Topical Sessions

T100 Glacial Outburst Floods: Causes and Consequences
GSA Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division
Amir Mokhtari Fard, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden

This session would consider the less-explored causes and consequences of sudden and catastrophic events of release of large volumes of melt water from a glacier or glacier-dammed lake. ORAL

Quaternary Geology/Geomorphology

T101 The Red River Raft of Louisiana
GSA Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division
Nalini Torres, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg, Miss.; Danny W. Harrelson, U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, Miss.

This is a review and description of the historic and current geomorphic evolution of the Red River to the development and removal of the raft. ORAL

Quaternary Geology/Geomorphology; Engineering Geology; Hydrogeology

T102 Quaternary Paleoenvironments of the Middle East: Proxy Records, Human Prehistory, and Regional Cross-Correlation
GSA Archaeological Geology Division; GSA Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division
Carlos E. Cordova, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Okla.; Caroline Davies, University of Missouri, Kansas City, Mo.

This session will bring together Quaternary geoscientists and geoarchaeologists working in Middle Eastern countries to pre­sent and discuss paleoenvironmental records, and their application to issues of climate change chronologies, human prehistory, and regional geomorphological evolution. ORAL

Quaternary Geology/Geomorphology; Archaeological Geology; Paleoclimatology/Paleoceanography

T103 Documenting the Geomorphic and Ecosystem Evolution of National Park Landscapes Using Repeat Photography
GSA Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division; National Park Service, Natural Resources Program Center, Geologic Resources Division
Harold S. Pranger, Denver, Colo.

Repeat photographs often clearly document recent historic changes to native and disturbed landscapes. National Parks are ideal locations for using repeat photographs to understand natural and anthropogenic changes to geomorphic and ecological systems. ORAL and POSTER

Quaternary Geology/Geomorphology; Environmental Geoscience; Remote Sensing/Geographic Information System

T104 Unveiling the Hidden Components in Archaeological Landscapes-The Role of Geoscience Techniques in Archaeological Site Analysis
GSA Archaeological Geology Division; GSA Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division
Cynthia A. Stiles, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis.

A forum for research emphasizing integration of physical and geochemical techniques used in the geosciences field with archaeological studies to gain a better understanding of the interactive role humans have had with their environment. ORAL and POSTER

Archaeological Geology; Quaternary Geology/Geomorphology; Environmental Geoscience

T105 Archaeological Geology of Stratigraphically Complex Localities
GSA Archaeological Geology Division; GSA Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division
E.A. Bettis III, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa

Stratigraphically complex localities contain some of the most complete and important archaeological records on Earth. This session addresses the interpretation of the complex array of sedimentological, pedological, biological, and human factors that interact to form these records. ORAL

Archaeological Geology; Quaternary Geology/Geomorphology; Sediments, Clastic

T106 Geological Context of Early Humans from Ethiopian Rift Basins
GSA Archaeological Geology Division; GSA Sedimentary Geology Division; GSA Limnogeology Division
Jay Quade, University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz.; Jonathon Wynn, University of Oregon, Eugene, Ore.

Basin deposits in the Ethiopian rift are the richest source of fossil hominins in the world. This session will bring together recent research by expedition geologists on the geological context of these finds. ORAL

Archaeological Geology; Stratigraphy; Paleontology/Paleobotany

T107 Toward Effective Interdisciplinary Education in Archaeological Geology: Progress and Prospects
GSA Archaeological Geology Division; GSA Geoscience Education Division; GSA Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division
Jennifer R. Smith, Washington University, St. Louis, Mo.

Educators and geoscience professionals share their perspectives on the "ideal" training for archaeological geologists and on overcoming the particular philosophical and bureaucratic challenges of developing interdisciplinary curricula at the graduate and undergraduate levels. ORAL

Archaeological Geology; Geoscience Education; Quaternary Geology/Geomorphology

T108 Geoarchaeology, Geoconservation, and Georesources: Integrated Approaches to Investigating, Conserving, and Managing Past and Present Landscapes
GSA Archaeological Geology Division; GSA Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division; GSA Geology and Society Division; GSA Geology and Public Policy Committee
Jasper Knight, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom

This session explores relationships between geology, geomorphology, human activity and landscape, and implications for management and conservation of landscape resources. Methodological and field-based papers using mapping, stratigraphic analysis, dating, geographic information system, and modeling are all invited. ORAL and POSTER

Environmental Geoscience; Archaeological Geology; Geoscience Education

T109 Geology, Decisionmakers, and the Public: Challenges in Communication
GSA Geology and Society Division; GSA Geology and Public Policy Committee
Thomas J. Evans, University of Wisconsin-Extension, Madison, Wis.; John Kiefer, Kentucky Geological Survey, Lexington, Ky.

The engagement of geology in public policy relies upon effective communication. This session will focus on examples of successful and unsuccessful communication experiences. Both invited and volunteered presentations will be included. ORAL

Public Policy; Environmental Geoscience; Geoscience Information/Communication

T110 Information Technology Initiatives in the Geosciences: Policy, Strategy, and Management Issues
Soumava Adhya, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, N.Y.

