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Peter Nicholas Krembs

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Peter Krembs

Geologist
Civil Engineering | San Francisco Bay Area, US

Summary

I am a licensed professional geologist specializing in geotechnical engineering and engineering geology. My work focuses on soil explorations, geologic hazards, slope stability and seepage, and risk and reliability for levees and dams.

My goal is basically to continue learning as much as I can and taking on higher levels of technical responsibility in the agency that I work for. Far from being an expert, I've discovered that when you think you know something there's always someone out there to show you something new.
Specialties: Engineering geology, remote sensing, soils, modeling, hydrogeology, geographic information systems, finite element analysis, geotechnical investigations

Experience

  • Jun 2002 - Present

    Geologist / U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

    Geotechnical engineering, soils analysis, site assessments and reports for flood control, ecosystem restoration and dredging projects throughout Northern California.

Education

  • 1999 - 2002

    Georgia Southern University

    B.S. in Geography, Geology, Earth Science
    Activities: Omicron Delta Kappa

Additional information

Websites:
My Website
Interests:
philosophy, science, running, reading, bocce ball, investing, hiking
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Peter Krembs' Scientific Notation

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Posts

  • December 01, 12:59 AM

    Entertainment vs. info


    On Black Friday, I went to see 2012 for a matinee showing and hopefully avoid being kicked, prodded, trampled on and otherwise annoyed with the throngs of shoppers itching to brawl for $20 HDTVs and Zhu-Zhu hamsters.
    2012 accomplishes its mission in that it is entertaining, but that’s about it. The only believable plot elements were the fact that the government kept the impending destruction of the Earth a state secret and that only a limited number of elite scum were allowed a ticket aboard the “ark” to hold the seed that would re-populate the planet after the cataclysm.

    Although like most fiction, the science behind 2012 has some roots in geologic fact. It is true that throughout the Earth’s ~5 billion year history, there have indeed been geomagnetic polar reversals. But there is no evidence to suggest that this caused massive tectonic shifts within a 24 hour period. Not to mention, the over-heating of the earth’s core and mantle is the least of your problems if there was a solar flare large enough to cause such a phenomenon—you would’ve already been burnt to a crisp by direct radiation.

    So, the 3 take away lessons from 2012 are: (1) Governments cover-up and lie (2) geologic changes occur over the geologic time scale, which is measured in tens of thousands-millions of years (always...this includes climate change as well); (3) you are sorely mistaken if you are part of the oligarch class. Not a chance.
  • November 07, 04:19 PM

    Remember, this stuff is only 4000 years old!



    This is what a geologic "contact" looks like, at least between the Arapahoe and Laramie formations in Golden, Colorado.  This picture was taken in the parking lot behind the materials testing building at the Colorado School of Mines.  It's called an unconformity because there was some significant amount of time that past between the deposition of these layers during the Cretaceous Period. 

    Although difficult to determine the ordering from the photograph due to the fact that both units contain quartz sandstone, my sense is that the older Laramie Formation is on the left, upturning the younger Arapahoe Formation due to a thrust fault further west.  Plus, the older formation looks a bit more weathered than its younger sister.

    And would you believe that the Geology Museum at Mines has trilobite fossils on display that they claim are about 450 million years old?!?  Gah!  I wonder how these critters fit into the Creation Museum's disgraceful exhibits?  They probably have Adam sprinkling them on his pizza...because by their reckoning of time, Domino's would be have to be delivering to Gondwanaland.
Peter Krembs' Scientific Notation

Listonian Free State

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Posts

  • June 27, 06:48 PM

    Motion of no-confidence adopted; government falls

    LISTON-- An opposition-backed motion of no-confidence won approval in the National Assembly today, coming on the heels of the near-passage of an abortion liberalization bill which prompted a rebellion of of the ruling Free Democrats' backbenchers.

    In an attempt to save some face and prevent L-209's final passage by the National Assembly, the Government moved up the vote on the no-confidence motion to Sunday, a week before a final reading of L-209 was scheduled.  The motion was approved by a unanimous voice vote, and send the country into a 30-day nationwide campaign which will culminate in an election on 27 July.
  • June 25, 01:01 PM

    FDP rebels expelled from caucus; Government to accept motion of no-confidence

    LISTON-- The 108 Free Democrats who rebelled against the party in a vote on L-209 have been expelled from the parliamentary caucus.  In a prepared press statement, Deputy President Dan Featherstonehaugh expressed "with regret" the removals, but said the FDP had reached a cross-roads in its political philosophy and indicated that it would embrace a more "libertarian-populist" model of policy based on "respect for human life and dignity, which is a foundation to any moral capitalist system", he stated.

