Topical Sessions

Invited and Volunteered Papers

These sessions are topically focused with a mix of invited and volunteered papers. Sessions are designed to promote the exchange of interdisciplinary, state-of-the-art information.

Papers for topical sessions are to be submitted only in the presentation mode noted in the session description. If a topical abstract is submitted in the incorrect mode, the abstract will be transferred automatically to a discipline session.

List Filters
To help you navigate the list of 146 sessions, use the filters at right by selecting discipline categories or sponsors from the drop-down menus at right; or you can use your browser's 'find' feature to search for keywords or convener names.
Filter list according to the Discipline Categories (green type).
Filter list according to the Session Sponsors.
T1. Denver Then and Now: From Paleontology to Public Policy on the Front Range Urban Corridor
Paleontological Society; Denver Museum of Nature and Science; GSA Geology and Society Division
Ian Miller, Kirk Johnson, Robert Raynolds, Beth Ellis
This interdisciplinary session will cover such diverse subjects as water resources, Laramide tectonics, basin evolution, paleontology, and isotope geochemistry, with a focus on the geology of the metropolitan corridor along the Colorado Front Range. Oral.
Paleontology, Biogeography/Biostratigraphy; Public Policy; Tectonics
T2. Sourcing Techniques in Archaeology
GSA Archaeological Geology Division
Mostafa Fayek, Sharon K. Hull
The intent is to bring together researchers who have applied or developed geochemical techniques to source archaeological materials. Contributions on applications of trace element and isotopic geochemical techniques are strongly encouraged. Oral.
Archaeological Geology; Geochemistry; Mineralogy/Crystallography
T3. Alluvial Cycles, Climate, and Human Prehistory
GSA Archaeological Geology Division; GSA Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division
Gary Huckleberry
This session will focus on research regarding the timing of late-Holocene valley entrenchment and filling in arid and semiarid landscapes, connections to climate change and local geomorphic controls, and correlations to prehistoric settlement changes. Oral.
Archaeological Geology; Geomorphology; Hydrogeology
T4. From Geoarchaeology and Paleoanthropology to Sedimentary Geology and Geochemistry: A Memorial to Richard L. Hay
GSA Archaeological Geology Division; GSA Limnogeology Division; GSA Sedimentary Geology Division; Mineralogical Society of America
Gail M. Ashley, Marie Jackson, Enrique Merino, Thure E. Cerling
This interdisciplinary session in memory of Richard L. Hay encourages papers in geoarchaeology, limnogeology, tephra and sedimentary geochemistry, and zeolite minerals, to provide an opportunity for presentation of new research inspired by Hay's multifaceted career. Oral.
Archaeological Geology; Limnogeology; Geochemistry
T5. Materials Flow in Coal Utilization
GSA Coal Geology Division; GSA Geology and Society Division
Allan Kolker, James C. Hower, Ronald H. Affolter
This session tracks the disposition of materials from “cradle to grave” during coal utilization for electric power generation. Relevant topics include coal quality, utility emissions, fate of coal combustion products, and related environmental issues. Oral.
Coal Geology; Environmental Geoscience; Public Policy
T6. Microbial Origin of Hydrocarbon Gases in Coal Beds and Sedimentary Basins
GSA Coal Geology Division
Donald Klein, Kevin W. Mandernack, Romeo M. Flores
Recent contributions from biogeochemistry, sedimentary geology, isotope geochemistry, and molecular biology will be discussed, in relation to better understanding biogenic gas formation in subbituminous coal beds in the Powder River Basin and other sedimentary basins. Oral.
Coal Geology; Geomicrobiology; Hydrogeology
T7. The Environmental Geology and Geochemistry of Mineral Deposits: Best Practices for Effective Prediction, Mitigation, Closure, and Remediation
Society of Economic Geologists
Geoffrey S. Plumlee, William X. Chávez Jr, Mark Logsdon
This session presents expert perspectives on best practical application of geological and geochemical information throughout all phases of mineral development (exploration through closure), so that adverse environmental and health impacts can be anticipated and prevented. Oral.
