Vol. 5, No. 5 May 1995 INSIDE • Geosphere Alliance Committee, GSA TODAY p. 100 • Call for Committee Service, p. 102 A Publication of the Geological Society of America • Book Reviews, p. 106

Chasing the Paleomonsoon over China: Its Magnetic Proxy Record Subir K. Banerjee, Institute for Rock Magnetism, Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455

ABSTRACT

Magnetic susceptibility enhance- A trench cut into ments in Chinese paleosols compared the loess section to the underlying loess horizons can near Xining, Qinghai be explained by pedogenesis. In re- Province, China. Xin- gions where variations in miner- ing is currently cooler alogic composition and grain size and drier than Xifeng are not large, the magnetic enhance- because Xining lies ment can serve as a proxy for paleo- in the monsoon rain monsoon precipitation. Soil mag- shadow to the west of the Liupan Mountains. netization and current rainfall over However, magnetic many sites, plotted against each parameters show that other, do provide a linear relation, the climate at Xifeng a climofunction. When such climo- and Xining was similar functions are used for old paleosols during both the early and loess, we can obtain relative Holocene and last variations in paleomonsoon precipi- interglacial, about tation that are comparable to general 9 and 120 ka, circulation model (GCM) estimates respectively. Photo for these time periods. by Christopher Hunt.

INTRODUCTION Climate change and the effects of climate change on society are inter- esting topics in their own right. Our A vertical cut into the loess section near Xifeng, Gansu Province, China. concerns about them have taken on a Xifeng, which lies to the east of the Liupan Mountains, is currently warmer much more urgent note, however, with and wetter than sites to the west, as revealed by the vegetation and the the realization that increased emissions magnetic properties of the youngest layers. Photo by Christopher Hunt. of greenhouse gases and the resultant induced warming may bring about a more rapid tempo of climate change than has been common in the past. Recent numerical modeling of the for more than a century have used ter northwesterlies and deposited on centration, composition, and grain-size effects of global warming, using atmos- conventional approaches such as the loess plateau (Pye and Zhou, 1989). of the magnetic minerals) has provided pheric general circulation models pollen records and clay/silt ratios to During glacial times, however, the a high-resolution climatic proxy record. (GCMs) have shown that large grain- extract a coarse-resolution paleoclimate input was much higher than during The magnetic minerals responsible are producing areas of China and India record. The successful extraction of a interglacial times. Except for the differ- magnetite, maghemite, and hematite; could become arid and unproductive magnetic reversal stratigraphy from ence in color between buff-brown loess the first two are much more strongly as a result of such global change. Chinese loess by Heller and Liu (1984, (glacial) and darker brown paleosols magnetic and thus contribute greatly Oxygen isotope (δ18O) records 1986) has allowed the dating of the (interglacial), it has been difficult to to the susceptibility signal. However, from the shells of marine foraminifera numerous peaks in magnetic suscepti- study quantitatively the relative without a widely-accepted model for have yielded relative global ice volume bility (χ). These peaks had been known degrees of climatic change (or the the changes in magnitude of all the data and, hence, measures of global to coincide with the warmer inter- precise ages of specific horizons of many magnetic parameters that have temperature. We have learned, for glacials and interstadials when the this uniform body) by the existing been measured up to now, we are example, that the last interglacial paleosol layers had formed. sedimentological and other methods. still waiting to interpret completely (stage 5 in the SPECMAP oxygen iso- Magnetostratigraphic dating by Heller the finer scale details of the magnetic tope stratigraphy; Imbrie et al., 1984) THE ROCK MAGNETIC and Liu (1984, 1986) allowed the corre- signatures. lasted from about 128 to 75 ka, and RECORD lation of loess χ profiles from multiple Kukla et al. (1988) compared the was much warmer than the present sites. High sensitivity of the various detailed χ-record of two sections at The loess deposits of China repre- interglacial (stage 1) that began 10 ka rock magnetic parameters to climate sent eolian dust from the deserts of the ago. If we could obtain reliable, high- change (through a change in the con- north and northwest lifted by the win- China continued on p. 94 resolution (spatial and temporal) records of summer monsoon activities in China for stages 5 and 1, their inter- comparison could help teach us what to expect if the world approached stage 5 conditions of climate in the future. Also, the recently discovered sharp instabilities in climate obtained from Greenland ice cores could be compared with continental paleo- monsoon records. Figure 1. A map The alternating loess and paleosol of the loess plateau layers (total thickness ~100 to 300 m) (~500,000 km2) of China, dissected by the Yellow River (Huang located north of the Qin- He) in central China extend over an ling mountains. Open area of 500,000 km2 (see Fig. 1). They circles mark sampling constitute a 2.6-m.y.-old archive of sites (e.g., Xifeng). high-quality paleoclimatic proxies waiting to be deciphered by modern techniques, even though geologists

Note: With apologies to Alexander Frater, author of the eminently readable Chasing the Monsoon (Holt and Co., 1992). China continued from p. 93 genesis. The preferred model of Kukla inferred geologic age. It was observed IN THIS ISSUE et al. called for a relative weakening of that both Xifeng and Luochuan had δ18 χ Chasing the Paleomonsoon Xifeng and Luochuan with the O in the loess layers and a strengthen- the same magnetic accumulation rate over China: Its Magnetic stratigraphy from SPECMAP, which rep- ing in the paleosol layers, as a result of for the past 800 ka. Proxy Record ...... 93 resents the worldwide average changes variable concentration of a global Zhou et al. (1990) and Maher and in global ice volume measured through “rain” of strongly magnetic magnetite Thompson (1991) showed that when About People ...... 94 the variations in oxygen isotopes 18O in a low-magnetic-susceptibility eolian the paleosol and loess samples are In Memoriam ...... 94 and 16O in marine foraminifera. The dust (loess) prevalent during glacial studied in detail for their grain-size- Correction ...... 94 choice of the sites may have been for- times. During interglacial times, when dependent rock magnetic parameters, tuitous, but even without the benefit soils formed slowly and dust arrival it becomes clear that the paleosol layers GSA on the Web ...... 94 of formal statistics it is clear that there diminished, the magnetite rain from are distinguished from loess layers by Forum...... 97 is excellent correlation between the χ the troposphere was concentrated, concentration, mineralogy, and a much δ18 Geosphere Alliance Committee and O records (Fig. 2). Many of the thus presenting a relatively large mag- different (and much smaller) grain-size Seeks Input and Action ...... 100 details of the peaks in the magnetic netic susceptibility to the observer. As of the magnetic carriers. The data pre- parameter can be compared with simi- proof, Kukla et al. (1988) presented a sented by Zhou et al. (1990) are shown GSAF Update ...... 101 lar details in the oxygen isotope stratig- model in which the average magnetic in Figure 3. Both groups of authors Call for GSA Committee Service .... 102 raphy. Because Xifeng and Luochuan susceptibility was multiplied by the thought that the evidence points, at Earth Scientists are about 160 km apart, Kukla et al. thickness of the sediment column least partially, to a pedogenic magnetic and Forest Health Policy ...... 103 (1988) concluded that the magnetic above the sample to produce a plot of variations could not be due to pedo- magnetic mineral accumulation against China continued on p. 95 Assessing Environmental Change . . . 104 Letter to the Editor ...... 104 Field Cooking Contest ...... 105 Book Reviews ...... 106 Figure 2. Kukla et al.’s (1988) comparison of the Book Nook ...... 108 χ depth series from Zifeng 1995 GeoVentures ...... 109 and Luochuan with the SPECMAP time series of GSA Meetings ...... 110 globally averaged δ18O. Classifieds ...... 111 Because δ18O values pro- Calendar ...... 111 vide global ice volume data, they indirectly pro- vide data on global tem- perature fluctuations which May coincide in character with GSA TODAY χ Vol. 5, No. 5 1995 the depth series, provid- ing the first comparable scale comparison between GSA TODAY (ISSN 1052-5173) is published oceanic and continental monthly by The Geological Society of America, Inc., with offices at 3300 Penrose Place, Boulder, Colorado. Mailing climates. address: P.O. Box 9140, Boulder, CO 80301-9140, U.S.A. Second-class postage paid at Boulder, Colorado, and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to GSA Today, Membership Services, P.O. Box 9140, Boulder, CO 80301-9140. Copyright © 1995, The Geological Society of America, In Memoriam Inc. (GSA). All rights reserved. Copyright not claimed on About People content prepared wholly by U.S. Government employees within the scope of their employment. 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94 GSA TODAY, May 1995 China continued from p. 94 Figure 3. Zhou et al.’s signal between the corresponding lay- (1990) measurements ers (L, S, etc.) of the two profiles allows of susceptibility of enhancement through the formation extraction of the local monsoon inten- anhysteretic remanent of ultrafine (superparamagnetic and sity variation between these two sites. magnetization (χARM) single domain, d ~ 0.1 µm or smaller) vs. frequency depen- In addition, an apparent anomaly magnetite. Later, Maher and Thomp- dence of low field sus- emerges whereby the SP/total ratio for χ son (1992a) attributed all -variation ceptibility (χ). χARM has both sites during the early Holocene to pedogenesis, as had been done ear- been normalized by sat- (5–10 ka) seems to be the same. If the lier by An et al. (1991), and used a sta- uration isothermal magnetic data are correct, there could tistical sequence-slotting method to remanent magnetiza- be at least two interpretations. One, correlate susceptibility features with tion to remove any con- because the Liupan Mountains follow the SPECMAP δ18O stratigraphy. Vero- centration dependence. a south-southeast to north-northwest The ratio χ /SIRM sub et al. (1993) have also argued that ARM trend, the two sites would have increases with decreas- all of the susceptibility enhancements ing grain-size of mag- received similar summer monsoon above the loess background signal are rainfalls if the summer monsoon netite. χfd is the per- due to pedogenesis. Pedogenesis may centage change in χ was more southerly during the early be driven by variations in summer when measured at 400 Holocene. Alternatively, we should monsoons, which may be the global and 4000 Hz and is very allow that the rainfall in the western climate change signal, as indicated sensitive to the presence of magnetite grains near the superparamagnetic size threshold around part of the Chinese loess plateau could by the similarity with δ18O data from 30 nm. The data show that paleosol horizons contain many grains at or below 30 nm size. have been under the influence of a ocean sediments. However, in the strong southerly Indian monsoon in absence of an independent high- the early Holocene. Kutzbach et al. resolution chronology for the χ stra- (1993) used atmospheric GCMs to tigraphy, such correlations do not The second attempt was made by In both cases the high-field (2.5 tesla) predict that the early extremely strong constitute an a priori proof of the Verosub et al. (1993), who attributed induced magnetization (σi) from all south Asian monsoon of Holocene pedogenic hypothesis. the pedogenic component of χ to that grain-size fractions is the same and time could have broken through to To test the model of Kukla et al. part of the magnetic signal which is varies in a similar manner with temp- the western loess plateau. (1988), Hovan et al. (1989) and lost when a soil sample or a loess erature change, suggesting that the Clemens and Prell (1992) tried to sample is treated with CBD (citrate- same magnetic phase was present CONVERTING MAGNETIC correlate directly the loess stratigraphy bicarbonate-dithionite; Mehra and in both loess and paleosol. However, SUSCEPTIBILITY TO with the record of eolian silica flux in Jackson, 1960) solution. CBD treatment when σrs is created by a 2.5 T field at PALEORAINFALL the northwest Pacific and the Arabian removes very fine grained iron oxides, 15 K and warmed in zero field, the It is now widely accepted that the Sea, respectively (and claimed success). e.g., magnetite and maghemite, which decay curves are very different for enhancement in susceptibility of pale- However, Maher and Thompson make a major contribution to χ and the two layers. In the case of the loess, osols relative to that of the loess hori- (1992b) thought that such a correlation whose origin can be attributed to pedo- there is a characteristic transition or zons is due to pedogenic formation between magnetic susceptibility, which genesis (Fine and Singer, 1989). But “step” at about 100 K which is related of very small (d < 30 nm) magnetite is a concentration-dependent parame- here, too, the situation is murky (Liu to the low-temperature magnetic tran- and/or maghemite grains. An et al. ter, should not be attempted with mass et al., 1994a; Hunt et al., 1995), and it sition (Verwey transition) of coarser (1991), Liu et al. (1994b), and Maher eolian accumulation rate, which is a may be that CBD reduction of χ can grained (d > 30 nm) magnetite. In the et al. (1994) have further suggested rate-dependent parameter. They also be due partly to removal of some case of the soil sample, the Verwey that such formation is directly related emphasized that although both were detrital magnetite-maghemite. Even transition is only barely visible, most to paleorainfall, especially during the ultimately responsive to climate if the true pedogenic χ enhancement of the σ data showing the decay due rs summer. Such a hypothesis requires change, the susceptibility record in can be isolated and then attributed to to thermal “unblocking” of σ of very rs that the unaltered loess over the region the Chinese loess plateau was more summer rainfall variations (for a critical small or “superparamagnetic” grains under consideration has uniform min- a record of pedogenesis and thus indi- discussion of this hypothesis, see the of magnetite or maghemite. By extrap- eralogy and grain size. The first proviso rectly a record of the east Asian mon- next section), a question remains as olating the nearly linear part of σ rs is easier to prove than the second. Over soon intensity during summer at these to whether the appropriate cause is decay displayed by SP grains (0 nm an ~1200 km northwest to southeast sites. Pye and Zhou (1989) also com- regional (~1000 km) or local (~100 km) < d < 30 nm) backward to 0 K, we can range in the loess plateau, the grains pared the ages of the maxima in wind- rainfall variations. In order to answer graphically separate the SP fraction do tend to decrease in size. We do not, blown deposits in the Pacific Ocean this question, we took recourse (Baner- (SP/total) in the sample. Following however, know how critical this varia- and in the Chinese loess plateau and jee et al., 1993) to low-temperature Maher and Thompson (1992a), SP tion is to loess pedogenesis. An added concluded that they are neither coeval magnetic measurements of a pair of grains that are so small are most likely complication is the lack of precise nor caused by the same wind system. sites, ~300 km apart, that are on the to be produced by pedogenesis. The high-resolution ages beyond ~60 ka. In my opinion, both of the pro- rainy and arid sides, respectively, of a larger grains, then, could be construed In spite of these difficulties, prelimi- posed models (a pure accumulation rain shadow: the roughly northwest- as detrital, having been deposited by nary attempts have been made based model that primarily causes χ minima southeast-trending Liupan Mountains the winter northwesterlies from the on empirical correlations (“climofunc- by dilution and a pure pedogenic in the southwestern part of the loess deserts. tions”) between modern (or slightly model causing χ maxima by pedogenic plateau. Because the summer monsoon Comparing variation in SP/total older) soils and current rainfall over a enhancement) are perhaps two ideal- at these two sites, Baicaoyuan (arid) grains between Baicaoyuan (300 mm/yr very large part of the loess plateau. The ized end members. In reality, both the and Xifeng (humid), is mostly from the rainfall) and Xifeng (500 mm/yr) first attempt was by Heller et al. (1993), loess and the paleosol layers must have east, the soils at Xifeng are more highly (Fig. 4), we see that the more arid who used 10Be data to separate the varying amounts of magnetic contribu- developed and those at Baicaoyuan to site, Baicaoyuan, has an SP/total stratig- strictly pedogenic components of tion due partly to detrital input and the west are less so. raphy that is closer to what is expected observed χ at Luochuan (see previous partly to pedogenesis. Unfortunately, Characteristic thermal decay from the δ18O record of glacial-inter- section). By using a calibration con- two recent attempts to resolve this curves of saturation isothermal rema- glacial climate change. In Xifeng the stant c (where χ = c · current rainfall, problem (Beer et al., 1993; Verosub nent magnetization (σrs) of a soil sam- fluctuations are much more muted, with χ from the Holocene layer [S0]), et al., 1993) have not produced con- ple (S0; glacial stage 1) and a sample perhaps because of the higher rainfall clusive answers, but they deserve our from the underlying loess layer (L1; producing a much stronger local pedo- careful attention. glacial stage 2) are shown in Figure 4. genic signal. The difference in SP/total China continued on p. 96 Beer et al. (1993) measured the depositional input of 10Be in a loess profile (S0-L2, or isotopic stages 1–6) from Luochuan and claimed that the Figure 4. Left: Tem- 10Be flux in the 0–130 ka interval can perature dependence of be fitted to a constant, and global, induced magnetization σ atmospheric flux (FA) and a time-vary- ( i) and saturation iso- ing contribution due to a dust flux (F ) thermal remanent magne- D σ from the desert delivered by the winter tization ( rs) of a represen- northwesterlies. By further assuming tative paleosol sample (S0) and the underlying loess that part of the magnetic susceptibility (L ) from Baicaoyuan. flux (the depositional, low-χ part, or 1a The similarity of σi(T) F'D) is linearly proportional to the 10Be curves suggests a similar dust flux (F'D = αFD), Beer et al. (1993) magnetic mineral compo- and their colleagues Heller et al. (1993) sition, and the dissimilarity claimed that the rest of the susceptibil- of σrs(T) curves suggests ity signal is pedogenically produced. differences in the grain However, the hypothesis of constant size distribution. Right: SP/total, the relative frac- FA has major weaknesses, as Beer et al. and Heller et al. themselves have tions of superparamag- netic grains (d < 30 nm), pointed out, and it also militates plotted against depth for against their own experimental data, arid Baicaoyuan and the sometimes by as much as 50% (see more humid Xifeng sites. Fig. 4 of Beer et al., 1993). The result is The SP fraction causes the nearly linear decay of σrs between ~100 and 300 K in the plot at the left. Total SP fraction is extracted from the σrs inter- a derived pedogenic χ component that cept when the straight line (~100 to 300 K) is extrapolated to 0 K. SP/total represents pedogenically produced very small (i.e., superparamagnetic) is likely to be inaccurate by up to 50%. magnetite grains. (After Banerjee et al., 1993).

