Western Michigan University news and update highlights for July 5 - 11, 2013. This week's campus photo features 'The Michigan Copper Erratic' found on main campus. Recovered from the Great Lakes Bottomlands, it is on loan from the State of Michigan, Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
The plaque reads:
"This large piece of native copper, shaped like the state of Michigan, was formed as hot, copper-rich water flowed through fractures in the Precambrian volcanic rocks of Michigan's Upper Peninsula more than a billion years ago, and deposited masses of pure copper within the fractures.
Glaciers, advancing and retreating through the region about 35,000 years ago, eroded the ancient volcanic rocks and the copper veins in them. When the glaciers melted about 10,000 years ago, pieces of copper, such as this specimen, were left strewn along with other glacial deposits throughout the region.
Shortly after the glaciers retreated, the first Native Americans entered the Lake Superior region and used this "float" copper for implements, ornaments, and weapons. These same early people also discovered the parent copper veins and started mining copper in what, thousands of years later, became the world famous Michigan Copper District of the Keweenaw Peninsula.
Discovered by Brian Shulze, Lake Superior - 45 feet of water depth, 1 mile offshore Eagle River, Michigan. Recovered in 2006 by Brian and Paula Shulze; Don and Katie Anderson; and Ben, Kristie, and Bella Bigari. More information and other displays can be seen in the: Schmaltz Geological Museum, Geosciences Department, Rood Hall."
To learn more, please visit the Schmaltz Geological Museum's website by clicking here.
WMU NEWS
Regional locations to offer convenient master's program. Read more here.
Bike race part of weekend of cycling events. Read more here.
ATHLETICS NEWS
Bronco Hockey Heads to NHL Development Camps. Read more here.
Marks Wins Fourth Great Lakes Women's Amateur Championship Title (Tennis-W). Read more here.
Farmer Officially Hired as Assistant Men's Basketball Coach. Read more here.
Frankland Joins Western Michigan Men's Soccer Staff. Read more here.
Ashby (Tennis) Featured on Sports Illustrated's "Faces in the Crowd." Read more here.