Vol. 6, No. 12 December 1996 INSIDE • Northeastern Section Meeting, p. 25 GSA TODAY • South-Central and Rocky Mountain Sections Meeting, p. 31 A Publication of the Geological Society of America • 1997 GeoVentures, p. 41

STRATA: Freeware for analyzing classic stratigraphic problems Peter B. Flemings, Department of Geosciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802 John P. Grotzinger, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139

ABSTRACT We use STRATA, a stratigraphic modeling package we have developed, to describe and illustrate several classic problems in both siliciclastic and carbonate stratigraphy that are still debated. Two simulations of clastic deposition show that, given constant subsidence rate, stratigraphic sequences can be generated by either eustatic sea-level change or variations in sediment supply, and that the result- ing stratigraphic architectures are extremely similar. Two examples of carbonate deposition illuminate the develop- ment of meter-scale shallowing cycles, and a mechanism for generating “cycle bundling” that results from the inter- action of sea-level change and the intrinsic dynamics of the carbonate system. Ultimately, stratigraphic models are most useful as a way of testing hypotheses of stratigraphic accu- mulation. We have found STRATA useful in research as well as geological education (it forms an integral component of stratigraphy classes at Penn State and MIT). We are releasing it as freeware over the Internet (http://hydro.geosc.psu.edu).

INTRODUCTION Over the past two decades there has been a tremendous improvement in our ability to observe, describe, and interpret the stratigraphic record, made possible in large part by the advent of high-resolution seismic stratigraphic methods (e.g., Vail et al., 1977; Haq et al., 1987; Posamentier and Vail, 1988; Van Wagoner et al., 1990; Van Wagoner, 1995b; Christie-Blick, 1991; Christie- Blick and Driscoll, 1995). Forward modeling, which links sedi- ment transport with basin subsidence, has played an important role in interpreting how complex depositional processes interact through time to produce the architectures observed in stratified sedimentary rocks (Read et al., 1986; Jervey, 1988; Jordan and Flemings, 1991; Lawrence et al., 1990). Developments in these fields have been extremely rapid. As a result, the literature is voluminous, and, particularly for those not intimately familiar with seismic and sequence stratigraphy, the terminology can be formidable (Van Wagoner, 1995a). With the caveat that forward models are no better than their assumptions, either explicit or implied, stratigraphic modeling provides an objective basis for researchers to independently test Figure 1. Generation of depositional sequences by eustatic sea-level change. hypotheses conceived in the field, or for teachers to illustrate A and B: Depth cross sections of evolving sedimentary basin at two time- complex sequence stratigraphic concepts with a minimum expo- steps (7 and 9 m.y.). Inset in B expands the sequence-boundary unconfor- mity formed during falling sea level. Colors record water depth at which stra- sure to terminology. From a pedagogical perspective, an impor- tum accumulated (scale at top). Horizontal dashed line is a fixed reference tant advantage of forward models is that they can illustrate datum (0 m absolute sea level); dark blue horizontal line marks sea-level posi- stratigraphic development through time, whereas the rock record tion at the time of the display. Strata between successive black “time lines” provides only the final result, from which previous stages of evo- were all deposited over the same 0.5 m.y. interval. C: Wheeler or chronos- lution must be inferred. tratigraphic diagram (vertical axis is time instead of depth). Gray areas repre- sent lacunae, locations and times for which no deposition is recorded. Light It is now generally accepted that the three most important gray records degradational vacuity (e.g., times and locations for which depo- variables controlling stratigraphic geometry and the distribution sition occurred, but later the strata were eroded). Dark gray records hiatuses (e.g., times and locations for which there was no deposition). Eustatic sea- STRATA continued on p. 2 level history is shown on right-hand side. Parameters are listed in Table 1. IN THIS ISSUE December GSA TODAY STRATA: Freeware for analyzing Northeastern Section Meeting ...... 25 Vol. 6, No. 12 1996 classic stratigraphic problems ...... 1 South-Central and Rocky Mountain Sections Meeting ...... 31 GSA On the Web ...... 3 GSA TODAY (ISSN 1052-5173) is published New Members ...... 35 monthly by The Geological Society of America, Inc., In Memoriam ...... 3 with offices at 3300 Penrose Place, Boulder, Colorado. New Students ...... 36 Mailing address: P.O. Box 9140, Boulder, CO 80301- Rock Stars—Charles Darwin ...... 8 New Fellows ...... 37 9140, U.S.A. Periodicals class postage paid at Boulder, Environment Matters ...... 10 GSA Meetings ...... 37 Colorado, and at additional mailing offices. Postmas- Viewpoint ...... 13 ter: Send address changes to GSA Today, Membership Contents of: Services, P.O. Box 9140, Boulder, CO 80301-9140. 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Individual scientists are hereby granted Conductor Praises Mile High Chorale .... 20 1997 GeoVentures ...... 41 permission, without royalties or further requests, to Award Nomination Summary ...... 21 Classifieds ...... 46 make unlimited photocopies of the science articles for use in classrooms to further education and science, and to make up to five copies for distribution to associates in the furtherance of science; permission is granted to STRATA continued from p. 1 tries that result from variations in initial make more than five photocopies for other noncom- mercial, nonprofit purposes furthering science and edu- and boundary conditions. The disadvan- cation upon payment of the appropriate fee ($0.25 per of unconformities are tectonic subsidence, tage of the diffusion-based approach is page) directly to the Copyright Clearance Center, 27 eustasy, and sediment flux (Christie-Blick that it is a gross approximation of sedi- Congress Street, Salem, Massachusetts 01970, phone (508) 744-3350 (include title and ISSN when paying). and Driscoll, 1995). Simple as it seems, ment transport behavior. Written permission is required from GSA for all other separation of these variables on the basis This approach has been applied in a forms of capture, reproduction, and/or distribution of of field data alone, or using sophisticated wide variety of depositional settings. Begin any item in this journal by any means. GSA provides this and other forums for the presentation of diverse inversion techniques (Kominz and Bond, et al. (1981) and Kenyon and Turcotte opinions and positions by scientists worldwide, regard- 1990), can be troublesome (Kendall and (1985) proposed that sediment transport less of their race, citizenship, gender, religion, or politi- Lerche, 1988). In contrast, forward numer- could be described as a diffusive process in cal viewpoint. Opinions presented in this publication do not reflect official positions of the Society. ical modeling provides the user with clear fluvial and deltaic environments, respec- information about what the role and rela- tively. Jordan and Flemings (1991) linked SUBSCRIPTIONS for 1996 calendar year: tive importance of the different variables these approaches to simulate stratigraphy Society Members: GSA Today is provided as part of can be. Despite their simplicity, forward in an evolving basin. Kaufman et al. membership dues. Contact Membership Services at models produce remarkably realistic (1991) proposed that the diffusion con- (800) 472-1988 or (303) 447-2020 for membership information. Nonmembers & Institutions: Free with results and generate many of the charac- stant (K) declined as a function of water paid subscription to both GSA Bulletin and Geology, teristics commonly observed in the strati- depth in marine settings. Paola et al. otherwise $45 for U.S., Canada, and Mexico; $55 else- graphic record. (1992) derived equation 1 for braided and where. Contact Subscription Services. Single copies may be ordered from Publication Sales. Claims: For In this paper, we use STRATA to meandering fluvial settings, and Rivaneaes nonreceipt or for damaged copies, members contact describe and illustrate several classic (1992) used a multicomponent diffusion Membership Services; all others contact Subscription problems in both siliciclastic and carbon- equation to describe the transport of indi- Services. Claims are honored for one year; please allow sufficient delivery time for overseas copies. ate stratigraphy that are still debated. vidual grain sizes. We hope that these simple examples will STAFF: Prepared from contributions from the serve as a foundation for other workers to Siliciclastic Depositional GSA staff and membership. use this stratigraphic model in their own Sequences Executive Director: Donald M. Davidson, Jr. Science Editor: Suzanne M. Kay efforts to understand the stratigraphic Shallowing-upward, siliciclastic depo- Department of Geological Sciences, Cornell University, record. sitional sequences, overlain by relatively Ithaca, NY 14853 deep water facies, are one of the most Forum Editor: Bruce F. Molnia U.S. Geological Survey, MS 917, National Center, SILICICLASTIC STRATIGRAPHY commonly observed signatures in the Reston, VA 22092 stratigraphic record. Over the past century, Managing Editor: Faith Rogers Modeling Siliciclastic Deposition stratigraphers have come to understand Production & Marketing Manager: James R. Clark Production Editor and Coordinator: Joan E. Manly STRATA assumes that sediment that this basic attribute can be mapped Graphics Production: Joan E. Manly, Adam S. McNally transport, or flux, is proportional to slope. in three dimensions and through time. When combined with the assumption of For example, the depositional sequence ADVERTISING conservation of mass, the result is the often is interpreted to record progradation Classifieds and display: contact Ann Crawford diffusion equation (basinward shift of facies) followed by (303) 447-2020; fax 303-447-1133 retrogradation (landward shift of facies) ∂h ∂2h Issues of this publication are available electronically, in = K , (1) driven by relative changes in sea level ∂t ∂x2 full color, from GSA as Acrobat “Portable Document (Vail et al., 1977; Christie-Blick and Format” (PDF) files. These can be viewed and printed on personal computers using MSDOS or MSWindows, where h is elevation, t is time, K is the dif- Driscoll, 1995). on Macintoshes, or on Unix machines. You must use fusivity constant, and x is horizontal posi- Two simulations of passive margin the appropriate Adobe Acrobat Reader, available for tion. Equation 1 states that deposition or depositional sequences are illustrated. The free download from GSA and other online services. The more powerful Adobe Exchange program, available erosion is proportional to the change in first is caused by absolute (eustatic) sea- from commercial software suppliers, may also be used. local topographic slope. Diffusive pro- level change (Fig. 1). The second is driven Download the issues of GSA Today and/or the appropri- cesses are those in which the time-rate of by changes in sediment supply (Fig. 2). We ate Readers using the Uniform Resource Locator (URL): http://www.geosociety.org. Issues of GSA Today are change of some property is proportional assume for both simulations that the sub- posted about the first of the month of publication. to spatial gradients in that property (e.g., sidence rate is zero at the left (landward) This publication is included on GSA’s annual CD-ROM heat conduction, Darcy flow, or chemical margin and increases linearly to the right GSA Journals on Compact Disc. Call GSA Publication dispersion of solutes). The advantage of (basinward). For the first example (Fig. 1), Sales for details. this approach is that a single equation can Printed with pure soy inks on recyclable paper in the U.S.A. produce a broad range of stratal geome- STRATA continued on p. 3

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STRATA continued from p. 2 Shelf sediments are deposited at shallow on the landward side of the basin (left). depths (shaded yellow to red in Fig. 1). In As the shelf break migrates basinward dur- sediment is supplied at a constant rate contrast, slope sediments are deposited in ing progradation, the unconformity also along the left-hand margin, no outflux is deeper water (shaded in blue). The bound- propagates basinward. This unconformity allowed to occur along the right margin, ary between the shelf and slope is referred exposes older strata to erosion and is and sea level is varied sinusoidally with a to as the shelf break (Fig. 1A). marked by the intersection and truncation 4 m.y. period and an amplitude of 50 m. Lowering and subsequently raising of the timelines at the topographic surface The model results are shown in the absolute sea level (Fig. 1, A and B) pro- (Fig. 1A). This unconformity is then form of a lithostratigraphic cross section duces progradation (migration of the shelf onlapped during the ensuing retrograda- at two different times during the evolu- break basinward [right]) (Fig. 1A) followed tion (Fig. 1B, inset). The second unconfor- tion of this basin (Fig. 1, A and B). At each by retrogradation (migration of the shelf mity is a marine unconformity formed point in the simulation, the depositional break landward [left]) (Fig. 1B). Maximum during retrogradation. During sea-level surface has a flat “shelf” on the landward progradation is coincident with the rise, the relict shelf break is eroded (Fig. (left) side which merges with a steeper eustatic sea-level lowstand (dark blue 1B) before it is ultimately overlain by “slope” on the basinward (right) side line in Fig. 1A is 50 m below dashed line, downlapping strata during the ensuing (Fig. 1A). This geometry is simulated by which is a fixed datum). Maximum ret- progradational cycle. A chronostrati- varying the diffusion constant (K) so that rogradation occurs slightly before the graphic plot known as a Wheeler diagram it decreases as a function of water depth; highstand in sea level (Fig. 1B). (Fig. 1C; Wheeler, 1964) is particularly this approximates the more efficient sedi- The model generates two unconfor- useful for visualizing how unconformities ment transport found in the fluvial and mities. The first unconformity is the develop in time. Both the progradational shallow-marine environment relative to sequence boundary and is formed during that in the deeper marine environment. sea-level fall; this unconformity develops STRATA continued on p. 4

TABLE 1. PARAMETERS FOR FIGURES 1, 2, 4, AND 5 Fig. Width Subsidence Nonmarine Marine Sea-level Sea-level Sea-level Sea-level Sediment Max. rate diffusion diffusion 1st order 1st order 2nd order 2nd order flux carbonate constant constant amplitude period amplitude period sed. rate (km) (mm/yr) (m2/yr) (m2/yr) (m) (m.y.) (m) (m.y.) (m2/yr) (mm/yr) 1 300 0.200 50,000 200 50.00 4.00 0.000 - 20 - 2 300 0.200 50,000 200 0.00 - - - Variable - 0–40 4 150 0.027 10 10 2.00 0.724 1.750 0.120 0.00 0.30 5 600 0.029 1 1 1.00 0.100 - - 0.00 0.50

GSA TODAY, December 1996 3 STRATA continued from p. 3 mity steps basinward (Fig. 1, A and C). When the rate of sea-level fall decreases, the unconformity is covered by sedimentation (sequence boundary) and the retrogradational unconformities are (onlapped) progressively from right to left (Fig. 1, B and C). Dur- clearly illustrated. ing this time, subsidence continues in the basinward zone (right), The simulated stratigraphy (Fig. 1) captures much of what we and the old shelf break is drowned and eroded. This retrograda- observe in depositional sequences and provides insight as to how tional unconformity is analogous to a transgressive ravinement these stratigraphic architectures might evolve. Sequence bound- surface (e.g., Nummedal and Swift, 1987). Above this unconfor- aries are formed during sea-level fall as the landward unconfor- mity, a marine flooding surface is formed (marked by blue over orange in Fig. 1B). Between any two progradational unconformi- ties (which form sequence boundaries) lies one depositional sequence. Figure 1C suggests that sequence boundary unconfor- mities shrink basinward and ultimately converge with the overly- ing flooding surfaces as actually observed in outcrop (e.g., Van Wagoner, 1995b). The temporal evolution of the sequence boundary unconfor- mity portrayed here (Fig. 1C) has important implications for the interpretation of the timing of eustatic sea-level change. The approach espoused by Vail (1977) is to assume that onlap of the sequence boundary occurs slowly through time and that offlap, or formation of the sequence boundary, is instantaneous. In con- trast, the results presented here suggest that erosion starts at the landward (left) side much earlier than at the basinward (right) side, as was originally predicted by Wheeler (1964). In accordance with the original prediction of Pitman (1978) and with the cur- rent Exxon approach to interpreting the timing of sea-level fall (Posamentier and Vail, 1988), the maximum rate of sea-level fall (the time of minimum creation of accommodation space) is roughly coincident with the onset of onlap of the sequence boundary (Fig. 1C) (see Christie-Blick and Driscoll [1995] for further discussion).

Flux-Driven Depositional Sequences We contrast the eustatically driven depositional sequence (Fig. 1) with one driven by sediment supply (Fig. 2). Sediment supply is input from the left margin and changes sinusoidally with an amplitude of 20 m2/yr and a period of 4 m.y. (Fig. 2B). Progradations and retrogradations correlate to increases and decreases in the rate of sediment supply. The progradational unconformity, or sequence boundary, is formed during times of decreasing sediment supply, while the retrogradational unconfor- Figure 2. Generation of sequences by variable sedi- mity is formed during times of increasing sediment supply (Fig. ment supply. Simulation is identical to Figure 1 except 2B). In this case, the age of the sequence boundary (determined that eustatic sea level does not change, but sediment by the age of the first strata to onlap the unconformity) slightly supply does. A: Lithostratigraphy. B: Wheeler diagram postdates the maximum rate of decrease in sediment supply (Fig. illustrates that unconformities are formed during times 2B). This occurs in much the same manner as in the case of a sea- of decreasing sediment supply. Note similarity of Figure 2 to Figure 1, even level–driven sequence (Fig. 1), for which the age of the unconfor- though the driving mechanism is different. Parameters are listed in Table 1. mity immediately postdates the maximum rate of fall in sea level. The sediment-flux–driven simulation (Fig. 2) is extremely similar to the sea-level–driven example (Fig. 1). This illustrates the complexity of the base-level concept. Variable sediment supply, coupled with constant subsidence, nat- urally results in stacked depositional sequences. Galloway (1989) emphasized that certain depositional sequences are driven by delta-lobe switching, rather than eustasy. STRATA (Fig. 2) clearly supports the plausibility of this alternative mechanism. Further- more, unlike the prediction of Christie-Blick (1991), it appears to generate depositional sequences that are essentially indistinguish- able from those generated by sea-level change. Jordan and Flem- ings (1991) showed that variable subsidence also can generate stratigraphic sequences, but we do not explore this here.

CARBONATE STRATIGRAPHY Carbonate sedimentation differs fundamentally from clastic sedimentation, because most carbonate sediments are produced Figure 3. The Milroy Member of the Middle Ordovician Loysburg Formation within, rather than external to, the sedimentary basin. Therefore, (person at lower right is about 2 m tall). Four of the six measured carbonate carbonate sediment generally does not undergo the extreme lat- cycles are visible; the dashed lines delineate their tops. Darker rock is the sub- eral sediment transport typical of siliciclastic sediment (Wilson, tidal facies; lighter rock is the intertidal facies. Cycle thicknesses are greater at 1975). Studies of modern carbonate depositional environments the base and thinner in the middle. Located at intersection of Rt. 322 and Rt. show that carbonate production rates are extremely high in shal- 26, State College, Pennsylvania.

4 GSA TODAY, December 1996 Figure 5. A: Cycle bundling as a result of “autocyclic” sedimentation dynamics. A 0.1 m.y. sea-level oscillation with a 1 m amplitude is imposed on Figure 4. A: Fischer plot (left) and measured section of Milroy Member a subsiding basin. Five cycles (circled numbers) are formed during the rising (right). B: Lithostratigraphy and Wheeler diagram simulated by STRATA. Red limb of the 0.1 m.y. sea-level change (fifth cycle has not yet formed for last horizontal lines mark 0.12 m.y. intervals, which correspond to the cycle dura- 0.1 m.y. cycle). Deposition results in aggradation to sea level when it then tions. Gray zones are disconformities. Parameters are illustrated in Table 1. stops for the 7000 yr lag time before it begins again; fortuitously, 5:1 cycle The 0.725 m.y. duration of this section was calculated by dividing the thick- bundling is produced. B: In this Wheeler diagram, major unconformities tie to ness of these rocks (19.5 m) by the mean accumulation rate (during the Mid- falling sea level. High-frequency cycles are diachronous, intersecting progres- dle Ordovician) of these strata (0.027 mm/yr). Similarly, the 0.12 m.y. cycle sively younger time lines from right to left. Cycles are thickest at the base, duration is interpreted by dividing the total duration (0.725 m.y.) by the during the maximum rate of rise of long-term sea level. Parameters used are number of cycles (six). illustrated in Table 1.

low water (1–1000 mm/yr) but decline rapidly within a few tens deviations in cycle thickness can be used to infer changes in of meters of water depth (Schlager, 1981). STRATA approximates accommodation space through time (Fischer, 1964; Read and this behavior by assuming that carbonate production is an expo- Goldhammer, 1988; Sadler et al., 1993). One interpretation of nentially declining function of water depth. Figure 4A is that sea level rose and then fell in a sinusoidal fash- ion over the 0.725 m.y. duration of these rocks. However, we note Meter-Scale Shallowing-Upward Cycles that the total number of cycles used in this analysis is well below Meter-scale shallowing-upward cycles have been an essential the minimum required for the result to be rigorously valid (Sadler component of carbonate platforms for at least the past 2 b.y. of et al., 1993). Earth history. Their origin has been hotly debated (e.g., do these In a forward model of this outcrop (Fig. 4B), we impose a cycles record orbital forcing of global climate?); compare Good- long-term eustatic sea-level change with an amplitude of 2.0 m win and Anderson (1985), Algeo and Wilkinson (1988), and Koer- and a period of 0.725 m.y. (see red curve on Wheeler diagram, schner and Read (1989). Modeling studies, beginning with those Fig. 4B). On top of this we impose a high-frequency oscillation of of Read et al. (1986), have helped quantify processes that occur 1.75 m and a period of 0.12 m.y. To simulate the biologic inertia on time scales shorter than the constraints offered by biostratigra- associated with recolonization of the sea floor and “jump start- phy and longer than human observation or radiocarbon dating ing” the carbonate factory, we impose a lag-time of 5000 yr in can calibrate. carbonate production following complete shallowing to sea level A simple example of how STRATA can be used to provide (lag depth rather than lag time, or a combination of both, is insight into understanding the origin of these shallowing-upward possible with STRATA). cycles is based on observations of the Middle Ordovician Milroy In an illustration of six modeled shallowing-upward cycles Member of the Loysburg Formation of central Pennsylvania (Fig. 4B), the modeled and observed cycle thicknesses are similar; (Figs. 3, 4A). Six successive shallowing-upward cycles progres- furthermore, both the observed and modeled cycles show that sively thicken and thin. Figure 4A illustrates a plot of differential thicker cycles have a greater component of deeper water facies cycle thickness through time (Fischer diagram) in which, through the assumption that cycle duration is constant, the progressive STRATA continued on p. 6

GSA TODAY, December 1996 5 STRATA continued from p. 5 “cycle bundling” does not result from strate that simple physical descriptions of nested sea-level oscillations, but rather depositional processes, when integrated (dark blue) than thinner cycles. All of the reflects the lag in sedimentation, follow- through time, can predict realistic stratig- modeled cycles shallow asymmetrically ing shallowing to sea level. The shelf raphy. The modeling predicts the develop- upward, as is observed in the outcrop. The aggrades to sea level during the 0.1 m.y. ment of specific stratigraphic geometries Wheeler diagram (Fig. 4B) shows that the cycle, but carbonate production shuts off, and therefore provides independent tests unconformities at the top of each shallow- and the shelf subsides for 7000 yr every of how rocks and unconformities are dis- ing-upward cycle are associated with the time it reaches sea level. This may occur tributed in the stratigraphic record. falling limb of the high-frequency sea- numerous times as long as accommoda- We emphasize that any model is only level change. In contrast, the base of each tion space is available. Here, through a for- as good as its assumptions. This is particu- cycle is associated with the rising limb of tuitous (but not unreasonable) combina- larly shown by the two clastic and carbon- each high-frequency sea-level change. tion of subsidence, lag time, and eustatic ate examples. Depositional sequences in During the times of long-term rise in sea periods, this results in approximately 5:1 clastic rocks can be generated by varia- level, which correspond to the thick cycles “bundling.” This is interesting given that tions in sediment supply, sea level, or at the bottom and top of the section, the the observation of similar bundling in the subsidence. Cyclic carbonates can result lacunae (disconformities) present between rock record has been interpreted and mod- from either extrinsic or intrinsic processes. successive cycles are of a much smaller eled assuming multiple sea-level oscilla- Ultimately, perhaps, stratigraphic model- duration than those present during the tions with frequencies (~0.1 and 0.02 m.y.) ing is most useful in establishing the lim- falling limb of the sea-level cycle. During corresponding to the Milankovitch peri- its of our ability to reasonably distinguish the long-term fall in sea level (the middle ods (Goldhammer et al., 1987; Goodwin driving variables based on existing data three cycles), the majority of time is and Anderson, 1985). Drummond and sets. Thus, modeling becomes a very use- recorded by a hiatus, because sea level is Wilkinson (1993) also investigated this ful tool in suggesting approaches to a new falling faster than subsidence and the shelf behavior with a one-dimensional model. generation of field experiments required is exposed. Significantly, the Wheeler dia- In Figure 5A, the upward-shallowing to test competing hypotheses. gram shows that over half of the geologic cycles can be seen prograding in the direc- Finally, we have found modeling to time represented by the section is not tion of decreasing subsidence, away from be a great asset to all students of stratigra- recorded by rocks, similar to results previ- the shelf margin and toward the inner phy. Although we have provided only a ously obtained by Read et al. (1986), part of the shelf (right to left). This pattern few simple examples, there are an infinite Grotzinger (1986), and Wilkinson and results not from any dependency on slope variety of questions a stratigrapher may Drummond (1993) for other cyclic strata (there is no diffusive component) or other ask. We hope that by releasing this soft- deposited under conditions of minimal directional sediment transport terms, but ware, we will allow students to pursue long-term accommodation increase. because of the influence of lag time (lag those questions independently. STRATA STRATA suggests that these hiatuses may depth produces similar geometry) operat- may be downloaded at http://hydro.geosc. be preferentially partitioned within the ing in concert with differential subsidence. psu.edu. Several additional stratigraphic rock record as a function of sea-level As the shelf is continuously flooded fol- examples are also presented therein. change (however, see below and Fig. 5 for lowing the lowstand in the 0.1 m.y. sea- an alternative explanation of hiatal ori- level period, the lag time progressively ACKNOWLEDGMENTS gins). Finally, we note that even with the turns on and then off, allowing sedimen- Many of the ideas presented in relatively slow sedimentation rate used, tation and aggradation to occur. Accord- this paper have arisen from discussions, it is impossible to generate deepening- ingly, the time at which the sedimentation debates, and arguments in our stratig- upward cycles without a lag time or a lag lag turns off is diachronous and so is the raphy classes at Penn State and MIT. depth, because sea level is varying by only time at which shallowing to sea level takes In addition, we thank N. Christie-Blick, 1 m and sedimentation can always keep place at any given point on the shelf. B. Demicco, B. Ginsburg, B. Goldhammer, up with sea level. Both decrease in age up dip (to the left). L. Hardie, T. Jordan, C. Kerans, D. Osleger, The final result is that sedimentation at M. Patzkowsky, R. Slingerland, F. Read, Cycle Bundling any point is aggradational, but the geome- and B. Wilkinson for discussions and As a last example (Fig. 5), it is inter- try of the cycle is progradational and the debates over the years. We thank C. Brett, esting to couple the long-term evolution cyclic facies are markedly diachronous. M. Patzkowsky, T. Jordan, and D. Osleger of a carbonate shelf with high-frequency A Wheeler diagram illustrates that the for reviewing the manuscript. Jamie sea-level change. In this case, subsidence prominent unconformities correspond to Morris wrote the graphical interface for increases linearly from left to right. Two the times of sea-level fall associated with STRATA and maintains the STRATA web orders of high-frequency, shallowing- the 0.1 m.y. oscillation (Fig. 5B). In con- site. A. Hoover measured the stratigraphic upward cycles are present, consisting of trast, the high-frequency cycles are unre- section in Figure 4. S. Nelson assisted in thicker cycles driven by sea-level change lated to eustatic sea level and are manuscript preparation. Funding for (0.1 m.y. period, 1.0 m amplitude) and diachronous, crossing time lines from developing STRATA was provided by thinner cycles that arise solely from the right to left (Fig. 5B). grants from Chevron (Flemings and interaction between differential subsi- Grotzinger), by a Shell Foundation dence and sediment production. The latter DISCUSSION Fellowship (Flemings) and by National mechanism for cycle generation is often Examples from clastic and carbonate Science Foundation grant EAR-9058119 referred to as “autocyclicity” (Ginsburg, sedimentation illustrate how simple for- (Grotzinger). 1971; Bosellini and Hardie, 1973; Wilkin- ward models can be used in conjunction son, 1982). The thicker cycles are defined with observation to provide insight into REFERENCES CITED by a systematic, upward decrease in the our interpretation of the stratigraphic thickness of the thinner cycles that is Algeo, T. G., and Wilkinson, B. H., 1988, Periodicity of record. The examples presented are not mesoscale Phanerozoic sedimentary cycles and the role related to the decreasing accommodation original, but have been chosen to illustrate of Milankovitch orbital modulation: Journal of Geol- associated with the 0.1 m.y. sea-level ogy, v. 96, p. 313–322. STRATA’s capabilities (and limitations) in oscillation. Cycle asymmetry in both sets addressing some of the classic (as well as Begin, S. B., Meyer, D. F., and Schumm, S. A., 1981, results from the intrinsic lag time in car- Development of longitudinal profiles of alluvial chan- more modern) problems in stratigraphy. bonate production following complete The main goal of this paper is to demon- shallowing to sea level. However, the STRATA continued on p. 7

6 GSA TODAY, December 1996 STRATA continued from p. 6 Some principles derived from Holocene and Cretaceous examples, in Nummedal, D., et al., eds., Sea-level fluctu- ation and coastal evolution: Society of Economic Pale- nels in response to base-level lowering: Earth Surface 1996 AEG Student ontologists and Mineralogists Special Publication 41, Processes and Landforms, v. 6, p. 49–98. p. 241–260. Paper Competition Bosellini, A., and Hardie, L. A., 1973, Depositional Paola, C., Heller, P. L., and Angevine, C. L., 1992, The theme of a marginal marine evaporite: Sedimentology, The Association of Exploration Geo- large scale dynamics of grain-size variation in alluvial v. 20, p. 5–27. chemists will hold its eleventh biennial basins, 1: Theory: Basin Research, v. 4, p. 73–90. Christie-Blick, N., 1991, Onlap, offlap, and the origin of Student Paper Competition this year. Pitman, W. C., III, 1978, Relationship between eustacy unconformity-bounded depositional sequences: Marine Papers eligible for the competition must and stratigraphic sequences of passive margins: Geolog- Geology, v. 97, p. 35–56. ical Society of America Bulletin, v. 89, p. 1389–1403. address an aspect of exploration geo- Christie-Blick, N., and Driscoll, N. W., 1995, Sequence chemistry and represent research per- Posamentier, H. W., and Vail, P. R., 1988, Eustatic stratigraphy: Annual Reviews of Earth and Planetary formed as a student. The student must be controls on clastic deposition II—Sequence and systems Science, v. 23, p. 451–478. tract models, in Wilgus, C. K., et al., eds., Sea-level the principal author, and the paper must Drummond, C. N., and Wilkinson, B. H., 1993, Carbon- changes—An integrated approach: Society of Economic have been published in any refereed sci- ate cycle stacking patterns and hierarchies of orbitally Paleontologists and Mineralogists Special Publica- entific journal within five years of the stu- forced eustatic sealevel change: Journal of Sedimentary tion 42, p. 125–154. dent’s graduation with his/her last gradu- Petrology, v. 63, p. 369–377. Read, J. F., and Goldhammer, R. K., 1988, Use of ate-level degree (documentary proof of Fischer, A. G., 1964, The Lofer cyclothems of the Alpine Fischer plots to define third-order sea-level curves in date of graduation required). A nomina- Triassic, in Merriam, D. F., ed., Symposium on cyclic Ordovician peritidal cyclic carbonates: Geology, v. 16, tion may be made by anyone familiar sedimentation: Lawrence, Kansas State Geological p. 895–899. Survey Bulletin 169, p. 107–150. with the work of the student. Nomina- Read, J. F., Grotzinger, J. P., Bova, J. P., and Koerschner, tions must be accompanied by three Galloway, W. E., 1989, Genetic stratigraphic sequences W. F., 1986, Models for generation of carbonate cycles: copies of the paper. The deadline for in basin analysis: Architecture and genesis of flooding- Geology, v. 14, p. 107–110. surface bounded depositional units: American Associa- receipt of the nominations is Decem- Rivaneaes, J. C., 1992, Application of a dual-lithology, tion of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, v. 73, p. 125–142. ber 31, 1996. depth-dependent diffusion equation in stratigraphic Ginsburg, R. N., 1971, Landward movement of carbon- simulation: Basin Research, v. 4, p. 133–146. For information, contact Ian D. M. ate mud: New model for regressive cycles in carbonates Sadler, P. M., Osleger, D. A., and Montanez, I. P., 1993, Robertson, c/o CSIRO Division of Explo- [abs.]: American Association of Petroleum Geologists On the labeling, length, and objective basis of Fischer Bulletin, v. 55, p. 340. ration and Mining, Private Bag P.O., plots: Journal of Sedimentary Petrology, v. 63, Wembley, WA 6014, Australia, phone Goldhammer, R. K., Dunn, P. A., and Hardie, L. A., p. 360–368. 1987, High frequency glacioeustatic sea level oscilla- 61-9-387-0748, fax 61-9-387-8642, Schlager, W., 1981, The paradox of drowned reefs and tions with Milankovitch characteristics recorded in [email protected]. carbonate platforms: Geological Society of America Middle Triassic platform carbonates in northern Italy: Bulletin, v. 92, p. 197–211. American Journal of Science, v. 287, p. 853–892. Vail, P. R., Mitchum, R. M., Jr., Todd, R. G., Widmier, Goodwin, P. W., and Anderson, E. J., 1985, Punctuated J. M., Thompson, S. I., Sangree, J. B., Bubb, J. N., and aggradational cycles: A general hypothesis of episodic Hatlelid, W. G., 1977, Seismic stratigraphy and global stratigraphic accumulation: Journal of Geology, v. 93, changes of sea level, in Payton, C. E., ed., Seismic p. 515–533. Virtual Mentors stratigraphy—Applications to hydrocarbon exploration: Grotzinger, J. P., 1986, Cyclicity and paleoenvironmen- American Association of Petroleum Geologists Needed tal dynamics, Rocknest platform, northwest Canada: Memoir 26, p. 49–212. Geological Society of America Bulletin, v. 97, The National Research Council’s Career Van Wagoner, J. C., 1995a, Overview of sequence p. 1208–1231. stratigraphy of foreland basin deposits: Terminology, Planning Center for Beginning Scientists Haq, B. U., Hardenbol, J., and Vail, P. R., 1987, summary of papers, and glossary of sequence stratigra- and Engineers (http://www2.nas.edu/ Chronology of fluctuating sea levels since the Triassic: phy, in Sequence stratigraphy of foreland basin cpc) provides information and guidance Science, v. 235, p. 1156–1187. deposits; outcrop and subsurface examples from the to students who are trying to get a job, Cretaceous of North America: Tulsa, Oklahoma, Ameri- Jervey, M. T., 1988, Quantitative geologic modeling of planning their careers, or making educa- can Association of Petroleum Geologists, p. ix–xxi. siliciclastic rock sequences and their seismic expression, tional choices. The center has been so in Wilgus, C. K., et al., eds., Sea-level changes––An inte- Van Wagoner, J. C., 1995b, Sequence stratigraphy and successful that in the Advice Center area, grated approach: Society of Economic Paleontologists marine to nonmarine facies architecture of foreland and Mineralogists Special Publication 42, p. 47–69. basin strata, Book Cliffs, Utah, U.S.A., in Sequence there are more students who need men- stratigraphy of foreland basin deposits; outcrop and tors than there are mentors available. The Jordan, T. E., and Flemings, P. B., 1991, Large-scale subsurface examples from the Cretaceous of North stratigraphic architecture, eustatic variation and Career Planning Center needs more scien- America: Tulsa, Oklahoma, American Association of unsteady tectonism: A theoretical evaluation: Journal tists and engineers who are willing to be Petroleum Geologists, p. 137–223. of Geophysical Research, v. 96, p. 6681–6699. “virtual mentors” to undergraduate and Van Wagoner, J. C., Mitchum, R. M., Campion, K. M., Kaufman, P., Grotzinger, J. P., and McCormick, D. S., graduate students and postdocs. All corre- and Rahmanian, V. D., 1990, Siliciclastic sequence 1991, Depth-dependent diffusion algorithm for simula- stratigraphy in well logs, cores, and outcrops: Concepts spondence is by E-mail. tion of sedimentation in shallow marine depositional for high-resolution correlation of time and facies: Amer- systems, in Franseen, E. K., et al., eds., Sedimentary Mentors form a personal relationship with ican Association of Petroleum Geologists Methods In modeling: Computer simulations and methods for Exploration Series, v. 7, 55 p. young scientists or engineers and have improved parameter definition: Kansas Geological the opportunity to discuss many issues, Survey Bulletin 233, p. 491–508. Wheeler, H. E., 1964, Baselevel, lithosphere surface, and time-stratigraphy: Geological Society of America including ethical and ideological, as well Kendall, C. G. St. C., and Lerche, I., 1988, The rise and Bulletin, v. 75, p. 599–610. as practical skills such as how to write a fall of eustacy, in Wilgus, C. K., et al., eds., Sea–level good resume. changes––An integrated approach: Society of Economic Wilkinson, B. H., 1982, Cyclic cratonic carbonates Paleontologists and Mineralogists Special Publication and Phanerozoic calcite seas: Journal of Geological Mentors are especially needed in the dis- 42, p. 3-17. Education, v. 30, p. 189–203. ciplinary areas of engineering, physics Kenyon, P. M., and Turcotte, D. L., 1985, Morphology Wilkinson, B. H., and Drummond, C. N., 1993, (other than solid state), mathematics, of a prograding delta by bulk sediment transport: Geo- Aperiodic accumulation of cyclic peritidal carbonate: computer science, ecology, and environ- logical Society of America Bulletin, v. 96, p. 1457–1465. Geology, v. 21, p. 1023–1026. ment, as well as those who can provide Koerschner, W. F., and Read, J. F, 1989, Field and mod- Wilson, J. L., 1975, Carbonate facies in geologic history: general career guidance (especially eling studies of Cambrian carbonate cycles, Virginia New York, Springer-Verlag, 470 p. Appalachians: Journal of Sedimentary Petrology, v. 59, women or couples in dual science and Manuscript received August 26, 1996; revision received p. 654–687. engineering careers). Mentors in all scien- October 7, 1996; accepted October 9, 1996 ■ Kominz, M. A., and Bond, G. C., 1990, A new method tific and engineering areas are welcome, of testing periodicity in cyclic sediments—Application because new students are requesting to the Newark Supergroup: Earth and Planetary Science Each month, GSA Today features a short mentors all the time. To find out more Letters, v. 98, p. 233–244. science article on current topics of general information or to sign up to be a mentor, Lawrence, D. T., Doyle, M., and Aigner, T., 1990, Strati- interest. For guidelines on submitting an access the mentor form directly at http:// graphic simulation of sedimentary basins: Concepts article, contact GSA Today Science Editor www2.nas.edu/cpcadv/mentor.html or and calibration: American Association of Petroleum S. M. Kay, Cornell University, (607) Geologists, v. 74, p. 273–295. send E-mail to [email protected] 255-4701, fax 607-254-4780, E-mail: (subject line: Mentor Volunteer). Nummedal, D., and Swift, D. J. P., 1987, Transgressive [email protected]. stratigraphy at sequence-bounding unconformities:

