Topical Sessions

T20 Dissolved Gases as Indicators of Geochemical and Hydrogeologic Processes
GSA Hydrogeology Division, GSA Geobiology and Geomicrobiology Division
D. Kip Solomon, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah; Stephen J. Van der Hoven, Illinois State University, Normal, Ill.

Dissolved gases have been used to investigate a variety of hydrogeologic processes (e.g., redox reactions, groundwater travel times, rates of recharge, denitrification, paleorecharge, etc.). Field, laboratory, and modeling studies will be included. ORAL and POSTER

Hydrogeology; Geochemistry, Aqueous; Geomicrobiology

T21 Vadose Zone Nitrogen: Sources, Fate and Transport
GSA Hydrogeology Division, GSA Geobiology and Geomicrobiology Division
Scott W. Tyler, University of Nevada, Reno, Nev.; W. Mike Edwards, Oxford University, Oxford

This session seeks to bring together hydrologists, soil physicists, soil chemists, and microbiologists to shed light on the fate and transport of nitrogen species in environments ranging from such diverse environments as domestic septic tank discharge to the hyperarid nitrate deposits of the Atacama Desert. ORAL and POSTER

Hydrogeology; Geochemistry, Aqueous; Geomicrobiology

T22 Assessing the Importance of Colloids in Natural Waters
GSA Hydrogeology Division
James F. Ranville, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colo.; John C. Seaman, The University of Georgia, Aiken, S.C.

Colloids occur in most natural waters. A limited understanding of colloid abundance and characteristics hampers assessing their importance. Papers which describe new approaches to characterize colloids, model contaminant sorption, or model colloid migration are sought. ORAL and POSTER

Hydrogeology; Geochemistry, Aqueous; Environmental Geoscience

T23 Sources, Transport, Fate, and Toxicology of Trace Elements in the Environment
International Association of Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry, GSA Geobiology and Geomicrobiology Division
David T. Long, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich.; LeeAnn Munk, University of Alaska Anchorage, Alaska; W. Berry Lyons, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio

Papers are invited on the study of trace elements in the environment related to sources, transport, controls on mobility, toxicological consequences, ecology (e.g., food web dynamics, as limiting nutrients) and accumulation in sediments and soils. ORAL

Geochemistry, Aqueous; Environmental Geoscience; Geomicrobiology

T24 Organic Compounds in Near-Surface Environments as Drivers on the Redox-Reaction Highway: A Tribute to the Career of Mary Jo Baedecker
GSA Hydrogeology Division
Isabelle M. Cozzarelli, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Va.; Janet S. Herman, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va.; Robert P. Eaganhouse, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Va.

Elucidating fundamental redox reactions driven by organic matter in subsurface environments, focusing on hydrogeologic systems impacted by human activities, has been the major career contribution of Mary Jo Baedecker. Presentations building on her work are invited. ORAL and POSTER

Hydrogeology; Geochemistry, Organic; Geomicrobiology

T25 Stable Isotope Tracers of Water Balance and Biogeochemical Cycling in Large River Basins
GSA Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division
Leonard I. Wassenaar, Environ Canada, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; John Gibson, Environ Canada, Victoria, British Columbia

This session explores the application of stable isotope tracers of water, gases, and dissolved inorganic species in river discharge as a tool for examining spatio-temporal evolution of hydrologic and biogeochemical processes in large river basins. ORAL and POSTER

Geochemistry, Aqueous; Environmental Geoscience; Geochemistry, Other

T26 Seasonal and Long-Term Groundwater Quality Changes in Alluvial Aquifer Systems
GSA Hydrogeology Division
Wendy A. Timms, University of New South Wales; Manly Vale, New South Wales, Australia

Seasonal and long term (decadal) groundwater quality trends related to urban and agricultural development may downgrade beneficial use. Causal factors may be identified by demonstrating correlation, consistency, responsiveness and a physical process. ORAL and POSTER