GSA TODAY, May 1995 95 should remember that for the purpose of this reconstruction, it has been Figure 5. Top left: assumed that all of the susceptibility Calculated rainfall differ- enhancement is due to pedogenesis, ence between the pres- ent and periods when which in turn is controlled by the specific soil or loess summer monsoon. However, if it horizons formed on the proves to be possible in future to sepa- loess plateau, China. rate the influences on magnetic suscep- The diameters of the tibility due either to the dilution effect circles are proportional mentioned earlier (Kukla et al., 1988) to current rainfall in or to decalcification and collapse of soil mm/yr at different sites layers (Heller and Liu, 1986), then the of the loess plateau. Bax true pedogenic component can be = Baxie, La = Lanzhou, determined, and only that should Li = Linxia, Bai = Bao- caiyuan, Bao = Baoji, be reflective of paleoprecipitation. Lu = Luochuan. In dif- ference representations, SUMMARY solid circles represent Although it is not yet known pre- excess rainfall, and dashed circles indicate cisely how much of the susceptibility less rainfall than at pres- signal or SP/total fraction in the pale- ent. For details of con- osol horizons (interglacial times) is version to paleorainfall strictly due to pedogenesis, and there- from magnetic suscepti- fore strongly reflective of summer bility enhancement, monsoon, it has been possible to see text. Data courtesy make a first approximation at calcu- of Maher et al. (1994). lating paleorainfall and hence pale- omonsoon intensity variations from magnetic data alone. Overall, the pa- leoproxy records (pollen, lake-level data) and climate model simulations China continued from p. 95 genic fraction or SP/total with time during the last interglacial, stage 6 (S1), for the loess plateau as a whole at Xifeng from closely spaced samples the precipitation was about 650 (Winkler and Wang, 1993) support and by utilizing the average χ values over the time period 0–130 ka. They mm/yr—i.e., 100 mm/yr more than the general increase and decrease of for S0 (5–10 ka), L1 (18–75 ka) and S1 then computed a constant of propor- today. Unlike Heller et al. (1993), Liu paleoprecipitation (0–130 ka) derived (75–130 ka), they obtained average tionality between the SP fraction and et al. found that rainfall in stage 5 was by the magnetic proxy method of paleorainfall values of 600 mm/yr, precipitation by plotting the present- higher than in stage 1, as would be Maher et al. (1994). However, both 310 mm/yr, and 540 mm/yr, respec- day precipitation against SP fraction expected from the SPECMAP data. the study by Banerjee et al. (1993) tively. The S0 soil was used for calibra- of the early Holocene (S0) soil at six Maher et al. (1994) gave what I and the study by Maher et al. (1994) tion because Heller et al. believe cur- sites within the loess plateau. The perceive to be an improved approach point to an interesting regional event rent rainfall and early Holocene rainfall early Holocene soil was used instead to calculating paleorainfall. Following at 5–10 ka. Rainfall over current values to be similar. It is immediately obvious, of a modern soil because Liu et al. Singer et al. (1992), Maher et al. first in the western part (now arid) of the and odd, that while the δ18O value for could not be sure that the modern soil determined the increase in susceptibility Chinese loess plateau was then quite the time interval associated with S1 is was totally free from anthropogenic between the B (weathered soil) and C high (+215 mm/yr) and comparable to known to be larger than S0, the above disturbances (farming, grazing). The (parent material) horizons at 36 mod- the eastern part. However, this result procedure yields an S1 rainfall that is correlation between present-day precip- ern soil sites located in eight different should be compared with a much smaller than that of S0. Heller et al. also itation and the SP fraction of this hori- areas of the loess plateau. This relative larger increase (+900 mm/yr) predicted had to assume that the magnetic sus- zon (S0) for the six sites was found to enhancement was then correlated with by the atmospheric GCM approach for ceptibility of each layer, including S1, have a correlation coefficient of 0.95. the average rainfall between 1951 and this area (Winkler and Wang, 1993). had approached a steady-state value, Liu et al. (1994b) then used the slope 1980 in a regression analysis to estab- Improvements in spatial resolution which is contrary to what Singer et al. of this plot to convert the SP fraction lish a climofunction coefficient. and incorporation of additional model (1992) found, even for soils as old as to paleoprecipitation for the single Like Heller et al. (1993) and Liu et al. parameters (such as aerosol concentra- 1 m.y., in California. Ongoing research high-resolution profile they had ob- (1994b), Maher et al. assumed that resi- tion variation) in GCMs and, equally by TenPas et al. (1994) may shed fur- tained at Xifeng. The paleoprecipita- dence of only a few thousand years is important, parallel advances in extract- ther light on this problem. tion curve thus obtained has a close enough for the magnetic susceptibility ing true pedogenic components from In the second attempt, Liu et al. similarity with the SPECMAP δ18O of the B horizon to have achieved a the magnetic parameters may lead to (1994b), instead of using the χ meas- record. For example, Liu et al. found steady state. Therefore, they converted a proper resolution of this difference. urement, used the approach of low- that at Xifeng during glacial isotope susceptibility enhancement to paleo- Such improved paleomonsoon time temperature magnetic measurement, stages 2 (L1a), 4 (L1c), and 6 (L2), pre- rainfall using the same coefficient for series from magnetic proxies for the σrs vs. T, of Banerjee et al. (1993) to cipitation was about 200 mm/yr—i.e., all the horizons. Base level χ value for Chinese loess plateau may one day pro- determine first the variation in pedo- 350 mm/yr less than today, whereas the C horizon was approximated by vide the only high-quality continental the older, least weathered L9 horizon. analogs of paleoclimate time series and For the last glacial (L1) at 18 ka may lead us to high-resolution spatial (dashed-line circles in Fig. 5) paleopre- and temporal determination of com- cipitation was less than at present at all parative paleorainfall variations on of the sites, and the maximum decrease continents to gain an understanding was 266 mm/yr. In contrast, both dur- of both global climate change and its ing S0 (isotope stage 1) and S1 (isotope regional responses. stage 5), the rainfall was much greater than today, and the largest values dur- ACKNOWLEDGMENTS A vertical cut into the ing both periods (>200 mm/yr) were deposits near Jixian, I thank my colleague Chris Hunt obtained from the western side of the Shanxi Province, for help with review of the text and loess plateau. During the early Holo- China. The upper preparation of diagrams. Michelle cene, the rainfall on the western side darker soil has Elston and Diana Jensen provided was much higher (+60%) not only formed since the valuable help with manuscript prep- last glaciers retreated compared to today but even compared aration. X.-M. Liu and B. J. Maher about 11 ka. The to the early Holocene on the eastern were kind enough to let me see lighter materal in the side of the loess plateau. This compares their manuscripts in preparation. lower half is the loess well with the observations of Banerjee A. Roberts provided invaluable that was deposited et al. (1993; Fig. 4), that the currently during the height of help in revising the first draft. This more arid western site, Baicaoyuan, the last glacial period, research was funded by the University was at least as humid as the eastern between about 11 of Minnesota Graduate School and by site, Xifeng, in the early Holocene. and 23 ka. Magnetic National Science Foundation grant Maher et al. (1994) found that their properties vary with EAR/9206024. This is contribution calibration climofunction appears to degree of soil devel- 9410 of the Institute for Rock Mag- opment, and they compare well with similar functions netism, which is supported by can be used as paleo- for modern soils in other warm, tem- the W. M. Keck Foundation and the climate proxies. Photo perate regions today such as Morocco, National Science Foundation. by Peter Solheid. Sudan, and California. However, they also admitted that during glacial times REFERENCES CITED the measured susceptibility values are low and a 25% error in the loess sus- An, Z., Kukla, G. J., Porter, S.C., and Xiao, J., 1991, Magnetic susceptibility evidence of monsoon vari- ceptibility measurement could easily ation on the loess plateau of central China during produce an error of 47% in the glacial- stage rainfall reconstruction. The reader China continued on p. 97

96 GSA TODAY, May 1995 systems while deriving a sustainable during incubation in stream beds. FORUM level of benefits for human popula- Land management that maintains tions. If contemporary human societies salmon abundance requires incorpor- Bruce F. Molnia are to adopt this approach, land man- ating ecosystem dynamics across the agement decisions must be based on full temporal and spatial range of pro- Forum is a regular feature of GSA Today in which many sides of an issue or question of an understanding of landscape-scale cesses that govern the amount, type, interest to the geological community are explored. Each Forum presentation consists spatial and temporal variations in and quality of salmon habitat. of an informative, neutral introduction to the month’s topic followed by two or more habitat-forming processes. Adapting our actions to reduce opposing views concerning the Forum topic. Selection of future Forum topics and par- The Pacific salmon illustrate why negative human impacts on ecological ticipants is the responsibility of the Forum Editor. Suggestions for future Forum topics such an approach is essential for pre- systems requires defining mechanistic are welcome and should be sent to: Bruce F. Molnia, Forum Editor, U.S. Geological serving threatened and endangered links between management activity Survey, 917 National Center, Reston, VA 22092, (703) 648-4120, fax 703-648-4227. species. This traditional symbol of the and ecosystem response. Unfortu- Pacific Northwest is poised for listing nately, much of the work on human under the Endangered Species Act over impacts to aquatic ecosystems has most of its range in the lower 48 states. relied on convenient surrogate meas- Crucial Environmental Issues: The continuing decline of most cur- ures, such as the percentage of a basin rently listed species illustrates that we area over which timber has been har- Fear and Loathing at the Leading Edge— need a more comprehensive approach vested. Geologists need to help rethink A Sample of the 1994 Institute for Environmental if we are to reverse historical trends in and redesign our watershed assessment, salmon abundance. The plight of the research, and monitoring methods to Education Annual Environmental Forum salmon is not a new problem; it is a establish underlying cause-and-effect recurrent story involving processes relations. In addition, we need to be PERSPECTIVE 1: the needs and desires of a burgeoning that have been recognized for many able to do this in a spatially explicit Introduction human population with the health years. In spite of increased understand- context in order to use this informa- Bruce F. Molnia, Forum Editor and integrity of ecological systems. ing of human influences on aquatic tion to support decision making for Even now this is an urgent problem, ecosystems, we are well on the way particular places. Furthermore, society Mindful of its charge to promote as current extinction rates resulting to repeating in the Pacific Northwest must tailor land-use decisions to the the “application of geology to the from human activity approximate the historic extirpations of wild salmon capability of the landscape to sustain wise use of Earth,” the GSA Institute those recorded during the mass extinc- that sequentially occurred in England, human activity; this tailoring requires for Environmental Education, at the tions at the close of the Paleozoic and the eastern seaboard of the United that scientific assessment precede plan- Seattle 1994 Annual Meeting, spon- Mesozoic eras. The present extinction States, and many parts of California. ning and that management involve an sored a forum concerned with dis- event occurs in great part because soci- The primary, widely recognized causes adaptive, multi-scale approach based posal sites for low-level radioactive ety considers the needs of other species for declining salmon populations are on ecologically relevant planning units. waste, ground-water contamination, only when they become threatened or overfishing, dam construction, and Watershed analysis procedures, such as reliable earthquake prediction, seismic endangered. Developing alternative habitat degradation. Each cause un- those adopted by the State of Washing- hazard mitigation, and the causes and approaches requires geological exper- doubtedly contributes to the plight ton and under development for federal rates of species decline. Each is an issue tise, because of the fundamental in- of the salmon, yet the interests respon- lands, provide a framework for using that can lead to an inflamed and fear- fluence of geologic processes on the sible for these effects have bickered for landscape-specific analyses of geo- ful public and which creates both prob- structure and dynamics of many decades about assigning culpability morphological, hydrological, and bio- lems and opportunities for geological ecosystems. for declining salmon runs. Without logical processes to guide ecosystem scientists. Forum presentations exam- An exponential increase in human becoming mired in this unconstructive management. ined these issues from a number of population together with technological approach, geologists can contribute Societal pressure to move toward perspectives, including how geoscien- innovations have accelerated landscape crucial expertise on habitat issues. ecosystem management thus holds sig- tists can help improve the quality of alteration to the extent that humans Ecosystem-oriented land manage- nificant opportunities and challenges the debate and the decisions that are the dominant geomorphic agent ment is founded on how geologic pro- for the geological sciences. There is affect site selection. Many serious throughout the world today. For mil- cesses create, shape, and eliminate an urgent need for interdisciplinary questions about the cost and effective- lennia the domination of nature has habitat and how human actions influ- research with ecologists, engineers, ness of proposed solutions to these been the operative paradigm of many ence these processes. Over geologic and planners on how geologic proc- issues face the geoscientist-engineer civilizations. In serving this mission time, processes such as uplift, climate esses influence biological communities; and the public. The following three science has sought to mold landscapes change, and volcanism influence on how to design habitat restoration perspectives are samples of presenta- to human desires or expectations, with regional habitat characteristics, control schemes; and on how to incorporate tions from the IEE Forum. neither attention to nor knowledge of the frequency and extent of events that the spatial and temporal variability PERSPECTIVE 2: long-term consequences. Now, our extirpate populations, and govern long- inherent to geomorphic processes into recognition of the human interdepen- term environmental change. Over his- land-use decisions. Equally important Endangered Species, dence on and symbiosis with a com- toric time, spatial and temporal vari- for the future of many university geol- Ecosystem Management, plex web of ecological processes has ability of stream discharge and bed ogy departments is that ecosystem and the Geological Sciences led to political momentum for revers- scour affect salmon and how they management requires people trained David R. Montgomery, University of ing historical trends of environmental use channel habitat. At the finest spa- to read and interpret the landscape. If Washington, Seattle degradation. The emerging philosophy tial and temporal scales, intrusion of the geological community accepts the One of the great social issues of the of ecosystem management aims to sand and silt into spawning gravel coming millennium will be reconciling maintain the integrity of ecological influences embryo development Forum continued on p. 98

China continued from p. 96 Hovan, S. A., Rea, D. K., Pisias, N. G., and China: Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Singer, M. J., Fine, P., Verosub, K. L., and Chad- Shackleton, N. J., 1989, A direct link between Palaeoecology. wick, O. A., 1992, Time dependence of magnetic the last 130,000 years: Quaternary Research, v. 36, the China loess and marine δ18O records: Aeo- susceptibility of soil chronosequences on the p. 29–36. lian flux to the north Pacific: Nature, v. 340, Maher, B. A., and Thompson, R., 1991, Mineral California coast: Quaternary Research, v. 37, p. 296–298. magnetic record of the Chinese loess and pale- p. 323–332. Banerjee, S. K., Hunt, C. P., and Liu, X.-M., 1993, osols: Geology, v. 19, p. 3–6. Separation of local signals from the regional pale- Hunt, C. P., Singer, M. J., Kletetschka, G., TenPas, TenPas, J., Singer, M. J., Verosub, K. L., and omonsoon record of the Chinese loess plateau: J., and Verosub, K. L., 1995, Effect of citrate-bicar- Maher, B. A., and Thompson, R., 1992a, Paleocli- Shumway, R. H., 1994, Reinterpretation of the A rock-magnetic approach: Geophysical Research bonate-dithionite treatment on fine-grained mag- matic significance of the mineral magnetic record paleoclimate record of the Chinese loess plateau Letters, v. 20, p. 843–846. netite and maghemite: Earth and Planetary Sci- of the Chinese loess and paleosols: Quaternary as deduced from magnetic susceptibility data ence Letters (in press). Research, v. 37, p. 155–170. [abs.]: Eos (Transactions, American Geophysical 10 Beer, J., and seven others, 1993, Be and mag- Union), v. 75, p. 187. netic susceptibility in Chinese loess: Geophysical Imbrie, J., and eight others, 1984, The orbital Maher, B., and Thompson, R., 1992b, Reply to Research Letters, v. 20, p. 57–60. theory of Pleistocene climate: Support from a Clemens and Prell: Quaternary Research, v. 38, Verosub, K. L., Fine, P., Singer, M. J., and TenPas, revised chronology of the marine δ18O record, in p. 268. J., 1993, Pedogenesis and paleoclimate: Interpreta- Clemens, S. C., and Prell, W. L., 1992, Comments Berger, A., et al., eds., Milankovitch and climate: tion of the magnetic susceptibility record of Chi- on “Paleoclimate significance of the mineral mag- Maher, B. A., Thompson, R., and Zhou, L.-P., Understanding the response to orbital forcing: 1994, Spatial and temporal reconstructions of nese loess-paleosol sequences: Geology, v. 21, netic record of the Chinese loess and paleosols”: Dordrecht, Netherlands, Reidel, p. 269–305. p. 1011–1014. Quaternary Research, v. 38, p. 265–267. changes in the Asian palaeomonsoon: A new min- Kukla, G. J., Heller, F., Liu, S.-M., Xu, T.-C., Liu, T.- eral magnetic approach: Earth and Planetary Sci- Winkler, M. G., and Wang, P. K., 1993, The late Fine, P., and Singer, M. J., 1989, Pedogenic factors S., and An, Z.-S., 1988, Pleistocene climates dated ence Letters, v. 125, p. 462–471. Quaternary vegetation and climate of China, in affecting magnetic susceptibility of northern Cali- by magnetic susceptibility: Geology, v. 16, Wright, H. E., et al., eds., Global climates since the fornia soils: Soil Science Society of America Jour- Mehra, O. P., and Jackson, M. L., 1960, Iron oxide p. 811–814. removal from soils and clays by a dithionite-cit- last glacial maximum: Minneapolis, University of nal, v. 53, p. 1119–1127. Minnesota Press, p. 221–261. Kutzbach, J. E., Guetter, P. J., Behling, P. J., and rate system buffered with sodium bicarbonate: Heller, F., and Liu, T.-S., 1984, Magnetism of Chi- Selin, R., 1993, Simulated climatic changes: Re- Clays and Clay Minerals, v. 7, p. 317–327. Zhou, L.-P., Oldfield, F., Wintle, A. G., Robinson, nese loess deposits: Royal Astronomical Society sults of the COHMAP climate-model experiments, S. G., and Wang, J. T., 1990, Partly pedogenic ori- Geophysical Journal, v. 77, p. 125–141. Pye, K., and Zhou, L. P., 1989, Late Pleistocene in Wright, H. E., Jr., et al., eds., Global climates and Holocene aeolian dust deposition in north gin of magnetic variations in Chinese loess: Heller, F., and Liu, T.-S., 1986, Palaeoclimatic and since the last glacial maximum: Minneapolis, China and the northwest Pacific Ocean: Palaeo- Nature, v. 346, p. 737–739. University of Minnesota Press, p. 24–93. sedimentary history from magnetic susceptibility geography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, Manuscript received September 6, 1994; of loess in China: Geophysical Research Letters, Liu, X.-M., Bloemendal, J., and Rolph, T., 1994a, v. 73, p. 11–23. revision received February 17, 1995; v. 13, p. 1169–1172. Pedogenesis and paleoclimate: Interpretation of accepted March 2, 1995. ■ Heller, F., and seven others, 1993, Quantitative the magnetic susceptibility record of Chinese estimates of pedogenic ferromagnetic mineral loess-paleosol sequences: Comment: Geology, v. 22, p. 858–859. formation in Chinese loess and palaeoclimatic Each month, GSA Today features a short science article on fast-breaking items or current topics of implications: Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Liu, X.-M., Bloemendal, J., Rolph, T., Shaw, J., Liu, general interest to the 15,000 members of GSA. What do you think of these articles? Do you have v. 114, p. 385–390. T.-S., and Heller, F., 1994b, Quantitative estimates an idea for an article that you would like to see published in GSA Today? If so, please contact of palaeoprecipitation in the loess plateau of Eldridge Moores, Science Editor, GSA Today, (916) 752-0352, fax 916-752-0951.