GSA TODAY, December 1996 7 Darwin the Geologist

Léo F. Laporte, Earth Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, [email protected]

On January 16, 1832, shortly before Charles Darwin’s 23rd and philosophy). birthday, H.M.S. Beagle, with the young Darwin aboard, made its Darwin’s enthusi- first stop at São Tiago in the Cape Verde islands off the west coast astic interest in of Africa. Years later, Charles Darwin wrote: science impressed The geology of St. Iago is very striking yet simple: a stream of these men, for lava formerly flowed over the bed of the sea, formed of tritu- they became his rated recent shells and corals, which it baked into a hard white mentors in vari- rock. Since then the whole island has been upheaved. But the ous ways. Thus, line of white rock revealed to me a new and important fact, despite his initial namely that there had been afterwards subsidence round the antipathy for Darwin in 1840 (age 31), painted by George Richmond. From de Beer (1964, p. 116). craters, which had since been in action, and had poured forth geology, Darwin lava. It then first dawned on me that I might write a book on spent the better the geology of the countries visited, and this made me thrill part of August with delight. That was a memorable hour to me.… (Autobiogra- phy, p. 81). 1831 on a geological tour of Wales with Adam Sedgwick, who was studying the rocks that he would later define as the Cambrian Today, few people are aware that Charles Darwin System. (1809–1882) was an accomplished geologist before becoming On this tour I had a striking instance of how easy it is to over- renowned as a biologist with On the Origin of Species in 1859. look phenomena, however conspicuous, before they have been Despite his lack of formal training as a geologist, Darwin pub- observed by anyone. We spent many hours … examining all lished major works on the structure and distribution of coral reefs the rocks with extreme care … but neither of us saw a trace of (1842) and geological observations on volcanic islands (1844) the wonderful glacial phenomena all around us. (Autobiography, and on South America (1846). p. 70).

INFLUENCES VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE The irony of Darwin’s success as a geologist was that he had At the end of August, Darwin returned home to discover that little formal instruction in the subject. In his second year at the he had been recommended by his Cambridge professor and men- University of Edinburgh—before he dropped out—he attended tor, John Henslow, as the naturalist for the forthcoming Beagle the lectures of Robert Jameson, a champion of Werner’s Nep- voyage under Capt. Robert FitzRoy. Darwin was thought suitable tunist theory, “but they were incredibly dull. The sole effect they for the position more because he was a well-bred gentleman who produced on me was the determination never as long as I lived to could socialize with the Beagle’s captain than because of his skills read a book on Geology or in any way to study the science. Yet I as a trained naturalist. As a welcoming gift, FitzRoy gave Darwin feel sure that I was prepared for a philosophical treatment of the the first volume of Charles Lyell’s Principles of Geology, which had subject” (Autobiography, p. 52). been published the year before. Closely reading this volume and Disgusted by medicine in the days of surgery performed the next two sent to him while on the voyage, Darwin became without the benefit of anesthesia, Darwin went on to Cambridge self-taught in geology. “I am proud to remember,” he said, “that from Edinburgh to complete a degree that would prepare him the first place, namely St. Iago, [where] I geologized, convinced for the Anglican clergy. At the same time Darwin continued his me of the infinite superiority of Lyell’s views over those advo- extracurricular pursuit of natural history and met various distin- cated in any other work known to me” (Autobiography, p. 101). guished scholars, including John Stevens Henslow (botany), Throughout the remainder of the voyage, Darwin “geolo- Adam Sedgwick (geology), and William Whewell (astronomy gized” with excitement and enthusiasm. Writing home to his sis- ters, he remarked, “There is nothing like geology; the pleasure of the first day’s partridge shooting … cannot be compared to find- ing a fine group of fossil bones, which tell their story of former INTRODUCTION times with almost a living tongue …” (Correspondence, v. 1, p. 379), or that he “literally could hardly sleep at nights for thinking Bernard of Chartres, an 11th-12th century philosopher and teacher, over my [geology].” (Correspondence, v. 1, p. 445). said that we are like dwarfs on the shoulders of giants, so that we can see more than they and for a greater distance, not by any virtue of our own but because we are carried high and raised aloft by their stature.

All of us have our geological heroes, those giants on whose shoul- ders we stand. To encourage recognition of these luminaries and to provide inspiration for students and young professionals, the GSA History of Geology Division presents Rock Stars, brief profiles of our geological giants. If you have any comments on this or subsequent profiles, please contact Robert N. Ginsburg, University of Miami, RSMAS/MGG, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149-1098, E-mail: rginsburg@ rsmas.miami.edu. From de Beer (1964, p. 58).

8 GSA TODAY, December 1996 Voyage of the Beagle. From de Beer (1964, p. 39).

In Chile, on February 20, 1835, Darwin experienced a very were all balanced, Darwin coupled in his mind this dramatic strong earthquake and shortly afterward saw evidence of several evidence of elevation with accompanying subsidence and deposi- feet of uplift in the region. Because one important aspect of tion. Thus he hypothesized, before actually seeing them, that Lyell’s principles was the concept of a steady-state, nondirec- coral reefs of the Pacific developed on the margins of subsiding tional earth whereby uplift, subsidence, erosion, and deposition land masses, passing through the three stages of fringing reef, barrier reef, and atoll. No other work of mine was begun in so deductive a spirit as this; for the whole theory was thought out on the west coast of S. America before I had seen a true coral reef. I had therefore only to verify and extend my views by a careful examination of living reefs. But it should be observed that I had during the two previous years been incessantly attending to the effects on the shores of S. America of the intermittent elevation of the land, together with the denudation and deposition of sedi- ment. This necessarily led me to reflect much on the effects of subsidence, and it was easy to replace in imagination the con- tinued deposition of sediment by the upward growth of coral. To do this was to form my theory of the formation of barrier- reefs and atolls. (Autobiography, p. 98, 99).

When the Beagle visited the Cocos Islands in the Indian Ocean more than a year later, Darwin was able to test his hypoth- esis of reef formation “by examining the very interesting, yet sim- ple structure and origin of these islands.… These low, insignifi- cant coral-islets stand and are victorious … thus do we see the soft and gelatinous body of a polyp … conquering the great mechanical power of the waves…” (Voyage, p. 457, 459). In his 1842 book on coral reefs, Darwin published a map of the southwest Pacific showing the distribution of fringing, bar- rier, and atoll reefs. Darwin noted that fringing reefs were con- centrated along the coasts of continents that “are for the most part rising areas” whereas barrier and atoll reefs are found in the “central parts of the great oceans [that] are sinking areas” (Voyage, p. 478). (Knowing what we know about plate tectonics, we explain such subsidence by the cooling and accompanying increase in density of submarine volcanic rock as it moves away from active ridges or hot spots.)

From de Beer (1964, p. 68). Darwin continued on p. 10

GSA TODAY, December 1996 9 Institute for Environmental ENVIRONMENT MATTERS Education Interdisciplinary Scientific Opportunities at the Newly Consolidated U.S. Geological Survey and National Biological Service—Part 2

Daniel Sarewitz, IEE Director, GSA Mary Barber, Executive Director, Sustainable Biosphere Initiative, Ecological Society of America, 2010 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20036 John Huyler, Jr. and Paul DeMorgan, The Keystone Center, P.O. Box 8606, Keystone, CO 80435

BACKGROUND eral problem of how interdisciplinary 1. Strong research investigation opportunities can be fostered—a pervasive leadership, including explicit mandates On October 1, 1996, the National Bio- concern throughout the workshop—and for integrated, interdisciplinary planning logical Service (NBS) was merged into the then outline a series of specific interdisci- and products. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), thereby plinary initiatives that emerged from the 2. Standardized and integrated data becoming the new Biological Resources workshop deliberations. Participants management protocols that allow for the Division (BRD) of the USGS. The BRD included scientists and natural resource compilation of multidisciplinary data sets has as its mission “to work with others to managers from a wide range of sectors, and a comprehensive view of physical and provide the scientific understanding and including academia, private companies, biological attributes. (In many cases, an technologies needed to support the sound state and federal agencies that work with integrated information infrastructure is a management and conservation of our the USGS and NBS, and the USGS and NBS necessary prerequisite for effective inter- Nation’s biological resources.” This mis- themselves. Our report presents the major disciplinary activity.) sion is fully consistent with the USGS’s ideas discussed during the workshop and 3. An organizational demand for broader mission of providing “the Nation is neither a consensus document nor a studies that lead to generalizable princi- with reliable, impartial information to comprehensive workshop proceedings. ples, rather than simply local case histories describe and understand the Earth.” Con- and assessments. solidation and fulfillment of these mis- ENABLING INTERDISCIPLINARY 4. An organizational demand for sions will require not only the administra- SCIENCE comprehensive, integrated historical base- tive merger of the NBS and USGS, but lines and trends to support environmental also the development of a framework for The administrative, professional, and assessments and predictive modeling. scientific investigation and information intellectual culture of science encourages 5. Effective lines of communication management that promotes the applica- and reinforces disciplinary boundaries. between researchers and information tion of integrated knowledge of biological, Successful integration of the USGS and users, including clear articulation of physical, and socioeconomic processes the NBS will require administrative action uncertainties dictated by data sources and forces. aimed at breaking down barriers to inter- and interpretive procedures. To help foster this goal, the Geologi- disciplinary science. Imposing such cul- 6. Problem-oriented interdisciplinary cal Society of America, the Ecological Soci- tural change is not easy; assessment of research teams. More co-location of USGS ety of America, and the Keystone Center other interdisciplinary projects, programs, and NBS facilities and scientists will be sponsored two workshops to identify new and organizations would help the USGS to necessary. interdisciplinary opportunities relevant to recognize and define characteristics of suc- 7. Participation of engineers and the mission of the merged agencies. Here, cessful efforts and past failures. Workshop social scientists. (Humans are major agents we summarize the results and findings of participants identified a range of organiza- of geological and ecological change, and the second workshop, held in Silverdale, tional attributes that might encourage efforts to understand and respond to such Washington, in July 1996. (For a summary development of a truly interdisciplinary of the first workshop, see the October USGS: issue of GSA Today.) We address the gen- IEE continued on p. 11

Darwin continued from p. 9 For Further Reading Darwin, C., Journal of researches, 1839; The structure and distribution of coral reefs, GEOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS 1842; Geological observations on volcanic islands, 1844; Geological observations on South America, 1846 (all Smith Elder, London). Autobiography, 1958, Nora Barlow, Although Darwin’s theory of coral reefs is his best known editor, W.W. Norton, New York; The voyage of the Beagle, 1962, Doubleday, New geological contribution, he made others of equal interest. For York; The correspondence of C. Darwin, F. Burkhardt and S. Smith, editors, 1985, v. 1, Cambridge, UK, Cambridge University Press. example, he observed how rocks are altered by contact with hot lava; marked surface rupture and displacement from earthquakes; de Beer, G., 1964, Charles Darwin: A scientific biography: New York, Doubleday (see especially the chapter “Geological results of the voyage of the Beagle,” p. 56–77). fossilization of extinct organisms; cleavage and foliation in meta- Ghiselin, M., 1969, The triumph of the Darwinian method: Los Angeles, University of morphic rocks and their relation to the formation of mountains; California Press (see especially the chapter “Geology,” p. 13–31). evidence for differing climates in the past based on fossils and Herbert, S., 1985, Darwin the young geologist, in Kohn, D., ed., The Darwinian her- glacial deposits; and dramatic changes in geography, particularly itage: Princeton, N.J., Princeton University Press, p. 483–518 (with commentary by M. those related to fluctuations in sea level. J. S. Rudwick). ■

10 GSA TODAY, December 1996 IEE continued from p. 10 resources and restore degraded ecosystems. Combining USGS capabilities in The USGS should develop a comprehen- hydrology, geochemistry, and surface change must consider the human ele- sive information base on communities, processes with NBS strengths in ecological ment.) for use by land managers, planners, and science can lead to significant new policy makers. insights into the natural history of disease. PROPOSED INTERDISCIPLINARY Developing the baseline record will Integrative models should be developed INITIATIVES require: (1) compiling past and recent data that can more fully characterize the feed- on distribution and abundance of species backs that occur between environment The workshop identified and and communities and on physical condi- and disease, and help anticipate and described eight interdisciplinary initiatives tions of the landscape (including land-use respond to new threats to the health of that would contribute to the achievement patterns, e.g., NBS Land Use History of humans, wildlife, and vegetation. of the mission of the newly merged North America project); (2) carrying out agency. These initiatives are grouped below timely, efficient, scientifically credible B. Dynamics and Consequences of into three broad, crosscutting themes. bioregional assessments on vegetative Species Invasions Order of presentation is not meant to cover; identification, distribution, and Problematic species invasions result- imply relative priority of initiatives. abundance of key plant and animal ing from human activities can have signif- species; and surficial geology, topography, icant negative ecological and economic I. The Environmental and surface water; (3) developing integra- consequences. Acceleration of environ- Knowledge Base tive, digitized baseline data maps. mental change and ecosystem degradation Effective environmental decision Appropriate information infrastruc- at the local, regional, and global level may making requires impartial, independent, ture, combined with comprehensive lead to increased invasion. Combining a state-of-the-science data and information baseline and trend data and bioregional long-term geological perspective on inva- on the current status and past history of assessments (including maps of present sions through time (e.g., as facilitated by the nation’s energy, water, land, mineral, and past physical, biological, and cultural tectonic movements and climate and sea- and biological resources. attributes), will allow the USGS to more level change) with short-term ecological effectively serve natural resource managers studies on modern invasions will yield A. Information Infrastructure and policy makers through interdisci- new insights into the dynamics and conse- An integrated and standardized infor- plinary evaluation, interpretation, and quences of invasions that will enhance the mation infrastructure is an essential pre- anticipation of the impacts of changing response capabilities of land and resource requisite for development of comprehen- land-use practices and patterns on water managers. sive environmental baseline information quality and quantity and biological com- Crucial questions include: (1) Which and for carrying out credible bioregional munities. species are most apt to invade? (2) Which assessments. The USGS is now uniquely biological communities are most likely to positioned to create this infrastructure. II. Responding to contribute invaders? (3) Which communi- The viability of new interdisciplinary Biological Threats ties are most vulnerable to invasion? scientific opportunities will significantly Studies of invasions in the geological depend on the existence of this infrastruc- A. Ecosystems and Health past and in the record of human history, ture; indeed, the infrastructure may help The effects of emerging diseases, algal together with ongoing ecological studies, create such opportunities. toxins, and natural and anthropogenic will allow characterization of long-term An integrated information infrastruc- pollutants on the health of humans, consequences of invasion, and modeling ture will permit the effective use of exist- wildlife, and vegetation are determined of the spread of invasions. Interdisci- ing data (from USGS, NBS, and regional, in part by the behavior of ecosystems. plinary knowledge will be necessary to state, and other federal agencies, e.g., Disease agents are spread in the environ- develop effective strategies for controlling National Science Foundation–funded ment by physical processes in water and the introduction and spread of problem- Long-Term Ecological Research network), air, and also by organisms. Understanding atic invaders, reducing their harmful thus preventing duplication of effort while the relation between ecosystem processes effects, and managing the human envi- creating a truly comprehensive assessment and health requires an interdisciplinary ronment to reduce the threat of invasion. capability. approach that would include monitoring This initiative should be closely linked to Implementation would be facilitated and analysis of patterns of water flow and studies of environment and disease, by cross-divisional teams charged with sedimentation, geochemical cycling, and because species invasion dynamics reflect the development of database protocols, invasion of disease organisms and their many of the same physical, biological, and including collection, storage, retrieval, vectors, as well as social factors such as social processes that link ecosystems to the and delivery policies; coordination of patterns of commerce, travel, urbaniza- health of humans, wildlife, and vegeta- information retrieval and use (“gatekeeper tion, and agriculture. tion. function”); and cultivation of linkages Emerging problems of ecosystems and with appropriate external agencies. How- health are now being recognized in diverse III. Maintaining Viable Ecosystems ever, such protocols must be sufficiently environments and at various scales. Water flexible to accommodate methodological quality may be adversely affected by pro- A. Ecosystem Restoration differences among scientists working on liferation of wildlife such as Canada geese. Remediation and restoration of dam- different projects and in different regions. Unusual current regimes and eutrophica- aged ecosystems may be necessary to sus- tion affect the timing and development tain biological and economic productivity, B. Baseline Data on Biological of massive proliferation of toxic algae. and to maintain ecosystem services (such Communities, and the USGS-NBS On a larger scale, endocrine disrupters as flood control and water-quality preser- Bioregional Assessment Capability (e.g., PCBs and DDT byproducts) may rep- vation by wetlands) that are necessary for The absence of a complete baseline resent a widespread and long-term threat society’s welfare. Effective remediation record, including Holocene, human- to human and wildlife health, while cli- requires: (1) baseline data on the physical historical, and recent trend data, on the matic changes contribute to changes in and biological condition of ecosystems, distribution and characteristics of biotic the distribution and spread of disease- and comparison of ecosystems least communities is a significant handicap to causing organisms, on land as well as all efforts to effectively manage natural in water. IEE continued on p. 12

GSA TODAY, December 1996 11 IEE continued from p. 11 Sub-Initiative on Fires: Millions of acres tural terrain. In particular, the role of of the western United States burn annu- biological factors in weathering, erosion, affected by human activities to those that ally. Restoration programs are aimed at transport, and depositional processes is have been modified to varying degrees; preventing further land degradation and not well known. The USGS, in cooperation (2) integrated understanding of physical, facilitating ecological recovery, but the with other relevant agencies (e.g., USDA, chemical, and biological processes that effectiveness of these programs has not National Oceanic and Atmospheric control ecosystem function; (3) integrated been adequately studied. Such analysis Administration), is well positioned to understanding of natural and human- would include tests of the effects of vari- develop the necessary knowledge. Under- induced stresses on ecosystems; (4) knowl- ous remedial treatments, systematic assess- standing the interactions among geologic, edge of threshold indices for healthy sys- ments of treatment results across a variety hydrologic, meteorologic, and biologic tems (chemical and biological indicators); of landscape gradients, and retrospective processes in the creation and destruction (5) knowledge of site conditions from sur- study of a selection of past fires and subse- of soils will be essential to successful ficial and engineering geology perspec- quent recovery. This information would management of ecosystems. tives; (6) protocols for determining the be applied to future restoration strategies. Key problems include: (1) biologic consequences of alternative natural controls on rates and processes of soil resource management practices (monitor- C. Flood Plain Management formation in various landscape settings, ing for adaptive management). Natural resource and flood manage- including the role of soil microorganisms; As a principal source of scientific ment practices on alluvial valley floors are (2) biologic controls on rates and processes information used by natural-resource often inadequate because research and of soil erosion in various landscape set- managers dealing with ecosystem disrup- application of knowledge has been frag- tings; (3) effects of acid precipitation on tion, the USGS should develop a compre- mented among disciplines and agencies. soil quality, rates of rock weathering, and hensive approach to restoration that The USGS can now develop a fully inte- rates of soil formation, and relation to includes and integrates information on grated study of the hydrology, biology, integrity of forest communities; (4) im- each of the above factors. This informa- and engineering affecting the conditions pacts of human activities on soil genesis tion should also be useable for decision of valley floors, as well as better analytical and degradation in nonagricultural areas, makers seeking to design policies that can and planning tools for decision making and maintenance of long-term soil fertility enhance the remediation process. about land use, habitat preservation, and in impacted areas. water quality. A few important environments could B. Recovery from Ecological Crises Comprehensive, interdisciplinary be selected for interdisciplinary pilot stud- Concern about “natural disasters” analysis of an appropriate flood plain ies—for example midwestern loess, north- tends to focus on direct impacts to human could lead to the development of general- eastern forest, and western peaty deltaic systems, but earthquakes, volcanic erup- izable principles applicable to resource and deposits. The long-term goal is to provide tions, storms, floods, fires, and human- hazard management. A large flood plain knowledge and tools for land and resource caused accidents profoundly affect species with diverse land-use patterns should be managers to maintain soil quality and populations and even entire ecosystems, selected for analysis that would include: ameliorate degraded soils. including the critical geochemical cycling (1) field study and modeling of processes on which life depends. Anticipating and that affect hydrology (flood and dry- Workshop Participants successfully responding to future crises weather) and the transport of bioactive from this perspective require integration materials from upstream and local sources, Craig Allen, National Biologic Service of geological, ecological, and historical and between the channel and the valley Mary Altalo, Scripps Institution of Oceanography knowledge about frequencies, magnitudes, floor; (2) field study of the linkages in James Beach, National Science Foundation spatial scales, and biological signatures of space and time between valley-floor char- Randy Brown, California Dept. of Water Resources Michael W. Collopy, National Biological Service crises in the geological and human-histori- acteristics (e.g., hydrogeomorphology, Thomas Dunne, University of California, Santa cal past. Ultimately, such knowledge may infrastructure) and the distribution of Barbara lead to strategies for enhancing the ability wetland, riparian, and other biological Milt Friend, National Biological Service of ecosystems to resist and recover from communities, with the objective of gener- Leonard Gaydos, U.S. Geological Survey natural and human-caused crises, just as ating a modeling capability and identify- Gordon Grant, U.S. Forest Service natural hazards programs now focus on ing generalizable principles to explain Douglas Growitz, Bureau of Reclamation societal preparation and recovery. relations among biological processes, geo- Arthur Lachenbruch, U.S. Geological Survey Ecological crises can be viewed as morphic processes, human activities, and Charles Logue, Unified Sewerage Agency (Oregon) real-time natural experiments. Scientific water quality; (3) development of tools Eugene Mancini, ARCO Lindsay McClelland, National Park Service response to the 1981 Mount St. Helens that can be used by resource managers Eldridge Moores, University of California, Davis eruption represents a successful model of and policy makers to quantitatively assess Gordon Orians, University of Washington effective, interdisciplinary postcrisis assess- how changing physical processes, cultural Jonathan Price, Nevada Geological Survey ment; the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake features, and land cover affect habitat Mark Schaefer, U.S. Dept. of Interior was less successful because biological and distribution, flooding, and water quality. Bruce Schmidt, Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife ecological factors were largely neglected. On the basis of this program, a protocol Marvin Shasby, U.S. Geological Survey USGS rapid response teams should include should be developed for rapid studies of Peter Stine, National Biological Service life scientists, to ensure a comprehensive other valley floors, including mechanisms Mark Sylvester, U.S. Geological Survey assessment capability. for iterative improvement of general prin- Geerat Vermeij, University of California, Davis John Williams, National Marine Fisheries Interdisciplinary analysis of the his- ciples and resource management tools. torical record of ecological crises will aug- ment study of modern crises. Analysis of D. Biologic Processes and Soil Formation This series of workshops was supported in part past crises requires reconstruction of pre- Consideration of soil is often by contributions from the Exxon Corporation, the crisis paleoecologic conditions. Similarly, neglected in the study of land-based Campini Foundation, the Bullitt Foundation, the Minerals Management Service, and Michel T. effective and useful analysis of the ecologi- ecosystems. While the U.S. Department of Halbouty. ■ cal impacts of recent catastrophic events Agriculture (USDA) conducts soil research requires comprehensive baseline data as a on arable lands, there is insufficient basis for evaluating change. understanding of soil formation, degrada- tion, and erosion processes in nonagricul-

12 GSA TODAY, December 1996 VIEWPOINT

Dev L. Advocate

izing value.” After all, how many people Some disciplines are more open- Which Way Up? pay attention to 204Pb or 86Sr except as minded. Mineral physicists use both com- normalizers? pressibility and incompressibility or bulk Every once in a while, one of our This is not the first time that diver- modulus, not worrying that the latter is brethren decides to right an old wrong or, sion by inversion has been attempted. theoretically suspect because it is upside more precisely, to invert an old ratio. The Seismologists have a quantity they call the down. most recent example comes from Paris, seismic quality factor, or Q. For Earth’s What is really unpardonable from a the birthplace of SI, and concerns the crust and mantle, it generally ranges from purist or theoretical point of view is the helium isotopic ratio. For years and years, 10 to 1000; nice round numbers. The the- seismologists’ insistence on the use of seis- it has been conventional to discuss the 3 4 ory has been all worked out, and everyone mic velocity. Heavy-duty seismic computa- He/ He ratio and sometimes to normalize was happy. One day, someone noticed tion involves inverse velocity, or slowness, it to the atmospheric value, Ra. Most that, in the theory, Q was always in the and seismologists should henceforth basalts have ratios in the convenient range denominator; it was always on the bot- quote to their geochemical friends, partic- of 1 to 30 Ra, and there has been no prob- tom. The purists among them said hold ularly in Paris, that the upper mantle slow- lem. Our Paris colleagues have noted that on, Q is not fundamental; it is Q – 1 that ness of 0.00012345 seconds per meter most isotopic ratios have the stable iso- is fundamental. They went on to define q rules out pyrolite as an important compo- tope on the bottom and, for consistency, 4 3 as Q – 1 and started talking about num- nent of the mantle, and also rules out decided to start using the He/ He ratio, bers such as 0.025 and 0.0016, which did inverse temperatures as high as 0.000666 throwing the rare gas community into an not improve the quality of life of those snivlek. uproar and making it impossible to follow involved in dissipation. Thankfully, no We could continue this purifying of 10-minute talks unless you are good at new word was proposed, such as inequal- our science. Density should not be used, it rapidly inverting large numbers in your ity, or seismic lack-of-quality, factor. All of has to be volume. Densities have gotten head (and then normalizing to air). Here this happened at about the same time as out of hand anyway, with kg/m3 replacing we have a clash among tradition, conven- log-log graph paper started to disappear g/cm3 by SI fiat. tion, culture, consistency, and conve- and there was an urgency to make all And of course, the origin of the Earth nience. Where is it written that the graphs into straight lines or fractoids. coordinate system is at r = 0 and only denominator must be the presumed One could equally make a case radius makes theoretical sense (geo- invariant? And what do we do when both against the use of temperature. Tempera- chemists think that the origin of Earth is the numerator and the denominator can ture almost always occurs downstairs, par- at 4.5 Ga). By plotting volume and seismic contain daughter products that are either ticularly in plots of something vs. 1/T. slowness vs. radius, instead of the conven- radiogenic or cosmogenic? Is this a plot to Outlaw temperature? What do we then tional density and velocity vs. depth, seis- make people focus on the numerator call Kelvins? Do we follow the resistance mologists will have achieved a level of instead of the denominator and thereby 3 troops who use mho for inverse ohm? purity, and obscurity, only dreamed of by push a theoretical agenda? If He is in the Snivlek? And absolute zero becomes abso- geochemists. denominator, no one will pay attention to lute infinity? “A foolish consistency is the hobgob- it since it is the “invariant, stable, normal- lin of little minds.” —Emerson

Coal Division Offers Medlin Award

The Coal Geology Division of the Geological Society of (1) a covering letter indicating which award(s) is (are) sought; America announces the availability of the Antoinette Lierman (2) a concise statement of objectives and methods, and a state- Medlin Scholarship in Coal Geology for the 1997–1998 academic ment of how the scholarship funds will be used to enhance the year. The scholarships provide full-time students who are involved project. The proposal would be no more than five (5) double- in research in coal geology (origin, occurrence, geologic charac- spaced pages in length, including references; (3) a letter of rec- teristics, or economic implications of coal and associated rocks) ommendation from the student’s immediate advisor which with financial support for their project for one year. includes a statement of financial need and the amount and nature of other available funding for the research project. Scholarship funding can be used for field or laboratory expenses, sample analyses, instrumentation, supplies, or other Send the material to: Peter D. Warwick, Chairman, A. Lierman expenses essential to the successful completion of the research Medlin Scholarship Committee, U.S. Geological Survey, MS 956, project. Approximately $1500 will be available for the National Center, Reston, VA 22092, (703) 648-6469, E-mail: 1997–1998 scholarship award. In addition, the recipient of the [email protected]. scholarship may be provided with a stipend of up to $500 to pre- The proposal and letter of recommendation must arrive no sent results of the research at the 1998 GSA Annual Meeting. For later than February 15, 1997. Applicants will be notified of the the academic year 1997–1998, the Coal Geology Division is also Scholarship Committee’s decision by April 1, 1997. offering a field study award of $500. The scholarship was established as a memorial to Antoinette Proposals for the scholarship and the field study award will be “Toni” Medlin who, for many years dedicated her efforts toward evaluated by a panel of coal geoscientists. Applicants may apply for the advancement of coal geoscience and to the encouragement the scholarship award, the field study award, or both; however, only of students in coal geology. Monies for the scholarships are one award will be made to a successful applicant. derived from the annual interest income from the scholarship Interested students should submit five copies of the following: fund.