    The three page communique also decribed shortcomings with the current governmental structure, and hinted that the FDP would campaign on reforming the Constitution to "maximize political participation and devolve power from the unitary state to regional entities."

    The Government also indicated that it would not oppose a motion of no-confidence, introduced by the opposition Socialist Party-- a pre-requisite to the dissolution of the National Assembly by the President.  A vote on the measure could come as soon as Saturday or Sunday.
  • June 24, 11:54 PM

    Government on the brink

    LISTON-- L-209, a bill which has unified leftist parties and exposed deep fractures in the ruling Free Democrats cleared its second reading in the National Assembly today and is one step away from becoming the law of the land: in order for the legislation to pass out of the National Assembly, it must undergo a third reading, likely weeks away.

    Meanwhile, sources close to President Krembs tell the Liston Free Press that the Cabinet met today after the vote on L-209 and is seriously considering allowing a motion of no-confidence, introduced by the opposition Socialist Party, to go forward.  If such a motion passes, it would require at least most of the 108 Free Democrats who crossed the aisle today to vote in the affirmative-- an increasingly probable scenario since Free Democrat leaders across the country are calling for the deputies who supported L-209 to be expelled from the caucus.  In the process, it may just allow the President and his more conservative, populist faction of the party to save face before being handed an ultimate defeat on the bill, and head into early elections.
  • June 24, 01:54 PM

    Government loses abortion vote (BREAKING)

    Liston-- In a dramatic vote, the National Assembly today passed L-209 in its seconding reading, handing a defeat to the Krembs government and highlighting the fractures of the ruling Free Democrats over abortion.

    The bill, which would essentially make legal unresticted abortion, was approved by a vote of 279-268.  Leftist opposition parties voted overwhelmingly for the bill, and secured approval when 108 Free Democrats crossed the aisle with "aye" votes.

    What happens next remains unclear.  If the Free Democrats expel from their caucus those members who voted against the Government, they would immediately lose their already slim majority and the President would have to dissolve the National Assembly.  On the other hand, a coalition of opposition parties could introduce a confidence motion and bring down the Government nonetheless and probably secure support from the Free Democrats who crossed the floor on the recent vote in the process.

    The final vote tally, by party--

    Free Democrats: Aye (108), Nay (168)
    Socialist Party: Aye (135), Nay (6)
    Radical Party: Aye (2), Nay (57)
    Workers Revolutionary Party: Aye (32), Nay (0)
    Cruistian Democrats: Aye (0), Nay (18)
    Conservative Nationalists: Aye (0), Nay (6)
    Party of Moun: Aye (0), Nay (4)
    Independents: Aye (2), Nay (9)
  • June 17, 10:57 PM

    Abortion dispute highlights fractures in Free Democrats' civic libertarianism

    Liston Free Press-- Things may be coming to a head in the Free Democratic Party which has controlled the government of the Free State since its independence eight years ago.

    Since the Free Press reported on an internal FDP debate on L-209, a Socialist bill which, with few exceptions, would allow for completely unrestricted abortion in the country, many FDP backbenchers have come forward with other concerns regarding FDP policies, including the disestablishment of the Central Bank last year.  "The devil is in the details," said Dave Grynwyyd, professor of political science at the University of Liston.  "The FDP is a broad grouping of traditional, classical liberals and moderate libertarians.  They generally agree on broad principles, but there are wedge issues like finance and abortion that can rankle party cohesion."  "We can see essentially two factions of the FDP: the populist conservatives lead by President Krembs and the traditional capitalists, who are more socially permissive and sympathetic to corporate interests," he said.

    Such divisions may have always existed since the party's formation but are only now seething to the surface.  "After 8 years of rule, it's apparent that some in the FDP are getting restless with the current management," said Grynwyyd.  Time will tell if the cracks can be patched or will splay under pressure.
  • June 17, 12:05 AM

    Abortion bill divides government

    Liston Free Press-- The legality of abortion, long thought to have been a divisive issue amongst ideological opposites, has opened up a rift amongst MPs in the governing Free Democratic Party.  At issue is bill L-209, introduced by a vocal pro-choice FDP backbencher, Marcus Hollzerhen, without the endorsement of the Government.  However, as the bill progressed through its first reading in the National Assembly and received support from the opposition Socialist Party it received the attention of the Cabinet as any strong support for the bill amongst opposition parties could be perceived as a vote of no confidence and bring down the Government.