Environmental Geoscience; Economic Geology; Geology and Health
T8. Role of Geology in Planning and Mitigation of Natural Hazards
GSA Engineering Geology Division; Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists (AEG); GSA Geology and Health Division; GSA Geology and Society Division
Syed E. Hasan
The session aims at gathering experts from a diverse field comprising geoscience, engineering, public policy, emergency planning and management, health, pollution control, and hazard forecasting to discuss lessons learned from major hazards and their mitigation. Oral.
Environmental Geoscience; Geology and Health; Public Policy
T9. Identifying America’s Most Vulnerable Oceanfront Communities: A Geological Perspective (Posters)
GSA Geology and Society Division
Joseph T. Kelley, Rob Young, Orrin Pilkey
Rising sea level and storms threaten shoreline development along America’s beaches. This session focuses on 12 beaches at extreme risk of destruction. Speakers address common geologic and historic risk factors and weigh future options. Posters.
Marine/Coastal Science; Public Policy; Geomorphology
T10. Afghanistan Reconstruction—USGS Activities in Afghanistan
GSA International Division
Bruce Franklin Molnia
This session summarizes the USGS effort in Afghanistan in support of the U.S. Government’s Afghanistan Reconstruction Project. Presentations will describe specific findings related to the numerous USGS assessments and capacity-building activities currently underway. Oral.
Geophysics/Tectonophysics/Seismology; Hydrogeology; Economic Geology
T11. Combined Ecological and Geologic Perspectives in Modern Terrestrial Ecosystems
GSA Geobiology and Geomicrobiology Division; Paleontological Society
JoAnn Holloway, Mark Waldrop
Combined approaches from biosciences and geosciences are increasingly applied to explore structure and function of ecosystems. This session will focus on interdisciplinary approaches to ecosystem studies on scales ranging from plot to continental. Oral.
Environmental Geoscience; Geomicrobiology; Geochemistry
T12. The Black Sea-Mediterranean Corridor: Paleoenvironmental and Geoarchaeological Context for the Past 30 k.y.
GSA Archaeological Geology Division; GSA Sedimentary Geology Division; GSA Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division; GSA International Division; Avalon Institute of Applied Science
Valentina Yanko-Hombach, Ilya Buynevich, Olena V. Smyntyna
The session presents a cross-disciplinary examination of paleoenvironmental cataclysms in the Black Sea-Mediterranean Corridor over the past 30 k.y. and their influence on landscape dynamics and human adaptive strategies in semi-isolated basins. Oral.
Environmental Geoscience; Quaternary Geology; Archaeological Geology
T13. Sources, Transport, Fate, and Toxicology of Trace Elements in the Environment
International Association for GeoChemistry
LeeAnn Munk, David Long, Berry Lyons
Papers are encouraged on the study of trace elements in the environment related to sources, transport, controls on mobility, the nature and toxicological consequences of transfer through the food chain, and accumulation of toxic elements. Oral.
Geochemistry; Environmental Geoscience; Geomicrobiology
T14. Innovative Approaches to Uranium Mining and Groundwater Restoration
GSA Hydrogeology Division; GSA Geology and Society Division
Patricia Beth Moran, James F. Ranville
Uranium mining activities are expanding to accommodate demand. This session will highlight recent scientific, economic and regulatory developments relevant to uranium mining and site restoration. Oral.
Geochemistry; Environmental Geoscience; Public Policy
T15. Perspectives in Redox Geochemistry and Microbial Processes
Annette Summers Engel, Jennifer A. Roberts
Redox gradients define fundamental life processes. We welcome contributions that relate modern or ancient redox cycling and indicators to microbial processes, mineral stability, metal speciation, and contaminant mobility/immobility utilizing genomic, spectroscopic, and geochemical/bioenergetic modeling techniques. Oral.
Geochemistry; Geomicrobiology; Hydrogeology
T16. Geological, Geophysical, Geochemical, and Environmental Studies in Big Bend National Park and the Trans-Pecos Region, Texas
GSA Geophysics Division; International Association for GeoChemistry; National Park Service
, 303-236-2446, rpage@usgs.gov
This session emphasizes synthesis studies of Big Bend National Park and the Trans-Pecos region, Texas. Welcome are studies of geology, geochronology, geophysics, volcanology, petrology, paleontology, lithologic and environmental geochemistry of the region. Oral.