GSA TODAY, May 1995 97 Forum continued from p. 97 PERSPECTIVE 3: waste is material that has become con- radwaste generated within its borders, taminated by radioactive material used except for federal low-level waste. The The Low-Level Radioactive challenge of contributing to such an in these activities. Nuclear power plants Act stated, further, that low-level rad- Waste Situation: Storage or approach, it will foster expansion of account for about 63% of low-level waste is most safely and efficiently Disposal? emerging job opportunities for gradu- waste by volume, but 94% by radioac- managed on a regional basis. The 1985 Fred A. Donath, GSA Institute for Environ- ates trained in a wide range of surface tivity. Approximately 16% by volume Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy mental Education processes. and 5% by activity comes from indus- Amendments Act created incentives Watershed analysis can provide Fear is an important, but strong, trial processes, 16% by volume but and penalties to encourage progress in us with more and better information, emotion that often evokes irrational only 0.03% by activity comes from developing new facilities, and encour- but whether possession of such knowl- response. The fear of radioactivity can medical practice, and 5% by volume aged the formation of regional compacts edge reverses historical trends in have that effect, but education and and only 0.4% by activity comes from among states to provide for shared dis- salmon abundance depends on land understanding can help to dispel fear. scientific research. posal facilities. “Compact” refers to the management priorities. Better informa- Confusion within the public between Some confusion, and cause for arrangement by two or more states to tion will not ensure better decisions, low-level and high-level radioactive concern, perhaps stems from reference collectively regulate under provisions although it should more readily reveal waste, public perception of risk, and to large amounts of radioactive waste of the Act, and an “Agreement State” conflicting objectives and enhance disagreement among experts, along from nuclear power plants. The low- is one that has been given authority to evaluation of the consequences of with misleading and self-serving state- level waste from nuclear power plants regulate low-level radwaste disposal un- proposed actions. No one knows for ments of special interests, can all con- consists primarily of filters and filtra- der an agreement entered into with the sure whether adopting ecosystem tribute to strong public reaction over tion sludges, irradiated metals, and U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. management will prove to be more disposition of low-level radioactive trash—not highly radioactive fuel At present, ten state compacts exist than a political smoke screen for con- waste. Such reaction can hamper efforts components. Confusion undoubtedly and five states remain unaffiliated. But, tinuing traditional patterns of resource to locate a geologically acceptable envi- also comes from equating the volume to date, only four disposal sites—in exploitation and depletion. Addressing ronment in which to put the waste, of waste with magnitude of the hazard, Nebraska, North Carolina, California, the underlying issues, however, will and this can create situations that because the problem is often discussed and Texas—have been selected, and force decisions that historically have constitute even greater public risk. in terms of total volume (e.g., thou- significant controversy surrounds at been made either implicitly or by de- Low-level radioactive waste is sands of cubic feet) rather than activity least one of those. fault to be framed as explicit choices. legally defined as what it is not—it is level (i.e., quantity and concentration In the process, this will create opportu- not the highly radioactive spent fuel per unit volume). STORAGE vs. DISPOSAL nities for furthering our understanding rods from nuclear reactors, wastes Low-level waste is classified as A, B, The term “storage” implies tempo- of how natural landscapes and ecosys- from nuclear weapons production, or C waste, on the basis of the hazard rary placement, pending a more perma- tems are structured and influenced by nor waste from mining and processing posed by the waste and its characteris- nent solution. At present, considerable geologic processes. Until we decide to uranium ore. Low-level waste can gen- tics, such as half-life and activity level. volumes of low-level waste are being manage our land and natural resources erally be characterized as discarded For states like California and New York, stored on site—in basements, sheds, in accordance with landscape-forming items contaminated by a small amount Class A waste might constitute 95%– and in other poorly controlled environ- processes, we will continue driving of radioactivity—typically paper, plas- 97% of the volume and 3% of the ments. “Disposal” is defined in the species to extinction and shackle tics, glass, clothing, discarded equip- activity, Class B a couple of percent Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act future generations with our legacy of ment and tools, and absorbed or solidi- of the volume and another 3% of the as the permanent isolation of low-level a degraded environment. fied liquids. activity, and Class C, the most haz- radwaste, in accord with U.S. Nuclear Low-level radwaste is generated ardous of low-level wastes, only about Regulatory Commission (NRC) require- in the production of electricity, in the 1% of the volume but 94% of the ments, or those of any Agreement State manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and activity. in which such isolation occurs. other products, in medical diagnosis Views expressed by persons com- The Low-Level Radioactive Waste and treatment, and in university and menting outside their education and Policy Amendments Act required NRC private research. In general, low-level experience, although perhaps repre- (1) to identify alternative disposal meth- senting legitimate concerns, can create ods to shallow land burial, and (2) to confusion, if not outright controversy. provide technical information and Unfortunately, such situations can requirements with regard to site suit- develop even among members of the ability, site design, facility operation, geosciences—e.g., the differing perspec- disposal site closure, and environmen- tives and expertise of a structural geolo- tal monitoring to meet performance gist and a hydrogeologist. Also, some objectives established by NRC. individuals and groups have hidden Above-ground disposal methods agendas, and they will use their exper- for low-level waste include above- tise to influence the outcome of a deci- grade vault with earth mounding, sion process. Of course, there are those being considered by the Appalachian who are opposed to anything nuclear— (Pennsylvania) Compact, and above- whether nuclear weapons, nuclear grade vault without earth mounding. power, … or a nuclear family. Below-ground disposal methods in- THE SITUATION clude enhanced shallow land burial, being considered by the Southwestern Because significant volumes of (California) Compact; below-grade low-level waste already exist and addi- concrete vault; below-ground concrete tional volumes will accumulate with canisters, being considered by Texas; time, the pertinent question is not “Do vertical shaft mine disposal; drift mine we need disposal sites for low-level disposal; and augered hole disposal. waste?” but “Where can we safely NRC sets the performance objec- locate disposal sites for low-level tives for the disposal of low-level waste?” Unfortunately, this straight- radioactive waste and requires that forward question divides lay and scien- they be met. These are: tific communities alike. 1. Protection of general population Originally, the federal government from releases (<25 mrem whole was responsible for the disposal of all body annual); radioactive waste, and six disposal facil- 2. Protection of individuals from ities were available for low-level waste. inadvertent intrusion; Between 1975 and 1978 three of these 3. Protection of individuals during facilities—in Illinois, Kentucky, and operations, and; New York—were closed, and only 4. Stability of disposal site after those in Washington, South Carolina, closure. and Nevada remained open. Of those In addition, technical require- remaining open, the Beatty (Nevada) ments for land disposal facilities are site closed at the end of 1992, Hanford given. Site suitability requirements (Washington) no longer accepts waste include: generated outside the Northwest or 1. Site capable of being characterized, Rocky Mountain Compacts, and Barn- modeled, analyzed, and moni- well (South Carolina) has recently tored; stopped accepting out-of-compact 2. Impacts of natural resource waste. Irrespective of future activities, exploitation on performance the truism is that low-level radwaste objectives be considered; already exists—and in significant quan- 3. Runoff and possible erosion or tities. Thus, new—and safe—disposal flooding be minimized; sites are needed now. 4. Depth to water table be sufficient The 1980 federal Low-Level to avoid infiltration (note that Radioactive Waste Policy Act charged each state with managing all low-level Forum continued on p. 99

98 GSA TODAY, May 1995 Forum continued from p. 98 ment (waste form, containers, engi- neered barriers), and this aspect is best CALL FOR NOMINATIONS below-water-table disposal can evaluated by scientists and engineers To reward and encourage teaching excellence in be used if it can be conclusively from outside the medical and the geo- shown that molecular diffusion logical communities. Transport from beginning professors of earth science at the college level, is the predominant means of the disposal site depends upon the the Geological Society of America announces: radionuclide transport and that geology. In selecting and assessing pos- performance objectives can be sibly suitable sites for low-level radioac- met); tive waste, one must consider the per- 5. Areas of tectonism, volcanism, or formance of the containment system, THE FOURTH ANNUAL surface processes that could affect the performance of the existing geo- ability to meet performance objec- logic system, and the probable future tives be avoided. performance of the geologic system— The disposal of radioactive waste taking into consideration evolutionary has an aspect that sets it apart from change and potentially disruptive Biggs Award other toxic wastes—that radionuclides events. Clearly, the performance of the decay with time. Whereas arsenic and existing geologic system and the proba- For Excellence other compounds are continuously bility of change to that system are mat- In Earth Science Teaching hazardous over time, the activity of ters for geoscientists to address. radionuclides decreases as a function For Beginning Professors of their half-lives. A period of ten half- LOW-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE ELIGIBILITY: All earth science instructors and faculty at 2- lives decreases the activity to one-thou- WASTE RELEASE AND and 4-year colleges who have been teaching full time for 10 sandth its initial value, and a period of TRANSPORT years or less. (Part-time teaching is not counted in the 10 years.) 20 half-lives decreases the activity to Radionuclides placed in either a one-millionth its initial value. Thus, WARD MOUNT An award of $500 is made possible storage or disposal environment can A A : the activity of an isotope with a half- come into contact with humans only as a result of support from the Donald and Carolyn Biggs Fund. life of about 30 years diminishes to if the radionuclides are released from negligible levels after 300 years and N OMINATION PROCEDURE: For nomination forms that environment and transported, or becomes innocuous after 600 years. write to Edward E. Geary, Coordinator for Educational Programs, if humans should intrude the facility. The probability of exposure, and Geological Society of America, P.O. Box 9140, Boulder, CO 80301. The predominant scenario for transport hence the risk, from radionuclides to humans involves ground water. Pos- D EADLINE: Nominations and support materials for the with relatively short half-lives is sible disturbance to the natural system 1995 Biggs Earth Science Teaching Award must be received reduced to extremely low levels when caused by excavation, waste facility containment periods or transport times by June 30, 1995. emplacement, and the presence there- separately or collectively isolate those after of the waste facility must be con- radionuclides for ten to 20 half-lives. sidered. Moreover, depending on the Class A wastes are the least haz- disposal option selected, maintenance, ardous and typically have low activity emotions. The media pay most atten- costs of obtaining certain defined bene- monitoring, and/or adequate marking and short half-lives; they present a tion to issues and situations that most fits. An enlightened public can then of the facility must be such as to ensure potential hazard to public health and frighten their readers and viewers. Any- voluntarily choose a solution, rather its integrity over the period of required safety on the order of 100 years. Class thing about science must be “definite” than having one thrust upon them. isolation. B wastes typically have short half-lives to make page one—“high probability” It is clear that risk issues no longer Careful evaluation of the geologic but higher activity; they also present a is not good enough. involve just science and medicine; poli- setting and its geologic history should potential hazard to public health and In an effort to attract readers and tics and economics come into consider- reduce to negligible levels the probabil- safety on the order of 100 years. Class viewers, and to educate the public, the ation as well. A recent California report ity of disruption by erosion, faulting, C wastes have relatively longer half- media often overplay risks of dubious intended to guide decision making by volcanism, or other natural processes. lives and present a potential hazard to legitimacy. Studies show that many of the state Environmental Protection Similarly, careful evaluation of the geo- public health and safety on the order the alleged hazards are misstated, over- Agency defines risk as “the likelihood graphic setting and proper monitoring of 300–500 years. Beyond 500 years, stated, or nonexistent. The media have of harmful effects, including human and marking of the facility should disposed low-level waste presents a long served as an early warning system disease or death, damage to ecosys- reduce to negligible levels the probabil- very limited hazard, even to persons to alert people to certain risks. How- tems, property losses, and anxiety ity of inadvertent disruption by human who might inadvertently come into ever, if media coverage is unbalanced, about the future.” It will be a challenge, activity. Thus, the only feasible means contact with the waste. It should be it makes reporters responsible for any indeed, to integrate value judgments of transporting radionuclides from a obvious that containing the waste for inappropriate reactions of its readers into risk assessment. It thus makes it disposal facility, if they are released a period of several hundred years and viewers. We, as geoscientists, have all the more imperative that we, as from containment, is by ground-water would solve the problem. a responsibility to help educate the media geoscientists, attempt to clarify the transport. so as to achieve balanced coverage. other elements in risk assessment so The potential hazard thus ASSESSMENT OF RISK To make rational choices among that the debate can be focused on the depends primarily upon the amount low-level radioactive waste storage and relevant aspects. The basic concept of risk is very and rate of supply of radionuclides to disposal options, the public needs to simple—risk is the product of the prob- ground water, the pathways and rate understand (1) that risk is the product PERSPECTIVE 4: ability of an event occurring and the of ground-water movement, and the of the probability of an exposure occur- Why Geologists Should consequences if that event were to occur degree of geochemical retardation ring and the consequences if that expo- Care about the Ward Valley (R = P x C). The risk of death to an indi- imposed by the geologic media. The sure were to occur, and (2) that the Low-Level Radioactive Waste vidual as a result of a crash of a sched- configuration and composition of the probability of radiation exposure to Disposal Site uled airline flight is very low because geologic units, the distribution of het- humans depends upon the release William W. Otterson, Director, University the probability of a crash is very low, erogeneities within them, the presence and transport processes and pathways. of California, San Diego CONNECT; even though the consequences are a of fractures or faults, and the hydraulic Probability is a key element in risk, and Spokesperson, National Association of likely fatality if that were to happen. potentials present in the geologic set- the geoscientist is concerned with the Cancer Patients; Member, Southwest The acceptability of risk is a matter for ting dictate the pathways, flow rates, probability aspect of risk because trans- Compact Low-Level Radioactive Waste the individual, or in societal issues, for and geochemical interactions that port in the subsurface of any released Commission the public, to decide. In order to make determine transport times—and thus radionuclides dictates the probability Some geologists are contributing reasoned decisions, however, it’s impor- the probability of exposure. Characteriza- of exposure. to a serious threat to medical research tant to understand this basic concept tion of the subsurface, involving the We also need to communicate to and treatment. They are doing this by of risk—that risk involves more than determination and evaluation of these the public that science is an approxima- raising speculative objections to the just the possible (health) consequences. controlling factors, and the analysis of tion of reality at any given point in time, State of California’s decision to license The other key element in risk concerns ground-water flow and transport is, of subject to constant revision. Areas of a disposal site for low-level radioactive probability. Who evaluates these two course, the purview of the geoscien- uncertainty are always likely to be pres- waste in Ward Valley. Opponents of aspects is important. tist—indeed, these activities would ent, but one can place limits on those nuclear power, who believe that nu- If a human organ is exposed to a involve several subdisciplines of the areas—and thus “bound the problem.” clear power can be ended if utilities significant or sufficient dose of radia- geosciences. By emphasizing these key points, the have no place to dispose of radioactive tion, the consequences could be very debate for low-level waste issues can be wastes, have used this geological specu- serious. However, the risk to the indi- THE SOLUTION?! focused on relevant aspects. lation in court, in the political arena, vidual is high only if there is reason- Study after study has shown that It’s not popular to talk about and in the media, to bring a halt to the able probability of that exposure occur- people resent most strongly those risks, economics when talking about health 14-year process of properly locating a ring. The consequences of a radiation real or imagined, that have been thrust risks, but one has to be realistic with low-level radioactive waste disposal exposure are clearly a matter for the upon them; they are far more tolerant regard to expectations. There are trade- site. Why will the failure to open the medical community to evaluate. of risks that they assume voluntarily. offs, and these must be addressed. Ward Valley site in a timely fashion For exposures related to the dis- Moreover, their attitudes are based Everyone would prefer “zero risk,” damage medical research and therapy? posal of low-level radwaste, the proba- on what they read or see in the but that simply is not feasible. What should geologists do about it? bility of exposure is a function of both media, rather than on experience. Attempting to achieve zero risk Radioimmunoassay, autoradiogra- release from containment and trans- Unfortunately, most media coverage would lead to bankruptcy. A more phy, and other methods that use radio- port from the disposal site following of risk is not about “hazard,” but about constructive approach is to present isotopes are among medical research- a release. The probability of release is “outrage.” The media are in the “out- various alternatives along with a dependent on the nature of contain- rage” business—about people and cost/benefit analysis that shows the Forum continued on p. 104

GSA TODAY, May 1995 99 work of the Institute of Environmental newable resources), an ability for future Geosphere Alliance Committee Seeks Education, the “act locally” arm, and generations to make wise choices for Input and Action from GSA Members the Committee on Geology and Public themselves. Perhaps this is the practical Policy, which acts at the legislative sense of sustainability—not in growth, level. Bill Fyfe resigned as chairman but in choices. last fall, and the GSA Council asked To be able to make wise choices INTRODUCTION is reasonable that this knowledge and me to be the interim chairman. We requires that some material base be David A. Stephenson, GSA President understanding can be of fundamental are looking at our task anew, with no in place. What is a minimum base for value in anticipating future conditions holds barred. such sustainability to be possible? Over the past year, GSA has discov- and participating in decisions regarding Fortuitously, GSA was invited to We all can give examples of materials: ered that its outreach endeavors (and use of global resources. participate in a multisociety conference water, minerals, fossil fuels, forests, similar endeavors by other scientific in January of this year, jointly con- ecological niches, and lifeforms. As organizations) have not been effective MESSAGE TO GSA MEMBERS vened by the American Academy of an example, soil, essential for agricul- in educating one very vital element of E-an Zen, Interim Chairman, Arts and Sciences and by the Union of ture, is being depleted at an estimated the public—state and federal legislators. Geosphere Alliance Committee Concerned Scientists, on the subjects rate of 0.7% per year, which comes to In the past six months, the geological of identifying critical issues that face a loss of about 30% of the world’s total profession has been the target of un- With the world population esti- the world and defining how and what soil bank in considerably less than a precedented scrutiny—more so than mated to grow from the current 5.9 professional scientific societies can do century’s time. If that prospect is any of the other sciences. The value of billion to 12 billion by 2150 (median to make a difference. President David unacceptable, what can we do to geology to society has been questioned projection by the World Bank and the Stephenson asked me to accompany arrest the disaster? at all governmental levels, but espe- Population Council) and with concur- him on behalf of GSA, but at the last There is a tremendous disparity cially by the U.S. Congress. Of issue rent increasing per capita resource con- moment he had to cancel. As it turned between our own per capita resource is not just funding for geological re- sumption, what will this world be like out, I was the only geologist at the consumption and environmental pol- search, but the existence of selected in another 100 years? Is there anything meeting because the delegate from lution and those in the developing geological agencies and the recognition we as responsible human beings can do AGU was also unable to attend. nations. If just the four most populous of geologists (vs. engineers) as the ap- to ensure that it will remain a viable The composition of the meeting nations (excluding the United States) propriate authorities in soil and habitat for living forms, including our was a good cross section of the profes- as of 1989, China, India, Indonesia, ground-water contamination issues. great-grandchildren? sional scientific societies. Two days of and Brazil, attain a standard of living The response by our colleagues to A group of thoughtful and con- spirited and open discussion concluded one-fourth that of the United States in this dilemma has been effective. As a cerned people, mainly social scientists, with the consensus that, yes, the over- 1989, then, according to the indices I result, some of the intranational crisis have been exploring the concept of arching problems of world population chose for comparison (see Zen, 1993, has been somewhat alleviated. Simulta- “sustainable growth [or development]” growth, resource consumption, and based on data compiled by the World neously, however, the geological com- (defined with delicious ambiguity as environmental rescue do demand the Resources Institute, 1992), the global munity is being alerted, in the article “[meeting] the needs and aspirations active involvement of the scientific loads in terms of resource demands below by past GSA President E-an Zen, of the present without compromising groups; yes, there are signs of progress and environmental degradation would that we should increase our focus on the ability to meet those of the future”; and hope amidst all the doom and be tripled even if world population mirac- global activities, especially as related to World Commission on Environment gloom, but we as scientists must do ulously halted at the 1989 level (Table 1). the interface between the scientific and Development, 1987, p. 40) as the better to search out the opportunities Can Earth handle this burden? What communities and nonscientific issues. goal toward which human societies and act on them in the best pro bono do we, as earth scientists, have to con- Zen describes the results of a recent ought to strive. This concept has not sense; and yes, we need to improve our tribute toward changing this projec- interdisciplinary meeting organized received much in-depth examination mutual communication and collabora- tion, which is for a time not all that by the American Academy of Arts and by physical scientists; some dismissed it tion, as well as to involve other disci- far into the future? Sciences and the Union of Concerned offhand as an oxymoron. But dismissal plines and decision and opinion mak- Should we advocate that certain Scientists. This meeting was called for is not an alternative solution to this ers in future gatherings of this kind. accessible resources be deliberately set the purpose of airing concerns over urgent problem; serious discussion is This conference was most timely, aside as economic preserves for the critical issues facing our common called for. What elements within the because its purpose coincided precisely future, even as we set aside public future as inhabitants of this planet. general concept of sustainability are with that of our Geosphere Alliance lands for that purpose? If so, what Topics discussed ranged from atmo- essential for the future of the world as Committee. Encouraged by the consen- and how much must we give up for spheric issues (climatic changes, ozone a habitat? What alternative plan of sus of the January conference, I am our own consumption in the interest depletion) to socioeconomic issues action can we propose, if “sustainable asking the Council to allow us to of future needs? How can we do so (population growth and its impact growth” is just the Holy Grail—more change our name to “Critical Issues with equity; can a formula be devised on waning resources). an ideal than a credible program for Committee,” both to bring the name and agreed upon by the world commu- Zen, speaking for GSA’s Geosphere action? What can we, as geologists into line with the other groups and to nity? The Laws of the Sea Regime, the Alliance Committee, suggests that for trained to know Earth resources and bring our purpose into clearer focus. Montreal Convention, and the Rio geologists to become involved with to understand the responses of Earth I ask for your input on the endeav- Treaty give hope that many of our global issues is not simply an opportu- to human intervention, contribute to ors of this committee. What sort of political leaders can and will face the nity but a civic and professional this discussion? activity is most important for us to reality and take creative steps, but they responsibility. His call to “think glob- During GSA’s 1990 awards cere- undertake? Who should be invited, need support and help from the scien- ally” is an urging of GSA’s membership mony in Dallas, both Penrose Medalist now or at a later stage, to be members tific community. How can we work to participate in any and all situations Norman Newell and Day Medalist Bill of the committee? within a network of other professional involving the earth and its resources. Fyfe, when they accepted their awards, Let me share with you briefly and academic communities, world- Future discussions by various GSA out- spoke urgently about our collective my own thoughts along these lines. wide, to accomplish our common goal? reach participants will explore what we responsibility to preserve Earth as a I think the committee would profit Geologists have an opportunity here, as a Society and as individuals can do habitat for future generations, to con- by including a few representatives perhaps not to be repeated if we don’t to interface with interdisciplinary, tain runaway population growth, and from fields that our deliberations take up the challenge soon. intranational, and international to strive for equity between the “haves” impinge upon—ecology and eco- Let the committee hear from you. thinkers and doers. and “have-nots” of the world societies. nomics, for example—so as to both In the past, calls for comments in Their comments hit a responsive chord; broaden our perspective and promote REFERENCES CITED this publication have produced an my first action as GSA president was to synergism. I propose that we empha- underwhelming response. Perhaps call upon a small group of our mem- World commission on Environment and Develop- size our responsibilities as global citi- something in E-an Zen’s message will bers to explore what GSA can do about ment (G. H. Brundtland, chairman), 1987, Our zens, both in terms of equity between common future: Oxford, United Kingdom, Oxford encourage many of you to contact Zen, these enormous interrelated challenges. the developing nations and the devel- University Press, 400 p. Executive Director Don Davidson, or Bill Fyfe was the chairman of this Geo- oped nations and in terms of shielding World Resources Institute, 1992, World resources, me (care of GSA headquarters). Let us sphere Alliance Committee; other to some extent our descendants from 1992–1993: New York, Oxford University Press, know (1) if you support GSA’s outreach members were Fred Donath, Bill Fisher, 385 p. having to face a world depleted in nat- activities, and if so (2) what issue(s) Bob Hatcher, Sue Kieffer, and Ray Price. ural resources. We must, in short, do Zen, E-an, 1993, The citizen-geologist: GSA Today, should be targeted. As geologists, we Later, Gordon Gastil, Digby McLaren, v. 3, p. 2–3. ■ our part in preserving future options have been trained to evaluate Earth and I were added. This committee is to (one of the less tangible but real nonre- and its past and present condition. It “think globally” and complement the

TABLE 1. COMPARISON OF CONSUMPTION OF INDEX RESOURCES AND GENERATION OF INDEX POLLUTANTS BY ONE DEVELOPED AND FOUR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES, AND A POSSIBLE PROJECTION United States (A) China India, Brazil, Indonesia pop. 249 × 106 0.25 U.S. pop., 1139 × 106 (B) pop. 1187 × 106 (C) Total Per capita per capita Total Per capita A × B Total Per capita C × A Commercial energy 73,370 × 1015 295 × 109 73.75 × 109 26,156 × 1015 23 × 109 84,000 × 1015 12,426 × 1015 10 × 109 87,541 × 1015 consumption (joules) Aluminum (tons) 4352 × 103 17.5 × 10-3 4.375 × 10-3 650 × 103 0.57 × 10-3 4983 × 103 n.d. n.d. 5193 × 103 Copper (tons) 2143 × 103 8.61 × 10-3 2.153 × 10-3 512 × 103 0.45 × 10-3 2452 × 103 n.d. n.d. 2556 × 103 Crude steel (tons) 102.351 × 106 0.411 0.1028 69.504 × 106 0.061 117 × 106 n.d. n.d. 122 × 106 6 6 6 6 6 Industrial CO2 (tons) 4869 × 10 19.7 4.925 2389 × 10 2.2 5610 × 10 997 × 10 0.84 5846 × 10 Anthropogenic methane (tons) 37 × 106 0.15 0.0375 40 × 106 0.04 43 × 106 51 × 106 0.04 46 × 106 CFCs (tons) 130 × 103 523 × 10-6 131 × 10-6 120 × 103 11 × 10-6 149 × 103 110 × 103 9 × 10-6 155 × 103 Note: Population, consumption, and pollution production figures are for 1989. Source of data: World Resources Institute (1992), from Tables 16-1, 21-2, 21-5, 24-1, and 24-2; n.d. indicates no data from that publication.