GSA TODAY, December 1996 13 Society of Economic Not All Good Bills Geologists Research Go to Heaven Grants Available Peter F. Folger in 1997 1995–1996 GSA Congressional Science Fellow Young economic geologists throughout the world may apply for grants available in 1997 through the Society of Economic The year in Congress ended with nei- Geologists Foundation and the Society ther a bang nor a whimper, but rather a of Economic Geologists. Grants will be sense that the job is done, let’s get on the made available this year under three sep- campaign trail. Typical of other end-of- arate programs. Grants from the Hugh E. the-year sessions, Congress passed a flurry Mckinstry Fund are awarded to graduate of legislation in September that included students and/or young professional eco- bills important to geoscientists, such as nomic geologists with field-oriented pro- the Omnibus Appropriations bill, but House, allows individual Senators tremen- jects. The Hickok-Radford Fund awards failed to move other key measures for dous discretion over whether a bill makes grants for field projects in Alaska and earth scientists, like the Geologic Mapping it from the committee of jurisdiction to British Columbia, but with consideration Reauthorization Act of 1996. Why some final passage on the Senate floor. Many given to worthwhile proposals dealing noncontroversial bills live while other bills of interest to geoscientists, for exam- with high latitudes and rugged terrain. measures die goes beyond the normal ple, are referred to the Senate Energy and A third new category of grant is the Stu- last-minute political posturing; it speaks Natural Resources Committee, chaired by dent Research Grant, which provides to the heart of the political process. For Senator Frank Murkowski (R—AK). The funds for research in economic geology many of these bills, time simply ran out. committee holds sway over controversial that presents new descriptive data on ore I puzzle over what happened in this bills like the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of deposits, mining districts, or general ore session’s final days, and why some bills 1996 (S. 1271) and the Livestock Grazing types. were “sent to heaven” (1600 Pennsylvania Act of 1995 (S. 852), over bills with broad Avenue), while other bills of seemingly The 1997 awards, totaling $20,000, will bipartisan support such as the Helium Pri- equal importance and bipartisan support range from $500 to $2000 each. Grant vatization Act of 1996 (H.R. 3008), and jammed in the pipeline and never left applications may be made by requesting over measures of a decidedly local focus, Capitol Hill. Hill veterans show little forms from the Chairman, SEG Grants like a bill establishing the New Bedford sympathy when I indicate how perplexed Program, 5808 South Rapp Street, Suite Whaling National Historical Park (S. 608). I am about the life and death of different 209, Littleton, CO 80120, phone (303) Yet, for nearly two years various senators bills. Their view is colored, after all, by 797-0332, fax 303-797-0417. Informa- have placed “holds,” or threats of a fili- statistics: out of 5,329 measures intro- tion is also available through the SEG buster, on bills reported out of committee duced in the House of Representatives Web Site, http://www.mines.utah.edu/ so that only a trickle of legislation reached during this Congress, only 1,012, or 19%, wmgg/seg.htm. Applications must the Senate floor. As of September 18, two passed. Similarly, in the Senate, 2,661 be postmarked by March 1, 1997. weeks before Congress adjourned for the measures were introduced and 822, or Awards will be announced on or about year, the Senate had passed only 13 out of 31%, were passed. Because identical bills May 1, 1997. 156 measures referred to the committee; must be passed in both houses before of those, only six were signed into law. going to the President, only 234 bills became law during the 104th Congress, The Art of Compromise a mere 3% of all legislation introduced Licensing Professional (this percentage will go up; many bills For over a year, Senator Bill Bradley passed in the last weeks of Congress await (D—NJ) placed a hold on all bills reported Geologists in Illinois the President’s signature). For comparison, from the Senate Energy and Natural Illinois Public Act 89-0366, the Profes- 5.5% of measures introduced in the 102nd Resources Committee because the sional Geologist Licensing Act, went Congress became law, and 5% of legisla- Resources Committee in the House of into effect on July 1, 1996. The Board of tion in the 103rd Congress. These are Representatives, chaired by Rep. Don Licensing is in the process of formulating coarse statistics only, and do not indicate Young (R—AK) was holding up one of rules and regulations to recommend to which bills make sweeping policy changes, Senator Bradley’s favorite bills: the Sterling the director of the Department of Profes- which were introduced simply to make Forest Protection Act (S. 223). S. 223 sional Regulation (DPR). The grandfather political statements, or even which bills would outlaw development in a small for- period is scheduled by law to end on became parts of larger pieces of legislation. est on the border between New York and June 30, 1997, but it may possibly be Nonetheless, the percentage of bills that New Jersey. By delaying action on bills extended by the legislature through a become law has been remarkably similar important to the other 19 senators on the request from DPR. over three congressional terms and two committee, Senator Bradley was attempt- administrations, despite changes in the ing to exert leverage on the Resources All Geologists wishing a license in Illinois, presidency from Republican to Demo- Committee in the House to act on his bill. especially those who would qualify under cratic, and changes in congressional Holding legislation hostage in the Senate the grandfather provision, should request majority from Democratic to Republican. is a time-honored technique used by now to receive applications when they Underlying these raw measures of leg- majority and minority alike; although become available. Send requests to: islative output are strategic motives and stretching that leverage to involve “the Nikki M. Zollar, Director, Attention: Judy tactical maneuvers that move a bill toward other body” is virtually unheard of. In Vargas, Illinois Department of Profes- “heaven,” send it to oblivion, or simply response, members of the House Resources sional Regulation, 320 West Washington allow it to remain in limbo until Congress Committee offered to move Senator Street, Third Floor, Springfield, IL 62786. adjourns. The threat of a filibuster in the Senate, a threat that does not exist in the Good Bills continued on p. 15

14 GSA TODAY, December 1996 Good Bills continued from p. 14 tions package, the Omnibus Parks bill, stating: “Mr. President, the staff is working and several other weighty measures that desperately to wrap up a couple of final Bradley’s bill if he would drop opposition demanded compromise and considerable items [in reality, this meant dozens of to the Utah Public Lands Management Act backroom dealmaking before they were bills]. [However], we feel that we need to of 1995 (S. 884), a controversial bill that ready for a vote on the floor. After various go ahead and close [adjourn the 104th would place 1.8 million acres of southern deals were struck, small packages of bills Congress] because as long as we stay here, Utah off-limits to development. The Utah began to emerge and were passed by unan- there will be other opportunities to try to Wilderness bill was opposed by members imous consent as the Senate wrapped up get something cleared.” With over 95% of of the environmentalist community, who its affairs at day’s end. the legislation introduced in the 104th demanded that no less than 5.7 million Not all good bills go to heaven, Congress still waiting to “get cleared,” acres be deemed wilderness. The resulting and the 104th Congress was no different. Senator Lott’s comment was a bit of an impasse stalled the Energy and Natural Every Congress leaves town and abandons understatement. Well, there is always next Resources Committee for months until the dozens of noncontroversial bills at the year. ■ Senate failed to cut off debate on the Utah unanimous consent doorstep because Wilderness bill in March, and the measure nobody has the time or energy to make Peter F. Folger, 1995–1996 GSA Congres- died. the deal releasing the various holds. More- sional Science Fellow, served on the staff of Not to be outdone, both Democratic over, in the complex world of Congress, Senator Pete V. Domenici (NM). The one-year senators from Nevada, Harry Reid and if one senator drops his filibuster threat, fellowship is supported by GSA and by the U.S. Richard Bryan, placed holds on all Energy there remain 99 others ready to spring Geological Survey, Department of the Interior, and Natural Resources Committee bills with a hold for their own reasons. At some under Assistance Award No. 1434-95-G-2651. in an attempt to stall consideration of point, the Senate leadership declares vic- The views and conclusions contained in this the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1996 tory and puts an end to last-minute deal- report are those of the author and should not be (S. 1271), a bill establishing an interim making. In the late afternoon of Octo- interpreted as necessarily representing the official storage facility for commercial nuclear ber 3, Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott policies, either expressed or implied, of the U.S. waste on the Nevada Test Site near the (R—MS) summed up this sentiment by Government. proposed permanent repository at Yucca Mountain. Their delaying tactic worked until the Senate voted, 63-37, to pass S. 1271 on July 31, and sent the nuclear waste bill to the House. Now time grew short. Although Congress did not plan to adjourn until October 4, the August recess loomed, leaving precious little time to act on all the Energy Committee bills still Congressional pending. With Members chafing to leave Washington to campaign for reelection, Science Fellowship and only the month of September left to complete a crushing legislative load that 1997–1998 included annual spending bills necessary to keep the government running, Senators he Geological Society of America ular area, and a strong interest in could exert even greater leverage to get what they wanted by placing “holds” on T is accepting applications for the working on a range of public policy other bills. If a bill does not pass before 1997–1998 Congressional Science Fel- problems. Congress adjourns for the year, the game lowship. The Fellow selected will Award is over, at least until next year. spend a year (September 1997– The GSA Congressional Science August 1998) in the office of an indi- Fellowship carries with it a $42,000 Democracy Without Voting vidual member of Congress or a con- stipend, and limited health insurance, gressional committee for the purpose It is interesting to note that even relocation, and travel allowances. The of contributing scientific and technical though the Senate did not conduct a fellowship is funded by GSA and by a single roll-call vote on any Energy and expertise to public policy issues and grant from the U.S. Geological Survey. Natural Resources Committee bill after gaining firsthand experience with the (Employees of the USGS are ineligible July 31, dozens of committee bills ulti- legislative process. The American Asso- to apply for this fellowship. For infor- mately passed the Senate to become law. ciation for the Advancement of Sci- mation about other programs, contact How is that possible? Because the Senate ence conducts an orientation program AAAS or the Geological Society of conducts the bulk of its business by unani- to assist the Fellow seeking a congres- mous consent, which means that bills pass America.) sional staff position in which he or she almost by default as long as not a single senator objects. But there is the rub. Bills can work on major legislative issues. To Apply that might ordinarily pass by unanimous Procedures for application and consent on their merits alone, such as the Criteria detailed requirements are available reauthorization of the Geologic Mapping The program is open to highly in the geology departments of Act, are objected to so that the objector qualified postdoctoral earth scientists. most colleges and universities in the can extract a little leverage on another Candidates should have exceptional United States or upon request matter. And as Congress nears adjourn- competence in some area of the earth from: Executive Director, Geological ment, the desire to strike a deal gains con- sciences, cognizance of a broad range Society of America, P.O. Box 9140, siderable urgency, as every senator knows. of matters outside the Fellow’s partic- Boulder, CO 80301. This year was no different, as Energy Com- mittee bills were held up during debate DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS IS FEBRUARY 3, 1997 and passage of the Omnibus Appropria-

GSA TODAY, December 1996 15 GSAF UPDATE

Valerie G. Brown, GSA Foundation Director of Development

From The Ground Up The suggestions below demonstrate applied to reduce taxable gains, and the the potential advantages of a year-end donation of sale proceeds will generate a I am privileged to address you for the gift, which may be unrestricted or may be charitable gift deduction. For example, first time in my position as the new Direc- directed to a particular program. Note that stock with a market value of $5,000 and a tor of Development at the GSA Founda- the examples assume a donor who item- cost basis of $10,000 can be sold to realize tion. As of this writing, I’ve been on the izes deductions and has a combined fed- a loss of $5,000 to be subtracted from capi- job only a short time, but the rich history eral and state tax liability of 35%. tal gains, and the gift of $5,000 sale pro- and achievements of the organization are ceeds to GSA will result in a charitable already evident. Equally evident is the Gifts of cash by check. A cash gift deduction of $1,750. commitment of GSA and its members to makes an immediate impact and generates advancing the interests of the profession. Some of the tinkering with the tax an immediate and meaningful tax deduc- Recent issues of GSA Today have included code may affect the calculation of actual tion. For example, a gift of $500 will real- thoughtful commentaries about the social charitable gift tax benefits for high- ize a deduction of $175, making the net and economic forces affecting earth sci- income taxpayers and taxpayers subject cost of the gift only $325. ence professionals, and each day I learn to the alternative minimum tax. Donors more about GSA’s extensive outreach and in these categories should contact their Gifts of marketable securities. A gift educational activities to increase apprecia- financial advisors before making decisions of appreciated securities has two benefits. tion of the relevance of the earth sciences about the amount and timing of gifts. The market value of the gift as of the date to our lives. transferred to GSA is deductible in the Still on the subject of tinkering with In the August GSA Today, Eldridge same manner as a cash gift, and there is the tax code, a flat tax is one of several Moores quoted Will Durant: no capital gains tax on the appreciation as versions of tax reform being proposed to there would be if the stock were sold. For eliminate most of the 9,400 pages of the Civilization exists by geologi- example, a gift of stock having a market current tax law. In its purest form, a flat cal consent, subject to change value of $10,000 and a basis of $5,000 will tax would create a single, low tax rate. without notice. realize a deduction of $3,500 (35% of the It would probably provide generous per- That observation is as cogent a justifi- gift value) and save capital gains tax of sonal exemptions but would eliminate all cation as may exist for GSA’s program $1,400 (28% of the $5,000 gain) for a total deductions—including the charitable gift efforts. Whether improving opportunities savings of $4,900 and a net gift cost of deduction. A strong coalition has formed for education and advancement within the $5,100. to present the concept of a modified flat profession or extending opportunities to tax, preserving the deductions for home A gift based on depreciated securities the lay public and policy makers for learn- mortgage interest and charitable dona- also has two benefits. A donor who has ing and understanding what the tions. But the possibility of change is yet realized taxable capital gains in 1996 and geosciences mean to our common welfare, another reason to give generously while who owns a stock that has declined in GSA’s programs address issues that are vital we know what the rules and benefits are. value since acquisition can sell the depre- to the profession’s health and viability. ciated stock and donate the proceeds of Above all, please accept my best Thus, the support GSA receives from sale to GSA. The loss on the sale can be wishes for a happy holiday season. its members and its professional sector is a direct reflection of shared values and concerns. The rationale for contributions GSA Foundation to GSA’s programs is not merely that the 3300 Penrose Place programs need funding but—more impor- P.O. Box 9140 tant—that the programs meet a funda- Boulder, CO 80301 mental need in contributing to what humans know about their home planet. (303) 447-2020 [email protected] So, to all the members who have given their support in 1996, many thanks! For those of you who have not yet made Enclosed is my contribution in the amount of $______for a donation, the end of the year is a good Foundation—Unrestricted GSA—Unrestricted time to consider how you can help. The The ______program or fund. ideas have been presented to you before, frequently, and may look familiar, but I would like to make a gift of appreciated stock to the Foundation. Please they cannot be reiterated too often. send me information. Despite persistent tinkering with the My pledge to the Second Century Fund is $______per year for ___ years. tax code, the U.S. Congress has reaffirmed its commitment to private philanthropy, PLEASE PRINT and favorable rules are still in place for charitable gift tax deductions. Therefore, Name ______although it may be getting a bit late in the Address ______year to commence planning a complex gift you can still complete a straightfor- City/State/ZIP ______ward gift of cash or marketable securities before the December 31 deadline for 1996 Phone ______tax planning.

16 GSA TODAY, December 1996 LETTER

Eldridge Moores mentioned in his September statement in GSA Today that in day in January a Calling All Cars! his view, we live in a time of “the apparent block away from the post office.) Before GSA is the proud owner of a 1977 end of the ‘social contract’ between that day comes, we call upon your good Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser which was society as a whole and science.” It is my will and used cars. bought used in 1987 and which now has professional view that this social contract Does any member have a vehicle, 150,000 miles and a broken side window. is in the process of renegotiation. Here is either a station wagon or mini-van, that (The window is relevant.) Owing to the why. has served you up to or a bit beyond its age of the car, replacement parts are The initial social contract between time, that is somewhat less than 20 years becoming difficult and extremely costly American society and science is rooted in old, that you would consider donating or to obtain. (Estimated cost of a window: the Morrill Act establishing the land grant offering for sale (cheap!) to GSA? If so, $500 to $800.) Aside from parts, the auto research, education, and service (exten- please contact the Foundation office at body and interior are beyond hope. The sion) funding system. This contract was (303) 447-2020. ■ car makes roundtrips of about 10 miles driven by economic security considerations from the GSA warehouse to the post office of those times, and it later included other to the headquarters offices, so although Reminder! Make sure your donations scientific fields that were meeting, or daily use is not great, it’s important. are mailed to the Foundation office asked to meet, national economic needs. The day is coming when replacing the before the end of December in order World War II broadened the contract vehicle will be urgent. (Applying Murphy’s to have a 1996 tax deduction. to emphasize harnessing science to meet Law, the urgency will arise on a sub-zero national concerns about military security, and because it was interpreted broadly, particularly in funding research, basic science was supported or was a byproduct of meeting national security goals. That Winners! We’ve got Winners! contract continued through the Cold War, and most of our GSA colleagues During the GSA annual meeting in Denver, the Foundation held the Second functioned and made careers under this Century Fund drawing for donors who had pledged $250 or more. The big winner paradigm. was Chris Mathewson, who won the free GeoHostel. Other Second Century Fund Ending the Cold War forced a review winners were Arthur A. Bookstrom, Jeremy M. Boak, Reese E. Mallette, Donald W. of national objectives in this social con- Boyd, Robert A. Larson, Richard H. Mahard, Joseph Gordon, Clarence R. Allen, and tract and is now leading to a revision focus- ing again on economic security, particularly Ardith K. Hansel. in those areas where research will improve All 1996 contributors to the Foundation’s annual campaign were entered in a America’s economic competitiveness in separate drawing for the prizes displayed at the booth in Denver. The winners were the global economic marketplace. Thus, Ralph David, Patricia Seawald, Robert Hudson, Howard Day, William Brosge, and along with increased accountability, Peter K. Matthews. scientific research funding will be directed towards proposals and projects that Many thanks to those who have supported the Foundation this year! enhance America’s economic competitive- ness globally, foster economic security, provide a return on investment, and show measurable impacts. This revised contract represents a major paradigm shift and Donors to the Foundation, September 1996 cultural change for the American scientific community and for GSA. In my profes- Cady Award Michael J. Passow Konrad B. Krauskopf* sional view, geology, through its tradi- Jack A. Simon* (in memory Phillip H. Manger Second Century Fund of Robert M. Kosanke) Kiguma J. Murata tional leadership in the petroleum and Robert O. Beringer James T. Neal mining industries, is ideally suited to Dwornik Planetary Bonnie A. Blackwell* Noel M. Ravneberg* move in the mainstream of the amended Geoscience Award Donald W. Boyd* Walter Schmidt social contract emphasizing economic John O. Annexstad Keros Cartwright Daniel R. Shawe Ronald Greeley* Paul A. Catecosinos security. Arthur E. Soregaroli* Klaus Keil Curetis A. Consolvo So, what should GSA do? First, it Laureen C. Wagoner Maria Luisa Crawford* could foster an evaluation of measurable International Division F. Michael Wahl* Cyprus Amax Minerals economic impacts to which geology could Award Edmund G. Wermund, Jr. Company* contribute and lead during the next quar- Cyprus Amax Minerals Claire B. and David F. Unrestricted - Foundation Company* ter century. Second, it should solicit Davidson* (in memory of Arthur T. Fernald manuscripts for its journals that address Operating Fund Richard P. Sheldon) Eric Allan Lauha* both basic science and economic impacts, (in Raymond T. Stotler, Jr. Robert S. Fousek Herbert E. Wright, Jr. and encourage authors with good basic memory of Vaughn Russom) Hubert Gabrielse* Unrestricted - GSA Edward E. Geary science papers to address economic Research Grants Liang Chi Hsu James A. Gibbs impacts via the editorial review process. Cayce A. Lillesve Eugen Seibold* William C. Gussow* Third, GSA should publish a Geologi- Cleavy L. McKnight Debra S. Stakes Richard L. Hay cal Sciences Extension Series, ranging from Thomas W. Stern* SAGE John W. Hess, Jr.* one to four pages, of selected Bulletin or John Can Brahana Catherine J. Hickson *Century Plus Roster— Marcus E. Milling* Norris W. Jones Gifts of $150 or more. Letter continued on p. 18

GSA TODAY, December 1996 17 WASHINGTON REPORT impacting science and technology, from the nearly 1,200 full House roll call votes Bruce F. Molnia of the entire 104th Congress (i.e, until the Washington Report provides the GSA membership with a window on the activities of the federal August 1996 recess). The 30 were selected agencies, Congress and the legislative process, and international interactions that could impact as indicators because they do one or more the geoscience community. In future issues, Washington Report will present summaries of agency of the following: (1) favorably or unfavor- and interagency programs, track legislation, and present insights into Washington, D.C., geopoli- ably impact the quality review of science; tics as they pertain to the geosciences. (2) proscribe or prohibit specific types of science research; (3) eliminate or increase science needed for improved national decision-making; (4) promote or curtail “Science ScoreBoard” Analyzes House science education; or (5) directly increase or decrease investment in science. of Representatives Voting Pattern on Because many important votes affect- ing science are held in committee and do Science and Technology Issues not involve all members of Congress, no committee votes or actions were included In presenting these findings we want to emphasize that our Representatives have in the Science Watch compilation. Because not heard enough from their constituents in the scientific community. Scientists Science Watch chose to include only 30 must realize that their Representatives need their advice and counsel when voting votes, certain important science legisla- on issues of importance to science. Therefore, to the extent that they have failed to tion, such as the Oceanographic Partner- ship Act (see October 1996 Washington inform their Representatives, the scientific community itself is just as responsible Report) were not included in the analysis. for these voting records as the Representative. Substitution of other legislation for some of the 30 used to evaluate congressional — Roland Schmitt, Chairman, Science Watch support of science and technology would likely change the outcome of the analysis. However, on its own merit, the results of Several weeks ago, Science Watch, ment. Federal support of science is vital to the Science ScoreBoard are extremely sig- Inc., an independent science watchdog the national future.” nificant. group, released its Science ScoreBoard, a The report, touted as a “first of its The report shows that Democrats in new index, which can be important both kind,” found that, on the basis of a review the House (average rating of 72%) sup- in tracking Congress and as a possible of the voting records of the 437 individu- ported science on these indicator votes future leading indicator for forecasting the als who were members of the House of about twice as frequently as the Republi- long-term scientific health of the nation. Representatives during the 1995-1996 cans (average rating of 35%). Democratic “We can now for the first time rank, evalu- 104th Congress, on 30 selected key science members with support of science ratings ate and appreciate our Representatives in bills and amendments, 91 members voted of 90% or higher were: Ken Bentson (TX— Congress based on their actual voting in favor of science research more than 97%), Sheila Jackson-Lee (TX—97%), records, not on just four or five issues, 75% of the time. The report also revealed Eddie B. Johnson (TX—97%), Ronald but on their votes all throughout the that 64 members voted against science Coleman (TX—96%), Martin Frost (TX— 104th Congress,” said Martin Apple, Sci- research more than 70% of the time. Of 96%), John Murtha (PA—96%), Tom Bevill ence Watch’s CEO. He continued, “Cur- those 64 members, 63 are Republicans. (AL—93%), Rick Boucher (VA—93%), rently the USA leads the world in science The one Democratic exception is Rep. George Brown (CA—93%), Kiki de la Garza and this keeps us internationally competi- Andrew Jacobs (IN) who voted against (TX—93%), Steny Hoyer (MD—93%), tive. The federal investment in science 73% of the scientific research legislation Gene Green (TX—92%), Joe Moakley research has paid off handsomely. Dozens considered in the survey. Rep. Jim Ram- (MA—92%), Alan Mollohan (WV—92%), of studies have now agreed that the rate stad (R—MN) had the lowest rating of all Robert Bud Cramer (AL—90%), John of return on such federal investment in members, supporting science on only 4% Bryant (TX—90%), Norman Dicks (WA— science research may be over 40 percent of the index votes. 90%), Solomon Ortiz (TX—90%) and Ray per year, year after year, making science a Science Watch selected the 30 votes Thornton (AR—90%). highly valuable and pivotal federal invest- (19 in 1995 and 11 in 1996) it saw as Republican members with support of science ratings of 50% or higher were: James Hayes (LA—71%), Amo Houghton (NY—67%), Sherwood Boehlert (NY— 60%), Nancy Johnson (CT—60%), Tom Davis (VA—57%), Constance Morella Letter continued from p. 17 from elected officials. GSA’s contribution (MD—57%), Jim Greenwood (PA—55%), of an Extension Series could lead to a simi- Jim Bunn (OR—53%), Paul Gilmore (OH— lar impact and strengthen geology’s role in 53%), James Walsh (NY—53%), William Geology papers that have an economic the USA. Clinger (PA—52%), Vernon Ehlers (MI— impact and distribute these to the public No doubt, other opportunities exist 52%), Philip English (PA—52%), C. W. Bill and policy domain (especially elected for GSA to show its economic impact, Young (FL—52%), Michael Bilrakis (FL— officials). The Kansas Geological Survey relevance, and accomplishments that help 50%), Herbert Bateman (VA—50%) Ken instituted such a series nearly 18 months the USA’s competitiveness in the global Calvert (CA—50%), Wayne Gilchrist ago, hired a science writer to manage and marketplace. Does GSA have the will to (MD—50%), Steve Horn (CA—50%), Peter write the articles, and distributed these develop them? King (NY—50%), Steven LaTourette (OH— professionally produced documents 50%), and William Thomas (CA—50%). statewide. Statewide response and support George D. Klein have been overwhelmingly positive in George D. Klein & Associates terms of support for that agency, including Matawan, NJ, 07747-0944 ■ Washington Report continued on p. 19

18 GSA TODAY, December 1996 Washington Report continued from p. 18 BOOK REVIEWS As House Speaker Newt Gingrich tradi- tionally only votes to break deadlocks, he Geology of Wyoming. Edited by A. W. exercises as well as regional understand- is not included in the ScoreBoard. Snoke, J. R. Steidtmann, and S. M. Roberts. ing. A copy of the 1991 geologic highway Surprisingly, the ratings of both Memoir 5, Geological Survey of Wyoming, map of the state at 1:1,000,000 scale links Republican and Democratic members of Laramie, WY 82071-3006, 1993, two the driving geologist to the local bedrock. the House Science Committee were below volumes plus map packet, $75 plus postage This publication is the logical starting their party averages. Republican commit- ($5 in Wyoming, $10 in rest of U.S., and place for anyone, student or professional, tee members supported science legislation $20 international, including Canada). who wants more detailed information on only 33.5% of the time (vs. party average almost any aspect of Wyoming geology, hese two volumes represent a bench- rating of 35%) while Democratic commit- be it the Yellowstone hotspot, the Heart mark and probable classic in the litera- tee members supported science legislation T Mountain detachment, stratigraphic ture of the Middle Rocky Mountains. Pro- 69.2% of the time (vs. party average rating nomenclature, tectonics, or the mysteries duced jointly by authors mostly from the of 72%). Committee chairman Robert of the Precambrian. No field camp, no University of Wyoming and the Wyoming Walker (R—PA) had a rating of 40%, geology department nor its library, and Geological Survey, this work represents a while ranking minority member George E. no professional geologist or serious stu- summary of where geologic research and Brown, Jr. (D—CA) had a rating of 93%. dent of the region should be without it. understanding of the region stands as we On a state basis, representatives from approach the end of the 20th century. The Donald U. Wise West Virginia, Montana, Hawaii, Mas- dedication is to two of this century’s great- Franklin and Marshall College sachusetts, Alabama, Texas, Rhode Island, est contributors to that understanding: Lancaster, PA 17604-3003 Maryland, North Dakota, Virginia, and Don Blackstone of the University of Vermont were found more likely to vote Wyoming and Dave Love of the USGS. in favor of science, 60%–80% of the time, Both began their streams of significant Mechanics in the Earth and Envi- while representatives from New Hamp- Wyoming publications in the 1930s, and ronmental Sciences. By Gerard V. shire, Nevada, Wyoming, Kansas, Idaho, both continue their geological activity in Middleton and Peter R. Wilcock. Cambridge Wisconsin, Nebraska, Iowa, Arizona, Indi- the region to the present day. There could University Press, New York, 1994, $89.95 ana, and Oklahoma were least likely (only have been no better choice for the dedica- (hardback), $34.95 (paperback). 25%–38% of the time). tion of such a volume. The press release accompanying the major trend, well underway, in earth For much too long there has been a Science ScoreBoard report stated that science is the application of its tech- void in literature on Wyoming geology. A “while 4/5 of the public supports the fed- niques and results to solving the environ- Innumerable articles deal with details of eral investment in science, only 1/5 of the mental problems besetting humankind. specific areas, commonly in guidebooks or members of the House of Representatives One sees examples of this in the newspa- other forms of gray literature. Where sum- consistently vote to support science and pers every day. For instance, the proposed mary papers exist, the focus is largely on technology research.…” The 4/5 finding is underground storage facility at Yucca the approach of a subdiscipline to specific based on a Louis Harris Organization poll Mountain, within the Nevada Test Site, data and interpretation of the region. conducted in February 1996 in California, must be certified capable of safely contain- Overall syntheses exist but seem to be Florida, and Texas. In the poll, 3,000 ing high-level radioactive waste for at least largely low-level books for a more general adults were asked “Do you agree the fed- 10,000 years. To this end, numerous phe- audience. Nowhere has there been a vol- eral government should support basic sci- nomena that might affect the integrity of ume that one could turn to, knowing that entific research, even if it brings no imme- this facility must be understood so well it contained a good summary of whatever diate benefits?” Eighty-one percent agreed, that they can be predicted into the geo- subdiscipline was of interest as well as a 12% percent disagreed, and 7% percent logic future with confidence. bibliography of the most pertinent data responded that they “did not know.” The Whatever the political fate of Yucca and publications on that subject. These poll findings are reported with a margin Mountain, it at least serves as a dramatic volumes fill that void. of error of 3.1%. The responses are similar illustration of the need for improving our The 40-page editorial overview, by to those reported from several other capability to analyze quantitatively the Snoke, with its 15-page bibliography, is a 1992–1995 state and national surveys. geologic and hydrologic processes that guide to the general literature as well as to Science Watch, Inc. is a group of affect the topmost several kilometers of more detailed summary sections that fol- nationally recognized science leaders Earth’s crust, because environmental prob- low. This article is the finest and most concerned with helping educate the lems of many types are not only encoun- readable summary of Wyoming geology at nation about the role and significance tered globally but, more alarmingly, are a highly professional level that I have seen of science in the American future. Its increasing in step with human population to date, a “must read” item for any work- members include: Roland Schmitt and growth. Thus, this book by Middleton and ers in the region who want information James Duderstadt, both past chairmen of Wilcock was written partly with a view to beyond their specialty or for any student the National Science Board; Nobel laure- training workers to address these difficult starting a research project or field camp ates Ken Wilson, F. Sherwood Rowland, problems, many of which, including session. For details on individual topics, Herbert Simon, Gertrude Elion, and Leon Yucca Mountain, are so challenging as 26 articles by many authors are organized Lederman; D. Allen Bromley, past science to force important new developments in into sections on Precambrian, Paleozoic, advisor to President Bush; Maxine Singer, the earth sciences. Mesozoic, and Cenozoic history, and a president of the Carnegie Institution; Eric As indicated by the title, this text- final section on topical aspects such as Bloch, past director of the National Sci- book, developed from courses taught by ground water, oil and gas, coal, and ence Foundation; and Martin Apple, the the authors, is intended to help students radioactive materials. The 10-item map executive officer of the Council of Scien- gain a working knowledge of applying the packet includes some new seismic and tific Society Presidents. ■ principles of mechanics (classical, contin- bathymetric data on Jackson Lake and the uum, and fluid) to understanding and Teton fault by Smith et al.; eight balanced modeling a broad variety of geologic pro- cross sections of the Wyoming thrust belt by Royse would be suitable for student Book Reviews continued on p. 20

GSA TODAY, December 1996 19 Book Reviews continued from p. 19 caters to the needs of scientists keen to vided for numerical techniques, including venture into new territory. First, the flow charts, seemed somewhat out of place cesses. Although Middleton and Wilcock authors have provided some fine historical and date. In several instances the authors have written this book for an undergradu- introductions to the various chapters (e.g., have pushed analysis using simplified ate science student with minimal techni- classical mechanics, stress, strain, fluid models too far to reach conclusions that cal background, they nonetheless present flow, pressure, buoyancy, consolidation, are a little too unrealistic to provide useful sufficient methodology to address at least electricity, convection, and turbulence) to insights. One example of this that dis- simplified versions of problems that are give the reader a good idea of how subject turbed me appears on p. 289 where, in currently vexing earth scientists in a broad areas have developed to the current state problem 1, Middleton and Wilcock ask the range of subject areas. of the art and who was involved. Second, reader to assume, for purposes of solving a This book may help to inject some the book is loaded with “back-of-the-enve- state-of-stress problem, a boundary condi- new excitement into the earth sciences lope” calculations, which any scientist tion of zero horizontal strain! Finally, hav- of the sort that is currently hard to find. knows are perhaps the most exciting ing been a seismologist for more than 30 Specifically, nearly all of our literature part of one’s career, especially the simple years, I was surprised to read (p. 280) that involves the application of old, well- calculations that yield novel insights. the seismic wave speed is called “celerity.” established equations or procedures to Third, this book includes a superb chapter, These minor drawbacks notwith- new data sets or more elaborate numerical “Dimensional analysis and the theory of standing, there are numerous good rea- modeling. The trend into new, environ- models,” that presents some excellent sons to recommend this as a textbook for mentally oriented problem areas is placing techniques for developing new equations, earth science courses or as a reference on an unusually high premium on resource- modeling processes, and checking the cor- one’s bookshelf. Of these, perhaps the fulness in developing novel approaches to rectness of theoretical analysis. most important are the clarity of presenta- problem solving, including new equations Not surprisingly, this textbook has a tion, including a very intuitive approach to represent geologic and hydrologic phe- few weak points, none of which detracts nomena. In several ways this textbook seriously from it. Some of the detail pro- Book Reviews continued on p. 21

1996 Annual Meeting Chorale Conductor Sings Praise To the members of the GSA Mile High Chorale Gregg M. Busch, Conductor

Thank you for the truly wonderful experience of conducting you at St. John’s Cathedral. Although I was a little nervous after the first rehearsal, I was amazed at the high level of excel- lence you achieved in a very short time. You should all be very proud of the work you did to make the final performance a success. Each of you is a tribute to the choirs and chorales that you work with regularly. Thanks also to those of you who attended the concert, for supporting your fellow geologists. Everyone should make sure to get a cassette tape of the performance. I have heard it myself and you will be absolutely delighted. Finally, I urge all of you to continue this tradition at the next conference. You truly are a remarkable group, and yes, we DID make music!