Geochemistry; Petrology, Igneous
T17. Management and Restoration of Fluvial Systems with Broad Historical Changes and Human Impacts
GSA Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division; GSA Geology and Society Division
L. Allan James, Sara L. Rathburn, G. Richard Whittecar
This session addresses river changes over intermediate time scales involving agricultural clearance, urbanization, or engineering works and practical implications to river management and restoration. Emphasis is on recognizing, understanding, and mitigating anthropogenic hydrogeomorphic changes. Oral.
Geomorphology; Engineering Geology; Environmental Geoscience
T18. Hydrogeomorphic Responses of Convulsive Events
GSA Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division; GSA Engineering Geology Division; GSA Sedimentary Geology Division
J.J. Major, Christopher S. Magirl
Earthquakes, landslides, large storms, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, wildfires and other “convulsive” events can provoke significant hydrogeomorphic responses. This session seeks theoretical, empirical, and field contributions that examine all scales of hydrogeomorphic responses to such events. Oral.
Geomorphology; Engineering Geology; Sediments, Clastic
T19. Geomorphology and Ecology: Interactions and Feedbacks
GSA Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division
Martha Cary Eppes
Exploration of a rapidly expanding interdisciplinary field of study which examines the complex relationships between process geomorphology, ecology and biology. Oral.
Geomorphology; Environmental Geoscience
T20. Landform Scale Regolith Degradation, Transportation, and Deposition on Annual to Millennial Time Scales
Jaakko Putkonen
Landform scale soil erosion, transportation, and deposition affect most geomorphological analyses but are currently relatively poorly known. Presentations on regolith degradation on scales of 0.001 to ~100 k.y. and meters to landform size are welcomed. Oral.
Geomorphology; Quaternary Geology; Environmental Geoscience
T21. Episodic Landscape Change
GSA Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division
Ellen E. Wohl, John Pitlick
Episodic landscape change is longer periods of relative stability punctuated by shorter periods of change. This session explores how episodic landscape change scales in relation to such variables as tectonic regime, hydroclimatology, and drainage area. Oral.
Geomorphology; Quaternary Geology; Environmental Geoscience
T22. Evidence of Climatic and Tectonic Change Recorded in Alluvial Fans
GSA Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division
Jennifer L. Pierce, Tammy Rittenour
Alluvial fans are sensitive recorders of climatic and tectonic change. This session encourages research that uses alluvial fans to understand and quantify roles of climate and tectonics in controlling rates and processes of landscape evolution. Oral.
Geomorphology; Quaternary Geology; Neotectonics/Paleoseismology
T23. Using Geochronology to Build Better Records and Solve Geomorphic and Paleoclimate Questions—Recent Advances and Findings
GSA Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division
Joel Pederson, Tammy Rittenour
Recent advances in geochronology provide better age control and tools for answering geomorphic and paleoclimate questions. This broad session provides a forum for reporting new applications and recent studies using geochronology as a primary tool. Oral.
Geomorphology; Quaternary Geology; Neotectonics/Paleoseismology
T24. New Developments in Glaciation
GSA Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division
John Ford Shroder, Luke Copland
Changes in present-day glacierization and comparison with past glaciation in light of the dramatic climatic variation that have been observed in recent decades. Oral.
Geomorphology; Remote Sensing/Geographic Info System; Hydrogeology
T25. Deformation and the Landscape: Quantitative Approaches to Tectonic Geomorphology
Cameron Wobus, Kelin X. Whipple, Eric Kirby, Benjamin T. Crosby
This session will showcase research that quantitatively recreates the pattern and history of tectonic deformation through studies of landscape form. We welcome empirical, theoretical, numerical, experimental, or field-based approaches describing landscape response to tectonic forcing. Oral.
Geomorphology; Tectonics; Neotectonics/Paleoseismology
T26. Field-Based Quantitative Studies of Chemical and Physical Weathering
GSA Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division
Jason R. Price, Todd Grote
This session will focus on innovative approaches to quantifying chemical and physical weathering at profile- through global-scales. Methods may include, but are not limited to, use of trace elements, isotopes, and cosmogenic nuclides. Oral.