This session focuses on the experiences of the geosciences community regarding barriers and enablers to adoption and implementation of emerging information technologies, particularly on knowledge about and experiences with policy, strategy, and management. ORAL

Geoscience Information/Communication; Public Policy; Geoscience Education

T111 Geoscience Information and Librarianship in a Global Context
Geoscience Information Society
Linda R. Musser, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa.

As geoscience becomes more global in scope, the tools librarians provide must also adapt. How well have traditional tools and processes changed to meet these new demands? What changes still need to be made? ORAL and POSTER

Geoscience Information/Communication; Geoscience Education

T112 Geologic Time and CHRONOS: Databases, Tools, Outreach, Education, and the Geoinformatics Revolution
Geoscience Information Society; Paleontological Society; CHRONOS
Cinzia Cervato, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa; Walter S. Snyder, National Science Foundation, Arlington, Va.

Talks and posters will present results from the efforts of the geoinformatics community on database and data networking projects, demonstrate analytical and visualization tools, and illustrate community involvement and educational activities related to Earth's history. ORAL and POSTER

Geoscience Information/Communication; Stratigraphy; Geoscience Education

T113 Geology in the National Forests-Stewardship, Education, and Research
GSA Engineering Geology Division; USDA Forest Service, Minerals and Geology Management Program
Joe T. Gurrieri, USDA Forest Service, Butte, Mont.; Andrew H. Rorick, USDA Forest Service, Sandy, Ore.; Jim Gauthier-Warinner, USDA Forest Service, Arlington, Va.

This session will explore some of the many aspects of geology conducted on the National Forests. Topics include paleontology, cave and karst geology, engineering geology and natural-hazard mitigation, hydrogeology, interpretive and recreational geology, geoecology, and more. ORAL

Geoscience Information/Communication; Environmental Geoscience; Geoscience Education

T114 Geology in the National Parks: Research, Mapping, and Resource Management
National Park Service
Bruce A. Heise, National Park Service, Geologic Resources Division, Lakewood, Colo.; Tim Connors, National Park Service, Denver, Colo.; Rebecca Beavers, National Park Service, Denver, Colo.; Greg McDonald, National Park Service, Lakewood, Colo.; Jeff Mow, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant, Colo.

This session will address the role of geoscience in the National Parks. Presentations are invited on geologic research, geologic mapping, paleontology, shoreline geology, and resource management in National Parks, Monuments, Seashores, and Historic Sites. ORAL

Geoscience Information/Communication; Paleontology/Paleobotany; Marine/Coastal Science

T115 The Keys to Opportunities with the National Park Service
National Park Service; Geological Society of America; American Geological Institute; Association for Women Geoscientists
Judy Geniac, Denver, Colo.; Gary Lewis, GSA Education and Outreach, Boulder, Colo.; Ann Beenbow, Alexandria, Va.; Marguerite Toscano

Discover the growing number of geoscience opportunities in national parks for professors, students, retirees, organizations, universities, and companies. Examine and discuss existing partnerships and access to research, programs, projects, and volunteer and paid positions. ORAL

Public Policy; Geoscience Information/Communication; Geoscience Education

T116 Geology for the Masses: Engaging the Public through Informal Geoscience Education in Parks, Monuments, Open Spaces, and Public Lands
GSA Geoscience Education Division; National Park Service; Bureau of Land Management; Association of Earth Science Editors
Jim Wood, National Park Service, Denver, Colo.; Allyson Mathis, National Park Service, Grand Canyon, Ariz.; Marion Malinowski, Bureau of Land Management, Lakewood, Colo.; Carol Ruthven, Association of Earth Science Editors, Lexington, Ky.; Monica Gaiswinkler Easton, Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, Sudbury, Ontario

This session will explore programs and products (e.g., displays, publications, signs, Web sites, virtual and real field trips) for effective informal science education about the geology of parks, monuments, open spaces, and public lands. ORAL and POSTER

Geoscience Education; Geoscience Information/Communication; Environmental Geoscience

T117 Innovative Approaches to Teaching "Geology of National Parks": Tales from the Classroom, Field, Page, Web, and Beyond
GSA Geoscience Education Division; National Association of Geoscience Teachers
Robert J. Lillie, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Ore.; Carol J. Ormand, Wittenberg University, Springfield, Ohio; Joseph F. Reese, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Edinboro, Pa.

This session will bring together those who teach geology by using examples from National Parks to share their expertise, exercises, written and electronic resources, techniques, and strategies for successfully educating students on park geology. ORAL

Geoscience Education; Geoscience Information/Communication

T118 The Science of Sustainability: How Can We Most Effectively Educate Students, the Public, and Policymakers?
Critical Issues Caucus, GSA Geology and Public Policy Committee
Paul H. Reitan, SUNY at Buffalo, Buffalo, N.Y.; Christine V. McLelland, GSA Education and Outreach, Boulder, Colo.

Public understanding about the role of earth systems is central to a sustainable future. We have a special obligation to communicate this effectively in schools and for the public and policymakers. How can we do this? ORAL

Geoscience Education; Environmental Geoscience; Public Policy

T119 Sigma Gamma Epsilon Student Research (Posters)
Sigma Gamma Epsilon
Donald W. Neal, East Carolina University, Greenville, N.C.; Charles Mankin, Oklahoma Geological Survey, Norman, Okla.

All students are welcome to present their research in any area of geology. POSTER

Environmental Geoscience