Geochemistry, Aqueous; Hydrogeology; Environmental Geoscience

T27 Characterization and Representation of Flow through Karst Aquifers
GSA Hydrogeology Division
Allan D. Woodbury, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba; Ron Green, Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas

The overall theme of the session is to examine enhanced capabilities for karst aquifer characterization and flow representation to support the quantitative evaluation and management of the water resources of karst systems. We seek original contributions in new modeling tools, guidelines for applications of either new or existing tools, and improved understanding of data collection needs to support modeling efforts. ORAL

Hydrogeology; Sediments, Carbonates; Environmental Geoscience

T28 New Perspectives in Karst Geomicrobiology and Redox Geochemistry
GSA Hydrogeology Division; Karst Waters Institute; GSA Geobiology and Geomicrobiology Division
Annette Engel, The University of Texas, Austin, Texas; Toby Dogwiler, Winona State University, Winona, Minn.; Diana Northup, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, N.Mex.

In the ten years since the Karst Waters Institute-sponsored conference, there has been considerable progress in understanding microbial systems, geochemical processes, and the interactions between them in cave and karst settings. We welcome contributions that highlight these major achievements and latest advances. We encourage interdisciplinary participation from related hydrogeologic and biogeochemical settings. ORAL and POSTER

Hydrogeology; Geomicrobiology; Geochemistry, Other

T29 From Subterranean Crawlways to Scientific Hallways: Research on Our Public Cave and Karst Lands
National Park Service; National Cave and Karst Research Institute; GSA Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division
Louise D. Hose, National Cave and Karst Research Institute, Carlsbad, N.Mex.; Penelope J. Boston, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, N.Mex.

Public lands provide unique natural laboratories and have facilitated important advancements in our understanding of cave and karst systems. This session focuses on both fundamental and significant discoveries to applied research in publicly managed karst terrains. ORAL and POSTER

Quaternary Geology/Geomorphology; Hydrogeology; Environmental Geoscience

T30 New and Multidisciplinary Approaches to Dating Cave Deposits
GSA Archaeological Geology Division; Karst Waters Institute; GSA Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division
Donald McFarlane, The Claremont Colleges, Claremont, Calif.; Joyce Lundberg, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario

Addressing the integration of technological and methodological advances in the dating of cave deposits, with the experimental and/or successful application of multiple and/or innovative techniques to resolve long and complex speleological records. ORAL and POSTER

Archaeological Geology; Quaternary Geology/Geomorphology; Geochemistry, Other

T31 Impacts of Water Storage and Consumption on Watershed Processes
GSA Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division; GSA Engineering Geology Division
Sara L. Rathburn, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colo.; Ellen E. Wohl, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colo.

Water storage and consumption structures dictate water and sediment delivery to most watersheds. The myriad responses of watersheds to the imposed regulation informs us of the resilience and future of our fluvial systems. ORAL

Quaternary Geology/Geomorphology

T32 Geological Mapping: Providing for Successful Water and Land Resource Planning (Posters)
GSA Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division; GSA Engineering Geology Division; GSA Geology and Society Division; GSA Geology and Public Policy Committee; GSA Hydrogeology Division; Association of American State Geologists
Richard C. Berg, Illinois State Geological Survey, Champaign, Ill.; Harvey Thorleifson, Minnesota Geological Survey, St. Paul, Minn.; Peter T. Lyttle, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Va.

Geological mapping is a key to environmental protection and management of water and land resources. The session will highlight innovative mapping products that are being used by an increasingly broad range of users. POSTER

Quaternary Geology/Geomorphology; Hydrogeology; Engineering Geology

T33 Geologic Disposal of Radioactive Waste: Rising to the Challenge of Regulatory Requirements and Environmental Protection at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) near Carlsbad, New Mexico, and the Yucca Mountain Site, Southern Nevada
GSA Hydrogeology Division; U.S. Department of Energy; GSA Geology and Public Policy Committee
Robert A. Levich, U.S. Department of Energy, Las Vegas, Nev.; Russell L. Patterson, Carlsbad, N.Mex.; Ronald M. Linden, Las Vegas, Nev.