Geomorphology; Quaternary Geology; Geochemistry
T27. Inverse Methods in Practice: Perspectives and Future Directions
GSA Hydrogeology Division
Michael Fienen, Randall J. Hunt, Chris Muffels
This session seeks practical examples of new and existing inverse methods, parameter estimation, and uncertainty quantification for hydrogeologic problems from broad perspectives including practitioners, researchers, and clients. Examples from practice and research are encouraged. Oral.
Hydrogeology; Engineering Geology; Environmental Geoscience
T28. Geologic Controls on Chemical Migration in Fractured and Carbonate Aquifers
Allen M. Shapiro, E. Calvin Alexander
The session will bring together hydrologists, geochemists, geologists, and geophysicists who are investigating fractured and carbonate aquifers to determine the geologic features affecting the fate of chemical constituents over physical dimensions from meters to kilometers. Oral.
Hydrogeology; Environmental Geoscience
T29. Arsenic: From Nature to Human
GSA Geology and Society Division; Geochemical Society; International Society of Groundwater for Sustainable Development
Prosun Bhattacharya, Abhijit Mukherjee, Jochen Bundschuh, Alan H. Welch
Arsenic of geogenic origin contaminates drinking water resources, soils and plants and that calls for global approaches through exchange of information and experiences among different regions of the world. Oral.
Hydrogeology; Environmental Geoscience; Geology and Health
T30. Ecohydrology of Riparian Zones
GSA Hydrogeology Division
Steven P. Loheide, Donald Whittemore
This session seeks to bring together scientists studying the ecohydrologic function of riparian areas. Presentations including field data, modeling, innovative measurement techniques, remote sensing, quantification of ecosystem services, and/or evaluation of restoration initiatives are encouraged. Oral.
Hydrogeology; Environmental Geoscience
T31. Innovations and New Technologies for Measuring and Characterizing Groundwater–Surface Water Interaction
GSA Hydrogeology Division
Jeffrey M. McKenzie, Laura K. Lautz
Assessment of surface water–groundwater interaction has traditionally been limited temporally or spatially. We encourage presentations on applications of new methods to quantify the flux and processes of this exchange including field, laboratory, and modeling techniques. Oral.
Hydrogeology; Environmental Geoscience
T32. Numerical Modeling of Hydrothermal Fluids
GSA Hydrogeology Division
Martin S. Appold, Peter Nabelek, Steven Ingebritsen
This session aims to highlight recent technical advances and case studies in numerical modeling of the physical and chemical behavior of hydrothermal fluids. Presentations may include new theoretical methods or applications to diverse hydrogeologic processes. Oral.
Hydrogeology; Geochemistry; Economic Geology
T33. Innovative Uses of Environmental Isotopes in Hydrology
GSA Hydrogeology Division
John Karl Bohlke, Shaun Frape
This session provides a forum for describing new types of measurements, theories, and applications of isotopes for solving problems in hydrogeology and contaminant transport. Oral.
Hydrogeology; Geochemistry; Environmental Geoscience
T34. Regional Groundwater Flow: In Honor of Jozsef Toth
GSA Hydrogeology Division; National Ground Water Association
Ben J. Rostron, Franklin W. Schwartz
On the 45th anniversary of the publication of “A theory of groundwater motion in small drainage basins in Central Alberta” this session will be to honor of Jozsef Toth’s contribution to hydrogeology. Oral.
Hydrogeology; Geochemistry; Environmental Geoscience
T35. Solute Plume Conceptual Models: Processes, Prediction, and Paradigms
GSA Hydrogeology Division
Lawrence D. Lemke, Gary S. Weissmann
This session will examine case studies illustrating the limitations of classical transport theory and explore innovative approaches to incorporating nonlinear transport processes or developing alternatives to the classical Gaussian plume paradigm. Oral.
