GSA on the Web

Home , Competence (geology), Equinox, Faulkner (crater)

Vol. 6, No. 4 April 1996 1996 Annual GSA TODAY Meeting Call for A Publication of the Geological Society of America Papers Page 17 Electronic Dipping Reflectors Beneath Abstracts Submission Old Orogens: A Perspective from page 18 the British Caledonides Registration Issue June GSA Today John H. McBride,* David B. Snyder, Richard W. England, Richard W. Hobbs British Institutions Reflection Profiling Syndicate, Bullard Laboratories, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0EZ, United Kingdom

A B

Figure 1. A: Generalized location map of the British Isles showing principal structural elements (red and black) and location of selected deep seismic reflection profiles discussed here. Major normal faults are shown between mainland Scotland and Shetland. Structural contours (green) are in kilometers below sea level for all known mantle reflectors north of Ireland, north of mainland Scotland, and west of Shetland (e.g., Figs. 2A and 5); contours (black) are in seconds (two-way traveltime) on the reflector I-I’ (Fig. 2B) pro- jecting up to the Iapetus suture (from Soper et al., 1992). The contour interval is variable. B: A Silurian-Devonian (410 Ma) reconstruction of the Caledo- nian-Appalachian orogen shows the three-way closure of Laurentia and Baltica with the leading edge of Eastern Avalonia thrust under the Laurentian margin (from Soper, 1988). Long-dash line indicates approximate outer limit of Caledonian-Appalachian orogen and/or accreted terranes. GGF is Great Glen fault; NFLD. is Newfoundland.

reflectors in the upper-to-middle crust, suggesting a “thick- skinned” structural style. These reflectors project downward into a pervasive zone of diffuse reflectivity in the lower crust. This zone of diffuse reflectivity corresponds to a theoretical depth interval of low strength that represents distributed shearing separating upper crustal and uppermost mantle lay- ABSTRACT ers of greater strength. Prominent dipping reflectors also occur After two decades of deep seismic reflection profiling, our within the high-strength uppermost mantle beneath the Cale- understanding of dipping reflectors in the crust and upper donian orogen. Reflectors within the stronger upper-to-middle mantle beneath old orogenic belts, and especially their rela- crust and upper mantle are not connected across the Moho tion across the crust-mantle boundary, remains incomplete. discontinuity and thus seem kinematically distinct, although The Caledonian orogenic front (Moine thrust) and the Iapetus mantle reflectors in places appear to continue upward into the suture in Great Britain, two of the world’s most studied com- lowermost crust. Dipping crust and mantle reflectors probably pressional belts, show a consistent pattern of discrete dipping originated from different geologic events: dipping reflectors in the crust first took form as thrusts during the early Paleozoic Caledonian orogeny, whereas those in the upper mantle *Present address: Illinois State Geological Survey, Natural Resources Building, 615 East Peabody Drive, Champaign, IL 61820. Dipping Reflectors continued on p. 2 IN THIS ISSUE GSA TODAY April Vol. 6, No. 4 1996 Dipping Reflectors Beneath Old 1996 GSA Annual Meeting Orogens: A Perspective from the Call for Papers ...... 17 GSA TODAY (ISSN 1052-5173) is published British Caledonides ...... 1 monthly by The Geological Society of America, Inc., Penrose Conference Report ...... 33 with offices at 3300 Penrose Place, Boulder, Colorado. Geology and Geologists in the Former Mailing address: P.O. Box 9140, Boulder, CO 80301- Soviet Union: Opportunities for Interaction GSA on the Web ...... 35 9140, U.S.A. Second-class postage paid at Boulder, Colorado, and at additional mailing offices. Postmas- Life of Geologists ...... 6 Environment Matters ...... 36 ter: Send address changes to GSA Today, Membership Volcanoes in Kamchatka ...... 8 Letter to the Editor: USGS RIF ...... 39 Services, P.O. Box 9140, Boulder, CO 80301-9140. Kazakhstan: Environmental Restoration ... 9 Copyright © 1996, The Geological Society of America, Calendar ...... 40 Inc. (GSA). All rights reserved. Copyright not claimed PEPTALK ...... 10 on content prepared wholly by U.S. Government SAGE Remarks ...... 11 GSAF Update ...... 42 employees within the scope of their employment. Per- mission is granted to individuals to photocopy freely all Correction: Dinofest ...... 11 1996 Committees and Representatives . . 44 items other than the science articles to further science and education. Individual scientists are hereby granted Forum ...... 12 GSA Meetings ...... 45 permission, without royalties or further requests, to About People ...... 13 Classifieds ...... 46 make unlimited photocopies of the science articles for use in classrooms to further education and science, and to make up to five copies for distribution to associates in the furtherance of science; permission is granted to Dipping Reflectors continued from p. 1 (1) Can dipping crustal reflectors beneath make more than five photocopies for other noncom- mercial, nonprofit purposes furthering science and edu- the Caledonides be unequivocally linked cation upon payment of the appropriate fee ($0.25 per have an even older history associated with compressional structures at the sur- page) directly to the Copyright Clearance Center, 27 with an as yet unrecognized episode face, and how are compressional struc- Congress Street, Salem, Massachusetts 01970, phone (508) 744-3350 (include title and ISSN when paying). of subduction or Late Proterozoic rifting tures distributed deeper within the crust? Written permission is required from GSA for all other of the Laurentian supercontinent. Crust (2) Does dipping reflector structure in the forms of capture, reproduction, and/or distribution of and mantle reflectors were likely reacti- upper mantle beneath the Caledonides any item in this journal by any means. GSA provides this and other forums for the presentation of diverse vated by Mesozoic and younger North have any relation to Paleozoic or younger opinions and positions by scientists worldwide, regard- Sea rifting, which may also have pro- features in the crust above it—what really less of their race, citizenship, gender, religion, or politi- duced, or at least enhanced, the diffuse are the admissible interpretations for upper cal viewpoint. Opinions presented in this publication do not reflect official positions of the Society. reflectivity in the low-strength lower mantle reflectors? (3) Finally, we argue that crust. the crust and upper mantle were mechani- SUBSCRIPTIONS for 1996 calendar year: cally decoupled during Caledonian com- Society Members: GSA Today is provided as part of INTRODUCTION pression, and that crust and mantle defor- membership dues. Contact Membership Services at mation structures beneath the Caledonides (800) 472-1988 or (303) 447-2020 for membership Since its inception in 1981, the British have separate origins. information. Nonmembers & Institutions: Free with Institutions Reflection Profiling Syndicate paid subscription to both GSA Bulletin and Geology, (BIRPS) has been accumulating deep seis- otherwise $45 for U.S., Canada, and Mexico; $55 else- DIPPING CRUSTAL REFLECTORS where. Contact Subscription Services. Single copies mic reflection data over the offshore parts may be ordered from Publication Sales. Claims: For of the Caledonian orogen. To date, about Moine Thrust nonreceipt or for damaged copies, members contact Membership Services; all others contact Subscription 17,000 km of profiles have been recorded The Moine thrust (Fig. 1A) is Services. Claims are honored for one year; please allow around the British Isles. The major crustal the classic structure of the Caledonide- sufficient delivery time for overseas copies. framework structures of the Caledonian Appalachian system, and is probably anal- orogen, namely the Caledonian orogenic ogous to the Taconian suture in the North STAFF: Prepared from contributions from the GSA staff and membership. front (locally Moine thrust) and the Iape- American Appalachians. Where it crops Executive Director: Donald M. Davidson, Jr. tus suture, are arguably the best studied out in mainland Scotland, the thrust Science Editor: Suzanne M. Kay Paleozoic orogenic features in the world, floors a thick east-dipping mylonite Department of Geological Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 particularly from the standpoint of deep zone that separates metamorphic rocks Forum Editor: Bruce F. Molnia reflection data. These two structures of the thrust belt to the east from the less U.S. Geological Survey, MS 917, National Center, together effectively delimit compressional deformed Precambrian foreland and cover Reston, VA 22092 Managing Editor: Faith Rogers deformation resulting from the Caledo- sequence to the west (Barr et al., 1986). Production & Marketing Manager: James R. Clark nian orogeny (Silurian–Early Devonian) Deep seismic data over the offshore pro- Production Editor and Coordinator: Joan E. Manly in Britain (Fig. 1A). The goal of this report jection of the thrust reveal a thick wedge Graphics Production: Joan E. Manly, Adam S. McNally is to summarize results of our recent work of east-dipping reflections in the middle- on the British Caledonides by focusing on to-lower crust (Fig. 2A). This wedge is ADVERTISING the significance of dipping reflectors, fea- capped by a highly coherent reflection Classifieds and display: contact Ann Crawford (303) 447-2020; fax 303-447-1133 tures now considered to be characteristic (Fig. 2A; M-M’) that correlates with the of compressional orogens. Moine thrust (McBride and England, Issues of this publication are available electronically, in full color, from GSA as Acrobat “Portable Document The greater Paleozoic Caledonide- 1994). The thrust separates an unreflective Format” (PDF) files. These can be viewed and printed Appalachian orogen continues to be the upper crust from a highly reflective crust on personal computers using MSDOS or MSWindows, focus of studies of collisional tectonics, as below. The thrust can be projected into on Macintoshes, or on Unix machines. You must use the appropriate Adobe Acrobat Reader, available for illustrated by the recent debate over the the lower crust on the basis of weaker free download from GSA and other online services. The relation of the early Paleozoic Argentine collinear reflection segments and by the more powerful Adobe Exchange program, available Precordillera and related terranes in South distinct change from the eastward-dipping from commercial software suppliers, may also be used. Download the issues of GSA Today and/or the appropri- America to the North American Appala- fabric of the wedge to a westward-dipping ate Readers using the Uniform Resource Locator (URL): chians (e.g., Astini et al., 1995). The well- set of reflections immediately to the east http://www.geosociety.org. Issues of GSA Today are defined reflector patterns of the crust and (W-W’). posted about the first of the month of publication. upper mantle for the British Caledonides This publication is included on GSA’s annual CD-ROM GSA Journals on Compact Disc. Call GSA Publication provide a guide to understanding terrane Iapetus Suture Sales for details. boundaries in Britain as well as elsewhere. The Iapetus suture forms one arm Printed with pure soy inks on recyclable paper in the U.S.A. The three main problems we address are: of the Caledonian triple convergent “junc-

2 GSA TODAY, April 1996 AB

Figure 2. A: A 15° finite-difference time migration and depth conversion of Geco-Prakla NSDP85-8 seismic reflection profile (section displayed with east on left so seismic character can be directly compared to that in B). M-M’ is the interpreted Moine thrust reflector. W-W’ is an oppositely dipping reflector that appears to be cut off by M-M’. “Flannan” refers to dipping mantle reflector. B: A 15° finite-difference time migration and depth conversion of BIRPS NEC seismic reflection profile. I-I’ is a dipping reflector within the Iapetus suture. A-A’ is a weak set of subhorizontal reflectors. See Figure 1A for location. Data are displayed as variable area, no wiggle traces with no vertical exaggeration (V = H). tion” of Laurentia, Baltica, and Gondwana reflectors do not actually extend into the thrust, a bivergent pattern similar to that (Fig. 1B). In mainland Britain, the suture mantle. The continuation of the reflective in the model is observed (W-W’ and M-M’ separates the Eastern Avalonia terrane to wedge from the middle crust toward the in Fig. 2A). A problem is that this pattern the south from the Southern Uplands to Moho suggests a “thick-skinned” model may simply represent two distinct defor- the north (Fig. 1A), the farthest outboard for the Caledonian orogen, with thrusts mation episodes (W-W’, being older, is of the Caledonian terranes accreted to imbricating the footwall rather than a crosscut by the Moine thrust pattern). Laurentia before the final closure of the single decollement separating upper and For the Moine thrust section where the Iapetus Ocean. Suturing is inferred to have lower plates. If we interpret these observa- dominant reflector dip is to the east, the been in the Middle Silurian and associated tions in terms of deformation in a com- model predicts that westward subduction with northward subduction (Soper et al., pressional zone, then the dominant reflec- occurred beneath Scotland (cf. Figs. 2A 1992). Deep seismic profiles crossing the tor becomes a discrete thrust or shear and 3). As yet, no such subduction has offshore projection of the Iapetus suture zone, and the underlying reflectivity rep- been inferred from surface geology (Barr (NEC line in Fig. 1A) typically show two resents distributed and disordered defor- et al., 1986). Near the Iapetus suture strong north-dipping reflectors spanning mation that continues to the base of the (I-I’ in Fig. 2B), no clear bivergence is the middle crust (below and including I-I' crust where it abruptly disappears. A prin- observed, although the reflection data in Fig. 2B). The upper and northernmost cipal difference between the crust beneath show one set of discordant reflectors (A-A’) reflector forms a boundary between reflec- the Moine thrust and the Iapetus suture that appears to intersect the dominant tive and unreflective crust. The seismic is the prominence of a “bivergent” (i.e., dipping Iapetus suture pattern. Following expression of the Iapetus suture is inter- interpreted thrusts dipping in opposing the model (Fig. 3), the predominance of preted as the leading edge of Avalon directions) pattern of dipping reflectors northwest-dipping crustal reflectors would crust (i.e., the footwall of the suture zone). in the Moine thrust section (Fig. 2A) com- be associated with southeastward subduc- A possible reversal of reflector dip appears pared with the relative absence of a biver- tion; however, the available geologic evi- farther northwest in the hanging wall of gent pattern in the Iapetus suture section dence has been used to argue in favor of the suture zone (A-A’ in Fig. 2B), but the (Fig. 2B). northward subduction (Soper et al., 1992). northwest-dipping pattern clearly domi- A finite-difference geodynamic In summary, the crustal sections nates the crustal section and may slightly model (Quinlan et al., 1993) formulated underlying the two principal framework continue into the uppermost mantle, to explain dipping reflectors beneath structures of the Caledonian orogen have where it appears to either offset Moho orogens predicts a bivergent pattern that a similar seismic signature. This similarity reflections or merge with a northwest- develops during a single deformation points toward a unified explanation in dipping Moho. phase. This pattern forms above a stress which both structures have a mainly discontinuity where the subducting crust thick-skinned deformation style modified Moine Thrust and bends downward as it detaches from its by thrust imbrication. The thrust vergence Iapetus Suture Synthesis mantle (Fig. 3). Such models are poten- directions inferred from the seismic data A key point of our study is that the tially useful in linking observations of seismic signatures of the Moine thrust and dipping crustal reflectors with mantle Iapetus suture show significant similarities subduction polarity. Beneath the Moine Dipping Reflectors continued on p. 4 even though they appear to be quite different structures at the surface. Both crustal sections are dominated by a prominent Figure 3. One-stage geody- dipping reflector that correlates with a namic model (from Quinlan metamorphic and/or terrane boundary et al., 1993) representing and that divides the crust into a reflective two domains of dipping lower section and a poorly reflective upper crustal reflectors interpreted as thrust faults associated section. The dipping reflector acts as the with subducting lithosphere. leading edge of highly reflective crust Only one domain is typically which may be more widely deformed observed in the British Cale- than poorly reflective crust. In each case, donides as indicated (see par- this dominant reflector appears to ap- ticularly Fig. 2B). As subduc- proach the Moho as a planar surface and tion proceeds to the right, mantle lithosphere is detached from the crust. The black circle gives the position on the top of the to disrupt the Moho at intersection. The down-going plate where the mantle of the left plate detaches and is underthrust. The direction of dominant and other associated dipping the dominant thrust vergence is the same as that of material transport.

GSA TODAY, April 1996 3 Dipping Reflectors continued from p. 3 indicate transport of crustal material away from the interior of the orogen (i.e., northwest for Moine thrust, southeast for Iapetus suture; Figs. 1A and 4). In summary, a single-phase geodynamic model correctly predicts key aspects of the seismic observations; however, linking the dipping reflector pattern in the crust to subduction in the mantle remains a problem. Our next step must be to intensify study of reflectivity in the upper mantle and show how it is, or is not, structurally linked with crustal reflectivity.

DIPPING MANTLE REFLECTORS One of the world’s most remarkable regions of reflective upper mantle (Fig. 1A) lies beneath the British Caledonides (Flack et al., 1990). New industry seismic profiles and reprocessed older profiles have recently improved our knowledge of the Flannan mantle reflectors (Fig. 5), better constraining their regional distribution and origin. We have pursued a working hypothesis that the northern Scottish mantle reflectors (currently mapped as an east-plunging antiform north of mainland Scotland and a synform west of Shetland; Figure 4. Simplified schematic drawings of NSDP85-8 and NEC seismic reflection profiles showing their Fig. 1A) and the occasional reflectors from positions relative to the surface traces of the Caledonian orogenic front (locally Moine thrust) and the Iapetus suture. Arrows on profiles indicate interpreted thrust vergence. The two seismic sections are seismic lines north and west of Ireland shown referenced to a theoretical shear stress vs. depth curve for an idealized continental crust and (Fig. 1A) are correlative or at least closely mantle lithology (from Meissner and Kusznir, 1987) and a surface heat flow of 70 mW/m2, typical for a related. Comparison of the sections in Paleozoic orogen (alternative curve for lower crust assumes abrupt mid-crustal shift from acidic to dry parts A and B of Figure 5 shows that the mafic mineralogies). expression of this mantle reflector and its geometrical relation to the Moho vary considerably along strike. Northwest of tion of a zone of shearing. Two proposed profiles that cross it. Thus, it is clear that the Scottish mainland (west end of section explanations for a pre-Caledonian origin subduction need not produce mantle in Fig. 5A), the reflector continues from are that these reflectors represent (1) a reflectors that are preserved for hundreds the uppermost mantle into the lower relict subduction zone (Warner et al., of millions of years after the event. crust and marks a disruption or offset of 1996), or (2) extensional shearing within the Moho. Although other workers have the upper mantle produced during Neo- STRAIN PARTITION IN argued that this reflector is either a Meso- proterozoic rifting of the Laurentia-Baltica CALEDONIAN LITHOSPHERE zoic normal fault or a Caledonian thrust, supercontinent (McBride et al., 1995). it does not consistently follow either The above discussion of crust and Support for pre-Caledonian subduction Mesozoic or younger normal fault trends, mantle structure, in which Caledonian-age comes from the postulated accretion of or Caledonian structural trends. On none thrusts and mantle reflectors are spatially at least one island arc onto the Laurentia- of the available profiles can continuity of unconnected, suggests distinct crust and Baltica supercontinent at 1.8 Ga (Dickin, normal faults nor thrusts down into the upper mantle strain patterns. Rheological 1992). Alternatively, on the basis of paral- upper mantle be seen, despite the fact that models of the crust and upper mantle, lelism between the trend of mantle reflec- the Moine and other Caledonian thrusts, which assume an increasing mafic and tors and the old Laurentian margin (Fig. as well as major basin-bounding normal decreasing quartz mineralogy with depth 1B), the mantle reflectors contoured in faults, commonly dip in the same direc- and a typical orogenic geotherm (e.g., Figure 1A may be associated with Neopro- tion as the mantle reflector. Meissner and Kusznir, 1987), predict terozoic rifting (McBride et al., 1995). The key point of our observations is strength maxima in the mid-crust and Current models of continental rifting (e.g., that reflectors in the crust are discontinu- just beneath the Moho for a constant Torske and Prestvik, 1991) predict the con- ous with and spatially unrelated to reflec- applied stress (Fig. 4). Using these models, tinuation of normal faults from the upper tors in the upper mantle and thus have the low-strength zone in the lower crust crust into the mantle as extensional shear distinct origins. We suggest that although corresponds to the zone of highest and zones that could be preserved as zones of the mantle reflectors were probably reac- most coherent reflectivity. This observa- high impedance contrast. It is difficult to tivated by Phanerozoic tectonism, they tion is consistent with interpreting these favor conclusively either a subduction or actually originate from a Precambrian reflective zones as resulting from shear, a rifting hypothesis at this time, although tectono-thermal event. The complex and it provides an explanation for the both hypotheses postulate a zone of shear- shape of mantle reflectors in map view concentration of deformation-related ing or detachment in the mantle. Even (Fig. 1A) may be related to subsequent reflectivity in the middle and lower crust though the Iapetus suture is associated deformation episodes. The multistrand (cf. Kusznir and Matthews, 1988). With with known subduction, no mantle reflec- nature of the reflection on some profiles elevated temperature in the mid-to-lower tors have been observed anywhere on the (Fig. 5A) may express multistage reactiva- crust, one would expect a partially ductile

4 GSA TODAY, April 1996 B A Figure 5. A 15° finite-difference time migration of BIRPS GRID-10 and the WOSP (West Of Shetland Profile) reflection seismic sections. See Figure 1A for location. Arrows indicate mantle reflectors (e.g., Flannan) shown as contours in Figure 1A. M is reflection from Moho discontinuity. Data are displayed as variable area, no wiggle trace sections with no vertical exaggeration for a time-depth conversion velocity of 6 km/s. rheology, so that compressional deforma- orogen which divides the crust into upper North Sea PLC, Mobil North Sea Limited, tion would develop as broad ductile shear poorly reflective and lower highly reflec- Shell U.K. Exploration and Production, zones rather than discrete brittle faults. tive zones. Although a bivergent reflector and Statoil [UK] Ltd.). Total Oil Marine The contrasting rock types necessary for pattern appears occasionally, as predicted provided technical assistance. The the high-amplitude reflectivity could be by recent geodynamic models, a univer- NSDP85-8 seismic section comes from a produced either by deforming reflective gent reflector pattern best characterizes nonexclusive proprietary survey acquired material into elongated shapes that are each side of the Caledonides. As such, by Geco-Prakla Exploration Services; we optimum for strong reflection, juxtapos- dipping reflector patterns cannot yet be appreciate permission to use these data. ing layers with distinct impedance (seis- reliably linked to subduction polarity as We thank M. Hauck, S. M. Kay, D. R. mic velocity and density), or creating a suggested by the models. Univergent Kolata, E. A. Latimer, E. M. Moores, E. I. new high-reflectivity layer by internal reflector patterns are also well developed Prussen, J. D. Treworgy, and an anony- deformation (e.g., mylonitization). in the upper mantle where they dip in mous referee for helpful reviews of the High-strength zones in the upper-to- the same direction as the Moine and manuscript, and S. Capon, J. L. Hannah, middle crust and the uppermost mantle other Caledonian-age thrusts. Because and D. R. Kolata for assistance with the are characterized by a substantial decrease these mantle reflectors are unrelated to illustrations. University of Cambridge in reflectivity relative to the lower crust, Phanerozoic deformation patterns, either Department of Earth Sciences almost to the point of being acoustically in plan or cross-sectional view, we suggest contribution 4393. blank. Reflectivity, where it does exist a Precambrian origin for them. The com- within these zones, consists of a single plex mantle reflector contour pattern seen REFERENCES CITED bright reflection or narrow concentrations in Figure 1A probably arose from subse- Astini, R. A., Benedetto, J. L., and Vaccari, N. E., 1995, of reflections. The localization of shear quent Caledonian compression or later The early Paleozoic evolution of the Argentine Pre- stress maxima and minima around extension associated with North Sea rift- cordillera as a Laurentian rifted, drifted, and collided terrane: A geodynamic model: Geological Society of the Moho underscores the concept of ing that probably reactivated the mantle America Bulletin, v. 107, p. 253–273. mechanical decoupling accompanied by reflectors. A simple hypothetical Caledo- Barr, D., Holdsworth, R. E., and Roberts, A. M., 1986, a change in deformation style near this nian stress vs. depth relation indicates Caledonian ductile thrusting in a Precambrian meta- boundary and is in harmony with the that discrete reflectors appear in strong morphic complex: The Moine of northwestern Scot- observation that dipping reflectors in the upper and middle crustal and mantle lay- land: Geological Society of America Bulletin, v. 97, p. 754–764. crust and mantle are discontinuous across ers, and that distributed reflectivity char- Cook, F. A. and Varsek, J. L., 1994, Orogen-scale the Moho. If the uppermost mantle is acterizes low-strength lower crust. The decollements: Reviews of Geophysics, v. 32, p. 37–60. stronger than the crust (Fig. 4; Meissner pronounced contrast of reflectivity across Dickin, A. P., 1992, Evidence for an Early Proterozoic and Kusznir, 1987; Cook and Varsek, the crust-mantle boundary is consistent crustal province in the North Atlantic region: Geologi- 1994), stress-induced failure will occur with this boundary acting as a detach- cal Society of London Journal, v. 149, p. 483–486. at different times and rates in the crust ment. Dipping reflectors in the crust and Flack, C. A., Klemperer, S. L., McGeary, S. E., Snyder, and mantle. This means that the points upper mantle are discontinuous across this D. B., and Warner, M. R., 1990, Reflections from mantle fault zones around the British Isles: Geology, v. 18, of failure will not necessarily be linked, boundary and must have had kinemati- p. 528–532. and that deformation structures will not cally different origins. Kusznir, N. J., and Matthews, D. H., 1988, Deep match across the crust-mantle boundary. reflections and the deformational mechanics of the ACKNOWLEDGMENTS continental lithosphere: Journal of Petrology, Special CONCLUSIONS Lithosphere Issue, p. 63–87. The British Institutions Reflection McBride, J. H., and England, R. W., 1994, Deep seismic The large set of reflection profiles Profiling Syndicate (BIRPS) is supported by reflection structure of the Caledonian orogenic front from the Caledonide orogen around the Natural Environment Research Coun- west of Shetland: Geological Society of London Journal, v. 151, p. 9–16. Britain reveals a “thick-skinned” structural cil and by BIRPS’s Industrial Associates style for the upper-to-middle crust. This (Amerada Hess Limited, BP Exploration McBride, J. H., Snyder, D. B., Tate, M. P., England, R. W., and Hobbs, R. W., 1995, Upper mantle reflector style is expressed by a coherent planar Co. Limited, British Gas plc, Chevron U.K. reflector dipping toward the interior of the Limited, Conoco [U.K.] Limited, Lasmo Dipping Reflectors continued on p. 6

GSA TODAY, April 1996 5 Geology and Geologists in the Former Soviet Union: Opportunities for Interaction These three articles give us a glimpse of new possibilities for scientific interchange made possible by political change — thethe breakupbreakup ofof thethe SovietSoviet UnionUnion

The Life of Geologists in the Former Soviet Union

Leonid M. Parfenov, Yakutian Institute of Geosciences, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 39 Lenin Prospekt, Yakutsk 677891, Sakha Republic (Yakutia), Russian Federation, E-mail: [email protected]

Geologists in the former Soviet Union boggy lowland in the west. The main geologists. This work would not have been are now having hard times. While the rivers flow into the Arctic Ocean and cross accomplished without specialized schools average salary of a geologist is less than Yakutia from south to north; they are the and institutes, not only in Moscow and US$100 per month, the prices for food, primary routes for shipping. The Yakutian Leningrad, but also in most of the large clothes, furniture, and housing are nearly climate is very severe; winter lasts for 7–8 cities of Siberia and the Russian Far East. the same as in the United States. More- months, and temperatures reach minus In the course of this work, a whole genera- over, a helicopter is essential for field work 34 to minus 50 °C. Summer is brief (2–3 tion of specialists in regional geology grew. in much of Russia, but chartering one months) and hot (30–40 °C). Yakutsk is a A representative of that generation was costs about $1000 per hour, which is city of about 200,000 and hosts govern- Lev Zonenshain. He devoted much of his about the same as, or more than, in the mental and cultural institutions, Yakut life to geologic mapping of various regions United States. However, because they like State University, and the Yakut Science of the former USSR and developed into a their work and do it very well, Russian Center of the Siberian Division of the scientist well-known even in America. geologists continue to work, in spite of Russian Academy of Sciences, which During the mapping in the 1950s and these difficulties. includes eight scientific institutes. I work 1960s, the major tectonic structures were There are various groups of geologists in the Yakutian Institute of Geological Sci- interpreted and large mineral deposits in Russia—geological survey scientists who ences and am concurrently a professor in were discovered; for example, oil and gas deal with regional studies and perform the geology department of the university. fields in western Siberia, and diamonds in geologic mapping, mining geologists, and Russia, especially Siberia, is rich in Yakutia. The theoretical basis of geologic geologists in academic institutes and uni- mineral resources. There are numerous investigations during that time was the versities. I have worked my entire life in mineral deposits in Yakutia, discovered geosynclinal concept. It was within this academic institutes, but I have also taught because of the work of many geologists. framework that the geology was inter- at the universities and maintained close Most important are deposits of diamonds, preted and many great discoveries were contacts with geologists from the geologi- gold, coal, rare earth elements (REEs), iron, made; this explains, in part, why the con- cal survey. Thus, I know about the lives of natural gas, and oil on the Siberian plat- cept is still supported by many Russian all the groups of geologists in Russia. form, and gold, silver, tin, antimony, zinc, geologists. But the main reason for the I live and work in the town of lead, coal, rare metals, REEs, and others in conservatism of Russian workers is intel- Yakutsk, the capital of the Sakha Republic the Mesozoic orogenic belt in eastern lectual isolation. For decades under Soviet (Yakutia), a part of the Russian Federation. Yakutia. It is possible that additional large power, science in the former USSR, includ- Yakutia is a vast area in northeast Siberia deposits have yet to be discovered. Trans- ing geology, was forcibly isolated from covering about 3.3 million km2 and hav- portation and technology difficulties the rest of the world. Many of the new ing a population of about 1 million. About make most of these deposits, other than scientific ideas that appeared in the West 35% of the population are Yakuts and diamonds, unprofitable. were ignored as being bourgeois and alien other native peoples; the remainder are At present, geologic maps completed to progressive Soviet science. Great efforts Russians. The republic has its own presi- in the early 1970s, at a scale of 1:200,000, were made to develop something of our dent and government. Our republic spans represent almost the entire territory of own that differed from western ideas. For several natural zones, including tundra Russia. These maps have long been secret, this reason, the orthodox fixist interpreta- along the shores of the Arctic Ocean, a and although many have now been tion of the geosynclinal concept remains mountainous eastern part, and a vast issued, they remain unavailable to foreign popular among Russian geologists. An example of such ideas is the “deep fault” concept, which was incomprehensible to western geologists. Lev Zonenshain did much to popularize plate tectonics in the Dipping Reflectors continued from p.5 Soper, N. J., England, R. W., Snyder, D. B., and Ryan, P. D., 1992, The Iapetus suture zone in England, Scot- former Soviet Union, but it is still not land and eastern Ireland: A reconciliation of geological generally accepted. structure and origin beneath the Scottish Caledonides: and deep seismic data: Geological Society of London In the early 1970s, it was decided to Tectonics, v. 14, p. 1351–1367. Journal, v. 149, p. 697–700. compile a geologic map of the entire USSR Meissner, R., and Kusznir, N. J., 1987, Crust viscosity Torske, T., and Prestvik, T., 1991, Mesozoic detachment at a scale of 1:50,000. This was to begin a and the reflectivity of the lower crust: Annales Geo- faulting between Greenland and Norway: Inferences physicae, v. 5, p. 365–374. from Jan Mayen Fracture Zone system and associated new stage in the geologic study of the alkalic volcanic rocks: Geology, v. 19, p. 481–484. Quinlan, G., Beaumont, C., and Hall, J., 1993, Tectonic country and to lead to new discoveries. model for crustal seismic reflectivity patterns in com- Warner, M., Morgan, J., Barton, P., Morgan, P., Price, Maps at this scale are now available for pressional orogens: Geology, v. 21, p. 663–666. C., and Jones, K., 1996, Seismic reflections from the most of the country, but most of them are mantle represent relict subduction zones within the Soper, N. J., 1988, Timing and geometry of collision, continental lithosphere: Geology, v. 24, p. 39–42. simply enlarged copies of the earlier terrane accretion and sinistral strike-slip events in the 1:200,000 maps; the hoped-for advances British Caledonides, in Harris, A. L., and Fettes, D. J., Manuscript received July 24, 1995; revisions received eds., The Caledonide-Appalachian orogen: Geological November 16, 1995 and January 22, 1996; accepted in geology did not occur. I believe that the Society of London Special Publication 38, p. 481–492. January 23, 1996 ■ reason for this lack of progress was, again,

