![Dylan Ward and Daniel Sturmer stand on a boulder-strewn beach in California.](https://www.uc.edu/news/articles/2024/04/n21246071/jcr:content/image.img.cq5dam.thumbnail.500.500.jpg/1713901405210.jpg)
WVXU: Why is part of Green Township called Dent?
UC geologist explains origins of Ohio village
WVXU turned to a University of Cincinnati geologist to explain how an Ohio village on Cincinnati's West Side got its unusual name.
WVXU tried to answer listener Mike Wuerth's question about how the section of Green Township known as Dent got its colorful name as part of the station's OKI Wanna Know series.
The Green Township Historical Association said the village once was called Challensville after a local property owner, the Rev. James Challens. But state politician Charles Reemelin suggested the village be called Dent after its valley topography.
UC Associate Professor of Geosciences Dylan Ward said Dent got its "dent" from Ohio's glacial past.
The area drained into what we called today Taylor Creek, he said.
"The reason this catchment is deeper and a little bit bigger than its neighbors is because of where that creek joins the Great Miami (River), right around Miamitown," Ward says. "That part of the Great Miami was relocated by the last ice sheet."
Ward said Dent is one example of how glaciers and rivers shaped Ohio's landscapes today.
"This area of Dent is just one little microcosm of the kinds of interactions between glaciers, rivers and the terrain around them," he told WVXU.
Featured image at top: UC Associate Professor Dylan Ward, left, talks to geosciences students on a rocky beach during a field trip in California. Also pictured is UC Associate Professor Daniel Sturmer. Photo/Michael Miller
Related Stories
Senior peer career coaches graduate with resumes ready
April 17, 2021
Profiles three senior peer career coaches in the University of Cincinnati's Bearcat Promise Career Studio
UC students recognized for achievement in undergraduate research
April 12, 2021
Undergraduate student researchers in sciences and humanities recognized in 2021
2021 University Recognition Ceremony honors student achievements
April 13, 2021
The University of Cincinnati recognizes students each year who have made significant service, leadership, and academic contributions to the UC community. These students exemplify the spirit of what it means to be a Bearcat.
UC Day of Giving a success
April 28, 2021
University of Cincinnati Day of Giving’s 24-hour challenge was a tremendous success this year, raising $2,219,197 with 3,232 gifts. The fourth annual UC Day of Giving raised its most money to date with alumni, donors, students, faculty and staff joining together to support UC and UC Health.
'To make him proud was high on her list'
April 1, 2021
Alex Lewis lost her 82-year-old grandfather to Covid-19 just five weeks before her dream school showed up on the front steps of Roger Bacon High School to tell the senior that she has been admitted to the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing as part of a touching Decision Day surprise effort this year.
UC students recognized for achievement in undergraduate research
April 29, 2020
Each spring, the University of Cincinnati’s Division of Experience-Based Learning and Career Education (ELCE) honors students in experience-based learning programs.
President picks exceptional talent
April 28, 2021
The University of Cincinnati 2021 Presidential Leadership Medal of Excellence Awards honor six undergraduate scholars for scholarship, leadership, character, service and the ideals of the university. Awardees are spotlighted for exceptional academics, creativity, community service and innovation.
Listen: Cincy Playhouse shares CCM audio plays
May 28, 2021
Each audio play is its own story, and you can listen to these pieces for free in any order you choose. They represent a year-long collaboration that reached into many corners of Cincinnati. Students from all over UC (CCM Acting, Sound Design, Stage Management, Commercial Music Production, Digital Media, and the College of Arts & Sciences’ Fiction PhD program) and local professional writers (YA author Liz Coley and musician, comedian and raconteur Paul Strickland) came together to make something truly special. Paul Strickland's play will be available soon. The Playhouse is assisting CCM by hosting and helping to promote these free audio plays.
UC staff have elected their 2021-23 Staff Senators
June 8, 2021
Join us in congratulating the 2021-23 new Staff Senate members! Elections were held in early May, and new senators will begin their two-year term in July 2021. All UC staff are encouraged to be part of the enthusiasm and excitement for our new senators by attending the Staff Senate online meeting via WebEx, June 30, 9-11 a.m.
UC LGBTQ Center founder takes on new diversity role
June 1, 2021
When Leisan Smith, ’99, ME ’03, began work this year as the inaugural chief equity officer at the prestigious Columbus School for Girls, the school’s staff and faculty were thrilled. The job description, they said, “was written for you.”