100 GSA TODAY, May 1995 GSAF UPDATE Robert L. Fuchs

IEE to Benefit from Kennecott Five-year Grant

Kennecott Corporation, a major of his judgment and ability. R. A. F. ing companies. Through Kennecott Other company-wide environmental natural resource company, has awarded Penrose, subsequent GSA president Minerals Company, Kennecott owns operations include projects that reduce a grant of $40,000 per year for five years and major benefactor, provided the and operates several major mineral- dust and emissions, eliminate threats to GSA’s Second Century Fund for technical project review for the producing properties—Barneys Canyon to ground-water quality, and reclaim Earth • Education • Environment. investors, and upon his favorable gold mine in Utah, Flambeau copper and revegetate disturbed areas at This leadership grant will be applied recommendation, the group formed mine in Wisconsin, Greens Creek mined properties. to the activities of the Institute for Utah Copper Company, forerunner of silver mine on Alaska’s Admiralty This focus on environmental Environmental Education. today’s Kennecott Corporation. Island, Rawhide gold and silver mine improvement lies behind Kennecott’s Kennecott originated in Alaska A few sidelights of this start-up in Nevada, and Ridgeway gold mine decision to support IEE. In notifying more than 80 years ago. At about venture are worth noting here. R. A. F. in South Carolina. Kennecott Energy GSA of the grant, Tom Patton, the that time, another mining company Penrose was asked by the group to Company is one of the ten largest coal company’s Senior Vice President of was formed that was subsequently be the company’s first president. He producers in the United States, with Exploration, said, “The programs acquired by Kennecott and is today declined, saying he “did not want to four large mines in the Powder River underway and envisioned for IEE the heart of Kennecott’s North Ameri- be tied down too much,” so MacNeill Basin, and Colowyo mine in northern dovetail with Kennecott’s continuing can operations. In 1903 a young metal- was elected president, Spencer Penrose Colorado. The Green Mountain ura- concentration on environmental lurgist named Daniel C. Jackling, a secretary/treasurer, and Jackling general nium mine in Wyoming is currently enhancement. GSA’s ability to provide graduate of the Missouri School of manager. Tutt was slated to be vice being developed. Kennecott Explo- sound science and to act as a learning Mines, proposed to a group consisting president, but he withdrew from this ration Company has offices in five and information resource for both sci- of Charles M. MacNeill, Charles L. then-speculative venture within about cities in the United States, Canada, entists and the public are important to Tutt, Sr., Spencer Penrose, and a year, selling his stock to Spencer. and Mexico. This subsidiary has clear, well-thought-out environmental Spencer’s brother R. A. F. Penrose, Jr., However, Spencer Penrose and the brought six new mines on line in decisions and actions.” a business venture to develop a copper Tutt family remained very close over the past five years. Paul Bailly, former GSA president porphyry deposit located 18 miles the years in business and philanthropic Kennecott maintains an intense and industry vice-chair of the Second southwest of Salt Lake City. The loca- dealings. Today’s president of El Pomar dedication to environmental work in Century Fund Committee, stated, tion was the Bingham mining district, Foundation in Colorado Springs, which conjunction with all its operations. “Kennecott’s decision to make this from which copper ore was first was formed by Spencer Penrose and This dedication is demonstrated in grant gives GSA a good start on long- shipped in December 1896 and contains his estate, is R. Thayer Tutt, Jr., the construction of major new facilities term financing for IEE, and allows the which was ultimately to become the great-grandson of Charles L. Tutt, Sr. such as the Utah Copper smelter, which Society to begin to plan ahead with single most productive copper mine in El Pomar is another leading contributor captures 99.9% of sulfur emissions, respect to program expenditures for history. Jackling had been a consulting to GSA’s Second Century Fund. reduces water usage by a factor of four, staffing and nationwide activities.” ■ engineer for MacNeill and Spencer Pen- From beginnings at the Bingham and requires only 25% of the natural rose in Colorado’s Cripple Creek dis- Canyon mine, Kennecott has grown to gas and electrical power formerly trict, so the partners were well aware become a leader among American min- used per ton of copper produced.

Pooled Income Fund Challenge Announced

Two current participants in the factors and spouses receive income for year. The net asset value of the fund An investment in the Pooled GSA Foundation Pooled Income Fund life. Upon the survivor’s death, his or declined 8.1% as interest rates rose Income Fund brings with it tax will make additional contributions to her portion of the fund becomes part throughout the year, a result widely attributes in the form of current year the fund on a challenge basis as new of the Foundation’s endowment, and experienced by fixed income investors. tax deduction and capital gains tax investments are made by other GSA the income is then used in support of The good side of these rising interest avoidance on appreciated securities. members. Larry Sloss and Bill Heroy GSA programs and activities. The rates is higher fund earnings, and by The result can be an effective return have advised the Foundation that they appeal of the fund to retired members the last quarter of 1994 the annualized to the donor on the net after-tax gift will add $1 to their fund holdings for such as Larry Sloss and Bill Heroy is the cash return was in excess of 7%. as much as 40% higher than the cur- each $2 of new funds. Both the new ability to dedicate financial assets to At the end of 1994, the fund’s net rent earnings of the fund. If you would contributions and the challenge money the Society while retaining the income asset value was $223,902, 4.3% higher like to learn more about this estate and will be considered as Second Century during retirement. than the 1993 value. The fund’s hold- retirement planning method, please Fund gifts. The GSA Foundation Pooled ings included Warburg Pincus Fixed send us the accompanying coupon, The Pooled Income Fund is a Income Fund generated a cash return Income and Global Fixed Income or call the Foundation office— deferred gift mutual fund for GSA of 6.0% in 1994, which was down Funds, Steinroe Income Fund, and (303) 447-2020, ext. 154. ■ members and friends, whereby bene- 0.3% from the earnings of the prior corporate bonds.

Donors to the Foundation—February 1995 GSA Foundation Claude C. Albritton, Jr. Fund GEOSTAR Unrestricted— 3300 Penrose Place Grover E. and Sally Murray John W. Goodge* GSA Foundation P.O. Box 9140 (in memoryof Robert E. Bates, Robert Frank Hudson Ryo Anma Boulder, CO 80301 Ronald Kinnison Deford, Heinz James W. Knox Remi Charbonneau Lowenstam, Charles Vernon John R. Sumner* Cesar I. Delgado (303) 447-2020 Theis, and William Herbert Michael R. Fisher J. Hoover Mackin Award Yoho) Phillip Lee Garbutt James G. Moore R. A. Gees* Cady Award Antoinette Lierman Medlin Melvin J. Hill* Richard D. Harvey Enclosed is my contribution in the amount of $______for: Scholarship Alan D. Hoagland Allan V. Cox Freeport-McMoRan* Marcus G. Langseth Foundation Unrestricted Student Research Timothy D. Lentz Research Fund GSA Unrestricted Philip H. Abelson Dag Nummedal Ronald B. Cole Karen L. Prestegaard Doris M. Curtis Memorial Donald W. Curran Michael J. Retelle Please add my name to the Century Plus Roster (gifts of $150 or more). Grover E. and Sally Murray Allen H. Fetter Takayuki Sakamoto (in memory of Robert E. Bates, Allen F. Glazner David B. Slemmons Retirement Income will be important to me. Please send me information about: Ronald Kinnison Deford, Heinz Judith L. Hannah Richard J. Stewart Lowenstam, Charles Vernon James C. Ingle, Jr. GSA Foundation Pooled Income Fund William E. Wertz Theis, and William Herbert Karen L. Prestegaard Establishing a charitable remainder trust Yoho) Hitoshi Sakai* Unrestricted—GSA Richard R. Weihe Louis DeGoes Charitable gift annuities from the Foundation John T. Dillon Owen D. Evans Alaska Research Fund SAGE Elmer D. Patterson ARCO* ARCO* Lloyd W. Staples PLEASE PRINT Lois J. Campbell Shirley J. Dreiss Memorial Savilla S. Stokas John R. Carpenter Suzanne P. Anderson (in memory of Martin Stout) Berry Sutherland Noe Lozano G. Frederick Warn Name ______Second Century Fund A. L. Washburn John C. Frye Kennecott Corporation* Environmental Award Women in Science Address ______Richard D. Harvey Marcia E. Knadle Grover E. and Sally Murray (in memory of Robert E. Bates, City/State/ZIP ______Ronald Kinnison Deford, Heinz Lowenstam, Charles Vernon Theis, and Phone ______William Herbert Yoho) *Century Plus Roster (gifts of $150 or more).

GSA TODAY, May 1995 101 Department of Geology, Vanderbilt CALL FOR GSA COMMITTEE SERVICE—1996 University, Box 6001, Station B, Nashville, TN 37235, (615) 322-3528; Joaquin Ruiz, Department of Geo- The GSA Committee on Commit- Society and that they meet fully the thus completing the process of bring- sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, tees wants your help. The committee requested qualifications. ing new expertise into Society affairs. AZ 85721, (602) 621-2365. is looking for potential candidates to serve on committees of the Society or Volunteering or making Committee on Committees Continuing Education (2 vacancies) as GSA representatives to other organi- a recommendation Will direct, advise, and monitor The 1995 committee consists of the zations. You can help by volunteering the Society’s continuing education All nominations received at head- following people: Chair Priscilla C. yourself or suggesting the names of program, review and approve propos- quarters by July 15, 1995, on the offi- Grew, 302 Administration Building, others you think should be considered als, recommend and implement guide- cial one-page form will be forwarded to University of Nebraska—Lincoln, Lin- for any of the openings and submitting line changes, and monitor the scien- the Committee on Committees. Council coln, NE 68588-0433, (402) 472-3123; your nomination on the form below. tific quality of courses offered. requires that the form be complete. Infor- Christopher R. Barnes, Centre of Younger members are especially Committee members should be mation requested on the form will Earth and Ocean Research, University encouraged to become involved familiar with continuing education assist the committee members with of Victoria, P.O. Box 1700, Victoria, in Society activities. programs or have adult education their recommendations for the 1996 British Columbia, Canada V8W 2Y2, Listed here are the number of teaching experience. committee vacancies. Please use one (604) 721-8847; Mark T. Brandon, vacancies and a brief summary of what form per candidate (additional forms Department of Geology and Geophys- Day Medal (2 vacancies) each committee does and what qualifi- may be copied). The committee will ics, Yale University, P.O. Box 208190, Selects candidates for the Arthur L. cations are desirable. If you volunteer present at least two nominations for New Haven, CT 06520-8190, (203) Day Medal. Committee members or make recommendations, please give each open position to the Council at 432-3135; Robert A. Matthews, should have knowledge of those who serious consideration to the special its November 7, 1995, meeting in New Department of Geology, University have made “distinct contributions to qualifications for serving on a particu- Orleans, Louisiana. Appointees will of California—Davis, Davis, CA 95616, geologic knowledge through the appli- lar committee. Please be sure that your then be contacted and asked to serve, (916) 752-0179; Molly Fritz Miller, cation of physics and chemistry to the candidates are Members or Fellows of the solution of geologic problems.” Education (3 vacancies— 2 members-at-large, 1 elementary teacher) Stimulates interest in the impor- NOMINATION FOR GSA COMMITTEES FOR 1996 tance and acquisition of basic knowl- edge in the earth sciences at all levels of education. Committee members work with (One form per candidate, please. other interested scientific organizations Additional forms may be copied.) Name of candidate ______and science teachers’ groups to develop precollege earth-science education ob- (Please print) Address ______jectives and initiatives. The committee also promotes the importance of earth- ______science education to the general public. Phone ( ) ______Geology and Public Policy (3 vacancies) Translates knowledge of the earth COMMITTEE(S) BEING VOLUNTEERED OR NOMINATED FOR (please check): sciences into forms most useful for public discussion and decision making. Committee(s): Committee members should have experience in public-policy issues in- Comment on special qualifications: volving the science of geology. They should also be able to develop, dissem- inate, and translate information from the geological sciences into useful forms for the general public and for the Society membership; they should be familiar with appropriate techniques for the dissemination of information. Honorary Fellows (2 vacancies) Selects candidates for Honorary Fellows, usually non–North Americans. GSA Fellow Section affiliation: Committee members should have GSA Member Division affiliation(s): knowledge of geologists throughout the world who have distinguished Brief summary of education: themselves through their contributions to the science. Membership (2 vacancies) Evaluates membership benefits and develops recommendations that Brief summary of work experience (include scientific discipline, principal employer—mining industry, academic, USGS, etc.): address the changing needs of the membership and attract new members. Committee members must be GSA Fellows and must be able to attend one meeting a year. Previous experience in benefit, recruitment, and retention programs is desired. Minorities and Women in the Geosciences (4 vacancies) Stimulates recruitment and promotes positive career development of minorities and women in the geo- science professions. If you are VOLUNTEERING to serve GSA, please give the names of 2 If you are NOMINATING SOMEONE other than yourself to serve GSA, Committee members should be referees/references (please print): please give your name, address, and phone number (please print): familiar with minority and female edu- cation and employment issues and Name: ______Name: ______have expertise and leadership in such areas as human resources and educa- Phone: ( ) ______Address: ______tion. Membership shall include repre- sentation of minorities and women Name: ______and representatives from government, industry, and academia. Phone: ( ) ______Phone: ( ) ______Nominations (5 vacancies; one to be a DEADLINE: Please return this form to headquarters by July 15, 1995. Form must be complete to be considered. member from Canada or Mexico) Mail to GSA Executive Director, P.O. Box 9140, Boulder, CO 80301. Recommends to the Council nomi-