6 GSA TODAY, April 1996 Figure 1. Regional tectonic zones of eastern Russia. FB—fold- FIELDTRIP TO THE belt (primarily Mesozoic); CAB— Cenozoic accre- tionary belt; VA— URALS volcanic arc (Quaternary); SZ— July 19–28, 1996 suture zone Geology and Mineral Resources (late Mesozoic); Russian Volga-Ural Basin VB—volcanic belt and South Ural Mountains (late Mesozoic); H- Including the Super-Giant S FB—Hokkaido- Romashkino Oilfield Sakhalin fold belt A truly unique scientific and cultural (Mesozoic to experience sponsored by the Tatar State Oil Cenozoic). The Research and Design Institute (TatNIPIneft), Kolyma-Omolon and the Doan Stuart/CHP International Institute, Albany, New York. USA fieldtrip superterrane con- leader is Skip Hobbs, Past Secretary of the sists of numerous American Association of Petroleum Geologists. terranes that were For details, contact Mira Lechowicz amalgamated and (518) 427-7228; fax 518-427-0183 then accreted to Siberia in the LIMITED TO 25 PARTICIPANTS. REGISTER ASAP! Mesozoic. The inset shows present-day plate and cum-Pacific terrane map with the U.S. major block Geological Survey which is now being boundaries: NA— North America, used as part of the basis for a metallogenic EU—Eurasia; OK— and tectonic analysis of the territory, and Okhotsk; and new digital seismic stations are being AM— Amur (north deployed. China). Boundaries Russian and North American geolo- are dotted where gists can cooperate in various ways. In par- uncertain. The arrows show strike- ticular: (1) joint scientific projects involv- slip motions; diverging arrows denote ridges; and teeth are on the upper plate of convergent bounding synthesis of available data; (2) joint aries. Figure by K. Fujita. scientific projects involving the gathering of new geological, geophysical, and other data; this requires joint field work, mainly in Russia; (3) training of young Russian the isolation of the Russian geological rocks of various ages, and Cretaceous colli- geologists at American universities and community from the rest of the world. sional granites are also present. There are research centers. The late 1970s and 1980s were marked in large deposits of tin and gold, as well as In 1994, the Academy of Sciences of the West by great advances in the study of silver, copper, and complex and other the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) was orga- deformation, sedimentology, isotopic dat- ores. Our task is to study the focus areas nized independently of the Russian ing of rocks, etc. The concept of terranes thoroughly, using a combination of geo- Academy of Sciences to combine the became very effective in the regional study logical and geophysical methods, and to efforts of all Yakutian scientists dealing of orogenic belts of different ages. All of use it in the future as a training ground for with regional problems. Our academy these achievements remained unknown young geologists. includes several scientific institutes and to Russian geologists, especially those At present, Russian geologists need, has close contacts with Yakut State Univer- who worked in the field and conducted first and foremost, informal communica- sity, attended by some 7500 students. One geological surveys. tion with their foreign colleagues, not at of the main tasks of our academy is to In order to improve the skill of survey the level of high-ranking persons, but at organize direct contacts with foreign sci- geologists, so-called “geodynamic testing the level of ordinary geologists involved in entists, initially with those in the western grounds” were set up in the 1980s in dif- field work, analysis, and data acquisition. United States. ferent areas of the former USSR, where The North American Cordillera and north- A large number of geologists are affili- new methods for geologic mapping were east Asia represent different sectors of the ated with geological surveys and scientific developed using plate tectonic concepts. same orogenic belt, and our cooperation institutes in the larger cities of Siberia and Leading specialists from the Academy of in studying them, which was impossible the Russian Far East, such as Magadan, Sciences contributed to this work, and until a few years ago, will undoubtedly Yakutsk, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, attempts were made to involve foreign contribute to better understanding of their Yuzhno Sakhalinsk, Khabarovsk, and experts as well. structures, histories, and distribution of Vladivostok. I meet with them often, and I In 1990, such a testing ground was set mineral deposits. find that we are all in favor of direct con- up (on my initiative) in the Chersky Range I know from experience that informal tacts with our American colleagues with- of eastern Yakutia where a Yakutian expe- cooperation can yield excellent results and out the participation of intermediaries in dition conducts geologic mapping at a can benefit both Russian and American Moscow. Moscow is far away from scale of 1:50,000. The area is a highland, is geologists. For five consecutive years, we Yakutsk, about 6000 km (7 hours by air). well exposed, and has a wide variety of have worked together with the Geophysi- The opening of direct flights and the geologic structures. Shelf and slope cal Institute of the University of Alaska on development of electronic mail have made deposits, mainly carbonates, of early Pale- paleomagnetic, structural, and geochrono- contacts between those of us in eastern ozoic age form deformed tectonic sheets logical studies, and with Michigan State Russia and the United States easier. All of which are thrust over deep-water Mesozoic University on present-day tectonics and us would like to enter into cooperative clastic rocks. Ophiolites, metamorphic seismicity. We have also compiled a cir- projects; please contact us directly! ■

GSA TODAY, April 1996 7 Volcanoes in Kamchatka

William D. Romey, Department of Geography, St. Lawrence University, Canton, NY 13617

Figure 1. Locations of volcanoes (asterisks) in Kamchatka, Russia.

Ksudach to Karymskiy (Fig. 1) a spec- tacular six-hour helicopter ride, took us past several active volcanoes, including 4750-m-high Klyuchyevskoy volcano. Klyuchyevskoy, the most active volcano in Kamchatka, erupted at least 70 times between 1697 and 1980 (Simkin et al., 1981), producing half of all the juvenile ejecta of the entire Kurile-Kamchatka arc (Khryenov et al., 1991). Klyuchyevskoy was erupting as the group went past. Another notable volcano, Byezymyannyy produced a little-known Mount St. Helens– Eruption of Klyuchyevskoy, a 4750 m volcano on the Kamchatka peninsula, Russia, in July 1993. Note size eruption on March 30, 1956, and con- huge black plume of ash rising from the summit crater. Photo, by W. D. Romey, taken from a helicopter tinues to erupt one to two times per year. flying at approximately 4000 m. This was the first large group of western geologists permitted to enter this formerly closed region. A second group toured the same region in 1994. Dorothy L. Stout In July 1993, 23 American geology extinct ones (Fyedotov, 1991). The group was the principal organizer of the trip. teachers attended a volcanology field visited Ksudach and Karymskiy volcanoes. conference in Kamchatka, Russia, Ksudach covers an area 18 by 22 km at its sponsored by the National Association of base, with elevation ranging from 900 to References Cited Geology Teachers and hosted by the 1000 m. It consists of a large seven-part Fyedotov, S. A., ed., 1991, Active volcanoes of Kamchatka, Volumes 1 and 2: Moscow, Nauka. Institute of Volcanic Geochemistry and caldera complex with four principal erup- Geology (IVGG) of the Russian Academy tive phases ranging in age from early Ivanov, B. V., Braytsyeva, O. A., and Zubin,. M. I., 1991, Karymskiy volcano, in Fyedotov, S. A., ed., Active of Sciences Far Eastern Branch, headquar- Pleistocene to Holocene; the last eruption volcanoes of Kamchatka, Volume 2: Moscow, Nauka. tered in Pyetropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy occurred in 1907. Karymskiy is one of the Khryenov, A. P., Dvigalo, V. N., Firsanov, I. T., (Fig. 1). Kamchatka is a 1200-km-long most highly active volcanoes in Kam- Fyedotof, S. A., Goryel’chik, V. I., and Zharinov, N. A., peninsula that juts south from near the chatka, having erupted 21 times since 1991, Klyuchyevskoy volcano, in Fyedotov, S. A., ed., Active volcanoes of Kamchatka, Volume 1: Moscow, Bering Strait, separating the Pacific Ocean 1771, the most recent eruption occurring Nauka, p. 104–152. from the Sea of Okhotsk (Fig. 1). Like the in 1996 (January 1). Eruptions have been Simkin, T., Siebert, L., McClelland, L., Bridge, D., Aleutians and Alaska peninsula, it is a principally Vulcanian, with some Strom- Newhall, C., and Latter, J. H., 1981, Volcanoes of the land of volcanoes—29 currently active bolian-Vulcanian activity (Ivanov et al., world: Stoudsburg, Pennsylvania, Dowden, Hutchison ■ cones and several hundred dormant or 1991; Simkin et al., 1981). The trip from and Ross.

8 GSA TODAY, April 1996 Republic of Kazakhstan: Environmental Restoration at a Nuclear Weapons Testing Complex

Albert L. Lamarre Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94551-9900

Introduction Kazakhstan, a newly established central Asian country, was one of the 15 republics of the former Soviet Union (Fig. 1). This fledgling, independent state hosts environmental problems as a result of its role supporting the former Soviet Union’s military efforts and use (including mining and smelting) of its basic natural resources. Because of its remoteness and limited population, Kazakhstan was selected as a major testing ground for Soviet nuclear weapons development for more than 40 years. With the demise of the Soviet Union in December 1991, many of the ethnic Russian weapons scientists and engineers returned to Russia from Kazakhstan, leaving the state to deal with the legacy of nuclear weapons testing at the Semipalatinsk Test Site in northeast Figure 1. Location of Kazakhstan within the former Soviet Union. Kazakhstan. As in most, if not all, of the republics of the former Soviet Union, the transition from a controlled, Communist government to an independent demo- golia, and Siberia. Kurchatov, formerly but it is reasonable to expect that at least cratic government with a capitalist-based a Soviet “Secret City,” occupies the north- some such contamination does exist. economy has not been easy or straightfor- east corner of the test site along the Irtysh The climate at Semipalatinsk is semi- ward. The loss of economic vitality led to River, and serves as the administrative arid, the depth to ground water is at least a significant decrease in the standard of center for the site. The site is now under 70 m, and no perennial streams traverse living for most Kazakh citizens and great the administration of the National Nuclear the site. In addition, population around pressure on the government to make Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan. the site is sparse; most villages are small progress in meeting basic needs of its Covering 18,000 km2, the test site is five and support cattle and sheep grazing. As a citizens. times larger than the Nevada Test Site, result of these natural and demographic Despite this economic decline, the the U.S. nuclear test site. features, the effects of radioactive contam- Kazakh people have used their new-found The first explosive test of a Soviet ination are probably less than would be freedom to express their long-standing Union nuclear device occurred at expected in more populous areas in wetter concerns about the inherent dangers and Semipalatinsk on August 29, 1949. climates. Nevertheless, thorough investi- environmental consequences of the Between then and 1989, when testing gations have not been conducted to char- nuclear testing program. Furthermore, at Semipalatinsk was curtailed, more acterize the natural geologic and hydroge- the government of the Republic of than 450 atmospheric and underground ologic conditions at the site; determine Kazakhstan is seeking remedies to the tests were conducted. Of those tests, 124 the nature and extent of contamination of resultant environmental contamination. released contamination beyond the ground water, soil, and vegetation; predict One such approach is to retrain their boundaries of the test site. Ironically, through computer modeling the fate and remaining former weapons scientists and because of unfavorable weather conditions transport of any contaminants; identify engineers, who are now underemployed, on August 29, 1949, the first Soviet Union potential ecological receptors (human, to apply their skills to environmental nuclear test resulted in the largest amount flora, and fauna); assess potential doses restoration. This leads to a conundrum: of offsite radioactive contamination of any received by these receptors; or calculate they have identified both a need for envi- test conducted at Semipalatinsk. Stron- potential adverse health effects. Environ- ronmental restoration and a solution tium-90, cesium-129, and plutonium have mental assessment of the Semipalatinsk (retraining of Kazakh scientists and engi- been detected in surface soil samples Test Site is in its infancy, lagging by far the neers); however, the funds, technology, collected from the test site, but the extent progress that has been made in the United and associated expertise are not available of this contamination both on and off States to characterize the contaminant risk within the country. site, and the presence of other radionu- and assess appropriate remedial actions at clides, have not been determined. the Nevada Test Site. Semipalatinsk Test Site Of the underground nuclear tests Kazakh scientists and engineers have The Semipalatinsk Test Site, the most conducted, an undetermined number of sufficient desire and formal training in active of the five nuclear test sites in the devices were detonated below the water science and engineering to address the former Soviet Union, is located in flat, table. It is unclear if any analyses have environmental issues at Semipalatinsk, treeless terrain of the Asian steppes of been made to determine the nature and given the opportunity to receive proper northeast Kazakhstan. It lies close to the extent of ground-water contamination, intersection of Kazakhstan, China, Mon- Kazakhstan continued on p. 10

GSA TODAY, April 1996 9 PEPTALK PARTNERS I am a: Teacher. Grade/subject:______Barbara L. Mieras PEP FOR Partners for Education Program Manager EDUCATION ______PEP Members’ Call PROGRAM Geoscientist. Specialty: ______to Denver 1996 ______Registration Card I want to join the FREE Partners for Education Program Please send me more information about PEP, the Partners for Education Pro- Ms. Mr. Dr. gram, is growing! In 1995, we increased the Partners for Education Program Name ______our membership from about 800 to over If you already have a Partner, your 1200 members, and new volunteers con- Address ______Partner’s name and address______tinue to lend their support every day. ______We had an outstanding number of ______PEP members at GSA’s Annual Meeting in City/State/ZIP ______New Orleans, and we look forward to an Phone ______Return this coupon to even greater turnout in Denver this fall. GSA, Partners for Education Program, We encourage each of our members to FAX ______P.O. Box 9140, Boulder, CO 80301-9140. consider submitting an abstract to one of the K–16 educational theme sessions or technical sessions or to offer assistance Committee Section Representative if you’d Beth Klocek, PEP Secretary, with a workshop, field trip, or other event like to contribute to your section’s K–12 E-mail: [email protected] for K–12 educators and scientists. educational efforts. If you need help locat- Geological Society of America In the winter 1995–1996 issue of ing those individuals, please contact us: 3300 Penrose Place, P.O. Box 9140 PEP News, we mentioned several volunteer Boulder, CO 80301 opportunities for our Partners. Please Barbara L. (Barb) Mieras, PEP Manager, (303) 447-2020 or (800) 824-7243 remember to contact your GSA Education E-mail: [email protected] fax (303) 447-1133 ■

Kazakhstan continued from p. 9 that has recently become common in the this experience with the citizens of United States. If the Kazakhs do not have Kazakhstan, the United States could help training to effect career changes as many to rediscover already known technology to effect a more rapid and cost-effective of us in the United States have done in conduct environmental programs, perhaps environmental cleanup there. the past 10 years. The Kazakhs badly need they will be more successful than the Moreover, the United States would an opportunity to learn the field tech- United States has been in bringing sites be rewarded by its own efforts. Our envi- niques of environmental investigation to closure. ronmental restoration industry stands to and remediation. They need to spend gain useful information about appropriate time with American or western European Conclusions remediation strategies. Experimental environmental scientists and engineers Given the potentially serious conse- methods could be tested on serious, real- working at contaminated sites in America quences of exposure to both radioactive world problems. The potential business or western Europe, and to host those scien- and hazardous chemical contamination ventures for U.S. environmental restora- tists and engineers to provide training at from the Semipalatinsk Test Site, and the tion industries could augment our econ- Semipalatinsk. The primary goal of such an desire expressed by the government of omy. The rewards from long-term invest- environmental training program would be Kazakhstan to remedy the situation, an ment in future business in a country with to bring the Kazakhs current with industry important question arises: What role, if abundant natural resources could offer standards as quickly as possible, to help any, should the United States play in this considerable financial returns over them avoid the long and arduous learning environmental issue? No organization in dozens of decades. process that most of us have experienced the United States, either governmental or in the environmental restoration industry private, has taken a lead role in consoli- Acknowledgments here in the United States. A potential bene- dating and coordinating environmental I thank my colleagues T. R. Koncher, ficial consequence of this pursuit for us cleanup assistance, either financial or Rebecca Failor, Penny Webster-Scholten, would be knowledge gained to better technical, for the Kazakhs. Only individ- and William McConachie for their understand the health risks posed by long- ual, sporadic, and disjointed efforts have constructive technical review of a draft term exposure to low-level radiation. By been made in the past three or four years version of the text; Kim Heyward for applying such knowledge, we could pro- by the Department of State, Department preparing the figure; Janet Orloff for duce more appropriate guidelines for reme- of Defense, and Department of Energy to manuscript production;. and especially diation efforts in the United States, not assist the Kazakhs in their environmental Penny Webster-Scholten for her valuable only for radionuclides, but for other envi- efforts by providing limited amounts of assistance in all aspects of preparation of ronmental contaminants as well. funding, technical consultation, and field the article and for handling the innumer- The environmental studies in sampling. The U.S. government and pri- able logistical details of this effort. The Kazakhstan of which I am aware, which vate industry have nearly 20 years of work was performed under the auspices have been recommended or initiated by invaluable experience in environmental of the U.S. Department of Energy by traditionally trained scientists and engi- restoration gained at facilities throughout Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory neers, lack the environmental systems the United States where nuclear weapons under contract W-7405-Eng-48. ■ approach and the risk-based prioritization were developed and tested. By sharing

10 GSA TODAY, April 1996 SAGE REMARKS

Bruce Nelson, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia.

Geology Evolves to Thrive at UVA

In his article in the January issue of In geology, we offer some standard ment in their GSA Today, P. Geoffrey Feiss said that leav- upper-level courses, such as in mineralogy, fields. In terms of dollar ing the petty details of academic adminis- petrology, structure, geomorphology, and support for research, we rank second or tration to others is hazardous to the coastal processes, but the curriculum of third among the departments above. This health of academic geology programs, but standard courses evolves as the faculty and suggests that the overall quality of not every geologist can (or should) want their interests change. When one faculty research in the department is competitive. to be a dean. My observation from 15 member retired, we dropped courses in Are we viable? Yes. Are we expensive? years of university administrative experi- paleontology and stratigraphy. These no About average. Are we expendable? Possi- ence is that deans and vice-presidents can longer seemed essential to our central pur- bly, but that would be expensive to the prune or expand resources for departmen- pose. Instead, we recently introduced university in terms of instructional effort tal operations, but they cannot invent three synthesizing courses, in earth surface and the overhead income we generate! Are vital programming, exciting instruction, processes, geochemistry, and geodynam- we central to the university? Surely not, as or creative research activity. The faculty ics. We hope they will become the core of long as the models of what a university do this. In good institutions the academic the geoscience program, in time. Our real should be derive from the classics. departments must define and execute objective is to forge linkages with other On the other hand, in the terms their missions creatively, if the institution core subjects,—i.e., with hydrology, atmo- Geoffrey Feiss defined, consider the fol- is to prosper. We need good models that spheric sciences, and ecology, so that our lowing. We have popular courses and show how academic geology departments students will become interdisciplinary in active research in “global change,” marine can evolve to succeed in the changing their thinking and training. science, environmental science, and geo- environment of university education. We have about 25 faculty positions, graphic information systems—and more! Because the University of Virginia and 10 are geoscientists. Five call them- We have linkages to evolutionary biology has been cited as a place where “geology selves geologists; the others identify their (a joint appointment with biology), and has disappeared,” let us examine that situ- fields as: geochemistry, environmental public policy (with the planning program ation more closely. First, a bit of history. chemistry, geomorphology, coastal envi- in the School of Architecture). Our efforts By late in the 1960s, it became clear here ronments, and paleoclimatology. These at interdisciplinary instruction and that both the geology and geography variants reflect the fact that the geoscien- research are real, and our external review programs had reached a point where new tists try to bridge the gaps between geol- committees have provided the administra- directions were needed, if those programs ogy and the other disciplines. This leads to tion with supportive reports. were to retain a competitive role as the interdisciplinary cooperation in teaching Our administration has begun to university moved to achieve academic and research. We also have the resources recognize that the Department of Envi- excellence. The administration imple- of 14 research faculty—fully supported by ronmental Sciences is the most vital mented reviews of the programs to seek grants—who enrich the overall research example of interdisciplinary instruction future directions for them, but it was clear effort and who often serve on thesis and and cooperative research in the university, that strong programs already existed in dissertation committees. Finally, there are although this recognition develops slowly other state institutions, especially in geol- joint appointments with chemistry and here and elsewhere! We would like to see ogy. In the end, two associate professors— biology, and one of our faculty is a full- our model of interdisciplinary instruction one a geologist, the other a geographer— time administrator. and research organized within a single proposed that the two programs combine Virginia did rethink the way geology academic unit duplicated elsewhere. But and focus on the environmental sciences. and geography were doing things 25 years few other institutions have done so. We These two young faculty members per- ago, and some very hard decisions were go unrecognized where the relative merits ceived the new interdisciplinary trend, made along the way. Is the program suc- of disciplinary departments are discussed. conceived an organized response, and cessful? What is the demand? How do we Some believe that “geology has disap- convinced the dean to support it. Yes, compare with the other sciences? Some peared or been given the fright of its life” the departments of geology and geogra- statistics tell the tale. During the past five at the University of Virginia and that phy disappeared in 1970, but for 25 years years we have counted an average of 230 “Virginia is a very dangerous place for us both disciplines have prospered within the majors and graduated an average of 77 per to practice our profession.” Au contraire! Department of Environmental Sciences! year (although the number of graduates Geology has been given new life here that What is meant by environmental has been increasing during this period). has sustained itself for a quarter century! sciences at Virginia? Our core disciplines Of course, these are not all geologists—but Virginia is for lovers—of geology! ■ are: geology or geosciences, ecology, they have all had geology courses! Many hydrology, and atmospheric sciences. of our graduates are employed directly We offer a core course in each at the sec- after graduation, a large number go to law ond- or third-year level, and undergradu- school or to other professional programs, ates must include them in their majors. and about 20% pursue graduate work in CORRECTION Afterwards, they may specialize in one one of the disciplines. Our graduate en- Dinofest International, to be held core area, or they may take a variety of rollment of 85 is the same as in physics, April 18–21, 1996, will be at Arizona advanced courses and become generalists. nearly 70% larger than in biology, 50% State University in Tempe, NOT at Graduate students take at least one gradu- larger than in mathematics, but 18% less the University of Arizona. The event ate level course in each core area, but they than in chemistry. We have produced is mentioned in the March issue of must achieve competence for research by 14–15 master’s degrees and 5 doctoral specializing. degrees per year during this period. Most GSA Today on p. 38 and p. 44. of these graduates have found employ-

GSA TODAY, April 1996 11 FORUM applied research so as to demonstrate clear relevance to national issues. The social Bruce F. Molnia environment that supports science has changed fundamentally from that Forum is a regular feature of GSA Today in which many sides of an issue or question of interest to described 50 years ago by Vannevar Bush the geological community are explored. Selection of future Forum topics and participants is the in his report Science, the Endless Frontier. responsibility of the Forum Editor. Suggestions for future Forum topics are welcome and should be We no longer can expect the public to sent to: Bruce F. Molnia, Forum Editor, U.S. Geological Survey, 917 National Center, Reston, VA support scientific endeavors simply 22092, (703) 648-4120, fax 703-648-4227, E-mail: [email protected]. because one or more of the results might possibly be beneficial to society in the long term, if they will only keep the faith. We—and I mean all of us, practicing scien- Politics and Economics: tists, as well as managers and administra- Geological Research Bridging the Gulf— tors—must show the public that their hard-earned dollars are being used to The Near-Term Future—Part 2 address issues that mean something to them. Our anecdotal list of specific contributions that science has made to the com- This Forum attempts to examine how tive impacts of these profound changes, mon good since 1940 has begun to wear a geology fits into the larger fabric of soci- scientists and scientific establishments bit thin. ety, especially in light of recent societal must regroup. We must seize the initiative The public has come to realize that a changes. The interconnections between to demonstrate clearly the value of science lot of the work funded through their tax the geosciences and current political, eco- to society. We have taken the Congress dollars during the past 50 years did not, in nomic, and environmental movements is and the tax-paying public they represent fact, provide much in the way of direct or analyzed in light of anticipated changes in for granted, for too long, resting smugly demonstrable societal benefits, although the business market and education. Last on our accomplishments and our laurels. clearly much did. In the earth sciences month, Forum presented the first half of To regain the initiative, scientists this new focus means practical efforts, for this topic, which is drawn from the Insti- must demonstrate this relevance to soci- example, to protect the public from the tute for Environmental Education Annual etal issues by producing outcomes that effects of geologic and hydrologic hazards Forum at the GSA Annual Meeting in New address the nation’s most pressing needs. such as coastal erosion, earthquakes, Orleans. This month, we present three We must explain the benefits of science in floods, volcanic eruptions, and landslides. additional perspectives on the subject. language that all can comprehend, and we We need to assure the public that ade- must cease our ineffectual habit of talking quate clean water will be available for a exclusively to our fellow scientists. We growing population. We need to continue PERSPECTIVE 4: must define and focus our work, while activities, such as our participation in the Changes in Federal Government being ever more creative with the dimin- Federal Geographic Data Committee, to Agencies—Implications for ishing resources at our disposal. Science facilitate rapid access to all geographically Academics and Industry can and should address key societal prob- referenced data sets, in the private sector Gordon Eaton, lems more effectively than ever before— as well as in the government. Director, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA while simultaneously pushing back the Just how we communicate the results frontiers of fundamental understanding. of our research to our clients and cus- Introduction As federal science agencies respond tomers—the public and the Congress— New thinking in Washington and to the new order in Washington, we must is as important today as the results them- across the country is having a profound vigorously embrace the changes and see selves. Most of this nation’s citizens are impact on future directions and support them as an opportunity, not merely as the not scientifically educated or inclined. for science in our nation. The actions reduction or destruction of long-estab- We must greatly improve our efforts to now being taken, which include abolish- lished institutions. We must move forward educate the public about the need to ing the Congressional Office of Technol- rapidly and aggressively, influencing and understand Earth processes. And they ogy Assessment and the U.S. Bureau of setting national policy and seeking new need to know why they need to know. Mines, modifying the former Soil Conser- ways to address critical societal issues. To To achieve this goal, we must produce vation Service, and cutting spending on do this effectively, we must: demonstrate many more nontechnical publications fossil energy in the Department of Energy, our relevance to the solving of societal than we have in the past—publications will affect us well into the 21st century. problems; plan for a prolonged period of that are understandable to the lay public These actions reflect societal changes limited financial and human resources; and are formatted in a manner that meets over the past few years, including: and develop innovative relations with the the customers’ expectations and needs. • the end of the Cold War, public, the wider academic community, Our methods of disseminating informa- • the desire of the nation to reduce and industry. tion must change, too. In the USGS, the significantly the federal budget deficit, Virtually all federal scientific agen- EarthFax fax-on-demand system and our • the actions of the Administration to cies will be smaller in the coming years. home page on the Internet are two of the reinvent our federal government, They will also be more sharply focused on nontraditional ways we have adopted to • the actions of the 104th Congress to key mission goals, establishing new priori- get our work to the audiences that can use reduce substantially the size of the ties and new paradigms that should ulti- it. CD-ROMs are a growing part of our federal government, and mately strengthen our nation’s scientific publications program, as well. • the identification of a host of national endeavors. challenges, such as crime, welfare Implications of Change for reform, racism, and economic competi- The Need for Academics and Industry tiveness, that do not call directly upon Demonstrable Relevance One way in which federal science science for their solution. One of the most consistent themes in agencies can become more relevant is by In order to continue the quest for sci- Washington over the past three years has entific excellence and minimize the nega- been the admonition to balance basic and Forum continued on p. 13

12 GSA TODAY, April 1996 Forum continued from p. 12 Looking Ahead normally take many years or even a Federal science agencies face an decade to complete for each site. It has uncertain future. At first, and even second, been necessary to investigate extensively developing more interdisciplinary studies glance, the requirement for societal rele- and according to prescribed procedures involving nontraditional colleagues. As vance in our work and the prospect of and methods the nature and extent of our ability to hire and retain a large per- continued downsizing seem to limit what contamination before major decisions on manent staff is significantly constrained we can do. Yet the need for sound earth- remediation are made. The hydrogeology by limited resources, we will have to make science information is growing, as the profession owes most of its growth to the greater use of the university community to world’s population increases and the demands of the site investigation process, accomplish our mission. We will need to demand for water and minerals and safe and also to the regulation-bound and liti- form stronger internal and external part- places to live expands. The only way to gation-driven inefficiencies, inherent in nerships in all that we do: partnerships meet this increasing need in the face of the process, that have made the investiga- with universities, with other government our diminishing resources is to reach out- tions take much longer and cost much agencies (federal, state, and local), and ward, to develop partnerships with other more than warranted by scientific and with the private sector. agencies in federal, state, and local govern- technical factors. By forming partnerships, such agen- ment, with academia, and with industry. For the first time in two decades, cies can avoid tying up scarce resources in If we use our partnerships to leverage our there is major uncertainty regarding the the salaries of permanent staff, and they investment of people and money, both long-term employment trend in hydroge- will be able to work with their partners our science and our society will reap the ology and the role that hydrogeologists to leverage both financial and human ultimate benefits. will play in the field of ground water. resources to produce outcomes that nei- Growth in the profession has ended, ther party, acting independently, could PERSPECTIVE 5: perhaps temporarily, and shrinkage may produce. Such partnerships allow for the From Site Investigations occur for a few years. On one side it is flexibility needed to respond to changing to Site Remediation: argued that the era in which the hydroge- national needs and priorities and to adopt Implications for Hydrogeology ologist was an important player in con- new disciplines and new technologies. John A. Cherry, taminated site investigations and remedia- To facilitate opportunities with indus- University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada tion is over, as the emphasis switches from try, the USGS has formed a Business Enter- standard site investigations to routine site- prise Council, which seeks to work ethi- The modern commercial era of hydro- remediation engineering that may be exe- cally and productively with industry to geology, which is founded on problems cuted with minimal geologic insight. identify potential industry client groups of contamination by industrial chemicals, Defenders of hydrogeology argue that and to develop and promote bureau part- began in 1980 with the passage of the first even more hydrogeologic insight will be nerships with industry. Through mecha- Superfund legislation and implementation needed in the future because most indus- nisms such as Cooperative Research and of the Resource Conservation and Recov- trial sites where ground-water contamina- Development Agreements (CRADAs), ery Act (RCRA). For many years thereafter tion occurs have not yet been investigated we at the USGS can export our scientific the number of practicing hydrogeologists in any detail and because possibilities for expertise while taking advantage of the and monitoring wells increased rapidly. success in remediation at nearly all sites production and marketing abilities of The number of hydrogeologists in North depend on recognition of the influences the private sector. CRADAs are becoming America rose from about 2000 in 1975 to of and limitations imposed by complexi- increasingly important in transferring more than 20,000 in 1995, most of the ties caused by geologic factors. The future technology via licensing agreements growth occurring in the 1980s. In the for both domestic and international Superfund and RCRA process and equiva- applications. lent state programs, site investigations Forum continued on p. 14

About People

GSA Fellow Fred A. Donath, San Clemente, California, Texas Tech University has honored GSA Fellow Grover E. recently received the University of Minnesota Outstanding Murray, Lubbock, Texas, by establishing the Grover E. Murray Achievement Award; he was the founding director of the GSA Distinguished Professorship at its Health Sciences Center; Mur- Institute for Environmental Education, and he and his wife, ray is a former Texas Tech president and Health Sciences Cen- Mavis, established the GSA Young Scientist Award. ter president. Fellow R. Michael Easton, Ontario Geological Survey, Fellow James A. Peterson, University of Montana has been elected chair of the North American Commission on (Missoula) and U.S. Geological Survey, received the University Stratigraphic Nomenclature for 1995-1996. of Minnesota’s Outstanding Achievement Award recently, for The Archaeological Institute of America has presented its his research in petroleum resource assessment and disposal of Pomerance Science Award to GSA Fellow Norman Herz, Uni- high-level nuclear waste. versity of Georgia, Athens, for his work in determining sources Fellow William A. S. Sarjeant, University of of marble in ancient statuary and buildings. Saskatchewan, has been elected to fellowship in the Royal Fellow Naresh Kumar, Richardson, Texas, has founded Society of Canada. Growth Oil and Gas Company, an exploration and consulting Fellow Daniel J. Stanley, U.S. National Museum of firm; he is also a vice-president of Axis Resources, Inc. Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., Member George Lindahl III, Fort Worth, Texas, has has been named an honorary professor by the East China been appointed executive vice- president, Operations, for Normal University in Shanghai. Union Pacific Resources Company. Fellow Robert C. Whisonant, Radford University, has Member Jereld E. McQueen, Kingwood, Texas, has been elected chair of the Virginia Board for Geology; the board established McQueen & McQueen, an energy advisory and regulates the practice of geology in the state. management firm.