Hydrogeology; Geochemistry; Environmental Geoscience
T38. Springs and Spring Deposits
GSA Hydrogeology Division; GSA Sedimentary Geology Division; GSA Geobiology and Geomicrobiology Division
Laura J. Crossey
Springs and their chemical deposits are archives for understanding exchanges between Earth’s interior and surface environments at many of scales. This session brings together diverse perspectives from geochemists, hydrologists, sedimentologists, structural geology/geophysicists, biologists and paleoclimatologists Oral.
Hydrogeology; Geochemistry; Geomicrobiology
T39. Hydrogeology of Mountainous Terrains
GSA Hydrogeology Division
Shemin Ge, Andrew Manning
This session provides a forum for sharing research results, progress, and ideas related to hydrogeologic processes in mountainous settings. Topics include, but are not limited to, field observations, experiments, and theoretical or numerical modeling studies. Oral.
Hydrogeology; Geochemistry; Structural Geology
T40. The Role of Sediments in Hydrology and Hydrogeology: Streams, Springs, Karst Systems, and Hyporheic Zones (Posters)
GSA Hydrogeology Division; GSA Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division
Eric W. Peterson, Toby Dogwiler
An interdisciplinary session designed to examine the role of sediment in stream morphology (karst and non karst system), stream hydraulics, and hyporheic processes. Posters.
Hydrogeology; Geomorphology; Quaternary Geology
T41. High-Resolution Geophysical Methods for Hydrogeologic Site Characterization
GSA Geophysics Division; National Ground Water Association
John R. Jansen
This session will present an overview of the state of practice of high resolution surface and borehole geophysical methods and their application to a variety of groundwater investigations. Oral.
Hydrogeology; Geophysics/Tectonophysics/Seismology; Economic Geology
T42. Remote Sensing and Geophysical Approaches for Regional Aquifer Characterization and Monitoring
GSA Hydrogeology Division
Thomas J. Burbey, Fred Day-Lewis
Remote-sensing and geophysical methods enable increasingly high-resolution aquifer characterization and monitoring. This session will focus on (1) advances in instrumentation; (2) regional-scale applications, especially InSAR, PsInSAR, and LIDAR Oral.
Hydrogeology; Geophysics/Tectonophysics/Seismology; Remote Sensing/Geographic Info System
T43. Hydrogeological Research, Capacity Building, and Teaching in the Developing World
David K. Kreamer, Jonathan Levy
Hydrogeological research and educational experiences in economically-developing countries. Research emphasis on enhancing safe, sustainable drinking-water supplies. Educational emphasis on bringing students, faculty, and professionals together in the developing-world to advance understanding of water resource issues. Oral.
Hydrogeology; Geoscience Education
T44. 50 Years of Hydrogeology in the Desert: A Tribute to Mahdi Hantush and His Legacy
GSA Hydrogeology Division
M. Bayani Cardenas, David Boutt
We celebrate Mahdi Hantush’s contributions and commemorate the 50th anniversary of the program he chaired in New Mexico. Presentations on aquifer hydraulics, a field pioneered by Hantush, as well as semi-arid zone hydrogeology are welcome. Oral.
Hydrogeology; History of Geology; Environmental Geoscience
T45. Advances in Understanding and Detection of Groundwater–Stream Water Interactions across Temporal and Spatial Scales
Michael N. Gooseff, Brian L. McGlynn
This session seeks to bring together scientists working to understand spatial and temporal scaling of controls on groundwater-surface water interactions to discuss advances in field and modeling techniques, and implications of new findings. Oral.
Hydrogeology; Limnogeology; Environmental Geoscience
T46. Climate Change Hydrology
GSA Hydrogeology Division; GSA Limnogeology Division
Mark Person, Emi Ito
This session seeks to bring together hydrologists and limnologists to shed new light on the hydrologic response of streams, lakes, and aquifer systems in response to past/future climate change using field and modeling based studies. Oral.
Hydrogeology; Limnogeology; Geomorphology
T47. Conjunctive Use of Surface and Groundwater: The Role of Scientists in Informing Policy Makers, Developing Management Approaches, and Implementing Mitigation Measures
GSA Hydrogeology Division; National Ground Water Association; GSA Geology and Society Division
Vicki J. Kretsinger Grabert, John D. Bredehoeft
Managed conjunctive use of surface and groundwater is key to addressing supply imbalances and shortages. Scientists need to inform policy makers so science-based policies allow for managed groundwater development and use while mitigating pumping impacts. Oral.