Committees continued on p. 103

102 GSA TODAY, May 1995 Committees continued from p. 102 LETTER FROM WASHINGTON nees for the positions of GSA officers and councilors. Forest Health Policy: Committee members should be familiar with a broad range of well- What Role for Earth Scientists? known and highly respected geological scientists. Jill S. Schneiderman, GSA Congressional Science Fellow Penrose Conferences (2 vacancies) Reviews and approves Penrose Early in the first session of the appreciate that ecosystems comprise Conference proposals; recommends 104th Congress, Senator Larry Craig physical and organic structures, geolog- and implements guidelines for the (R—ID) introduced the Federal Lands ical, biological, and chemical processes, ages; dynamics of detritus; patterns success of the conferences. Act Forest Health Amendments of and organisms, including humans, and rates of decomposition; and distur- Committee members must either 1995. The goal of the bill is to promote that interact to sustain life in discrete, bance regimes in forest landscapes. be past conveners or have attended forest health by harvesting stands of although not isolated, communities. At the same time Congress calls for two or more Penrose Conferences. dead and dying trees in the national Knowledge about the duration of geo- greater amounts of “salvage” timber Penrose Medal (1 vacancy) forests. This is an admirable objective logic time and the history of life, could to be harvested, it must safeguard valu- Selects candidates for the Penrose and necessary. Throughout the coun- foster an awareness among decision able USFS research programs like LTER. Medal. try, and particularly in the intermoun- makers that the long-term health and It is unlikely, however, that senators Committee members should be tain west, forests are ill. Stands of dead sustainability of ecosystems is pro- and representatives who do not under- familiar with outstanding achieve- and dying trees, the result of persistent foundly affected by human activities. stand the definition of an ecosystem ments in the geological community drought, disease, insect infestation, and It is unfortunate that, currently, many will be easily convinced of the value that are worthy of consideration for the past mismanagement, pose serious risks environmental and natural resource of such research. honor. Emphasis is placed on “eminent of fire. We rely on our national forests policy decisions are made without the It is fortunate that educators can research in pure geology which marks for a wide variety of activities, includ- benefit of this understanding of the teach their students the value of inter- a major advance in the science of ing wildlife conservation, recreation, natural world. disciplinary thinking and research. geology.” and timber harvesting. Earth scientists A recent National Research Coun- Courses such as that taught at Oregon can offer expertise that is necessary to cil report on a National Academy study State University on forest geomorphol- Publications (1 vacancy) maintaining those forests in the health- of forestry research found that “the ogy and landscapes can equip students Makes recommendations to the iest condition possible. existing level of knowledge about to become citizens who can educate Council concerning Society publications. Senator Craig’s bill is a reaction to forests is inadequate to develop sound members of their Congressional dele- Committee members should be the forest fires that in the summer of forest-management policies. Current gations. The objective of the Oregon familiar with a wide range of scientific 1994 burned thousands of acres of for- knowledge and patterns of research will course is to develop a geomorphic publications and especially GSA publi- est throughout the west and claimed not result in sufficiently accurate pre- foundation for landscape ecologic cations. Should also have some knowl- the lives of women and men of the dictions of the consequences of poten- thinking. Forest geomorphology deals edge of publication processes and costs U.S. Forest Service (USFS). However, the tially harmful influences on forests, with the interactions between geologi- and should have concern for the qual- issue of forest health is a complicated including forest-management practices cal and biological processes, the pat- ity of content and presentation of GSA one that involves important objectives that lack a sound basis in biological terns that influence them, and the publications. such as maintaining species habitat, and geological knowledge.” This is patterns they produce, both in forested Young Scientist Award preventing soil erosion, ensuring that because, historically , the USFS research hillslope patches and in stream net- (Donath Medal) (2 vacancies) insect infestations and diseases are program focused strongly on topics works. According to its instructors, a Selects candidates for the within a historic range of variability, related to commodity production and geomorphic perspective for the under- Donath Medal. safeguarding stream quality, and pro- effects of management practices under- standing of landscape and ecosystem Committee to have members tecting the overall long-term sustain- taken for commodity production. This dynamics, including land use and cli- covering a broad range of disciplines— ability of forest ecosystems. Though was in keeping with the general mate change, will result in understand- geophysics, economic geology, stratig- Senator Craig’s bill provides a frame- approach to resource management. ing of the spatial and temporal variabil- raphy, etc. work for addressing some of these Exceptions to the commodity ity of patterns and processes, and how Committee members should issues, concerns have been raised that production approach began in the they change with increasing scale from have knowledge of young scientists the legislation would provide overly 1970s, with interdisciplinary ecosystem hillslopes to regions. with “outstanding achievement(s) in broad discretion to the federal agencies research programs developed through Earth scientists, with our knowl- contributing to geologic knowledge and inadequately provide opportunities USFS–university partnerships at a num- edge of Earth as a system of interacting through original research which marks for deliberation and analysis by the ber of experimental forests around the reservoirs, can appreciate the value of a major advance in the earth sciences.” public. Hearings were held on the bill country. These ecosystem research ecosystem approaches to our natural in February in the Energy and Natural programs have grown in scope and world. For example, the USGS is at the Joint Technical Program Commit- Resource Committee and will be importance. Results of this ecosystem forefront among several federal agen- tee GSA Representatives-at-Large marked up in the coming weeks. research and the development of new cies with its critical ecosystem projects (3 vacancies) The forest health problem in this management approaches by researcher- in San Francisco Bay and the Florida Supervises the review of abstracts country developed over the course of manager teams at these sites have con- Everglades. As stated in the NRC report, for papers to be presented at the GSA many years and thus should be dealt tributed to development of ecosystem such approaches acknowledge “the annual meeting. with in a deliberate manner. Solutions management. need for fundamental change in how Representatives-at-large should be must emerge from sound scientific Leading ecosystem research sites public lands are managed, the social specialists in computers, Precambrian bases of understanding about forest have been developed through coopera- and biogeochemical consequences of geology, or paleoceanography- ecosystems and not solely from eco- tion of the USFS with other agencies, not changing, and the necessity for paleoclimatology, and must be able nomic motivations. At a forum for notably the National Science Founda- broad public understanding that their to attend a meeting in August. These presidents and executive directors of tion. A primary example is the Long- expectations cannot exceed the capac- subdisciplines are not represented by earth science societies at the National Term Ecological Research (LTER) pro- ity of the ecosystem to meet them.” any of the associated societies or GSA Academy of Sciences in November gram, funded by NSF with substantial Earth scientists can add this much- divisions. 1994, U.S. Geological Survey Director involvement of the USFS, which with needed perspective to the forest health GSA Representative to the North Gordon Eaton asserted that our envi- an initial set of six sites selected in debate. ■ American Commission on Strati- ronmental responsibilities “require 1980 conducts research on long-term graphic Nomenclature (1 vacancy) a much better understanding of the ecological phenomena in the United Jill S. Schneiderman, 1994–1995 GSA Congres- Must be familiar with and have complex interrelationships among States. The present total of 18 sites sional Science Fellow, is serving on the staff of expertise in stratigraphic nomenclature. components of the biosphere, the represents a broad array of ecosystems, Senator Thomas Daschle (S. Dak.). Schneider- man may be contacted at (202) 224-2321. The atmosphere, the hydrosphere, human including forests, and research one-year fellowship is supported by GSA and by Council acknowledges with thanks activities, and the land around us.” emphases encompass earth science. the U.S. Geological Survey, Department of the the many member-volunteers who, This sage advice applies to the forest Research topics in the forest ecosystems Interior, under Assistance Award No. 1434-94- over the years, have stimulated growth health problem. include: forest-stream interactions; G-2509. The views and conclusions contained successional processes associated with in this document are those of the author and and change through their involvement Ecosystem management, a broad should not be interpreted as necessarily repre- in the affairs of the Society. approach to managing the nation’s wildfire and floodplains; riparian zones senting the official policies, either expressed or Each year GSA asks for volunteers lands and natural resources over time, as regulators of terrestrial-aquatic link- implied, of the U.S. government. to serve on committees, and many should, I believe, be the philosophy highly qualified candidates express with which we approach a solution to their willingness to serve. Not every- Is your department interested in innovative ways of teaching geology one can be appointed to the limited the forest health problem. Since my and structuring curricula, but you don’t know where to start ??? number of vacancies; however, mem- arrival on Capitol Hill I have heard a bers are reminded that there are also number of Senators scoff at the word Host a Distinguished Speaker from the National opportunities to serve in the activities “ecosystem” at more than one hearing Association of Geology Teachers for a workshop on and initiatives of the sections and dealing with management of federal divisions. Annually, Council asks sec- lands. At numerous hearings, they have curricular reform or innovative teaching techniques. tions and divisions to convey the Barbara Tewksbury asked sarcastically whether the witness Info & funding names of potential candidates for Department of Geology, Hamilton College considers humans to be part of ecosys- applications committee service to the Committee Clinton, NY 13323 on Committees. The Southeastern tems. It seems to me that our public available from: (315) 859-4713, e-mail: [email protected] and South-Central Sections have dili- servants would benefit from greater gently responded to this call. knowledge about earth system science ➥ Deadline for applications for funding is July 15, 1995. and ecology. Policy makers need to

GSA TODAY, May 1995 103 The Gros Morne Declaration Some changes are sudden, catastrophic and newsworthy, but there is a back- Assessing Rapid Environmental Change ground of continual, small-scale change, the cumulative impact of which may be of even greater signifi- cance. All environmental change can- The following statement originated at mental changes, in which geological understanding of the causes and direc- not, therefore, be blamed on human the International Workshop on Geological processes and geoindicators play a piv- tions of environmental change. actions. Nevertheless, distinguishing Indicators of Rapid Environmental Change, otal role. This recognition is a require- The public and the scientific between natural and human-induced held July 11–17, 1994, in Corner Brook ment to achieving any kind of sustain- community must recognize coordi- change can be extremely difficult, as in and Gros Morne National Park, Newfound- able development. nated, long-term environmental the current debate on climate change. land, Canada. It is reprinted from Episodes, monitoring as a mission of fundamen- In the case of some environmental no. 1 and 2, 1994. We emphasize that: tal importance. The results provide the changes, human influences may be data necessary to assess the effects of inconsequential, as in volcanic erup- Change is an inevitable aspect of Preamble environmental policies, legislation and tions and deep-focus earthquakes. our dynamic world. So that both natu- management practices. Policy-makers, In others, it may not be possible to We, earth scientists from many ral and human-induced environmental planners and the public must be separate natural from anthropogenic nations, peoples and cultures, speaking change can be recognized, accommo- informed of the benefits of environ- causes, as for example in the switching through the Commission on Geologi- dated and managed, it is necessary to mental monitoring and the costs of of river channels, coastal erosion, cal Sciences for Environmental Plan- monitor a wide range of Earth-surface not doing so. landsliding and the encroachment of ning of the International Union of processes, both biotic and abiotic. Geo- deserts. It is also important to recognize Geological Sciences, urge that govern- logical records of past environmental Rationale that many changes, such as the con- ments and other responsible authori- changes provide a major key to under- tamination of groundwater, permafrost ties recognize the fundamental impor- standing on-going processes and to Natural and human-induced melting, desertification, and the degra- tance of understanding natural (see anticipating the future. environmental change dation of soils, may be irreversible over Note) and human-induced environ- It is essential to ensure that Nature is complex and unstable. time scales of importance to society. long-term datasets are systematically Change is the rule, not the exception, Some changing environments collected and preserved, modifying and surprises are common. Natural reflect global trends, but it is important Note: While recognizing that concepts of procedures to take into account new systems rarely remain for long in ‘nature’ and ‘natural’ are linked with cultural not to generalize all local and regional values, this statement uses the terms to indicate issues and techniques. Applied and equilibrium. They adjust continually environments uninfluenced by human activities, basic research, as well as routine study, to new conditions, for example in cli- i.e., nature as wilderness. are required to advance knowledge and mate, hydrological flow and sea level. Change continued on p. 105

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Both statements can be read as theory of organic evolution (it need between the scientific community and In the November 1994 GSA Today, saying science can prove things; both not be taken seriously because it is just society at large. It is not easy to get in book reviews on facing pages, are can be pointed to as supporting the a theory—unproven). It is important across to a lay audience that science the following: idea that there is such a thing as scien- to get across that theories are what cannot prove things—just saying it is “Though still not absolutely tific proof. science has to offer, and getting that not enough; going over examples of proven it is now conventional wisdom Statements such as, “There is no message across is going to be done what it would mean to be able to that a catastrophe did occur” (p. 280; scientific proof that …” are thrown (1) not by talking about the scientific prove something about the natural Euan G. Nisbet reviewing Understand- up constantly in public discourse as method but by saying at the start world can help—but few things would ing Catastrophe: Its Impact on Life on strong objection to a wide range of when addressing a lay audience that be more helpful in imparting some Earth). things, from the possibility of global science cannot prove things; (2) by understanding of the nature of the “In a deductive science such as warming as a result of combustion of not using in our own talking and writ- scientific effort. geology, one is driven to prove causal fossil fuels to the idea that uncon- ing any mention of proof and proving Dennis M. Hibbert relations from correlations” (p. 281, strained growth in the human pop- as applied to what science does. North Seattle Community College George D. Stanley, Jr., reviewing The ulation will result in pushing Earth GSA has recognized the impor- Seattle, WA 98103 Great Paleozoic Crisis). beyond its carrying capacity, to the tance of improving communication

Forum continued from p. 99 an oral Type II collagen. Laboratory magnitude. George Palade, Nobel laure- to disruption or cessation of medical and clinical research with collagen ate and Dean, Scientific Affairs, Univer- services and related scientific studies. ers’ most important tools. Consider uses radioisotopes. sity of California at San Diego Medical Vital AIDS and cancer research will be what is at stake. Many of you saw the Jim Conway has multiple sclerosis. School, says, “You cannot do modern directly impacted. Literally thousands photograph of a breast cancer patient On good days he uses crutches. Other medical research without using radio- of individual laboratories and hundreds after her radical mastectomy on the days he cannot leave his wheel chair. isotopes.” Kary Mullis, Nobel laureate of federal research grants will be cover of the New York Times Magazine Scientists are studying the treatment in chemistry, invented the polymerase adversely affected. on August 15, 1993. The present best of multiple sclerosis with beta and chain reaction (PCR), a crucial tool in But Barnwell, South Carolina, therapy for breast cancer is disfiguring gamma interferon. This research modern genetic research. Mullis says, the nation’s last available disposal surgery followed by an unpleasant uses radioisotopes. “PCR has proven very beneficial, but site, closed its gates on July 1, 1994, course of chemotherapy. A new phar- My hometown newspaper, the without radioisotopes to assist in clini- to outsiders. California is not alone. It maceutical, taxol, may be useful in San Diego Union-Tribune, recently ran cal trials, it is of little benefit.” Nobel is just the forerunner. New York, New both the treatment and prevention a feature story on Manny Kalogeris, laureate Roger Guillimin is now the Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, Min- of breast cancer. Researchers recently who as the result of diabetes and a sur- chief scientist of the Whittler Institute nesota, and Michigan have no solu- discovered the BRCA-1 breast cancer geon’s scalpel, lost his right leg. When for Diabetes and Endocrinology in La tion. That means Memorial Sloan-Ket- gene that may contribute to breast asked how he felt, he replied, “Life is a Jolla. He says, “There is simply no way tering, Merck, Pfizer, the National cancer’s being passed down from crap shoot. You never know how the we can do quality research in diabetes Institutes of Health, Massachusetts mother to daughter. In the future, it numbers are going to come up. All you without the use of radioisotopes.” General Hospital, Harvard, Mas- may be possible not only to diagnose can do is roll the dice.” Advances in California is at present without a sachusetts Institute of Technology, and this potential problem but, through medical research and the early detec- disposal facility for low-level radioac- the Mayo Clinic have no solution. gene therapy, to “reengineer” defective, tion of diabetes some day may allow tive waste generated by the more than With no site, generators store cancer-causing genes, eliminating a for lucky “rolls of the dice” to come 2250 licensed users of radioactive mate- waste where it was generated. Licensed genetic source of breast cancer. Both of up more often. rial. Users include Genentech Pharma- generators are legally storing radioac- these wonderful potential cures require I have had multiple myeloma ceuticals, Gensia Inc., IDEC Pharma- tive waste in parking lots, temporary years more of medical research that will for 15 years. I have had radiation treat- ceuticals, Stanford University, all of the facilities, loading docks, and base- generate low-level radioactive waste in ment. I still receive chemotherapy. University of California campuses, the ments. Soon they will begin reaching need of a safe place for disposal. I have taken alpha interferon three Salk Institute, and many other organi- physical and regulatory limits. In any Leslie Bernard-Thomas is 37 years days a week for four years. To develop zations making ground-breaking case, are more than 2000 storage loca- old. For the past 23 years, she has lived recombinant alpha interferon, re- progress in the fight against cancer, tions preferable to one scientifically with rheumatoid arthritis, a progres- searchers used radioactive phosphorus, AIDS, and other diseases that claim designed, controlled, and monitored sively degenerative, debilitating dis- iodine, and tritium. the lives of thousands of Americans facility away from habitation? ease. She has had surgery almost Why don’t researchers use some each year. Geologists are especially aware every year and has two artificial other, nonradioactive methods? Of Virtually all medical research is of the awesome destructive power elbow replacements and five joint course, they do when they can, but the dependent upon having continued of the recent Northridge earthquake. fusions. She has exhausted every exquisite sensitivity and generality of access to low-level radioactive waste One of the heavily damaged buildings form of conventional therapy and is radioisotope methods often make them disposal sites. Lack of storage capacity now in a phase-two clinical trial with the best techniques by many orders of by hospitals and universities will lead Forum continued on p. 105

104 GSA TODAY, May 1995 Change continued from p. 104 sure and body temperature as simple, inexpensive guides to human health. CALL FOR RECIPES changes to the global scale. All local Even if causes cannot be determined, increases in sea level, for example, we must be able to detect change and are not indicative of global rise. warn of dangerous conditions. Many monitoring tools and techniques Field Cooking Techniques The record of the past required to achieve these goals are All environments at the Earth’s surface already available. Open Symposium at result from or are affected by the inter- Geoindicators are measures of ’95 Annual Meeting action of climate, human and other magnitudes, frequencies, rates and biological activity, and geological pro- trends of geological processes and In recognition of New Orleans, a city famous cesses. Even if it is not now possible to phenomena occurring over periods of for its cuisine, GSA announces its first cooking predict environmental changes with 100 years or less, at or near the earth’s contest. Geoscientists have learned to adapt to confidence, data on the recent geologi- surface, that are subject to variations producing meals under less than ideal conditions cal past are fundamental to establishing of significance for understanding rapid trends and baselines, both of which are environmental change. Geoindicators in a variety of field situations. We are aware of essential for developing new models measure both catastrophic events and methods ranging from automotive techniques (also and concepts. Government, academic those more gradual but evident within known as radiator cookery) to the Davy Crockett institutions and industry must coop- a human lifespan. Some are complex living-off-the-land approach. Deer rifles, jeeps, and campfires will not be erate to provide the data needed to and costly, but many are relatively allowed in the convention center, so for this event we have chosen to limit validate and calibrate models and simple and inexpensive to apply. the contest to one common field situation: the problem of eating well when to identify change. Examples of useful geoindicators It is essential to continue past include 1) visual observations of beach only nonperishable food such as anything that will survive in a normal cli- efforts at environmental monitoring, profiles and vegetation characteristics, mate without refrigeration for one week or more is available—for example, to protect existing archives, to main- which permit rapid assessment of the canned and dried foods, plus other foods like onions, carrots, potatoes, etc. tain and preserve long-term datasets, current stability of beaches and coast- We are soliciting recipes in two forms: poster and oral. Poster format is and to create new databases, such as lines; 2) growth patterns of coral reefs, a recipe only (to be published in a cookbook). You are encouraged to make as on global permafrost. Long-term moni- which provide detailed information toring efforts (e.g. onstream sediment on changes in ocean temperature and many poster presentations as you please and need not follow the strict rules loads) are commonly abandoned as salinity, as well as discharge characteris- of the contest (e.g., we will allow strange cooking techniques, roadkill a result of short-term financial and tics of major river systems; and 3) seis- recipes, etc.). Oral format (limited to one per entry) is a recipe to be consid- administrative considerations. Irre- mic events and ground deformation, ered for judging and tasting at a cook-off competition held at the convention placeable information is also being lost which can be used to warn of impend- center and will be subject to a review by a cook-off committee. A select ing volcanic eruptions. It is possible to because monitoring programs are not group of about 10 entries will be chosen for a cookoff during the Annual in place. Long-term records, for exam- utilize certain highly responsive natural ple on tides, stream discharge and settings as ‘automated environmental Meeting. Prizes will be awarded for the top two entries. Entry cost is $7 water quality, CO2 and ozone in the recording stations’, whose records can and includes a copy of the cookbook. atmosphere, provide significant scien- be read for both current and long-term Your recipe(s) should be submitted on a Cook-Off Form tific and social benefits that were not changes. These include corals, cave by August 1, 1995. If you have questions, contact Terry Pavlis, University anticipated when existing programs deposits, water in the unsaturated of New Orleans, Dept. of Geology and Geophysics, 2000 Lakeshore Drive, were established. These examples zone, ground temperature conditions underscore the need to select appropri- in permafrost areas, tree rings and New Orleans, LA 70148; (504) 286-6797; ate indicators and begin monitoring lichens. E-mail: [email protected], or Kathy immediately so that baselines can be In searching for sustainability, Lynch, GSA headquarters, E-mail: established, and so that the links we cannot afford to ignore important [email protected]. between natural and human impacts environmental indicators and the on the environment can be assessed. minimum datasets required to assess changes in erosion, sea levels, river Indicators of rapid environmental change flow, water quality or other earth pro- In order to assess the state of any cesses that influence all eco-systems Contest Entry Form— environment, reliable indicators are and our own well-being. ■ needed, just as doctors use blood pres- Open Symposium on Field Cooking Techniques Author Name (cook) ______Institution/Affiliation ______

Forum continued from p. 104 wastes and the design of the facility Address ______itself depend particularly on the move- ______at the California State University at ment of water. Opponents of Ward Northridge contained low-level Valley would have us believe that geolo- Daytime Telephone ( ______) ______radioactive wastes. At Cedars Sinai gists cannot tell which way or how fast Fax ( ______) ______Hospital, in Beverly Hills, a newly water will move in the desert. In the constructed low-level radioactive public arena, geologists should act to E-mail address: ______waste storage room was in a parking protect their reputation. Allowing garage rendered unusable by the quake. judges to decide about matters of geol- Cost for Entry Submission/Author: $7 (includes a copy of the cookbook). Fortunately the storage room was not ogy will soon discredit the profession Payment by Check yet in use. of geology, as it has discredited the or Charge: MasterCard Visa American Express Suitable locations for low-level expert testimony of psychologists and Card # ______Expires ______radioactive waste facilities are found psychiatrists. The profession should act using state-of-the-art geological studies to inform the public and the courts that Recipe Titles Submitted (only one in oral presentation format): reviewed by credentialed experts in there is no serious disagreement among 1. ______open forums. In California, the process geologists as to the fundamentals of the Oral Poster (for cookbook) has been going on for more than ten science of hydrology and that the 2. ______years. These studies are often chal- choice of Ward Valley for California’s Poster (for cookbook) lenged in the media and in the courts. low-level radioactive waste site was 3. ______Neither of these venues are known for based upon those fundamentals. Poster (for cookbook) their value in scientifically based public Finally, as citizens, geologists should 4. ______decision making. The media publicize demand that their elected representa- Poster (for cookbook) potential risks without regard to proba- tives act decisively to protect medical 5. ______bilities and find balanced studies to be research and to get radioactive waste Poster (for cookbook) un-newsworthy. The courts, unable to out of our neighborhoods and into the distinguish solid scientific work from desert where it belongs. For more infor- Attach your camera-ready recipes on one 81⁄ × 11 in. sheet, single spaced. scientific speculation, become engines mation, you may contact the CALRAD 2 Type should be 12 point. We reserve the right to reject any recipe dealing of interminable delay. Forum at (510) 283-5210. ■ with illegal substances or potentially health threatening ingredients (e.g., Geologists can act on this matter roadkill older than several days will not be acceptable as “nonperishable on several fronts. Within the profes- ingredients”). Please enclose payment at time of submission. sion, they should act to clearly define that arena of basic knowledge upon MAIL TO: Kathy Lynch which public officials can confidently GSA Cook-off base their risk-management decisions. P.O. Box 9140 The choice of Ward Valley as a site for Boulder, CO 80301-9140 the storage of low-level radioactive