GSA TODAY, April 1996 13 Forum continued from p. 13 ground-water field are deficient in some industrial sites are relatively complex) of the quantitative and formal problem- depends on the successful integration of of hydrogeology will depend to a major solving training that engineers have diverse types of information and effective degree on how the hydrogeology profes- received, and many engineers are com- hypothesis testing. One of the reasons sion responds to this new situation. monly deficient in knowledge of geologic site investigations have been excessively The rapid growth in the 1980s of environments, especially insight relating expensive and have taken so long is that investigations in ground-water contamina- to the nature, causes, and implications of the integrative and hypothesis testing tion was unanticipated by academia and subsurface complexity and heterogeneity. steps have often confounded the teams of the ground-water profession. Therefore, Each of these disciplines is generally sparse investigative specialists in which no one many of the professionals in this field in education that prepares ground-water person sees clearly the “big picture” all the have little specialized education for this professionals for interpreting subsurface way from site conditions to remediations. work, because university programs took data in situations where the interpretation When confusion strikes, the team resorts many years to adapt to the new demand must integrate information from geology, to acquiring more data, often not the criti- and because employment opportunities geophysics, inorganic and organic geo- cal data needed for hypothesis testing and were so plentiful that specialized educa- chemistry, and subsurface flow of multiple conceptual modeling. Of course, persons tion or experience was not a prerequisite phases (gas, water, and immiscible organic with specialist knowledge are essential in for employment. The profession of liquids). The common approach in the the site investigation-remediation field, ground-water scientists and engineers ground-water profession is to attempt to but their value is greatly diminished when is populated mostly by persons educated accomplish the task of data interpretation the experienced generalist is absent. initially in geology or civil engineering; by using a team of specialists, each of One of the advantages that should only a small minority comes from other which knows much about one type of be expected from a geoscience approach educational disciplines such as biology data (such as geology or geophysics or is use of the method of multiple working and chemistry. Few undergraduate pro- organic geochemistry) and little about the hypotheses, with ultimate selection of the grams in geoscience or engineering have other data types. Although at first glance preferred hypothesis by elimination of provided training specific to ground-water this would seem to be a logical approach, other hypotheses through interpretations environments. it is akin to assembling a team of medical of diverse and complex data sets. This The ground-water profession has specialists to examine an ill patient with- approach has been the foundation of the been the source of employment for most out benefit of involvement of an experi- observational approach in the geological geologists entering professional ranks enced general practitioner, or other per- sciences for more than a century, but it is since the early 1980s when the petroleum sons particularly capable in the area of generally underused and often ignored in and mining industries began downsizing. general diagnostics. The formulation of contaminated site investigations. Thus, Even with graduate degrees, many—if not site-specific conceptual models for com- hydrologists are presented with much most—of the geoscientists working in the plex situations (nearly all contaminated opportunity, if they can fully use and demonstrate the advantage of this approach. Many options are becoming available for site remediation; however, selection of the most appropriate option should depend on the form and clarity of the conceptual model for the site. The design and intensity of the remediation effort should be reassessed as the initial performance is evaluated and the conceptual model refined. At many sites, the initial performance is a test of the site hypotheses, because much uncertainty in site conditions normally exists even after appropriate site investigations. Much of this uncertainty is usually due to geologic factors that cause complexity in contaminant distributions and in the flow paths of water, air, or heat used in the remediation. Investigations of contaminated sites were rather chaotic in the first half of the 1980s as the growing profession scrambled to adjust to the unprecedented demands. Deficiencies in quality assurance and quality control were severe in the early years, resulting in the imposition by regulatory agencies and by litigation needs of stan- dardized, conventional methods for nearly all subsurface data acquisition and for remediation. Excessive regulation resulted in minimal innovation in the 1980s. After a period of dependence on conventional drilling and use of standard monitoring wells for site investigations, the 1990s have seen rapid introduction of many new subsurface investigation technologies.

14 GSA TODAY, April 1996 Many new types of downhole probes and and, as a consequence, research funding has had a substantial impact on student sampling tools that do not require a well is decreasing. Doing more with less is the numbers, particularly in traditional areas have been developed. Also, whereas vapor current challenge. Ultimately, the perfor- of geology. The petroleum industry con- extraction for remediating soil and pump- mance of hydrogeologists and other pro- tinues to downsize in a manner that one and-treat for aquifers were the remedia- fessionals in the ground-water field will colleague has described as “corporate tion methods of choice at nearly all signif- be judged by the long-term benefits to the anorexia.” The opportunities for employ- icant remediation sites in the 1980s, many environment and to human health of the ment are limited in the minerals industry new in-situ remediation technologies have remedial actions undertaken at the thou- and soft in the environmentally related emerged for consideration in the 1990s. sands of contaminated sites across the areas. Making matters worse is a substan- Although these new technologies will continent. tial reduction in the government research eventually produce more effective rem- enterprise (e.g., U.S. Geological Survey, ediation at some sites, their existence PERSPECTIVE 6: Department of Energy, and our national greatly complicated professional practice. Universities: Confronting the laboratories). Try as one might, it is not Many questions regarding the amount Challenge of Change possible for a department to prosper over and type of subsurface information Franklin W. Schwartz, the long term without students. needed to properly select a remedial Department of Geological Sciences, Another factor limiting the opportu- technology are difficult to answer because Ohio State University, Columbus, OH nities for geoscience departments has been of the paucity of real world experience what D. I. Goodstein, in his 1995 article Geoscience departments must face with these technologies. “After the Big Crunch,” published by the challenges as they confront the changes The profession is moving rapidly Woodrow Wilson International Center for that are rocking academe. Driving these from an era when much of the subsurface Scholars in The Wilson Quarterly, considers changes are fundamental, and probably information at contaminated industrial as natural limits to growth. He argues that permanent, shifts in the “academic” sites was acquired regardless of whether exponential growth in science perhaps can paradigm that governs the ebb and flow it was essential for risk assessment, or for be maintained for limited periods, but of academic life, teaching and research, selection of remediation technology, to eventually expansion must stop—his and the historical relationship between an era where there is little tolerance for so-called “big crunch.” He concludes geoscience departments and federal grant- the acquisition of data that will probably that physics stopped growing in the early ing agencies. In an instructive book, not have direct bearing on risk or remedia- 1970s. Geoscience growth, at least in most Paradigms—The Business of Discovering the tion decisions. The new challenge is not traditional areas, probably stopped about Future, published in 1993 (Harper Collins just to acquire high-quality data but to the same time. When a field stops grow- Publishers Inc.), Joel Barker defines a acquire high-quality data that are neces- ing, professors need to replicate them- paradigm as “the set of rules or regulations sary to a streamlined and cost-conscious selves only once in an academic career to … that establishes or defines boundaries, decision-making process. Thus, geoscien- maintain the supply of appropriately edu- and tells us how to behave within these tists must be knowledgeable not only cated individuals in doctoral-level research boundaries to succeed.” This definition about the geoscience aspects of the site institutions. This desperate employment is not the typical usage of the term, but it problems but also about the factors and situation cannot be called upon to sustain provides an interesting vantage point to processes critical to risk assessments and the hopes and dreams of graduate stu- view life in universities. remediation engineering. dents. Goodstein argues that to a signifi- Most readers will have already At most contaminated sites, geologic cant extent, physics professors have been affected by change in the academic features or complexities such as faults, ignored this problem of employment paradigm in one form or another. It used fractures, permeable channels, or low- opportunities by creating new but tempo- to be that graduating doctoral students permeability stagnant zones determine the rary postdoctoral opportunities and by in virtually all specialties could expect critical subsurface contaminant pathways relying on foreign students, many of to find a university position where they to receptors and also govern remediation whom will return to their home countries. could begin to establish a research pro- performance. Thus, the hydrogeologic I would add that the situation within the gram, and to embark on an interesting components of the problem are key ele- geosciences seems very similar. and active research career. External fund- ments around which much of the deci- Confronted by dwindling university ing was more or less a given, along with sion-making process should revolve. budgets, an increasingly competitive envi- a corps of enthusiastic graduate students, Accommodation to this reality has been ronment for research funding, and waning who themselves went off to join the sys- slow at the administrative levels in gov- student interest in many specialties, tem. Now, however, things are different. ernment or executive levels in industry, departments are examining the possibili- There is little prospect of students finding where the important decisions are made. ties for change. This process of reflection an academic position in many geologic Progress in this current decade will and renewal is especially difficult in uni- specialties. Those that join universities depend on how the hydrogeologic profes- versities because of a predilection to often find it harder than ever to begin a sion performs scientifically and techni- “paradigm paralysis” and a consensual conventional academic career. Much more cally and how it exerts influence in the management style with little individual emphasis is being placed on the quality decision-making process. Possibilities for accountability. (and quantity) of teaching. Further, it is the hydrogeology profession to perform Barker has defined paradigm paraly- becoming increasingly difficult to fund well will be strongly dependent on the sis as “a terminal disease of certainty.” research and to attract graduate students. response of universities to the need for Paradigm paralysis explains why some For those already established in broadening curricula and modernizing individuals will cling forever to the model universities, the waning interest in some of course content and to the continuing- of geological education that brought them specialties, along with departmental education offerings of universities, profes- success and power. downsizing, means that teaching duties sional societies, and many other organiza- Once this kind of paradigm is in are shifting toward high-enrollment intro- tions. Progress will also depend on the place, “any suggested alternative has to be ductory courses. production of advance knowledge, which wrong.” Barker’s logic explains, for exam- A number of factors have contributed must come primarily from research. At ple, why a faculty member may have been to the deterioration of academic life. The this time, when the need is greatest, the content to sit for more than a decade wait- most important is a lack of employment belief at the political level that research prospects for geoscience graduates, which provides useful dividends is faltering, Forum continued on p. 16

GSA TODAY, April 1996 15 Forum continued from p. 15 cialties, and faculty will wither in the face of others who can adapt to changing times. As has always been the case, success in ing for “the oil patch to come back,” or even to deny the exis- an academic sense will continue to be governed by the survival of tence of fundamental problems in employment and research the fittest. Now, however, with the present academic climate, suc- opportunities. cess will come to fewer individuals. As a consequence, one should In all too many cases, a lack of understanding of the scope of be willing to consider radical changes that are appropriate to change contributes to simplistic remedies to problems. In depart- one’s time and place. The starting point would be an objective ments, feeble steps forward (or occasionally in other directions)— self-assessment, individually and collectively. A straightforward such as changing the department name, adding a hydrogeologist, initial step would be to make many small improvements in including an environmentally oriented course in the undergradu- teaching and research activities. The more difficult step to ate program, and so on—are often perceived by faculty to be rev- improve the competitiveness of individual programs will require olutionary in scope. Popular articles muse on more general solu- rethinking of directions, retraining, or even more revolutionary tions, such as limiting the number of postgraduate students changes. Such changes might include some emphasis on compe- (most effectively applied to departments other than one’s own), tency-based learning and a concerted effort to win back tradi- programs to offer dual master’s degrees (designed to provide stu- tional “turf” that is being ceded to departments in agriculture, dents with a greater scientific repertoire), or changing employ- engineering, and urban and regional planning. ment expectations for Ph.D.s (put your Ph.D. to work in sales!). For individual faculty, one hallmark of success will be the The reality is that there will be no easy, across-the-board fix for unequivocal demonstration of viable and innovative educational the problems ailing the geosciences. opportunities for students at the graduate level. As in all tough Here are my views on the direction of change in the aca- fights, there will be casualties. For faculty unwilling to under- demic game. Universities are being dragged, kicking and scream- stand the issues at stake or to improve their academic perfor- ing, to the realization that their main raison d’être is education. mance, their most important contribution will be to retire. Professors are or will be held to increasing standards of quality, An initial first step for departments would be to concentrate innovation, and productivity in teaching with the integration of on substantive improvements in teaching, to coordinate and to new technologies. The research mission of many universities will improve the delivery of academic services, and to accept opportu- continue, except that research opportunities will decline along nities for innovation. Departments will compete with other with the reduction in funding sources. It is likely that an increas- departments and universities mostly on the quality of their edu- ing share of research dollars will come from industry and other cational offerings, and to a lesser extent on student numbers. nontraditional sources. For this reason, there will be an increas- Thus, one important measure of quality of an institution will lie ing proportion of what can be viewed as applied science. Many in its ability to maintain robust and energetic programs at the departments will become polarized in their distribution of gradu- graduate and undergraduate level. The old medicine and ate students and resources. warmed-over solutions from the 1970s and 1980s are not likely to My advice would be not to underestimate the severity of the be strong enough to shake the malaise that has afflicted many of present problems in the earth sciences. Weak departments, spe- our number. ■

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS To reward and encourage teaching excellence in beginning professors of earth science at the college level, the Geological Society of America announces: THE FIFTH ANNUAL Biggs Award For Excellence In Earth Science Teaching For Beginning Professors

ELIGIBILITY: All earth science instructors and faculty at 2- and 4-year colleges who have been teaching full time for 10 years or less. (Part-time teaching is not counted in the 10 years.) AWARD AMOUNT: An award of $500 is made possible as a result of support from the Donald and Carolyn Biggs Fund. NOMINATION PROCEDURE: For nomination forms write to Edward E. Geary, Coordinator for Educational Programs, Geological Society of America, P.O. Box 9140, Boulder, CO 80301. DEADLINE: Nominations and support materials for the 1996 Biggs Earth Science Teaching Award must be received by June 30, 1996.

16 GSA TODAY, April 1996 GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 1996 Annual Meeting DENVER, COLORADO • OCTOBER 28–31

ASSOCIATED SOCIETIES Sunset at the Great Sand Dunes National Monument, Colorado. Photo by John Karachewski. Association for Women Geoscientists • Association of • Abstracts: Due July 9 Engineering Geologists • For a paper copy of the abstract form, E-mail: [email protected] Association of American State For the electronic form, http://www.geosociety.org Geologists • Association of Geoscientists for International • Preregistration: Due September 20 Development • Cushman Foundation • Geochemical • Information: (303) 447-2020 or 1-800-472-1988; fax 303-447-0648 Society • Geoscience Informa- E-mail: [email protected] tion Society • Mineralogical World Wide Web: http://www.geosociety.org Society of America • National • Association for Black Registration and Full Details: June issue of GSA Today Geologists and Geophysicists • National Association of Geo- science Teachers • National Earth Science Teachers Call For Papers Association • Paleontological Research Institution • Paleon- THEME STATEMENT FOR THE 1996 ANNUAL MEETING tological Society • Sigma The scientific theme for the 1996 Annual Meeting in the mile-high city of Denver is Earth Gamma Epsilon • Society of System Summit. As with previous themes for annual meetings, this one can be interpreted in Economic Geologists • Society several ways. We particularly wish to emphasize that Earth is a complete system whose pro- of Vertebrate Paleontology cesses are complexly interrelated at a variety of scales. In addition, the theme emphasizes that we are all inhabitants of this complex system; our actions can significantly impact, or CO-SPONSORS be impacted by, its dynamic behavior. Of course, we can view the gathering of scientists and Colorado Scientific Society • engineers of the Society, GSA divisions, and the associated societies as an intellectual summit Rocky Mountain Association focusing on the Earth System. Finally, the theme emphasizes our connection with the rugged of Geologists peaks of the nearby Rocky Mountains. —1996 Annual Meeting Committee Daily technical session NEW FOR ’96—SUBMIT ABSTRACTS VIA THE WWWEB schedule appears: September Starting on or about May 1, abstracts for this year’s Annual Meeting in Denver issue of GSA Today and on the can be sent to GSA via the World Wide Web (Web). At that time, our new electronic World Wide Web: http//www. system for abstract submission will be available, to be used at first for Annual geosociety.org Meeting abstracts only. In development for more than a year, the system has If you are not a GSA member, been tested extensively. Note that you can send abstracts to GSA only via the Web. They may not be sent by ordinary E-mail. please call, fax, or write us, For the present, this system will accept only abstracts containing pure ASCII and we will gladly send you the content; no graphics, tables, symbols, Greek, superscripts, etc. may be included. schedule after September 1. If you must use any of that in your abstract, use the paper form for now. We hope to be able to include non-ASCII material in the future, but for most users the technology for that is not yet in place. GSA’S INSTITUTE However, if your entire content—title, addresses, and abstract body—is pure FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASCII and you have access to the Web, the new system will make life much easier by eliminating the more onerous tasks usually connected with preparation of EDUCATION paper forms: scrambling for blank forms; printing and reprinting, then cutting IEE’s fifth Annual Environmental and pasting to fit boxes; making multiple copies to send; and often paying a heavy Forum, entitled Prospects for the Future: toll for express-service delivery to meet the deadline. Gold and Water in the Earth System, will We recommend that you compose your abstract in your favorite word proces- be held on Sunday, October 27. Gold sor. When you have finished, “save” it as “text.” This will convert your data into and water—the most valuable natural pure ASCII. Then copy and paste this into the appropriate fields of the GSA Web resources in the American West—are intimately connected in the Earth System form. Complete the personal information on the form, and you’ll be ready to send through the human activity of mining, it. We’ve included instructions, pull-down lists, and helpful hints on the Web form which creates economic benefit while to save you time and confusion. There’s even an error checker to make certain you putting stress on water resources, and include all the information we must have. raises complex and difficult questions The best part is that it takes only a few seconds to send an abstract, and even about how society can meet short-term less to get feedback from GSA. There will be no more mystery about whether we economic objectives without sacrificing received your submission. You’ll receive an immediate confirmation of receipt long-term resource needs. This IEE Forum from GSA, with an abstract number assigned, while you’re still on the Web. will investigate connections between gold The new system will not yet replace the familiar paper version of GSA’s and water that range from the geochemi- abstract form. Rather, the two systems will operate in parallel for another year, cal and hydrological effects of gold mining or until it is clear that most authors prefer the electronic method. Paper forms on surface and ground water, to the politi- already have been distributed for 1996, and still can be obtained from GSA’s cal and technical challenges of balancing economic incentives and environmental Abstracts Coordinator (E-mail: [email protected]). protection, to the geopolitical dynamics About March 1, you will be able to test our new system, strictly on a “get that shape the mining industry in the acquainted” basis. Nothing you send via this form before May 1 will be saved at international marketplace. Geology is a GSA or considered by GSA for any meeting. Although you will receive an acknowl- common thread in all of these issues, and edgment of receipt on any test abstracts you send, that is just part of the test, too, society will continue to depend upon geol- and is meaningless. ogists for the exploitation, protection, and To get acquainted with the form from March 1 to May 1, go to GSA’s Home remediation of natural resources in the Page on the Web (http://www.geosociety.org). There you’ll find the link, “TEST Earth system. DRIVE GSA’s Web Abstract Form.” Just follow the instructions from there. If you In addition to this Forum, IEE will discover any glitches in our system during a test, please send a detailed E-mail sponsor or cosponsor several symposia message to: [email protected]. Please include your telephone number so we and theme sessions in the technical pro- can call if more details are needed. gram, as indicated on the following pages . On or about May 1, the TEST DRIVE link will change to “SUBMIT an Abstract.” When you see that message, you’ll know we’re in live mode, ready to take your abstract for Denver. JOINT TECHNICAL PROGRAM The success of this new system will determine whether, and how soon, it may COMMITTEE: AUGUST 9–10 be used for meetings of GSA Sections, as well. Watch this publication for further announcements. he JTPC selects abstracts and determines the final session OR—use paper abstract forms available from: Tschedule. Speakers will be noti- • Abstracts Coordinator at GSA headquarters fied by August 24. This should be much • Conveners of symposia sooner for abstracts submitted electroni- • Advocates of theme sessions cally. The JTPC consists of representatives • Geoscience departments of most colleges and universities from each of the associated societies and • Main federal and state survey offices GSA divisions participating in the technical program. The JTPC chairs, nominated by Please submit only one copy of your abstract — either electronic or paper. the Denver Annual Meeting Committee and approved by the GSA Council, also Only ONE Volunteered Abstract May Be Submitted serve a four-year term on GSA’s ongoing Please submit only one volunteered abstract as speaker or poster presenter in Program Committee, which oversees all discipline and/or theme sessions. Multiple submissions as speaker-presenter may technical program activities. result in rejection of all abstracts. Note that this limitation does not apply to, nor does it include, invited contributions to symposia. 18 Test drive GSA’s new electronic abstract system, WWW: http://www.geosociety.org GSA TODAY, April 1996 marine cores, soils, and other land records. S11. Recent Advances in Plate Tecton- For most of Earth’s history, however, the ics—What Students Should Know. preserved record is mainly shallow marine National Association of Geoscience sedimentary rocks. What tools, individually Teachers. Barbara Tewksbury, and collectively, are available to study these Hamilton College. linked processes, and how does the choice S12.Geochemical Constraints on of tools bias our view of the record? The Seawater Composition and the symposium aims to survey the tools, mod- Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere els, and interpretations, and bring them to System: The Precambrian Revis- bear on the nature of the dynamic linkages, ited. Geochemical Society. Timothy W. thereby to stimulate questions and help to Lyons, University of Missouri; Tracy D. predict areas of future excitement. Frank, University of Michigan. S2. Geologic Development of the S13.Organic Geochemistry—Linking Southern Rocky Mountains. the Biosphere and Geosphere. 1996 GSA Annual Meeting Committee. Organic Geochemistry Division of Eric Nelson, Colorado School of the Geochemical Society. Keith A. Mines. Kvenvolden, U.S. Geological Survey, S3. Dinosaurs, Asteroids, Spotted Menlo Park; Michael D. Lewan, U.S. Owls and Humanity: An Evolving Geological Survey, Denver; Joseph A. Marcellena Mountain. Photo by Kenneth Kolm. View of Ecosystems and the Role Curiale, Unocal Corporation, Sugar- of Science in Their Management. land, Texas. ABSTRACT SUBMITTAL 1996 GSA Annual Meeting Committee S14.Engineering Geology Applications and Institute for Environmental Educa- of Geologic Maps. Engineering Geol- GUIDELINES tion. Cathleen L. May, U.S. Depart- ogy Division. Helen Delano, Pennsyl- Abstract Deadline: July 9 ment of Agriculture, Forest Service, vania Geological Survey. Denver; Kenneth Kolm, Colorado School of Mines. S15.Farvolden Hydrogeology RESENTATION ODES Symposium. Hydrogeology Division. P M S4. Earth System Processes at Oral Mode—This is a verbal pres- John A. Cherry, University of Water- the Last Glacial Maximum. loo. entation before a seated audience. The 1996 GSA Annual Meeting Committee. normal length of an oral presentation is Robert S. Webb, National Oceanic and S16.Perspectives on Soil-Based Infor- 15 minutes, including time for discussion. Atmospheric Administration, Boulder; mation for Investigating Earth Projection equipment consists of two Benjamin Felzer, National Center for Surface Processes. Quaternary 35 mm projectors, one overhead projector, Atmospheric Research, Boulder. Geology and Geomorphology Division. and two screens. Requests for video pro- Eric V. McDonald, Los Alamos jection and computer display will be S5. Dimensional Scaling and the National Laboratory; Bruce Harrison, addressed on a case-by-case basis. Stratigraphic Record of Episodic New Mexico Institute of Mining and Poster Mode—New format: each and Periodic Forcing. Sedimentary Technology; Les McFadden, University poster session speaker is provided with two Geology Division. Carl N. Drummond, of New Mexico. Indiana University/Purdue University, horizontal, free-standing display boards S17.Planets as Complex Systems. approximately 8' wide and 4' high. Precise Fort Wayne; Bruce H. Wilkinson, University of Michigan. Planetary Geology Division. James R. measurements will appear in the Speaker Zimbelman, Center for Earth and Kit. The speaker must be present for at least S6. Interdisciplinary Strategies Planetary Studies, National Air and two of the four presentation hours. for Teaching About Earth as Space Museum, Washington, D.C. Papers for discipline sessions may a System. Geoscience Education be submitted in either oral or poster mode. Division. Ellen Metzger, San Jose S18.Expanding Boundaries: Papers for theme sessions, however, are to State University. Geoscience Information for be submitted only in the mode noted in the Earth System Science. Geoscience S7. Coalbed Methane—From Micro- theme description. If a theme abstract is Information Society. Barbara DeFelice, pore to Pipeline. Coal Geology Divi- submitted in the incorrect mode, the Dartmouth College; Barbara Haner, sion. James R. Staub, Southern Illinois abstract will be transferred automatically University of California, Los Angeles. University at Carbondale; Thomas to a discipline session. Demchuk, Amoco Exploration and S19.Seismic Investigations Along the Production Technology, Houston, Western Margin and Cordillera of SYMPOSIA (INVITED PAPERS) Texas. North America: Tectonic Implica- tions. Geophysics Division. G. Randy NEW for 1996. All invited abstracts S8. The Geoarchaeology of Caves and (electronic and paper) are to be sent to Keller, University of Texas at El Paso; Cave Sediments. Archaeological Alan Levander, Rice University. GSA. The abstracts will be forwarded by Geology Division. E. James Dixon, GSA to the conveners for review. Denver Museum of Natural History. S20.Active Tectonics of Intra- S1. GSA Keynote Symposium: Link- continental Mountain Belts with S9. IEE Annual Environmental Forum: ages Among Dynamic Processes Implications for Ancient Systems. Prospects for the Future: Gold of Oceans, Continents, and Atmo- Structural Geology and Tectonics and Water in the Earth System. sphere. 1996 GSA Annual Meeting Division. Michael Hamburger, Indiana Institute for Environmental Education. Committee. E-an Zen and Karen University; Richard Allmendinger, Daniel Sarewitz, Geological Society Prestegaard, University of Maryland. Cornell University; Terry Pavlis, of America. University of New Orleans. Global events that result from coupled S10. Earth Systems Education: K–16. oceanic, atmospheric, and terrestrial pro- S21. Sigma Gamma Epsilon Student National Earth Science Teachers Associ- cesses are found in different types of strati- Research. Sigma Gamma Epsilon. ation. Victor J. Mayer and Rosanne W. graphic records. For the recent past, we Charles J. Mankin, Oklahoma Geologi- Fortner, Ohio State University. can examine ice cores, deep and shallow 19 GSA TODAY, April 1996 For Information: (303) 447-2020; fax 303-447-0648; E-mail: [email protected] cal Survey; James C. Walters, Univer- Flagstaff; Daniel Sarewitz, Geological S30.Impact of the Western Surveys. sity of Northern Iowa. POSTER. Society of America. History of Geology Division. William R. S22.Alteration Geochemistry: Genetic S26.Environmental Mineralogy: Brice, University of Pittsburgh at and Exploration Perspectives. Science and Politics. Johnstown. Society of Economic Geologists. Terry Mineralogical Society of America S31. Applications of Reactive Trans- Cookro, PCI, Inc., Denver, Colorado. and Clay Minerals Society. George D. port Modeling to Natural Systems. S23.Geoscience Information for Guthrie and David L. Bish, Los Alamos Mineralogical Society of America. Tomorrow’s Markets: What Is National Laboratory. Carl I. Steefel, University of South Wrong with the Present Products. S27.The Role of Preferential Flow Florida; Peter C. Lichtner, Southwest- Institute for Environmental Education, in the Unsaturated Zone. ern Research Institute, San Antonio, International Division, and Commis- Hydrogeology Division. Scott W. Tyler, Texas; Eric H. Oelkers, Université sion on the Management and Appli- Desert Research Institute, University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France. cation of Geoscience Information. of Nevada, Reno; Bridget R. Scanlon, A. Keith Turner, Colorado School University of Texas at Austin. of Mines. S28.Biology of the Foraminiferida: Volunteered S24.Tectonic Evolution of the Urals Applications in Paleoceanography, and Surrounding Basins. Inter- Paleobiology, and the Environ- Papers national Division. James H. Knapp, mental Sciences. Cushman Founda- DISCIPLINE SESSIONS Institute for Study of the Continents, tion. Susan T. Goldstein, University of Cornell University. Georgia; Joan Bernhard, Wadsworth apers are submitted to ONE scientific discipline. The JTPC S25.Earth Science–Environmental Center Labs & Research, Albany, representatives organize Justice Summit. GSA Committee New York. P the papers in sessions focused on this on Public Policy, Institute for Environ- S29.Evolutionary Paleoecology. discipline—for example, hydrogeology mental Education, GSA Committee Paleontological Society. Warren or mineralogy. on Minorities and Women in the Allmon, Paleontological Research Geosciences, and National Association Institution, Ithaca, New York; for Black Geologists and Geophysicists. David Bottjer, University of Southern THEME SESSIONS Wes Ward, U.S. Geological Survey, California. Papers are submitted to a specific pre-announced title and to ONE scientific category. Theme sessions are interdisciplinary; each theme may have as many as three categories from which authors may choose ONE. After each theme description below, the categories are identified by name and number as they appear on the 1996 Abstract Form. PLEASE SUBMIT ONLY IN THE MODE INDICATED in the description (oral or poster). An abstract submitted in the incorrect mode will be transferred automatically to a discipline session.

THEME SUBMISSIONS MUST INCLUDE: (EXAMPLE) • Theme number — T18 • Key words of the theme title — Methods for Quantifying Unsaturated Permeability • One category — Environmental Geology (#6 on abstract form) • Mode for the session — Poster

ROLE OF THEME ADVOCATE Each theme session has been proposed by an advocate. Advocates may not invite speakers; however, they may encourage colleagues to submit abstracts, with the understanding that there is no guarantee of acceptance. JTPC representatives, in consultation with the theme advocates, will organize theme sessions by August 10.