Recertification of WIPP and license application submittal for Yucca Mountain present technical and regulatory challenges concerning repository performance. Presentations highlight science and engineering supporting the development and safe operation of geologic repositories for radioactive waste. ORAL

Public Policy; Environmental Geoscience; Hydrogeology

T34 Monitoring to Confirm Performance Assessment of Nuclear Waste and Decommissioning Sites: Geoscience Input to Monitoring System Design through Identification and Measurement of Critical Features, Events, and Processes
GSA Hydrogeology Division
Van Price, Advanced Environmental Solutions, LLC, Lexington, S.C.; George V. Last, Pacific Northwest National Lab, Richland, Wash.; Tom Temples, University of South Carolina, Columbia, S.C.

Critical geo-input to be obtained and retained in computer models for performance assessment. Case histories. Focus positive-identify critical features and measurements and assure that these are represented and updated in site (performance) models. ORAL

Environmental Geoscience; Hydrogeology; Public Policy

T35 Assessment and Characterization of Geologic Formations for Long-Term CO2 Storage (Sequestration)
GSA Geology and Public Policy Committee
Jonathan J. Kolak, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Va.; Sean Brennan, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Va.

This session will explore novel approaches to assess the capacity and integrity of geologic formations for long-term CO2 storage (sequestration). These approaches may include aspects of geochemistry, hydrogeology, geospatial analysis, or other innovative methods. ORAL

Stratigraphy; Hydrogeology; Structural Geology

T36 Geophysical Solutions for Characterizing and Locating Geological Sites for Carbon Dioxide Sequestration
GSA Geophysics Division
John H. McBride, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah; James A. Drahovzal, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky.; Hannes E. Leetaru, Illinois State Geological Survey, Champaign, Ill.; John Rupp, Indiana Geological Survey, Bloomington, Ind.

Papers are solicited on using geophysical and geological subsurface remote sensing for locating, characterizing, and mapping buried structures that could serve as sites for carbon dioxide sequestration as well as on the societal issues involved. ORAL

Geophysics/Tectonophysics/Seismology; Engineering Geology; Public Policy

T37 GIS, GPS, and Remote Sensing in Geologic Hazard Assessment
GSA Engineering Geology Division
William C. Haneberg, Haneberg Geoscience, Seattle, Wash.; Norman S. Levine, Charleston, S.C.

Case histories and research using geographic information system, Global Positioning System, or remote sensing (including LiDAR [light detection and ranging], InSAR [interferometric synthetic aperture radar], digital elevation models, or hyperspectral imaging) for mapping or simulating landslides, debris flows, floods, neotectonic and volcanic processes, subsidence, karst, and other hazards. ORAL and POSTER

Engineering Geology; Remote Sensing/Geographic Information System; Public Policy

T38 Rural Source Water Protection-Stakeholder Needs, Public Policy, and Hydrogeologic Realities for Small Systems
GSA Hydrogeology Division; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water
John All, Western Kentucky University Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality, Bowling Green, Ky.; Chris Groves, Hoffman Environmental Research Institute, Bowling Green, Ky.; Stephen Kenworthy, Western Kentucky University Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality, Bowling Green, Ky.

Clean drinking water is a fundamental requirement for human health. Supplies depend on hydrogeologic, economic, and cultural variables and rural systems face particular challenges. We solicit papers on source water protection strategies serving these goals. ORAL

Environmental Geoscience; Geoscience Information/Communication; Hydrogeology

T39 Current Perspectives in Environmental Biogeochemistry
GSA Hydrogeology Division; GSA Geobiology and Geomicrobiology Division
Dibyendu Sarkar, University of Texas, San Antonio, Texas; Rupali Datta, University of Texas, San Antonio, Texas

This session will promote interchange of scientific information among earth scientists interested in environmental biogeochemical issues. It will provide a forum for researchers to pre­sent recent findings that can stimulate development of future interdisciplinary research. ORAL

Environmental Geoscience; Geochemistry, Aqueous; Hydrogeology