Hydrogeology; Public Policy; Environmental Geoscience
T48. Informing Public Policy and Resource Management with Groundwater Models
GSA Hydrogeology Division; GSA Geology and Society Division
Donald Sweetkind, Mary C. Hill, Keith J. Halford, Wayne R. Belcher
This session seeks to bring together scientists and members of the political, resource management, and legal arenas to discuss regional groundwater models and their current and potential utility in addressing societal problems. Oral.
Hydrogeology; Public Policy; Geoscience Information/Communication
T49. Groundwater Mining and Population Growth
GSA Geology and Society Division
John Moore, Philip LaMoreaux
This session seeks to bring together hydrologists, engineers, water lawyers, legislators, regulators, state and federal agencies, and developers to discuss future developments and what action should be taken toward sustainable groundwater development. Oral.
Hydrogeology
T50. Arid Zone Hydrogeology: In Honor of Ronit Nativ
GSA Hydrogeology Division
Fred M. Phillips, Warren W. Wood, Douglas K. Solomon
Arid and semi-arid zone hydrogeology covering physical, biologic, and chemical aspects of this challenging environment in honor of Ronit Nativ. All individuals working in this area are encouraged to submit a paper for this session. Oral.
Hydrogeology
T51. The Spatial and Temporal Variability of Groundwater Recharge
GSA Hydrogeology Division
Weston R. Dripps, Kenneth Bradbury
This session seeks papers that develop and/or apply field and/or modeling techniques for quantifying the spatial and temporal variability and distribution of groundwater recharge. Oral.
Hydrogeology
T52. Inland Waters, Playas and Saline Lakes: More than Mini-Oceans
GSA Limnogeology Division
Kathleen Nicoll, Michael Rosen
What are the frontiers in assessing lacustrine archives of terrestrial environmental and hydroclimatological change? This session welcomes papers addressing diverse aspects of ancient-modern deposits, including mineralogy, stratigraphical architectural elements, geochronology, and preservation of fossil records. Oral.
Limnogeology
T53. Evidence for Paleoenvironmental Change during the Paleogene from the Interior Basins of Western North America
Paleontological Society
Cynthia A. Stiles, Alan R. Carroll, Michael E. Smith
A multidisciplinary forum for presenting evidence of paleoclimatic and/or depositional environment changes in the North American continental interior from geochronologically correlated early Cenozoic records, including paleolakes, paleobotanic and paleonotologic evidence, paleosols, and basin stratigraphy. Oral.
Paleoclimatology/Paleoceanography; Limnogeology; Sediments, Clastic
T54. Late Paleozoic Glacial-interglacial Climate Changes: Analogs for Present and Future Climate Changes
GSA Sedimentary Geology Division
Mike Pope, Gerilyn Soreghan, Isabel Montanez
This will be a multi-disciplinary theme session for sharing and integration of Late Paleozoic climate change information to determine what these data may signify about potential climatic fluctuations now and in the future. Oral.
Paleoclimatology/Paleoceanography; Sediments, Carbonates; Stratigraphy
T55. Landscape Evolution and Land Use Practices in Western Colorado
Colorado Geological Survey; Mesa State College
Andres Aslan, Matthew Morgan
The session will provide an overview of landscape evolution in western Colorado and demonstrate how an understanding of the surficial geology in the region is critical for evaluating geologic hazards and designing land-use practices. Oral.
Quaternary Geology; Engineering Geology; Geomorphology
T56. Recent Advances in Numerical Dating Techniques in Arid and Semiarid Environments
GSA Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division
Lewis A. Owen
Multiple new dating techniques applied and compared with each other in dryland environments offer new insights to landscape evolution and important paleoenvironmental changes that are essential to understand in these times of global change. Oral.