GSA TODAY, May 1995 105 BOOK REVIEWS

Fossil Horses: Systematics, Paleo- tainly not the first book to be written active region: the midocean ridge sys- ously, we tag along on their research biology, and Evolution of the about them (McFadden cites one esti- tem. Joseph Cone’s Fire Under the Sea is vessels, dive in cramped submersibles, Family Equidae. Bruce J. MacFadden. mate that more than 40,000 books a meticulously crafted and compelling and gaze in amazement at the dynamic Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, have been written about various description of the scientific and tech- and fertile environment of the hydro- UK, 1992, 381 p., $74.95. aspects of equids). So why another nological achievements gained during thermal vents. We begin to get a sense book on horses? The horse lineage has these multidisciplinary programs of of both their passion to explore and his book is most definitely about been cited as a textbook example of a sea-floor exploration and provides a their need to understand and quantify T fossil horses, but it is not just about well-documented evolutionary story revealing look at the diverse commu- the processes operating in this natural fossil horses. MacFadden masterfully ever since Othniel Charles Marsh of nity of scientists who conducted the underwater laboratory. Finally, we uses fossil horses as a vehicle to Yale’s Peabody Museum reconstructed search. share in their effort to comprehend the describe and elucidate many new the first horse lineage, from “Eohippus” In early chapters, Cone chronicles profound implications of what they and exciting advances in paleontology, to Equus, in the 1870s. the work of Harry Hess, J. Tuzo Wilson, have discovered. Indeed, reading paleobiology, paleoecology, evolution, Perhaps a dozen books have been Fred Vine, and other pioneers whose Joseph Cone’s book is the next best geochronology, and related disci- written specifically addressing the collective efforts in the 1950s and thing to being there. plines—advances ranging from the rev- evolution of horses, but the last major 1960s led to the hypothesis of sea-floor Randolph A. Koski olution engendered by the widespread work on the subject is now over 40 spreading within the evolving para- U.S. Geological Survey application of cladistic methodology to years old (G. C. Simpson’s 1951 book digm of plate tectonics. On the basis Menlo Park, CA 94025 the reconstruction of “family trees” to Horses: The Story of the Horse Family of this new model for the genesis of new techniques in isotope geochronol- in the Modern World and through Sixty oceanic crust and other fragmentary ogy and magnetostratigraphy. Addi- Million Years of History). In the past few evidence that hot springs might exist Computers in Geology—25 Years tionally, MacFadden touches on the decades a wealth of new fossil horses on ocean ridges (e.g., the discrepancy of Progress. Edited by John C. Davis history of vertebrate paleontology, the have been uncovered, and a new gener- between measured and theoretical heat and Ute Christina Herzfeld. Oxford development of evolutionary thought, ation of workers, including MacFadden, flow values), marine scientists dived on University Press, New York, 1993, $45. fossil collecting and the establishment have entered the field. The early sce- the Galapagos Rift. Their observations of natural history museums, the lore of narios were overly simplistic, and as of low-temperature (<20 °C) shimmer- his volume, the fifth in the series horses and humans, the philosophy might be expected, the modern story ing water streaming upward through Studies in Mathematical Geology, and historiography of science, and of horse evolution is much more pillow basalt and associated concentra- T is a collection of 24 chapters written many other topics. complicated than previously believed, tions of clams, mussels, limpets, and by well-known and well-published geo- Indeed, after reading this book but also more satisfying. In this book tubeworms led to the vigorous period mathematicians. As stated in the pref- one feels that an introductory course MacFadden draws heavily on his own of research and the many discoveries ace, this book serves two functions: in modern paleontology has just been research regarding the evolution of of high-temperature (300 to 400 °C) (1) it demonstrates the breadth of com- completed (and I dare say the book equids in North America while also “black smoker” vents at ocean ridges puter applications in the earth sciences could easily be used as a supplementary synthesizing recent work on fossil (Cone emphasizes investigations in the (excluding geophysics), and (2) it illus- text for such a course). By the time equids from around the globe. In sum, northeastern Pacific) in the 1980s. Two trates how the subfield of mathemati- even the novice reader has finished the time is right for a new book on the of the later and perhaps most stimulat- cal geology has progressed during the this book she or he should have a good evolution of horses, and MacFadden ing chapters in the book focus on the past 25 years. The book has been ably grasp of such subjects as systematics fulfills the need with his Fossil Horses. ongoing discoveries of new species of edited by John Davis (an old guard) and the classification of fossil animals; vent fauna and the intriguing implica- Robert M. Schoch and Ute Herzfeld (a new-generation geologic time; paleobiogeography; tions that chemosynthetic organisms Boston University geomathematician), and although the evolutionary trends, rates, and pro- have for the origin of life on earth. Boston, MA 02215 chapters are written by a diversity of cesses; functional morphology; popu- The seamless style and lucid authors with a wide spectrum of back- lation dynamics; paleoecology; paleo- descriptions throughout this book ground, it comes across with a pleasing, ethology; and terrestrial community should make reading it a treat for scien- Fire Under the Sea. Joseph S. Cone, uniform appearance. evolution over the past 58 million tists and nonscientists alike. In some- First Quill Edition, William Murrow Most papers may be characterized years. And on top of it all, the book is thing of a tour de force, Cone translates and Company, New York, 1991, $12 as overview papers. The primary goal of well written and profusely illustrated the arcane terminology of science (e.g., (paperback). this publication—to inform the reader with black and white photographs, line cracking fronts, megaplumes, dueling of the current breadth of geomathe- drawings, diagrams, and charts. propagators, black body radiation, he remarkable discovery in 1977 matical applications—is admirably met, But what about the horses? Horses nucleic acid, thermophilic bacteria) of hydrothermal vents and exotic because the 24 chapters in the book are the principal subject of this book T and technology (CTDs, multibeam biological communities nearly 2500 m include 10 subdisciplines. They are: and are always the focus of the discus- echo sounders, sidescan sonar systems) below sea level on the Galapagos Rift economic geology (chapters 2, 3, and sion. Humans have long had a special into a language easy to digest. There resulted in an unprecedented rush to 4); sedimentology (5); petroleum geol- relationship with horses and this is cer- are also thought-provoking digressions explore our planet’s most volcanically ogy (6, 7, and 8); mapping (9 and 17); into peripheral issues such as “para- stratigraphy (10, 11, and 12); paleon- digm shifts” and the Law of the Sea tology (13 and 14); hydrogeology (15); Treaty. Other attractions are the eight- petrology (16); geomorphology (18 and page mid-section of well-chosen color GSA Archaeological Geology Division 23); crystallography (19); environmen- photographs, a helpful set of back- tal geology (21); marine geochemistry Student Award ground notes, an extensive list of (22); and general geology (20). Chapter references, and a detailed index. The Archaeological Geology Division announces a $500 travel grant for a student 20 is entitled “Uncertainty in Geology,” What gives this book an added and to attend the annual meeting of GSA in New Orleans, November 6–9, 1995. The the topic that is of utmost concern in welcomed dimension is the infusion of grant will be awarded on the basis of evaluation of an abstract and 1500–2000- this day of modeling and simulation in the human element into each chapter. word summary paper prepared by a student for presentation in the Archaeological dealing with practical problems, such Through a series of personality snap- Division’s technical session at the GSA meeting. The summary paper may include as nuclear waste disposal, or purely shots, the author introduces some of one figure and must have a single author. The awards committee must receive the academic problems, such as estimation the talented and often colorful scien- abstract and summary paper by June 24, 1995. Send these items to Rolfe Mandel, of local range of taxa. The last chapter tists, engineers, and pilots who chal- Awards Committee Chair, 1730 SW High Ave., Topeka, KS 66604-3121. (24) is an entertaining anecdote of leg- lenged this deep-ocean frontier. Vicari- endary R. G. V. Eigen, “Father of Math- ematical Geology.” In addition to uncertainty analysis, MEMBERSHIP CERTIFICATES NOW AVAILABLE some other state-of-the-art techniques Enter my order for one copy of the Fellow Member employed by various authors are worth certificate with my name imprinted as: some comment. The techniques of krig- ing essential in spatial statistics are used ______in prospecting for gold (chapter 3). Use (Please Print) of expert systems is illustrated, in chap- ter 4, in regional mineral resource eval- (Certificate will bear your present membership classification and the date that uation and, in chapter 21, to assess the you attained that classification.) potential risk to ground water from Enclosed is my remittance in the amount of $10.00 to cover the cost of contamination by waste dumps. Com- handling, mailing, and imprinting. (Delivery time approximately six weeks) puter modeling-simulation of carbonate Mail certificate to: ______platforms is explained in chapter 14. Fractals and chaos are introduced in ______chapter 18 in the context of sea-floor topography. Applications of geographic ______information systems (GIS) are men- ______tioned in connection with mapping in Please send order form and remittance to: chapters 2, 17, and 21. Last but not least, fuzzy-logic approaches are imple- Geological Society of America, Membership Services Department,

P.O. Box 9140, Boulder, CO 80301 U.S.A. 4/95 Book Reviews continued on p. 107

106 GSA TODAY, May 1995 GEOLOGY OF WYOMING Book Reviews continued from p. 106 By synthesizing virtually all of these disparate studies of lithospheric mented in oil exploration (chapters 6 stress into a comprehensive, scholarly Wyoming State Geological Survey Memoir 5 and 8). Fuzzy logic is a concept derived monograph, Terry Engelder has per- from the branch of mathematical the- formed a valuable service for the earth 1993 ory of fuzzy sets and capable of expres- science community by making this a two-volume set dedicated to Donald L. Blackstone, Jr. and J. David Love sion in linguistic terms, thus allowing widespread discipline vastly more the emulation of the human reasoning accessible than was previously the case. Edited by processes. This approach has just begun Having personally contributed heavily Arthur W. Snoke, James R. Steidtmann, and Sheila M. Roberts to bear fruit in process control, and to the crustal stress database and litera- one will no doubt see more applica- ture and having also worked closely * * * * * * * * * * tions in geosciences where the data or with many other major contributors information are fuzzy—imprecise and to this field, Engelder is exceptionally 938 pages insufficient. qualified to write this text. In fact, the (2 hard-bound volumes plus map pocket) Even though this book is mostly chapters describing shallow stress mea- for the use of geomathematicians, earth surements convey to the reader the Price: $75.00 (plus postage and sales tax, where applicable) scientists in general will greatly benefit sense of actually participating in * * * * * * * * * * from just scanning the titles and per- these projects with Engelder. haps even reading some of the abstracts. The content of this monograph, Available over-the-counter at: Department of Geology and Geophysics I am sure they will be tempted to con- however, is certainly not limited to S.H. Knight Geology Building sult geomathematician(s) for more Engelder’s personal expertise and OR University of Wyoming campus details. contributions. In fact, Stress Regimes is remarkably comprehensive and bal- prepaid, by mail, through: Department of Geology and Geophysics J. H. Fang anced in its treatment of the myriad University of Wyoming University of Alabama of subdisciplines that contribute to our Laramie, Wyoming 82071-3006 Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 understanding of lithospheric stress. Phone (307) 766-3386 After introducing some fundamental ISBN 1-884589-02-2 aspects of the state of stress, Engelder Stress Regimes in the Lithosphere. Geology of Wyoming Order Form describes deformation processes in Terry Engelder. Princeton University Press, the lithosphere, as divided into three SHIP TO: Quantity Price per copy Amount Princeton, New Jersey, 1993, $75. layers, that might limit the state of deviatoric stress. The central chapters 1 he state of stress in a solid is a con- Name Memoir 5 $75.00 describing various stress-measuring T cept that has played an important techniques, including hydraulic frac- 2 role in scientific and engineering analy- Company or Institution 6% Sales Tax (Wyoming addresses only) turing, borehole and core deformation, ses since at least 1660 when Hooke dis- strain relaxation, rigid-inclusion stress covered his famous law of linear elastic- 3 meters, and flatjacks, are fascinating Street Address (for UPS delivery) Postage ity. It has long since become routine in reading not only because they are numerous disciplines to relate applied imbued with Engelder’s personal expe- stress to the corresponding deforma- City/State/Zip code Total Amount Enclosed rience but also because they include tion by means of a variety of laws, 1 Available as a set only, individual volumes are not available separately. some of the industrial history leading 2 Or furnish proof of tax exempt status. including that of Hooke. The state of 3 up to the development of these meth- First class postage per copy: $5.00 (Wyoming), $10.00 (Other U.S. states), $20.00 (International, incl. Canada). stress throughout most of Earth was, Make checks or money orders payable to: “Geology Department.” U.S. funds only. Please do not send cash. ods. The two chapters on microcrack in fact, described in the 1940s when Sorry, no credit cards accepted. PREPAID ORDERS ONLY. phenomena and residual stresses are, Jeffreys, Gutenberg, and Bullen deter- in my view, somewhat of a digression mined its seismic velocity and density from the main theme of the book, but structure. the following chapter on earthquakes To the contrary, however, it is papers on current research combining In almost every aspect, this volume as stress direction indicators provides somewhat ironic that within the most these disciplines. The need for such a succeeds in fulfilling its promise. The a fine review of this important tech- accessible part of our planet, the litho- volume is clear. As the editors state in success is, in part, due to a broad range nique. Stress data compilations have sphere, substantial gaps exist in our the preface, new advances await sedi- of subject matter relevant to the focus featured highly in the development understanding of the state of stress. mentary geology through the novel of the symposium upon which the of this field, and so it is fitting that There are many reasons for this state approaches to fundamental problems volume is based. Contributions to Engelder devoted a chapter to review- of uncertainty. First, compared to the in this field offered by new advances in symposia volumes are too often con- ing these efforts. The monograph con- deeper, higher temperature parts of paleomagnetism (and rock magnetism) trolled by who has the time and money cludes with an excellent summary of Earth, the lithosphere is strong and, developed during the past several years. to attend the meeting rather than what geodynamicists consider to be therefore, capable of supporting devia- Such fundamental problems are precise whose research is truly appropriate to the primary sources of the applied toric stresses for indefinite periods of age control, stratigraphic correlation, its theme. In this case, however, all of forces that cause the state of stress. time. Second, the forces applied to the and the timing and nature of postdepo- the contributions are relevant, and Needless to say, the state of litho- lithosphere to cause deviatoric stress sitional diagenetic fabrics. New tech- most are even representative of various spheric stress is of essential concern states are not well understood. Third, niques in paleomagnetism are also carefully chosen subthemes. The suc- to a broad spectrum of earth scientists to the astonishment of many, there is indispensable in attempts to under- cess of this volume is also due to rigor- engaged in the study of many different even substantial debate as to what the stand relatively new topics of study, ous peer review evident in the quality geologic processes. Not only is Stress state of lithospheric stress would be in such as the intriguing relation between of the papers and from the reputation Regimes the only textbook providing the absence of applied tectonic forces. hydrocarbon migration and magnetiza- of the scientists included in the list of ready access to this key field, but it is The fourth reason involves the data set, tion and the effect on magnetic miner- reviewers. also one of exceptional quality and which in most locations is too scanty alogy and fabric due to changes in the balance. The book is well illustrated to define the manner in which litho- environment of deposition. Book Reviews continued on p. 108 and highly readable throughout, and spheric stress varies with depth and Engelder has paid sufficient attention position. Only the uppermost litho- to detail that typographic errors are sphere is accessible to measurement. hard to find. Thus, I have no hesitation Moreover, stress measurements, in recommending Stress Regimes to any PLEASE PRINT especially those at depths of several earth scientist who has a need to know MOVING? kilometers or more, tend to be techni- Name ______something about the forces responsible Don’t risk missing cally difficult and expensive. For all for shaping the surface of our planet. a single issue of Address ______these reasons, and more, our ignorance GSA Today! If about many aspects of the state of Art McGarr you’re planning ______lithospheric stress is profound. U.S. Geological Survey on changing your City ______Accordingly, the earth scientists Menlo Park, CA 94025 address, simply write in your new engaged in studies related to stress in State/ZIP/Country ______address and mail this coupon along the lithosphere are working in a “fron- with your subscription mailing label ______tier” discipline within which the prob- Applications of Paleomagnetism (use label from this newsletter) to: lems to be solved are first order and to Sedimentary Geology. GSA, Membership Services, P.O. Box Phone (during business hours) fundamental. This challenging area of Edited by D. M. Aissaoui, D. F. McNeill, 9140, Boulder, CO 80301-9140. Or ______research has grown rapidly during the and N. F. Hurley. Tulsa, Oklahoma, you may call with your change of past several decades, has attracted a Society for Sedimentary Geology (SEPM) address information—(303) 447-2020 If you do not wish to have this very multidisciplinary group of practi- Special Publication 49, 1993, $78.40. or 1-800-472-1988 or E-mail us at number in the Membership Directory, tioners, and has spawned a literature [email protected]. check here that is growing by leaps and bounds; he stated purpose of this volume Report address changes at least six Change my voting section to: this literature is distributed broadly T is to bring the disciplines of sedi- weeks in advance. If possible, give us through numerous engineering, indus- mentary geology and paleomagnetism your change of address by the tenth of ______the month. trial, and earth science journals. closer together through a collection of

