Teaching Interests

Most of my courses support the majors in Natural Systems Science and Environmental Studies.  The former is our uniquely science-based version of Environmental Science (click here for link to the program page).  The latter is a policy oriented version of the study of environmental issues (click here for link to program page).  Currently I direct both of these programs, and also serve as Director for the Center for the Study of Environmental Change, the hub that links environmental curricula, research and outreach at Le Moyne (click here for link to Center web page).

Research Interests

Mesozoic Systems. Much of my work focuses on the paleogeography and paleoclimate of the Mesozoic world (probably a consequence of my childhood fascination with dinosaurs).  My current research in this area examines the environmental conditions (climatic, atmospheric, etc.) as dinosaurs rose to ascendancy in the Late Triassic, the record and causes of extinctions for the early Mesozoic, and the processes responsible for mass extinctions in general.  Primarily, this research is conducted through field studies (sedimentology and stratigraphy) of early Mesozoic formations in the Four Corners area and the Canadian Maritimes.

Studying the Lower Jurassic Whitmore Point Member of the Moenave Formation in the Vermillion Cliffs in the Arizona-Utah border.

At the classic K/T boundary section near Gubbio, Italy

Volcanology. A secondary interest is in volcanology, particularly the recognition of volcanic processes through the study of volcanoclastic deposits.  Most of my work in this area has been concentrated on the volcanoes of southern Italy (like Etna), where I have worked for some years with Dr. Sonia Calvari of the INGV in Catania, Sicily; we are completing work on another text, Volcanoes and Our Dynamic Planet. I am also deeply interested in the effects on the climate and  environment of large-scale volcanic eruptions, such as those of large igneous provinces.

On the summit of Etna, looking into the Bocca Nuova crater in 2002.

Our Environment. Finally, I have passionate concern for our Earth environment.  The realization that modern climate change is already having a significant impact on the ecology has motivated me to start a new line of research investigating changes in soil structure and composition in such diverse locations as Iceland and Costa Rica.

 Reindeer grazing in front of Hoffelsjökull in southern Iceland.
 

Click here for complete CV to see list of over 60 papers and books and 70 or so meeting abstracts.

Selected recent publications

Tanner, L.H., in press. Cyclostratigraphic record of the Triassic: a critical examination. The Triassic Timescale, a special publication of the Geological Society, London.

Tanner, L.H., in press. The Triassic isotope record. The Triassic Timescale, a special publication of the Geological Society, London.

Tanner, L.H., 2010. Terrestrial carbonates as indicators of palaeoclimate. In: Alonso-Zarza, A.M. and
Tanner, L.H. (Eds), Carbonates in Continental Environments: Geochemistry, Diagenesis and
Applications. Elsevier Developments in Sedimentology Series vol. 62., pp. 180-214.

Cirilli, S., Marzoli, A., Tanner, L.H.,  Bertrand, H., Buratti, N., Jourdan, F., Bellieni, G., Kontak, D., Renne, R.P., 2009. The onset of CAMP eruptive activity and the Tr-J boundary: Stratigraphic constraints from the Fundy Basin, Nova Scotia. Earth and Planetary Science Letters (pdf).

Jourdan, F., Marzoli A., Bertrande, H., Cirilli, S., Tanner, L.H., Kontak, D.J., McHone, G.,
Renne, P.R., Bellieni, G., 2009. ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages of CAMP in North America: implications for the
Triassic-Jurassic boundary and the 40K decay constant bias. Lithos 110-167-180 (pdf).

Tanner, L.H., Kyte, F.T. and Walker, A.E.*, 2008. Multiple Ir anomalies in uppermost
Triassic to Jurassic-age strata of the Blomidon Formation, Fundy basin, eastern Canada. Earth
and Planetary Science Letters. 274, 103-111 (pdf).

FAMILY LIFE

Even I know that research isn’t everything.  I wouldn’t be doing all the neat stuff without the support of my great family. Emily, now in high school, is a talented pianist, and loves animals and reading.  My wife Linda LeMura, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Le Moyne , is a noted researcher in the field of physiology, with a specialty in the study of pediatric obesity.  I’m fortunate to have them accompany me (occasionally) in the field.  We all enjoy attending the concerts of the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, the crown jewel in the firmament of Syracuse cultural life.  When we’re away from the house, Checkers the Cat holds down the fort and keeps the neighborhood rodent-free.

                                      Emily at the keys of the Yamaha (see a clip of Emily's Spring 2009 recital here).

                                                                   On vacation in Boston in July, 2009

                                             Don't let the relaxed posture fool you; he is always vigilant for rodents!

OTHER INTERESTS

My family and I are ardent supporters of the amazingly active and diverse Syracuse cultural scene.  We are huge fans and season ticket holders of the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra (see the web site here), truly a gem for a city this small, and also regularly attend the Syracuse Opera, the Chamber Music series, Syracuse Stage, as well as the many events at Le Moyne College (Gifford Family Theater, Piano in the Panasci, etc.).