Kite Lake, Mosquito Range, Colorado. Photo by John Karachewski. 20 Test drive GSA’s new electronic abstract system, WWW: http://www.geosociety.org GSA TODAY, April 1996 Paleoceanography/Paleoclimatol- ogy (17), Quaternary Geology/Geomor- Theme Topics phology (26), Sediments, Clastic (29). Please check the correct mode of T4. Application of Soil-Based Infor- the theme session—poster or oral. mation for Understanding Earth If the abstract is submitted Surface Processes. Quaternary inaccurately, the abstract will Geology and Geomorphology Division be transferred automatically to and Institute for Environmental Educ- taion. Eric McDonald, Los Alamos a discipline session. National Lab; Bruce Harrison, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Tech- T1. The U.S. Atlantic Passive Margin: nology; Les McFadden, University of Tectonics, Eustasy, and Sedimen- New Mexico. tation—A Memorial to James Soil-based information is being Patrick Owens. Sedimentary Geology increasingly applied to a variety of issues Division. Kenneth G. Miller, Rutgers in the Earth sciences. We seek papers that University; Frank J. Pazzaglia, Univer- utilize soil information to address issues sity of New Mexico. ranging from soil-water interactions to James Patrick Owens was a pioneer processes involving entire landscapes. in understanding the effects of tectonics, Possible subjects include stable isotopes, eustasy, and sediment supply as recorded micromorphology, surface hydrology, hill- in the Coastal Plain stratigraphy of the U.S. slope processes, climate change, neotec- Atlantic passive margin, where the com- tonics, environmental geology, remote plex interactions among subtle tectonics, sensing. ORAL. flexural isostasy, climate change, eustasy, Environmental Geology (6), Paleo- and sedimentation are slowly being unrav- ceanography/Paleoclimatology (17), eled. This memorial session will integrate Quaternary Geology/Geomorphology (26). geomorphic, stratigraphic, sedimentologic, geophysical, geochemical, paleontologic, T5. Cretaceous of the Western palynologic, and quaternary geochrono- Interior Seaway, North America. logic studies of the best understood pas- Paul R. Krutak, Fort Hays State Univer- sive margins. ORAL and POSTER. sity; Michael Arthur, Pennsylvania Courtesy of Denver Metro Convention and Marine Geology (14), Quaternary State University, University Park. Visitors Bureau. Geology/ Geomorphology (26), Sediments, Cretaceous rocks of the Interior Sea- Clastic (29). way of North America furnish models for eustatically generated cyclic sedimentation Mesozoic Eras. The record of this tectonic T2. History of the Equatorial Atlantic. and provide superb examples of sequence amalgamation is complicated by multiple Mary Anne Holmes, University of and seismic stratigraphy. We solicit strati- phases of deformation. This session will Nebraska; Francisca Oboh, University graphic and facies studies that illustrate the provide an opportunity for geoscientists of Missouri, Rolla. accumulation of commercial hydrocarbons with a variety of specialties to address the The central equatorial Atlantic has and coals in these rocks, as well as papers Paleozoic and Mesozoic tectonic history been a critical region of the world’s concerning evolution of their biotas. ORAL. of central Asia. ORAL. oceanic system since its opening in the Coal Geology (2), Petroleum Geol- Stratigraphy (30), Structural Geology mid-Cretaceous as a series of transform ogy (19), Stratigraphy (30). (31), Tectonics (32). basins. This session will include results from Ocean Drilling Program Leg 159 at T6. The Rockies Across the Southern T8. Tectonic Evolution of the Urals the Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana margin, as Border. José F. Longoría, Florida and Surrounding Basins. Interna- well as related studies from both conjugate International University; Dante tional Division. James H. Knapp, margins and the ocean system. POSTER. Moran-Zenteno, Universidad Nacional Cornell University. Marine Geology (14), Paleoceanogra- Autónoma de México; Rogelio The Ural orogen of central Russia, tec- phy/Paleoclimatology (17), Tectonics (32). Monreal, Universidad de Sonora. tonic boundary of Europe and Asia, is the A multidisciplinary session of talks only intact example of a major continental T3. High-Resolution Glacial Records related to the geology of the “Mexican collision of Paleozoic age. Rich in mineral from Marine and Lacustrine Rockies.” Participants from both sides resources, and associated with several of Basins. Quaternary Geology and of the border will have an opportunity to the world’s largest oil and gas basins, the Geomorphology Division. Ellen A. present their results on problems related Urals are a world-class target, both scien- Cowan, Appalachian State University; to the stratigraphy, paleontology, tectonics, tifically and economically. POSTER. James P. M. Syvitski, Institute for and paleogeographic development of the Geophysics/Tectonophysics (10), Alpine and Arctic Research, University Rocky Mountains south of the border. Petroleum Geology (19), Tectonics (32). of Colorado, Boulder. ORAL. T9. Neotectonics of the Northern The history of glaciated continents Paleontology/Paleobotany (18), Caribbean Plate-Boundary Zone. is preserved in the sedimentary record of Stratigraphy (30), Tectonics (32). ocean basins and high-latitude lakes. This William R. McCann, Consultant, record, interpreted from cores and acous- T7. Paleozoic and Mesozoic Tectonic Broomfield, Colorado. tic surveys, can be used to infer basin cli- History of Central Asia. Marc S. The Caribbean and North American matology and hydrology and the extent of Hendrix, University of Montana; plates are separated by a 2000-km-long, glacial cover on scales from one to thou- David B. Rowley, University of 200-km-wide zone of deformation. Under- sands of years. These case studies provide Chicago. standing the neotectonics, dynamics, and the necessary linkage to develop models Much of the Asian continent was kinematics of that zone are key to under- that better describe the Earth’s glacial assembled during the Paleozoic and standing the neotectonics and recent systems. ORAL. 21 GSA TODAY, April 1996 For Information: (303) 447-2020; fax 303-447-0648; E-mail: [email protected] development of the Caribbean plate. for the interaction between fluids and high-resolution images of the lithosphere ORAL. faults through time, and at different scales for all of the strike-slip and subduction Geophysics/Tectonophysics (10), of investigation. Brittle faulting within the boundaries from southern California to the Marine Geology (14), Tectonics (32). upper few kilometers is the primary focus. Aleutians. This theme session, coordinated Contributions are invited on topics as with symposium S19, highlights the data T10. Appalachian and Cordilleran diverse as petroleum exploration, water sets and Earth models resulting from these Melanges: Comparisons and resources, waste disposal, and earthquake investigations. POSTER. Contrasts. Northeastern, South- triggering mechanisms. ORAL. Geophysics/Tectonophysics (10), eastern, and Cordilleran Sections of Hydrogeology (13), Petroleum Geol- Tectonics (32). GSA. Stephen Pollock, University ogy (19), Structural Geology (31). of Southern Maine. T17. Cenozoic Uplift of the Western Melanges of diverse origins and T14. Evolution of the Neogene Strain United States. Geophysics Division. histories are significant components of Field in the Southeastern Great Paul Morgan, Northern Arizona both the Appalachian and Cordilleran Basin: Roles of Faults, Folds, and University; Clement Chase, University orogens. This session will compare, con- Magmatism. Robert B. Scott and of Arizona. trast, and discuss recent advances as they Ernie Anderson, U.S. Geological Most of the western United States is pertain to the understanding of the origin, Survey, Denver. significantly uplifted—typical province structural history, sedimentology and Neogene deformation and magma- mean elevations are about 1.75 km or petrology of melanges from eastern tism in the southeastern Great Basin pro- higher. The region was last at or near sea and western North America. ORAL. duced an extraordinarily complex strain level in pre-Laramide time, but the timing, Sediments, Clastic (29), Structural field, including extensional and other modes, and mechanisms of uplift of Geology (31), Tectonics (32). types of faulting, diverse fold orientation different provinces in this region are and style, and magmatic doming and problematical. Contributions are invited T11. Laramide Sedimentation and Tec- related collapse and slide structures. This on all aspects of western U.S. uplift. ORAL. tonics in the Rocky Mountains. session encompasses these topics, as well Geophysics/Tectonophysics (10), Eric A. Erslev, Colorado State Univer- as papers that elucidate three-dimensional Quaternary Geology/Geomorphology (26), sity; Romeo M. Flores, U.S. Geological aspects of the strain field and its temporal Tectonics (32). Survey, Denver. evolution. ORAL and POSTER. Integration of sedimentologic and Structural Geology (31), Tectonics (32), T18. Precambrian Lithosphere I: structural observations provide important Volcanology (33). Proterozoic Tectonics—Modifica- keys to the Laramide evolution of base- tion of Archean Cratons and ment-involved structures in the Rocky T15. Neogene and Quaternary Geology Additions of Juvenile Crust. Mountains. Studies of synorogenic strata, of the Yucca Mountain Region, Kevin Chamberlain and B. Ron Frost, palynology, and provenance combined Nevada, and Its Relevance to Long- University of Wyoming. with the delineation of basin geometries Term Nuclear Waste Isolation. This session will feature comparison and deformation patterns promise to Institute for Environmental Education. of Proterozoic belts that remobilize unravel the timing and paleogeography Dennis O’Leary and John W. Whitney, Archean terranes, such as the Trans- of the Laramide orogen. ORAL. U.S. Geological Survey, Denver. Hudson, Aldan, and southern Wyoming Sediments, Clastic (29), Structural Yucca Mountain is a potential nuclear provinces, with Proterozoic accreted ter- Geology (31), Tectonics (32). waste repository site. Studies of the moun- ranes, such as the Yavapai and Mazatzal tain and its geologic setting pertaining to in the southwestern United States. Papers T12. History of Recurrent Basement waste isolation include topics in tectonics, concerned with such topics as the evolu- Faulting in Cratonic North Amer- seismicity, volcanism, geochronology, tion of Proterozoic lithosphere, tectonics, ica and Its Orogenic Margins. structure, stratigraphy, hydrology, and geo- isotopic evolution of continental crust, and Christopher Schmidt, Western Michi- morphology. This session will summarize petrogenesis are encouraged. ORAL. gan University; Donald S. Stone, Con- results of multidisciplinary research and Geochemistry, Other (8), Precambrian sultant, Littleton, Colorado; William A. its relevance to environmental hazard and Geology (24), Tectonics (31). Thomas, University of Kentucky. geologic synthesis. ORAL. This session will address the role Geophysics/Tectonophysics (10), T19. Precambrian Lithosphere II: Mid- of recurrent movement on old basement Quaternary Geology/Geomorphology (26), Proterozoic Magmatism and Tec- faults in the tectonic evolution of the Structural Geology (31). tonics of Western North America. North American craton and the bordering Carol Frost, University of Wyoming; Matt Nyman, University of New Appalachian-Ouachita and Cordilleran– Please check the correct mode of Rocky Mountain orogenic belts. Particu- Mexico. larly encouraged are abstracts that the theme session—poster or oral. Western North America includes describe previously unpublished work, If the abstract is submitted significant volumes of mid-Proterozoic synthesize the recurrent fault activity of inaccurately, the abstract will be igneous rocks, including the “anorogenic” large regions or major fault systems, or transferred automatically to a granites of the southwestern and mid- apply new research methods (particularly discipline session. continent United States, anorthosite geophysical) or a variety of old methods complexes, and basaltic magmatism to the task of identifying recurrently active in the Belt Supergroup and elsewhere. basement faults. ORAL and POSTER. T16. Seismic Investigations Along the This session will explore both the igneous Geophysics/Tectonophysics (10), Western Margin and Cordillera of rocks produced and the tectonic environ- Structural Geology (31), Tectonics (32). North America: Data and Earth ment in which they formed. ORAL. Models. Geophysics Division. Gary Petrology, Igneous (21), Precambrian T13. Geologic and Hydrologic Studies Fuis, U.S. Geological Survey, Menlo Geology (24), Tectonics (32). of Fluid Flow in Faults. Gary G. Park; Ron Clowes, University of British Gray, Exxon Production Research Columbia. T20. Precambrian Lithosphere III: Company, Houston, Texas. In the past decade, U.S. and Canadian Middle Crustal Processes. Karl E. This theme session will present a scientists have undertaken ambitious Karlstrom, University of New Mexico; range of studies that focus on evidence seismic investigations that have provided Michael Williams, University of Massachusetts. 22 Test drive GSA’s new electronic abstract system, WWW: http://www.geosociety.org GSA TODAY, April 1996 T23. High and Ultrahigh Strain Rate T26. Application of Reactive Transport Processes in the Earth and Plane- Modeling to Natural Systems. tary Sciences. John Spray, University Mineralogical Society of America. of New Brunswick. Carl I. Steefel, University of South The aim is to assemble scientists from Florida; Peter C. Lichtner, Southwest diverse backgrounds who share an interest Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas; in working on geologically short-lived, Eric H. Oelkers, Université Paul high-energy processes in the fields of Sabatier, Toulouse, France. (1) impact geology (shock metamorphism This theme session, held in conjunc- and shock melting), (2) friction melting tion with an MSA short course, will exam- and coseismically generated fault rocks, ine how coupled geochemical and biogeo- (3) caldera development (catastrophic chemical reaction-transport models can volcanic activity), and (4) landslides (espe- be used to interpret complex phenomena cially large, high-energy examples). ORAL. occurring in natural environments. Contri- Planetary Geology (23), Structural butions are welcomed from researchers Geology (31), Volcanology (33). investigating such processes as the transport and containment of toxic wastes, dia- Photo by Bill Cronin. genesis of sediments, the migration of petroleum, metasomatism in metamorphic environments, chemical weathering, and The Rocky Mountain region provides hydrothermal ore deposits. ORAL. an unparalleled field laboratory for under- Geochemistry, Aqueous/Organic (7), standing middle crustal orogenic pro- Hydrogeology (13), Mineralogy/Crystallog- cesses. Exposed rocks record tectonism raphy (16). that took place at depths of 10–20 km in the crust. This session will concentrate on T27. Mineralogy of Planetary Surfaces the interactions of deformation, metamor- Using In-Situ Analysis and phism, and plutonism during tectonism, Remote Sensing. Mineralogical with examples from Precambrian as well Society of America and Planetary as younger orogens. ORAL. Division. Bradley L. Jolliff, Washington Precambrian Geology (24), Structural University. Geology (31), Tectonics (32). This session will focus on applications T21. Volcanism, Tectonism, and Sedi- of current and developing technologies for mentation in the Rio Grande Rift automated mineralogical investigations and Its Margins in New Mexico of planetary surfaces, emphasizing Moon, Mars, and Earth. We will consider a broad and Colorado. David Sawyer and Precambrian gneiss. Photo by John Karachewski. Ren Thompson, U.S. Geological Survey, Denver; Scott Baldridge, Los Alamos National Laboratory. T24. Mapping Other Worlds. Planetary Geology Division. James R. Zimbel- This session will address evolution man, Center for Earth and Planetary of the Rio Grande Rift in New Mexico Studies, National Air and Space and Colorado during the past 30 m.y. Museum, Washington, D.C. Suggested topics include seismological, petrologic-geochemical, geochronologic, Maps represent our primary source and paleomagnetic evidence for active for documenting the spatial relation volcanism and tectonism; rift basin sedi- between terrains, whether on Earth mentology, stratigraphy, and hydrogeol- or other planets. Geologic, tectonic, and ogy; geophysical expression of rift basins; geomorphic maps of the planets, along and coeval rift-margin volcanism (e.g., San with newly explored places on Earth, are Juan volcanic field). ORAL and POSTER. encouraged. The synergy of displaying Sediments, Clastic (29), Tectonics (32), these maps together should provide for Volcanology (33). lively discussion. POSTER. Planetary Geology (23), Quaternary T22. Magma Generation and Evolution Geology/Geomorphology (26), Photo by Bill Cronin. at Convergent Margins. Robert J. Stratigraphy (30). Stern, University of Texas at Dallas; Mark Feigenson, Rutgers University. T25. Jupiter: Solar System Exploration range of applications such as (but not lim- Continues. Planetary Geology Divi- Our understanding of igneous activity ited to) reflectance, vibrational, and Moss- sion. Larry Crumpler and James W. at convergent margins impacts a wide bauer spectroscopies; X-ray methods; ther- Head, Brown University. range of scientific questions and societal mal analyzers; and resulting petrologic issues. This theme session is intended for The Galileo spacecraft is now making investigations. ORAL. those interested in discussing how mag- new observations of discovery in the sys- Mineralogy/Crystallography (16), Plan- mas are generated in and above subduc- tem of satellites about Jupiter. This session etary Geology (23), Remote Sensing (27). will draw together new studies of the tion zones, how these melts ascend and T28. Environmental Mineralogy. interact with the mantle and crust, and Galilean satellites and will present some preliminary findings from new observa- Mineralogical Society of America how they fractionate. Emphasis will be and Clay Minerals Society. George D. on understanding processes, rates, and tions by the Galileo spacecraft. ORAL. Planetary Geology (23), Quaternary Guthrie and David L. Bish, Los Alamos budgets of magma evolution. ORAL. National Laboratory. Geochemistry, Other (8), Petrology, Geology/Geomorphology (26), Remote Igneous (21), Volcanology (33). Sensing (27). This session will address mineralogical aspects of a variety of environmental 23 GSA TODAY, April 1996 For Information: (303) 447-2020; fax 303-447-0648; E-mail: [email protected] fine-grained sediment units and their vey, Carson City, Nevada; John Hess, distinctive physical and biogeochemical Desert Research Institute, Las Vegas. environments remain a frontier area for Isotopes can be extremely powerful hydrogeological research. This session tools for understanding how the forces will present research into basic processes, that drive hydrologic systems work. Many including topics such as aquitard different isotopes have been used in differ- hydraulics and mechanics, fracture and ent combinations for a variety of hydro- multiphase flow and transport, diffuse logic purposes. This session aims to bring transport, and biogeochemistry. ORAL. together different and innovative studies Geochemistry, Aqueous/Organic (7), that explore new and established isotope Hydrogeology (13), Quaternary applications in the hydrologic sciences. Geology/Geomorphology (26). ORAL. Environmental Geology (6), T31. Field-Scale Investigations of Geochemistry, Aqueous/Organic (7), Biodegradation. Hydrogeology Hydrogeology (13). Division. Hedeff Essaid, U.S. Geologi- cal Survey, Menlo Park; Isabelle Coz- T35. High Plains Hydrogeology. zarelli, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston. Hydrogeology Division. Alan E. Fryar, Many toxic contaminants commonly University of Kentucky; Allan R. found in the subsurface can be degraded Dutton, University of Texas at Austin. by microorganisms. A thorough under- This session is intended to integrate standing of field-scale processes in natural hydrologic and geologic studies of the and altered environments is necessary High Plains. Suggested topics include for the successful development and imple- ground-water recharge and vadose-zone mentation of bioremediation technologies. hydrology; flow and chemical evolution This session will focus on field-scale in regional aquifers; paleoclimate; hydro- biodegradation processes and rate esti- stratigraphy; surface-water hydrology; mates, their relation to laboratory-scale landform and soil development; agricul- processes and rates, and mass-balance tural impacts on water resources; and estimates of contaminant removal at field case studies of contamination and Golden aspen, Vail, Colorado. Photo by sites. ORAL and POSTER. ground-water depletion. ORAL. John Karachewski. Environmental Geology (6), Hydrogeology (13), Quaternary Geochemistry, Aqueous/Organic (7), Geology/Geomorphology (26), Sediments, Hydrogeology (13). Clastic (29). problems. Subject areas range from the health effects of minerals, to mine tailings T32. Scale Effects of Fluid Flow and T36. Physical and Chemical Hetero- and wastes, to mineralogical solutions to Fractures. Randall Marrett, Univer- geneity: Impact on Reactive environmental problems. This is a follow- sity of Texas, Austin. Transport. Hydrogeology Division. on to an MSA symposium on environmen- Fracture-associated fluid flow is Janet S. Herman, University of Vir- tal mineralogy. ORAL. important in many contexts, including ginia; John L. Wilson, New Mexico Environmental Geology (6), Geochem- hydrocarbon recovery, waste manage- Institute of Mining and Technology. istry, Aqueous/Organic (7), Mineralogy/ ment, ground-water flow, and hydrother- Concern about quality of water Crystallography (16). mal mineralization. Quantitative studies resources and the influence of environ- of fracture attributes and fluid flow over mental contamination and remediation T29. Hydrogeology of Confining a wide range of scales will be the focus of motivates our need to better understand Units I: Sampling, Analysis, this session, which will highlight the scal- how potential contaminants are trans- and Interpretation. Hydrogeology ing of and the relations between fractures ported in ground-water systems. This Division and Society for Sedimentary and fluid flow. ORAL. session will focus on how characterization Geology. Paul A. Thayer, University of Hydrogeology (13), Petroleum Geol- of physical and chemical heterogeneities North Carolina, Wilmington; Mary K. ogy (19), Structural Geology (31). in aquifers yields insight into migration Harris, Westinghouse Savannah River of solutes, inorganic colloids, and micro- Co., Aiken, South Carolina. T33. Geofluids: The Role of Fluids in organisms in ground water. ORAL. This session will focus on water and Crustal Processes. Mark Person, Geochemistry, Aqueous/Organic (7), sediment sampling techniques and ana- New Mexico Institute of Mining and Hydrogeology (13). lytical methods for studying the samples. Technology; Emi Ito, University of It will address how this information can Minnesota. T37. Innovations and Applications of be applied along with sedimentology to Fluid circulation, composition, interac- Inverse Ground-water Models. the formulation of comprehensive, multi- tion, and history are of fundamental Hydrogeology Division. Eileen Poeter, ple-unit hydrogeological models. ORAL. importance in understanding dynamic pro- Colorado School of Mines; Mary Hill, Computers (3), Hydrogeology (13), cesses of Earth’s crustal system as diverse U.S. Geological Survey, Denver. Sediments, Clastic (29). as the evolution of mid-ocean ridges, basin Inverse models help take full advan- formation, collision tectonics, climate tage of the insight available from ground- T30. Hydrogeology of Confining Units change, ocean history, paleolimnology, and water models through calculated sensitivi- II: Physical and Biogeochemical sediment transport. ORAL and POSTER. ties and statistics such as correlation Processes. Hydrogeology Division Geochemistry, Aqueous/Organic (7), between estimated parameters. This ses- and Society for Sedimentary Geology. Hydrogeology (13), Sediments, Clastic (29). sion focuses on applications demonstrating William W. Simpkins, Iowa State the value of using inverse models, and new University; C. Kent Keller, Washington T34. Applications of Isotopes for approaches and techniques that advance State University. Understanding Hydrologic the area of inverse modeling. ORAL. Despite their crucial role in the Systems. Hydrogeology Division. Computers (3), Hydrogeology (13). protection and storage of water resources, James M. Thomas, U.S. Geological Sur- 24 Test drive GSA’s new electronic abstract system, WWW: http://www.geosociety.org GSA TODAY, April 1996 T38. Evaporite Karst: Origins, Proc- Municipal solid waste is subjected to ethical implications of environmental poli- esses, Landforms, Examples, and biogeochemical and settling processes in cies. This session will explore how geolo- Impacts. Hydrogeology Division and a waste-disposal facility. Alteration of the gists can apprise others of the social ramifi- Engineering Geology Division. Kenneth waste mass and adjacent soils after dis- cations of their research findings. ORAL. S. Johnson, Oklahoma Geological Sur- posal may be analogous to certain geologic Environmental Geology (6), Geology vey; James T. Neal, Sandia National processes. The purpose of this session is to Education (9), Public Policy (25). Laboratory. explore taphonomic modifications to the Evaporite rocks, such as gypsum waste mass and diagenesis of adjacent T44. Clean-up at Rocky Flats, a and halite, are highly soluble and can be materials. ORAL. Former Nuclear Weapons Plant: dissolved rapidly to form karstic features Geochemistry, Aqueous/Organic (7), Application of Science to Site similar to those in carbonate rocks. This Hydrogeology (13), Sediments, Clastic (29). Remediation Plans. Institute for session will deal with the origins, pro- Environmental Education. Barry cesses, landforms, examples, and impacts T42. Global Impacts of Mining and Roberts, Rocky Flats Environmental of natural and human-induced evaporite Urbanization on Fluvial and Technology Site; Daniel Sarewitz, karst. ORAL. Coastal Systems. Institute for Geological Society of America. Engineering Geology (5), Environmen- Environmental Education. Robert A. Scientific characterization of the Rocky tal Geology (6), Hydrogeology (13). Morton, University of Texas, Austin; Flats site has been going on for more than Waite R. Osterkamp, U.S. Geological 20 years, in disciplines ranging from geohy- Please check the correct mode of Survey, Tucson, Arizona. drology and geochemistry to soil ecology, the theme session—poster or oral. Extraction and emplacement of sur- radioecology, and epidemiology. This ses- ficial materials are modifying geomorphic sion explores how current knowledge about If the abstract is submitted processes and landscapes worldwide. the unique combination of environmental inaccurately, the abstract will be These activities translocate sediments and problems, ranging from plutonium in surfi- transferred automatically to a associated chemical contaminants, alter cial soils to organic solvents in the subsur- discipline session. channels, and increase flooding and ero- face at Rocky Flats, can be applied to future sion. Case studies and models are needed clean-up efforts at the site. ORAL. to describe and forecast the impacts of Engineering Geology (5), Environmen- T39. The Death Valley Hydrogeologic material distributed relative to industrial tal Geology (6), Public Policy (25). System. Frank A. D’Agnese and expansion and population growth. ORAL. Claudia C. Faunt, U.S. Geological Environmental Geology (6), Public T45. Integrated Site Characterization Survey, Denver; A. Keith Turner, Policy (25), Sediments, Clastic (29). for Waste Disposal. Institute for Colorado School of Mines. Environmental Education. Daniel J. The Death Valley hydrogeologic sys- T43. Environmental Geology: The Soeder, U.S. Geological Survey, Las tem reflects some of the most complex Voice of Reason. Institute for Envi- Vegas; Richard Quittmeyer, Woodward geologic, hydrologic, and ecologic features ronmental Education. Paul R. Pinet, Clyde Federal Services, Las Vegas, within North America. Numerous multidis- Colgate University; Daniel Sarewitz, Nevada. ciplinary approaches have described and Geological Society of America. Understanding the geology of poten- quantified this system’s resources. Investi- Geoscientists understand the complex tial hazardous waste disposal sites is criti- gators involved in stratigraphic, structural, underpinnings of Earth systems from both cally important for accurate hydrologic hydrogeological, hydrogeochemical, geo- a short- and long-term perspective. This models of ground-water flow, and hydro- morphological, and Quaternary studies unique outlook is vital for informing non- logic studies are needed for determining in the Death Valley region are encouraged scientists about the political, economic, and the geochemical transport paths of haz- to participate. ORAL. Environmental Geology (6), Hydrogeology (13), Quaternary Geology/ Geomorphology (26). T40. Physical and Chemical Hetero- geneity: Impact on Samples and Measurements at Wells. Hydrogeol- ogy Division. Thomas E. Reilly, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston; Dennis R. LeBlanc, U.S. Geological Survey, Marlborough, Massachusetts. Wells provide access to the subsurface to allow observations on the occurrence and movement of water and solutes in ground water and the unsaturated zone. The heterogeneous nature of the deposits and solute distributions affect these observations. Researchers will explain their techniques in measuring this heterogeneity and assessing its effect on observations made at wells. ORAL. Geochemistry, Aqueous/Organic (7), Geophysics/Tectonophysics (10), Hydro- geology (13). T41. Diagenetic Processes at Waste- Disposal Sites. Hydrogeology Divi- sion. Peter J. Hutchinson, University of Pittsburgh. Roxborough Park. Photo by Kenneth Kolm. 25 GSA TODAY, April 1996 For Information: (303) 447-2020; fax 303-447-0648; E-mail: [email protected] ardous materials. The integration of multi- the vadose zone and aquifers requires a T52. Integrated Digital Databases in disciplinary studies is a requirement for the multidisciplinary approach. This session Tectonics and Geomorphology. proper characterization and performance will explore the impact of geologic hetero- Dogan Seber, Cornell University; Eric assessment of any site being considered geneities on hydrologic, chemical, biologi- J. Fielding, Jet Propulsion Lab, Califor- for the long-term storage of hazardous cal, and engineering processes, which nia Institute of Technology. chemical or radioactive waste. ORAL. span variable spatial and time scales. Case This session will focus on the applica- Environmental Geology (6), histories will illustrate field, laboratory, tion of geographic information systems Hydrogeology (13), Public Policy (25). and modeling projects. ORAL and POSTER. (GIS) to effectively utilize geophysics and Environmental Geology (6), Hydroge- geology databases, digital elevation models ology (13). (DEMs), satellite imagery, and 3D visuali- zation for analyzing tectonics and geo- T48. Rates of Geologic Processes in morphic problems. Papers that integrate the Holocene. Institute for Environ- a variety of disciplines into a GIS (or sim- mental Education. Thure E. Cerling, ilarly organized system) are welcome. University of Utah. ORAL and POSTER. The earth sciences have a critical role Computers (3), Quaternary Geology/ in assessing environmental issues of soci- Geomorphology (25), Tectonics (32). etal concern (e.g., waste disposal, climate change, natural hazards). This session will T53. Geographic Information System focus on methods for measuring rates of Technology and Geoscience Holocene processes that occur at or near Applications: Present Appli- Earth’s surface on time scales from less cations and Future Directions. than one to more than 1000 years. ORAL. Robert J. Krumm, Illinois Geological Environmental Geology (6), Survey. Geochemistry, Other (8), Quaternary Geographic information systems (GIS) Geology/Geomorphology (26). technology is being used by geologists in T49. Mechanics of the Riverbed I: many organizations to compile and ana- Hydrology. Paul A. Washington, lyze data, to produce maps and graphics, Northeast Louisiana University. to access and use remotely sensed images, and to integrate GIS capabilities with spe- This session will consider the cialized modeling routines. This session mechanical environment of the riverbed; will feature current GIS applications as of particular interest are the dynamic well as the future directions of this innova- interactions between the surface water tive and useful technology. ORAL. and ground water, but contributions to Computers (3), Public Policy (25), the nature of the surface water flow or the Spelunker, Fulford Cave, White River National Forest, Remote Sensing (27). Colorado. Photo by John Karachewski. ground water system at or adjacent to the boundary are welcomed. ORAL. T54. Improving Geoscience Courses Engineering Geology (5), Hydro- Through the Use of the Internet T46. Interpretation of Continental geology (13). and the World Wide Web. Sedimentation Patterns Using National Association of Geoscience T50. Mechanics of the Riverbed II: Surface and Subsurface Data. Teachers. Dave Mogk, National Science Sedimentology. Leonard M. Young, Debra Hanneman, Whitehall Foundation. Northeast Louisiana University. Geogroup, Inc., Whitehall, Montana; This session will illustrate creative This session will consider the Charles J. Wideman, Montana Tech uses of the Internet and the World Wide mechanics of sediment movement along of the University of Montana. Web. We seek presenters who will focus riverbeds and at the base of similar flow- The geological interpretation of on improvements in courses and in stu- ing fluids. Contributions are sought con- continental sedimentation patterns is best dent learning that arise from integrating cerning the mechanics of entrainment, accomplished by integrating surface and Internet and World Wide Web activities transport, and deposition at any scale. subsurface data. This session will focus on into courses. ORAL. ORAL. the integration of surface and subsurface Computers (3), Geology Education (9). Hydrogeology (13), Sediments, continental-sedimentaion data sets col- Clastic (29). lected by means of various geological T55. Roles of Multiple Intelligences and Creativity in Teaching, and geophysical techniques and the T51. Mechanics of the Riverbed III: Learning, and Doing Geoscience. interpretation of these data sets. ORAL. Geomorphic Consequences. Barbara L. Mieras, Geological Society Environmental Geology (6), Geophysics/ Rene A. DeHon, Northeast Louisiana of America. Tectonophysics (10), Stratigraphy (30). University. What implications do multiple intel- This session will consider the T47. The Impact of Geologic Hetero- ligences and creativity have in the teach- mechanics and dynamics of fluvial sys- geneities on Characterization, ing, learning, and doing of geoscience? tems from a geomorphic perspective. Transport, and Remediation How do our educational and professional Of particular interest are contributions of Non–Aqueous Phase Liquids development systems interact with indi- concerning erosion and deposition along (NAPLs) at Hazardous Waste Sites. viduals’ multiple intelligences to affect rivers and the evolution of fluvial systems. Institute for Environmental Education. who pursues scientific interests and who For this session, rivers are interpreted in John A. Karachewski, OHM Remedia- is successful in geoscience careers? How their broadest context to include all fluvial tion Services Corp., Pleasanton, Cali- does personal creativity affect who does systems from rills to deltas. ORAL. fornia; Mark K. Levorsen, ERM— geoscience? ORAL. Engineering Geology (5), Hydro- Rocky Mountain, Inc., Greenwood Geology Education (9) Village, Colorado. geology (13), Quaternary Geology/ Successful characterization, transport Geomorphology (26). modeling, and remediation of NAPLs in 26 Test drive GSA’s new electronic abstract system, WWW: http://www.geosociety.org GSA TODAY, April 1996 Please check the correct mode of tive locations that may introduce variety T63. Quantifying the Environmental to field camp programs. POSTER. Impacts of Mining. Society of Eco- the theme session—poster or oral. Geology Education (9), Stratigra- nomic Geologists. Andrew Nicholson, If the abstract is submitted phy (30), Structural Geology (31). PTI Environmental Services, Boulder, inaccurately, the abstract will be Colorado. transferred automatically to a T60. Linking Natural and Social Sys- While the potential impacts of mining tems in Geoscience Education: discipline session. on the environment are well known, and Pedagogy, Content, and Context. the processes that create these impacts are National Association of Geoscience generally well understood, the quantitative T56. When Plates and People Collide— Teachers and Institute for Environmen- characterization and prediction of these Teaching About Human-Tectonics tal Education. Lauret E. Savoy, Mount impacts is an area that needs further Interactions. National Association Holyoke College; Margaret N. Rees, development. These issues are critical in of Geoscience Teachers. Barbara University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Jill S. evaluating the long-term impacts and lia- Tewksbury, Hamilton College. Schneiderman, Vassar College. bilities of mine development. ORAL. This session will focus on creative Interdisciplinary approaches to Economic Geology (4), Geochemistry, ways of linking plate tectonics and human teaching and conducting research in the Aqueous/Organic (7), Hydrogeology (13). events in order to help students under- geosciences which explore the historical, stand the underlying influence, both posi- cultural, and social contexts of scientific T64. Conservation Geology: Preserving tive and negative, of tectonic processes knowledge and the study of earth systems and Protecting the Natural on human events. This session is linked to can provide students with a more com- Resources of Ecosystem Earth. the symposium, “Recent Advances in Plate plete understanding of science’s linkage Institute for Environmental Education. Tectonics—What Students Should Know.” to the world. We invite abstracts from a Russell G. Shepherd, U.S. Department ORAL. range of disciplines, within and beyond of Agriculture, Natural Resources Geology Education (9), Tectonics (32). the geosciences, that describe interdisci- Conservation Service, Ft. Collins, plinary approaches to curricular and Colorado. T57. National Parks as Classrooms for research endeavors in the earth and envi- This session will present research Geoscience Education. National ronmental sciences and related fields. results and case studies from environmen- Association of Geoscience Teachers. ORAL and POSTER. tal geology, geomorphology, hydrogeology, Duncan Foley, Pacific Lutheran Environmental Geology (6), Geology and engineering geology, emphasizing University; Paul and Heidi Doss, Education (9). conservation rather than exploration of Colby College. resources. Topics will include conservation This session will explore the opportu- T61. Organics-Ore Interactions in the and restoration of wetlands, surface- and nities, challenges, and diverse audiences Field and Laboratory. Society of ground-water quality protection, agricul- that national parks present for geoscience Economic Geologists and International tural watershed non–point-source pollu- education. Geologists are involved with the Geological Correlation Program, tion and erosion control, urban resource education of students, the public, and park Project 357—Organics and Mineral conservation, stream restoration, and GIS service interpreters. Papers that focus on Deposits. Thomas H. Giordano, methods in conservation geology. ORAL. the use of parks as classrooms and labora- New Mexico State University. Environmental Geology (6), tories are invited from geologists and park This session will examine ore- Hydrogeology (13), Quaternary Geology/ service personnel. ORAL. organics interactions using field and Geomorphology (26). Environmental Geology (6), Geology experimental studies, including the use Education (9). of organics for exploration. Included topics are organically mediated precipita- T58. The Role of Geology Field Camp tion mechanisms and organic controls on HOT TOPICS AT NOON: in the Geology Curriculum: metal and sulfur at sources and in fluids. An Appraisal. David McConnell Analytical and field studies will examine POPULAR SCIENTIFIC and Verne Friberg, University of organic-ore links in terms of timing, spa- DEBATES FOR EVERYONE. Akron; Kevin Stewart, University of tial relations, alteration, and applications North Carolina. to prospecting. ORAL. Monday through Thursday, October Economic Geology (4), Geochem- 28–31, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Colorado This session will discuss changes in Convention Center. content and/or organization of geology istry, Aqueous/Organic (7), Petroleum field camp programs. It will examine how Geology (19). Life’s New Twist: The Precam- programs have adapted as geology curric- brian/ Cambrian Radiation. Mod- ula have changed and how traditional field T62. The Magmatic-Hydrothermal- erator: Jere Lipps, University of Cali- camp courses have reorganized to meet Epithermal Transition and fornia, Berkeley. Associated Alteration and the needs of changing student popula- Chicxulub: How Did It Do It?