Robert F. Diffendal, Jr.
Hi, I’m Bob Diffendal, and I’m a geologist and professor emeritus in the School of Natural Resources.
While I formally retired in September of 2003, I remain quite active in the School and University, particularly in writing and public speaking about Earth science.
The most significant publishing I’ve done recently has been to co-write, with my wife Anne, a historian, two educational circulars to the Earth science recorded by the Lewis and Clark expedition as they explored Nebraska and the Great Plains. These were published in anticipation of the 2004 bicentennial of the Corps of Discovery’s journey and the anticipated retracing of the explorers’ route by hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of tourists and re-enactors. I also co-authored with Matt Joeckel (SNR) a major article on the changes in the geology around Lake McConaughy since its creation.
The School of Natural Resources published Lewis and Clark the Geology of the Great Plains and Lewis and Clark and the Geology of Nebraska and Parts of Adjacent States in late 2003. Information on these is available through the School at: (402) 472-3471 or by email at: snrsales@unl.edu .
During my active career, my major research emphases were on geologic mapping of various parts of Nebraska, as well as other geological research resulting in publication of maps, articles and public educational materials. I have continued these emphases since my retirement. I also have given and continue to give talks on the geology of Nebraska and elsewhere and to lead field trips to sites in Nebraska for people of all ages.
My specific research interests have to do with the geology of western and north-central Nebraska; Upper Paleozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic geology, mostly in Nebraska, and invertebrate fossils. I also have done research on the geology of parts of China. I have had a long-standing interest in the culture, people and landscape of China and have made seven trips there over the last 25 years to teach, tour, and do research.
Other current professional service activities include:
- Editor of Great Plains Research, a social and natural sciences journal published through the Center for UNL Great Plains Studies, a post I just assumed
- A member of the UNL Chancellor’s Speaker’s Bureau
Previously, I served as:
- SNR coordinator on Hardin Hall, including coordinating input into and keeping people informed of progress on the School’s new building
- Executive secretary of the North-Central Section of the Geological Society of America (GSA)
- Associate editor and editorial board member of the Journal of Geosciences of China
- a Member of the GSA Annual Program Committee
- Chair and organizer of the 1995 combined North-Central/South-Central Regional Meeting of GSA
- President of the UNL Faculty Senate in 1988-89
- First assistant director of the School of Natural Resources
Personnel Information
| Name | Robert F. Diffendal |
| University Title | Professor Emeritus |
| Additional Title | Research Geologist |
| Address | 606 Hardin Hall, Lincoln NE 68583-0996 |
| Phone | 402-472-7546 or 402-472-6970 |
| Fax | 402-472-2946 |
| rdiffendal1@unl.edu | |
| Related Websites | http://csd.unl.edu http://snr.unl.edu |
Go to Bob's Full Profile
Key Publications
- Huang, P-H. and R.F. Diffendal, Jr.. 1998. Mountain Evolution and Environmental Changes of Huangshan, China. Scientia Geographic Sinica. 18:401-408.
- Joeckel, R.M., R.F. Diffendal, Jr., 2004. Geomorphic and Environmental Change Around a Large, Aging Reservoir: Lake C.W. McConaughy, Western Nebraska, USA. Environmental and Engineering Geology, 10: 69-90.
- Pabian, R.K. and R.F. Diffendal, Jr. 2003. Late Pennsylvanian and Earliest Permian Cyclic Sedimentation and Paleoecology in Southeastern Nebraska. Missouri Geological Survey Special Publication. 11:35-52.
- Huang, P-H, R.F. Diffendal, Jr. and M. Yang. 2002. Structural and Geomorphic Evolution of Hangshan (Yellow Mountain), Anhui Province, China. TER-QUA Symposium Series. 3:109-124.
- Diffendal, R.F., Jr.. 1999. Earth in Four Dimensions - Development of the Ideas of Geologic Time and History. Nebraska History. 80:95-104.