GSA TODAY, May 1995 107 Book Reviews continued from p. 107 Geophysical Research, Herrero-Bervera Geologic Evolution of the The Guiana Shield, that part of the and Helsley built upon the important Red Sea. Robert G. Coleman. Oxford Amazonian craton north of the Ama- Nonspecialists interested in what results shown in this volume by corre- University Press, New York, 1993, 186 p, zon River, is notable for its extensive paleomagnetism has to offer sedimen- lating rapid geomagnetic events in $59.95. Early Proterozoic magmatism and tary geology should first read the article their record from Pringle Falls, Oregon, high-grade metamorphism of the by Steiner and others, a study on the with those of lacustrine records from oleman prefaces his book with a Transamazonian (= Eburnean) orogeny. magnetostratigraphy of the Moenkopi other localities in western North C disclaimer regarding the ambitious Archean greenstones, granulites, and Formation as exposed along a several America. scope of work contained therein, and minor belts of supracrustal rocks are hundred kilometer transect in north- Rock magnetism is quickly becom- rightly so! This small volume attempts concentrated in the northeast part eastern Arizona. This study has ing a valuable means of detecting to integrate a vast spectrum of geologi- of the shield. The widespread Middle straightforward sedimentologic- anthropogenic and climate-induced cal and geophysical literature so as to Proterozoic volcanic and sedimentary stratigraphic applications, including changes in depositional environments. furnish a “starting point for scientists cover with rapakivi-type granite intru- the establishment of a major lithologic This is exemplified in an intriguing interested in the geology of the Red sions forms a northwest-trending belt. change from mudstone to dominantly paper presented by Hawthorne and Sea.” Neoproterozoic shearing and develop- sandstone as representing a nearly McKenzie in which they use a combi- In attempting to describe the geo- ment of wide mylonite belts ended the simultaneous depositional event along nation of rock magnetic, petrographic, morphology, stratigraphy, volcanism, evolution of basement rocks of the the entire transect rather than a slowly and geochemical techniques in the geophysics, structure, and tectonics Guyana Shield . migrating, time-transgressive event as detection of anthropogenic changes of the Red Sea, Coleman vacillates The economic potential of the is often assumed by sequence stratigra- in the environment of deposition of between ponderous detail (e.g., in the Guyana Shield is large. To date, impor- phers. Furthermore, Steiner and others a lacustrine system. chapter on volcanic history) and highly tant supergene deposits of bauxite, use the magnetostratigraphy to suggest This volume also contains several interpretive summaries (e.g., the chap- kaolin, and manganese and gold and a global lowstand during Late Triassic papers that demonstrate the depen- ter on stratigraphy). One can argue that diamond placers and paleoplacers have time and also to establish dissimilar dence of paleomagnetic studies on a Coleman does not adequately honor a been worked. The basement is a minor ages for several vertebrate fossil occur- firm understanding of both the physi- rich source of data from the Egyptian producer of iron ore, cassiterite, and rences. Another magnetostratigraphic cal and chemical aspects of sedimentol- side of the Red Sea. The book suffers gold. study is presented by Sheraz and others ogy. For example, the contribution from a lack of well-designed illustra- The book navigates the reader on the Monterey Formation, a promi- from Gillett and Geissman is an excel- tions and inherent fine print. through the maze of regional terminol- nent petroleum source rock and reser- lent example of the need to consider Coleman’s primary contribution ogy of Brazilian, Colombian, Venezue- voir responsible for most of the hydro- the timing of fabric and mineral gene- stems from his efforts to integrate all lan, Surinamese, French Guyanan, and carbon production in California. This sis in relation to paleomagnetic rema- forms of data. His relentless and com- Guyanan origin. Chapter 15 of Part IV paper shows that carefully done mag- nence acquisition, especially in the plex treatment of volcanic history contains an interesting discussion of netostratigraphy can provide a tempo- study of carbonate rocks. along the Red Sea margins in conjunc- the evolution of climate and hydro- ral framework in an otherwise sparsely I would consider this volume for tion with his interpretation of crustal graphic systems, helping the reader to dated sedimentary unit. Those of us in use in a graduate seminar as long as it geometries leads one to conclude that understand the complexities of super- the California oil patch greatly appreci- is supplemented with one of the many previous interpretations of the geologic gene and placer deposits formation. ate the potential of accurate age control fine traditional references listed at the history of the Red Sea were highly sim- Arid-climate savanna vegetation to contribute to an understanding of end of the preface. It would also be a plistic. The concept of “contemporane- covered the shield during Pleistocene the origin and stratigraphic distribu- good reference volume for all broad- ous magma underplating and invasion glacial periods. The idolized rain forest tion of this economically and academi- minded sedimentologists with even a of the thinning crust” during extension became established much later than cally important formation. modest quantitative background and of the Red Sea certainly illustrates a environmental worshippers would The article by Herrero-Bervera and for all paleomagnetists who might fruitful approach to further work. care to admit. Helsley presents results that are repre- want access to well-written papers cov- Coleman describes his book as a The synthesis of a large volume sentative of recent research extending ering a broad range of recent research starting point. It should be required of data as presented in the book will the use of magnetostratigraphy to a on the paleomagnetism of sedimentary reading for graduate students as well retain its value for a long period. The much finer temporal scale (<1000 yr) rocks. as a springboard for serious research maps are informative, although neces- by the precise correlation of geomag- on continental rifting and ocean-floor sarily sketchy. The tables, typed on a Rob Negrini netic excursions and secular variations. spreading. Future work outlined by poorly maintained typewriter, look California State University In a recent paper in the Journal of Coleman in the epilogue promises to ugly and are the most serious flaw of Bakersfield, CA 93311 continue enriching our understanding this otherwise respectable and useful of one of Earth’s great “natural labora- book. tories.” I recommend that you read this Raphael Unrug book. PUBLICATIONS NEWS FROM GSA Wright State University Arthur O. Beall Dayton, OH 45435 Baylor University Waco, TX 76798 The Tancheng-Lujiang Wrench BOOK NOOK Fault System. Edited by Xu Jiawei. The Geology of the Guiana Shield. John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1993, WATCH THIS COLUMN FOR NEWS ABOUT GSA PUBLICATIONS A. K. Gibbs and C. N. Barron. Oxford 279 p., $175. Monographs on Geology and Geophysics No. 22, Oxford University Press, New York, he Tancheng-Lujiang (Tan-Lu) RECENTLY RELEASED! milestone in the integration of onland and marine geologic 1993, 258 p., one fold-out color map, wrench fault system is a prominent and geophysical data from this tectonically complex focal T ARCHAEOLOGICAL GEOLOGY OF THE ARCHAIC point among the Caribbean, Nazca, Cocos, and South $89.95 crustal structure along the continental PERIOD IN NORTH AMERICA America plates. The authors document the composition and margin of eastern Asia with more than edited by E. Arthur Bettis III, 1995 paleomagnetic history of the Jurassic-Cretaceous crust his book is the most comprehen- 700 km of sinistral displacement along Climatic, biotic, and geomorphic changes that had dramatic beneath southern Central America; the composition and effects on prehistoric human populations occurred during structure of the overlying Cretaceous/Tertiary volcanic arc; T sive summary of the geology of a a 3600-km-long system of faults. The the early and middle Holocene in North America. This Neogene plate boundary faults and associated structures region that presents formidable logistic fault system is one of the more exhaus- volume focuses on the stratigraphic record of that period, inferred from onshore and offshore mapping studies; and and the controls that sedimentary and pedologic processes patterns of present-day seismicity and plate motions as difficulties to the geologist on the tively studied faults in the world. This have exerted on our perceptions of the associated archaeo- inferred from seismological and GPS-based studies. ground, and for the most part is book provides a comprehensive evalua- logical record of the Archaic Period. A variety of approaches SPE295, 381 p., paperback, 8 plates on 4 sheets in pockets, shrouded in a rain forest and a rego- tion of the fault system, including a to investigating and modeling the archaeological geology of indexed, ISBN 0-8137-2295-0, $100.00 the early and middle Holocene in North America are presented. lith up to 150 m thick. No wonder the historical review of studies performed These seven papers summarize what is known of the PERMIAN-TRIASSIC PANGEAN BASINS AND Guiana Shield remains little known, in along the fault since the late 1800s. archaeological geology of the Archaic Period from the St. FOLDBELTS ALONG THE PANTHALASSAN spite of extensive remote sensing data The 19 articles by various authors range Lawrence Lowland, through the Mid-continent and Plains, to MARGIN OF GONDWANALAND the Rocky Mountains, and on the continental shelf. acquired by air photography, airborne from detailed studies of individual SPE297, 158 p., paperback, indexed. ISBN 0-8137-2297-7, $45.00 edited by J. J. Veevers and C. McA. Powell, 1994 After reconstructing Permian-Triassic Gondwanaland, radar and Landsat imagery, and air- faults or segments of the system to LOW-GRADE METAMORPHISM OF MAFIC ROCKS authors writing on South America, South Africa, Antarctica, borne and satellite-based geophysical regional analyses on the timing and and Australia profusely illustrate the relevant geology of each surveys. magnitude of displacement to struc- edited by Peter Schiffman and Howard W. Day, 1995 sector in maps and time-space diagrams underpinned by Mafic rocks recrystallized to the zeolite, prehnite-pumpellyite, robust biostratigraphic and radiometric dating. The work is The introduction contains a useful tural and deformation characteristics and contiguous facies are found within a large part of Earth's then drawn together in a stratigraphic-tectonic synthesis, description of techniques of ground of exhumed parts of the fault system. crust, but particularly at divergent and convergent plate which features the specifically Gondwanan glaciogene and margins. Study of these low-grade metamorphic rocks can coal facies, the Early and Middle Triassic coal gap, and the geological survey in a tropical environ- The Tan-Lu fault system is an ex- provide significant insights into understanding the thermal interplay of Pangean and Panthalassan tectonics. ment. Five subject-matter parts follow: cellent example of a fault with repeated and chemical evolution of diverse tectonic settings, including MWR184, 372 p., hardbound, ISBN 0-8137-1184-3, $100.00 mid-oceanic spreading centers, accretionary prisms, and I, Archean and Lower Proterozoic episodes of deformation in a variety of island arcs and their adjacent sedimentary basins. Ten papers THE GEOLOGY OF ALASKA supracrustals (four chapters); II, Trans- tectonic environments. The strength of address the low-grade metamorphism of mafic rocks from a Amazonian tectono-thermal episode this book is the detailed treatment of wide range of these settings and employ various research edited by G. Plafker and H. C. Berg, 1994 methodologies in problem solving. GNA-G1, 1,066 p., hardbound, w/13 plates in slipcase, and 1 (two chapters); III, Middle Proterozoic the evolution of the fault system from SPE296, 174 p., indexed, ISBN 0-8137-2296-9, $50.00 microfiche card, indexed, ISBN 0-8137-5219-1, $135.00 cover (five chapters); IV, Upper Protero- its principal phase of sinistral slip dur- zoic and Phanerozoic (four chapters); ing Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous GEOLOGIC AND TECTONIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE CARIBBEAN PLATE BOUNDARY IN 1-800-472-1988 and V, economic geology (one chapter). time, to extensional rifting during the SOUTHERN CENTRAL AMERICA Appendices include: (1) database and Late Cretaceous to Eocene, to its pre- edited by Paul Mann, 1995 access to sources; (2) regional maps and sent phase of minor transpressional Presents 17 papers on various aspects of the complex remote sensing data sources; and (3) a dextral slip in the Neogene. In addi- geologic and tectonic development of southern Central GSA PUBLICATION SALES America, defined here as the combined land areas of Panama P.O. Box 9140, Boulder, CO 80301 tentative historical model, followed by tion, the articles provide strong docu- and Costa Rica, and their adjacent offshore areas in the 303-447-2020 or fax 303-447-1133 a 30-page bibliography, an index, and a Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. This work represents a Prepayment required. Major credit cards accepted. color geological sketch map. Book Reviews continued on p. 109

108 GSA TODAY, May 1995 1995 GEO ENTURES Fire and Ice V July 16–30, 1995 • 14 days, 15 nights GEOTRIP Iceland—the unique scientific adventure that belongs on every geologist’s life list! Scientific Leaders: Haraldur Sigurdsson, Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island Haukur Johannesson, Natural History Institute, Reykjavik, Iceland A native of Iceland and professor of oceanography, Haraldur Sigurdsson is a leading volcanologist with an international reputation for his research on many aspects of volcanism in Iceland, Italy, Mexico, Colombia, the United States, and Indonesia, among others. Haukur Johannesson has devoted most of his career to the geologic mapping of the uncharted volcanic regions of Iceland. He is an expert in the tectonic structure and origin of the Iceland basalt plateau and is also very knowledge- able about the natural history of Iceland in general.

Fee and Deposit Cost: GSA Member: $2780. Nonmember: $2880. Total balance due: Now. Minimum age: 21. Limit: 32 persons.

Schedule July 16, Sunday—Travel day from Baltimore or New York to Reykjavik, evening departure on Icelandic Air “The trip exceeded my expectations in every way and July 17–30, Mon.–Sun.—Iceland GeoTrip provided a tremendous learning experience which I will always remember with great satisfaction.” July 30, Sunday—Open day and travel from Reykjavik to next gateway …from 1993 Iceland GeoTrip This trip will reveal many unaltered and fresh geologic features that can be seen nowhere else on land. Expect to acquire a newly expanded understanding of volcanoes, hotspots, and rifts. There will be great views of steep-walled and flat-topped hyaloclastite ridges derived from subglacial eruption, young hyaloclastite islands produced by submarine eruptions, great explosion craters, tephra cones, calderas, blocky obsidian flows, waterfalls descending into the rift valley, and, of course, extraordinary glacial panoramas. Lodging, Meals, Transportation. During most of the trip, the group will stay in country hotels (Edda hotels), rural secondary and high schools operated as simple but comfortable summer hotels. Food will be provided at all lodging locations, plus picnics during the day. Travel will be by four-wheel-drive mountain trail bus and by car ferry to the volcanic Westmann Islands. Air Transportation. The Baltimore gateway has the best connecting flights to most of North America. Round trip travel from Baltimore to Reykjavik will be on IcelandicAir. The current group round-trip fare is $748. Trip participants are required to travel on the group flight so that everyone can benefit from the advantages of a group reservation. You may use air mile coupons for your domestic flights, however. Travel arrangements are being handled by Volcano Tours—TR Consultants, which can help you with plans for your entire itinerary (1-800-923-7422, fax 401-247-0270). They will also CALL TODAY offer a brief post-trip option to Greenland. TO REGISTER Fee includes all meals in Iceland; double-occupancy lodging; comfortable bus and ferry 1-800-472-1988 or (303) 447-2020, ext. 134 or 141 transportation; transfers and entrance fees; baggage handling; geologic road log; and field E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected] guidebook. Not included are airfare to and from Reykjavik, and hotel nights and meals, if any, in fax 303-447-0648 Baltimore.♦

Book Reviews continued from p. 108 Geologic, Hydrothermal, and Bio- benthic microfauna, and of course, the region and from the existing litera- logic Studies at Escanaba Trough, massive sulfide deposits. The editors ture. However, it does represent a use- mentation of the extent and geometri- Gorda Ridge, Offshore Northern have done their job in ensuring an ful, well-illustrated compendium of cal features of the fault, the strike-slip California. Edited by Janet L. Morton, overall high standard of scholarship new data pertinent to the complex character of the fault, and the change Robert A. Zierenberg, and Carol A. Reiss. for this volume. The chapters are uni- crustal structure of the eastern from brittle to ductile deformation at U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 2022, formly well illustrated with high-qual- Mediterranean. different tectonic levels in the fault 1994, 359 p., $27. ity maps, photographs, and line draw- The book is divided into 18 chap- system. ings, including more than 20 full-page ters, the first chapters being devoted to The book presumes a general he Gorda Ridge is the only mid- color illustrations and photographic seismic, magnetic, and gravity data, the understanding of the tectonic evolu- T oceanic ridge spreading center plates. For the price of $27, you get middle chapters covering sediments tion of eastern Asia. A discussion of situated within the U.S. Exclusive great value. Who says that the USGS and fossils of the Levantine Sea and of the overall tectonic setting of that area Economic Zone. That is why the U.S. isn’t providing a valuable service to the southern Cyprus, and the ending chap- is not provided. Thus, the reader may Geological Survey has recently concen- U.S. public and scientific community? ters representing tectonic interpreta- not appreciate fully the tectonic impli- trated its efforts on investigations ulti- tion of the region and a regional bibli- Peter Schiffman cations of the Tan Lu fault system in mately directed toward evaluating ography; a pocket contains four plates University of California reconstructing the paleogeographic potential resources associated with showing bathymetric charts and seis- Davis, CA 95616 and paleotectonic framework of eastern hydrothermal activity on this northeast mic profiles. The chapters covering the Asia. In addition, the book is heavily Pacific ridge segment. The southern geophysics of the region are clearly the oriented toward assessment of struc- segment of the Gorda, the Escanaba best part of this work and would be the Geological Structure of the tural deformation during the fault’s Trough, is a sedimented ridge, and main reason for obtaining it. In addi- North-Eastern Mediterranean Mesozoic sinistral phase of movement. hydrothermal processes that mitigate tion to oversized color maps summariz- (Cruise of the Research Vessel Very little attention is focused on the massive sulfide deposition in this envi- ing bathymetric, magnetic, and gravity ‘Akademik Nikolaj Stakhov’). contemporary style of faulting and ronment entail both fluid-basalt and data for the eastern Mediterranean, 51 Edited by Valery A. Krasheninnikov and earthquake hazards along the fault fluid-sediment interactions. Elucidating new seismic sections are reproduced. John K. Hall. Historical Productions— system. the nature of these complex interac- These data are focused in the area Hall Ltd., Jerusalem, 1994, $50. This book provides a collection of tions entails a multidisciplinary between Cyprus and the Levant and well-written, well-illustrated articles on approach. This volume, subdivided provide a detailed view of the thickness his new volume compiles data col- the evolution of the Tan-Lu fault sys- into three major sections (Geological and structure of sediments and of prob- lected during the 1987 Cruise 5 of tem. The authors of its articles have Processes, Hydrothermal and Geo- T able crustal types. Of particular interest the R/V Akademik Nikolaj Strakhov, carried out a systematic field and labo- chemical Studies, and Biologic Studies), is the detailed information provided administered by the Geological Insti- ratory analysis of the fault system inte- contains 18 research contributions that bearing on the structure and crustal tute of the Russian Academy of Sci- grating data from a variety of earth collectively provide an exceedingly nature of the Eratosthenes Seamount. ences. The extensive geophysical and science disciplines and from a variety comprehensive view of the Escanaba These data, together with results of supporting geological data of the east- of geographic locations and tectonic Trough. Land-based geologists will be dredging on the seamount, are summa- ern Mediterranean contained within levels along the fault system. These delighted to find that studies in virtu- rized in a thoughtful chapter (6) “Geo- this volume are, in the words of the articles provide an excellent docu- ally every geological subdiscipline, and logical Structure of Eratosthenes Sea- publishers, presented in the “tradition mented example of complex strike-slip then some, are represented here: struc- mount.” Although the authors favor of the DSDP (ODP) Reports and the faulting that evolved over a variety of tural and geophysical modeling, sedi- the interpretation of the seamount GSA D-NAG Series.” This is a hand- tectonic periods. They will prove useful mentology and sediment diagenesis, as a foundered extension of the Afro- some book and, in many respects, for comparison with and understand- volcanology, igneous petrology, Arabian platform, they provide a useful does indeed appear strikingly similar ing of strike-slip faulting on other hydrothermal fluid chemistry, stable discussion of previously proposed mod- in appearance to those of the DNAG major transcurrent faults worldwide. isotope systematics of fluid-rock inter- els. I found the reproductions of seis- (Decade of North American Geology) actions, organic geochemistry of mic profiles in this book, particularly William R. Lettis series. Few scientific revelations are to hydrothermal petroleum formation, William R. Lettis & Associates, Inc. be found within this volume that can- hydrothermal vent macrofauna and Oakland, CA 94607 not be gleaned from previous cruises to Book Reviews continued on p. 110

GSA TODAY, May 1995 109 Book Reviews continued from p. 109 the reader with a complete resource for published marine data for the eastern GSA ANNUAL MEETINGS those within the pocket, to be of high Mediterranean and an overview of sup- quality and actually useful—a com- porting geological and geophysical data 1995 mendable achievement when they from adjacent continental regions. As are compared to many seismic profiles is usually the case with such compila- New Orleans, Louisiana published elsewhere. tions, it is, by the author’s admission, November 6–9 Of considerably less interest in this incomplete and represents one person’s Ernest N. Morial volume than the geophysical data are view of what literature is important. the four chapters (11–14) devoted With available on-line searching of dig- Convention Center, entirely to the stratigraphy and paleon- ital library data bases, I wonder about Hyatt Regency New Orleans tology of the Perapedhi Formation and the usefulness of such printed bibli- General Chair: William R. Craig, University of New Orleans younger sediments of southern Cyprus. ographies to researchers targeted by Technical Program Chair: Laura Serpa, University of New Orleans These chapters detract from the coher- volumes such as this. Field Trip Chair: Whitney Autin, Louisiana State University ency of the volume because they do Despite its somewhat uneven not relate to the bulk of the book in character, Geological Structure of the REGISTRATION AND HOUSING MATERIALS APPEAR IN JUNE GSA TODAY— any straightforward manner; it appears North-Eastern Mediterranean is a good REGISTER EARLY! that these chapters were appended sim- resource for basic, geophysical data ply because the work had been done. from this complex region. The illustra- Although presenting much detailed tions are excellent (I especially appreci- 1996 stratigraphic and fossil data for the ated the liberal use of historical prints Denver, Colorado • October 28–31 various formations lying above the and maps) and useful to anyone inter- Troodos ophiolite, these chapters pre- ested in the structure and tectonics of Colorado Convention Center, Marriott City Center sent little that has not been previously this part of the Mediterranean. Given General Chairs: Kenneth E. Kolm and Gregory S. Holden, Colorado School of Mines published. Chapter 18, “Eastern Med- its relatively low price, the shortcom- Technical Program Chair: John D. Humphrey, Colorado School of Mines iterranean Regional Bibliography: ings of this book are more than out- Call for Field Trip Proposals: Please contact the Field Trip Chairs listed below. Geology, Geophysics, Oceanology, weighed by its strengths. Charles L. Pillmore, Ren A. Thompson and Related Subjects,” will probably be U.S. Geological Survey, MS 913, P.O. Box 25046 Robert J. Varga of interest only to newcomers to the Denver Federal Center, Denver, CO 80225 College of Wooster region. The 3596 references in this 87- phones: Charles L. Pillmore, (303) 236-1240; Ren A. Thompson (303) 236-0929 Wooster, OH 44691 page chapter are an attempt to provide Call for CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSE PROPOSALS PROPOSALS DUE BY DECEMBER 1 The GSA Committee on Continuing Education invites those interested in proposing a GSA-sponsored or cosponsored course or workshop to contact GSA headquarters for proposal guidelines. Continuing Education courses may be conducted in conjunction with all GSA annual or section meetings. We are particularly interested in receiving proposals for the 1996 Denver Annual Meeting or the 1997 Salt Lake City Annual Meeting. Proposals must be received by December 1, 1995. Selection of courses for 1996 will be made by February 1, 1996. For those planning ahead, we will also consider courses for 1997 at that time. For proposal guidelines or information contact: Edna A. Collis, Continuing Education Coordinator, GSA headquarters, 1-800-472-1988, ext. 134 • E-mail: [email protected]

FUTURE Denver ...... October 28–31 ...... 1996 Salt Lake City ...... October 20–23 ...... 1997 Toronto ...... October 26–29 ...... 1998 Denver ...... October 25–28 ...... 1999

For general information on any meeting call the GSA Meetings Department, 1-800-472-1988 or (303) 447-2020, ext. 141; E-mail: [email protected]

GSA SECTION MEETINGS 1995 ROCKY MOUNTAIN SECTION Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, May 18–19, 1995. Information: Stephan G. Custer, Department of Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717-0348, (406) 994-6906, fax 406-994-6923, E-mail: [email protected]. CORDILLERAN SECTION University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska, May 24–26, 1995. Information: David B. Stone, Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK 99775-0800, (907) 474-7622, fax 907-474-7290, E-mail: [email protected].