ORDER FORM Please send: qty. n cassette tapes ($10 each) X ____ $______GSA Mile High Chorale—October 29, 1996 n Cassette Tape and Photo 5”x7” photos ($7.95 each) X ____ $______n Preserve the memory of this delightful performance with a full- 8”x10” photos ($12.95 each) X ____ $______length cassette tape and a color photo. Complete this order form, TOTAL: $______and mail it with your check to: Name ______Geological Society of America, Attn: Angelique Espinoza 3300 Penrose Place, P.O. Box 9140, Boulder, CO 80301 Address ______

I have enclosed a check for $ ______made out to GSA. City ______State ______Zip ______

20 GSA TODAY, December 1996 Book Reviews continued from p. 20 albeit without the visibility of earlier days. however, the techniques covered represent The lower profile of recent fractals only a subset of those used even in this to describing the often complex subject research in earth sciences stems not from book. For the most part, the rest of the matter, clear and effective figures, and a failure of the concept nor from a lack papers present topical studies of fracture instructive problems in each chapter, of interesting progress, but rather, I think, surfaces, seafloor topography, fracture net- along with well-explained solutions. The from the more systematic, more applied, work geometry, fault breccia, fault lengths many important numbers that crop up and more topically specific character of and displacements, earthquake dynamics, continuously in the earth sciences (e.g., ongoing work (e.g., see the early 1996 spe- igneous rock textures, and gold-silver min- the Rayleigh number) are explained and cial issue of Journal of Structural Geology on eralization. An additional paper (the most motivated quite effectively. Moreover, fault populations). interesting of the book, I think) defies the Middleton and Wilcock have demon- Fractals in the Earth Sciences provides simple classification above, and addresses strated excellent scholarship by providing a good sampling of some directions taken the transitions of geologic phenomena a lengthy and useful list of references for by researchers using fractals as a tool. The that follow different scaling patterns at the reader seeking more details. book contains 13 papers that cover a range different scale ranges. of topics, although about half of the Barton and La Pointe have provided Art McGarr papers focus primarily on different aspects a volume that will interest many geoscien- U. S. Geological Survey of fractures, faults, and/or earthquakes. tists with no experience in using fractals, Menlo Park, CA 94025 The first two papers are intended to pro- although a couple of the papers probably vide an overview of the techniques used are inaccessible to novices. The variety of to analyze geologic data and of the variety topics offered, while not comprehensive, Fractals in the Earth Sciences. of geologic phenomena that have been should at least attract a wide range of read- Edited by Christopher C. Barton and Paul R. addressed. The following two papers con- ers. Many of the topical papers are largely La Pointe. Plenum Press, New York, 1995, cern the systematics of a few of the most reviews and may well be the best places to $59.50. commonly used techniques for quantify- start for those with new interests in the ractals became a popular element of ing the scaling of geologic phenomena. fractal aspects of the specific topics. In F the geological jargon about a decade These are particularly welcomed contribu- addition, discussions of the techniques ago. Since that time, studies making use of tions because so few studies have ade- the concept of fractals have proliferated, quately scrutinized the methodologies; Book Reviews continued on p. 22

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS REMINDERS

PENROSE AND DAY M EDALS, AND HONORARY FELLOWSHIP tional circumstances, GSA employees may be nominated for con- Nominations for 1997 Penrose and Day Medals and for Hon- sideration. Any GSA member or employee may make a nomina- orary Fellowship in the Society are due by FEBRUARY 3, 1997. tion for the award. Awardees will be selected by the Executive Committee, and all selections must be ratified by the Council. YOUNG SCIENTIST AWARD (DONATH MEDAL) Awards may be made annually, or less frequently, at the discretion The Young Scientist Award was established in 1988 to be of Council. This award will be presented during the annual meet- awarded to a young scientist (35 or younger during the year in ing of the Society. Deadline for nominations for 1997 is which the award is to be presented) for outstanding achievement in MARCH 3, 1997. contributing to geologic knowledge through original research that marks a major advance in the earth sciences. The award, consisting JOHN C. FRYE ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY AWARD of a gold medal called the Donath Medal and a cash prize of In cooperation with the Association of American State Geolo- $15,000, was endowed by Dr. and Mrs. Fred A. Donath. gists (AASG), GSA makes an annual award for the best paper on For the year 1997, only those candidates born on or after Jan- environmental geology published either by GSA or by one of the uary 1, 1962, are eligible for consideration. In choosing candidates state geological surveys. The award is a $1000 cash prize from the for the Young Scientist Award, scientific achievement and age will endowment income of the GSA Foundation’s John C. Frye Memorial be the sole criteria. Nominations for the 1997 award must include Fund. The 1997 award will be presented at the autumn AASG meet- • biographical information, ing to be held during the GSA Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City. • a summary of the candidate’s scientific contributions to geology Nominations can be made by anyone, based on the following (200 words or less), criteria: (1) paper must be selected from GSA or state geological sur- • a selected bibliography (no more than 10 titles), vey publications, (2) paper must be selected from those published • supporting letters from five scientists in addition to the person during the preceding three full calendar years, (3) nomination must making the nomination. include a paragraph stating the pertinence of the paper. Deadline for nominations for 1997 is FEBRUARY 3, 1997. Nominated papers must establish an environmental problem or need, provide substantive information on the basic geology or OFFICERS AND COUNCILORS geologic process pertinent to the problem, relate the geology to the The GSA Committee on Nominations requests your help in problem or need, suggest solutions or provide appropriate land-use compiling a list of GSA members qualified for service as officers and recommendations based on the geology, present the information in councilors of the Society. The committee requests that each nomi- a manner that is understandable and directly usable by geologists, nation be accompanied by basic data and a description of the quali- and address the environmental need or resolve the problem. It is fications of the individual for the position recommended (vice- preferred that the paper be directly applicable by informed layper- president, treasurer, councilor). sons (e.g., planners, engineers). Deadline for nominations for 1997 Deadline for nominations for 1998 is FEBRUARY 18, 1997. is MARCH 31, 1997.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD NATIONAL AWARDS The GSA Distinguished Service Award was established by The deadline is April 30, 1997, for submitting nominations for Council in 1988 to recognize individuals for their exceptional ser- these four awards: William T. Pecora Award, National Medal of Sci- vice to the Society. GSA Members, Fellows, Associates, or, in excep- ence, Vannevar Bush Award, Alan T. Waterman Award.

GSA TODAY, December 1996 21 Book Reviews continued from p. 21 bogged down non-Alpine geologists for market. The final chapter consists of Hsü’s decades. The non-Swiss purchaser of this miscellaneous philosophical thoughts used in the papers are much more useful book should be aware that it is absolutely about geology and geologists. than the often perfunctory statements essential to have access to both the geol- Overall, Geology of Switzerland gives that remain in journal articles after editing. ogy and tectonic maps of Switzerland; the impression of an author with great The book probably will not be of otherwise, much of the time he or she knowledge genuinely seeking to inform great interest to researchers already work- will have no idea where in Switzerland the and enlighten, and it provides an interest- ing with fractals, except perhaps to get a particular feature under discussion is to be ing and easily readable perspective on the broader picture of the uses of fractals in found. Even with the aid of the geologic Swiss Alps for geologists who already have geosciences. Most of the material pre- maps, it is not always easy to follow the a good knowledge of the area. This is not a sented in the book has been published arguments presented. For example, on book I can recommend to the nonspecial- previously. In fact, in the rapidly evolving page 55, we find: “The so-called Einsiedeln ist or the average non-European student, world of fractals, many of the articles are Flysch, Blattengrat Flysch, and Ragaz however. already dated. By my count less than 10% Flysch are not flysch formations, but Carol Simpson of the references were published during schuppen zones. The Globigerina Marl, Boston University the 1990s. Nevertheless, I expect that this Nummulitic Limestone, and Amden Marl Boston, MA 02215 will be a book that I use. of these zones are not flysch, but the Blat- tengrat Sandstone, or the turbidite sand- Randall Marrett stone and shale interbeds above the Glo- University of Texas The Great Dinosaur Extinction bigerina Marl, in the Blattengrat and Austin, TX 78712 Controversy. By Charles Officer and Jake Einsiedeln schuppen zones [are] South Page. Helix Books, Addison-Wesley, New York, Helvetic Flysch.” No reference is made to 224 p., $25. maps or figures that would help the non- Geology of Switzerland. By Kenneth J. expert unravel the complexities, or even he main contention of this book is Hsü. Princeton University Press, Princeton, sort out why they might be important. that the impact (or “Alvarez”) theory New Jersey, 1995, 250 p., $55. T In the central chapters on the Pen- of the Cretaceous-Tertiary mass extinction he subtitle for the German edition of ninic core nappes, Bundnerschiefer, ophi- is (and always was) empirically bankrupt T Hsü’s book is “A Textbook for Begin- olite melanges and Austroalpine Nappes, and that it has been maintained in the ners and a Discourse with Experts,” and both the writing and geological exposition popular and scientific consciousness the publishers would have done well to are clear. There are lucid discussions of mostly by media bias and hype. Officer keep this subtitle with the English edition, how the Penninic ocean once was sepa- is one of the leading antagonists of the as it neatly summarizes the widely dis- rated into two troughs by the Briancon- Alvarez theory, and such a book might parate levels of the text. The book is a nais Swell and how this initial configura- have promised a genuine insider’s look mixture of geological detective work, tion was largely responsible for the present at the debate. This expectation is, in part, historical anecdote, personal reminis- tectonic juxtapositions of the crystalline fulfilled. There is a brief but useful sum- cence, and detailed discussion of obscure nappes. A strength of the book is that mary of the principal arguments against stratigraphic arguments. It would be much modern analogs of the presumed deposi- the impact scenario and in favor of the simpler for geology students to follow had tional and tectonic environments are sug- volcanic alternative, together with an Hsü started the book with the overview gested; some, such as the present eastern incomplete but useful bibliography. This Chapter 12, Geological Evolution of Mediterranean as an analog for Helvetic book is disappointing, however, chiefly Switzerland, and then gone into detail paleogeography, seem highly appropriate. because it adopts much of the tone and about historical ideas on particular out- However, in the same section other “actu- approach it criticizes. crops, rather than the other way around. alistic” examples, such as the South China The history of the impact theory is At least then the interested nonexpert Sea and the Cascades, are also presented as indeed one filled with acrimony and what would have a framework on which to analogs for the Eocene Helvetic and Ultra- Officer and Page call “media science.” Its hang all the minutiae of historical helvetic realm, but with less convincing senior architect, physicist Luis Alvarez, did argument. supporting arguments. in fact dismiss most previous paleontologi- Throughout the first half of the book, Geology of Switzerland is an entertain- cal investigation, mostly on the grounds Hsü uses the concept of tectonic facies as ing book for the geological historian and that physics is better and more rigorous his basis for discussion of the classic subdi- raconteur. The style in several places is science than paleontology. The media did visions of the Alps, working from foreland that of a detective story, as the reader is make much of the evidence for the impact to hinterland. Unfortunately, there is no led through the development of ideas theory, and less about evidence to the con- clear exposition of the concept even in about a particular outcrop or structure. trary. A bandwagon effect was clearly oper- the chapter devoted to the tectonic facies Reproductions of original field sketches ating, and some poor science was clearly concept, wherein historical anecdotes and from the late 1800s and early 1900s are a done and published. autobiographical notes leave the reader no valuable addition. However, I longed for But to read Officer and Page, one nearer to an understanding. One is left to modern and informative maps and cross would think that there never was any sig- surmise, without much confidence, that sections of the Alps in place of the numer- nificant reason to take the impact theory a tectonic facies must be a recognizable ous artistically pleasing but somewhat seriously; that paleontologists already group of rocks that formed in a particular dated illustrations. The superb work of knew the answer to the K-T event in 1980, tectonic environment and that can be more modern authors is largely ignored and that there was in fact no problem to correlated from place to place. throughout the book. solve; that the anti-impactors brought no The early chapters on the Jura Moun- At the end of the book are two chap- biases or preconceived notions to their tains, Swiss Midlands, and Swiss Alps are ters that aim to link the tectonic facies work, and that an Earth-based volcanic fluid and clear, but in the chapters on concept to other geologic regions. Very scenario is the only one possible; and that Helvetic unconformities, flysch versus brief summaries of the Caledonides, only a tiny minority of “legitimate scien- wildflysch, and Pre-Alps, the book Appalachians, North American Cordillera, tists” today support the impact hypothesis. descends into the sticky mixture of place Andes, and China do give the novice an It just isn’t that simple. The truth is names, tectonic event names, formation introduction to these areas, although there that in 1980 there was no consensus on names, and geologic time zones that have are more informative regional texts on the either the structure of the extinction or its

22 GSA TODAY, December 1996 PUBLICATIONS NEWS FROM the GSA cited. Evidence for impact is found to be ambigous because of “our lack of knowl- edge of what went on in K-T times,” whereas volcanoes are “unquestionably responsible” for some K-T data and non- Bookstore impact events are “known to have WATCH THIS COLUMN FOR NEWS ABOUT GSA PUBLICATIONS occurred.” Although there have been no real PHANEROZOIC FAUNAL & FLORAL REALMS OF southeast coastal Massachusetts were used to reconstruct the surveys of professional opinion on the THE EARTH: THE INTERCALARY RELATIONS OF THE geologic history of the region and to compare this construction Alvarez hypothesis since the mid-1980s, MALVINOKAFFRIC AND GONDWANA FAUNAL REALMS with that proposed by W. M. Davis in 1986. This work also the idea has hardly “collapsed.” Some WITH THE TETHYAN FAUNAL REALM suggests that historical changes in Cape Cod are not limited to paleontologists maintain that no impact by A. A. Meyerhoff, A. J. Boucot, D. Meyerhoff-Hull, J. M. Dickins, natural processes as Davis suggested, but that past and present 1996 human activities, such as construction of harbors and the Cape occurred. By my judgment, however, most MWR189, 78 p., hardbound, indexed, ISBN 0-8137-1189-4, Cod Canal, dredging of channels and mooring areas, devegeta- accept that one did and are wrestling with $40.00; Member price $32.00 tion, mining, timber harvesting, clearing of land for agriculture, its possible effects; many believe it had and unrestricted grazing, played a significant role in creating PALYNOLOGICAL CORRELATION OF MAJOR PENNSYL- little effect, but many maintain the the present morphology of Cape Cod. VANIAN (MIDDLE AND UPPER CARBONIFEROUS) SPE309, 76 p., ISBN 0-8137-2309-4, $30.00, Member price $24.00 opposite. CHRONOSTRATIGRAPHIC BOUNDARIES IN THE ILLINOIS Perhaps most troubling is Officer and AND OTHER COAL BASINS SUBSURFACE GEOLOGIC INVESTIGATIONS OF NEW YORK by R. A. Peppers, 1996 FINGER LAKES: IMPLICATIONS FOR LATE QUATERNARY Page’s insistence that the impact theory MWR188, 118 p., hardbound, 1 pocket insert, ISBN 0-8137-1188-6, DEGLACIATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE has violated the rules of science. They sug- $55.00; Member price $44.00 edited by H. T. Mullins, N. Eyles, 1996 gest that if a research program spends time Focuses on the subsurface Quaternary geology of the Finger PALEOZOIC SEQUENCE STRATIGRAPHY: VIEWS FROM “accomodating known facts” instead of Lakes of New York State. It evolves high-resolution seismic THE NORTH AMERICAN CRATON reflecting surveys of the lakes correlated with a 120-m-long generating “dramatic, unexpected, stun- edited by B. J. Witzke, G. A. Ludvigson, J. E. Day, 1996 drill core, including downhole geophysics. Results of these ning new predictions,” then it is “degener- This volume refocuses on the Paleozoic cratonic heritage of subsurface investigations have implications for the origin and sequence stratigraphy, with the additional perspectives from ative” instead of “progressive.” This evolution of the world-reknowned lakes, stability of the adjoining continental margins and foreland basins, and covers ignores the perfectly valid activity that fol- Laurentide ice sheet during the last deglaciation, and regional topics spanning the Cambrian through the Permian, and climate change over the past 14,000 years. Should be of lows announcement of all new theories: provides a diversity of views focused within the North interest to Quaternary geologists, geomorphologists, modification in light of additional infor- American craton. glaciologists, paleolimnologists, paleoclimatologists. SPE306, 452 p., indexed, ISBN 0-8137-2306-X, mation. New theories that link and coordi- SPE311, 96 p., ISBN 0-8137-2311-6, $115.00, Member price $92.00 nate preexisting observations are also $35.00, Member price $28.00 THE CRETACEOUS-TERTIARY EVENT AND OTHER legitimate. THE THIRD HUTTON SYMPOSIUM ON THE ORIGIN OF CATASTROPHES IN EARTH HISTORY We need to understand what hap- GRANITES AND RELATED ROCKS edited by G. Ryder, D. Fastovsky, S. Gartner, 1996 M. Brown, P. A. Candela, D. L. Peck, W. E. Stephens, R. J. Walker, pened at the end of the Cretaceous, and This volume attempts to explore and clarify the relationships E-an Zen, 1996 we do not yet. Few problems in historical among the geological records, the extinctions, and the causes The invited papers in this volume, from the Third Hutton of catastrophes for life in Earth’s history. Most of the papers geology have generated so much complex Symposium on the Origin of Granites and Related Rocks, address the geological record and the extinctions across the and contradictory evidence. It is a difficult summarize the latest ideas concerning crustal anatexis, melt Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary, and the buried Chicxulub segregation, magma transfer, and granite emplacement into problem. Voices of peer-review, caution, structure that is now consensually deemed to be of impact lower-grade upper-crustal rocks. and even opposition are essential in sci- origin and to be intimately related to that boundary. SPE315, 225 p., indexed, ISBN 0-8137-2315-9, SPE307, 576 p., indexed, ISBN 0-8137-2307-8, ence, especially in the early stages of $78.00, Member price $62.40 $149.00, Member price $119.20 development of a theory. We will continue BASEMENT AND BASINS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA to need authoritative yet balanced presen- edited by B. A. van der Pluijm, P. A. Catacosinos, 1996 VISIT US ON THE WEB! tations of non-impact explanations as the This volume includes new contributions on the geology, GSA’s complete publications catalog is located at search for the answer continues. The tone geophysics, and geochemistry of the mid-continent region of http://www.geosociety.org. of this book does not contribute construc- North America, and illustrates that continental interiors are subtle, yet sensitive recorders of past tectonic activity. tively to this search. SPE308, 220 p., indexed, ISBN 0-8137-2308-6, 1-800-472-1988 $62.00, Member price $49.60 Warren D. Allmon GSA PUBLICATION SALES Paleontological Research Institution THE LATE QUATERNARY CONSTRUCTION OF CAPE COD, P.O. Box 9140, Boulder, CO 80301 Ithaca, NY 14850 MASSACHUSETTS: A RECONSIDERATION OF THE W. M. 303-447-2020 or fax 303-447-1133 DAVIS MODEL Prepayment required. Major credit cards accepted. edited by E. Uchupi and G. S. Giese, D. G. Aubrey, D.-J. Kim, 1996 Data from geologic and geophysical studies of Cape Cod and The Global Environment; Water, Air and Geochemical Cycles. Elizabeth K. Berner and Robert A. Berner. Prentice Hall, causes. Climate and/or sea-level change strong, some is ambiguous, some is New York, 1996, 376 p. ISBN 0-13-301169-0. was perhaps the most widely accepted, but demonstrably false. Under such circum- the details were not clear. Volcanism and stances, the preconceptions of the two lizabeth and Robert Berner have sum- extraterrestrial impact had been seriously sides are of considerable importance. Offi- E marized their many years of teaching suggested; Walter Alvarez actually started cer and Page point out the motives of the and research on global geochemical cycles investigating the problem in an attempt impact camp without saying a word about in this new and very useful book. The new to test the supernova theory. The impact what was, at least initially, an important book is a substantially revised version of theory spurred an unprecedented burst preconception of the anti-impactors: grad- their previous work, The Global Water of research on all mass extinctions and ualism and anti-catastrophism. They also Cycle (1987). In the preface, the authors particularly the K-T. We now have a far resort to the same style of ignoring or state that their intended audience is an greater (although still incomplete) under- sidestepping contrary findings that they intermediate one, that they are attempting standing of what went extinct when, and criticize in their opponents. Among the to fill a gap between introductory texts of patterns of selectivity and recovery. paleontological work that supports a rela- on environmental science and more There is compelling evidence for both tively sudden extinction, for example, the advanced works on aquatic chemistry. an extraterrestrial impact and an episode well-known work of Ward on ammonites of extensive volcanism at around the K-T and of Sheehan and colleagues on boundary. Some evidence for each is fairly dinosaurs near the boundary were not Book Reviews continued on p. 24

GSA TODAY, December 1996 23 Book Reviews continued from p. 23 seawater is very useful. Estimates are made a more technical level but is aimed at both for the magnitudes of each of the signifi- planetary scientists and interested geosci- The Global Environment begins with a cant removal processes for the major ions, entists, assuming only a familiarity with review of the major reservoirs and fluxes information that is otherwise scattered basic geology and geomorphology. After a of water on Earth, and a brief description about the geologic and oceanographic brief overview of martian geology for of the circulation patterns in the atmo- literature. background and context, the text sphere and ocean. The treatment of circu- Students in a senior undergraduate describes the present water cycle and the lation patterns and their driving forces is class in biogeochemistry here at Cornell stability of H2O under current climatic brief; a more satisfactory version will be have responded positively to the book, as conditions as well as the evidence for and found in most introductory oceanography have members of a freshman seminar on mechanisms of climate change, the initial texts. The second chapter, on air chem- environmental chemistry. The writing water inventory and the evolution of the istry, provides an overview of the major style is clear, and the illustrations are use- abundance and distribution of water constituents of the atmosphere and some ful. However, as a textbook for an upper throughout the planet’s history. Perhaps discussion of the greenhouse effect, the level undergraduate class, the book lacks the most valuable contribution of the text ozone hole, and the problem of tropo- some of the fundamental chemistry that is is a critical review of the literature inter- spheric ozone pollution. Again, this sec- needed to quantify relevant chemical pro- preting diverse surface features as evidence tion is limited, and other books treat the cesses. These concepts can be provided in for water on Mars: separate chapters dis- subject more thoroughly at an undergrad- lecture, leaving the book to summarize a cuss outflow channels, valley networks, uate level. However, circulation patterns global data set and focus on the bigger and high-latitude debris aprons and other and atmospheric chemistry are not what picture. The Global Environment will also morphologic indicators of the movement this book is fundamentally about. Begin- appeal to a wide professional audience, or removal of ground ice. This section ning in chapter 3, the book hits its stride, because it is a very useful summary of includes a lively discussion of Carr’s some- focusing on the major geochemical cycles. global geochemical cycles by workers who times unorthodox views on these subjects, Chapters on precipitation, weathering, have made numerous significant contribu- and is well illustrated by a careful selection and rivers lay out the basic controls on the tions to this field. Many will find that the of pictures chosen from nearly 50,000 chemistry of these fluxes in a clear and compact and clear compendium of data Viking Orbiter images to highlight fluvial, useful fashion. In chapter 3, atmospheric and key concepts will make this book an lacustrine, ground-water, and glacial or deposition of anthropogenic constituents indispensable addition to their personal periglacial processes. A minor criticism is of the atmosphere is discussed in some library. In short, I can recommend this that the images are oriented randomly, detail using data from North America. As book both as an undergraduate text and requiring the reader to rotate and tilt the in all the chapters, relevant data are sum- as a reference for graduate students and page until craters appear as depressions. marized in tables and figures that make for professionals who have some interest In light of recent developments, most a clear exposition of the topic at hand. in geochemical cycling. readers (like me) will probably jump to This visual representation of data makes it Chapter 8, “Implications for Life” and Louis A. Derry readily accessible to students but also a Chapter 9, “Future Mars Exploration” to Cornell University very handy summary for researchers, who look for answers to the question of where Ithaca, NY 14853 might, for example, want a quick check on to go from here. The story is as yet incom- geographic trends in chloride content of plete, but Carr’s excellent summary of Water on Mars. By Michael H. Carr, rainwater. Chapter 4 summarizes much what is known about water on Mars and Oxford University Press, New York, 1996, research into weathering focusing on frank exposition of the gaps in our current 229 p., $65. macroscopic processes. The book does not knowledge will provide thought-provok- develop the concepts of chemical equilib- ublished only months before the ing reading for those engaged in planning rium and kinetics in any formal way—the P startling announcement by NASA the next Mars missions and a useful addi- only weathering and precipitation equa- of the discovery of possible evidence of tion to the libraries of students of plane- tions it contains are balanced chemical ancient life on Mars, Water on Mars could tary geology and exobiology. reactions. Instead, the authors choose to not be timelier. Whether or not one Paul Geissler describe the relevant chemistry in terms of accepts the hotly debated assertion that University of Arizona the dominant processes, which may help organic compounds, iron mineral associa- Tucson, AZ 85721 students see the forest, rather than getting tions and microstructures in meteorite lost in reaction space. The Berners provide ALH84001 are biological in origin, interest a significant service to the geological com- in the possibility of past or even present The Geology of Fluvial Deposits— munity by summarizing much of the life on Mars has been overwhelmingly Sedimentary Facies, Basin Analysis, available data on fluxes of river-borne rekindled. As a requirement for life as we and Petroleum Geology. By A. D. Miall. material to the sea. know it, knowledge of the distribution Springer-Verlag, New York, 1996, 582 p., $69. The final chapters on lakes, marginal and history of water on Mars is crucial to marine environments, and the oceans developing an effective strategy for search- here is a great need for brave individu- focus on internal processes in those reser- ing for life on the Red Planet. T als to synthesize the flood of literature voirs, some of which are the sinks for the Water on Mars summarizes our current in any field of science, and fluvial sedi- river- and atmosphere-borne inputs from knowledge of the subject, both theoretical mentology is no exception. Andrew Miall land. The concepts of residence time and and observational. No one is better quali- must be given due credit for undertaking box models are introduced in the chapter fied than Michael Carr to tell the story— this daunting task. Miall’s approach is as on lakes, providing the only “math” as leader of the Viking Orbiter Imaging expected from someone who has been found in the book. The chapter on Team, Carr played a central role in acquir- most closely involved with description marginal marine environments treats ing many of the essential spacecraft obser- and interpretation of fluvial sedimentary an area that is too often ignored in most vations that document the current and rocks, rather than with studying modern reviews of marine chemistry, yet processes previous effects of water on the martian sedimentary processes. The central theme occurring there are essential for under- surface, and his Surface of Mars (Yale Uni- in this book is that fluvial deposits with standing the fate of river fluxes to the versity Press, 1981) remains the most distinctive characteristics (e.g., geometry, oceans. The review of chemical budgets accessible reference on the Viking mission for each of the major species dissolved in imaging results. Water on Mars is written at Book Reviews continued on p. 25

24 GSA TODAY, December 1996 Final Announcement By Mail: Northeastern Section GSA Annual Meeting, P.O. Box 9140, Boulder, CO 80301-9140. NORTHEASTERN SECTION, GSA By Fax: 303-447-0648 or 303- 32nd Annual Meeting 447-1133—credit card use only. Our fax line is open 24 hours. Do not send King of Prussia, Pennsylvania another copy in the mail. March 17–19, 1997 If you preregister, you will not have ★ to wait in long registration lines to pick up badges in the registration area, because they will be mailed within two weeks prior eologists from Bryn Mawr College, the to the meeting. Save yourself time and Delaware Geological Survey, LaSalle University, Montgomery County Commu- money—preregister today. There is a sav- nity College, Pennsylvania State University (Ogontz Campus), Temple University, G ings in fees if you register before the pre- the University of Delaware, Villanova University, West Chester University, Emrich & registration deadline! Advance registration Associates, ERM Group, and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is required for many of the special activi- will host the Northeastern Section of the Geological Society of America Annual Meeting ties because of participation limits. Use at the Sheraton Valley Forge Hotel East and West in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, the preregistration form provided in this located about 18 miles west-northwest of center city Philadelphia. The Eastern Section of announcement. SEPM, Northeastern Section of the Paleontological Society, Eastern and New England All registration forms received at GSA Sections of the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, and the Association for by February 14 will be processed and Women Geoscientists will meet with GSA’s Northeastern Section. The meeting will be badges mailed two weeks before the meet- conducted from 8:00 a.m. Monday, March 17 to noon Wednesday, March 19. Short ing. Registration will not be processed courses and K–12 workshops will be held on Sunday, March 16. unless full payment is received. Unpaid purchase orders are NOT accepted as valid REGISTRATION in order to obtain these rates. Students registration. Charge cards are accepted as or teachers not having a current ID when Preregistration discounts are given to indicated on the preregistration form. If registering on site will have to pay the members of GSA and the associated soci- using a charge card, please recheck the professional fee. Preregistration forms eties listed on the preregistration form. card number given. Errors will delay your must be received at GSA no later than Please indicate your affiliation(s) to regis- registration. The confirmation sent to you February 14, 1997. Please register only ter using the member rates. Students and one professional or student per form and K–12 teachers must show a CURRENT ID retain a copy for yourself. Northeastern continued on p. 26

Book Reviews continued from p. 24 tion and codification path with renewed mechanics of water flow, sediment trans- vigor. If we are going to classify things, we port, erosion, and deposition are possibly texture, structure) occur at different super- must have: objectively defined, measur- the weakest parts of the book. imposed scales, and that the time span able parameters; logical, mutually exclu- Miall presents no fewer than 16 facies over which these strata form generally sive classes, and; simple and clear termi- models for different types of river channel. increases with their physical scale. Thus, nology. We cannot have descriptive It is not clear why there should be so following a lengthy history of research in terminology that requires prior genetic many. Whatever the reason, they all lack fluvial sedimentology, Miall works interpretation. It is critical to separate critical three-dimensional details and are through successive chapters from small to depositional products (e.g., cross strata) qualitative. Furthermore, the links large scales of fluvial deposits. This is a from the morphological features (e.g., rip- between channel geometry, water flow, logical approach that works well. Miall has ple, dune, or bar) with which they are sediment transport, erosion, and deposi- presented a profusion of information and interpreted to have been genetically asso- tion in these different kinds of channels opinions, and he has faced controversial ciated. Does every sedimentary feature are not explored in detail. Quantitative issues head on. Notwithstanding the that we put into a pigeonhole have a interpretation of ancient channel deposits strengths of this book, I feel compelled to unique interpretation? Do we really want receives short shrift, and perhaps the most criticize parts of it, and to point out some to converse using a limited number of sophisticated description and interpreta- important topics that were omitted. acronyms? It would be a shame if Miall’s tion of ancient river deposits published to I would like to see the historical back- brand of classification methodology really date (Willis, Sedimentary Geology, 1993) is ground at the start of the book integrated does become as standard as he suggests it barely mentioned. Miall also perpetuates more closely with the main body of the already has. myths about the nature and controls of text, in order to give a historic perspective Those who feel faint at the sight of a channel geometry (e.g., discharge variabil- to modern viewpoints on specific topics. mathematical equation will not be in dan- ity is a primary control of braiding, braid- This would allow development of the cen- ger of passing out while reading most of ing is inhibited in vegetated areas, and tral theme at the start of the book, and this book, as the treatment is almost braided rivers occupy most of the valleys would perhaps result in giving less credi- entirely qualitative. This may, however, in which they flow). bility to outdated and erroneous ideas. alarm those who think that fluvial deposi- Overbank deposits now have the The book is rife with poorly designed tion is essentially a physical phenomenon dubious distinction of having their own classifications (e.g., of lithofacies, bound- that requires the formalism of mathemat- architectural element classification, warts ing surfaces, architectural elements, fluvial ics to describe and understand it. Some and all. I suspect that readers might have styles, reservoirs, and more). I wrote a cri- will find it strange that there is no men- wanted to know a little more about pale- tique of some of these in 1993 (in Sedimen- tion of the sediment continuity equation osols and specifically how isotopic studies tology), but it is clear that Miall does not and how it is used to understand the of paleosols are yielding information agree with the views I expressed. Indeed, mechanics of erosion and deposition in he appears to have pursued the classifica- river systems. Miall’s flirtations with the Book Reviews continued on p. 38

GSA TODAY, December 1996 25 Northeastern continued from p. 25 ACCESSIBILITY FOR REGISTRANTS then to US-422W. Those arriving from WITH SPECIAL NEEDS I-76W or I-476N should proceed to by GSA will be your only receipt. You US-202S then to US-422W (Pottstown, The GSA Northeastern Section is should receive it within two weeks after Valley Forge National Park). committed to making this meeting acces- your registration is submitted. Those arriving from US-202N should sible to all people interested in attending. Badges are needed for access to all exit at US-422W (Pottstown, Valley Forge If you need any auxiliary aids or services activities, 8 a.m. Sunday through noon National Park). From US-422W, proceed (such as an interpreter or wheelchair Wednesday. 0.2 mile east on PA-23, Valley Forge Road. accessibility) because of a disability, check Guest registration is required for Turn right on Moore Road and proceed the appropriate box on the registration those attending guest activities, technical 0.6 mile to First Avenue. Turn right onto form. If you have suggestions or need fur- sessions, or the exhibit hall. Guest First Avenue. The hotel, 0.2 mile away, is ther information, contact W. A. Crawford, registrants MUST be accompanied by on the right. Those arriving on US-422E annual meeting general chair, at the Bryn a registered professional, a student, or should use the exit to First Avenue marked Mawr College Department of Geology, a K–12 teacher. A guest is defined as a King of Prussia Industrial Park; the hotel, [email protected]. Please let us nongeologist spouse or friend of a profes- 0.2 mile away, is on the left. know of your needs by February 14, 1997. sional, student, or K–12 teacher registrant. Transportation is available from the All registrations received after Febru- Philadelphia International Airport to and WEATHER ary 14 will be considered on-site registra- from the Sheraton Valley Forge East Hotel; tions and charged accordingly. Absolutely Daytime temperatures during mid- the current rate is $17. Taxi fare between no preregistrations should be mailed or March range from the 30s to the 60s (°F); the hotel and the AMTRAK 30th Street sta- faxed after February 21. All forms received any combination of rain, snow, sleet, and tion in Philadelphia is about $40 for the after February 21, regardless of when post- sunshine is possible. 25-mile ride. marked, will be held for on-site process- ing. Delegates who will attend only a LOCATION TECHNICAL PROGRAM short course or workshop must pay at least Meeting registration, technical ses- The technical program (oral and the one-day registration fee. Badges must sions, poster sessions, and exhibits will be poster sessions) will begin Monday, be worn for all activities. Registration fees in the Sheraton Valley Forge Hotel East, a March 17, and end at noon on Wednes- do not include provisions for insurance of 14-story cylindrical tower located on First day, March 19. Oral sessions will normally participants against personal accidents, Street in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. include 15 minutes for presentation and sickness, theft, or property damage. Partic- Most Northeastern Section attendees will 5 minutes for questions and discussion. ipants and accompanying guests are be lodged in the East Hotel, and some in Two 35-mm carousel projectors, two advised to take out whatever insurance the West Hotel. screens, and one overhead projector will they consider necessary. Those arriving from any direction on be provided for each oral session. Speakers the Pennsylvania Turnpike should use the are encouraged to bring their slides CANCELLATIONS, CHANGES, Valley Forge Exit (Interchange 24) and already loaded into carousel trays. A AND REFUNDS proceed south on I-76E (Schuylkill speaker-ready room (see program for room All requests for additions, changes, Expressway) to US-202S (Interchange 26B) name) will be available for previewing and cancellations must be made in writing slides. Additional carousel trays may be and received by February 21, 1997. NO signed out from the speaker-ready room. REFUNDS OR CREDITS WILL BE MADE Poster sessions will allow at least three ON CANCELLATION NOTICES RECEIVED hours of display time; the authors must be AFTER THIS DATE. Refunds will be mailed present for two hours. Two 4-ft × 8-ft tack- from GSA after the meeting. Refunds for boards will be provided for each V-shaped fees paid by credit card will be credited booth. Access to electrical outlets and according to the card number on the furniture for poster sessions must be preregistration form. There will be NO requested well in advance. refunds for on-site registration, Abstracts General questions on format of ses- with Programs, and ticket sales. sions should be addressed to Technical Program Co-Chair Richard N. Benson, On-Site Registration Schedule Delaware Geological Survey, University Sheraton Valley Forge East Hotel of Delaware, Newark DE 19716, (302) Sun., March 16, 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 831-8259, fax 302-831-3579, rnbenson@ Mon., March 17, 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. udel.edu. For general questions on equip- Tues., March 18, 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ment, contact Technical Services Chair Wed., March 19, 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Maria Luisa Crawford, Dept. of Geology, Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010, (610) 526-5111, fax 610-526-5086, [email protected]. REGISTRATION FEES In addition to general technical sessions organized by discipline, the Advance—by 2/14/97 On Site—After 2/14/97 following symposia, theme sessions, Full Meeting One Day Full Meeting One Day and special poster sessions are planned.