    Cabinet ministers-- who spoke to the Liston Free Press on the condition of anonymity--  say there is serious private debate about the bill in the Cabinet Room in Liston, with an anti-abortion faction-- thought to include President Krembs-- issuing instructions to the Whip to hold backbenchers to a "no" vote.  However, the Cabinet sources interviewed by the Liston Free Press say another faction, which supports a more liberalized abortion policy, has challenged that decision.

    The issue may come to a head later this month, as the L-209 will receive a second reading from the Chair of the National Assembly, and a formal vote tallied in an attempt to progress the bill to its final reading and potential passage.
  • October 11, 08:03 PM

    LFS moves to revalue currency

    LISTON FREE PRESS-- In an surprise move, the Finance Minister introduced a government-backed bill that would require the national currency to be backed by tangible gold reserves.

    Lewis Tredegar, MNA and Minister of Finance held a brief press conference. "This bill would require that the Central Bank of the LFS hold gold reserves that are actually redeemable upon presentation of a Rand. This government has heeded the advice of many leading monetary economists, and we have reached the conclusion that a fiat currency which is currently arbitrarily set equal to the Cruisanian Crown, is not sustainable for our republic."

    Investors reacted cautiously to the news, as stock indices on the Liston Stock Exchange (LSE) fell nearly ten percent on Monday in reaction to the news, although mining stocks and gold exchange traded funds rallied nearly 20 points by the end of the day.
  • September 20, 03:34 PM

    Maps

    Listonia's position on the northwest portion of the continent of Melania.
  • February 26, 07:45 PM

    Economy

    The Listonian Free State enjoys a free-market economy with little intervention from the government, resulting in a superb standard of living for citizens of all races, creeds, genders, and classes.

    After the breakup of the former Federal Republic of Brolecia, the founders of the LFS undertook dramatic and progressive reforms to liberalize industry and banking, including the establishment of the Liston Stock Exchange (LSE) and the Liston Mercantile Exchange (LME).

    The operations of government are funded through taxes levied on the unimproved value of land throughout the country as well as excise taxes (gambling, alcohol, tobacco and marijuana) and user fees; there are no income taxes (personal or corporate) or sales taxes.

    As the constitution requires the government to issue a balanced budget unless there is a national emergency, revenues currently exceed expenditures and the government runs a surplus which is in turn held in the National Trust. This, combined with a national lottery, is the basis for education and public health funding as well as a social safety net for workers and retirees.
  • February 26, 04:15 PM

    Military

    The Free Listonian Defense Forces (FLDF) comprise the armed forces of the Listonian Free State. Always subordinate to civil authority, command is vested in the Minister of Defense except in a time of war or national emergency, when it vests in the State President. The Chief of the General Staff, who advises the Cabinet on military matters is the highest ranking commissioned officer of the FLDF.

    The FLDF is an all volunteer, professional military (there is no draft or compulsory service in the LFS) composed of land (army), sea (naval) and air force staffs. Men and women between the ages of 18-40 are eligible for admission. As of 305, there are approximately 95,000 active-duty enlisted and commissioned individuals in the FLDF. Constitutional law prohibits the deployment of the FLDF within the territory of the State except for training exercises or to repel foreign invasion.

    In addition to active-duty forces, the FLDF maintains a reserve complement of approximately 30,000 individuals who train regularly, but otherwise maintain their civilian lives.

    Because of the relatively small size (in terms of manpower) of the FLDF, remote weapons systems and research and development account for a large portion of the annual defense budget. The FLDF has invested heavily in cruise missile systems, unmanned attack vehicles (UAVs) and airborne stealth technologies.
  • October 04, 04:09 PM

    The National Flag of the Listonian Free State


    The National Flag



    Naval Ensign




    Civil Ensign



  • May 27, 11:11 AM

    Offices of the Government


    The constitution of the Listonian Free State specifies that there are three equal, co-operative branches of government: the executive (consisting of the State President and Cabinet, collectively), the legislative (the National Assembly) and the judicial (the Constitutional Court).