1996 SOUTH-CENTRAL SECTION, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, March 11–13. SOUTHEASTERN SECTION, Ramada Plaza Hotel, Jackson, Mississippi, March 14–15. NORTHEASTERN SECTION, Hyatt Regency, Buffalo, New York, March 21–23. ROCKY MOUNTAIN SECTION, Rapid City Civic Center, Rapid City, South Dakota, April 17–19. CORDILLERAN SECTION, Red Lion Hotel, Portland, Oregon, April 22–24. NORTH-CENTRAL SECTION, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, May 2–3.

IEE-Sponsored Symposium at Rocky Mountain Operations in the Rocky Mountains,” at the GSA Rocky Mountain Section meeting in Section Meeting To Examine Environmental Bozeman, Montana, May 18–19, 1995. The symposium will bring together hydrolo- Impact of Mines and Smelters gists, hydrogeologists, geochemists, and microbiologists who are deciphering the physical and chemical processes that mobilize and disperse solute and particulate GSA’s Institute for Environmental Education will sponsor a symposium, “Charac- metals in a broad range of environments. Organizers of the session are William W. terization and Remediation of Environmental Impacts from Metal Mines and Smelter Woessner and Johnnie N. Moore, Department of Geology, University of Montana.

110 GSA TODAY, May 1995 This facility was dedicated in 1991, with a principal CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING focus to provide 14C data for the NSF-Ocean Sci- ences Community. The NOSAMS facility currently has a staff of 12 people with an annual budget of about Mt. Eden Books Published on the 1st of the month of issue. Ads (or strong quantitative background in fluid transport in $1.5 M. It occupies a dedicated 860 square meter cancellations) must reach the GSA Advertising office subsurface porous media; and 2) Geophysics with facility which houses the dual input accelerator mass & one month prior. Contact Advertising Department strong background in exploration geophysics and 3- spectrometer, two stable isotope mass spectrometers (303) 447-2020, 1-800-472-1988, fax 303-447-1133, D subsurface imaging. The department intends to and a sample preparation unit with fully automated or E-mail:[email protected]. Please include hire one in 1995-96 and one in 1996-97 academic Bindery seawater stripping lines and graphitization reactors. complete address, phone number, and E-mail years. A Ph.D. is expected at the time of appoint- A successful candidate will join our tenured scien- address with all correspondence. ment. Review of applications will begin May 1, 1995, tific staff with a mandate to maintain the present high Per line and continue until positions are filled. Specializing in out-of- level of expertise in radiocarbon technology, to pro- Per Line for each The present faculty, 20 full-time tenured and 2 vide for the long-term viability of the facility, and to print and rare books in for addt'l month part-time, have diverse strengths and represent eco- exercise scientific leadership in building active Classification 1st month (same ad) nomic geology, earthquake seismology, exploration research areas involving institution colleagues as the GEOLOGICAL and geophysics, geochemistry, mineralogy, paleon- well as collaborations with external parties. Situations Wanted $1.75 $1.40 tology, petrology, sedimentology, structural geology, SCIENCES. Including Send resume to S. R. Hart, Chair, NOSAMS Positions Open $6.50 $5.50 and tectonics. For detailed information the applicants Search Committee, P.O. Box 54PAB, Woods Hole Consultants $6.50 $5.50 are encouraged to look at the departmental home USGS publications, Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543. Services & Supplies $6.50 $5.50 page at http://www.geol.vt.edu.The department offers WHOI is a smoke free workplace. general geology, Opportunities for Students B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in geological and geo- first 25 lines $0.00 $2.35 physical sciences. Faculty are expected to supervise An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer mining, paleontology, additional lines $1.35 $2.35 and teach introductory level undergraduate geo- M/F/D/V. Code number: $2.75 extra science courses and undergraduate/graduate level geophysics, hydrology, Agencies and organizations may submit purchase courses in their areas of expertise. They are also TENURE TRACK FACULTY POSITION order or payment with copy. Individuals must send expected to direct M.S. and Ph.D. candidates while IN HYDROGEOLOGY mineralogy, etc. prepayment with copy. To estimate cost, count 54 developing and maintaining externally funded PENN STATE DEPARTMENT OF GEOSCIENCES characters per line, including all punctuation and research programs. New faculty will play a central The Department of Geosciences invites applications blank spaces. Actual cost may differ if you use capi- role in collaborating with complementary department for a tenture-track faculty position, to be filled at the FREE CATALOG tals, centered copy, or special characters. programs and developing applied programs to pre- junior level, in the field of hydrogeology and/or hydro- To answer coded ads, use this address: Code # -- pare students for future job markets. Candidates geochemistry. Special consideration will be given to --, GSA Advertising Dept., P.O. Box 9140, Boulder, must be able to demonstrate expertise in quantitative individuals involved in the quantitative assessment P.O. Box 1014 CO 80301-9140. All coded mail will be forwarded applications in the geosciences. of hydrological processes using fundamental geologi- Cedar Ridge, CA 95924 within 24 hours of arrival at GSA Today office. Interested applicants should send a letter of inter- cal and geochemical principles. Possible concentra- (916) 274-BOOK (2665) est, curriculum vitae, transcripts, names of three ref- tions might include theory and observation of the erences, a statement of anticipated research and hydraulic properties of heterogeneous media and/or FAX (916) 274-2847 Positions Open teaching interests, along with a short essay explain- the study of subsurface fluid flow with geochemical E-mail:[email protected] ing where the applicant would like to see him/herself methods. The successful applicant will join an active group of faculty and researchers committed to excel- SUPERVISOR OF COMPUTER OPERATIONS within the geosciences in the 21st century. Appli- cants should send their application package to Cahit lence in both teaching and research, with specialties DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGICAL SCIENCES in most areas of the geosciences and earth system SOMETU is now in America! UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO Çoruh, Chairman, Department of Geological Sci- ences, Virginia Tech, 4044 Derring Hall, Blacksburg, science. State-of-the-art equipment at Penn State The Department of Geological Sciences at the Univer- includes several mass spectrometers, inorganic and sity of Texas at El Paso is seeking a person to man- VA 24061-0420; Phone 703-231-6894; TDD 703- 231-3749; Fax: 703-231-3386; Email: [email protected]. organic chemical laboratories, hydrogeological and Non-toxic high density agent age its computer operations. The existing facilities geophysical field equipment, and extensive comput- Virginia Tech is an equal opportunity/affirmative include a substantial network of UNIX workstations ing facilities. Applicants should demonstrate a history action employer. and peripherals, and a variety of personal computers. of, or potential for, funded research and high-quality sodium polytungstate The software packages employed include PROMAX, teaching. The position is available Jan. 1, 1996; a COAL GEOLOGIST III (2 POSITION) Na6(H2W12O40) ¥ H2O IDL, and Interleaf. This position involves the mainte- Ph.D. is required at the time of appointment. Inter- nance, expansion and improvement of this system The West Virginian Geological and Economic Survey ested individuals should submit a current vita, a and the facilitation of its use by students and faculty. (State Agency) seeks to fill two (2) Coal Geologist statement of research and teaching interests, and ¥ easily recoverable for re-use ¥ The supervisor must also direct students who are positions for a five (5) year GIS-based coal bed map- the names and addresses of at least three refer- ¥ adjustable to various densities ¥ assigned to help operate the system. In addition to ping project. The positions are to start approximately ences by June 30, 1995, to: Head, Dept. of Geo- ¥ simple to handle & ecologically safe ¥ the knowledge needed to keep our system running, July 1, 1995. The requirements are: a Ph.D. degree sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, 503 in geology; or a MS and three years experience as a we are looking for a person with a good knowledge Deike Building, Box C, University Park, PA 16802. Since 1985, Sometu has supplied its product to of computer applications in the geosciences. There professional geologist; or a BS in geology and five An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. years of experience as a professional geologist. mineralogists, geologists and paleontologists also would be opportunities to participate in studies Women and minorities encouraged to apply. around the globe. Sodium Polytungstate is cur- employing computer-oriented equipment. Experience with computers and computer manipula- tion of data is desirable. Other requirements: must rently used for mineral separation and the density A B.S. degree in science or engineering and con- gradient centrifugation in various fields. siderable UNIX experience are required. A M.S. work closely with other geologists and program per- Opportunities for Students degree and training in the geosciences is desirable. sonnel; must have effective verbal and written com- For further information and price lists, please contact: The salary would be competitive. munications skills, be able to define and solve prob- Visiting Fellows and Students/Institute for Rock The position is available beginning September 1, lems, work independently, and supervise other Magnetism. Applications are invited for visiting fel- SOMETU-USª 1995. Position will remain open until filled but screen- personnel; and must accept responsibility toward lowships (regular and student) lasting for up to 3 ing will begin about July 1, 1995. To apply, send let- meeting deadlines. weeks during the period from September 1, 1995, 5659 NOBLE AVENUE ¥ VAN NUYS, CA 91411 through February 28, 1996. ter of application, resume, and provide three letters All interested geologists should submit a letter of Phone (818) 786-4343 ¥ Fax (818) 786-4343 of reference to: Dr. G. R. Keller, Chair, Department applications; college transcripts; and have three (3) Topics for research are open, although fellows are of Geological Sciences, The University of Texas at El letters of reference sent to the West Virginia Geologi- encouraged to take advantage of the chosen focus Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968-0555. cal Survey, P.O. Box 879, Morgantown, WV 26507- for cooperative reasearch in a given year. During The University of Texas at El Paso does not dis- 0897, attn: Gloria Rowan, by May 19, 1995 the clos- 1995-6, the focus for research will be the connec- will be happy to provide application forms and infor- criminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ing date. The pay grade for this position is 14 = tions between the fundamentals of rock magnetism mation necessary for proposal preparation. sex, religion, age or disability in employment or the $24,240-39,432. If any further information is and paleomagnetic observations. Deadline for submission is June 9, 1995, at the fol- provision of services. required, please call 304/594-2331 ex. 320. Short proposals (two pages, single-spaced text lowing address: Chris Hunt, Facilities Manager, Insti- An Equal Opportunity Employer. plus necessary figures and tables) are due by tute for Rock Magnetism, Univeristy of Minnesota, HYDROGEOSCIENCE AND GEOPHYSICS June 9, 1995, for consideration by the Institute's 293 Shephard Laboratories, 100 Union St. SE, Min- VIRGINIA TECH DIRECTOR Review and Advisory Committee (Bob Butler, Chair). neapolis, MN 55455-0128, 612-624-5274; fax: 612- The Department of Geological Sciences at Virginia NATIONAL OCEAN SCIENCES AMS FACILITY Successful applicants will be notified in early 625-7502; E-mail: [email protected]. Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTION August, 1995. Tech) will be seeking rolling applications to hire five Applications are invited for the Directorship of this A limited number of travel grants of $500 are faculty, in the next four years, to fill openings due to facility which is sited at the Woods Hole Oceano- available to researchers who can demonstrate no Services & Supplies planned retirements and to restructure itself for the graphic Institution. Applicants should have achieved existing financial resources. No funds are available 21st century. At this time, applications are invited for international recognition for outstanding scholarship for per diem expenses. LEATHER FIELD CASES. Free brochure, SHERER two tenure track faculty positions at the Assistant and professional research, as well as possess signifi- The Institute Staff (Bruce Moskowitz, Associate CUSTOM SADDLES, INC., P.O. Box 385, Dept. GN, Professor level only in: 1) Hydrogeoscience with cant leadership and managerial skills. Director, and Christopher Hunt, Facilities Manager) Franktown, CO 80116.

CALENDAR Send notices of meetings of general interest, in format below, to Editor, GSA Today, P.O. Box 9140, Boulder, CO 80301.

Only new or changed information is California. Information: Andrew Barth, Depart- sional Geologists Annual Meeting, Denver, and Workshops, Las Vegas, Nevada. now being published in GSA Today . ment of Geology, Indiana/Purdue University, Colorado. Information: Conference Associates, Information: ERIM/Geologic Conference, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5132, (317) 274-1243, 1776 Lincoln Street, Suite 620, Denver, CO P.O. Box 134001, Ann Arbor, MI 48113-4001, A complete listing can be found in E-mail: [email protected]. 80203, (303) 863-9506, fax 303-863-9507. (313) 994-1200, ext. 3234, fax 313-994-5123, the Geoscience Calendar section on E-mail: [email protected]. the Internet: http://www.aescon.com/ October 14–20, Argentine Precordillera, October 4, Joseph F. Poland Symposium on geosociety/index.html. San Juan, Argentina. Information: Ian W. D. Land Subsidence, Sacramento, California. May Dalziel, Institute for Geophysics, University of Information: Jim Borchers, U.S. Geological Survey, May 14–18, Paleogene of South America, Texas at Austin, 8701 N. Mopac Blvd., Austin, (916) 278-3005, fax 916-278-3013, E-mail: Santa Rosa, La Pampa, Argentina. Information: 1995 GSA Penrose Conferences TX 78759-8397, (512) 471-0341, fax 512- [email protected]. Silvio Casadio, Dpto. Ciencias Naturales, Uni- 471-8844, E-mail: [email protected]. versidad Nacional de La Pampa, Uruguay 151, August October 6–8, 26th Binghamton Geomor- phology Symposium, Biogeomorphology— 6300 Santa Rosa, La Pampa, Argentina, phone August 22–27, Fault-related Folding, Banff, 1995 Meetings 54-954-33093, fax 54-954-33408. Alberta, Canada. Information: David Anastasio, Terrestrial and Freshwater Aquatic Systems, Char- Department of Earth and Environmental May lottesville, Virginia. Information: Cliff R. Hupp, June Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA May 19–21, Midwest Friends of the U.S. Geological Survey, 430 National Center, June 19–21, North American Rock 18015-3188, (610) 758-5117, fax 610- Pleistocene Annual Field Conference, Reston, VA (703) 648-5207, fax 703-648-5484, Mechanics Symposium, Montreal, Quebec, 758-3677, E-mail: [email protected]. in and around the Mississippi and Cache val- E-mail: [email protected]. Canada. Information: Michel Aubertin, leys, southern Illinois and eastern Missouri. Conference Chair, École Polytechnique, August 31–September 4, Fault Rocks, Leav- October 12–13, Seismological Society of Information: Steven Esling, Dept. of Geology, America, Eastern Section Annual Meeting, Department of Mineral Engineering, C.P. 6079, enworth, Washington. Information: Jerry F. Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL Succ. Centre-ville, Montréal, Québec, Canada, Magloughlin, Department of Geological Sci- Palisades, New York. Information: Noël Barstow, 62901, (618) 453-7363, fax 618-453-7393, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Route 9W, (514) 340-4046, fax 514-340-4477. ences, 1006 C.C. Little Building, University E-mail: [email protected]. (Abstract deadline: August 1, 1995.) of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1063, Palisades, NY 10964, (914) 365-8477 or 8486. (313) 747-0664, fax 313-763-4690, E-mail: September (Abstract deadline: September 8, 1995.) September [email protected]. September 3–9, Fifth International Confer- November September 16–19, Deep Geological Dis- ence on Radioactive Waste Management posal of Radioactive Waste Conference, September November 6–10, Curved Orogenic Belts: and Environmental Remediation, Berlin, Their Nature and Significance, Buenos Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Information: September 28–October 3, Tectonic Devel- Germany. Information: Leslie Friedman, (212) K. Nuttall, AECL Research, Pinawa, Manitoba, opment of the Canada Basin and Sur- Aires, Argentina. Information: fax 54-1- 705-7788, fax 212-705-7856. 788-3439, E-mail: [email protected], Jose R0E 1L0, (204) 753-2311, fax 204-753-2455, rounding Regions, Banff, Alberta, Canada. E-mail: [email protected]. Information: Lawrence A. Lawver, Institute for September 17–20, Carpatho-Balcan Geologi- Selles-Martinez, Coordinador COB’95, Dpto. Geophysics, University of Texas at Austin, 8701 cal Association XV Congress, Athens, Greece. de Ciencias Geologicas, Pabellon 2 Ciudad October N. MoPac Expressway, Austin, TX 78759-8397, Information: D. Papanikolaou, National Centre Universitaria, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina. October 28–31, Geological Society of (512) 471-0433, [email protected]. for Marine Research, Agios Kosmas, Ellinikon, America Annual Meeting, Denver, 166 04 Athens, Greece, phone 30-1-9820214, 1996 Meetings Colorado. Information: GSA Meetings Dept., October fax 30-1-9833095. February P.O. Box 9140, Boulder, CO 80301, (303) October 6–11, Mesozoic Evolution of the 447-2020, fax 303-447-6028. Cordilleran Continental Margin in Cen- October February 27–29, Applied Geologic Remote tral and Southern California, Tehachapi, October 1–5, American Institute of Profes- Sensing, Eleventh Thematic Conference

GSA TODAY, May 1995 111 GSA releases first CD-ROM map, for use on Macintosh only Click into "hypermedia!" Dynamic Digital Map–The Springerville Volcanic Field Abstract compiled by Christopher D. Condit, 1995 Forms The CD-ROM map describes the geology of Available the Springerville volcanic field, Arizona, and Now includes 24 digital maps, 75 digital color photos, 23 correlation charts, and more than GSA 1200 chemical and geophysical analyses, as Annual well as Meeting text, figures, and tables. It also contains about NOVEMBER 6–9, 1995 10 additional geological HyperCard stacks

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA on such subjects as tsunamis, earthquakes, fossils, and the Northridge earthquake, all by Tau Rho Alpha. Overview gives step-by-step instructions to the user about how the eight different major window types are activated. Maps can be printed out in color on desktop printers, or saved as separate files, and all data can be saved from the program to tab-delimited ASCII format. See the science article in the April 1995 issue of GSA Today.

SPECIAL OFFER

purchase your copy today for only $24.00 GSA member discount applies Macintosh format only. Sorry, not available for PCs (may be available for Windows at a later date). 1-800-472-1988 fax 303-447-1133

GSA Publication Sales, P.O. Box 9140, Boulder, CO 80301, 303-447-2020 available summer 1995 Abstract Deadline: JULY 12

Preregistration Deadline: GSA JOURNALS ON COMPACT DISC SEPTEMBER 29 A CD-ROM publication of the Geological Society of America. Published since 1992, each annual disc contains an entire year of articles from GSA Bulletin, Geology, and GSA Today, plus the current year’s GSA Data Repository, and a Retrospective Electronic Index to GSA’s journal articles published since 1972. Call for Papers Users can search the full ASCII text of all articles, or view, print, or export from them. Scanned, graphical APRIL GSA Today page-images of all articles are also included, linked to the ASCII text; users can view or print these. High- resolution versions of all b&w and color photographs are provided, linked to the ASCII text, to overcome the low quality of these photos on the scanned pages. Starting in 1995, publication frequency changes to twice annually, and new technology greatly improves the photos on the scanned pages. The Data Repository, Registration and and any inserts, are available only as scanned images without ASCII text. Housing Forms GSA Journals on CD is available for both available in DOS and Macintosh as follows: ■ JCD001. 2-year, 2-CD introductory package (1992 & ISSN 1052-5173 JUNE GSA Today 1993), 6,000+ pgs. Available immediately. Net price: GSA SECOND CLASS Members $99, all others $125. The Geological Society of America Postage Paid ■ JCD004. 1-year, 1-CD (1994), 3,000+ pgs. Available February, 1995. Net price: GSA Members $99, all others 3300 Penrose Place at Boulder, Colorado $125. P.O. Box 9140 and at additional mailing offices ■ JCD005. 1-year, 2-CDs (1995), 3,000+ pgs. First six- Boulder, CO 80301 month-CD available July 1995; complete annual CD avail- able February 1996. Net price: GSA Members $89, all oth- ers $125. This edition available in Windows version, also. UNSURE? A free demonstration diskette is available for DOS- based PCs showing in detail the operation of the CD — screens, menus, graphics, with many descriptive comments. Call or write for a copy. 1-800-472-1988 303-447-2020; fax 303-447-1133 Indicate DOS or Macintosh platform when ordering. JOIN THE DIGITAL REVOLUTION WITH GSA!