Quaternary Geology; Geochemistry; Geomorphology
T57. Geology of Groundwater-Discharge Deposits in Arid Lands
GSA Archaeological Geology Division
Jeffrey Pigati, Jason Rech
This session focuses on the geology of groundwater-discharge, or “spring,” deposits in arid lands and their potential use for reconstructing past climatic, hydrologic, and environmental conditions. Oral.
Quaternary Geology; Paleoclimatology/Paleoceanography; Archaeological Geology
T58. Long Records of Paleoclimate in the Southern Deserts of North America
GSA Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division; GSA Limnogeology Division
Marith Reheis, D.M. Miller, Charles G. Oviatt
Interdisciplinary approaches to long glacial-interglacial records of climate change in the southern deserts of the U.S. and Mexico, including lacustrine, eolian, cave, wetland and marine systems, and middens. Oral.
Quaternary Geology; Paleoclimatology/Paleoceanography; Limnogeology
T59. Explorations in Sedimentary Geology: Student Research (Posters)
GSA Sedimentary Geology Division
Daniel Larsen
This session will feature undergraduate and graduate student research from rising stars in sedimentary geology. Awards will be given for the best research papers. Posters.
Sediments, Carbonates; Sediments, Clastic; Stratigraphy
T60. Esker Systems: Processes, Deposits, and Models for Aquifer Development
GSA Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division; GSA Sedimentary Geology Division
Don Cummings, Hazen A. J. Russell
Eskers function as aquifers in glaciated terrains. Sedimentary models used to predict their hydrogeological character are poorly developed. To address this, we encourage contributions from a range of fields, including glacial hydrology, sedimentology/stratigraphy and hydrogeology. Oral.
Sediments, Clastic; Geomorphology; Marine/Coastal Science
T61. Submarine Landslides: The Importance of Mass Movement to the Development of Continental Slopes (Posters)
Mason Dykstra
This session aims to investigate the distribution, timing, internal and external architecture, and broader impacts that mass-movements have on the development of continental margins in the modern and the ancient. Posters.
Sediments, Clastic; Marine/Coastal Science; Quaternary Geology
T62. Teaching Sedimentary Geology in the Twenty-First Century
GSA Sedimentary Geology Division; National Association of Geoscience Teachers; GSA Geoscience Education Division
Heather Macdonald, Thomas Hickson
We encourage abstracts that showcase effective methods of teaching sedimentary geology in the classroom, laboratory, and field. This session will also present outcomes from the 2006 workshop "Teaching Sedimentary Geology in the Twenty-First Century." Oral.
Sediments, Clastic; Stratigraphy; Geoscience Education
T63. Gas Shales of North America
GSA Sedimentary Geology Division; GSA Structural Geology and Tectonics Division
Ibrahim Çemen, James Puckette, Darwin Boardman
Several research groups have been studying different geological, geophysical, and economic aspects of North American gas-shale units. This session will provide a forum for formal discussion of geological problems related to gas-shales. Oral.
Sediments, Clastic; Structural Geology; Stratigraphy
T64. The Sedimentary Tape Recorder: Characterizing and Quantifying the Dynamics of Geomorphic-Sedimentologic Coupled Systems
Estelle Mortimer, Douglas Paton, Bruce Trudgill
This session aims to bring together diverse, multidisciplinary studies utilizing the clastic sedimentary record to characterize and quantify the dynamics of geomorphic-sedimentologic coupled systems in response to spatio-temporal variations in climate and surface deformation Oral.
Sediments, Clastic; Tectonics; Geomorphology
T65. Metallogeny and Isotope Geochemistry—New Approaches, New Perceptions, New Paradigms
Society of Economic Geologists
Holly Stein, Judith L. Hannah, Aaron Zimmerman
Recent analytical advances have made it possible to measure isotopic variations in an array of elements, providing new perspectives on ore genesis and metallogeny, and challenging us to think in new ways about long-standing problems. Oral.
Economic Geology; Geochemistry
T66. Geology, Energy, and Mineral Resource Science on the Public Lands (Posters)
Bureau of Land Management; U.S. Geological Survey; National Park Service; U.S. Forest Service; GSA Geology and Society Division
Steven Barrell, Brent Lewis
Where will new technology advances take us in exploring and developing geology, energy and mineral resources on the public lands of the United States? Posters.