Professional Member $65 $40 $80 $50 Symposia Professional Nonmember $80 $45 $95 $55 1. Finding the Adirondacks’ Place Student Member $25 $20 $30 $25 in the Grenville. James Alcock, College Student Nonmember $35 $30 $40 $35 of Earth and Mineral Sciences, Penn State K–12 Professional $30 $15 $40 $20 University, Ogontz Campus, 1600 Guest or Spouse $15 $20 Woodland Road, Abington, PA 19001,

26 GSA TODAY, December 1996 (215) 881-7356, [email protected]; Peter Muller, SUNY, College at Oneonta, HOUSING FORM — Sheraton Valley Forge Hotel East (607) 436-3707, [email protected]. King of Prussia, Pennsylvania 2. Tectonic Connections Between the Northern and Southern Northeastern Section, Geological Society of America Appalachians. Alec Gates, Dept. of Sunday, March 16–Wednesday, March 19, 1997 Geological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07102, (201) 648-5034, Arrival Date ______Departure Date [email protected]; David Person Requesting Housing (type or print) Valentino, Concord College, (304) 384-5238, [email protected]. Last Name ______First ______wvnet.edu. 3. Flood Basalts and Margin Magmas Institution or Firm ______of the Atlantic Rift. Greg McHone, Address or P.O. Box Number ______Graduate Liberal Studies Program, Wes- leyan University, Middletown, CT 06459, City ______State/Province _____ Zip Code ______(860) 685-3339, [email protected]; Dick Benson, Delaware Geological Survey, Phone: Work ( ) ______Home ( ) ______(302) 831-8259, [email protected]. Place Reservation in Name of: ______4. Biogenic Influences on Sedimenta- tion. (Sponsored by SEPM). Kathy Name all other occupants: Browne, Dept. of Geological & Marine Sciences, Rider University, 2083 Lawrence- Share with ______Share with ______ville Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648, (609) 895-5408, [email protected]. Share with ______Share with ______edu; Bob Demicco, SUNY at Binghamton, (607) 777-2604, [email protected]. Rates* per room (includes 8% PA occupancy/state sales tax). binghamton.edu. TYPE OF ROOM PER DAY 5. Freshwater Ecosystems of the Indicate choice: EAST WEST Catskill Delta: Stratigraphic, Sedi- Single (1 person, 1 bed) $ 86.40 $ 97.20 mentological, and Paleontological Double (2 persons, 1 bed) $ 86.40 $ 97.20 Approaches. (Sponsored by SEPM). Double (2 persons, 2 beds) $ 86.40 $ 97.20 Neil Shubin, Dept. of Geology, University Triple (3 persons, 2 dbl. beds) $ 97.20 $108.00 of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, Quad (4 persons, 2 dbl. beds) $108.00 $118.80 (215) 898-5724. Student rate** (1, 2, 3, or 4 persons, 2 beds) $ 81.00 6. Paleontology in Science Educa- tion. (Sponsored by Northeastern Check-in time is after 3:00 p.m.; check-out time is 12:00 noon. Section of Paleontological Society). Preference (based on availability): Single bed Two double beds Jeff Over, Dept. of Geological Sciences, SPECIAL NEEDS: SUNY, College at Geneseo, 1 College Cir- Smoking room Nonsmoking room cle, Geneseo, NY 14454, (716) 245-5294 Special Room Requirements ______or 5291, [email protected]; Steve Good, SUNY, College at Cortland. *Enclose check or money order (for amount of one night’s lodging) payable to Sheraton Valley Forge 7. Biotic Response to Global Change Hotel, or major credit card number and date of expiration. No cancellations will be accepted within (Fossils as Clues to Global Change: 72 hours of arrival date. Geochemical and Faunal Assemblage Reservations must be received prior to February 15, 1997; otherwise reservations will be accepted on a space-available basis only and the group rate will not be guaranteed. Indicators). (Sponsored by Northeastern **Students must identify themselves as students upon booking their reservation and must present a Section of Paleontological Society). Jeff student ID at check-in. A maximum of 40 rooms are available at this special rate. Over, Dept. of Geological Sciences, SUNY, Telephone reservations accepted: (610) 337-2000, fax 610-337-2564 College at Geneseo, 1 College Circle, Geneseo, NY 14454, (716) 245-5294 Type of card ______Card number______or 5291, [email protected]. 8. Cyclic Hierarchies: Fabric of the Exp. date ______Signature ______Stratigraphic Record or Figments SEND THIS FORM AND REMITTANCE OR CREDIT CARD INFORMATION TO: of Stratigraphic Imagination? Peter Sheraton Valley Forge Hotel East,1160 First Avenue, King of Prussia, PA 19406-1355 Goodwin and Edwin Anderson, Dept. of Geology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, (215) 204-8229. 11. Well-Head Protection. Jerry Kauff- 2. Economic Mineral Deposits of 9. The Influence of Sir Charles man, Water Resources Agency for New Northeastern North America. Bill Lyell’s Mid–19th Century Visits Castle County, 2701 Capitol Trail, Newark, Kelly, New York State Geological Survey, to North America. Tom Pickett, DE 19711, (302) 731-7670. 3140 CEC, Albany, NY 12230, (518) 11236 Black Walnut Point, Indianapolis, 474-7559, [email protected]; IN 46236, (317) 823-2933, tpicket1@ Theme Sessions Bob Altamura, University of Pittsburgh, indyunix.iupui.edu; Don Hoskins, Bureau 1. Frontiers of Mineralogy. Darby Johnstown. of Topographic and Geologic Survey, (717) Dyar, Dept. of Geology and Astronomy, 3. Current Research in Sand 787-2169, [email protected]. West Chester University, 750 S. Church Resources of the Inner Continental 10. Superfund Successes. Grover Street, West Chester, PA 19383, Shelf. (Sponsored by SEPM and U.S. Emrich, Emrich & Associates, 1488 (610) 436-2727, [email protected]. Department of Interior Minerals Manage- Hancock Lane, Wayne, PA 19087, (610) 296-5068, [email protected]. Northeastern continued on p. 28

GSA TODAY, December 1996 27 Northeastern continued from p. 27 STUDENT AWARDS AND Geology of the State of Pennsylvania. Each TRAVEL ASSISTANCE of these topics will be presented and dis- ment Service). Jane Uptegrove, New Jersey cussed with an aim to provide materials Awards will be given for the best oral Geological Survey, CN 427, Trenton, NJ suitable for preparing teachers’ lesson paper and best poster session presented by 08625, (609) 292-2576, [email protected]. plans. Audience participation is expected. students. Although the faculty mentor state.nj.us; Bob Conkwright, Maryland Many handouts, geologic maps and may appear as the junior author, a major Geological Survey, (410) 554-5500, brochures, a scientifically curated kit of part of the paper or poster session must [email protected]. take-along samples of ten of the area’s represent work by the single student 4. Nearshore Processes and the Devel- most common rocks and their derived author. NOTE: Only those papers designated opment of the Coastal Stratigraphic soils, six 35 mm color slides, with descrip- as student author on the abstract form will Record. Sue Halsey, Division of Science tion, about coal and paleobotany and five be considered for this award. and Research, Dept. of Environmental Pro- 35 mm slides, with description, about New The GSA Northeastern Section will tection & Energy, State of New Jersey, Tren- Jersey dinosaurs, and New Jersey fossil award travel grants to students who give ton, NJ 08625, (609) 292-0950, shalsey@ shark teeth and clams and casts will be papers (oral or poster) of which he or she dep.state.nj.us; Nicholas Coch, Queens included. is the presenter and author or coauthor at College (CUNY), (718) 997-3326; Dan The Bryn Mawr College geology the meeting. In addition, the Northeastern Belknap, University of Maine at Orono department has a display of the famous Section will award student research grants (207) 581-2159, [email protected]. George Vaux, Jr., mineral collection. to undergraduate students in 1997. Appli- 5. Geological Applications of GIS. cations for travel assistance and guidelines Mary Jo Hall, Dept. of Geological & SHORT COURSES: for student research grants may be Marine Sciences, Rider University, obtained from Kenneth N. Weaver, Secre- 1. Aminostratigraphy. John F. Lawrenceville, NJ 08648, (609) 895-5416, tary-Treasurer, Northeastern Section, GSA, Wehmiller, Dept. of Geology, University [email protected]; Randy Kerhin, c/o Maryland Geological Survey, 2300 St. of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716-2544, Maryland Geological Survey, rkerhin@ Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21821-5210, (302) 831-2926, [email protected]; Penny mgs.dnr.md.gov. (410) 554-5532, fax 410-554-5502. Hall, University of Delaware, Newark. 6. Geologic Hazards. Grover Emrich, Cost: $20. Limit: 15. Preregistration Emrich & Associates, 1488 Hancock Lane, K–12 TEACHER WORKSHOPS required by February 1, 1997. Sunday, Wayne, PA 19087, (610) 296-5068, March 16, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The drive [email protected]. 1. Standards-based Earth Science from the Sheraton Valley Forge Hotel to Teaching. David L. Smith, Dept. of Geol- Newark takes about one hour. Attendees Special Poster Sessions ogy and Environmental Science, Institute will be expected to arrange their own 1. Undergraduate Research. (Spon- for Advancement of Mathematics and transportation, although with enough sored by the Geology Division, Council on Science Teaching, La Salle University, advance request, some transportation may Undergraduate Research). Students must Philadelphia, PA 19141, (215) 951-1298, be made available. be listed as the authors and have been the [email protected]. This course covers the applications of major preparer of the poster. Topics may Cost: Free. Limit: 30. Preregistration amino acid racemization geochemistry to vary over a broad spectrum (e.g., see required. Sunday, March 16, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., the geochronology and stratigraphy of GSA abstract form), but must be the Sheraton Valley Forge Hotel East. Quaternary deposits. Lecture and labora- result of the student’s own participation This workshop will explore the tory demonstrations will include sample in undergraduate research programs. implications of the new National Science preparation and actual instrumental anal- Lawrence L. Malinconico, Dept. of Geol- Education Standards for the teaching of yses. Discussions will include geochemical ogy, Lafayette College, Easton, PA 18042, earth science. Participants will work with issues, comparisons of racemization meth- (610) 250-5193, malincol@lafayette. edu. colleagues from similar grade levels to ods with other dating methods, and 2. Superfund Remediation. Ed Sulli- explore the following areas: teaching potential applications. van, ERM, Inc., 855 Springdale Dr., Exton, approaches that foster inquiry and com- 2. Geoscience Courseware Workshop. PA 19341, (610) 524-3848, Edward_ munity; earth science content for elemen- Declan De Paor, Dept. of Earth and [email protected]. tary, middle, or high school; and assess- Planetary Science, Harvard University, 3. Philadelphia Navy Base Cleanup. ment of inquiry-based science. The 20 Oxford St., Cambridge, MA 02138, Ben Greeley, Pennsylvania Dept. of workshop will include several short (617) 495-8926, [email protected], Environmental Protection, Bureau of demonstration lessons. Free or low-cost or Earth’nware Inc., 148 Cadish Avenue, Water Supply & Community Health, 555 take-home material and software will be Hull, MA 02045, (617) 925-0264, North Lane, Suite 6010, Conshohocken, available. [email protected]. PA 19428, (610) 832-6055, greeley. 2. Facets of Regional Geology. Barbara Cost: $20; includes morning and [email protected]. Grandstaff, New Jersey State Museum; afternoon refreshments and lunch. 4. Redevelopment of Past Industrial Marta Kolman, Central Bucks County Limit: 30. Preregistration required. Sunday, Sites: Pennsylvania Act II. Jim School District; Hermann Pfefferkorn, March 16, Park Science Center, Bryn Mawr La Regina, 678 North Vine St., Hazleton, University of Pennsylvania; Nancy Polan, College. Bryn Mawr College is within one- PA 18201, (717) 454-3626; Ron Fender, Central Bucks County School System; half hour driving time from the Sheraton ERM, Inc., (610) 524-3516, Ronald_Fender Joseph Schmuckler, and Gene Ulmer, Valley Forge Hotel. Some free transporta- @erm.com. (215) 204-7171, [email protected]. tion may be available upon advance 5. Acid Mine Drainage and Coal Cost: $50; includes mid-morning and request. Mine Reclamation. Jim La Regina, mid-afternoon refreshments and lunch. This hands-on course addresses the 678 North Vine St., Hazleton, PA 18201, Limit: 35. Preregistration required. Sunday, needs of educators who wish to use the (717) 454-3626. March 16, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Bryn Mawr latest technology in their courses, but are 6. Surface Water Hydrology: 1996 College. Topics: Paleobotany and the Ori- limited by tight budgets or by lack of tech- Northeastern Pennsylvania Floods. gin of Coal; What New Jersey Taught the nical know-how. Both Macintosh and IBM Eric Conrad, Pennsylvania Dept. of World About Dinosaurs; Local Five County PC-compatible computers will be used. Environmental Protection, P.O. Box 2063, Geology and Its Role in Environmental This workshop is aimed at advanced high Harrisburg, PA 17105-2063. Problems (Pennsylvania and New Jersey); and Societally Important Aspects of the Northeastern continued on p. 30

28 GSA TODAY, December 1996 Amount $ ______$ ______$ ______$ ______$ ______$ ______$ ______TOTAL FEES TOTAL March 17 $20 March 17 $20 March 16 FREE FREE March 16 $20 March 16 FREE FREE March 18 Professional (68)Student (69) $15 $10 ______March 17 March 16 $20 March 18 (20) $28.50 $March 18 ______March 16 $50 ...... $65 (02) $40 $ ______...... (03) $80 (04)$ $45 ______(05) $25 (06) $20(07) $35 (08) $30(42) $ $30 ______(09) $ $15 ______(43) $15 $ ______N/A $ ______...... Full Meeting One Day (152) MAC (152) ...... (01) ...... Prime Rib (62) Chicken (63) (64) Vegetarian Prime Rib (65) Chicken (66) (67) Vegetarian Professional $30 Student $15 2. Facets of Regional Geology (303) K–12 PROGRAMS (302) 1. Standards-based Earth Science Teaching CONTINUING EDUCATION 1. Aminostratigraphy (150) Student Member Student Nonmember Professional KÐ12 Guest or Spouse SPECIAL EVENTS REGISTRATION FEES REGISTRATION Professional Member Professional Nonmember Lily Langtree Dinner Theatre TICKETED GROUP FUNCTIONS 1. Paleontological Society Luncheon (60) 2. NAGT Luncheon (61) 3. GSA Northeastern Section Annual Banquet PC (151) 2. Geoscience Courseware Workshop Geoscience (153) Teaching 3. NAGT Workshop, 4. AWG Breakfast 4. AWG I ⁄ fax Expires DR CR Home Phone Business Phone FOR OFFICE USE I GSA Northeastern Section ( ______) ______-______( ______) ______-______( ______) ______-______A ______CK#______V ______M ______Bal. A/R 1233 ______Ref. A/P 2006 ______Refund ck# ______ORM F Employer/University Affiliation February 14 February 21 Mailing Address (use two lines if necessary) Name as it should appear on your guest’s badge City State Name as it should appear on your badge (last name first) City State or Country City State or Country ZIP Code Country (if other than USA)

Please print clearly ¥ BADGE YOUR THIS AREA IS FOR I I I I

GUEST INFORMATION ¥ Please print clearly ¥ badge This area is for I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I (A) GSA (B) AWG (C) NAGT (D) PS (E) SEPM will need services to accommodate a disability: Yes Please indicate if you or your guest I I I I I I I I I I II I REREGISTRATION Cancellation Deadline: Check American Express VISA MasterCard I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I II I Preregistration Deadline: Preregistration MAIL TO: SECTION MEETING, GSA NORTHEASTERN 9140, BOULDER, CO 80301 BOX P.O. to: funds payable Remit in U.S. GSA Northeastern Section Meeting 1997 P Preregistration Deadline: February 14, 1997. King of Prussia, Pennsylvania • March 17–19, 1997 Circle member affiliation (to qualify for registration discount): (All preregistrations must be prepaid. Purchase Orders not accepted.) Payment by (check one): I Card Number I Signature

GSA TODAY, December 1996 29 Northeastern continued from p. 28 $350 for commercial exhibitors, $250 for plex, which consists of the Sheraton Val- publishers, $200 for educational, govern- ley Forge Hotel East and the Sheraton Val- school to introductory level university fac- mental, and nonprofit organizations or ley Forge Hotel West; the hotels are con- ulty. Subjects: Hardware—how to set up an institutions. A table, two chairs, and a nected by an indoor passageway. The instructional facility on a shoestring bud- company sign will be provided for each Sheraton has provided reasonable room get; off-the-shelf software—effective use of booth. A limited number of unsecured rates. The rooms in the smaller West hotel commercial graphics, spreadsheets, hyper- table-top exhibit spaces at reduced rates have more amenities than those in the text, and the instrument control programs will be available in the corridor adjoining larger East hotel, hence the higher rate. in traditional lab courses; custom course- the registration area. The exhibits will be The number of upscale rooms available is ware—where to find it and how to incor- open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Mon- limited. Parking in the 2000-car lot around porate it; do-it-yourself courseware—how day and Tuesday, March 17 and 18, and the hotel complex is free. For conference to create it even if you do not know the from 8:00 a.m. to noon on Wednesday planning purposes and to ensure the guar- difference between three bytes and a March 19. Application deadline for exhibit anteed room rates, it is imperative that trilobite. space is February 24, 1996. For information you reserve your room(s) before Febru- Facilities will include 10 MACS and and an exhibitors brochure, contact Gil ary 15, 1997. If you make telephone reser- four PCs. When registering, please indicate Wiswall, Dept. of Geology and Astronomy, vations, it is important that you state you your preference of Windows or MAC oper- West Chester University, West Chester, PA are attending the Northeastern Section ating systems. 19383, (610) 436-2570, fax 610-436-3036, GSA meeting. Mail the housing form directly 3. NAGT Workshop on Innova- [email protected]. Space will be allo- to the hotel. tive and Effective Techniques for cated on a first-come, first-served basis. Teaching Geoscience. Sponsored by the SPECIAL EVENTS National Association of Geoscience Teach- SPECIAL AND GUEST ACTIVITIES GSA Northeastern Section Manage- ers and funded partially by the National The Sheraton Valley Forge Hotel is ment Board Meeting. Sunday, March Science Foundation. R. Heather Macdon- convenient to attractions in Philadelphia 16, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Strafford ald, Dept. of Geology, College of William and its suburbs, including numerous Room, Sheraton Valley Forge Hotel East. and Mary, Williamsburg, VA 23185, museums (the Philadelphia Museum of Welcoming Reception. Sunday, March (757) 221-2443, [email protected]; Art, the Academy of Natural Sciences, the 16, 6:30 to 10:00 p.m. Sheraton Valley Jeffrey Niemitz, Dickinson College; and Franklin Institute), gardens and historic Forge Hotel East, Grand Ballroom North Barbara Tewksbury, Hamilton College. estates (Longwood Gardens, Winterthur), and South. Liquid refreshments and hor Cost: Free. Limit: 35. Preregistration cultural events, and of course, the historic d’oeuvres will be served. A cash bar will be required. Sunday, March 16, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., sites around Independence Mall and Val- available for mixed drinks. Sheraton Valley Forge Hotel. Lunch will be ley Forge. Brochures and knowledgeable Northeast Section of the Paleonto- provided. staff will be available to assist meeting logical Society Luncheon. Monday, This workshop is designed to give par- participants and guests with their plans. March 17, 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., Sheraton ticipants specific strategies for more effec- Another special activity is an evening Valley Forge Hotel East; see program for tive teaching, emphasizing innovative of dinner theater in the elegant Lily room. Cost: $20; preregistration required. techniques for more actively engaging stu- Langtry Theater, in the Sheraton Valley Eastern Section of NAGT Luncheon dents in classroom, lab, and field. It is Forge East Hotel. Tickets at a special dis- and Business Meeting. Monday, March intended for faculty and graduate students count rate of $28.50 are available for the 17, 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., Sheraton Valley who are interested in teaching careers. performance on Tuesday evening, March Forge Hotel East; see program for room. 18. Dinner begins at 6:00 p.m., followed Cost: $20; preregistration required. EXHIBITS by the live musical revue, “Hollywood Annual GSA Northeastern Section Companies or organizations wishing Boulevard,” a high-energy tribute to Reception and Banquet. Monday, to display or sell publications, scientific motion pictures. Advance registration is March 17, 6:30 to 9:00 p.m., Sheraton equipment, or other products, services, or required to obtain the discount rate. Valley Forge Hotel East, Grand Ballroom, public relations materials may rent a dis- North and South. Cost: $30 for profession- play area for the duration of the meeting. ACCOMMODATIONS als; $15 for students; preregistration The exhibits will be between the poster required. A cash bar will be available. A large block of rooms has been sessions and the main corridor. The 8' × 8' The banquet will conclude with a short reserved for meeting participants at the booths framed with 8-foot-high rear and business session. Sheraton Valley Forge Convention Com- 3-foot-high side drapes are available at Association for Women Geoscientists Breakfast. Tuesday, March 18, 6:45 to 8:30 a.m., Sheraton Valley Forge Hotel East; see program for room. Cost: $15 for GSA Northeastern Section Offers Undergrad professionals; $10 for students; preregistra- tion required. Student Research Grants Dinner—Live Musical Revue. Tuesday, The GSA Northeastern Section’s student research grants for 1997 are competitive and March 18, 6:00 p.m. to ?, Sheraton Valley are available to undergraduate students. Forge Hotel East, Lily Langtree Theater. See the Special and Guest Activities Section for To be considered for a research grant, the student must be enrolled at an institution a description. Cost: $28.50; preregistration within the GSA Northeastern Section and must be a Student Associate of GSA. required to obtain the discount rate. Applications must be postmarked no later than February 14, 1997. SEPM Eastern Section Business Meet- Grants will be awarded following the Northeastern Section Meeting in Valley Forge, ing and Reception. Tuesday, March 18, Pennsylvania. For further information or a copy of the research grant application form, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Grand Ballroom North, contact: Kenneth N. Weaver, Secretary NEGSA, Maryland Geological Survey, 2300 St. Sheraton East. President-Elect Richard F. Paul St., Baltimore, MD 21218. Phone is (410) 554-5532, fax 410-554-5502, E-mail: Moiola, Mobil Oil, Dallas, Texas, will [email protected]. Northeastern continued on p. 31

30 GSA TODAY, December 1996 Final Announcement SOUTH-CENTRAL and ROCKY MOUNTAIN SECTIONS, GSA ★ El Paso, Texas • March 20–21, 1997

he Departments of Geological Sciences of the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and New Mexico State University (NMSU) invite you to the annual meeting of the South-Central and T Rocky Mountain sections of the Geological Society of America. The meeting will be held from Thursday, March 20, through Friday, March 21, on the University of Texas at El Paso campus during spring break. All events, including registration, will be held in the Student Union. All field trips are scheduled for the weekend after the meeting.

LOCATION The name El Paso is a shortened its historic mission trail, beautiful moun- version of El Paso del Rio del Norte, the tain vistas and desert sunsets, Mexican El Paso, Texas, in the corner of Texas, name given to the river valley by conquis- cuisine, and colorful history. It offers the New Mexico, and Mexico, is easily reached tador Don Juan de Onate more than four lure of the Old West and three distinct along U.S. interstates 10 and 25 and has centuries ago. Through this pass, today cultures in two nations. inexpensive air connections via America marked as a historic monument, Spanish West, American, Continental, Frontier, explorers found their way into what is SYMPOSIA Southwest, and Aeromexico. now the United States, claiming it for the 1. Pander Society Conodont Sym- Spanish Crown. Visitors enjoy this city— posium. James Barrick, Texas Tech University. 2. Precambrian Geology of the Western United States. Karl Karlstrom, University of New Mexico, Calvin Barnes, Mentor Program Texas Tech University; Kate Miller, UTEP. Visit the Graduate students and undergradu- 3. Mesozoic Redbeds of Mexico. Claudio Bartolini, UTEP; Jaime Rueda ate seniors: The Roy J. Shlemon Men- Gaxiola, Universidad Nacional Autonóma tors Program in Applied Geology is de México; Mario Aranda, PEMEX; coming to all of your 1997 section Wolfgang Stinnesback, Universidad GSA meetings. This program can help you Autonóma de Nuevo Leon. learn about professional opportuni- 4. Rio Grande Rift: Its Geology and ties in the applied geosciences, as Geophysics. G. Randy Keller, Libby explained by leading private-sector Anthony, and Wendi Williams, UTEP. Bookstore practitioners in fields such as Quater- 5. Environmental Geology and at all the nary geology, geomorphology, envi- Hydrogeology of Intermontane ronmental geology, engineering Basins. Greg Ohlmacher and John Walton, UTEP; Mike Whitworth, New geology, and hydrogeology. For 1997 Mexico Tech. more information, contact your sec- 6. Mesozoic Geologic History of the tion committee chair, section secre- Southern United States and Mexico. GSA Meetings tary, or GSA’s Institute for Environ- mental Education. South-Central–Rocky Mountain continued on p. 32

Northeastern continued from p. 30 NEWS ROOM fax 302-831-3579. The news room will be open Sunday, March 16 through noon The Northeastern Section News Room Wednesday, March 19. See the program deliver an address, title to be announced. staff will coordinate and assemble infor- for the room. Refreshments will be served. The meeting mation on topics for release to the news is open to all SEPM members. media. Please let them know of material CHILD CARE Special Needs. If you have special that is newsworthy for the science or gen- dietary needs, contact LeeAnn Srogi, Dept. eral and local press. Members of the press For information and arrangement for of Geology and Astronomy, West Chester may receive complimentary meeting regis- child care, available Sunday, March 16 University, West Chester, PA 19383, (610) tration with appropriate press credentials through noon Wednesday, March 19, con- 436-2721, [email protected]. by contacting Kelvin Ramsey, Delaware tact Mary Louise Hill, Department of Geol- Geological Survey, University of Delaware, ogy, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA Delaware Geological Survey Building, 19122, (215) 204-8226, [email protected]. Newark, DE 19716-7501, (302) 831-3586, temple.edu. Deadline: February 14, 1997. ■

GSA TODAY, December 1996 31 South-Central–Rocky Mountain Cost: $195 (2 ON, 2 B, 2 L, 1 D). Starts and March 22, and returns to El Paso in time continued from p. 31 ends each day at UTEP. for late Sunday (March 23) flight connec- This trip will focus on Quaternary tions. Tim Lawton, Kate Giles, and Nancy geology and soil isotopes as a means to This trip will focus on surface McMillan, NMSU. (1) date neotectonic events, (2) under- exposure dating, 40Ar/39Ar chronology, 7. Recent Advances in the Economic stand ecologic and geomorphic thresh- paleomagnetism, major and trace element Geology of Mexico and Adjacent olds, and (3) develop predictive models variations, and isotopic character of mafic Areas. Ken Clark, UTEP. for archaeological surveys. Stops will be lavas and xenoliths in this rift-related 8. Using Multimedia in the the Franklin Mountain fault, Fort Bliss volcanic field. We will visit several maars, Classroom. Vicki Harder, UTEP. Reservation, the Desert Project, and the including Kilbourne Hole. 9. Geology and Public Policy: The NSF Jornada Long Term Ecological 6. Stratal Architecture of Fore- Political Education of a Scientist. Research Site. stepping and Backstepping Shallow Joe Yelderman, Baylor University. 3. Beginning of the Age of Marine Sequences: The Upper Creta- 10. New Refinements of the Dinosaurs. Friday, March 21 through ceous Gallup and Hosta Sandstones, Geochronology of Events in the Sunday, March 23. Adrian Hunt, Mesa- San Juan Basin, New Mexico. Western U.S. and Mexico. Bill lands Dinosaur Museum, Mesa Technical Dag Nummedal, Unocal Corporation, McIntosh and Matt Heitzler, New Mexico College, 911 South Tenth St., Tucumcari, 14141 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX Tech. NM 88401, (505) 461-4413, fax 505- 77478, (713) 287-5212, fax 713-287-5403, 11. Undergraduate Student 461-1901, [email protected]; Spencer G. [email protected]; Robyn Research. Betsy Julian, UTEP; Diane Lucas, New Mexico Museum of Natural Wright Dunbar, Rice University, (713) Smith, Trinity University. (Sponsored by History, (505) 841-2873, fax 505-841-2866, 285-5169, fax 713-285-5214, [email protected]. the Geology Division of the Council on [email protected]. edu. Cost: $215 (one way airfare El Paso– Undergraduate Research.) Cost: $170 (2 ON, 2 B, 2 L, 2 D). Leaves Albuquerque, 2 ON, 2 B, 2 L, 2 D). Partici- 12. Nuclear Waste Disposal in the El Paso on Saturday morning and ends pants will fly from El Paso to Albuquerque Southwest. Norbert Rempe, WIPP in Tucumcari, New Mexico, on Sunday on Friday evening, March 21, and con- Westinghouse; David LaMone, UTEP. evening. Buses will be available on Mon- tinue to Gallup, New Mexico, by van. 13. Cenozoic Paleontology of the day, March 24, to transport participants Ends at the Albuquerque airport on American West. Art Harris, UTEP; David to the Albuquerque International Airport. Sunday, March 23, by 5:00 p.m. LaMone, UTEP. This trip will examine outcrops of This trip will examine Upper Creta- various parts of the Upper Triassic Chinle ceous sandstones in the San Juan Basin FIELD TRIPS Group in eastern New Mexico. These near Gallup, New Mexico. Participants will strata probably contain the most complete examine the sequence stratigraphic archi- All trips will be after the meeting. sequence of Late Triassic vertebrate faunas tecture of forestepping sequences in the Trip fees include all transportation during known. The fauna, dominated by tetra- Gallup Sandstone and backstepping the trip and a guidebook. Other included pods, including a variety of crurotarsans sequences in the Hosta Sandstone. items are noted by B—breakfast, L—lunch, (e.g., phytosaurs), has a significant D—dinner, ON—overnight lodging. Please dinosaurian component. SHORT COURSE AND FIELD TRIP contact the trip leaders for additional 4. Facies Architecture and information. A short course, “Industrial Minerals Stratigraphic Evolution of the 1. Lower Mississippian Waulsortian and Their Markets,” on Saturday, Great American Bank: The Lower Mounds, Sacramento Mountains, March 22, will be followed by a field trip Ordovician El Paso Group, Franklin New Mexico. Friday, March 21, through on Sunday, March 23 to the Cementos de Mountains, El Paso, Texas. Robert K. Sunday, March 23. Kent Kirkby, Dept. of Chihuahua near Ciudad Juarez. Contact Goldhammer, Bureau of Economic Geology and Geophysics, University of Peter Harben ([email protected]) Geology, University of Texas at Austin, Minnesota, 310 Pillsbury Dr., SE, Min- or Kenneth Clark ([email protected]) if University Station, Box X, Austin, TX neapolis, MN 55455-0219, (612) 624-1392, you wish to be put on the mailing list for 78713-7508, (512) 475-9571, fax 512- fax 612-625-3819, [email protected]. information and registration for this 471-0140, [email protected]. edu; Kate Giles, New Mexico State Univer- course. edu. Cost: $70 (1 ON, 1 L). Leaves from sity, (505) 646-2033, fax 505-646-1056, and returns to El Paso on Saturday, [email protected]; Steve Dorobek, Texas ABSTRACTS March 22, after an informal 1-hour A&M University, (409) 845-0635, fax 409- geologic overview on Friday evening. Attendees are encouraged to order 845-6162, [email protected]. Cost: $175 This trip provides the opportunity Abstracts with Programs for the meeting (2 ON, 2 L, 1 D). Leaves El Paso on Friday to examine in detail superb exposures of either with their annual dues or with evening, March 21 and returns late Lower Ordovician, shallow-marine plat- their preregistration. There will be only afternoon on Sunday, March 23. form carbonates that accumulated during a limited number of copies available for This trip will reexamine hypotheses the passive-margin evolution of the lower purchase on site. of the origin and depositional setting of Paleozoic of the southwestern United Waulsortian Mounds and associated facies States. Participants will observe and inter- PROJECTION EQUIPMENT in southern New Mexico. It includes stops pret facies with the goal of developing at the classic Muleshoe Mound and updip There will be two projectors for each sequence stratigraphic models for the tabular mounds in the Sacramento Moun- oral session. Please bring your own loaded El Paso Group, with control provided by tains. carousel trays. Overhead projectors will be measured section from nearby areas. 2. Quaternary Landscape Evolution available upon request. Specifics of the 5. Geochronology and Geochemistry and Geoarchaeology of the El Paso- poster session will be published in the of the Potrillo Volcanic Field, New Las Cruces Region. Saturday, March 22, Program. Mexico. Elizabeth Anthony, Dept. Geo- and Sunday, March 23. H. Curtis Monger, logical Sciences, University of Texas at El Dept. Agronomy and Horticulture, Box Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, (915) 747-5483, 3Q, New Mexico State University, Las fax 915-747-5073, [email protected]. Cruces, NM 88003, (505) 646-1910, Cost: $70 (1 ON [camping], 1 B, 2 L, 1 D). South-Central–Rocky Mountain fax 505-646-6041, [email protected]. Leaves El Paso on Saturday morning, continued on p. 34