— tions. ORAL. Mineralization. Society of Economic Geologists. Mark Bloom, PTI Environ- The K-T Boundary, Mass Extinc- Geology Education (9), Stratigra- tion, and the Post-Chicxulub Era. phy (29), Structural Geology (31). mental Services, Boulder, Colorado. Mineralization and alteration associ- Moderator: Philippe Claeys, Museum T59. Geology Field Camp Exercises ated with high-level porphyry copper sys- für Naturkunde, Berlin, Germany. in the Rocky Mountains. David tems, and the relations between low- and Bald Uprights from the Pleis- McConnell, University of Akron. high-sulfidation epithermal deposits, have tocene: Paleoclimate Influence This session will be a forum for those become topics of exploration and research on Human Evolution. Moderator: who run geology field camp programs interest. The complex environment of Craig Feibel, Rutgers University. to share information and ideas on the magmatic-hydrothermal-epithermal tran- Federal Collecting Laws for Fos- region’s best field camp exercises. It will sitions will be examined. Geological and sils and Minerals: Boon or Bane provide an opportunity to review the types geochemical case studies will be presented for Professionals? Moderator: of exercises that instructors have found and occurrence models discussed. ORAL. Richard Stuckey, Denver Museum of most effective and to learn about alterna- Economic Geology (4), Geochemistry, Natural History. Aqueous/Organic (7). 27 GSA TODAY, April 1996 For Information: (303) 447-2020; fax 303-447-0648; E-mail: [email protected] the meeting. Weather will be a factor in of Nevada, MS 178, Reno, NV 89557-0088, many of the trips. Several half-day trips (702) 784-6691; William Muehlberger, Field Trips concurrent with the meeting will be University of Texas at Austin. This trip he theme of the 1996 Annual described in the June issue of GSA Today. originates and ends in El Paso, Texas. Meeting, Earth System Summit, For further information, contact the Maximum: 40. Cost: $390 (including reflects both the complex inter- trip leader or the 1996 Field Trip Co-Chairs airfare from El Paso to Denver). T Charles L. Pillmore and Ren A. Thompson, relation of Earth system processes and the Sequence Stratigraphy of the Muddy synergy of human adaptation to and effect U.S. Geological Survey, Box 25046, Federal Sandstone and Equivalent Rocks from upon Earth’s dynamic systems. Field trips Center, MS 913, Denver, CO 80225-0046, North-Central Colorado to Northeast- build on this theme, offering a plethora of (303) 236-1240 or (303) 236-0929, ern New Mexico. Thursday, October 24 opportunities to observe and discuss com- E-mail: [email protected]; or through Saturday, October 26. John plex geologic and hydrologic relations in [email protected], fax 303-236-0214. Holbrook, Dept. of Geosciences, Southeast the West, with special emphasis on the Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Rocky Mountains, High Plains, and Col- PREMEETING MO 63701, (314) 651-2348; Frank Ethridge, orado Plateau–southern Great Basin Geology of the Western San Juan Colorado State University, Fort Collins. regions. Many geologic disciplines and Mountains and a Tour of the San Juan Maximum: 24. Cost: $220. specialties are represented, and the prox- Skyway, Southwestern Colorado. Geology and Geologic Hazards of imity to Denver of wide-ranging geologic Friday, October 25 and Saturday, Octo- the Glenwood Springs Area, Central terrain ensures something of interest to ber 26. Robert W. Blair, Jr., Dept. of Geol- Colorado. Friday, October 25 through everyone. ogy, Fort Lewis College, Durango, CO Sunday, October 27. Robert Kirkham, All pre- and postmeeting field 81301, (970) 247-7263; Jack Campbell, Colorado Geological Survey, 1313 Sherman trips are technical in nature, one to five Jack Ellingson, and Doug Brew. Starts and St., Denver, CO 80203, (303) 866-3293; days in duration, and led by active field ends in Durango, Colorado. Maximum: 40. Bruce Bryant, and Ralph Shroba. researchers. Professionals and students are Cost: $165. Maximum: 30. Cost: $175. strongly encouraged to take advantage of these offerings; lower airfares on Saturday Permian-Triassic Deposystems, Paleo- The Absaroka Range: A Fifty- night stay-over flights can reduce the costs geography, Paleoclimate, and Hydro- Million-Year Fascination with Gravity, associated with field trip participation sig- carbon Resources in Canyonlands and North-Central Wyoming. Wednesday, nificantly. All trips begin and end in Monument Valley, Southeastern Utah. October 23 through Saturday, October 26. Denver unless otherwise indicated. Wednesday, October 23 through Sunday, David Malone, Dept. of Geography- The following list of trips and esti- October 27. Russ Dubiel, U.S. Geological Geology, Illinois State University, Normal, mated costs is tentative and subject to Survey, Box 25046, MS 972, Federal Cen- IL 61790-4400, (309) 438-2692; Kent change. Further details will be given when ter, Denver, CO 80225, (303) 236-1540; Sundell, and Thomas Hauge. This trip registration begins in June. If you register Jacqueline Huntoon, and John Stanesco. originates and ends in Cody, Wyoming. for a field trip only, you must pay a $35 Maximum: 24. Cost: $280. Maximum: 24. Cost: $350. nonregistrant fee in addition to the field Hayden’s Lakes Revisited: The Origin Synchronous Oligocene and Miocene trip fee. This fee may be applied toward and New Stratigraphic Interpretations Extension and Magmatism in the meeting registration if you decide to attend of the White River Sequence, South Vicinity of Caldera Complexes in Dakota, Nebraska, and Wyoming. Southeastern Nevada. Friday, Octo- Friday, October 25 through Sunday, ber 25 through Sunday, October 27. Robert October 27. Emmett Evanoff, University Scott, U.S. Geological Survey, Box 25046, of Colorado Museum, Campus Box 315, MS 913, Federal Center, Denver, CO 80225, Boulder, CO 80309-0315, (303) 492-8069; (303) 236-1230; Peter Rowley, Lawrence Rachael Benton, Dennis Terry, and Hannan Snee, Ernest Anderson, Anne Harding, Lagary. Maximum: 24. Cost: $190. Daniel Unruh, David Nealey, and Dawna Kinematics of the Slumgullion Land- Ferris. One night camping. This trip origi- slide, Lake City, Colorado. Saturday, nates and ends in Las Vegas, Nevada. October 26 and Sunday, October 27. Maximum: 24. Cost: $280. Robert Fleming and Bill Savage, U.S. Geo- A New Look at the Laramide Orogeny logical Survey, Box 25046, MS 972, Federal in the Seminoe and Shirley Moun- Center, Denver, CO 80225, (303) 273-8603. tains, Freezeout Hills, and Hanna Maximum: 24. Cost: $125. Basin, South-Central Wyoming. Proterozoic Magmatism in Southeast- Thursday, October 24 through Saturday, ern Wyoming: Evidence for the Coge- October 26. Arthur Snoke and Jason netic Relationship Between Anortho- Lillegraven, Dept. of Geology and Geo- sites and Rapakivi Granites, Laramie physics, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Mountains, South-Central Wyoming. WY 82071-3006, (307) 766-5457. Thursday, October 24 through Sunday, Maximum: 24. Cost $225. October 27. Ronald Frost, Dept. of Geology Neogene Geology of South-Central and Geophysics, University of Wyoming, Colorado and North-Central New Laramie, WY 82071-3006, (307) 766-4290; Mexico and the Volcanic Geology Carol D. Frost, Ken Chamberlain, Donald of Los Mogotes and San Luis Hills, H. Lindsley, and James S. Scoates. Maxi- Northern New Mexico. Friday, mum: 24. Cost $225. October 25 through Sunday, October 27. Geology of El Solitario Dome, Lacco- Alan Wallace, U.S. Geological Survey, lith, and Caldera System, Southern Box 25046, MS 905, Federal Center, Den- Texas. Thursday, October 24 through ver, CO 80225, (303) 236-5648; Ken Hon, Sunday, October 27. Chris Henry, Nevada Tom Steven, and Ren Thompson. Maxi- Garden of the Gods. Courtesy of Denver Metro Convention Bureau of Mines and Geology, University mum: 34. Cost: $185. and Vistors Bureau. 28 Test drive GSA’s new electronic abstract system, WWW: http://www.geosociety.org GSA TODAY, April 1996 The Petroleum System, Sequence Sequence Stratigraphic Relationships Dunes, Rivers, Lakes, and Wetlands: Stratigraphy and Reservoir Compart- of Coeval Shallow Marine and Non- Tales from the Nebraska Sand Hills mentalization, Central Denver Basin, marine Strata, Kaiparowitz Plateau, of Western Nebraska. Thursday, Colorado. Saturday, October 26. Bob Eastern Arizona and Southern Utah. October 31 through Saturday, November 2. Weimer, Dept. of Geology and Geological Thursday, October 31 through Monday, James Swinehart, 113 Nebraska Hall, Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, November 4. Peter McCabe, U.S. Geological University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE Golden, CO 80401-1887, (303) 273-3818; Survey, Box 25046, MS 972, Federal Cen- 68588-0517, (402) 472-7529; David Loope, Stephen A. Sonnenberg. Maximum: 40. ter, Denver, CO 80225, (303) 236-7550; Dan Muhs, and Tom Winter. Maximum: 24. Cost: $60. Keith Shanley, Shell Development Co. This Cost: $190. Laramide Orogeny and Cenozoic trip originates and ends in Grand Junction, Erosional History, Front Range and Colorado. Maximum: 24. Cost: $290. Denver Basin, Colorado. Sunday, Octo- Hydrogeology of the San Luis Valley ber 27. Bob Weimer, Dept. of Geology and and Summitville Mine, South-Central Geological Engineering, Colorado School Colorado. Thursday, October 31 through of Mines, Golden, CO 80401-1887, (303) Saturday, November 2. Isobel McGowan, 273-3818. Maximum: 43. Cost: $60. Shepherd Miller, Inc., 2460 W. 26th Ave., Denver, CO 80211, (303) 477-5338; Doug Cain, Alan Davey, and Kathy Smith. POSTMEETING Maximum: 24. Cost: $190. Evidence for Early Proterozoic Geology and Paleontology of the Reworking of Archean Rocks in the Gold Belt Back Country Byway: Central Laramie Range, South-Central Garden Park Fossil Area and Floris- Wyoming. Thursday, October 31 through sant Fossil Beds. Friday, November 1 Saturday, November 2. Robert Bauer, and Saturday, November 2. Herb Meyer, 101 Geological Sciences, University of National Park Service, Florissant Fossil Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, (314) Beds National Monument, P.O. Box 185, 882-3729; Kevin Chamberlin, Art Snoke, Florissant, CO 80815, (719) 748-3253; Dan and Ron Frost. Maximum: 22. Cost: $215. Grenard, Bureau of Land Management. Soil-Geomorphic Relationships Near Maximum: 35. Cost: $125. Rocky Flats, Boulder and Golden, Cretaceous-Tertiary Boundary in the Colorado Area, With a Stop at the Southern Peninsula of Haiti. Friday, Pre–Fountain Formation Paleosol of November 1 through Sunday, November 3. Wahlstrom (1948). Friday, November 1. Florentine Maurrasse and Gautam Sen, Peter Birkeland, Dept. of Geological Sci- Dept. of Geology, Florida International ences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO University, Miami, FL 33199, (305) 80304, (303) 492-8141; Ralph Shroba, Dan Capitol Peak, Snowmass Wilderness, Colorado. 348-2047. This trip will originate and Photo by John Karachewski. Miller, and Penny Petterson. Maximum: 36. end in Miami and will depend on the Cost: $55. political conditions in Haiti at the time Upper Cretaceous Coals of the West- of the meeting. Maximum: 20. Cost: $500, ern Interior Seaway, Northwestern including airfare. FIELD WORKSHOP Colorado. Thursday, October 31 through Tertiary Intrusive Rocks of the Span- Innovative Techniques for Shallow Soil Saturday, November 2. Mick Brownfield ish Peaks and the Laramide Structure and Ground-water Investigations. Sat- and Mark Kirschbaum, U.S. Geological of the Western Margin of the Raton urday, October 26. William DiGuiseppi, CTE Survey, Box 25046, MS 972, Federal Cen- Basin, South-Central Colorado. Friday, Engineers, 2750 Prosperity Ave., Suite 230, ter, Denver, CO 80225, (303) 236-7767. November 1 and Saturday, November 2. Fairfax, VA 22031, (703) 204-6346; Jeff Maximum: 34. Cost: $185. Brian Penn, Colorado School of Mines, Flanzenbaum. Maximum: 40. Cost: $50. Oblique Laramide Convergence 15 Mines Park, Golden, CO 80401, (303) in the Northeastern Front Range of 278-2750; Dave Lindsey, U.S. Geological Colorado: Regional Implications from Survey, Box 25036, Federal Center, Denver, SPONSORED BY SOCIETY OF the Analysis of Minor Faults. Friday, CO 80225, (303) 236-6482. Maximum: 24. ECONOMIC GEOLOGISTS November 1. Eric Erslev and Joe Gregson, Cost: $140. Contact trip leaders for information. Dept. of Earth Resources, Colorado State Jemez Volcanic Field and Valles State Line Kimberlite District, University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, (970) Caldera–Middle Rio Grande Rift. 491-6375. Maximum: 26. Cost: $65. Colorado. Saturday, October 26. Howard Thursday, October 31 through Sunday, Coopersmith, P.O. Box 1916, Ft. Collins, CO Depositional Environments of November 3. Dave Sawyer and Ren 80522, (970) 224-4943, fax 970-221-5280. Codell–Juana Lopez Sandstones and Thompson, U.S. Geological Survey, Box Maximum: 40. Minimum: 20. Cost: $100. Regional Structure and Stratigraphy 25046, MS 913, Federal Center, Denver, CO of Cañon City and Huerfano Areas 80225, (303) 236-1021; Fraser Goff, Steve Cresson Mine, Cripple Creek District, and Northern Raton Basin, South- Reneau, Jamie Gardner, Scott Baldridge, Colorado. Friday, November 1. Jeffrey Central Colorado. Thursday, October 31 and Dave Broxton, Los Alamos National Pontius, Pikes Peak Mining Company, through Saturday, November 2. Paul Kru- Laboratory. Maximum: 36. Cost: $315. P.O. Box 191, Victor, CO 80860, (719) tak and Kenneth Neuhauser, Dept. of Geo- 689-2977, fax 719-689-3254. Maxi- Precambrian Tectonics and Metallog- mum: 40. Minimum: 20. Cost: $100. sciences, Fort Hays State University, 600 eny of the Hartville Uplift, Wyoming. Park St., Hays, KS 67601-4099, (913) Friday, November 1 and Saturday, Novem- 628-5389. Maximum: 24. Cost: $175. ber 2. Paul Sims, U.S. Geological Survey, Box 25046, MS 905, Federal Center, Denver, CO 80225, (303) 236-5621; Warren Day, and Terry Klein. Maxi- mum: 24. Cost: $185. 29 GSA TODAY, April 1996 For Information: (303) 447-2020; fax 303-447-0648; E-mail: [email protected] tion for Atmospheric Research, Boulder; DataBase Forum. Sunday, October 27. Roland Burgmann, University of Califor- Sponsored by Geoscience Information Educational nia, Davis. C.E.U. 0.8. Society. For information: Vivienne Programs Effective Teaching of Hydrogeology: Roumani-Denn, 230 McCone Hall, How To Make Do with Scant Real University of California, Berkeley, CA GSA-SPONSORED CONTINUING World Data. Sunday, October 27. Co- 94720, (510) 643-7041. EDUCATION COURSES sponsored by Hydrogeology Division and Preparing Successful Grant Proposals National Association of Geoscience Teachers. to Fund Curriculum Innovation in egistration information and Donald I. Siegel, Syracuse University. the Geosciences. Sunday, October 27. course descriptions will be C.E.U. 0.8. Sponsored by National Association of published in June GSA Today. R Recognition, Investigation, and Geoscience Teachers and National Science For additional information, contact Edna Mitigation of Landslides. Sunday, Foundation. For information: David Mogk, Collis, Continuing Education Coordinator, Division of Undergraduate Education, GSA headquarters, E-mail: ecollis@ October 27. Cosponsored by Engineering Geology Division. Jerome V. DeGraff, U.S. National Science Foundation, Room 835, geosociety.org. 4201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22230, Fees will be approximately $150– Forest Service, Clovis, California; Michael W. Hart, Consultant, San Diego; William R. (703) 306-1669, fax 703-306-0445, $175 for the first day and $125–$150 for E-mail: [email protected]. the second day. If you register for a GSA Cotton, William Cotton & Associates, Inc., course only, you must pay a $35 nonregis- Los Gatos, California. C.E.U. 0.8. trant fee in addition to the course fee. This Vadose Zone Hydrology: Introduction GSA’S SAGE fee may be applied toward meeting regis- and Applications to Water and Solute PROGRAM FOR K–16 tration if you decide to attend the meeting. Transport. Sunday, October 27. Cospon- SAGE (Science Awareness through Students will receive a discount on all GSA sored by Hydrogeology Division. Scott W. Geoscience Education) is five years old! courses. Tyler, Desert Research Institute and Uni- We will celebrate in Denver by hosting an Tax Deduction: Expenses for continu- versity of Nevada, Reno; Bridget Scanlon, array of K–16 educational events for scien- ing education (including registration fees, Texas Bureau of Economic Geology, Austin. tists and teachers. We’ll begin with a pre- travel, lodging, and meals) to maintain and C.E.U. 0.8. meeting gathering on Friday, October 25, improve professional skills are generally including the fall conference of the Col- tax deductible in whole or in part (Trea- OTHER COURSES AND orado Earth and Space Science Educators’ sury Reg. 1-162-5, Coughlin vs. Commis- WORKSHOPS Network (CESSEN), an event that draws sioner, 203F2d307). Please discuss this K–12 teachers from across the state. We’ll with a qualified accountant. Registration and information can be continue with hands-on workshops on the Geomorphic Expression of Active obtained from the contact person listed for atmosphere, dinosaurs, planetary geology, Tectonics. Saturday, October 26 and each course. and national and state science standards. Sunday, October 27. Cosponsored by the Reactive Transport in Porous Media: With the support of our Partners for Edu- Structural Geology & Tectonics Division and General Principles and Application cation Program (PEP) and other divisions Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology to Geochemical Processes. Friday, and societies, we will offer K–6 educators Division. Frank J. Pazzaglia, University of October 25 through Sunday, October 27. and PEP scientists the chance to learn New Mexico; Nicholas Pinter, Yale Univer- Sponsored by Mineralogical Society of interactively on all-day field trips. During sity. C.E.U. 1.6. America. For information: MSA Business the technical sessions, a selection of How To Do Anything with Mohr Office, 1015 18th St., N.W., Suite 601, thought-provoking theme sessions, sym- Circles (Except Fry an Egg): A Short Washington, DC 20036, (202) 775-4344, posia, and forums will focus on K–16 edu- Course About Tensors for Structural fax 202-775-0018. cational issues. Everyone interested in geo- Geologists. Saturday, October 26 and National Science Foundation— science education will want to attend the Sunday, October 27. Cosponsored by Undergraduate Faculty Enhancement popular Share-A-Thon, the riotous Rock Structural Geology and Tectonics Division. Workshop on Innovative and Effective Raffle, and the Educators’ Social Hour. We Winthrop D. Means, State University of Techniques for Teaching Geoscience. expect a hallmark year in Denver, and look New York at Albany. C.E.U. 1.2. Saturday, October 26. Sponsored by forward to an interactive good time! New Numerical Techniques for Sedi- National Science Foundation Undergraduate mentary Data: Fractals and Nonlinear Faculty Enhancement Program, GSA SAGE Dynamics. Saturday, October 26 and Program, and National Association of Special Programs Geoscience Teachers. For information: Sunday, October 27. Cosponsored by GEOLOGY AND Sedimentary Geology Division and Society R. Heather Macdonald, Dept. of Geology, for Sedimentary Geology (SEPM). Gerard V. College of William and Mary, Williams- PUBLIC POLICY FORUM Middleton, McMaster University, Ontario; burg, VA 23185, (804) 221-2469, fax 804- Wednesday, October 30. The GSA Com- Roy E. Plotnick, University of Illinois; 221-2464. mittee on Geology and Public Policy will David M. Rubin, U.S. Geological Survey, Systematics of Fluid Inclusions. Satur- conduct a forum, “Saving Our Science— Menlo Park. C.E.U. 1.6. day, October 26 and Sunday, October 27. Entering the Public Policy Debate.” Applications of Environmental Iso- Sponsored by SEPM (Society for Sedimen- topes to Solving Hydrologic and Geo- tary Geology). For information: Judy Tarp- GRADUATE SCHOOL chemical Problems. Sunday, October 27. ley, Education and Meetings Coordinator, INFORMATION FORUM Cosponsored by Hydrogeology Division. SEPM, 1731 E. 71st St., Tulsa, OK 74136, Carol Kendall, U.S. Geological Survey, (918) 493-3361, ext. 22, fax 918-493-2093, he forum will take place in Menlo Park. C.E.U. 0.8. E-mail: [email protected]. the exhibit hall at the Colorado Convention Center in three Applications of GPS in the Earth Biology and Paleobiology of Corals. T Sunday, October 27. Sponsored by Paleon- sessions, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sciences. Sunday, October 27. Cospon- Monday, October 28, through Wednesday, sored by Structural Geology and Tectonics tological Society. For information: George D. Stanley, Dept. of Geology, University of October 30. Division. Charles Meertens, University This forum provides a unique oppor- NAVSTAR Consortium, University Corpora- Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, (406) 243-2341, fax 406-243-4028. tunity for undergraduate students who are 30 Test drive GSA’s new electronic abstract system, WWW: http://www.geosociety.org GSA TODAY, April 1996 planning to obtain an advanced degree can enjoy arts and crafts, story-telling, boutiques, specialty shops and the Tattered to meet with representatives of graduate games, puzzles and toys. Security and safety Cover bookstore. schools in an informal setting to discuss procedures will be carefully observed. Colorado Springs interests and explore programs. A list of Estimated cost will be $3.50 per hour. Tour of U.S. Air Force Academy, Garden of participating schools will appear in the Preregistration will be required. For further the Gods, Old Colorado City and lunch at June and September issues of GSA Today. information or registration materials, con- the Broadmoor Hotel. Each school will be given use of a tact Kathy Ohmie Lynch, GSA headquar- × Museum and Zoo Tour 4' 8' poster board, a table, and four ters, E-mail: [email protected]. Parents Shuttle transportation to the Colorado chairs. If your school is interested in par- are also welcome to contact Deanna Zerr Museum of Natural History and Denver ticipating, contact Matt Ball, GSA head- at the New Thomas Learning Centers at Zoo, both located in City Park. quarters, E-mail: [email protected]. (303) 639-6240. The reservation deadline is August 15. Informal Tours GUEST PROGRAM In addition to the tours listed above, MPLOYMENT GSA welcomes its guests to the Mile E you might enjoy visiting Denver attrac- High City. A hospitality room will be pro- INTERVIEW SERVICE tions with other guest attendees. Plan to vided for guests to meet, enjoy refresh- sign up for these informal, self-guided GSA will again be offering its Employ- ments, and get information on Denver and tours in the Hospitality Room. ment Interview Service. Each year, this surrounding areas. Formal and informal program provides valuable job-matching tour information will also be available. opportunities in the geosciences. At last Guest registration includes an exhibit GSA SOFTWARE FAIR year’s meeting in New Orleans, participat- hall pass, but does not give access to ack by popular demand! ing employers conducted nearly 400 inter- technical sessions. An expanded and improved views with nearly 350 applicants seeking The Guest Program Committee wants Software Fair is being orga- employment! your Denver visit to be most memorable. B nized for the Denver meeting, to promote As in the past, booths will be provided We welcome suggestions and participation the use of computers in all fields of geol- for employers to interview applicants reg- in the guest program. Contact Kata ogy. GSA is looking for developers of free- istered with the Employment Service, and McCarville at (303) 273-3448 or E-mail: ware, public domain, shareware, and com- GSA staff will be on hand to coordinate the [email protected]. mercial packages to give demonstrations. scheduling of interviews. In particular, stu- GSA supplies PC, Macintosh and Silicon dents completing doctoral and master’s Formal Tours Graphics computers with Internet connec- theses during 1996 are encouraged to ( ) Open to All GSA Registrants tions. The Software Fair will be located in check the job offerings. the exhibit hall in a high-traffic area See the July 1996 issue of GSA Today Mile High City Highlights between poster sessions and exhibits. for applicant and employer forms and Bus tour of downtown Denver including A nominal fee of $100 will be charged to further information, or contact T. Michael State Capitol, Molly Brown’s house, commercial vendors for one four-hour Moreland, Employment Service Manager, Ninth Street Park, Coors Field, and morning or afternoon presentation. Con- GSA headquarters, E-mail: tmorelan@ Larimer Square. tact: Matt Ball, GSA headquarters, E-mail: geosociety.org. Information is also avail- Bones and Tracks: [email protected] for information and able on the World Wide Web. The URL is Dinosaur Ridge Family Field Trip application form. The deadline for receipt http://www.geosociety.org; check under Cosponsored by Association for Women of completed applications is August 15, the Membership section. Geoscientists and Friends of Dinosaur Ridge. The Dinosaur Ridge hogback 1996. See GSA’s World Wide Web site (http://www.geosociety.org/meetings/96/ VENING IGHLIGHTS exposes Jurassic and Cretaceous rocks E H containing dinosaur bones, and dinosaur softfair/) for an on-line application form. Denver Theatre and Dinner and crocodile footprints and trackways. Saturday, October 26 We’ll also have the opportunity to visit INTERNET ACCESS CENTER Microbrew Mania Pub Crawl the new Visitor Center at the Ridge. Computers connected to the Internet Saturday, October 26 Bring the kids! will be available free of charge for atten- Welcoming Party (registration required) “For the Birds” Field Trip dees to browse the World Wide Web or Sunday, October 27 In cooperation with the Denver Audubon use Telnet to retrieve their E-mail. GSA Presidential Address and Society, the Field Ornithologists of Denver, Awards Ceremony and the Field Ornithologists of Colorado, Monday, October 28 we’re planning a special treat for you GSA Alumni Receptions birds of a feather. Space will be limited. Registration Monday, October 28 An Art Affair Registration materials available in Tours of the Denver Art Museum and the June GSA Today! Museum of Western Art followed by high CHILD CARE NOW AVAILABLE! June GSA Today will be the only com- tea served at the historic Brown Palace plete registration issue. he New Thomas Learning Cen- Hotel. PREREGISTRATION DEADLINE: ters of Colorado, approved and Beneath the Flatirons SEPTEMBER 20, 1996 Tscreened by the City and County Tour of Boulder including Celestial of Denver, will provide a child care service Seasonings Tea Company and the CANCELLATION DEADLINE: in the Colorado Convention Center. This Pearl Street Mall. SEPTEMBER 27, 1996 company is a Colorado-based, licensed, Lowdown on LoDo Make plans now to take advantage insured child care corporation with 19 Walking tour of Denver’s lower downtown of the June registration opportunity! years of experience. They employ thor- area including galleries, bookstores, restau- Events will fill quickly. There is consid- oughly screened professionals to provide rants, Union Station, the Ice House, and erable savings on registration fees if you quality care to the children of convention Coors Field. register early. Registration is required for attendees. Fashions, Favors, and Fads events. One-day registration is available Your child will enjoy age-appropriate Shuttle bus to Cherry Creek mall, galleries, on-site Sunday through Thursday. activities in a relaxed environment. Children 31 GSA TODAY, April 1996 For Information: (303) 447-2020; fax 303-447-0648; E-mail: [email protected] Guest/Spouse registrations do not include Activities will take place at the Col- technical session access. Travel orado Convention Center, as well as GSA’s GSA members will automatically headquarters hotel, the Marriott City Cen- receive registration information and forms and Lodging ter, the Adams Mark, and Hyatt Regency. during the first weeks of June. If you are The key to getting your first hotel not a member and would like registration TRAVEL choice is to make your reservation early. forms and further information, please GSA’s official travel agent, Travel King, GSA will publish housing information contact the GSA Registration Coordinator, has negotiated discounted airfares with and reservation forms in the June issue GSA headquarters, E-mail: jphillip@ United Airlines, Denver’s primary carrier. of GSA Today. All hotel reservations must geosociety.org. Travel King is committed to obtaining the be processed by the Denver Housing Meeting registration fees have not been best possible fares for GSA Annual Meeting Bureau to obtain GSA special rates. established as we go to print. However, for travelers. your budgeting and travel authorization Advance bookings with Saturday night GSA SHUTTLE requests, please use the estimated pre- stayovers are the best route to lowest fares. registration fees below. Final fees will be However, as with all airline reservations, Most downtown Denver hotels are published in the June issue of GSA Today. please use caution regarding change and a convenient walking distance from the cancellation penalties that accompany Convention Center and from each other. Therefore, GSA will provide a limited, MEMBERS PAY LESS! low-fare tickets. This applies especially to field trip and continuing education evening shuttle serving the GSA-selected JOIN NOW! participants, whose trip or course may be hotels and the Convention Center. f you are not yet a GSA member, canceled after the September 20 preregis- now is the time to join. Nonmem- tration deadline. Call Travel King at 1-800- bers who become GSA members by 458-6398 or E-mail: [email protected], I for a reservation or more information. October 1, 1996, can preregister at the member rate. You will save a substantial Airport shuttle services offer conve- amount on your registration fee by paying nient transportation from Denver Interna- the member rate—almost exactly the tional Airport to the downtown hotels. amount you would pay to join GSA. That’s like joining GSA for free! For mem- GSA STUDENT ASSOCIATE bership information, contact T. Michael MEMBER TRAVEL GRANTS Moreland at GSA headquarters, E-mail: [email protected]. The GSA Foundation has awarded matching grants to the six GSA Sections. The money, when combined with equal ACCESSIBILITY FOR funds from the Sections, is used to assist REGISTRANTS WITH GSA Student Associates traveling to GSA SPECIAL NEEDS meetings. The following sections offer assistance to the Annual Meeting in Denver. GSA is committed to making every The remaining sections offer assistance to event at the 1996 Annual Meeting accessi- their section meeting. For information and ble to all people interested in attending. deadlines, contact your Section secretary. If you have special requirements, such as an interpreter or wheelchair accessibility, South-Central Rena Bonem, (817) 755-2361 there will be space to indicate this on the Colorado Convention Center. Courtesy Denver meeting registration form, or you can call Northeastern Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau. Becky Martin, GSA headquarters, E-mail: Kenneth Weaver, (410) 554-5532 [email protected]. If possible, please Southeastern let us know your needs by September 27. Harold Stowell, (205) 348-5098, http://www.geo.ua.edu/segsa/segsa.html ABSTRACTS WITH PROGRAMS Exhibits Purchase an advance copy through LODGING Exhibiting at GSA is a cost-effective GSA Membership Services, Publication GSA has booked rooms at nine prop- way to reach a targeted buying audience Sales, or pick up a copy on site in the reg- erties that offer special convention rates of over 6000 geoscientists in only 31⁄2 days. istration area. The Abstracts with Programs ranging from $67 to $119 single, and $77 The exhibition hall will be filled with more is not part of your registration fee. For to $136 double. A block of 500 rooms is than 250 booths representing the latest: advance sales, contact Publication Sales, reserved at the Marriott City Center, which, geological publications; geological soft- GSA headquarters, 1-800-472-1988. as headquarters, will host most social and ware; scientific instrumentation; micro- Cost: $24. business events. Other participating hotels analysis and photographic equipment; include the Adams geoscience educational supplies; gems, Mark Hotel, Hyatt minerals, and fossils; resource information Estimated Advance On-Site Regency, Holiday from environmental, national, and state Registration Fees Full Meeting Full Meeting One Day Inn, Embassy agencies; field supplies and gear; and Professional Member $195 $235 $118 Suites, Executive information on earth science programs at Tower Inn, Westin, major institutions. Please visit GSA’s World Professional Nonmember $235 $275 $138 Comfort Inn, and Wide Web address, http://www.geosoci- Student Associate Member $ 70 $ 90 $ 45 Brown Palace ety.org, to browse an on-line product and Student Nonmember $ 90 $ 110 $ 55 Hotel. In addition, services listing of current exhibitors. For several lower cost information on becoming an exhibitor, Guest or Spouse (no technical session access) $ 80 $100 n/a properties will be please contact Matt Ball, GSA headquar- K-12 Professional $ 25 $ 35 n/a available to student ters, E-mail: [email protected]. Cont. Ed./Field Trip Only Fee $ 35 $ 35 n/a registrants. 32 Test drive GSA’s new electronic abstract system, WWW: http://www.geosociety.org GSA TODAY, April 1996 Penrose Conference Report in interlayered schists and gneisses of the Wenatchee Ridge Gneiss. The trip provided an excellent forum for viewing fault- Fine-grained Fault Rocks related rocks from the brittle through to Conveners the ductile fields. Jerry Magloughlin, Department of Geology, University of Illinois, 1301 West Green St., We devoted the following three days 245 Natural History Building, Urbana, IL 61801 of the conference to oral and poster pre- sentations covering field, experimental, Frederick M. Chester, Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Saint Louis theoretical, and analytical aspects of fine- University, 3507 Laclede Ave., St. Louis, MO 63103 grained fault rocks. More than 40 posters John Spray, Department of Geology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, were displayed during the conference. N.B. E3B 5A3, Canada Considerable time was dedicated to formal and informal discussion periods, and to the poster displays, so that all participants Tectonic processes commonly lead to ated with a fault or shear zone? (2) What had the opportunity to share their ideas. concentrated deformation in the form of can be inferred about the timing, volume, Many participants commented that the faults and shear zones that range from and composition of fluids flowing though group roundtable discussion was one of microscopic to megascopic in scale. The faults and shear zones? (3) What do the the highlights of the meeting. Most partic- products of such focused deformation are textures, particle size distributions, and ipants left the conference with the realiza- typically fine grained, and consequently operative deformation mechanisms tion that significant progress had been they can be difficult to study, identify, observed in naturally and experimentally made in our understanding of fault rocks and interpret. Various fault rocks can be formed fault rocks reveal about tempera- and that the future will provide the oppor- superficially similar, but may form under ture, stress, and strain rate? (4) Which tunity for fruitful research. markedly different conditions of strain fault rocks are amenable to geochronomet- rate, pressure, temperature, fluid com- ric techniques? (5) What are the spatial, MECHANISMS OF DEFORMATION position, and fluid pressure. Aside from temporal, and genetic relations among AND RECOVERY problems of nomenclature, we need to the fine-grained fault rocks? (6) How can Fine-grained fault rocks form by a improve our knowledge of fine-grained a multidisciplinary approach to fault-rock variety of grain-scale deformation mecha- fault rocks in order to reveal the underly- studies better elucidate the evolution nisms. Microstructures also reflect the ing controlling mechanisms operating in of faults and shear zones? (7) Does the operation of recovery processes, such as fault and shear zone systems. This is par- current classification scheme require crack healing and dynamic recrystalliza- ticularly the case for the seismogenic modification, extension, or loosening? tion. In some cases, particularly for steady- regime where there are clear socioeco- (8) Should fault-rock terminology be state deformation, the recovery processes nomic and environmental implications. developed or modified for better applica- are as important as the deformation mech- Because of these and other problems, tion in the field? anism in producing microstructure and a Geological Society of America Penrose On the first day of the conference, controlling flow behavior. Individual Conference was held August 31–Septem- spent in the field, we observed a variety deformation and recovery processes are ber 4, 1995, in Leavenworth in the North of fault rocks in a transect through part thermally activated and will be important Cascade Mountains of Washington state. of the Nason terrane in the North Cascade over a restricted range of crustal condi- The 78 participants included 30 attendees Mountains. The fault rocks included duc- tions. Much of what we know about these from 14 countries, as well as 12 graduate tilely deformed migmatite, gneiss, and mechanisms comes from laboratory exper- students. The conference was supported mylonite, through rocks of a more brittle iments. Because of technological restric- by the Geological Society of America, the nature, pseudotachylyte and cataclasite, tions, experimentalists do not try to simu- National Science Foundation, and the U.S. to faults and fault gouge representative late crustal conditions, but rather impose Geological Survey Earthquake Hazards of deformation at shallower crustal levels. conditions to activate the various defor- Reduction Program. We observed brittle and ductile features mation and recovery processes. The well- The objectives of the conference were: in the tonalites and mylonitic peridotites (1) to review existing field and laboratory of the White River ultrabasic body, as data and discuss the application of these well as pseudotachylytes and cataclasites Penrose continued on p. 35 data to further our understanding of fault- rock genesis; (2) to discuss the importance PARTICIPANTS of multidisciplinary studies, particularly with respect to fluid-rock interaction dur- Susan Agar Randy Cumbest John Logan Uwe Reimold ing faulting, and outline future research Joseph Allen Miguel Doblas Allan Ludman Don Rousell priorities for the investigation of fault-rock Mark Anders Eric Erslev Robert Maddock Ernie Rutter genesis and fault-zone properties, and Hans Avé Lallemant Jim Evans Jerry Magloughlin Siegfried Siegesmund (3) to facilitate the application of research Nellena Beedle Dan Faulkner L. Lynn Marquez Carol Simpson Mike Blanpied Andreas Gautschi Arthur (Butch) Maybin Toshihiko Shimamoto results to societal needs. An additional Gerard Bossiere Francesca Ghisetti Martin Mazurek Rick Sibson goal was to bring together experts on all Anne-Marie Boullier Laurel Goodwin Andrew McCaig Art Snoke aspects of fault-rock studies. Research Michael P. Bunds Brad Hacker Martin Miller John Spray expertise included experimental rock Martin Burkhard Mary Louise Hill Diane Moore Mark Swanson mechanics, field studies, fluids in fault Luigi Burlini João Hippert Julia K. Morgan Akito Tsutsumi zones, deformation mechanisms involved Chris Butler Robert E. Holdsworth Gretchen Nakayama Jan Tullis in fault-rock generation, physical proper- Jonathan Caine Mary Hubbard Tim Needham Ben van der Pluijm ties of fault rocks, petrology, and stable Sue Cashman Jonathan Imber Julie Newman Jan Vermilye and radiogenic isotope analysis. Fred Chester Michel Jebrak Stephen Norwick Peter Vrolijk Trenton Cladouhos Dazhi Jiang Kieran O’Hara Joe White Specific questions posed were: (1) Simon Christopher Lori Kennedy Martin P. Olsen Chris J. L. Wilson What can specific fault rocks reveal about Cox Andrew Killick Cees Passchier Steve Wojtal the mechanical properties, and therefore Stephen Cox Hee-Kwon Lee Lynn Pryer Xin-Yue Yang the associated geological hazards, associ- Juliet G. Crider Albert Leger Ze’ev Reches

