Welbourn, and K. Yung.
1989: Contract from the Ontario Geological Survey: for palynological analyses of sediment samples from the Cargill carbonatite and Limestone Rapids on the Kabinakagami River in northern Ontario.
1988: Contract from the Ontario Geological Survey: for palynological analyses of drillhole F-88-33, near Kenora, Ontario.
1985-86: Contract from the Ontario Geological Survey: for the palynostratigraphical analyses of drillhole series OGS 84-01 to 84-11, Moose River Basin, Ontario: co-authored with G. Norris.
1983-84: Contract from the Ontario Geological Survey: for palynostratigraphical analyses of drillhole series OGS 83-01 to 83-08D, Moose River Basin, Ontario: co-authored with G. Norris.

Other business experience:
Palynological consulting, 1986-1992:: Age dating, stratigraphic correlations and paleoecologic determinations produced by palynologic and lithologic methods.
Computer software:: Personal business, PAZ Graphics (Ontario), 1986-1993: PAZ Graphics currently markets scientific software applications for the Apple Macintosh computer and the IBM-PC compatible computer. Database design, implementation and system analysis were also performed on a contract basis. PAZ Graphics is a sole proprietorship.
Canam Exploration Inc. (Ohio):: Vice-president, founder, part-owner from 1984-1985: Canam Exploration was a small petroleum exploration and development company working on oil and gas prospects in southeastern Ohio. Canam Exploration is now dissolved.

Computer related activities:

Computer Journal publications:
Zippi, Pierre A., 1991.: Rotating text using picComments. Inside Basic, 1 (7): 15-18.
Zippi, Pierre A., 1995.: New Product Review: FutureFILE. A database in 30 minutes?. Inside Basic Number 54: 11-16.

Scientific computer software: - published commercially

Age/DepthPlot 1.0 ©1995-2000.: Interactive graphic correlation-like analysis of FAD and LAD events (event depth vs. geologic age of event).
Diversity Calculator 1.0 ©1995-2000.: Software to calculate four diversity indices from spreadsheet occurrence or abundance data. Indices calculated: raw number of species, normalized raw species, Simpson and modified Shannon-Weaver.
LookUp 1.0 ©1995-2000.: Provides for interactive analysis of species distributions (well data) with stratigraphic databases.
Measure 1.0 ©1991-1996.: Software to measure digital images and create scales with custom divisions for inclusion in the digital image.
ShawPlot 1.0 ©1991-1999.: Software to find common events between 2 event data files and plot graphic correlation charts.
Strat/Range Charter 1.5 ©1991-1994.: Software to generate stratigraphic range charts with data preparation for multivariate and nonparametric statistics and manual.
Vector Rose 3.0 ©1988-2000.: Statistical analysis of circular normally distributed data (angular data) and graphical presentation software and manual.
WellPlot ©1995-2000 Pierre A. Zippi.: Interactive analysis of biostratigraphic data ,or any multivariable well data. Visualization of stratigraphic data.

Databases:
Worldwide Biostratigraphic events database:: Micropaleontology, Palynology, Nannofossil and Ostracod events (ARCO: Confidential).
Biostratigraphic Well summary database for West Africa: Biostratigraphic horizons for many wells in West Africa (ARCO: Confidential).
Palynological species database.: Digital images of species, taxonomic descriptions, nomenclatural, environmental and stratigraphic information.
Modern pollen database.: Digital images of species, taxonomic descriptions, nomenclatural, environmental and botanical information.
Biostratigraphic Well summary database for South Alaska: Biostratigraphic horizons for many wells in South Alaska (ARCO: Confidential).
Biostratigraphic Well summary database for North Slope Alaska: (Prototyped) Biostratigraphic horizons for many wells in North Slope Alaska (ARCO: Confidential).
Palynological materials database.: Sample availability (ARCO: Confidential).
Media Production Associates:: prototype Visual Information System for oil spill containment. Prototype database and implemented versions (Confidential).
University of Toronto:: Sedimentary rocks database.
Huntech, North York, Toronto:: Client tracking and customer qualifications databases.

Pierre A. Zippi
7518 Twin Oaks Court
Garland, Texas 75044

email: paz@biostratigraphy.com
email: paz@pazsoftware.com
email: biostrat@home.com

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