    Executive authority is vested in the State President, who is head of state and government. He/she is elected by a majority vote of the National Assembly from amongst its members. In practice, it is the person who is the leader of the largest party or coalition of parties. Upon taking oath, the State President resigns his/her seat and another candidate from that party's list is elevated to the National Assembly. The State President appoints the Deputy State President and Cabinet from among the members of the National Assembly, subject to approval by a majority vote. The President may be impeached and removed from office by a super-majority of the National Assembly for serious violation of the Constitution or the law, serious misconduct or inability to discharge the office.

    The duties of the State President include:
    • assenting to and signing Bills;
    • referring a Bill back to the National Assembly for reconsideration of the Bill's constitutionality;
    • referring a Bill to the Constitutional Court for a decision on the Bill's constitutionality;
    • summoning the National Assembly to an extraordinary sitting to conduct special business;
    • making any appointments that the Constitution or legislation requires the President to make, other than as head of the national executive;
    • appointing commissions of inquiry;
    • calling a national referendum in terms of an Act of the National Assembly;
    • receiving and recognizing foreign diplomatic and consular representatives;
    • appointing ambassadors, plenipotentiaries, and diplomatic and consular representatives;
    • pardoning or reprieving offenders and remitting any fines, penalties or forfeitures; and
    • conferring honors.

    The National Assembly has a fixed term of 5 years, but may be dissolved early if two conditions are met: (1) The State President must dissolve the National Assembly upon the adoption of of a resolution to dissolve by a majority of its members and (2) at least 6 months have passed since the National Assembly was constituted.

    The Constitutional Court is composed of 11 justices (including a Chief Justice) who are appointed for terms of 15 years by the State President after consultation with the Judicial Service Commission and the leaders of the parties or factions in the National Assembly, subject to approval of a majority of the members of the National Assembly.
    The Cabinet
    State President - Peter Krembs
    Deputy State President (portfolio for the Ministry of Energy) - Daniel Featherstonehaugh, MNA
    Minister of Agriculture - William Pribble, MNA
    Minister of Defense - Jonathan Rhys, MNA
    Minister of Education - Gerald ap Kohler, MNA
    Minister of the Environment - Sheldon Osterlitz, MNA
    Minister of Finance - Lewis Tredegar, MNA
    Minister of Foreign Relations - Jared Lee, MNA
    Minister of Housing & Urban Development - Thomas Roth, MNA
    Minister of Information - Mary von Rosenberg, MNA
    Minister of Intelligence Services - Franklin Strober, MNA
    Minister of Justice & Attorney General - Susan ap Howell, MNA
    Minister of Labor - Jeffrey Fernwood, MNA
    Minister of Public Health - Nick Jakel, MNA
    Minister of Science & Technology - Eli ap Combwyd, MNA
    Minister of Trade - Julian Edmonston, MNA
    Minister of Transport - Diana ap Fife, MNA
  • June 17, 11:05 PM

    World Factbook

    Name (conventional long form): Listonian Free State
    (conventional short form): Listonia

    Capital and largest city: Liston (3.25 million est.)

    Population (305 est.): 12.52 million

    Major Religions: Cruistianity, Mounism, Atheism

    Major Ethnic Groups (305 est.): Black 29%; White 31%; Mulatto 25%; other 15%

    Government type: Federal unitary constitutional republic
    Democratic system: Parliamentary
    Legislative: National Assembly (547 members), elected to 5-year terms from a proportional party list method
    election results: seats by party - Free Democratic Party (moderate libertarian & democratic capitalism) 276, Socialist Party (democratic socialist) 141, Radical Party (center-left) 59, Worker's Revolutionary Party (radical left) 32, Cruistian Democratic Party (center-right) 18, Conservative Nationalist Party (radical right) 6, Party of Moun (Mounist) 4, independent 11

    Executive:
    chief of state and government: State President Peter KREMBS (note: the State President is elected by the National Assembly for a 5 year term; he/she is usually the leader of the largest party or coalition in the National Assembly)
    cabinet: appointed by the State President from the National Assembly

    Judicial: Constitutional Court (11 judges appointed by the President with the consent of the National Assembly)

    Suffrage: Universal (18 years of age)

    National Holiday: 11 November (Independence Day)

    Currency: Rand (1 Rand = 100 cents); notes and coins redeemable for gold and silver reserves

    Armed Forces: Free Listonian Defense Force
    manpower (305 est.): 95,000

    International Organizations: United Nations of Vexillium; Melanian Sea Treaty Organization
Listonian Free State

Imperfect polymathic (mostly trivia) geologist living and working in San Francisco, CA