GSA TODAY, April 1996 33

Penrose continued from p. 33 A major point was that in contrast Several participants described new testing to the Penrose Conference on mylonites, machines or novel approaches to looking known technique of trading temperature this one did not focus on terminology. at high-strain behavior. In conventional for time is a method to activate processes Instead, it focused on processes, with experiments that can achieve only limited in the laboratory time frame that would many detailed descriptions of observa- strains, constant-strength behavior is occur naturally over geologic time in the tions of both experimentally and natu- commonly achieved even though the earth. The experimental work to date has rally deformed rocks. microstructure continues to evolve. Many largely focused on defining the flow laws questions exist regarding the behavior and characteristic microstructures for each RHEOLOGY OF FINE-GRAINED in very high strain zones. An interesting type of deformation and recovery process. FAULT ROCKS preliminary finding is that the common Scaling and extrapolation of laboratory assumption that flow by grain boundary Experimental work has helped not relations to nature are the two main diffi- sliding produces random crystallographic only to define deformation and recovery culties, because experiments generally are fabrics is not correct. In these discussions processes, but also to quantify mechanical done on small samples at high deforma- some attention was given to superplastic behavior. We generally use a simple tion rates. behavior. It was noted that superplasticity Coulomb failure criterion to describe fault Several participants presented is not mechanism specific, but rather is behavior in the brittle, frictional regime. observations of flow fabrics in gouge and phenomenological and defined by a creep However, there is growing concern that cataclasite. In some cases the structures law with a stress exponent of less than this simple description of brittle failure are remarkable, particularly the flow pat- two. There is a real need to understand may not be applicable in some mature terns about irregular contacts between the mechanisms that lead to superplastic- faults, and it certainly is insufficient to wall rock and gouge, and gouge ponding, ity in fine-grained fault rocks. explain brittle fault rock genesis and extrusion, and folding. These observations some aspects of faulting phenomena. prompted some discussion of the extent ROLE AND NATURE OF FLUIDS IN The mechanical behaviors of brittle fault to which gouge and ultracataclasite are FAULT ROCKS, FAULTS, AND rocks containing phyllosilicates, and in fluidized during faulting. Although it is SHEAR ZONES settings where significant pressure solu- typically assumed that flow structures are tion processes have operated, are particu- Circulation of fluids is important associated with steady creeping behavior, larly important to constrain. Observations in some geodynamic settings, such as in the process of fluidization during seismic of deformation across the brittle-crystal subduction zones and in plutonic regions. slip events also could produce flow struc- plastic transition indicate that behavior It is well known that fault zones may tures. It is generally agreed that we have in the transitional regime is pressure serve as conduits or barriers to fluid flow. much to learn regarding mechanisms of dependent (frictional) even though the Depending on the geometry of the fluid- deformation within the ultrafine-grained microstructures may record significant flow field and the geometry and perme- cataclastic rocks. crystal plasticity. Descriptions of rheology ability structure of faults, faults may serve Considerable discussion pertained in the transitional flow regime are gener- to focus fluid flow and to establish local to a perceived division between the exper- ally lacking. There is a fairly good consen- sources and sinks for fluids. There is much imentalists and those working on natural sus on the creep rheology of quartz and evidence for the involvement of fluids in rock systems. Experimentalists pointed calcite, but other crustal minerals are less faults, and the physical and chemical out the dearth of information on the well understood. Characterization of the effects of fluids on fault rocks may be mechanical behavior of different litholo- creep behavior of feldspars and phyllosili- profound, particularly for the fine-grained gies at different rates of strain, and cates will be an important step in helping component of fault zones. Not surpris- encouraged the other group to speculate to quantify fault rock rheology. In addi- ingly, there was much interest at the con- on deformation mechanisms in their stud- tion, it will be important to investigate ference in the role of fluids in the genesis ies of natural deformation. Those working the behavior of polymineralic aggregates of fine-grained fault rocks. on natural rocks encouraged the experi- in experiments as well as by theoretical Some concepts upon which there was mentalists to more thoroughly explain modeling. extensive agreement included the notion how to apply experimental data to natural Rheological behavior at very high settings. strains is also an area of active research. Penrose continued on p. 36

GSA ON THE WEB GSA’s presence on the World Wide Web is growing. New, useful material is being added regularly. Visit us soon. Our new, shorter Web address (the older, longer version still works, too) is: http://www.geosociety.org. That will take you to our home page, and from there you can link to many informational resources. Here are some highlights.

Go to our Membership section to learn about the GSA authors on preparation of articles for submission to GSA publi- Employment Service. You’ll also find out how to become a cations. There are 12 months of complete issues of GSA Today, GSA Campus Representative, or how to get Member or Student in living color, that you can read or download. Check out our forms to join GSA. You’ll also find information here on how new Retrospective Electronic Index to GSA journal articles, to nominate a GSA member to Fellowship standing. books, maps, and transects (see p. 7, March GSA Today). Search In the Education section, read about GSA’s educational this index on line, and copy and paste results into your text programs, including PEP (Partners for Education), and Project editor. We’re now on line with our Web Catalog of GSA Pub- Earth S.E.E.D. lications. Search all GSA’s nonperiodical titles in print, read See our Administration section for information on descriptions and tables of contents (for books), or copy from it. Congressional contacts. The exciting news this month is our new Web Abstracts sys- Our Publications section now offers a lot. Read the tables tem. From now until May 1, test drive it; after May 1, you’ll be of contents and abstracts of journal articles each month for able to submit real abstracts electronically for the 1996 GSA GSA Bulletin and Geology. You’ll also find information for Annual Meeting in Denver. See p. 18.

GSA TODAY, April 1996 35 Institute for Environmental begin to see the “perceptual psychology” ENVIRONMENT MATTERS Education of water conflicts. For this and other reasons, issues surrounding water quality often evolve into multiparty, multi-issue, Geology as a Social Science: multiagenda disputes. In the case of the Skaneateles Lake conflict, water-quality Addressing the Complexity of Human Habits deterioration was an important issue because the lake is both a source of and Values in Water-Quality Conflicts recreation (some great lake trout!) and the main source of water for the city of C. Brannon Andersen, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Furman Syracuse, some 20 miles to the east. Some University, Greenville, SC 29613, E-mail: andersen_brannon/[email protected] of the parties involved in the dispute Brian Polkinghorn, Department of Dispute Resolution, Nova Southeastern University, include the U.S. Environmental Protection Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314, E-mail: [email protected] Agency, the New York State Department of Environment Conservation, the town of Skaneateles, three county governments, In a previous Institute for Environ- ing between the scientist and the commu- the city of Syracuse, part-time and year- mental Education (IEE) column (February nity, which may lead to a distrust of scien- round residents, tourists, farmers, golf 1996), Dan Sarewitz suggested that geol- tists as a whole. This lack of trust is NOT courses, businesses, citizen groups, and ogy is becoming more and more a social simply a reflection of scientific illiteracy other environmental action groups. Many science, one that must address the conflict on the part of the community; it reflects of these groups use the lake or the sur- between land use and conservation of nat- as well a general inability of the scientist rounding land for purposes that substan- ural resources. He identified a primary to listen to the concerns of the commu- tially contribute to water-quality deteriora- frustration of geoscientists: the public just nity. The solution is to enter into a diation, yet few saw themselves as part of the does not seem to listen to or appreciate all logue with the community. What should problem. The sources of the pollution the hard work that appears to solve many this interaction look like? The ideas pre- include animal waste runoff, pesticides, environmental conflicts. He also touches sented here are based on analysis of a herbicides, fungicides, fertilizers, septic upon the vast differences between what water-quality conflict centering on tank leakage, and gas spills from boats, geoscientists and mainstream society Skaneateles Lake in central New York. all of which are linked to the standard value. In environmental conflicts, geo- practices and habits of the communities scientists, in the role of the expert, value A PROBLEM surrounding Skaneateles Lake. Individuals data and its interpretation, whereas main- Nowhere does the problem of envi- or groups were good at identifying what stream society tends to value beauty, environmental conflict appear greater than in others did to pollute, but often did not ronmental aesthetics, natural resource util- the arena of non–point-source pollution recognize that their habits contributed ity (usability), and safety. These different of water. Because water is visible and has to the problem as well. At stake was either value orientations create a competing set many functions, it is one component of a change in habits that would result in of emphases on the way we perceive and the environment on which most people cleaner water, or the construction of a interpret information pertaining to envi- have some strong opinions. Compare multimillion-dollar water-filtration plant ronmental conflict. Often the result is water quality to invisible radon or under- poor communication and misunderstand- ground storage tank debates, and you IEE continued on p. 37

Penrose continued from p. 35 RELATION BETWEEN Seismologists also classify earthquakes on FINE-GRAINED FAULT ROCKS the basis of rates of slip and slip duration. that the upper crust is “wet” and under- AND SEISMICITY Normal earthquakes have slip durations goes episodic deformation, leading to on the order of seconds, whereas longer fluctuating or cyclic processes, including The relation of fine-grained fault duration and lower slip rates produce changes in fluid pressure, porosity, and rocks to the seismic cycle elicited much events referred to as “slow earthquakes,” permeability. Also, it has become very clear interest and discussion. An important “quiet earthquakes,” and, over the longest that the fluid history is a vital factor for question repeatedly mentioned is, How duration, creep events. Thus the real ques- consideration in any complete study of a do we distinguish mode of slip in ancient tion regarding structural criteria in fault fault zone, owing to its effect on diffusive fault zones on the basis of fault-rock struc- rocks for seismic vs. aseismic slip should mass transfer, dissolution and precipita- ture? Is the presence of pseudotachylyte be posed in terms of the rates of deformation, changes in the bulk chemistry of the in faults the only indicator of seismic slip? tion that produce fault-rock structures. rock, and its role in fracture propagation. It is important to clarify the definitions The issue of seismic vs. aseismic crite- Some major questions raised included the of seismic and aseismic slip, because these ria within fault zones was a frequent topic nature of the fracture-controlled plumbing terms originated in the field of seismology. of discussion. Pseudotachylyte was cited system, evolution of the pathway and its It appears that most crustal faults are seis- as the only reliable indicator of seismic slip, degree of closure with time, volumes of mic. The San Andreas fault in California is but even this is complicated in unusual and continuous vs. transient flow of fluids, an important case, because it contains settings. Pseudotachylytes have been the directions of flow, and the fluid sources both seismic and aseismic segments. How- described from impact settings and land- and sinks. More information is needed on ever, it should be noted that the aseismic, slides, as well as the typical “tectonic” set- the permeability and porosity of gouge; in creeping sections of the fault are actually ting. In impact settings, such as Vredefort situ measurements may be required. characterized by continuous generation and Sudbury, shock melting and frictional Another complication is that fluids passing of microseismic events. Thus, mesoscopic- melting may both contribute melts to form through fine-grained fault rocks may leave and microscopic-scale samples may con- “pseudotachylytes.” However, in the tec- little or no record of their passage, at least tain structures produced during microseis- tonic setting, there was a call against the as can be detected through the traditional mic events within faults that would be analytical methods. regarded by seismologists as aseismic. Penrose continued on p. 37

36 GSA TODAY, April 1996 IEE continued from p. 36 lem. Water treatment, however, is a tempo- role must be expanded to encompass com- rary fix to an unsolved problem. munity education if we are to play a lead- and other technological “fixes,” the cost The typical top-down approach ing part in resolving environmental con- of which would be disproportionately breeds a variety of noxious reactions flict. Scientists must begin to address the borne by the communities and individuals that often block the needed cooperation social realities of the water-quality issue, who use the lake. between the community and government such as the relative value of water in farm- agencies. We call these reactions the four ing practices and recreational enjoyment. TOP DOWN FAILURE Rs: regulation, resentment, resistance, and In the role of educators, scientists become Currently, the resolution of most envi- refusal. The perceived job of the govern- a resource to the community that is learn- ronmental conflicts, such as the Skaneateles ment agencies is to regulate communities ing, through a process of ongoing dia- Lake issue, is top down. Federal regulations with little regard for their needs and logue, about the relations between water guide the state agency in identifying a points of view. Time and again, this insen- usage and water quality. problem, and the state agency enforces the sitivity results in community resentment regulations by telling the violator to clean over power imbalances and competing BOTTOM-UP POTENTIAL up its act. This style of conflict resolution political agendas. Resentment triggers a How does one become such a works well in two instances. The first is resistance to change in personal and com- resource? First, to avoid partiality, or even when an individual or company is clearly munity habits and values, as well as an the appearance of partiality, one cannot to blame (point-source pollution). The inability or refusal of the regulated com- become an advocate for any of the second is when there is a simple solution munity to see their current habits and involved parties (e.g., state agency, the under a compliance agreement or a readily values as part of the problem. Further- consulting firm, the city). This need for implementable technological fix. The top- more, the community often begins to impartiality suggests that academic scien- down style of conflict resolution fails, how- view the government and consulting tists may be able to play a large role ever, when the habits of the community as scientists with skepticism, more as part because of their institutional freedom of a whole cause large-scale water-quality dete- of the “problem” than as a group of peo- association. Second, LISTEN, LISTEN, LIS- rioration (non–point-source pollution). In ple working toward a solution. This per- TEN. It is less important to spew all your such a case, improvement of water quality ception stems from the general tendency hard-earned knowledge than it is to listen is dependent on the cooperation of the that most scientists are rarely, if ever, to the concerns of members of the com- community with the state agency. This required to be involved with the commu- munity, and to use these perspectives and cooperation requires a significant change in nity as part of their job. In fact, many sci- interpretations of the problem as the start- the community’s perceptions about itself entists may never work with non–physical ing point in the search for a solution of and its relation to the natural resources scientists (social scientists, political scien- the community’s own making. In this upon which it depends. Such a shift in tists, economists, business people, com- sense, you become a professional “aide” focus—from individual or group needs to munity leaders) or even ever take a non- to the community and a facilitator of the needs of the community as a whole—is science course beyond the undergraduate community dialogue. In the Skaneateles required to change the habits of land and level. The role of geoscientists in this case Lake conflict, this was accomplished by water use that result in pollution. Percep- is only to analyze the data and remediate; scientists attending or facilitating public tual shifts change attitudes and the way they are the ultimate consultants. meetings, engaging in personal contact people interpret their own behavior. Our Although we acknowledge the role behavior is the source of pollution, and of the consulting geoscientist as an impor- addressing the source can resolve the prob- tant one (we’ve both played the role), this IEE continued on p. 38

Penrose continued from p. 36 difficult aspect of such studies is sample methodology for radiogenic, stable isotope, preparation and characterization. There and bulk-chemical analysis for fine-grained use of “pseudotachylyte” as a general term will always be the problem of relating fault rocks. The advantages of in situ analy- for unidentified black veinlike rocks. It is microscale features to the larger tectonic sis, small sample size, low blank, rapidity of also possible that pseudotachylyte zones picture, but the rewards of careful analysis, and ability to vaporize chemically may not be associated with typical seismic microstructural analysis can be great. refractory phases offer great future promise. faulting, but perhaps only with the initia- This was well demonstrated by studies of A somewhat longer, though still tion of faulting in crystalline rocks, possibly fault gouge. Remarkably, even the finest incomplete, summary of the conference because the subsequent availability of water grained clays can preserve isotopic signa- is available. For a copy of the extended in established faults could suppress contin- tures and microstructures of deformation summary, contact any of the conveners ued frictional melting. events over geologic time. Observational or retrieve it electronically from METHODS FOR STUDY OF and experimental studies of clays and http://www.eas.slu.edu/publications. FINE-GRAINED FAULT ROCKS other phyllosilicates would seem to be an area of fruitful research. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Because the conference focused on A continuing major difficulty in the The Geological Society of America, fine-grained fault rocks, advanced tech- study of fine-grained fault rocks is the lack the National Science Foundation, and niques for analysis at the microscopic scale of good pressure and temperature con- the U.S. Geological Survey National were discussed. It is important to study straints. In high-grade rocks—e.g., ultra- Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program these rocks at the grain and crystal lattice mylonites—fine grain size can be a prob- provided partial support of the meeting. scales because the fundamental processes lem, but at low grades—e.g., in the case We thank Ben van der Pluijm for assis- of deformation and recovery do not neces- of gouge and cataclasites—there are com- tance with the NSF grant; all of the partici- sarily reveal themselves at the mesoscopic monly no applicable thermobarometers, pants, who contributed to a very produc- level. The value of imaging with electron and disequilibrium is likely a problem for tive meeting; and Lois Elms, the meeting microscopy has certainly been demon- traditional exchange thermometers. coordinator, for her efficiency and hard strated and is an important technique Laser techniques were hailed as work that helped to make this meeting when using modern microchemical and a major improvement over previous successful. ■ dating techniques. In many cases the most

GSA TODAY, April 1996 37 IEE continued from p. 37 the role of technical “expert” in which scientists tell people with disputants, and acting as information how to value the environment resources. Thus, geoscientists can help as derived from the data is translate technical issues into larger doomed to fail. In the role of socioenvironmental issues. educator, however, scientists In order to be successful in this role, can change what the commu- geoscientists must learn how the lay person nity values by changing the views environmental conflicts. In the community’s perception of its highly rational, exploratory field of earth relationship to the environ- science, we focus on data interpretation ment. This perceptual change that adheres to logical scientific argument. should be our ultimate goal, Yet for each issue in an environmental dis- rather than giving a commu- Figure 1. The bottom-up approach of the community to pute, the community may also interpret nity a blunt—and commonly conflict. Scientists typically approach scientific problems from information at several levels of analysis short-term—technical solu- the top down. other than data. Figure 1 diagrams this phe- tion. To paraphrase J. Baird nomenon. Scientists typically solve a prob- Collicott, the end result of lem starting with data—the knowledge that genuine environmental education is a process was the allocation of funds to is most extrinsic and negotiable to the com- complete reorientation of a community to farmers for the construction of animal- munity (funny how scientists never think its surroundings. waste containment systems that elimi- of data as negotiable!)—and work down. nated runoff into the lake. This is the typical, top-down approach used APPLIED SOCIAL GEOLOGY We have also uncovered a few in most environmental conflict resolution. In a conflict-resolution dialogue, barriers in regard to this shift in the role From the Skaneateles Lake experience, we then, scientists should listen to the some- of the geoscientist. If you are not willing to have learned that not all groups involved times conflicting values and beliefs of learn how people solve problems and work in an environmental conflict think the community groups, and work with the together, then you are not likely to be effec- same, and that each group enters the con- community to develop a common ground, tive in this new role. Also, if you do not pos- flict with relatively intrinsic, nonnegotiable using data only as needed to address or sess basic communication skills beyond sim- values, needs, and beliefs. From the stand- answer questions. In essence, the scientist ple articulation of ideas, then you may not point of values, not data, each group devel- is no longer a technical expert but more succeed in making this role transformation. ops positions to protect group interests (a appropriately a facilitator of dialogue and The ability to listen is only the first step; bottom-up or individual, needs-based a conveyer of useful knowledge that the other skills are necessary. Oftentimes, estab- approach). Scientists are trained to think, community can incorporate into its evolv- lishing a sense of rapport or empathy is however, that the rigorous, data-based, sci- ing solution. The most critical aspect of more important than letting people know entific method is nonnegotiable, and that this dialogue is that the community that you heard their words. Those scientists this method is superior to the value-based must guide the discussion. Analysis of we have seen as effective professional aides perspectives of other groups. In such situa- the Skaneateles Lake conflict shows that in the Skaneateles Lake negotiations are tions, scientists may further anger an this approach may lead to several dead- those who have an understanding not only already skeptical and irate public by calling end solutions that test the patience of of the scientific and technical factors but for “more research” when faced with com- the scientist (who “knows better”), but also of the human factor. They know the plex environmental disputes. this path can result in the community people they are working with and how basic The skepticism that the community taking control of its own destiny with a human needs, values, and beliefs become has of “the scientist” resides in the over- greater understanding of its role in both intricate factors in resolving environmental whelming tendency of scientists to derive the problem and the solution, with the disputes. Analysis of the Skaneateles Lake values from facts, in violation of Hume’s bonus of greater respect for the scientist. water conflict shows that the academic sci- dictum that an “is” is not the same as an By allowing community participation and entist who was also trained in group facilita- “ought.” As scientists, we must remember keeping the focus on collective decisions, tion, mediation, and environmental negoti- that values are intrinsic to the community the disputants are able to address the ation had the greatest degree of success (and typically nonnegotiable); they can- sources of pollution. In the case of when facilitating meetings and when inter- not be derived from scientific facts. Thus, Skaneateles Lake, one key result of this vening with stakeholders. In the end, we see the role of the geoscientist in public issues as evolving to that of “applied social geologist.” We April and May IEE-sponsored Events believe that applying some principles of The Roy Shlemon Mentors in Applied Geology program offers undergraduate seniors and the social sciences to the way geoscientists graduate students the opportunity to learn about professional and intellectual challenges of deal with the public will increase the value careers in a broad range of applied environmental geosciences. The first workshops under this of our profession in the community. This program will be presented in April at the GSA Cordilleran Section and Rocky Mountain Section will require fundamental changes both meetings, and in May at the North-Central Section meeting. in the way geoscientists view complex, IEE is also sponsoring or cosponsoring technical program events at upcoming section meetings. Cordilleran Section: Geoscience Input in Water Resource Decision Making: Case socioenvironmental problems and in the Studies from Portland, Oregon (symposium); Site Characterization and On-site Remedial Solu- methods by which they solve these prob- tions (theme session). North-Central Section: Applications of Hydrogeology in Agricultural lems. The paradigm shift we envision may Water-Quality Studies (symposium); Hydrogeology and Water Quality of the Walnut Creek not make our work easier in terms of the Watershed (field trip); Hogs, Bogs, and Logs: Quaternary Deposits and Environmental Geology normal practice of solving geological puz- of the Des Moines Lobe (field trip). zles, but it certainly can improve the effec- For more information on these events, see section meeting announcements in the January tiveness of our participation in large-scale and February issues of GSA Today. For information about the Institute for Environmental Educa- environmental disputes, and can put geo- tion, or to become a member of IEE’s Geology and Environment Public Outreach Program, scientists in a leading role. Besides, this is contact Daniel Sarewitz, IEE Program Manager, P.O. Box 9140, Boulder, CO, 80301, (303) 447- 2020; E-mail: [email protected]. what the public is telling us to do. It’s about time we listened! ■