32 GSA TODAY, December 1996 ______$ ______$ ______$ ______$ ______$ ______$ $ ______$ ______$ ______(on-site $20) (on-site $15) $22.50 $ ______$60 $ ______$50 $ ______.... $10 .... $10 $ TOTAL FEES TOTAL ...... $25 $ ...... $30 $ ...... $215 ...... 70 $ ...... $170 ...... $195 ...... $175 ...... $15 ...... $15 $ ...... $15 $ ...... 70 $ $15 single per night $15 double per night $12 ...... $15 $ March 22ÐMarch 23 March 22ÐMarch 23 March 22 March 21ÐMarch 23 March 21ÐMarch March 22ÐMarch 23 March 21ÐMarch 23 March 21ÐMarch ______6. Stratal Architecture, Shallow Marine Sequences, 5. Geochronology and Geochemistry, Potrillo Volcanic Field Potrillo Volcanic 5. Geochronology and Geochemistry, 4. Facies Architecture and Stratigraphic Evolution 3. Beginning of the Age Dinosaurs 2. Quaternary Landscape Evolution GSA Member Student Nonmember Student Teacher KÐ12 Guest Nonmember PREREGISTRATION PREREGISTRATION GSA Member with Programs Abstracts SPECIAL EVENTS Mexican Dinner Pander and Paleontological Societies Luncheon HOUSING DORMITORY Person with whom you intend to room: FIELD TRIPS Mounds 1. Lower Mississippian Waulsortian 20–21, 1997 El Paso, Texas expires fax Home Phone Business Phone ( ______) ______-______( ______) ______-______( ______) ______-______ORM F Employer/University Affiliation check Discover VISA MasterCard Mailing Address (use two lines if necessary) Name as it should appear on your guest’s badge City State February 7 March 1 March PAYABLE TO: PAYABLE Name as it should appear on your badge (last name first) City State or Country City State or Country ZIP Code Country (if other than USA)

Please print clearly ¥ BADGE YOUR THIS AREA IS FOR I I I I

GUEST INFORMATION ¥ Please print clearly ¥ badge This area is for I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I will need services to accommodate a disability: Yes Please indicate if you or your guest I I I I I I I I I I II I REREGISTRATION I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I II I GSA South-Central and Rocky Mountain Sections March P Preregistration Deadline: Cancellation Deadline: FORM TO: THIS REGISTRATION MAIL OR FAX Education and Continuing Services,Conference Professional at El Paso of Texas University TX 79968-0602 El Paso, University, 500 West (915) 747-5142 ¥ fax 915-747-5538 REMIT IN U.S. FUNDS at El Paso of Texas The University be prepaid. must (All preregistrations Purchase Orders not accepted.) one): (check by Payment card number signature

GSA TODAY, December 1996 33 South-Central–Rocky Mountain continued from p. 32 El Paso Area

EXHIBITS Exhibit facilities for business, educa- tional, and governmental institutions will be available in the Student Union Build- ing. On-site registration, oral and poster sessions, the welcoming party, and the Thursday evening dinner will be held in this building. Space rental of $125 will include one complimentary registration. Exhibitors are encouraged to set up Wednesday afternoon for registration and the welcoming party. For information con- cerning exhibits, contact Nancy Wacker, Professional and Continuing Education, Assistant Director for Conferences and Special Events, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University, El Paso, TX 79968-0602, (915) 747-5142, fax 915-747-5538, [email protected].

SPECIAL EVENTS Welcoming Party, beginning at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19. On-site registration will be available, and those who have preregistered may pick up their name badges, tickets for the dinner, and Abstracts with Programs. West Texas Mexican Dinner, on Thursday, March 20. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Pander Society and Paleonto- logical Society Luncheon, Friday, March 21. Cost is $10. CANCELLATION POLICY The first night’s deposit and credit card information must accompany your res- Cancellations must be received in STUDENT PAPERS AND ervation. Mail, fax, or phone your infor- writing by Nancy Wacker at UTEP on or TRAVEL GRANTS mation to Camino Real Paso del Norte, before March 1, 1997. There will be a $20 101 South El Paso St., El Paso, TX 79901, Awards will be presented for the best cancellation fee. After March 1, there will (915) 534-3000, (800) 769-4300, fax 915- student paper in both oral and poster for- be no refunds for cancellations. Substitu- 534-3024. The hotel offers complimentary mats. Awards will be based on the quality tions may be made at any time at no extra shuttle service to and from El Paso Inter- of research and effectiveness of presenta- cost. national Airport, and it is a 10 minute tion. Limited funds for travel expenses are drive from the UTEP campus along a also available. To be considered for both a HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS route that also has frequent buses. travel stipend and the best paper awards, AND HOUSING We have also reserved dormitory student should attach a note to their sub- The historic Camino Real Paso del rooms on the UTEP campus, for $15 single mitted abstract. William Cornell, UTEP, Norte Hotel, a historic landmark in a 400- and $12 double, including use of sheets will administer these student awards. year-old city, was built in the golden age and towels. To reserve a double room, you Checks for travel grants will be given to of expansion and progress that the rail- must have arranged for a roommate. The student after his/her presentation. roads brought to the American Southwest. dormitory rooms are intended for students A centerpiece of the hotel is a Tiffany glass and international scientists. PREREGISTRATION dome in the meeting area on the ground Preregistration Deadline: floor. The hotel is a short walk from the OTHER INFORMATION February 7, 1997. U.S.-Mexico border and is close to the bor- It is our goal that this program be der trolley, which allows one to shop and Preregistration by mail will be han- accessible to all persons. If you have a spe- eat in Juarez. Staying in this grand hotel is dled by Professional and Continuing Edu- cial dietary or physical need, please state a reason in itself to visit El Paso. A block of cation at UTEP. Please take advantage of them on the registration form or contact rooms at the special rate of $75 single and the lower registration fees and register by Nancy Wacker at the address given in the $80 double is available for the meeting. February 7. All field trip participants must Exhibits section. Cutoff date for this rate is February 7, register for the meeting. Preregistration Budget Rent-a-Car has a special rate 1997. Reservation requests received after costs are listed on the accompanying for UTEP conference attendees. Call toll that date will be accepted on a space-avail- form. On-site registration costs are as free 1-800-377-0605 and tell the reserva- able basis and at the prevailing published follows: GSA members—$60, Nonmem- tions clerk you are attending a University rate. Please make your hotel reservations bers—$70, GSA member students—$30, of Texas at El Paso conference, rate code and cancellations directly with the hotel Nonmember students—$35, K–12 ACE. and indicate you are part of the GSA meet- teachers—$15. Nos vemos pronto! ! ■ ing in order to qualify for the special rate.

34 GSA TODAY, December 1996 Dennis L. Gustafroh Robert E. King Christopher A. New GSA Members Jeffrey R. Hale Neil R. Kinnane McRoberts Mitchell H. Hall Gerald Kirkpatrick Sarah D. McVay Zachary S. Hall Hans F. Kishel Christina P. Medlyn The following 683 Members were elected by Council action Diedre A. Hamil Jeffrey S. Klein Patrick A. Meere during the period from April 1996 through October 1996. Michael A. Hamilton Debora M. Kligmann Andrew J. Meigs John M. Hanchar Ralph E. Klinger Luis G. Menendez Diane J. Hanley Deborah A. Kliza Kirsten M. Menking Geoffrey A. Abers Craig W. Brougher James A. Donohue Bruce V. Hanson Jay H. Knight Clifford D. Mertink Mark J. Abolins Mark L. Brusseau Paul J. Donovan Sarah L. Hanson Ruthann Knudson Scott C. Mest Jared D. Abraham Brenda J. Buck Neal A. Doran William E. Hanson N’Guessan R. Koffi Elizabeth V. Meyers Thierry Adatte John M. Bukowski Patrick E. Drouin Kazuhiko Harada Kurt O. Konhauser Jayson B. Meyers Soumava Adhya David A. Burch Shannon M. Dunn Jorunn Hardatdottir Kenji Konishi Susan W. S. Millar Richard O. Aguirre Minnie Burford Alexander D. Durst Amy Hardberger Sarah K. Konrad Bernard M. Millen Ivano W. Aiello Jerry L. Burgess Todd A. Ehlers Jodi N. Harney Dorte Kortum Kristin M. Miller Jeff C. Aitken James R. Burke Ann L. Elledge Joel T. Harper Michael S. Kovach Timothy D. Miller Solaiman A. Alaabed Scott G. Bushmire John P. Encarnacion Bradley N. Harrington Michael S. Kovacs Amy L. Mills John V. Alcott Anya Z. Butt Annette S. Engel Donald E. Harrison Ian R. Kraemer Sarah T. Mills Scott A. Alderfer Doane E. Cafferty Staci L. Ensminger Garret L. Hart Scott F. Kreitz Sharon L. Minchak Betsy L. Allen John E. Callahan John R. Evans Mary T. Hartman Gregory W. Kruse Richard G. Monk Charles E. Allen Marta L. Calvache Catherine E. Everett Sarah O. Hartman David D. Kuehn Stephen M. Monk Heather Almquist- M. David Campbell William D. Everham Nina T. Harun Anish Kumar Danielle Montague-Judd Jacobson John G. Cargill IV Linda S. Falk Forrest Edwin Harvey Elizabeth Lacey William W. Montgomery Jeffrey M. Amato Mark W. Carter Peter D. Falk Kirk R. Haselton Tor B. Lacy Gordon M. Moore Jan P. Amend Robert R. Casavant Raymond P. Fallon Brian K. Hastings Nicholas B. Larabel Jean E. Moran Alejandro E. Amigo Craig S. Casey Liyan Fang Garrett B. Hazelton Michael De Freest Larner Jean M. Moran Douglas R. Anderson Anthony W. Catalano Robert A. Farrar Randall F. Hedegaard Neal L. Larson Stephanie L. Moret Robert C. Anderson Ginny A. Catania Sheri L. Favors Elizabeth A. Heise Eric A. Lauha Timothy T. Morley Roger S. Anderson Craig R. Cavicchia John S. Fedorowich M. Jim Hendry Rebecca R. Laws Rebecca S. Morris Samantha D. Andrews Jennifer L. Celeste Thomas R. Fenn Thomas D. Henze Lawrence A. Lawver Juliet E. Morrow Chilyere N. Anglin Arthur V. Chadwick Eric J. Fermann Reginald L. M. Hermanns Rene F. Leclerc John L. Muntean Irene Antonenko Robert W. Chalmers Jonathan R. Ferris Ricardo Hernandez Andrew W. Lee Hilary Muray John G. Arnason Robert E. Chambers Jeffrey L. Field Donna M. Herring Christopher B. Lee Denise R. Muriceak Emmanuelle Arnaud Marshall Chapman Tiffani A. Fielder James C. Hester Katherine F. Lee MaryLynn Musgrove John Aspden Rebecca L. Charlton Susan J. Fielek John D. Hickman Melinda A. Legg Todd A. Myse Joanna Athanassopoulos Jacques L. Chasse Bernardino R. Figueiredo Katrina M. Higgins Varner L. Leggitt Robert S. Nail Danielle M. Ayan Lynne M. Chastain Kim L. Finkbeiner Joseph C. Hill Robert S. Leighty Mylavarapu V. Narayana Francisco J. Azpiroz Sergio Chavez-Perez Frederick A. Flint Rebecca B. Hinnefeld Maggy F. Lengke William D. Nashem Hwanjo Baek Yang Chen Peter F. Folger Richard M. Hipwell Rebecca S. Lesher Jessica L. Nelson Elizabeth D. Baker M. Sean Chenoweth Sheryl A. Fontaine Brian G. Hoal Amy Leventer Lars G. Nelson Martin G. Balinsky Dae-Kyo Cheong Grace L. Ford J. Janine Hoaster Harold L. Levin Nicole T. Nelson Clinton I. Barineau Gian Piero Cherchi John A. Fortescue James F. Hogan Michael T. Lewchuk Pete L. Nester Oliver S. Barnouin-Jha Jennifer K. Chesterfield John R. Foster Melody R. Holm Claudia J. Lewis Yunxiang Ni Manuel A. Barrantes Jonathan K. Child David Francis Amy M. Holmes Juan H. Lias Linda P. Nicks Eldad Barzilay Kyungsik Choi Mark R. Frank Ann E. Holmes Julie C. Libarkin Ronald M. Nielsen Pattie C. Baucom Yonghoon Choi Tracy D. Frank Sara C. Hotchkiss Chul Lim Hiroshi Nishi Randy M. Bechtel Constance M. Charles D. Frederick Christopher H. House Angela R. Linse Suzanne E. Norrell Deborah L. Beck Christensen Kurt C. Friehauf Konrad A. Hughen Oscar Loayza Wendy E. Nystrom E. Glynn Beck Alan J. Clague Todd G. Fritch John Alfred Hunt III William E. Long Rachel O’Brien Laurence R. Becker Timothy L. Clarey Marsha J. Fronterhouse Kimberly S. Hunter Diane P. Loy Matthew D. O’Connor William S. Bedsole B. Christopher Clark Andrew C. Fulton Amber G. Huntoon Jun Lu Yuet-Ling O’Connor William A. Begley Tonya D. Clayton Silvia Fumagalli Michele L. Huppert James J. Luepke Michael K. O’Keeffe Elise B. Bekele Edward B. Coalson Antonio Funedda Jennifer M. Husek David J. Lundquist II Osaguona M. Ogbebor Andrey Bekker David W. Cobrain Tracy T. Furutani Quentin S. Huss Juliano M. Macedo Ann E. Olesen Linda C. Bell Michael J. Cogan Stan J. Galicki Marcella M. Hutchinson William S. Mah James A. Olson Shawn D. Beltman Andrew J. Coleman Priya M. Ganguli William H. Hutchinson C. Paul Majors Jill A. Oppenheim Paul J. Bembia Annette R. Colgan Basri Muhammad Ganie Kristin T. Huysken Peter E. Malin Gary L. Oppliger David A. Benson Geoffrey C. Collins Glenn W. Garneau Greg D. Icenhour David M. Manaker Richard L. Orndorff Julia K. Berger Debra C. Colodner Carolyn E. Garrison Arild J. Ingebrigtsen Rocco Mancinelli Richard B. Owen Riona M. Bernatsky John C. Combs Douglas E. Gay Jennifer L. Jacob Christine S. Manhart Mutlu Ozdogan Bruce G. Bernel Stephen J. Cook Allen Gellis John S. Jacob Renee S. Manton Stephen L. Palmes Janet L. Bertog Skye W. Cooley Brenda Kirkland George David H. James Benjamin S. Mark Young-Rok Park Maryk R. Besonen Michael T. Coon Christopher C. Gerbi Gary E. Jaroslow Paul J. Markwick Andrew P. Patrick Mairi M. Best E. J. Cowan Judit German-Heins Michael D. Jarvis Charles M. Maroni Earnest D. Paylor II Tavia L. Bicklein Stephen F. Cox Francis F. Gervais Mary A. Jay Maria F. Marquez Zavalia Adina Paytan Katharina Billups Janet Wert Crampton Ayati Ghosh Jeff Jeter Kimberly A. Marsella Tom Pedersen Ilya N. Bindeman Chapman L. Creighton Laurie A. Giannotti Gary G. Johannson Monte Marshall Jason M. Pelton Keith L. Binker Anna M. Cruse Heather-Marie Gibson Beth L. Johnson Laura E. Marston Alejo D. Perez Michael Bizimis Diane Curewitz Jerlyn R. Gilmore Marcus K. Johnston A. Thomas Martel Eric W. Peterson Jodi K. Blakely Janet H. Curran Julie L. Gloss Bradley L. Jolliff Barbara M. Martiny John C. Petroff Wayne V. Bloechl II Jana L. DaSilva Melinda A. Goelz Caron S. Jones Gyorgy L. Marton Sarah E. Pfeiffer Anna L. Bloom Thomas C. Davenport Craig N. Goodwin Mark E. Jones Rebecca L. Masters Sam E. Phifer Paul E. Blubaugh Gregg R. Davidson David H. Goodwin Michael P. Joy Louis L. Matich Thomas Pichler Danny J. Bobrow Michael R. Davis Caroline L. Gordon Maurice E. Kaasa, Jr. Veit J. Matt Mariusz Pierzchala Brian K. Bohm Stacey B. Davis Steven J. Gordon Wayne A. Karem Debra J. Matthews Michelle A. Pike Bethany A. Bolles Steven R. Dawes Howard L. Grahn Margaret F. Kasim John L. Mayers Gabriel L. Plank Craig Boomgaard Scott A. Dawson Todd J. Greene Eric J. Kaupanger George R. McAllister Thomas K. Pletsch Rick Bostian Marc A. O. De Batist C. J. Greig Glenn B. Kays Lisa A. McBee Robert K. Podgorney Lawrence C. Boucher Carol M. Dehler Mary E. Grez Kevin M. Keenan Barry C. McBride John H. Poehler Lisa D. Boucher Nicole A. Delude Daniel R. Griffiths Martin Keller Francis J. McCarthy III Colin D. Poellot Judith Ann Boughner Xinhua Deng William S. Grimes Katie KellerLynn Thomas M. McCollom Buford B. Pollett Karen L. Boven Can Denizman David A. Grimley Peter J. Kelly Jeffrey A. McCormack Michael R. Ponte John R. Bowman Catherine M. Dentan Alicia Y. Groeger Chris R. Kelson Bryan B. McDonald Michael C. Pope Brendan R. Bream Nathaniel W. Diedrich Eric B. Grosfils Richard D. Kendrick Graeme D. McDonald Michael J. Portwood Anna B. Breuninger Julie J. Dieu Matthew S. Grove Craig Kennedy Thomas A. McElroy Larry J. Powell Thomas M. Brocher Jennifer A. Distlehorst Jose Dioscoro Guardiario Syed M. Khalil Barbara A. McGavern Rachel A. Pressley Christopher A. Brochu Eloise H. Doherty Javier Guerrero David C. King Larry D. McKay John P. Pretola Brendan M. Brodie Jose R. Dominguez Alfred C. Guiseppe Hobart M. King Margaret E. McMillan Louis J. Pribyl

GSA TODAY, December 1996 35 Joanne Rachel Price Michael F. Rosenmeier Clark E. Sherman Christopher Sumner Stephen J. Van der Karen E. Whittlesey Rene M. Price David A. Rothstein Robert H. Silliman Dawn Y. Sumner Hoven Anne W. Wibiralske Maria G. Prokopenko James J. Roush Mary C. Simmons Ben E. Surpless Frederick J. Vanden George J. Wiegman Edward A. Prudic Scott D. Rutherford Keith Sircombe Michael P. Sykes Bergh Dean G. Wilder Robert P. Pryde Terri C. Ryland Michelle M. Sirota Aaron S. Taylor John J. Vander Veer Christopher P. Williams Abdul Qudus Seth J. Sadofsky Catherine P. Skinner Cliff D. Taylor Michel M. Vannier Dana E. Williams Saleem R. Qureshi Arito Sakaguchi Sonya Y. Skoog Steve B. Taylor Emmanuel M. Vassilakis Erika L. Williams Andrew G. Raby Vickey P. Sare Brian T. Smith Thomas A. Taylor Laura M. Vaugeois Steven J. Williams Hope A. Radin Leslie Sautter David S. Smith W. Lansing Taylor Ginger L. Vaughn David R. Williamson Michael A. Raines Daniele Savelli James E. Smith Akihiro Tazawa Francisco J. Vega Susan M. Wilson Robert S. Ralls Mohammad Timothy M. Smith Paul D. Theriault Charles A. Ver Straeten William J. Winegard Joan M. Ramage Sayeeduzzaman N. Christian Smoot Amy Thibodeau Kirk R. Vincent Harry C. Wise David W. Ramsey Robert B. Scarborough Amy J. Snyder Douglas M. Thompson Jennifer C. Voncannon Russell R. Wolff Michael S. Ramsey Mary Jo Schabel David L. Snyder Stephen C. Thompson Vladimir N. Vyssotski Christina R. Wood Eric J. Rapport Randall J. Schaetzl Glen T. Snyder Bradley W.C. Thurber Amy M. Waddell Dana C. Wood Sara L. Rathburn Thomas P. Schar Mark D. Sonnenfeld John Peter Thurmond Bruce Wahle Keith L. Woodburne Adam S. Read Joseph P. Schleeper Gordon Southam Stephen F. Tillinghast Miles E. Waite Jonathan F. Woodworth Robert S. Regis Esther K. Schmaedicke Honore D. Southern J. Michael Timmons Luke J. Walker Alfred Wu Kevin D. Reid Karen S. Schooler Solomon M. Sparks Keith J. Tinkler Charles K. Waltman James R. Wysor Tom Reid Catherine L. Schuur George D. Spence Chad G. Tomforde Heather A. Waterman Hirofumi Yamamoto Minghua Ren Ronald G. Scott Dan Spinogatti Daniel R. Tormey Michael Webb Haitao Yang Luca L. Rigo de Righi Elizabeth J. Screaton Theodore R. Steinke David A. Townsend Janine Weber-Band Emi Yano Michael N. Ritter D. Erich Seamon Lora R. Stevens David Tretbar Catherine M. Weitz Tesfaye Yemane Sergio A. Rivera Suanna C. Selby Stephen Stokes Paul J. Troiano Raelyn E. Welch Jiun-Yee Yen Jennifer S. Rivers Animikh Sen Jeffrey C. Strasser Bruce R. Tufts Beverly C. Wemple Kristal G. Yipon Angela L. Roach Gregory M. Sena Luther M. Strayer IV Caroline B. Tuit Douglas D. Werkema, Jr. J. Douglas Yule Carter W. Roberts Rajesh Sharma Randall K. Streufert Maria E. Uhle Cynthia A. Werner Edward P. Zaengle Clint E. Roberts Devin T. Shay Laura E. Strickland Ana L. Unruh Paul Wessel C. William Zanner Sheila M. Roberts Amy Sheldon Nikki Strong Robert B. Valentine Rick Wessels David J. Zbieszkowski, Jr. Delores M. Robinson Jian Shen Miguel R. Suarenz Pieter A. Van Der Beek Katherine M. White Yong Zhang Karyn L. Rogers Yunqing Shen James H. Sullivan James Whitehead Jodi M. Zuckerman ■

Jade-Star Lackey Cyndi J. Mosch Donald N. Smith New GSA Student Associates Sherrie C. Landon Lona D. Mullinax Jennifer L. Smith Richard S. Law Claudio Ernesto Munoz Ute D. Smith The following 312 Student Associates became affiliated with the Susan J. Leigh Christine A. Munson William T. Smith Society during the period from April 1996 through October 1996. Wes M. Leon Jerel G. Nelson James H. Sneeringer Catherine B. Lewis Timothy D. Nelson Gad Soffer Michael R. Lewis James Osborne Connie J. Sorell Stephen C. Adams Jason W. Curry Jay W. Grider Cayce A. Lillesve Mia L. Palmieri Erika L. Stapleton Mario Aigner-Torres Todd A. Dallegge Joy D. Griffin Darren R. Locke Thomas E. Parana Matthew B. Stead Stephen T. Allard Carina L. Dalton Susan E. Grover Jennifer M. Lohr Steven W. Parrett John M. Stein Carrie E. Allberg Jeffrey S. Danielian Jenny M. Hall Daniel A. Long Jason D. Pearlman Nat P. Stephens Angela K. Ashurst Greg S. Danziger Matthew S. Hall Alison A. Lowrey Sandi Pesak Michael K. Stevens Christopher D. Augustine David J. Dariano Zane E. Hamiel John K. Lucey James W. Peters Vanessa L. Svihla Angela M. Ayers Megan G. Dascoli Andreas Hansen Ernest J. Luikart Jeffrey N. Peters Casey N. Swan Christina L. Baack Christopher D. Dawkins Belal D. Hansrod Lynne MacDonald Stephanie J. Phippen Jonathan E. Tichenor Joey J. Barker Sherland R. Decker, Jr. Michael A. Harder Bruce A. Madill Michael J. Pickering Kristin L. Tobin Brian Barone Thomas D. Dehli Bradley J. Harris Carrie A. Maher Katherine R. Pickett Tracy L. Tobin Joseph D. Barr III Christopher G. James L. Hatchett Timothy F. Maher Mary A. Podzemny N. Georgis Tompkins Lisa A. Battiato Del Monico Michelle S. Hays Lauren M. Maigret Joseph J. Pompei Robert P. Trail Dayo O. Bayewu Goran Denkovski Ted J. Heath Jacques A. Marcillac Michael L. Putt Gregory S. Trapp Andrew R. Bechtold Todd A. Diehl Jordan E. Hegedus David W. Markell Lindsey A. Quackenbush Michael J. Turco Nadia F. Bellezza Jacob L. Dimond Tara L. Heinrich Brian S. Marlow Rachel E. Ramirez Aleta Van Riper Turner Peter A. Bennett Amanda B. Downing Dawn M. Hendricks Scott D. Marsic Luis R. Ramos Jon L. Turner Kimberly M. Berends Brian L. Duffany Eric W. Hewson Ron Mart Wayne E. Randolph Tanya S. Unger Amy E. Berger James A. Dutcher Julia M. Hirzel Jeffrey M. Marts Heidi M. Rantala Rose A. Van Hook Brian C. Bird Donna N. Eaves Mary K. V. Hodges Joseph A. Maule Chad R. Relhm Allison W. Vaughn David F. Boutt Eric E. Eddlemon Richard M. Hodgson Nilah Ann Mazza Elisabeth D. Rennow Karen M. Viskupic Howard B. Brenner John G. Eldridge Jennifer L. Holland Jennifer H. McCord- Meredith K. Rhodes Sarah R. Vlachos Andrew L. Brownstone Erin J. Fallis John L. Howell, Jr. Thompson Russell V. Richmond Sharin L. Wadleigh Melissa A. Buciak Matthew S. Fantle Jason M. Hughes Daniel H. McCrumb Peter C. Riddle Dale A. Walker Reuben G. Bullard, Jr. Andrew H. Feldman Hallie P. Humphrey James T. McDermott Bruce E. Rider Heather C. Walker Andrew S. Byers Lisa R. Ferber Katherine M. J. Hurlburt Therese D. McGee John P. Riley Kathleen A. Walsh Jeffrey M. Byrnes Luis A. Fernandez Julia Ann Hyatt Emmet H. McGuire Joshua H. Ring Andrew P. Way Bradford G. Campbell James A. Ferrara James A. Inman Robert J. McKenna III Peter G. Rinkleff Alan R. Weaver Ken F. Casamento Richard J. Fink Matthew C. Irvine Kevin R. McRae Edgar R. Rivera Sarah J. Weaver Robert P. Cave, Jr. Amy L. Fonville Erik W. James Aaron D. Melody Jack V. Rogers II James Wells James Chapman Christine L. Ford Eleanore B. Jewel Jeffrey W. Menken Jimi R. Rogers Margery E. Willett Kathryn L. Chapman Deryk J. Forster Thomas C. Matthew J. Mertens Brian R. Roosa Christopher D. Annaick Chauvet Bryan Franke Johannesmeyer Robert P. Meyer Lisa M. Rosi Williamson James C. Christiansen Christian L. Frederick James R. Johnston Marlo Mikolas Susan M. Rosin David B. Williamson P. J. Clayburg Mark B. Garcia Sheila A. Keasler Keith A. Milam Jill E. Rozycki Michael R. Willinger Jill D. Clemenich David A. Garrett Terry L. Keasler Zachary D. Miller Michael L. Sawyer Alan M. B. Willis John W. Coates Lisa M. Gatto Amanda K. Kelly Wendy A. Mitteager Jennifer D. Schmidt Mae E. Willkom Charles A. Coffindaffer Brandy G. Gilmore James R. Kight Jeff G. Moats Katherine M. Schmitz Tyler D. Woods Joseph A. Cook III Robert W. Gimpel Hyun Jin Kim Ronald R. Moore Tara L. Schrader Christopher C. Yarnell Katherine H. Cooper Lorraine E. Givens Judith A. King Wendy L. Morgan Kathryn G. Sharp Grant Y. Yip Paul A. Corts Fernando Gonzalez Jodi L. Klemme Nicholas D. Morgia Frederic L. Shean, Jr. Bernard H. Yost Jonathan W. Cox Kyle S. Graff Claudia S. Kobisz Suzette A. Morman Wayne B. Shoemaker Chris K. Zeliznak Lance W. Crabtree Sally D. Gramstad Jeffrey A. Koch Bonnie A. Morris Sandra L. Simchick Nicholas D. Zerr Jenny L. Crook Dibby A. Green Kyle D. Kolodziejski Joshua B. Morris Regina J. Slape-Law Ryan D. Zick ■ Kathleen M. Cummins Rebecca L. Greenwood Lori Krikorian Timothy A. Morse Carter L. Smith Michele H. Zimmer

36 GSA TODAY, December 1996 GSA SECTION MEETINGS GSA ANNUAL MEETINGS

1997 1996 NORTHEASTERN SECTION, March 17–19, Sheraton Valley Denver meeting registered a high of 6501 attendees!! Forge Hotel, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Information: William A. See photos and story in the January issue or visit the home page Crawford, Department of Geology, Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, for details (http://www.geosociety.org). PA 19010-2899, (610) 526-5112, fax 610-526-5086, wcrawfor@ brynmawr.edu. Preregistration Deadline: February 14, 1997. FOUND at Colorado Convention Center: White envelope. Call to identify the contents and we’ll return it. SOUTH-CENTRAL and ROCKY MOUNTAIN SECTIONS, Kathy Lynch (303) 447-2020, x114. [email protected]. March 20–21, University of Texas, El Paso, Texas. Information: Elizabeth Y. Anthony, Department of Geological Sciences, University of Texas, El Paso, TX 79968-0555, (915) 747-5483, anthony@ geo.utep.edu. Preregistration Deadline: February 7, 1997. 1997 SOUTHEASTERN SECTION, March 27–28, Auburn University, Salt Lake City, Utah Auburn, Alabama. Information: Mark G. Steltenpohl, Department of Geology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849-5305, (334) October 20–23 844-4893, [email protected]. Preregistration Deadline: Salt Palace February 21, 1997. Convention Center NORTH-CENTRAL SECTION, May 1–2, The Concourse Hotel, Little America Hotel Madison, Wisconsin. Submit completed abstracts to: Bruce Brown, M. Lee Allison, Wisconsin Geological & Natural History Survey, 3817 Mineral Point General Chair: Utah Geological Survey Rd., Madison, WI 53705, (608) 263-3201, babrown1@facstaff. wisc.edu. Abstract Deadline: January 9, 1997. Technical Program Chairs: John Bartley, Erich Petersen, CORDILLERAN SECTION, May 21–23, Kona Surf Resort University of Utah and Convention Center, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Submit completed abstracts to: Fred MacKenzie, Department of Oceanography, Theme Session Proposal Dead- University of Hawaii–SOEST, 1000 Pope Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, line is January 2, 1997. (808) 956-6344, [email protected]. Abstract Deadline: See the November GSA Today for the January 24, 1997. theme invitation or the World Wide Web for invitation and pro- posal form: http://www.geosociety.org. Proposals are sent directly to John Bartley. Visit the Field Trip Chairs: Bart Kowallis, Brigham Young University Paul Link, Idaho State University GSA Bookstore No more field trips will be accepted. at all the 1998 1997 GSA Meetings Toronto, Ontario, Canada, October 26–29 Metro Toronto Convention Centre Sheraton Toronto Centre Hotel and Towers General Chairs: Jeffrey J. Fawcett, University of Toronto Emlyn Koster, Ontario Science Centre New GSA Fellows Technical Program Chairs: Denis M. Shaw, McMaster University The following 31 Members were advanced to Fellow- Andrew Miall, University of Toronto ship in October 1996. Call for Field Trip Proposals: John M. Armentrout Steven J. Lambert We are interested in proposals for single-day and multi-day field trips Roger P. Ashley David K. Larue beginning or ending in Toronto, and dealing with all aspects of the G. Arthur Barber J. Gregory McHone geosciences. Please contact the Field Trip Chairs listed below. Kenneth Belitz Daniel P. Murray Pierre Robin Henry Halls Philip C. Bennett Noriyuki Nasu University of Toronto Erindale College Bruce A. Bouley Norman J. Page Dept. of Geology Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Thure E. Cerling Fred M. Phillips 22 Russell Street Canada Dennis P. Cox David D. Pollard Toronto, ON M5S 3B1, Canada (905) 828-5363 Peter G. DeCelles Dennis W. Powers (416) 978-3022 Fax 905-828-3717 Henry J. B. Dick Margaret N. Rees Fax 416-978-3938 [email protected] Ronald J. Goble Bridget R. Scanlon Karen Grove James G. Schmitt Steven E. Ingebritsen J. Leslie Smith FUTURE MEETINGS Craig M. Jarchow Uri S. ten Brink Thomas C. Johnson Chester T. Wrucke 1999 — Denver, Colorado ...... October 25–28 Brian G. Katz 2000 — Reno, Nevada ...... November 13–16 2001 — Boston, Massachusetts ...... November 5–8

