Xenon Geosciences, Inc. is a provider of geological and near-surface geophysical services. Difficult conditions are our expertise.
We specialize in subsurface characterization and conceptual site modeling. Our services are applied to environmental investigations, engineering studies, litigation support, and natural resource development.
Believing that meaningful answers cannot be provided to ill-posed questions, we emphasise the identification of the key conditions and drivers which govern a given project, and specifically testing those conditions.
Who
Mark Howell, president of Xenon Geosciences, Inc., received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Geology from Wright State University. While at WSU, he focused on academic areas that would lead to understanding geologic conditions:
- sedimentology - assisted Dr. G. Robert Brackenridge in field sampling and fluvial provenance studies;
- structural geology - advanced course work in Appalachian structure, thesis on systematic fracturing in the Valley and Ridge and Allegheny Plateau Provinces of West Virginia;
- geophysics - all course work, participated in summer of seismic reflection acquisition in central Ohio, structure mapping from seismic data from the New York Finger Lakes region;
- field geology - teaching assistant at field camp in Great Smoky Mountain region for two consecutive years and for numerous geologic field trips in Ohio.
His professional experience has included employment with engineering and environmental firms, and owner of small geological consulting firms. Professional details are found on my LinkedIn page: http://www.linkedin.com/in/xenongeosciences
Mr. Howell is licensed or registered in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee and serves on the Indiana Board of Licensure for Professional Geologists.
What
Xenon specializes in subsurface characterization for environmental, engineering, and natural resource applications. Believing that meaningful answers cannot be provided to ill-posed questions, emphasis is placed on defining key project drivers and geologic conditions that are in play for a given project, and specifically testing those conditions. Existing data are compiled, and designing means of specifically testing those key conditions. This focused approach is geared toward long-term efficiency of project effort and budget.
Mr. Howell specializes in difficult subsurface problems, including site characterization, development of conceptual site models, historical contamination, geologic and geophysical exploration, and geologic synthesis. He currently sits on the Indiana Board of Licensure for Professional Geologists and has served as President of the Ohio Section of AIPG.
A little corporate history
Xenon Geosciences was formed as a partnership between Dr. Benjamin Richard and Dr. Paul Wolfe of the Geological Sciences Department of Wright State University, Fairborn, Ohio. I studied geology and geophysics under the two, in the classroom, during a summer of seismic acquisition, and as a student and instructor at field camp in Maryville, Tennessee. As a graduate student I worked for Xenon on a seismic interpretation project, and after a decade of professional experience, joined with them as Xenon Geosciences, Inc.
"Xenon" has diverse meanings. It derives from the Greek word ξένον, meaning 'foreign', 'strange', or 'guest.' It is a noble gas and is used for imaging, as a gas in high-intensity lamps and as an emission source for medical imaging. Xenon was chosen as a name for the original partnership as Dr. Wolfe resided in Xenia and Dr. Richard in Enon, Ohio.