38 GSA TODAY, April 1996 LETTER TO THE EDITOR

The U.S. Geological Survey’s Reduction-In-Force enabled the firing of almost any targeted individual. Here is how it was done. Staffing Plans. In late March 1995, The November 1995 issue of GSA To ease the apparent need for invol- supposedly “unpopulated” generic Staffing Today carried an unattributed account of untary staff reductions, three buyout Plans were developed for the Division the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reduc- opportunities were offered to USGS em- under a reorganization plan by the tion-in-force (RIF), apparently prepared by ployees between May 1994 and August 1, Division’s outgoing lower and middle USGS managers. That account overstates 1995. Together, the buyouts netted 405 managers (Branch and Office Chiefs). the need for such a deep cut in scientific retirements in the Geologic Division, and All of these managers were designated as and technical staff and fails to describe the shrank its staff to ~2,200 (a 16% reduc- “acting” and were to compete for scientific poor implementation and haphazard pro- tion). An additional 641 Geologic Division positions for the purpose of the RIF. The cedures employed in the RIF. Inadequacies positions were to be abolished in the RIF, plans were prepared in camera, with no in implementing the RIF resulted from according to the staffing plan issued in formal record of the process, and were three major factors: (1) an extremely short May 1995. The USGS Director promised finalized in late June 1995, at Reston, timeline that did not allow for careful exe- the House and Senate Appropriations Virginia, in secret meetings that were cution of staffing and RIF procedures, (2) Subcommittees responsible for the USGS followed, apparently, by destruction of recategorizing scientists into ultra-narrow budget that “if the financial situation records of the proceedings. The process specialty groups just prior to the RIF, improves” he would add back positions. was largely complete before appointment which violated substantive employee By August 1, 1995, the proposed of the new Chief Geologist, and lacked rights, and (3) giving responsibility for all USGS budget contained a small actual oversight by the acting Chief who pre- of the major aspects of the RIF to lower increase over the 1995 budget, and ceded him or by the Director. As a result, level managers who had no overall plan approximately $40 million of funding had the Branch and Office Chiefs selected the on which to base their decisions. These been restored. Nonetheless, when the individuals, rather than the jobs, to be factors resulted in an earth science pro- Chief Geologist released a list of add-backs retained. Some of these managers advised gram with significant gaps and a demoral- on August 2, 1995, it contained only 100 favored staff members how to modify ized workforce, which will impair the abil- positions, of which 84 were actually filled. their Position Descriptions to survive the ity of the USGS to provide quality earth Thus, between May of 1994 and October RIF. Modifications of Position Descriptions science in the public interest. 14, 1995, the effective date of the RIF, the included adding of detail not normally Geologic Division’s staff was reduced 36% found in a Position Description to Background—Two Agendas (to ~1,650) in response to a “worst case” enhance “uniqueness.” In some cases, The USGS initiated the RIF on 20% budget cut that has not materialized. false entries were made, such as duties not August 11, 1995, and effected the RIF (As of February 1996, the FY 1996 USGS actually being performed. Falsification and actions between October 7 and October budget had not been finalized). certification of falsified Position Descrip- 14, 1995. The Specific Reduction in Force tions are criminal offenses. Notice states, “This reduction is necessi- The RIF Process1 A committee of Geologic Division sci- tated solely due to shortage of funds and Contrary to assertions of USGS man- entists was assigned by the Acting Chief reorganization of the Geologic Division agers, the 1995 RIF was as ill-planned and Geologist to review the staffing plan. This within the U.S. Geological Survey” poorly managed as it was ill-timed. The committee produced serious criticisms of [emphasis added]. The reorganization short interval allowed for planning both the plan, noting: of the Geologic Division, implemented the reorganization and the RIF provided October 1, 1995, was integral to the RIF, no time for external review of internally “The plan under review that will lead to a for it defined the jobs to be kept or abol- set objectives, past/future programs, or separation of several hundred employees of ished in the RIF. The reorganization was staffing decisions. The staffing plan was the Geologic Division is flawed by the lack of time and information to analyze lost not mentioned as a reason for the RIF in devised in camera by lower level managers capabilities, by the uncertain retention of the GSA Today article. Perhaps this was with little oversight. As a result, many our broadest, most productive, and because a budget-driven RIF and a mis- staffing decisions can be traced to entrepreneurial personnel, and by the lack sion-driven reorganization are such obvi- favoritism and retribution rather than to of vision of what the Division should ously conflicting goals, and readers might a basis in jobs required by programmatic become.” wonder about the extremely short time priorities. “The committee has a number of concerns frame allowed by USGS management for To implement the RIF, the Geologic ... not the least of which was the inability planning and implementation. Division devised a strategy that circum- of the committee to see in some plans a Immediately following election of a vented normal procedures and involved clear link between the broad plans discussed and the positions to be preserved.” new U.S. Congress in November of 1994, numerous personnel practices that are the USGS appeared to be threatened with prohibited by law. For example, in the Management publicly praised the abolishment, as part of the “Contract with “first round” of a RIF, employees whose committee, but never openly discussed its America.” Well before March 9, when the positions are abolished are allowed to conclusions. Perhaps not surprisingly, a general RIF Notice was issued, broad sup- compete for encumbered and vacant posi- final version of this report was never port for USGS had surfaced in press reports tions that have job descriptions similar to issued. Such a major reorganization would and in calls to Congress from the earth sci- those of their own (i.e., jobs within their have profited from outside review. Given a ence community, local and state govern- “competitive level”). The USGS RIF largely reasonable amount of time, input from ments, and members of the general public. circumvented first-round competition and university, industry, and other federal sci- By May, abolishment was no longer an entists could have provided a more bal- issue and the “worst case” scenario was anced review of proposed research and 1All assertions contained in the following commen- a 20% budget cut for fiscal year 1996, tary are documented by a number of independent applied science activities with respect to requiring a reduction of about 600 requests under the Freedom of Information Act and overall scientific importance and appropri- employees. by documents obtained in the discovery process of current appeals of the RIF. Letter continued on p. 40

GSA TODAY, April 1996 39 Letter continued from p. 39 confusing, frustrating, and discouraging. CALENDAR Certainly the experience did not inspire ateness to a Federal research agency, and any confidence that the CLC validation Only new or changed information is being of the kind of qualifications needed. An and subsequent crucial steps in the RIF published in GSA Today . A complete listing can be found in the Calendar section on open, documented process of staffing with process would be taken any more thor- the Internet: http://www.geosociety.org. external review would have gone far to oughly or comprehensively, given the very eliminate the problems of egregious tight time line imposed by the Division.” 1996 Penrose Conferences favoritism. Fundamental questions about the April Competitive Levels. Competitive levels CLCs were put to the RIF Coordinator by April 17–22, Tectonic Evolution of the Gulf for Geologic Division personnel have been these committees (how is the work unique of California and Its Margins, Loreto, Baja identified and coded for many years. if the only substantive distinctions California Sur, Mexico. Information: Paul J. Before the RIF, the competitive level codes between two CLCs come down to experi- Umhoefer, Department of Geology, Box 4099, (CLCs) for earth scientists and technicians ence of one geologic province versus Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, (520) 523-6464, fax 520-523-9220, were based on academic training, previous another?), and the only answer they E-mail: [email protected]. work experience, and current assignment, received was that these issues should be October and represented broadly defined areas of considered on a “case by case basis,” October 8–14, Exhumation Processes: Nor- expertise such as “regional bedrock geol- despite the lack of time to do so. Never- mal Faulting, Ductile Flow, and Erosion, ogy,” “structural geology,” “mineralogy,” theless, the largely unique CLCs were “val- Island of Crete. Information: Uwe Ring, Institut and “paleontology.” Those engaged in idated” by a team containing some of the für Geowissenschaften, Universität Mainz Becherweg 21, D-55099 Mainz, Germany, broadly similar work were assigned the same managers who had established the 011-49-6131-392164, fax 011-49-6131- same CLCs, and by practice were consid- staffing plan and had a vested interest in 394769, E-mail: [email protected]. ered interchangeable. Scientific breadth, the use of unique CLCS. uni-mainz.de. depth, and adaptability were hallmarks The “second round” of a RIF is a com- and strengths of the scientific staff. plex process, called “bump and retreat,” in 1996 Meetings Early in 1995, shortly after announce- which employees whose jobs are abolished May ment of the RIF, USGS management com- may “bump” other employees with less May 18–24, Natural and Anthropogeni- pletely revised the CLCs. Nearly every tenure or on the basis of veteran’s status, cally Induced Hazards: Large Earthquakes in the Geological Record, Corinth, Greece. research position in the Geologic Division or “retreat” into positions they have previ- Information: J. Hendekovic, European Science was allocated a separate and unique com- ously held, similarly displacing the incum- Foundation, 1 quai Lezay-Marnesia, 67080 petitive level. For example, in Spring of bent. Committees of scientists and Branch Strasbourg Cedex, France, phone 33-88- 1995, shortly before this process began, 20 managers evaluated the qualifications of 767135, fax 33-88-366987, E-mail: eurescoesf.org, WWW: http://www.esf.org. members of three Branches in the Menlo released employees to bump or retreat into Park, California, office had the same CLC. certain positions. This part of the RIF pro- May 19, Hubbert Quorum Spring Meeting, Baltimore, Maryland. Information: Grant Gar- After the revisions, this single CLC became cess opened the way to further abuses and ven, Johns Hopkins University, (410)516-8689, 20 one-person CLCs, thus completely conflicts of interest. E-mail: [email protected]; Jeff eliminating competition between those The way the managers who created Raffensperger, University of Virginia, (804) employees for the seven positions the Staffing Plan treated each other echoes 924-0581, E-mail: [email protected]. retained. Whereas the pre-RIF CLC the favoritism that dominated all RIF pro- May 22–23, Society of Petroleum Engi- descriptions were generic, the narrative cedures. The top-heavy pre-RIF Geologic neers Western Regional Meeting, descriptions for the new CLCs were Division had about 75 managers, most of Anchorage, Alaska. Information: Mike Stover, Marathon Oil Co., (907) 564-6403. excerpts from individual Position Descrip- whose jobs were abolished in the restruc- tions, which had been rewritten by the turing. In a standard RIF, the incumbents July July 11–14, Nevada Petroleum Field Con- incumbents for the purposes of the RIF. of those jobs would have been separated. ference and Trip, Cenozoic Structure and In the Western Region, a seven-mem- In the Geologic Division RIF, however, Stratigraphy of Central Nevada. Information: ber committee had only two weeks to only one manager—a woman who had Wanda J. Taylor, Dept. of Geoscience, Univer- evaluate the rationale for establishing each filed complaints—actually lost her job. sity of Nevada, Las Vegas, (702) 895-4615, E-mail: [email protected], or Joan E. Fryxell, unique, noninterchangeable CLC for every Many of the managers had been away Geology Dept. California State University at scientist and technician in the Western from science for many years, but nearly all San Bernardino, (909) 880-5311, E-mail: Region; other committees performed the now occupy newly created, “scientific,” [email protected]. same task independently for the Central positions, each with a unique CLC, in the September and Eastern Regions. Contrary to manage- restructured Division, and have retained September 27–28, Great Lakes Section of ment’s assertion that this evaluation was their large administrative salaries. Whereas SEPM Fall Field Conference, The Silurian done with care and deliberation, these all other staff were evaluated strictly on Dolomite Aquifer of the Door Peninsula: Sequence Stratigraphy, Facies, Porosity and committees did not have time even to the basis of current duties, managers’ posi- Hydrogeology, Green Bay, Wisconsin. Informa- review the position descriptions, and were tion descriptions commonly cited duties tion: Mark T. Harris, Geosciences Department, confused about the tasks to be performed. performed years ago or functions no University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee, P.O. Box As recorded by one of the regional com- longer performed or needed. Also retained 413, Milwaukee, WI 53201, (414) 229-5777, fax 414-229-5452, E-mail: [email protected]. mittees, “... information from the Division were the USGS employee-spouses of man- was either equivocal, contradictory, or too agers and nearly all senior assistants of the October October 18–20, New York State Geological vague to be useful, and the limited time former managers. Association, Staten Island, New York, Informa- available for panel deliberations allowed The degree of influence of Branch tion: Alan Benimoff or Anderson Ohan, Dept. of only a cursory evaluation of the competi- Chiefs on the staffing plan and evaluation Applied Sciences, College of Staten Island, 2800 tive level codes (CLC) and the uniqueness processes is easily demonstrated. Many Victory Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10314, (718) or interchangeability of positions.” In excellent scientists and technicians were 982-2835,-2829, E-mail: benimoff@postbox. csi.cuny.edu or [email protected]. response to a question on procedures, fired because they had disagreed with their the RIF Coordinator for CLC issues supervisors personally or professionally, or Send notices of meetings of general interest, confessed to a group of Branch Represen- in some cases politically. Whistleblowers in format above, to Editor, GSA Today, tatives, “We’re making this up as we go.” were targeted. One Branch Chief kept all P.O. Box 9140, Boulder, CO 80301, E-mail: [email protected]. Members of one of the regional committees “... found the experience to be Letter continued on p. 41

40 GSA TODAY, April 1996 Letter continued from p. 40 that the actions taken by USGS manage- inside and outside the organization to ment violated substantive rights of review the Division’s organizational plans, who accepted his pet methodology and employees is not lost on the survivors or and its missions and goals, especially with fired those who did not; another fired the larger earth science community. Stum- regard to the appropriate balance between many of those who had protested a pro- bling in the Division’s effort to reorganize applied science and basic research; (2) posed move of duty station for their has compounded the devastating effects of reinstate employees affected by the RIF research group. In some branches the the RIF on morale. No good for science who are still willing to return; (3) establish dominant survivors are co-located with came from this RIF, and the prospects for and use a credible, rigorous and objective the Branch Chiefs or have the same spe- survival of the Division and the Survey as system to evaluate employee (including cialty whether or not those locations and institutions with something valuable to managers) performance and value as an specialties have relevance for the restruc- offer the public and the scientific commu- avenue for honing the organization and tured Survey. Firings by specialty are oth- nity have been dealt a severe blow. for any needed downsizing; (4) strive to erwise inexplicable; for example, nearly all A surviving senior geologist, deplor- restore a workplace where people are val- marine sedimentologists were retained, yet ing the RIF procedure in a recent alumni ued and their opinions important; and (5) many dry-land ones were fired. The duties newsletter of his university, spoke for most allow free and open discussion of all of some of those fired have been taken on Survey scientists: “The USGS as an organi- issues, especially the difficult ones. A care- by survivors despite the positions having zation of colleagues bound together by ful and deliberate reshaping of the Geo- been abolished. Staff for whole projects mutual trust is gone forever.” logic Division could begin to reconstruct were fired and the functions transferred Whether the above quote describes its damaged reputation and once again and reassigned without competition. the future USGS is a matter of choice. The encourage its staff to give their best, and Women scientists and technicians were RIF and reorganization will affect the thus preserve the Geological Survey’s value fired in much higher proportions (38%) USGS, the scientific community, and the as a source of unbiased, authoritative sci- than their pre-RIF numbers (27%), and public for many years to come, long after ence information. 50% of women in all jobs were separated. present management has departed. The Mary Dryovage More than half of all support personnel decisions therefore demand a careful Law Offices of Mary Dryovage were fired even though the ratio of techni- reconsideration, with broad input from San Francisco, California cal support to research scientists was the earth-science and earth-science-user already so low as to impede operations. communities. Steps to help recapture the Jeff Rush spirit of the Geologic Division and make it General Counsel, Public Employees Conclusions more effective could include: (1) assemble for Environmental Responsibility The RIF procedure is not effective for panels of distinguished scientists from Washington, D.C. ■ downsizing scientific organizations, especially as it was run by the USGS. Complex and constantly changing assignments and specialties make it very difficult to catego- rize scientists according to traditional government methods. Earth scientists, especially, tend to be broadly trained and adaptable to many subdisciplines, in con- Contributions to GSA If you wish to support this tradiction to the pigeonholing used in the Foundation’s Dwornik Fund activity, please send your RIF to avoid competition. Conducting a RIF simultaneously will allow continuation of contribution to with a major reorganization, and in the this valuable means of GSA Foundation Ð absence of a well-formed long-term plan, encouraging and Dwornik Planetary has proven especially foolish. A reorganization as complex as was needed in the motivating Geoscience Fund Geologic Division required time for careful bright young P.O. Box 9140 consideration, and needed objective over- scientists. Boulder, CO sight from both inside and outside the USGS. Some of the issues that could and 80301 should have been resolved before the downsizing are (1) How can the unbiased nature of federal earth science best be protected for the long-term interest of the Nation? (2) What “core” scientific capabilities should the USGS have in order to respond rapidly to short- and long-term local, State, and National needs? (3) What are the pressing and appropriate areas of long-term basic research for the USGS? The losses to the USGS cited in the GSA Bookstore Now on the Web November GSA Today article—mostly holes left in particular functions—are not You can shop the first edition of GSA’s publications catalog on the World Wide the most serious ones, although the dollar Web right now. Go to http://www.geosociety.org … then link to the Publica- costs of restoring needed capabilities will tions Page. A faster, second edition is set to go on line about mid-April. It will let be huge. The toll that the RIF has taken on you browse lists or quick-search the entire database, link to descriptive product those who remain as well as those who pages, link from there to tables of contents on books, put items in your shopping were “separated” is measured instead in basket, and complete secure credit-card orders across the Web. Check it out! morale, allegiance, and willingness to speak out on controversial issues. The fact

GSA TODAY, April 1996 41 GSAF UPDATE Robert L. Fuchs Brud Leighton Joins Board of Trustees

Morris W. “Brud” Leighton was Illinois (B.S., 1947) and the University appointed to the Foundation’s Board of of Chicago (M.S., 1948; Ph.D., 1951). He Trustees, filling the vacancy resulting from ended his formal working career as chief of the resignation of Fred Donath. At the the Illinois State Geological Survey, retiring conclusion of this partial term in October in 1994. In the 32 years between graduation 1998, Leighton will be eligible to serve and appointment as chief of the Illinois Sur- Morris W. a new five-year term on the board. New vey in 1983, Leighton enjoyed a geographi- “Brud” Leighton trustees are selected and appointed by the cally broad affiliation with Exxon Corpora- board from a list of candidates approved tion and its predecessors in geology, by the GSA Council. Trustee terms of research, and exploration management. When Brud Leighton became survey office are five years, and individuals can Exxon highlights included research on reef- chief, he assumed a very visible public serve a maximum of two consecutive five- bearing strata, development of a carbonate role, attested to by the many societies, year terms, not including completion of rock classification, worldwide basin studies, committees, task forces, commissions, the unexpired part of a predecessor management of exploration in Australia and boards on which he has served during trustee’s term. and the Bass Straits, and management posi- the past 12 years. He has been particularly Brud Leighton is from the heartland tions in the Houston research laboratory, as active in the Association of American State of the United States. He began his career in chief geologist of Exxon’s regional affiliate geology with degrees from the University of for Latin America. Leighton continued on p. 43

Metsger and Nadeau Running Northeastern Section Campaign

Robert W. Metsger of Sparta, New Salerno, southern France, and Iwo Jima. Lawrenceville, New Jersey. He is associate Jersey, has replaced Jack Oliver as Second After graduation, Metsger joined the New dean of science, having joined the Rider Century Fund chair for the Northeastern Jersey Zinc Co. at the Ogdensburg mine in faculty in 1971. Nadeau received degrees Section. A Senior Fellow of the Society, northern New Jersey. He worked for NJZ from the University of Illinois (B.S., 1965), Metsger joined GSA in 1955. He has been until retirement in 1988, in mining geol- University of Tennessee (M.S., 1967), and active in the Northeastern Section, serving ogy and exploration in the northeast and Washington State University (Ph.D., as chair in 1981, and also served three at company properties elsewhere in the 1971). His scientific specialization has years on the Committee on Geology and United States. Metsger maintained his ties been sedimentary and water mass chem- Public Policy. As a student aid from to Columbia and Lamont-Doherty, collab- istry, with field studies focused on Columbia, Metsger attended GSA’s 50th orating with Jack Oliver and Maurice Bermuda and the Caribbean. He is vice annual meeting in New York in 1938; he Ewing on an early geophysical observatory chair of the board of the New Jersey was also at the Centennial meeting in at Ogdensburg. In addition to consulting Marine Science Consortium. Denver in 1988. work for NJZ, he heads the retired com- Joe Nadeau brings considerable Bob Metsger has a degree in geology missioned officers association of northern fund-raising experience to the North- from Columbia (A.B., 1948), his years at New Jersey and is an Episcopal church eastern Section’s campaign. He has served that university lengthened due to World senior warden. on Rider’s Science Advisory Board, which War II. As a naval communications officer, Assisting Metsger as Vice Chair of entailed close interaction with the school’s he served first on a destroyer and then the Northeastern Section campaign is development function. Nadeau was on took part in the invasions at Casablanca, Joseph E. Nadeau of Rider University in the board of trustees and an active money raiser for the Peddie School, a private prep school. He is a member of the council of the Yellowstone Bighorn Association and on the selection board of the Barry SECOND CENTURY FUND Goldwater National Science Scholarship program. EARTH ◆ EDUCATION ◆ ENVIRONMENT Both Metsger and Nadeau, in agreeing to work for the Second Century Fund, were quick to point out the need MEMBERSHIP GOAL for volunteers in the Northeastern Section to join the team. The heart of the mem- $1.5 MILLION bership campaign is the personal contact and follow-up among members. If you SECTION GOALS have some time (not much is needed) to assist in this work, which will benefit the CORDILLERAN NORTH-CENTRAL NORTHEASTERN section’s endowment as well as other GSA $465,000 $170,000 $265,000 programs, please call Bob Metsger at (201) 729-7824 or Joe Nadeau at (609)896-5314. ROCKY MOUNTAIN SOUTH-CENTRAL SOUTHEASTERN If you are a member of one of the other five GSA Sections, call or E-mail the Foun- $225,000 $165,000 $210,000 dation office or send in the accompanying coupon. ■

42 GSA TODAY, April 1996 Leighton continued from p. 42 les basin. Beach Leighton was also a GSA IDEA: Foundation trustee, from 1987 to 1992, Geologists—president in 1992–1993 and and he served as chair of the board in A Tax-efficient now an honorary member. Leighton made 1990. The Foundation’s current Chair, Way to Support a distinguished lecture tour under Ameri- Charles Mankin, said, “We were very sorry can Association of Petroleum Geologists to lose Fred Donath, who gave countless Elderly Relatives sponsorship in 1990. He has spent untold hours to IEE and the Foundation for hours on matters and issues of both public seven years. His departure created a Are you providing some financial and scientific importance, such as clean serious vacancy, but I feel much better support for your parents, an aged aunt, coal research, water resources, oil and gas now that Brud Leighton has joined the great uncle Al? Would you like to do this recovery research, earthquake prepared- board. During our acquaintance over in a more tax-efficient way? Have you ness, geologic mapping, geographic infor- many years, particularly in the AASG, I been thinking about a contribution to the mation systems, and fund-raising for the have found that Brud is efficient, effective, GSA Foundation? A charitable remainder geology department at the University of and extraordinarily dedicated to the job trust could be the answer. The creation of Illinois. at hand. He has a strong commitment such a trust that pays income to a relative Leighton’s family is a geology family. to public service and is one of our most gives the donor a tax deduction, the His father, Morris M. Leighton, was also knowledgeable geologists when it comes amount based on the beneficiary’s age chief of the Illinois Survey. His brother, to understanding the ins and outs of gov- and the trust payout. Call the Foundation Beach Leighton, is the retired founder ernment. These qualifications are a real to get more details about a better way to and chairman of Leighton Associates, a asset to the Foundation and to GSA.” do something you may already be leading geotechnical firm in the Los Ange- Welcome, Brud. ■ doing. ■

Donors to the Foundation, January 1996

Claude C. Albritton Shirley Dreiss Institute for Publications Fund Christopher F. Erskine Memorial Fund Memorial Fund Environmental Richard Arnold Davis Exxon Corporation* John C. Kraft Judith A. McKenzie* Education Fund Thomas Griggs Rip Rapp Archaeological Anne MacDonald Melvin J. Hill* Gretchen Louise Engineering Geology Geology Award Fund Robert W. Maclay Blechschmidt Fund Award Fund J. Hoover Mackin Sharon A. Geil Charles Mankin* Xerox Corporation USA* James E. Slosson* Award Fund Research Grants Fund Newmont Gold Company* William B. Bull Doris M. Curtis John C. Frye Environ- Richard W. Allmendinger Elaine R. Padovani* Joseph A. Mason Memorial Fund mental Award Fund Donald W. Curran Dorothy M. Palmer John C. Kraft Sharon A. Geil Minority Fund Howard W. Day James and Donna L. Russell Howard G. Wilshire Paul K. Doss Brian J. Skinner* Allen F. Glazner Frederick Leonhardt Greg Graffin* Foundation, Inc.* Gregory D. Harper M. Gordon Wolman* Kerry R. Kelts Unrestricted Fund—GSA GSA Foundation Dennis V. Kent ARCO Foundation, Inc. 3300 Penrose Place Walter L. Manger William C. Graustein* William D. McCoy P.O. Box 9140 Byron S. Hardie SAGE Fund Robert J. Hite Boulder, CO 80301 ARCO Foundation, Inc. Wilbur J. Morin (303) 447-2020 Wolfgang H. Berger Eugene C. Robertson [email protected] Debbie L. Hopkins Michel P. Semet Philip Hughes Alan L. Swenson Anne MacDonald Unrestricted Fund—GSAF J. Michael O’Neill Enclosed is my contribution in the amount of $______for Paul D. Chang William A. Ranson Harmon Craig* Foundation Unrestricted GSA Unrestricted Patricia O. Seaward Edward C. Dapples The ______program. Jack W. Travis Diana G. Duncan Second Century Fund Steven M. Hoffman My pledge to the Second Century Fund is $______per year for ____ ARCO Foundation, Inc.* Peter R. Johnson years. Paul A. and Florence Bailly* Kathryn C. Kilroy Barbara Bekins William F. Kohland Stephen C. Kuehn I am interested in helping my Section reach its Second Century Fund D. L. Blackstone, Jr. John A. Cherry* Robley K. Matthews goal by working on the Committee. Please ask the Section chair to Kenneth and Linda Ciriacks* Walter D. Mooney contact me. Mark Cloos* Barbara M. Palen Albert J. Copley* Tom Parsons Walter S. Snyder PLEASE PRINT Maria Luisa and William A. Crawford* Koike Toshio Paul E. Damon Karen R. Whiteley Name ______Claire and David F. Ronald Willden Davidson* Women in Science Fund Address ______Fred A. Donath* Vicki L. Hansen* Charles L. Drake* City/State/ZIP ______Roger L. Duba David E. Dunn* Phone ______Gordon P. Eaton* *Century Plus El Pomar Foundation* Roster Member Farouk El-Baz* (gifts of $150 or more)