GSA TODAY, December 1996 37 VOLUME 24 December BULLETIN and NO. 12 P. 1053Ð1200 GEOLOGY Contents DECEMBER 1996 1059 Silicothermal fluid: A novel medium for mass transport in the lithosphere The Geological Society of America J. J. Wilkinson, J. Nolan, A. H. Rankin 1063 Were aspects of Pan-African deformation linked to Iapetus opening? Anne Grunow, Richard Hanson, Terry Wilson Volume 108, Number 12, December 1996 1067 Winter and summer temperatures of the early middle Eocene of France from Turritella δ18O profiles CONTENTS Fredrik P. Andreasson, Birger Schmitz 1071 Possible eastward extension of Chinese collision belt in South 1515Ð1527 A tale of 10 plutons—Revisited: Age of granitic rocks in the White Korea: The Imjingang belt Mountains, California and Nevada Jin-Han Ree, Moonsup Cho, Sung-Tack Kwon, Eizo Nakamura Edwin H. McKee and James E. Conrad 1075 Mount Pinatubo volcano and ``negative’’ porphyry copper deposits 1528Ð1548 Petrochemical study of regional/contact metamorphism in metaclastic Jill Dill Pasteris strata of the central White-Inyo Range, eastern California W. G. Ernst 1079 Insight into the nature of the ocean-continent transition off West Iberia from a deep multichannel seismic reflection profile 1549Ð1566 Cerro Toledo Rhyolite, Jemez Volcanic Field, New Mexico: 40Ar/39Ar S. L. B. Pickup, R. B. Whitmarsh, C. M. R. Fowler, T. J. Reston geochronology of eruptions between two caldera-forming events Terry L. Spell, Ian McDougall, and Anthony P. Doulgeris 1083 Neolithic settlement distributions as a function of sea level– controlled topography in the Yangtze delta, China 1567Ð1579 Eocene potassic magmatism at Two Buttes, Colorado, with implica- Daniel Jean Stanley, Zhongyuan Chen tions for Cenozoic tectonics and magma generation in the western United States 1087 Extension of Delamerian (Ross) orogen into western New Zealand: Evidence from zircon ages and implications for crustal growth Linda L. Davis, Douglas Smith, Fred W. McDowell, Nicholas W. along the Pacific margin of Gondwana Walker, and Lars E. Borg G. M. Gibson, T. R. Ireland 1580Ð1593 Three-dimensional variations in extensional fault shape and basin 1091 Meteoric water component in magmatic fluids from porphyry form: The Cache Valley basin, eastern Basin and Range province, copper mineralization, Babine Lake area, British Columbia United States Ronald Wynn Sheets, Bruce E. Nesbitt, Karlis Muehlenbachs James P. Evans and Robert Q. Oaks Jr. 1095 Anelasticity explains topography associated with Basin and Range 1594Ð1607 Orogen-parallel and orogen-perpendicular extension in the central normal faulting Nepalese Himalayas R. Hassani, J. Chéry M. E. Coleman 1099 Trace element zoning in garnet as a monitor of crustal melting 1608Ð1625 Ten-million-year history of a thrust sheet Frank S. Spear, Matthew J. Kohn Andrew J. Meigs, Jaume Vergés, and Douglas W. Burbank 1103 Fault scaling and 1/f noise scaling of seismic velocity fluctuations in 1626Ð1644 Productivity cycles of 200Ð300 years in the Antarctic Peninsula the upper crystalline crust region: Understanding linkages among the sun, atmosphere, oceans, Klaus Holliger sea ice, and biota Amy Leventer, Eugene W. Domack, Scott E. Ishman, Stefanie Brach- 1107 Unusual “snow slurry” lahars from Ruapehu volcano, New Zealand, September 1995 feld, Charles E. McClennen, and Patricia Manley Shane J. Cronin, Vincent E. Neall, Jérôme A. Lecointre, Alan S. Palmer 1996 Annual Index 1645 1111 Tectonic significance of 400 Ma zircon ages for ophiolitic rocks from the Lachlan fold belt, eastern Australia I. T. Graham, B. J. Franklin, B. Marshall, E. C. Leitch, M. Fanning 1115 Tale of three cratons: Tectonostratigraphic anatomy of the Damara orogen in northwestern Namibia and the assembly of Gondwana Book Reviews continued from p. 25 Anthony R. Prave 1119 Looping P-T paths and high-T, low-P middle crustal metamorphism: about paleovegetation and paleoclimate. Toward the end of the Proterozoic evolution of the southwestern United States book, I noted the important point that Miall made about there Michael L. Williams, Karl E. Karlstrom being few reliable lithofacies indicators of paleoclimates, and the 1123 Late Quaternary deformation, Saddle Mountains anticline, south-central Washington warning about trying to link Milankovitch climatic cycles with M. W. West, F. X. Ashland, A. J. Busacca, G. W. Berger, M. E. Shaffer pre-Pleistocene fluvial sedimentary cycles. 1127 Late Holocene faulting in the southeast Sierras Pampeanas of So how can knowledge of the nature and origin of fluvial Argentina deposits contribute to the exploration, production, and manage- Carlos H. Costa, Claudio Vita-Finzi ment of economic resources such as oil, gas, water, and placer min- 1131 Timing of deformation and accretion of the Antimonio terrane, erals? It seems, from the catalogue of oil and gas reservoirs with Sonora, from paleomagnetic data Roberto S. Molina Garza, John W. Geissman particular geometries and tectonic settings in chapters 14 and 15 of Miall’s book, that all we can do is classify reservoirs in very broad 1135 Evidence in pre-2.2 Ga paleosols for the early evolution of atmospheric oxygen and terrestrial biota terms. The reality is, of course, that detailed quantitative descrip- Hiroshi Ohmoto tion and interpretation of fluvial deposits are critical to prediction 1139 Transform fault effect on mantle melting in the MARK area of their subsurface characteristics, and to effective exploitation and (Mid-Atlantic Ridge south of the Kane transform) management of the economic resources they contain. Indraneel Ghose, Mathilde Cannat, Monique Seyler Finally, regarding presentation, there is quite a lot of repeti- 1143 Thrust emplacement of the Hispaniola peridotite belt: Orogenic tion and cross-referencing between chapters, suggesting that the expression of the mid-Cretaceous Caribbean arc polarity reversal? Grenville Draper, Gabriel Gutiérrez, John F. Lewis organization could be improved. I noted some awkward sentence constructions and some typographical errors. The quality of the 1147 Chemistry of ore-forming fluids and mineral formation rates in an active hydrothermal sulfide deposit on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge figures is variable, at least partly because most of them are lifted Rachael H. James, Henry Elderfield directly from other publications. Figure 2.20 (upper) is upside 1151 Tectonic model explaining divergent contraction directions along down. These minor problems with presentation should have the Cascadia subduction margin, Washington: Correction been dealt with by the editor. 1151 Guidelines for Geology authors John Bridge 1152 Suggestions to authors for producing Geology artwork Binghamton University 1153 1996 Annual Index Binghamton, NY 13902-6000 ■

38 GSA TODAY, December 1996 Environmental & Engineering Geoscience Contents

Volume II, Number 3, Fall 1996 Discussion and Reply: 431 Damage Due to Northridge Earthquake-Induced Settlement of Clayey Fill 287 An Integrated Method of Engineering Geological Mapping for Large Foun- Robert A. Hollingsworth, Hugh S. Robertson, Stephen M. Watry and dation Excavations: The Katse Arch Dam Experience, Lesotho Highlands Martin E. Lieurance P. Schlotfeldt and A. Van Schalkwyk 299 Natural Hazard and Risk Assessment Using Decision Support Systems, Book Reviews: Application: Glenwood Springs, Colorado 433 Exploration Seismology Mario Mejía-Navarro and Luis A. Garcia Edward D. Billington 325 Rock Mass Strength Assessment for Bedrock Landsliding 434 Engineering Geology of Construction Kevin M. Schmidt and David R. Montgomery Laura J. Powers-Couche 339 The Effects of Positive Pore Pressure on Sliding and Toppling of Rock 435 Handbook of Ground Water Development Blocks with Some Considerations of Intact Rock Effects Bill Crawford Terry R. West 437 Caminos Rurales con Impactos Mínimos; Un Manual de Capacitación con 355 Contaminated Land: The British Position and Some Case Histories Énfasis Sobre Planifficación Ambiental, Drenajes, Estabilización de y Control de F. G. Bell, M. J. Duane, A. W. Bell, and N. Hytiris Erosión (Rural Roads with Minimum Impact; A Training Manual with Empha- 369 The Problem of Acid Mine Drainage, with an Illustrative Case History sis on Environmental Planning, Drainage, Stabilization, and Erosion Control) F. G. Bell and S. E. T. Bullock Allen W. Hatheway 393 The Role of Gully Stabilization in Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation 438 Disasters—Violence of Nature & Threats by Man Christopher P. Carlson and Greg A. Olyphant Christopher C. Mathewson 439 Level I Stability Analysis (LISA) Documentation for Version 2.0 Technical Notes: Carol S. Tatay 407 Compression and Collapse Behavior of Fill 444 Soil Mechanics in Engineering Practice (3rd edition) Robert W. Day Allen W. Hatheway 415 Engineering Geological Evaluation of the Imranli Dam Site, Central 446 Geology and Hazardous Waste Management Anatolia (Turkey) Morris M. Dirnberger Ergun Karacan, Ahmet Turan Arslan and Feda Aral 447 Slope Stability and Stabilization Methods 422 The Case of the Scary Rock, Ertan, China Allen W. Hatheway R. A. Paige 449 Mechanics of Porous Media 425 Alkali-Aggregate Reactivity Problems with Cambrian Dolomite and Douglas F. Hambley Eocene Limestones of Azad Kashmir Memorial: M. Arshad Khan 451 Memorial to Thomas Clements Bernard W. Pipkin

CALENDAR

June 9–13, Changing Water Regimes in Drylands, Lake Tahoe, California. Only new or changed information is being published in GSA Today. Information: Nicholas Lancaster, Desert Research Institute, P.O. Box 60220, A complete listing can be found in the Calendar section on the Reno, NV 89506, E-mail: [email protected], Web: http://www.dri.edu. Internet: http://www.geosociety.org. September September 12–14, Recoveries ‘97, final meeting of UNESCO IGCP Project 335 “Biotic Recoveries from Mass Extinctions,” Prague, Czech Republic. Infor- 1997 Penrose Conferences mation: Petr Cejchan, Geological Institute, Academy of Sciences, Rozvojova April 24–30, Paleocene-Eocene Boundary Events in Time and Space, 135, CZ 165 02 Praha 6 Lysolaje, Czech Republic; Petra Hovorkova, Recoveries Albuquerque, New Mexico. Information: Spencer Lucas, New Mexico ‘97, Eurocongress Centre, Budejovicka 15, CZ 140 00 Praha 4, Czech Repub- Museum of Natural History, 1801 Mountain Road NW, Albuquerque, lic, [email protected], http://www.gli.cas.cz/conf/recovery/recovery.htm. NM 87104, (505) 841-2873, fax 505-841-2866, E-mail: lucas@ September 22–27, 6th International Conference on Fluvial Sedimen- darwin.nmmnh-abq.mus.nm.us. tology, Cape Town, South Africa. Information: Conference Organiser, 6 ICFS, September 10–15, Faults and Subsurface Fluid Flow: Fundamentals Postgraduate Conference Div., UCT Medical School, Observatory 7925, and Applications to Hydrogeology and Petroleum Geology, South Africa, phone 27-21-406-6911 or 406-6348, fax 27-21-448-6263, Albuquerque and Taos, New Mexico. Information: William C. Haneberg, [email protected]. New Mexico Bureau of Mines and Mineral Resources, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, 2808 Central Ave. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106, (505) 262-2774, fax 505-255-5253, E-mail: [email protected]. For more information, see http://www.nmt.edu/~haneberg/Fluids.html. September 23–28, Tectonics of Continental Interiors, Cedar City, Utah. About People Information: Michael Hamburger, Department of Geological Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, (812) 855-2934, fax 812-855-7899, GSA Honorary Fellow Gabriel Dengo, Center for E-mail: [email protected]. Geological Studies of Central America, Guatemala City, 1997 Meetings Guatemala, is the 1996 recipient of the Hollis D. Hedberg Award from the Institute for the Study of Earth and Man, March Southern Methodist University, Dallas. March 22–24, Triassic Basin Initiative, (TRIBI): Initial workshop and field trip, Durham, North Carolina. Information: Tyler Clark, Dept. of Geology, Duke Uni- versity, P.O. Box 90227, Durham, NC 27708-0227, (919) 684-5847, fax 919- Fellow Gerald M. Friedman, Brooklyn College and 684-5833, E-mail: [email protected]. City University of New York, has in 1996 been elected an June honorary fellow of the Geological Society of London, was June 2–6, 14th International Conference on Basement Tectonics, given the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences Kapitsa Gold Blacksburg, Virginia. Information: A. K. Sinha, Dept. of Geological Sciences, Medal of Honor, and received the American Association of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0420, Petroleum Geologists Distinguished Educator Award; next (540) 231-5580, fax 540-231-3386, E-mail: [email protected] or spring he will be awarded the Twenhofel Medal by the Soci- [email protected], http://www.geol.vt.edu/profs/aks/basement.html. ety of Sedimentary Geology.

GSA TODAY, December 1996 39 Position Announcements (from Employers using GSA’s Employment Service at the 1996 GSA Annual Meeting)

SURFACE PROCESSES Both positions will also participate in teaching introduc- their specialty; and occasionally alternate with other fac- BOSTON COLLEGE tory Physical Geology classes for non-majors, as well as ulty in the teaching of one of the following: environmen- The Department of Geology and Geophysics at Boston in the interdisciplinary team-taught Science in Context tal geochemistry, oceanography, or paleoecology. Can- College seeks a dynamic candidate for a tenure-track program. didates should have good quantitative skills and should faculty position (rank open) in the area of Surface Pro- Appointments will be at the Assistant Professor level; be prepared to incorporate these in their teaching. All cesses, beginning September 1997. Individuals may a Ph.D., a minimum of 1 year of college-level teaching, requirements for the Ph.D. should be completed by the have research interests in any of the sub-specialties in and a commitment to excellence in undergraduate time of appointment. Women and minority candidates this broad field, but those with backgrounds in geomor- teaching and liberal arts education are required. When are encouraged to apply for this position. Wesleyan Uni- phology, surface hydrology, wetland dynamics, sedimen- the nature of these positions has been finalized, individ- versity is an affirmative action employer. Letters of appli- tation or coastal dynamics are particularly encouraged to uals on our mailing list will receive official vacancy cation should be accompanied by a statement of apply. A Ph.D. is required and post-doctoral experience announcements and application procedures. The Uni- research and teaching interests, a recent vitae, and the desirable. The individual will be expected to teach versity of Puget Sound is a private, liberal arts college names and addresses of at least three referees; these undergraduate and graduate courses in our geology and with 2800 undergraduates. should be sent by January 1, 1997, to: Gregory S. environmental programs and to carry out an aggressive Horne, Chair, Department of Earth & Environmental Sci- research program in his or her specialty. The Depart- WESTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY ences, Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT 06459 ment, which also runs the nearby Weston Geophysical TENURE-TRACK POSITIONS Observatory, is well equipped (including flume and GIS GEOPHYSICS AND GEOLOGY/SCIENCE ED. laboratories) and is housed in modern, recently reno- For details see http://www.wwu.edu/~cas/dept.pages/ AMHERST COLLEGE vated facilities on a suburban campus 8 miles west of geology.html or contact Jim Talbot at talbot@cc. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOSCIENTIST Boston. Rank of appointment will be commensurate with wwu.edu The Department of Geology is seeking applications for a experience. one-year faculty position at the level of Assistant Profes- A curriculum vitae, statement of research interests, SEDIMENTOLOGIST sor beginning in the fall semester, 1997. Possible fields list of references and copies of selected publications ASSISTANT PROFESSOR of expertise include one or more of the following: aque- should be sent to Christopher Hepburn, Chairman, Dept. SMITH COLLEGE ous geochemistry, biogeochemistry, paleoclimatology, Geology and Geophysics, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, The Department of Geology at Smith College invites hydrogeology, surficial or glacial geomorphology, and/or MA 02167 by January 10, 1997. For further information, applications for a full-time, tenure-track position in sedi- paleoecology. Although a Ph.D. is desirable, those near- contact the above at 617-552-3641 or 3642 or via E- mentology at the rank of Assistant Professor. The suc- ing completion of that degree are encouraged to apply. mail, [email protected]. Boston College is an cessful candidate will be expected to teach an intermedi- affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Qualified ate-level course in sedimentology as well as geology Candidates should have a strong interest in under- women and minorities are encouraged to apply. courses at the introductory and advanced levels. This graduate teaching as well as research interests that can initial appointment is for a three-year term and begins in incorporate undergraduate students. Teaching responsi- DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY, September, 1997. A Ph.D. is required. bilities will consist of: one introductory-level course and UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN Applicants should forward a letter of application one intermediate-level course that stress environmental ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF before November 15, 1996. Include a concise statement and surficial processes. In addition the candidate is SEDIMENTARY GEOLOGY (TENURE-TRACK) of current and long-term teaching, research, and career expected to teach one upper-level course in his/her spe- The Department of Geology at the University of Illinois goals, transcripts, a current curriculum vitae, and names cialty. Amherst College has opportunities to teach in invites applications for a full-time (9-month academic of three references. interdisciplinary programs. year) tenure-track faculty position in sedimentary geol- All materials should be addressed to Geology Submit a résumé, three letters of recommendation, ogy. We are seeking an outstanding scientist and enthu- Search, c/o Dr. John B. Brady, Chair, Department of and a brief statement of your research interests to: Prof. siastic teacher for an appointment at the rank of assis- Geology, Smith College, Northampton, MA 01063. Smith Edward S. Belt, Department of Geology, Amherst Col- tant professor that will begin in August 1997. A Ph.D. is College is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Insti- lege, Amherst, MA 01002-5000, tel: (413)542-2712. required; salary is negotiable. The successful candidate tution. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply. will establish an innovative, externally funded research Review of applications will begin on 15 January 1997, but applications will be accepted until a pool of qualified program, preferably relating to tectonics and/or global HYDROGEOLOGIST, candidates is identified. Amherst College is an equal change, and will pursue excellence in teaching and stu- SAN FRANCISCO STATE UNIVERSITY opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women and dent-research supervision in all aspects of our educa- The Department of Geosciences invites applications for minorities are particularly encouraged to apply. tional program. a tenure-track faculty position at the assistant professor The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a level in hydrogeology, beginning in August 1997. The major research university with 37,000 students in resi- position requires a Ph.D. in geology and a strong com- CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY AT BAKERSFIELD dence. Currently, the Department of Geology has 14 full- mitment to excellence in teaching and research. Some AQUEOUS GEOCHEMIST time faculty (see our homepage at http://www. background in teaching and in industry is preferred. The geology.uiuc.edu/) and offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in successful candidate will be expected to teach at all aca- Subject to approval of funding, the Department of geology and geophysics. Opportunities exist for collabo- demic levels and will be primarily responsible for teach- Physics and Geology at CSU Bakersfield anticipates a ration with current staff in structural geology, hydrogeol- ing undergraduate and graduate courses in hydrogeol- tenure-tract position in aqueous geochemistry/hydrology ogy, geochemistry, geophysics, clay mineralogy, and ogy, groundwater contamination, and environmental to be filled at the assistant professor level. A Ph.D. in paleontology, both at the department and at the Illinois geology. Responsibilities will include maintaining an geology or a related geoscience is required. Experience State Geological Survey. active research program that involves graduate and and interest in teaching is mandatory. Responsibilities To apply, please send a curriculum vita, a list of pub- undergraduate students. We seek someone who will include teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in lications, a brief letter describing research and teaching work with local environmental firms and agencies and geochemistry, aqueous geochemistry, contaminant interests and plans, and the names of three references assist in building our new graduate program in Applied transport, and related topics of the successful candi- to: Dr. Stephen Marshak, Search Committee Chair, Geosciences and an interdisciplinary undergraduate date’s choosing. Successful candidate will also be Department of Geology, University of Illinois, 1301 W. environmental studies program. expected to teach some general education geology Green St., Urbana, IL 61801. In order to ensure full con- The Department of Geosciences includes geology, and/or physical science courses and to develop a sideration, applications must be received by December meteorology, and oceanography and consists of 13 fac- research program in their specialty involving undergrad- 10, 1996. For further information, contact Dr. Marshak ulty members from these fields. The department offers uate and master’s level graduate students. by E-mail at [email protected], by telephone at 217- BS and BA degrees in geology and, beginning Fall 1996, Hydrogeology and soft rock geology are deparrtment 333-7705, or by Fax at 244-4996. The University of Illi- a MS degree in Applied Geosciences. specialities.Housed within the Geology Department are nois is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action To apply, send curriculum vitae including a statement aqueous chemistry and hydrology labs including field employer. of teaching and research interests, and names and hydrology equipment, a mini/micro-computer lab with addresses of three references to: John Monteverdi, MINTEQ and MODFLOW software, an automated XRD, DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY/UNIVERSITY Dept. of Geosciences, San Francisco State University, and SEM-EDX, research petrography lab, and field geo- OF PUGET SOUND/TACOMA, WASHINGTON San Francisco, CA 94132. Applications should be physics equipment. The department has access to GC- Two Sabbatical replacement teaching positions are received before January 15, 1997. San Francisco State MS, AA, and NMR instruments in the Chemistry Depart- anticipated to become available for the 1997-1998 aca- University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action ment and the campus has GIS access. The San Joaquin demic year, and possibly for the Fall of the 1998-1999 employer. Valley is an area of intensive agricultural activity and year, in petroleum development. Thus, local research opportuni- GEOMORPHOLOGY/QUATERNARY GEOLOGY (Posi- WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY ties are readily available and connections are easily tion #1) and in MINERALOGY/PETROLOGY (Position LIMNOLOGIST made with local industry and government agencies. #2). Depending upon leave schedules yet to be finalized, The Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences at each position may last anywhere from 1 semester to 3 Wesleyan University invites applications for a tenure- The starting date is September 1, 1997. Review of semesters in length. Position #1 will teach a one- track position in the field of limnology, to commence with applications will begin after December 1, 1996. Candi- semester senior-level geology major course in geomor- the 1997-98 academic year at the Assistant Professor dates should submit a letter of application, a current cur- phology and Quaternary geology; Position #2 will teach rank. The successful applicant will be responsible for riculum vita, and names of at least three references to: either a one-semester sophomore-level majors course in teaching the following types of courses on a regular Dr. Robert Horton, Chair, Department of Physics and mineralogy, a one-semester sophomore-level majors basis: an introductory course for non-science majors, a Geology, California State University, 9001 Stockdale course in igneous and metamorphic petrology, or both. major-level course in limnology, an upper-level course in Highway, Bakersfield, CA 93311-1099.

40 GSA TODAY, December 1996 Future … GeoVentures are a special benefit created for members, but are open also to guests and friends. GeoVentures is the overall name for adult educational and adventure experiences of two kinds: GeoTrips or GeoHostels. Both are known for expert scientific leadership. Fees for both are low to moderate (relative to the length of time and destination) and include lodging and meals as designated. The venues, however, are quite different.

Choose from two types of GSA GeoVentures GeoHostels GeoTrips Length 6 days 1 to 3 weeks Cost Under $700 $1000 and up Site College campuses or resort towns, North America Worldwide Time of Year Summer Anytime Traveling Limited to local areas Daily change of site Physical Requirements None May be physically demanding Education Daily educational programs and field excursions Daily outdoor field instruction

one of the reasons Congress set aside the heart of the affected area Mount St. Helens and as Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. Two days will Mount Rainier be devoted to the east and south- Packwood and Kelso, Washington east sides of Mount St. Helens, and June 21–26, 1997, 6 days, 6 nights two days to the south and west sides, including two stunning new visitor facilities in the heart of the devastated area, and one day will be at spectacular Mount Rainier (northeast, east, and south flanks) in Mount Rainier National Park. While at Mount St. Helens, we will hike through a remaining stand of old-growth coniferous trees, many as tall as 230 feet. Each day involves a hike through a unique landscape; none of the hikes is longer than about three miles nor with an altitude change of more than about 900 feet. Because snow will still be visible on the higher mountain peaks, June will be stun- ning for photography. Photo by Richard Waitt. Lodging, Meals, and Ground Transportation GeoHostel The group will stay on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday at Scientific Leaders the Inn of Packwood, Packwood, Washington, and on Tuesday, Richard Waitt, U.S. Geological Survey, Cascades Volcano Wednesday, and Thursday nights at the Red Lion Inn in Kelso, Observatory, Vancouver, Washington Washington. All lodging is based on double occupancy. GSA will do its best to find roommates for single travelers. Meals will include Patrick Pringle, Washington Department of Natural Resources, plenty of hors d’oeuvres at the Welcoming Reception and Orienta- Olympia, Washington tion on Saturday evening, daily breakfasts, sack lunches, and a Both leaders have many years of geological field experience, hearty farewell dinner on Thursday evening. Field trip transporta- summarized in numerous scientific publications about Mount tion will be provided in air-conditioned, 15-passenger vans. St. Helens and Mount Rainier, as well as extensive experience at other Cascade and Alaskan volcanoes. Fee and Payment $650 for GSA Members $700 for Nonmembers Description $100 deposit is due with your reservation and is refundable This GeoHostel will focus on field trips to Mount St. Helens, through April 28, less $20 processing fee. Total balance is due: especially to explore processes and effects of the cataclysmic erup- April 28. tion of May 18, 1980. Among them are: decapitation of former Included: Classroom programs and materials; field trip trans- summit; world’s largest historic landslide; tsunami wave as high as portation; lodging for six nights (double occupancy); meals outlined 800 feet on Spirit Lake; gigantic pyroclastic surge (so-called “lateral above; welcoming and farewell events. blast”) that in four minutes mowed down 235 square miles of Not included: Transportation to and from Portland, Oregon; mature forest; great muddy floods (lahars). The ever-changing transportation during hours outside class and field trips; and other processes of revegetation, reforestation, and re-entry of fauna to expenses not specifically included. the devastated area are part of the scientifically unique experience,

GSA TODAY, December 1996 41 The Geology of the Montana College. Rob developed an interest in the geology of the Yellowstone- Beartooth country while working on Cambrian mass extinctions for his disser- tation at the University of Washington. Since then, his research has focused on Yellowstone-Beartooth the dynamics of carbonate platform development and destruction, the origin and timing of extensional tectonism in southwestern Montana, interdisci- Country, Montana plinary geosciences program development, and geoscience teacher-education reform. and Wyoming Sheila Roberts is an assistant professor of geology in the Department of Red Lodge, Montana Environmental Sciences at Western Montana College. Having lived much of her July 19–24, 1997, 6 days, 6 nights life in Montana and Wyoming, she has a deep passion for educating people about the geology of her home area. Sheila did her doctoral work at the Univer- sity of Calgary.

Description The geology of the Yellowstone-Beartooth country is some of the most spectacular in North America, from Archean metamorphic rocks to Quaternary glacial deposits. The GeoHostel will include field trips to look at Archean through Quaternary geology of the Beartooth plateau via the famous Beartooth Highway, layered mafic intrusions at the Stillwater Mine, Absaroka volcanics in the upper Clarks Fork drainage, the Heart Mountain detachment and Phanero- zoic stratigraphy of the Sunlight Basin and Dead Indian Hill region, and vol- canics of the northeastern edge of the Yellowstone plateau. The trips are full days. Enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Yellowstone-Beartooth country.

Lodging, Meals, and Ground Transportation The group will be lodged at the Best Western Lu Pine Inn in double occu- pancy motel-type rooms. GSA will do its best to help find a suitable roommate for single travelers. Meals will include plenty of hors d’oeuvres at the Welcom-

Photos by Rob Thomas. ing Reception and Orientation on Saturday evening, daily breakfasts and sack lunches, dinner on Monday evening at the Grizzly Bar, and a hearty farewell dinner on Thursday evening. Field trip transportation will be provided in air- conditioned, 15-passenger vans.

Fee and Payment GeoHostel $690 for GSA Members $740 for Nonmembers $100 deposit is due with your reservation and is refundable through May 28, Scientific Leaders less $20 processing fee. Total balance is due: May 28. Rob Thomas and Included: Classroom programs and materials; field trip transportation; Sheila Roberts, West- lodging for 6 nights; double occupancy, meals outlined above; welcoming and ern Montana College, farewell events. Dillon, Montana Not included: Transportation to and from Red Lodge, Montana; trans- Rob Thomas is currently an associate and chair of portation during hours outside class and field trips; and other expenses not the Department of Environmental Sciences at Western specifically included.

DEPOSIT NO. OF TOTAL PAID REGISTRATION FORM PER PERSON PERSONS DEPOSIT Send a deposit to hold your reservation; please pay by check or credit GT971—Italy $250 ____ $______card. You will receive further information and a confirmation of your GT972—Canyonlands $200 ____ $______registration within one week after your reservation is received. GH971—Mount St. Helens $100 ____ $______GH972—Yellowstone $100 ____ $______GH973—Sky Islands $100 ____ $______TOTAL DEPOSIT $______Name I’ve enclosed no deposit, but I’m interested. Please send information. Institution/Employer VISA MasterCard American Express

Mailing Address Credit Card # Exp. Date City/State/Country/ZIP Signature Phone (business/home) PLEASE MAIL OR FAX REGISTRATION FORM AND Guest Name CHECK OR CREDIT CARD INFORMATION TO: 1997 GSA GeoVentures, GSA Meetings Department, GSA Member # P.O. Box 9140, Boulder, CO 80301. Registrants are encouraged to use the GSA Meetings Department fax num- CALL TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION: 1-800-472-1988, x134, ber: 303-447-0648 or (303) 447-2020, E-mail: [email protected] • fax 303-447-0648. Check for updates: http://www.geosociety.org MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: GSA 1997 GeoVentures

42 GSA TODAY, December 1996 south-central New Mexico; and the petrologic evolution of the mantle, southwestern United States.

Description Above the grasslands of southeastern Arizona, isolated ranges, the “sky islands,” rise to heights of 8,000–9,000 feet. The geology and natural history of these mountains have stronger affinities with the Sierra Madre of Mexico than with the Rocky Mountain cordillera, making the region unique in the United States. The monsoons of late July and August bring cooling—and sometimes drenching—afternoon rains and an array of Sierra Madre wildflow- ers to the higher elevations. The geology of the Chiricahua, Mule, and Huachuca mountains records Paleozoic marine deposition, Jurassic-Cretaceous crustal extension and basin formation, latest Cretaceous mountain building and basin inversion of the Laramide orogeny, and catastrophic volcanism in the Tertiary. Within and among these ranges are the mining camps—Tombstone, Bisbee, and Gleeson, among others—that generated the early wealth of Ari- zona and sowed the seeds of conflict recorded by U.S. Army forts Huachuca and Bowie. This GeoHostel, which includes a program of ambitious hikes, will explore this geology and the natural and human history of the area by means of a series of field trips and half-day hikes to several ranges and mining centers. Located within 50 miles of the Mexican border, the area is a world-renowned mecca for birdwatchers. Daily field trips will allow plenty of time for birding. Participants will see Ocotillo and cacti of the Chihuahuan Desert, oak woodland and Arizona sycamore—Arizona cypress riparian habitat, and Douglas Geology and the fir and Apache pine of the high mountains. The towns of Bisbee, Benson, and Tombstone offer a variety of tourist attractions, Monsoon: The Sky Islands including a train ride out of Benson, gift shops, and restaurants. Visits to nearby ghost towns, mining camps (including the Penrose and Mining Camps of Mine), old military forts, and the Butterfield Trail will offer glimpses of the spirit and allure of this last holdout of the old Southeastern Arizona Southwest. Douglas, Arizona Lodging, Meals, and Ground Transportation August 2–7, 1997, 6 days, 6 nights The group will be lodged at Cochise College in dormitory Photo by Tim Lawton. Photo by Tim style, single occupancy (doubles for couples) type rooms. Meals will GeoHostel include plenty of hors d’oeuvres at the Welcoming Reception and Orientation on Saturday evening, daily breakfasts and sack lunches, Scientific Leaders and a hearty farewell dinner on Thursday evening. Field trip trans- Tim Lawton and Nancy McMillan, portation will be provided in air-conditioned, 15-passenger vans. New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico Tim Lawton is an associate professor at New Mexico State. His Fee and Payment research interests are tectonics and sedimentation, including the $540 for GSA Members $590 for Nonmembers Jurassic-Cretaceous and Laramide history of the southwestern $100 deposit is due with your reservation and is refundable United States and northern Mexico. Tim was the assistant director through June 28, less $20 processing fee. Total balance is due: and director (1987–1991) of the University of Arizona field camp in June 28. Cochise County, Arizona. Included: Classroom programs and materials; field trip Nancy McMillan is also an associate professor at New Mexico transportation; lodging for six nights; single occupancy (double State. Her research specialties include Tertiary volcanic rocks for couples), meals outlined above; welcoming and farewell events. of the Rio Grande rift; Jurassic-Cretaceous volcanic rocks of the Not included: Transportation to and from Douglas, Arizona; Bisbee basin, southeastern Arizona; Laramide volcanic rocks of transportation during hours outside class and field trips; and other southwestern New Mexico; mantle xenoliths of Kilbourne Hole, expenses not specifically included.

