"Grundy" soil monolith, Daniel Hirmas

The vertical objects installed here were produced by Dr. Daniel Hirmas, KU associate professor of geography and atmospheric science, whose research focuses on the relationship between soil form and function. Soils evolve distinct forms, or morphologies, that are visually legible through layers of various colors, textures, and compositions. This complex network of particles and pores allows for the movement and retention of water, solutes, and gases, and an emergent cohesiveness that together create the conditions that sustain both individual organisms and entire terrestrial ecosystems. To make soil morphology visible for study, Hirmas and students have collected large intact sections of soil called monoliths. Generally used for teaching in a laboratory setting, these monoliths have been prepared for exhibition by Hirmas and undergraduate student Yuhan Ye. Wall drawings will become artifacts of Hirmas’s gallery talk on Wednesday, September 27, from 1:30–2:30 pm.