GSA TODAY, April 1996 43 1996 GSA Committees and Representatives

Executive Committee Council/Committee Liaison: David A. Engineering Geoscience; Conferee: Donald M. Eldridge M. Moores—President and Chair; Stephenson—Past President Davidson, Jr.—Executive Director George A. Thompson—Vice-President; David A. Committee on Honorary Fellows Committee on Research Grants Stephenson—Past President; David E. Dunn— Farouk El-Baz—Chair, 1995–1997; Sandra M. Mary L. Droser—Chair, 1994–1996; Peter C. Pat- Treasurer; Leigh H. Royden—Council Member- Barr, 1994–1996; Robert N. Ginsburg, 1994– ton, 1994–1996; Sheila J. Seaman, 1994–1996; at-Large 1996; William R. Muehlberger, 1995–1997; James P. Hibbard, 1995–1997; Noel C. Krothe, Audit Committee Gerhard H. Eisbacher, 1996–1998; Miriam 1995–1997; Susan A. Longacre, 1995–1997; NSF George H. Davis—Chair, 1994–1996; Paul A. Kastner, 1996–1998 Conferee: Thomas O. Wright Bailly, 1992–1996; Maryellen Cameron, 1995– Committee on Investments Treatise on Invertebrate Paleontology 1997; Melvin Hill, 1996–1997; Charles G. Groat, Carel Otte—Chair, 1996–1998; Samuel S. Adams, Advisory Committee 1996–1998; Ex officio: David E. Dunn—Treasurer 1992–1997; Melvin J. Hill, 1995–1997; R. Thayer Richard Arnold Davis—Chair, 1993–1996; John Committee on the Budget Tutt, Jr., 1996–1998; F. Michael Wahl, 1996– Pojeta, Jr., 1995–1998; Donald M. Davidson, Jr., David E. Dunn—Chair and Treasurer; 1998; Ex officio: David E. Dunn—Treasurer; Executive Director Robert L. Fuchs—President, GSA Foundation Arden L. Albee, 1993–1997; Samuel S. Adams, Committee on the Young Scientist Award 1996–2000; Ex officio: Donald M. Davidson, Jr.; Committee on Membership (Donath Medal) Christine M. Moreland Richard W. Ojakangas—Chair, 1996–1998; Mark Cloos—Chair, 1995–1997; Genevieve Committee on Committees Paul C. Ragland, 1994–1996; Ján Veizer, Atwood, 1994–1996; R. Douglas Elmore, Elaine R. Padovani—Chair; Ina B. Alterman; 1994–1996; John D. Kiefer, 1995–1997; 1994–1996; Donna M. Jurdy, 1995–1997; Richard L. Brown; Craig McHugh Jarchow; Charles W. Kreitler, 1995–1997; Catherine J. Thomas L. Holzer, 1996–1998; Brian P. Jill McCarthy; Pradeep Talwani Hickson, 1996–1998 Wernicke, 1996–1998 Committee on Continuing Education Committee on Minorities and Ad Hoc Committee on Martha O. Withjack—Chair, 1994–1997; Paul B. Women in the Geosciences Annual Meeting Programs DuMontelle, 1994–1996; Karen L. Prestegaard, Christopher I. Chalokwu—Chair, 1994–1996; Sharon Mosher—Chair; Sue Beggs; Maryellen 1994–1996; David J. Furbish, 1994–1997; Betty M. Miller, 1994–1996; Janet A. Haggerty, Cameron; George H. Davis; John P. Grotzinger; Jean M. Bahr, 1996–1998; Carolyn G. Olson, 1995–1997; Patricia M. Hall, 1995–1997; Kenneth E. Kolm; Ex Officio: Eldridge M. Moores Steven C. Semken, 1995–1997; Susan M. 1996–1998 Ad Hoc Committee on Critical Issues Cashman, 1996–1998; Kathleen E. Johnson, Committee on the (Appointed by President E-an Zen on Novem- 1996–1998; Lauret E. Savoy, 1996–1998; Arthur L. Day Medal Award ber 6, 1991; to remain an ad hoc committee Barbara L. Sherriff, 1996–1998; Conferees: Maryellen Cameron—Chair, 1996; Thomas H. until 1998 by Council action May 5, 1993.) Joanne Bourgeois—Council/Committee Liaison; Anderson, 1994–1996; Elizabeth Y. Anthony, E-an Zen—Chair; Kenneth L. Conca; William L. Edward E. Geary—Coordinator for Educational 1994–1996; Ronald M. Clowes, 1995–1997; Fisher; William Fyfe; R. Gordon Gastil; Carroll Programs W. Randall Van Schmus, 1995–1997; Richard Ann Hodges; Susan W. Kieffer; Dan Sarewitz; Gordon, 1996–1998; Robert Kerrich, 1996–1998 Committee on Nominations Jill S. Schneiderman Sharon Mosher—Chair; John F. Gartner; John I. Committee on Education Ad Hoc Task Force Garver; Carroll Ann Hodges; Noel P. James; Jo Dodds—Chair, 1994–1996; Bruce K. on Electronic Technology Stephen G. Wells Goodwin, 1994–1996; Joseph M. Drahuschak, Mark S. Ghiorso—Chair; Theodore C. Labotka; 1995–1997; Chris Mastropieri, 1995–1997; Committee on Penrose Conferences Bruce F. Molnia; Connie Wick; Craig M. Debbie Hill, 1996–1998; David W. Mogk, Mark S. Drummond—Chair, 1994–1996; Schiffries; GSA Headquarters Staff Liaison: 1996–1998; Kenneth L. Verosub, 1996–1998; Stuart A. Rojstaczer, 1995–1997; Virginia B. Donald M. Davidson, Jr.; Mark J Duvall; Terry Section representatives: Michael L. Cummings Sisson, 1995–1997; Andrew Cohen, 1996–1998; Michael Moreland; James R. Clark; Sue S. Beggs J. Douglas Walker, 1996–1998 (Cordilleran); Richard W. Moyle (Rocky Moun- Ad Hoc Committee on Ethics tain); Sherman Lundy (North-Central); Philip L. Committee on the Penrose Medal Award David A. Stephenson—Chair; Donald M. Kehler (South-Central); Daniel P. Murray (North- James A. Helwig—Chair, 1996; Hans G. Avé Davidson, Jr.; Fletcher G. Driscoll; Richard I. eastern); Alexander S. Glover (Southeastern); Lallemant, 1994–1996; Donn S. Gorsline, Grauch; Thomas L. Holzer Ex officio: George A. Thompson— Vice-Presi- 1994–1996; Maria Luisa Crawford, 1995–1997; Ad Hoc Committee on Publications dent; Conferee: Edward E. Geary—Coordinator Donald R. Lowe, 1995–1997; Henry T. Mullins, Eldridge M. Moores—Chair; Keros Cartwright; for Educational Programs 1995–1997; Steven M. Stanley, 1996–1998 David M. Fountain; James A. Helwig; Faith Committee on External Awards Program Committee Rogers; Leigh H. Royden; John M. Sharp, Jr.; James A. Helwig—Chair; Maryellen Cameron; Laura F. Serpa—Chair, 1995 JTPC Chair; John D. Lynn M. Walter Robert B. Finkelman (Coal Geology); Jeffery Humphrey, 1996 JTPC Chair; John M. Bartley, Ad Hoc Committee to Consider Keaton (Engineering Geology); Arthur Snoke 1997 JTPC Chair; Denis M. Shaw, 1998 JTPC Voting Privileges of Section (Geophysics); David W. Mogk (Geoscience Edu- Chair (term begins at the summer 1996 JTPC); Representatives to Council cation); Thomas J. Dutro, Jr. (History of Geol- Council members: John A. Cherry, 1994–1996; George A. Thompson—Chair; Bruce A. ogy); Stephen G. Wells (Quaternary Geology Orrin H. Pilkey, Jr., 1995–1997; John Costa, Blackerby; Donald M. Davidson, Jr.; Eldridge M. and Geomorphology) 1996–1998; Ex officio: Donald M. Davidson, Jr.— Moores; Kenneth N. Weaver Committee on Geology And Public Policy Executive Director; Sue S. Beggs—Meetings Laura E. Cummins—Chair, 1994–1996; Orrin H. Manager Ad Hoc Committee to Revise the Strategic Plan Pilkey, 1994–1996; John W. Rold, 1994–1996; Committee on Publications David A. Stephenson—Chair; Donald M. Paul K. Doss, 1995–1997; Claudia J. Hackbarth, Keros Cartwright—Chair, 1994–1996; Davidson, Jr.; George H. Davis 1995–1997; W. Berry Lyons, 1995–1997; Donald M. Hoskins, 1994–1997; Kevin T. Biddle, James D. R. Applegate, 1996–1998; Monica 1996–1998; Joanne Bourgeois, 1996–1998; Ad Hoc Committee to Study Gowan, 1996–1998; Robert H. Rutford, 1996– John W. Geissman, Editor, Bulletin; Lynn M. GSA Committees 1998; Past Congressional Science Fellows: Walter, Editor, Bulletin; David M. Fountain, Sharon Mosher—Chair; Gail M. Ashley; Leigh H. Margaret Goud Collins, 1994–1996; Murray W. Editor, Geology; Lee R. Kump, Editor, Geology; Royden Hitzman, 1995–1997; Jill S. Schneiderman, Abhijit Basu, Editor, Memoirs and Special GSA Member of the American Geological 1996–1998; Ex officio (Section representatives): Papers; Ren A. Thompson, Editor, Maps and Robert H. Fakundiny (Northeastern); George R. Institute (AGI) Member Society Council Charts; Bruce F. Molnia, Forum Editor, GSA George A. Thompson—GSA Vice-President Hallberg (North-Central); vacant position Today; Suzanne Kay, Interim Science Editor, (Cordilleran); John (Jack) C. Schmidt (Rocky GSA Today; Richard Arnold Davis, Chair, Treatise Mountain); Donald C. Haney (Southeastern); on Invertebrate Paleontology Advisory Committee; Joe C. Yelderman (South-Central); Conferee– John M. Sharp, Jr., Co-Editor, Environmental and ad hoc Committee on Critical Issues: E-an Zen; Committees continued on p. 45

44 GSA TODAY, April 1996 GSA ANNUAL MEETINGS

1996 1997 Denver, Colorado Salt Lake City, Utah October 28–31 October 20–23 Colorado Convention Center Salt Palace Convention Center Marriott City Center Little America General Chairs: Gregory S. Holden and Kenneth E. Kolm, General Chair: M. Lee Allison, Utah Geological Survey Colorado School of Mines Technical Program Chair: John Bartley, University of Utah Technical Program Chairs: Call for Field Trip Proposals: We are interested in proposals for John D. Humphrey and John E. Warme, single-day and multi-day field trips beginning or ending in Salt Lake City, Colorado School of Mines, Dept. of Geology and dealing with all aspects of the geosciences. Please contact the field & Geological Engineering, Golden, CO 80401, trip chairs listed below. (303) 273-3819, fax 303-273-3859 E-mail: [email protected] Paul Link Bart Kowallis Department of Geology Department of Geology Field Trip Chairs: Idaho State University Brigham Young University Charles L. Pillmore, (303) 236-1240 and Pocatello, ID 83209-8072 Provo, UT 84602-4646 Ren A. Thompson, (303) 236-0929 (208) 236-3365 (801) 378-3918 U.S. Geological Survey, MS 913, fax 208-236-4414 fax 801-378-2265 P.O. Box 25046, Denver Federal Center, E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Denver, CO 80225 Field trip guides will be published jointly by Brigham Young Univer- Call for Papers and First Announcement appears on p. 17 sity Geology Studies and the Utah Geological Survey. Review drafts of of this issue of GSA Today. field guides will be due March 15, 1997.

FOR INFORMATION CALL THE GSA MEETINGS DEPARTMENT 1-800-472-1988 or (303) 447-2020, ext. 133 or E-mail: [email protected] or see GSA’s world wide web page at http://www.geosociety.org

GSA SECTION MEETINGS — 1996 Student Travel Grants ROCKY MOUNTAIN SECTION, April 18–19, 1996. Rapid City Civic The GSA Foundation will award matching grants up to a total of $3500 each to Center, Rapid City, South Dakota. Information: Colin Paterson, Depart- the six GSA Sections. The money, when combined with equal funds from the ment of Geology and Geological Engineering, South Dakota School of Sections, will be used to assist GSA Student Associates traveling to the 1996 Mines and Technology, 501 East St. Joseph St., Rapid City, SD 57701-3995, GSA meetings. Contact your Section Secretary for application procedures. (605) 394-5414, E-mail: [email protected]. Cordilleran* ...... Bruce A. Blackerby, (209) 278-2955 CORDILLERAN SECTION, April 22–24, 1996. Red Lion Hotel at Rocky Mountain* ...... Kenneth E. Kolm, (303) 273-3932 Lloyd Center, Portland, Oregon. Information: Michael Cummings, North-Central* ...... George R. Hallberg, (319) 335-4500 Department of Geology, Portland State University, P.O. Box 751, Portland, South-Central ...... Rena M. Bonem, (817) 755-2361 OR 97207-0751, (503) 725-3022. E-mail: [email protected]. Northeastern ...... Kenneth N. Weaver, (410) 554-5532 NORTH-CENTRAL SECTION, May 2–3, 1996. Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa. Submit completed abstracts to: Kenneth E. Windom, Depart- Southeastern ...... Harold H. Stowell, (205) 348-5098, ment of Geological and Atmospheric Sciences, Iowa State University, http://www.geo.ua.edu/segsa/segsa.html 253 Science I Building, Ames, IA 50011-3210, (515) 294-2430, E-mail: *Do not offer funds for travel to the Annual Meeting. [email protected].

Committees continued from p. 44 GSA Representatives to the AAAS GSA Representatives to the Joint ASCE- Consortium of Affiliates for GSA-AEG Committee on Engineering GSA Member of the AGI Education International Programs (CAIP) Geology (American Society of Civil Engi- Advisory Committee James W. Skehan, S.J.—President, GSA Interna- neers, Association of Engineering Geologists) Edward E. Geary—GSA Coordinator for tional Division; Donald M. Davidson, Jr.— John D. Rockaway, July 1, 1990–June 30, 1996; Educational Programs GSA Staff Liaison (vacant position; appointment to be determined) GSA Member of the AGI Government GSA Representatives to the North GSA Representative to the U.S. National Affairs Program Advisory Committee American Commission on Stratigraphic Committee on Tunneling Technology E-an Zen, 1995–1997; Dan Sarewitz, 1996–1997 Nomenclature (NACSN) (to be determined) Lee C. Gerhard, 1993–1996; James O. Jones, (alternate) GSA Representative to the U.S. National 1994–1997; W. Burleigh Harris, 1995–1998; Rep- GSA Representatives to the American Committee on Scientific Hydrology resentative-elect: Ernest A. Mancini, 1996–1999 Association for the Advancement of David A. Stephenson, 1990– ; John M. Sharp, Jr. (term begins during the NACSN 1996 fall meet- Science (AAAS) (alternate) ing in Denver) Section E—Geology and Geography: J. Thomas GSA and AASG Selection Committee for GSA Representative to the Treatise Edito- Dutro, Jr., June 1, 1985–February 23, 1997; the John C. Frye Memorial Award in rial Advisory and Technical Advisory Section W—Atmospheric and Hydrospheric Environmental Geology (Association of Boards of the Paleontological Institute Sciences: John G. Weihaupt, July 1, 1988– American State Geologists) Richard Arnold Davis—Chair, Treatise on Inverte- February 23, 1997 Frank E. Kottlowski—Chair, AASG representative; brate Paleontology Advisory Committee John P. Kempton, GSA representative, 1995– 1997; James Robertson, AASG representative ■

GSA TODAY, April 1996 45 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

Published on the 1st of the month of issue. Ads (or can- Nevada, faculty of the Department of Geological Sciences projects. Time will be available for personal research, with cellations) must reach the GSA Advertising office one and scientists of the U.S. Geological Survey. The Center the expectation of significant contributions. month prior. Contact Advertising Department (303) will initially focus on developing a better understanding of The successful applicant should have a Ph.D. degree 447-2020, 1-800-472-1988, fax 303-447-1133, or the characteristics, occurrence, geological controls and (or equivalent) in the geological sciences and experience E-mail:[email protected]. Please include com- conditions of formation of Carlin-type disseminated pre- in mineral exploration and/or production. Research and plete address, phone number, and E-mail address with all cious-metal deposits, which are important to the State of publication in scientific journals, knowledge of sedimen- correspondence. Nevada. A multidisciplinary approach involving deposit-to tary rock-hosted gold deposits and a record of productive regional-scale stratigraphic, structural, geochemical, min- Per line scientific and professional involvement with individuals in eralogical, petrological, etc. studies will be emphasized. Per Line for each industry, government and academia are highly desirable. for addt'l month The Director will be responsible for coordination and The applicant must possess proven interpersonal skills Classification 1st month (same ad) communication between the various individual and groups and be able to deliver research products in a timely and involved, facilitating project activities and reporting results cost-effective manner. The position is industry-supported, Situations Wanted $1.75 $1.40 to a Steering Committee composed of senior-level geolo- nontenure track, funded for a minimum of two (2) years, Positions Open $6.50 $5.50 gists from the minerals industry. Along with other faculty, with possibility of future tenure-track appointment, contin- Consultants $6.50 $5.50 the Director will be involved in the initiation, implementa- gent upon funding, with a twelve-month salary and bene- Services & Supplies $6.50 $5.50 tion and supervision of various graduate student research fits based on experience and qualifications. Opportunities for Students first 25 lines $0.00 $2.35 additional lines $1.35 $2.35 Code number: $2.75 extra

Agencies and organizations may submit purchase order or payment with copy. Individuals must send prepayment with copy. To estimate cost, count 54 characters per line, including all punctuation and blank spaces. Actual cost may differ if you use capitals, centered copy, or special characters.

To answer coded ads, use this address: Code # ----, GSA Advertising Dept., P.O. Box 9140, Boulder, CO 80301-9140. All coded mail will be forwarded within 24 hours of arrival at GSA Today office.

Positions Open

GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING MONTANA TECH The Department of Geological Engineering at Montana Tech invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in hydrogeology/geochemistry. The appointment will be at the rank of Assistant Professor starting August 1996. A Ph.D. is required at the time of appointment. Registration as a Professional Geologist or Engineer is not required at the time of appointment, but is a prerequisite for tenure and promotion to the rank of professor. The candidate must possess the demonstrable ability to blend aqueous or/and isotope geochemistry and hydrogeology. The successful candidate will be expected to teach a rigorous introductory course in groundwater hydrogeology and other core courses in the undergraduate program, as well as courses in their areas of specialization. He or she should have a strong commitment to teaching, as well as to research and publication. Montana Tech is a unit of the University of Montana with an enrollment of approximately 2,000 students. The college has a strong tradition of undergraduate and graduate engineering instruction and research related to the mining and energy industries, with more recent emphasis on hydrogeological and environmental engineering. Montana Tech also offers degrees in chemistry and geochemistry, mathematics, computer science, occupational safety and health, business, and in the liberal arts. Montana Tech is located at Butte, in beautiful and geologically interesting southwestern Montana. There are abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation in the immediate area. Application deadline is April 15, 1996. Filling this position is contingent upon funding. Applicants should forward a resume; a description of their teaching and research interests; and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references to: Chair, Search Committee, Department of Geological Engineering, Mon- tana Tech, 1300 West Park St., Butte, MT 59701-8997. Montana Tech is an affirmative-action/equal-opportunity employer.

DIRECTOR Ralph Roberts Center for Research in Economic Geology Mackay School of Mines, University of Nevada, Reno The Department of Geological Sciences, Mackay School of Mines, University of Nevada, Reno, invites applications and nominations for the position of Director of the newly formed Ralph Roberts Center for Research in Economic Geology (CREG), which is presently pending approval by the Board of Regents. CREG is a joint research unit involving geologists of the minerals industry of the State of

46 GSA TODAY, April 1996 Applications, complete with letter of interest, summary Submit letter of interest describing research & teaching Geol. & Geol. Eng., SDSM&T, Rapid City, SD 57701- of relevant experience, and the names of three or more interests to pursue at UTEP, resume, & listing of three ref- 3995; (605) 394-2388, [email protected]. referees, should be submitted to the Chairman, CREG erences (names, addresses, phone & fax numbers) to Dr. SDSM&T is an EEO/AA/ADA employer and provider. Search Committee, Department of Geological Sciences, Charles G. Groat, Chair Search Committee, UTEP, MS 172, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV 89557. Department of Geological Sciences, El Paso, TX 79968- Teaching and Research Assistantships. The Depart- Additional information can be obtained from Dr. Richard 0555. The University does not discriminate on the basis of ment of Geology expects to be able to offer teaching and Schweickert at 702-784-6901 (E-mail richschw@ race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability research assistantships to qualified masters-level students equinox.unr.edu; fax 702-784-1833) or D. C. Noble (tel & in employment or the provision of services. for teh 1996-97 academic year and beyond. The depart- fax 702-784-6928). Application review will begin June 1. ment offers coursework leading to the M.S. in Geology The University of Nevada is an affirmative action, equal UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN with thesis research in the general areas of hydrology and opportunity employer. The Department of Geology seeks to fill a position of Visit- environmental geology, sedimentary geology, low-temper- ing Assistant Professor or Visiting Lecturer. The success- ature geochemistry, and geophysics. Application deadline: GEOLOGY FACULTY ful candidate is expected to teach courses in sedimentol- May 1, 1996. For information and applications, please The Department of Geological Sciences at Salem ogy and basin analysis, introductory courses in history of contact: Dr. Robert Horton, Graduate Coordinator, Depart- State College invites applications for a full-time Fall life and perhaps introductory oceanography. Experience in ment of Geology, California State University, 9001 Stock- Semester (September 1996 Ð January 1997) sabbatical these or closely related branches of geology is highly dale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93311-1099. replacement faculty position at the rank of Assistant Pro- desirable. Candidates with Ph.D. or equivalent in fessor, A Ph.D. or completion of all requirements by time geosience are preferred, but applications from candidates California Institute of Technology. Postdoctoral Fel- of appointment is preferred but ABDs will also be consid- who have not yet finished the dissertation will be consid- lowships in Molecular Geobiology. The Divisions of ered. We seek candidates from the field of geomorphol- ered. Applicants should be able to demonstrate promise of Biology and Geological and Planetary Sciences at Caltech ogy with a strong quantitative background and demon- being excellent instructors with superior interpersonal announce two joint postdoctoral fellowships available in strated computer skills. A commitment to undergraduate skills. molecular geobiology. Researchers with backgrounds in education and quality teaching is essential. Major teaching The term of the appointment will be for one year with the geological and biological sciences (or both) relevant to responsibilities include introductory Geology and an upper the possibility of renewal for additional years. This is a studies, at the molecular level, of the coupled evolution of level course in Geomorphology. Salary is competitive and non-tenure track position. The starting date of the appoint- the earth and the life that it supports are encouraged to commensurate with education and experience. ment will be August 21, 1996. apply. These fellowships have been established to sup- Application review will begin immediately and continue Applicants should send a curriculum vita, list of publi- port the research of scientists typically within two years until an adequate pool is achieved. cations, statement of research interests, and the names of after receipt of the Ph.D. The intent of the program is to To apply, send letter of application, resume and three three references to: Professor R. James Kirkpatrick, identify and support innovative and creative work in geobi- letters of reference to: Office of Equal Opportunity and Department of Geology, University of Illinois, 1301 W. ology, with particular emphasis on interdisciplinary studies Human Rights, Salem State College, 352 Lafayette St., Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801; (217) 333-1018; fax 217- at the interface between biology and geology. Salem, MA 01970. 244-4996. Preference will be given to applications The duration of the appointment will normally be for 2 Salem State College is an equal opportunity/affirmative received before April 21, 1996. years, contingent upon good progress in the first year. action employer. Persons of color, women, and persons The University of Illinois is an equal opportunity/affir- The annual stipend will be $30,000 or higher in the first with disabilities are strongly urged to apply. mative action employer. Women and minorities are year depending on qualifications, plus the cost of one-way encouraged to apply. travel to Pasadena. Scholars are eligible to participate in APPOINTMENT IN EARTH SCIENCE Caltech’s health and dental programs. HARVARD UNIVERSITY A curriculum vitae including a list of publications, the names of three references and a one page statement of The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Har- proposed research activities should be e-mailed by April vard University plans to make two appointments in areas Services & Supplies 15, 1996 to: gabalegs.gps.caltech.edu. Alternatively, dealing broadly with paleoclimate and surficial or near-sur- LEATHER FIELD CASES. Free brochure, SHERER applications may be sent to Professor Geoff Blake, Chair, face processes. CUSTOM SADDLES, INC., P.O. Box 385, Dept. GN, Committee on Geobiology, Mail Code 170-25, California The appointments will ordinarily be made at the junior Franktown, CO 80116. Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125. level, although in exceptional circumstances a senior Caltech is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity appointment may be considered. Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and disabled per- In addition to carrying out an active research program, sons are encouraged to apply. the successful candidate will be expected to teach at both Opportunities for Students the undergraduate and graduate levels. The appointments Research Fellowships. Ralph Roberts Center for are expected to start in the spring or fall of 1997. Postdoctoral Fellowships in Earth Sciences, Uni- Research in Economic Geology, Department of Geologi- Applicants should send curriculum vitae, descriptions veristy of Wisconsin - Madison. The Department of cal Sciences, Mackay School of Mines, University of of research and teaching interests, and names of three Geology and Geophysics announces two postdoctoral fel- Nevada, Reno. The Department of Geological Sciences, references to Geology Search Committee, Department of lowships, funded by the Albert and Alice Weeks bequest Mackay School of Mines, University of Nevada, Reno Earth and Planetary Sciences, Harvard University, 20 to the department. Each fellowship is for one year, with seeks to fill several one-half time graduate research fel- Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138. Applications are the possibility of renewal for an additional year. Salary will lowships for studies on Carlin-type gold deposits in due by 1 May 1996. be in the range of $29,000 to $34,000 per year, depending Nevada and related topics. The successful applicants will Harvard Univerisity is an equal opportunity/affirmative upon qualifications. We anticipate that the positions will have strong backgrounds in one or more of the following action employer. Women and minorities are encouraged begin in August or September 1996. A Ph.D. is required at areas: metallogeny, stratigraphy, structure, geochemistry, to apply. the time the position is started. tectonics, petrology, and an interest in studying Carlin- Applications from all areas of earth science are encour- type precious metal mineralization. A Bachelor of Science THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO aged. Applicants must contact one or more UW-Madison degree is a minimum requirement and a Master of Sci- ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR faculty to develop a collaborative research plan for inclu- ence degree is desirable. Candidates with a background SEDIMENTARY GEOLOGIST sion in the application. Further information about the in economic geology and experience in the minerals DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGICAL SCIENCES Department may be obtained on its World Wide Web page industry will be given preference. UTEP’s Dept. of Geological Sciences is seeking a sedi- at http://geology.wisc.edu or by writing to the Department The successful applicants will work on research proj- mentary geologist with primary interests in clastic sedi- Chair: Professor Philip Brown, Chair, Department of Geol- ects under the direction of faculty, U.S. Geological Survey mentary processes & depositional environments. We are ogy and Geophysics, 1215 West Dayton Street, University scientists, and industry geologists, with coordination and seeking a person with active research interests in the ori- of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706. Applications should be integration of their research into the goals of the Center by gin, characteristics, transport, & deposition of clastic sedi- mailed to the Department Chair. Screening of applications the Director of the Ralph Roberts Center for Research in ments. Reservoir or aquifer characterization & modeling will begin Friday, April 19, 1996; applicants should ensure Economic Geology. Most of the projects will have a major are also appropriate fields of research interest. UTEP that three letters of recommendation reach the department field component. graduates enter both the resource & environmental fields; by that date. The University of Wisconsin is an Affirmative The fellowships will be funded competitively, and funds the person in this position should be able to teach courses Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. will be provided for research expenses. Additional specific in sedimentology, sedimentary petrology, & physical projects funded by industry may also be available. Inter- stratigraphy/depositional systems appropriate to these Geology, Meteorology M.S. Teaching Assistantships ested geoscientists should contact the Department of career paths. Research excellence & ability to obtain fund- in Earth System Science. South Dakota School of Mines Geological Sciences, MS-172, Mackay School of Mines, ing for research will be of fundamental importance. In and Technology offers two Teaching Assistantships for University of Nevada, Reno, 89557 for applications. The addition, a commitment to excellence in both undergradu- Master of Science candidates in Geology, Geological University requires that the Graduate Record Examination ate & graduate instruction is essential. Position is tenure- Engineering, or Meteorology. Appointments are for two be taken and a satisfactory score achieved prior to consid- track, & qualified persons will be considered forAssistant, years beginning Fall 1996. The students will assist in eration for admission. The completed application should Associate, or Full Professor appointment. Position is avail- developing and teaching courses in 1) Earth System Sci- be accompanied by a letter of interest citing a Carlin able 09-01-96. Ph.D. required at time of appointment. ence, and 2) Modeling and Monitoring Earth Systems. Research Fellowship and a statement of qualifications, UTEP offers Bachelors, Masters, & Ph.D. degrees in Applicants must have a strong interest in teaching and in along with the names and addresses of at least three geological sciences. The dept. & many of its faculty partic- conducting graduate research in some field of earth sys- references. The completed application package should ipate in the new multi-disciplinary Environmental Science tem science, such as global change or remote sensing be sent to the Chairman, Department of Geological Sci- & Engineering Ph.D. Program. The Dept. of Geological studies. Familiarity with Internet communication and ences at the above address. Application deadline for the Sciences offers many modern laboratory & classroom hypertext editors is desirable. 1996-97 academic year is June 01, 1996. The Univer- facilities located in one of the most diverse & striking geo- Deadline for graduate applications is June 15. For sity of Nevada is an affirmative action equal opportunity logical terrains in the world. information contact: Dr. Edward F. Duke, Department of employer.

GSA TODAY, April 1996 47 Geological Society of America ANNUAL MEETING AND EXPOSITION DENVER, COLORADO • OCTOBER 28–31,1996 NEW! Electronic Abstracts Submission page 18 Abstracts Due FROM THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMEIRCA July 9 Preregistration Due September 20 MEXICOMEXICO AND SURROUNDING AREAS

STUDIES ON THE MESOZOIC OF SONORA AND ADJACENT AREAS C. Jacques-Ayala, C. M. González-León, J. Roldán-Quintana, 1996 Tectonically, the Mesozoic was a very active period. Sedimentation occurred in marine to continental basins, probably all of which were related to volcanic arcs. Different styles of deformation in similar sequences obscure the interpretation of orogenic events. Northwestern Mexico is an important region for the understanding of the geological evolution of the southwestern margin of the North American craton. Postulated hypotheses (such as accreted terrains, continuity of the Ouachita and Cordilleran realms, regional strike-slip faults, and OTHER TITLES OF REGIONAL INTEREST orogenies) are still in need Studies of Sonoran Geology The Geology of Iztaccihuatl Geologic Map of Southern of geological studies to edited by E. Perez-Sequra and C. Volcano and Adjacent Areas Valle Chico and Adjacent support or disprove them. Jacques-Ayala, 1990 of the Sierra Nevada and Regions, Baja California, Registration and SPE254, 136 p., paperback, Valley of Mexico Mexico Housing Information This volume deals directly ISBN 0-8137-2254-3, $32.50 by G. Nixon, 1988 compiled by J. M. Stock, 1993 or indirectly with some of The Gulf of Mexico Basin SPE219 45 p., paperback, ISBN 0- Two sheets in color: 59" x 34" June GSA Today 8137-2219-3; $8.00 and 46" x 17", w/11-p. text. these hypotheses. One of edited by A, Salvador, 1992 MCH076 Folded $39.50 the purposes of this work GNA-J, 578 p., hardbound, 6 Transect H-1: La Paz to Program Schedule plates in slipcase, indexed, Saltillo, Northwestern and Geologic Map of the Central was to gather evidence for ISBN 0-8137-5216-7; $77.50 Northern Mexico Sector of the Mexican September GSA Today and/or against the Economic Geology: Mexico compiled by L.-M. Mitre-Salazar Volcanic Belt, States of and the Web and J. Roldán-Quintana; Guanajuato and Michoacan, edited by G. P. Salas; translated into R. C. Speed, Coordinator, 1991 Mexico Mojave/Sonora megashear; English by C. Petzall, 1991 Two sheets in color, about 42" compiled by G. Pasquare, and GNA-P3 444 p., hardbound, however, as the reader will x 60", w/8-p. text. others, 1991 indexed, ISBN 0–8137-5213-2; notice, the controversy will TRA-H1, Folded $20.00; Rolled One sheet in color, 28" x 39" at $62.50 For Information: continue. $22.00 1:300,000 scale, w/20-p. text. Tectonostratigraphic Transect H-3: Acapulco MCH072 Folded $24.50 GSA Meetings SPE301, 284 p., paperback, Terranes and Tectonic Department Trench to the Gulf of Mexico Geology of Part of Southern indexed, ISBN 0–8137–2301–9, Evolution of Mexico across Southern Mexico Sinaloa, Mexico, Adjacent to P.O. Box 9140 by R. L. Sedlock, F. Ortega-Gutierrez compiled by Fernando Ortega- the Gulf of California $75.00 and R. C. Speed, 1992 Boulder, CO 80301 Gutierrez ; R. C. Speed, Coordinator, compiled by C. D. Henry and All volumes are 8-1/2" x 11". SPE278, 206 p., paperback, (303) 447-2020 1990 G. Fredrickson, 1987 Prices include shipping & handling. indexed, ISBN 0-8137-2278-0, One sheet in color, about 40" x One sheet, five-color, 23" x 26", (800) 472-1988 $48.75 55", w/9-p. text. w/14-page text. Scale 1:250,000. E-mail: TRA-H3,Folded $12.50 MCH063,Folded $5.00 meetings@ 1-800-472-1988 geosociety.org FAX 303-447-1133 World Wide Web: GSA PUBLICATION SALES P.O.B OX 9140 http://www. BOULDER, CO 80301, 303-447-2020 geosociety.org