Register Today! Space will go quickly, so get in touch with us if you are interested. Detailed information on itineraries, registration fees, and travel arrangements will be sent on request. No obligation. Questions welcomed.

For details on the 1997 GeoVentures, contact Edna Collis, GSA Meetings Department 1-800-472-1988, ext. 134 ❁ 303-447-2020 ❁ fax 303-447-0648 E-mail: [email protected] ❁ http://www.geosociety.org

GSA TODAY, December 1996 43 Physical Requirements No special physical requirements, although we will ask that everyone provide verification of health care coverage. Included: The trip fee includes all lodging, meals, ground transportation (including ferries), and fees. Accommodations are based on double occu- pancy in “Superior Tourist” class hotels, and one night aboard a ferry on May 6. Every day includes full breakfasts, box lunches, and full dinners. Meals are included for the arrival night on May 3 and continue through the departure breakfast on May 14. Trans- port is by deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach for eight days (Naples, Lipari, and Sicily); none is required in Vulcano and Stromboli. Ferry trans- portation is included for island travel. Also included are Italy’s Volcanoes field guides and May 3–14, 1997, 12 days, 11 nights maps, wine with din- Photos by Haraldur Sigurdsson. ner, gratuities, taxes, GeoTrip and all fees. Just pack your bags! Scientific Leaders Not Included: Haraldur Sigurdsson, Graduate School of Oceanography, Airfare, airport University of Rhode Island departure taxes, Mauro Rosi, Department of Geology, University of Pisa, travel insurance, Pisa, Italy lodging in Newark, Haraldur Sigurdsson is a leading volcanologist with an personal expenses international reputation for his research on many aspects such as soda pop of volcanism and other studies of Earth. His studies include and alcoholic beverages, laundry, excess baggage fees, transfers for research on volcanoes in Italy, Iceland, Mexico, Colombia, the passengers arriving and departing independently, and other United States, Indonesia, Cameroon, Greece, Japan, the West expenses not specifically included. Indies, and the Galapagos Islands. He has also investigated volca- noes on the ocean floor of the North and South Atlantic oceans and Air Travel the eastern Pacific, Mediterranean, and Indian oceans. Group reservations on Alitalia Airlines are offered at $876 plus Mauro Rosi is well-known for his Ph.D. dissertation on volcan- tax between Newark and Naples-Catania-Newark. An add-on fare ism of the continuously erupting island of Stromboli. He has using Continental airlines from selected United States gateways to researched the eruptions of Vesuvius, the volcanic deposits in the Newark to connect with Alitalia is available. Of course, air miles on Campi Flegrei caldera, and other active Italian volcanoes. He has other airlines can be used. We strongly encourage you to talk with also worked extensively in South America. TR Consultants about your air reservations at 1-800-923-7422.

Description TR Consultants and Volcano Tours, Inc. This unique trip has been requested dozens of times. At last All arrangements for the ground parts of this trip have been it’s here, with extraordinary leaders! It begins with air travel to made by TR Consultants, Inc. and its partner company, Volcano Rome, connecting to Naples, and a tour of Vesuvius volcano. The Tours—both in Providence, Rhode Island. They will answer specific trip continues with visits to the archaeological sites of Pompeii and questions about the tour. Herculaneum, destroyed by the famous A.D. 79 eruption. The group takes a ferry to the island volcano of Stromboli, which has Fee, Payment, and Cancellation been continuously active for more than 2,500 years. Additional GSA Member Fee: $2375 GSA Nonmember Fee: $2475 ferry trips go to the adjacent volcanic islands of Lipari and Vulcano. The single supplement is $350, based on availability of rooms— The group continues to Sicily and ascends Mount Etna, Europe’s many of the places we are visiting have very limited lodging. largest active volcano. We will do our best to provide single travelers with a suitable roommate. Schedule GSA IS HANDLING TRIP RESERVATIONS; call 1-800-472- May 2 Air travel to Italy 1988 or (303) 447-2020, ext. 134. A deposit of $250 is due with May 3 Arrival in Naples and overnight on Sorrento coast, your reservation. The deposit is refundable (less a $50 processing southwest of Vesuvius fee) through Feburary 28. The total balance is due February 28. May 4 Pompeii and Vesuvius (Because of the limited access to some of the sites, we have to May 5 Vesuvius Volcano Observatory and crater rim make payments to the Italian providers 60 days in advance of May 6 Herculaneum, Naples Archaeological Museum and departure.) The fee is nonrefundable after February 28. Informa- overnight boat trip to Stromboli tion on reasonable travel insurance will be sent to you. May 7 Hike to the summit crater of Stromboli Additional reservations may be made after February 28 if May 8 Scenic areas and geology of the island of Stromboli space is available, and the total fee will be due at the time of the May 9 Volcanic island of Lipari reservation. May 10 Vulcano Island and Il Faraglione fumaroles and mudbaths May 11 Sicily to flank of Etna May 12 Ascent of Etna See registration form (page 43) or May 13 Return from Etna to Catania call 1-800-447-2020, x134. May 14 Air travel to home

44 GSA TODAY, December 1996 incredible beauty that have been formed into three districts by the Colorado and Green rivers. We will be hiking the rim area of the Canyonlands as well as traveling down the Colorado River by raft. We will go through Cataract Canyon, a major whitewater experi- ence. Moab is within driving distance of Natural Bridges, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, the recently established Grand Staircase– Escalante National Monument, Zion Canyon, Grand Canyon, and the Lake Powell Recreation Area.

Schedule May 30 Travel day to Moab. Orientation and dinner at 7:30 p.m. May 31 Van to Fisher Towers and Professor Valley June 1 Van and hike through Arches National Monument June 2 Moderate hike from rim at Upheaval Dome to the Green River. Meet motorized J-rig rafts. Easy raft trip to camp site at Spanish Bottom. June 3 Moderate steep hike up from Spanish Bottom in Canyon- lands Maze District. June 4 Raft downriver to beach campsite at base of Surprise Valley. June 5 Raft heavy whitewater through Cataract Canyon to beach camp at mouth of Dark Canyon. June 6 Rigorous hike from river to rim up through the water seeps, pools, and broad ledges of incredibly beautiful Dark Canyon. Picked up by van and taken to Hite Marina for sunset overflight of Canyonlands. Return to Moab for final Arches, celebration meal. June 7 Return home or continue journey.

Canyonlands, and Lodging, Meals, and Transportation Travel will be by vans, motorized rafts (J-rigs) or on foot. Dur- Cataract Canyon ing the days on the rim, transportation will be by van. Lodging in Photos by Ken Kolm. May 30 to June 7, 1997, 10 days, 9 nights Moab will be in a comfortable motel. Camping near the river for several nights will be in tents and sleeping bags provided by the rafting outfitter. Meals are provided except for the arrival night and GeoTrip the departure morning. Scientific Leader Jack Campbell, Physical Requirements Department of Geology, Especially because of the heat in southwestern Utah at this Ft. Lewis College, time of year (~90–100 °F), individuals must be in excellent health. Durango, Colorado The trip includes several substantial hikes for which each person will carry a day pack with camera, water, and snacks. The longest Jack Campbell has hike will be 5 miles with a 2000-ft. elevation gain. Although taken to his credit 30 years of at a reasonable pace with many points to rest and to explore the research and publications geology, these hikes should be undertaken only by persons who are on the Paleozoic geology of in good health and physically active. Verification of health care cov- the Southern Rocky Moun- erage will be required. No rafting experience is necessary; however, tains and the Colorado Cataract Canyon offers some of the biggest and most challenging Plateau. Jack has conducted whitewater in the United States. short courses on the geol- ogy of the San Juan Moun- Fee and Payment tains and the Colorado GSA Member: $1445 Nonmember: $1545 Plateau for many organiza- tions. He has also led field A $200 deposit, due with your reservation, is refundable trips and/or lectured on field trips for GSA, the Rocky Mountain through March 28, less $50 processing fee. Total balance due: Geological Society, the Colorado Scientific Society, Four Corners March 28. Minimum age: 21. Geological Society, New Mexico Geological Society, and the Utah Included: All meals except breakfast on the departure day; Geological Survey. You’ll find him a personable, experienced, and comfortable four-wheel van transportation; double-occupancy lodg- engaging leader. ing in Moab; tents, sleeping bags, and pads when camping; geologi- cal reading materials and guidebook; overflight of Canyonlands; and Description of course, the companionship of expert scientific leaders. This trip is an exceptional educational opportunity for the Not included: Gratuities for raft guides. Airfare from Grand physically active person. The itinerary includes geologic features Junction, Colorado, or transfer to Moab. We will arrange for an found nowhere else. More than 1,500 natural stone arches stand in optional group pick-up and return. Arches National Park, which has the world’s highest concentration of these remarkable features. Nearby is Canyonlands, Utah’s largest national park, a unique area of sandstone pillars and mazes of

GSA TODAY, December 1996 45 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

Published on the 1st of the month of issue. Ads (or can- Individuals are sought who have a commitment to qual- level courses in her/his discipline. Interested persons cellations) must reach the GSA Advertising office one ity undergraduate teaching in the fields of invertebrate should send a resume and arrange to have three letters of month prior. Contact Advertising Department (303) paleontology/stratigraphy, and hydrogeology/low tempera- reference sent to Dr. Stephen D. Stahl, Chairman, Geol- 447-2020, 1-800-472-1988, fax 303-447-1133, or ture geochemistry. Teaching responsibilities include ogy Department, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleas- E-mail:[email protected]. Please include com- courses related to the areas of specialization and intro- ant, MI 48859. All applications and supporting materials plete address, phone number, and E-mail address with all ductory geology courses for majors and students enrolled must be received by January 15, 1997. CMU (AA/EO insti- correspondence. in the general education program. One or both appoint- tution) encourages diversity, and resolves to provide equal ments shall provide support for the secondary science opportunity regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual Per line eucation curriculum that is administered by the School of orientation, or other irrelevant criteria. Per Line for each Arts and Sciences. Willingness to participate in the inter- for addt'l month disciplinary geology-biology course designed for the ele- LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY Classification 1st month (same ad) mentary education curriculum is desirable. DEPARTMENT OF Situations Wanted $1.75 $1.40 Successful candidates are expected to conduct a sus- EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE Positions Open $6.50 $5.50 tained program of research and scholarly activity that The Department of Earth and Environmental Science Consultants $6.50 $5.50 involve undergraduate students, and to participate in the invites applications for a visiting professor position for the Services & Supplies $6.50 $5.50 summer field geology program offered at the College's 1997-1998 academic year. The successful candidate will Opportunities for Students Brauer Geology Field Station near Albany, NY. teach courses from among Introductory Earth Science, A Ph.D. in the geological sciences at the time of first 25 lines $0.00 $2.35 Physical Geology, Historical Geology, Mineralogy, appointment is required. Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, and Environmental additional lines $1.35 $2.35 To apply send a curriculum vitae, copies of transcripts, Geology. Candidates with specialization in the areas of Code number: $2.75 extra statements on teaching and research interests, and the environmental geochemistry, mineralogy/petrology are names, addresses, and phone numbers of three (3) refer- preferred. A Ph.D. is required at the time of employment. ees to: Paleontology/Stratigraphy or Hydrogeology/Geo- Applications should include a vita and statement of Positions Open chemistry Search Committee, Geology Department, 147 teaching interests. Applicants should arrange to have Bowers Hall, SUNY Cortland, Cortland, NY 13045. Com- three letters of reference sent. Review of applications will See p. 40 for position announcemnts from the Employ- pleted applications should be received by January 1, begin February 17, 1997 and will continue until the posi- ment Service at the GSA 1996 Annual Meeting in Denver. 1997, but will be considered until the positions are filled. tion is filled. Applications should be sent to Chair: Search For additional information, please contact: Dr. James E. Committee, Department of Earth and Enviornmental Sci- IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY Bugh at (607) 753-2921. SUNY Cortland is an AA/EEO ence, Long Island University, C.W. Post Campus, We seek a field-based earth scientist to fill a tenure-track employer and does not discriminate in employment or the Brookville, Long Island, NY 11548. Long Island University position, beginning academic year 1997- 1998 at a rank provision of services on the basis of disability. Women is an affirmative-action/equal opportunity employer. commensurate with qualifications, in one of the following and minorities are encouraged to apply. fields: (1) Applied Geophysics, or (2) Sedimentary Geol- CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LOS ANGELES ogy/Paleontology. A Ph.D. or A.B.D. is necessary. Teach- BRYN MAWR COLLEGE TWO TENURE-TRACK FACULTY POSITIONS, ing duties include 3 undergraduate/graduate classes per The Department of Geology seeks a 1997-1998 leave DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGICAL SCIENCES semester or equivalent work plus participation in our Geol- replacement in environmental goelogy and sedimentology STARTING DATE: OCTOBER, 1997 ogy Field Camp. Supervision of M.S. students and pursuit to teach two courses per semester and to participate in a ENGINEERING GEOLOGIST / GEOPHYSICISTS. Ph.D. of a funded research program is required, while expertise concentration in Envrionmental Science with anthropology required with training in engineering geology. Postdoctoral in the geology of the North American Cordillera is desir- and biology. Courses include environmental geology or experience preferred. Preference will be given to candi- able. The successful candidate will have broad geologic earth systems science, selected undergraduate offerings dates with interests in engineering geology and applied interests, be comfortable in a small department where in sedimentology, oceanography, geophysics, or geo- geophysics and to those who have an interest in maintain- cooperation and shared teaching and research are stan- hydrology, possibly a graduate course in some aspect of ing the close ties between our large graduate student dard, and assist the department's expansion into quantita- sedimentary geology, and the directing of undergraduate body and the professional engineering geology community tive methods and GIS applications. Send resume, tran- research projects. The candidate must have a Ph.D. in southern California. A candidate should have a broad scripts, statement of academic philosophy and interests, Bryn Mawr College is a selective liberal arts college background in geology and strong interests in field geol- and names of 3 referees to Search Committee, Depart- located west of Philadelphia. The department is well- ogy and its application to engineering geology and geo- ment of Geology, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID equipped for teaching, research and computer. physics and will be expected to establish a vigorous 83209-8072. Position is contingent on funding, and appli- http://www.brynmawr.edu/Adm/academic/geology.html research program involving undergraduate and MS stu- cations will be reviewd beginning February 15, 1997. ISU Applications, including three references and complete dents. Duties will include supervision of MS theses and is an EO/AA Employer. vita, should be sent to Wm. A. Crawford, Chairman, qualified instruction of undergraduate and graduate Department of Geology, Bryn Mawr College, 101 N. courses in the subject areas of structural geology, geo- SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY Merion Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010. Bryn Mawr Col- logic mapping, summer field geology, neotectonics, tec- The Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences has lege is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer. tonic problems, geophysics, and engineering geology. two tenure-track positions at the Assistant Professor level The College particularly wishes to encourage applications Instruction in general educations courses will also be for Fall 1997. We are revitalizing our undergraduate Geo- from individuals interested in joining a multicultural and required. science curriculum and we seek energetic individuals who international academic community. Minority candidates HYDROGEOLOGIST. Ph.D. required with training in will help to implement a new program in Environmental and women are especially encouraged to apply. Deadline hydrogeology. Postdoctoral experience preferred. The Science. After these appointments, our department will for applications: January 20, 1997. successful candidate must have interests in the applied have eight faculty in Geosciences and six in Atmospheric aspects of hydrogeology, groundwater hydraulics, com- Sciences. PETROLEUM SYSTEM MODELING puter modeling of groundwater flow, and contaminant We particularly encourage innovative researchers and RESEARCH ASSISTANT waste transport and/or chemistry. Candidate must have we intend that one position should be within the general The Department of Geology at the University of Alabama an interest in maintaining the close ties between our large area of surficial processes, including (but not limited to) seeks applicants for a graduate research assistantship at graduate student body and the professional hydrogeology geochemistry, geomorphology, hydrology, paleoclimate the Ph.D. level in petroleum system modeling. Previous community in southern California. Candidate must have a studies, sedimentology and soil studies. Criteria for the experience in subsurface 3-D geologic modeling is pre- broad background in geology and will be expected to second position are less specific, but applicants should ferred. The Department is housed in a state-of-the-art establish a vigorous research program involving under- complement our current expertise in geochemistry, global research complex equipped with the required analytical graduate and MS. students. Duties will include supervision geophysics, paleontology, petrology, seismology and and computer capabilities to perform innovative basin of MS. theses and instruction of senior and graduate level structural geology. In addition, we have a strong atmo- analysis studies. Twelve-month stipend is $15,000 and hydrogeology courses. Instruction of general education spheric science section with which active collaboration tuition is paid by the University. courses, such as physical and enviornmental geology, is would be possible. Candidates must possess a Ph.D. and A letter of interest should be sent to the Graduate also required. are expected to sustain active research programs in their Research Committee, Box 870338, Department of Geol- The successful candidate must have an interest in field of expertise. Breadth of teaching will be seen as a ogy, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487 working in a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural environment. definite asset for both positions. by January 15, 1997. The University of Alabama is an The Department has a faculty of 6 and plans to hire 2 Applicants should submit a statement of teaching and equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. more in hydrogeology & engineering geology/geophysics. research interests, CV and the names, addresses (includ- Programs lead to BA, BS, and MS degrees. Approxi- ing E-mail) and telephone numbers of four referees to: SEDIMENTARY GEOLOGY mately 60 students are enrolled in the MS program which The Chairman, Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sci- GEOLOGY DEPARTMENT has emphasized applied aspects of engineering and ences, St. Louis University, 3507 Laclede Avenue, St. CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY hydrogeology since its inception in 1972. Facilities include Louis, Missouri 63103. For further details contact: 314- The Department of Geology invites applications for an modern computer work stations for students and faculty, 977-3131, [email protected] or http://www.eas.slu.edu/. entry-level tenure-track position beginning in mid-August instrumentation for geochemical analysis, and a newly Applications will be received until December 31, 1996, or 1997 dependent upon funding. Position specifications: remodeled geochemistry laboratory. until the position is filled. Ph.D. required; effective communication skills required; California State University at Los Angeles, a compre- Saint Louis University is an equal opportunity/affirma- teaching experience required; graduate course work in hensive urban university and one of 22 campuses that tive action employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and sedimentary geology required; teaching experience in comprise the California State University system, offers people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. sedimentary geology preferred; preferred research areas programs in more than 50 academic and professional are carbonate sedimentology/stratigraphy or basin analy- fields. The campus is at the eastern edge of Los Angeles, STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE AT CORTLAND sis or glacial stratigraphy; willingness to develop collabo- adjacent to the western San Gabriel Valley, and has more The Geology Department at the State University at Cort- rative research programs with departmental colleagues than 18,000 full and part-time students reflecting the rich land invites applications for two anticipated, tenure-track preferred; willingness to involve undergraduates in ethnic diversity of the area. the University has an active positions at the assistant professor level to begin Septem- research program required, experience in directing under- affirmative action program and encourages minorities, ber 1997. graduate research preferred. The applicant will be women, and disabled persons to apply. expected to teach introductory courses as well as upper

46 GSA TODAY, December 1996 Applicants should submit curriculum vitae, statement of addition to teaching, the successful candidate will be exhibit a strong commitment to teaching. We are particu- research plans, college transcripts, and three letters of expected to continue scholarly development, research and larly interested in scientists whose research involves fun- recommendation. Complete dossier, including letters of to supervise undergraduate research projects. damental earth processes and the rates at which these recommendation is due no later than January 3, 1997. Our department has a strong commitment to under- processes occur, e.g.; physical and chemical analysis of Review of applicants begins immediately. Send to: Dr. graduate liberal arts education. Within the department we hydrodynamic systems, including wetlands; basin analysis Gary Novak, Search Committee, Department of Geologi- have two computer laboratories for student use in and evolution; numerical geodynamics; and ther- cal Sciences, Calfornia State University at Los Angeles, research and course work. computational facilities include mochronology. The Department will relocate and research Los Angeles, CA 90032-8203, E-mail [email protected] networked Macintoshes and PCs. The department houses space will double in 1998 as a result of an NSF/ARI grant. statela.edu equipment for water sediment sampling and analysis, as More information can be found at: http://www.clas.ufl.edu/ well as for preparation of thin sections. Visit our web site CLAS/Departments/Geology/ SURFACE PROCESSES—BOSTON COLLEGE for more information about our department at Qualified candidates should send a letter of interests, The Department of Geology and Geophysics at Boston www.oswego.edu/Acad_Dept/a_and_s/earth.sci/geo_geo including a statement of research and teaching goals, a College seeks a dynamic candidate for a tenure-track fac- chem /geol/ curriculum vitae, and the names and addresses of three ulty position (rank open) in the area of Surface Processes, We offer a B.A. and a B.S. in Geology and a B.S. in references by Feburary 1, 1997 to: Dr. Michael Perfit, beginning Sept. 1997. Individuals may have research Geochemistry in cooperation with the Department of Dept. of Geology, P.O. Box 117340, University of Florida, interests in any of the sub-specialties in this broad field, Chemistry. Our department also offers a B.A. and B.S. in Gainesville, FL 32611-7340; (352) 392-2231 (perfit@geol- but those with backgrounds in geomorphology, surface Meteorology. We have four geologists, three meteorolo- ogy.ufl.edu). The University of Florida is an equal opportu- hydrology, wetland dynamics, sedimentation or coastal gists, and two astronomers, and one technician at the nity-affirmative action employer; qualified women and dynamics are particularly encouraged to apply. A Ph.D. is present time. minorities are especially encouraged to apply. required and post-doctoral experience desirable. The indi- The candidate must hold a Ph.D. and have at least one vidual will be expected to teach undergraduate and gradu- year full-time teaching experience. Send letter of applica- ate courses in our geology and environmental programs tion, resume, official transcripts and three letters of refer- and to carry out an aggressive research program in his or ence to: Dr. David J. Thomas; Chair, Deparment of Earth Services & Supplies her specialty. The Department, which also runs the nearby Sciences; SUNY Oswego; Oswego, New York 13126. Weston Geophysical Observatory, is well equipped Review of applications will begin January 15, 1997; how- FOR SALE: CUBAN GEOLOGY BOOK. The IGCP proj.- (including flume and GIS laboratories) and is housed in ever they will continue to be accepted until the position is 364 contribution "Cuban Ophiolites and Volcanic Arcs" modern, recently renovated facilities on a suburban cam- filled. SUNY Oswego is an Affirmative Action Employer. (254 pp., Miami, 1996) is now available ($20 + $3.50 pus 8 miles west of Boston. Rank of appointment will be S&H). It has three chapters: General geology and geo- commensurate with experience. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY physics, Geology of the ophiolites, Geology of the volcanic A curriculum vitae, statement of research interests, list SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY arcs. To order a copy send a check or money order of references and copies of selected publications should EARTH SCIENCES PROGRAM payable to Wanda Iturralde, 1300 W. 47 Place, 216A, be sent to Christopher Hepburn, Chairman, Dept. of Geol- The Earth Sciences Program is seeking to fill a tenure- Hialeah, FL 33012. ogy and Geophysics, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA track position at the Assistant Professor level in Environ- 02167 by Jan. 10, 1997. For further information, contact mental Geology. The ideal candidate is a geoscientist with the above at 617-552-3541 or 3642 or via E-mail hep- an established research program in some aspect of envi- [email protected] ronmental geology or geotechnics. The successful candi- Opportunities for Students Boston College is an affirmative action/equal opportu- date must have a commitment to both undergraduate and California Institute of Technology. Postdoctoral Fellow- nity employer. Qualified women and minorities are encour- graduate education as well as to developing a funded ships in Geological and Planetary Sciences. The Califor- aged to apply. research program, and be willing to play a central role in nia Institute of Technology announces two fellowships in the development of the environmental geology component earth and planetary sciences: The O.K. Earl Postdoctoral Z&S CONSULTANTS, INC. of the Program. For detailed information about this posi- Fellowship, and the Texaco Postdoctoral Fellowship. GEOLOGICAL STAFF VACANCIES IN tion refer to the Program's home page: www.sfu.ca/earth- These awards are from funds endowed by Orrin K. Earl, HOUSTON, TEXAS sciences. Jr. and by the Texaco Philanthropic Foundation. Each fel- The Z&S Group, through it's unique combination of geo- The Ph.D. is required at the time of appointment and lowship carries an annual stipend of $34.000 and offers a scientific expertise and computer engineering skills, is the the successful candidate will be eligible, preferably, for research expense fund of $1,000 per year and one-way market leader in the provision of well log processing soft- professional registration (PGeo, PEng) in BC. The travel to Pasadena. The duration of each apppointment ware and associated geological and petrophysical ser- appointment will commence in September 1997. will normally be for two years, contingent upon good vices. With strategically located offices in London, In accordance with Canadian Immigration this adver- progress in the first year, and beginning with the 1997-98 Aberdeen, Houston, Perth, Stavanger, and Copenhagen, tisement is directed to Canadian citizens and Permanent academic year. Fellows are eligible to participate in Cal- the groups expertise is readily available throughout the Residents. Simon Fraser University is committed to the tech's health and dental program. world. principle of equity in employment and offers equal employ- These fellowships have been established to support The Z&S Group are industry leaders in the develop- ment opportunities to qualified applicants. the research of scientists typically within two years after ment of innovative interpretation approaches for the evalu- Applicants should send a curriculum vitae, a letter receipt of the Ph.D. The intent of the program is to identify ation of borehole image and dipmeter data. Our particular describing current and near-term research interests, and and support innovative and creative work in the earth and strengths are the application of traditional structural skills, copies of appropriate reprints. Please provide an E-mail planetary sciences, with particular emphasis on interdisci- core-based sedimentological analysis and interpretation of address, fax number and the names of at least three refer- plinary work. Applicants with training in physics, chemis- borehold image data. ees by January 31, 1997 to: Dr. Michael C. Roberts, try, biology or computer sciences are urged to apply. The Due to our rapidly growing geological consulting activi- Director, Earth Sciences Program, Simon Fraser Univer- Caltech faculty is currently active in geobiology, geochem- ties in the USA and internationally, we have vacancies for sity, Burnby, BC, Canada V5A 1S6. Phone (604) 291- istry, geology, geophysics, petrology, seismology, and sedimentologists and structural geologists. All posts will 4657; fax 604-291-4198; [email protected]. atmospheric and planetary sciences. It is expected that be based in Houston, but applicants must be willing to each fellowship holder will be hosted by a division profes- travel and work abroad. MARINE STRATIGRAPHY/SEDIMENTOLOGY sor (designated by the division chairman) who will con- Sedimentologists. We seek people who are educated The Department of Earth Sciences, University of Southern tribute to the fellowship support both financially and by to post-graduate level with applied skills in clastic sedi- California, continuing a search for a tenure-track faculty providing intellectual guidance. mentology, with particular strengths in: deep marine fan member at the assistant professor level in marine stratig- Application forms may be obtained by writing to Prof. and slope, clastic shallow marine and mixed fluvial/aeolian raphy/sedimentology to begin September 1997. We seek E. M. Stolper, Chair, Division of Geological and Planetary depositional systems. an accomplished individual with primary research interests Sciences, Mail Code 170-25, California Institute of Tech- Structural Geologists. Individuals, educated to post- in marine sedimentary rocks, linking global paleoenviron- nology, Pasadena, California 91125 (email:[email protected] graduate level with experience in the analysis of outcrop mental ecological change through study of the strati- tech.edu) or core-scale structural features, including fractured car- graphic record. A strong land-based field research orienta- Completed applications with references should arrive bonates and fault systems in clastic rocks. Experience of tion is desirable, as well as the ability to integrate one or at Caltech by Monday, January 27, 1997. multi-scale investigations (petrographical to seismic scale) more analytical approaches. The successful candidate will Fellowship candidates will automatically be considered and fault population studies would be advantageous. be expected to foster interaction with ongoing programs in for other available postdoctoral positions at Caltech in For these posts we expect individuals who are self- paleobiology, marine geology, paleoceanography, marine their fields of interest. motivated able to multi-task in a team environment and to geochemistry, paleomagnetism and geomorphology. Caltech is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity produce quality work to strict deadlines. A working knowl- Major USC facilities include XRD and XRF systems, sta- Employer. Women, minorities, veterans and disabled per- edge of UNIX and some programming experience would ble and radioisotope labs, a computer/GIS facility and the sons are encouraged to apply. be a distinct asset, but is not essential. Training will be Center for Electron Microscopy and Microanalysis. Teach- provided in all aspects of borehole image interpretation ing responsibilities will include undergraduate offerings in Graduate Research Opportunities in Active Tectonics. and workstation practice. Salaries will be commensurate stratigraphy and sedimentology as well as graduate offer- Financial support is available at Southern Illinois Univer- with experience. ings in the area of specialty. sity at Carbondale for highly qualified students interested To apply, please wirte with resume to Dr. Robert Try- Applications including curriculum vitae, a statement of in working at the boundary between geomorphology and thall, Z&S Consultants, Inc. 440 Benmar, Suite 2300, teaching and research interests, and the names of three structural geology/tectonics. Research will be field ori- Houston, TX 77060. references should be sent directly to: Professor Charles ented, in the California Channel Islands. Interested stu- Visit our web site on http://www.zands.com Sammis, Chair, Dept. of Earth Sciences, University of dents or advisors should contact Dr. Nicholas Pinter at Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0740. Appli- (618) 453-7375 or [email protected]. Other research cations from women and individuals from under-repre- MINERALOGIST/GEOCHEMIST/ possibilities exist at SIUC in surface processes, environ- sented groups are strongly encouraged; USC is an STRUCTURAL GEOLOGIST mental geology, and other fields. Application materials AA/EOE. The Department of Earth Sciences at the State University may be obtained by writing to the Graduate Program of New York at Oswego invites applications for a tenure- Coordinator, Dept. of Geology, Southern Illinois Univer- track position at the assistant professor level beginning HYDROGEOLOGY AND TECTONICS sity, Carbondale, IL 62901-4324. The final deadline for Fall of 1997. This appointment is contingent on adminis- The Department of Geology, University of Florida, is graduate application to the SIUC Geology program is Jan. trative approval. The successful candidate is expected to accepting applications for two tenure-track assistant pro- 15, 1997. teach general education courses in introductory Geology fessors for August 1997 or January 1998 in the broad as well as Mineralogy, Petrology, Structural Geology and fields of hydrogeology and tectonics. Preference will be Geochemistry. We are especially interested in candidates given to quantitative, process-oriented scientists who will who are able to contribute to Environmental Sciences. In develop strong and innovative research programs, and

GSA TODAY, December 1996 47 Smithsonian Offers Research Fellowships

Fellowships The Smithsonian Institution research fellowships for 1997 include the fields history of science and technology, biological sciences, and earth sciences. Smithsonian Fellow- ships are awarded to sup- port independent research in residence at the Smithsonian in association with the BASEMENT AND BASINS research staff and using the Institution’s OF EASTERN NORTH resources. Under this AMERICA program, senior, predoc- toral, and postdoctoral edited by B. A. van der Pluijm and fellowships of three to P. A. Catacosinos, 1996 twelve months and grad- he mid-continent region of North America is uate student fellowships arguably the best studied cratonic interior, but our of ten weeks are awarded. T Proposals for research in knowledge of it is limited, compared with ancient and the following areas may present-day plate be made. margins. History of science Continental and technology: industrial interiors, or cratons, archaeology, natural consist of exposed history, physical sciences. Precambrian Anthropology: archae- basement rocks or ology, cultural anthropol- regions covered by ogy, physical anthropol- a relatively thin ogy. veneer of Biological sciences: Phanerozoic ecology, environmental sediments. In basic studies, evolutionary biol- ogy, marine biology, nat- plate tectonic ural history, paleobiology, THE CRETACEOUS- theory, cratons are systematics. TERTIARY EVENT considered Earth sciences: AND OTHER CATASTROPHES tectonically inactive meteoritics, mineralogy, (i.e., the rigid paleobiology, petrology, IN EARTH HISTORY portion of plates) planetary geology, edited by G. Ryder, D. Fastovsky, relative to active sedimentology, and volcanology. S. Gartner, 1996 plate margins. However, the geologic record shows that his volume attempts to explore and clarify the continental interiors are seismically active and that they preserve a record of tectonic activity following initial Deadline: Trelationships among the geological records, the January 15, 1997. extinctions, and the causes of catastrophes for life in cratonization that includes the formation of intra- cratonic basins and arches, large-scale tilting, reactivation For more informa- Earth’s history. Most of the papers address the geological tion and application record and the extinctions across the Cretaceous-Tertiary of faults and associated folding, regional strain patterns, forms, write to Smithso- boundary, and the buried Chicxulub structure that is and chemical processes. This volume includes new nian Institution, Office now consensually deemed to be of impact origin and to contributions on the geology, geophysics, and geo- of Fellowships and be intimately related to that boundary. Some of the chemistry of the mid-continent region of North America, Grants, 955 L’Enfant and illustrates that continental interiors are subtle, yet Plaza, Suite 7000, papers are devoted to paleontological, stratigraphical, Washington, DC 20560, structural, petrological, geochemical, and theoretical sensitive recorders of past tectonic activity. [email protected]. Indi- analyses of this boundary and to what happened at SPE308, 220 p., indexed ISBN 0-8137-2308-6, $62.00; cate the area in which Chicxulub. Other papers address other catastrophic Member price $49.60 you propose to conduct boundaries or events, and extinctions that are not related research and give the 1-800-472-1988 FAX303-447-1133 dates of degrees received to impact. or expected. SPE307, 530 p., indexed, ISBN 0-8137-2307-8, $149.00, GSA Publication Sales Member price $119.20 P.O. Box 9140, Boulder, CO 80301

1 http://www.geosociety.org Volumes are 8- /2" x 11". Prices include shipping & handling