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Geology and Society Division

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Download the May 2012 Newsletter

News Highlights

Newly Amended Division Bylaws (subject to Council approval at 2010 GSA Annual Meeting)
Results of Geology and Society Division 2nd Vice Chair Election
New Division Liaison with GPPC
Division Officers

Division Events at 2011 GSA Annual Meeting

GEOLOGY AND SOCIETY DIVISION DISTINGUISHED LECTURE
Improving the effectiveness of communication about climate science: A communication scientist’s perspectives
by Dr. Edward Maibach Director, George Mason University
Tuesday, Oct. 11, 5:30 PM, Room 101DE

Session titles

Climate, Water and Health (Oct. 9)
Special Session: Crossing the digital divide: Availability of geoscience knowledge for resolving environmental and societal challenges (Oct. 9)
Groundwater-surface water interaction: relating understanding that spans the water-rich Midwest to the scarcity of the outback (Oct. 9)
Decision support for the geosciences: the interface between public, policy and science (Oct. 10)
Complexity in modeling: how much is too much (Oct. 10)
Extreme climate and weather events: Past Present and Future (Oct. 11)
Geological Mapping: Key to successful management of water and land (Oct. 11)
Special Session: Water and sediment dynamics in agricultural landscapes: Towards prediction of watershed sediment yield (Oct. 11)
International Development and the Geosciences (Oct. 11)
STEMming the tide: how can we promote science literacy (Oct. 12)

Poster Sessions

Water and sediment dynamics in agricultural landscapes: toward prediction of watershed yield
Student-involved research experience in Earth-system science: an effective tool for recruitment and retention in the geosciences
Geologic maps, digital geologic maps and derivatives from geologic and geophysical maps

Other special events

Congressional Science Fellows' reception and panel discussion (Oct. 11)
Geology and Society Division annual business meeting and presentation of awards for best student papers for 2010 (Oct. 11)
Workshop by Geologist Allyson Andersonof the Senate Committee on Energy and NaturalResources: "Communicating and Shaping Policy: From Grassroots to Capitol Hill" (Oct. 11)

Pardee Symposium:

Rare earth elements and critical minerals for a sustainable and secure future (Oct. 10)

Best Student Paper Award

2009 Awardees
How we plan to identify the 2010 recipient from student oral session papers given at this year's Annual Meeting.
Call for volunteers to help judge student papers!

Op-Ed competition

The Division is looking for geology students with wise opinions and good writing skills.

Marilyn Suiter of the NSF and former Chair of the Geology and Society Division is working with her colleagues on the Division Management Board to develop this Op-Ed competition.

The Division would like to have a series of op-ed columns on timely issues that are important in the interface of geoscience and society. Those students who are interested in guest-writing a column should propose their subject in a brief statement of about 100 words. The proposal should include the key idea and the manner in which the article will address the topic. The topic should be aligned with the Geology and Society Division mission and be appropriate to the newsletter audience. Winners will develop their one-time column (not exceeding 500 words), which will be published in the Division newsletter.

For more details, see Marilyn’s article in the September 2010 Issue of the Division newsletter.

BEST PHOTO AWARD COMPETITION

Rob McDowell of the University of Georgia and editor of our Division Newsletter announces the Best Photo Contest in the September issue.

The Division of Geology and Society is initiating a photo contest, highlighting the best photo that clearly shows the relationship between geology and society. There is no shortage of topics! For example, a picture can illustrate for policy makers the danger posed by sea-level rise or construction near ancient landslides. Citizens are fascinated by pictures of fault scarps and fault traces that help them become aware of hazards in their communities.

For details about the Best Photo Contest and how to submit your photos, see Rob's article in the September issue of the Division newsletter.

Policycomnet Invitation

Jim Davis (Division Chair) has prepared these remarks on the purpose and uses of Policycomnet.

Do you have regional public policy issues?
	Join GSA Policycomnet, a new online geoscience-based networking tool to assist GSA members in planning communications with public policy officials on pending regional, state, and local decisions.