Economic Geology; Geophysics/Tectonophysics/Seismology; Geoscience Information/Communication
T67. Understanding Mineral Resources: Educating the Public for Sustainable Mineral Resource Development
Society of Economic Geologists; National Association of Geoscience Teachers; GSA Geology and Society Division
Judith L. Hannah
How is minerals development portrayed in public education and the media? Explore ways for professional geologists and educators to work together to define realistic options for sustainable and environmentally sound mining in today’s global economy. Oral.
Economic Geology; Geoscience Education; Public Policy
T68. Magmatic Nickel Sulfide Deposits: Geology, Geochemistry, and Genesis
Society of Economic Geologists
Stephen J. Barnes
Descriptions of new developments in the understanding of the geology, geochemistry, mineralogy and genesis of world-class magmatic nickel ore deposits. This will include ores in The Yilgarn Craton, Voisey's Bay, Sudbury, and Noril'sk-Talnakh. Oral.
Economic Geology; Petrology, Igneous; Geochemistry
T69. Spectroscopic Mineral Mapping to Characterize Alteration Assemblages, Zonation, and Lithologic Variations in Sedimentary and Metamorphic Rocks: Applications to Ore Deposit Research
U.S. Geological Survey; Society of Economic Geology
Barnaby W. Rockwell
This session will focus on recent research and industry investigations into the application of laboratory and remote-sensing based spectral analysis to the study of ore deposits hosted by sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. Oral.
Economic Geology; Remote Sensing/Geographic Info System; Environmental Geoscience
T70. Au-Ag-Te Se Deposits and Other Precious Metal Deposits
Society of Economic Geologists; International Geological Correlations Program (IGCP486)
Cristiana L. Ciobanu, Nigel J. Cook, Paul G. Spry
This session will involve papers dealing with the geology, mineralogy and/or geochemistry of precious metal telluride and/or selenide deposits, which are among the largest sources of gold and silver in the world. Oral.
Economic Geology
T71. Modern and Ancient Fire Systems: Implications for Geomorphology, Sedimentology, Coal Geology and Paleontology
GSA Engineering Geology Division; GSA Coal Geology Division; Paleontological Society
Andrew C. Scott, Susan Cannon, Ian J. Glasspool
Widespread occurrence of charcoal contributes to our understanding of ancient fire systems and also impacts on coal quality. This session highlights current understanding of modern and ancient fire systems and its relevance to earth science. Oral.
Engineering Geology; Coal Geology; Paleontology, Paleoecology/Taphonomy
T72. Debris Flow Prediction: Probability, Magnitude, Travel Distance and Impact
GSA Engineering Geology Division
Susan Cannon, Paul Santi
Recent research has provided numerous models for prediction of debris-flow behavior for use in hazard assessments. The session will focus on modeling of debris flows and the application and refinement of these models. Oral.
Engineering Geology; Geomorphology
T73. New Developments in Mass-Movement Research
GSA Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division
John Ford Shroder
Mass-movement denudation processes provide one of the chief mobilizers of the sediment cascade, as well as being a major natural hazard in need of greater exposition. Oral.
Geomorphology; Engineering Geology; Quaternary Geology
T74. Slope Stability of Sedimentary Strata Subject to Differential Weathering
GSA Engineering Geology Division
Abdul Shakoor, Paul M. Santi
Stratigraphy consisting of alternating hard and soft layers is highly susceptible to differential weathering and undercutting. This session will focus on investigation, design, analysis, and remediation of slope stability problems in such sedimentary sequences. Oral.
Engineering Geology
T75. Tsunamis: Monitoring, Notification, Geology, Modeling, Education and Outreach; The State of the Art (Posters)
GSA Geophysics Division; GSA Geology and Society Division
Walter D. Mooney, Laura Kong, Annabel Kelly
This session is open to all contributions concerning tsunami warnings, modeling, field research and public education. Experience gained in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, the Caribbean, and elsewhere is welcomed. Posters.
Geophysics/Tectonophysics/Seismology; Geoscience Education; Public Policy
T76. Three-Dimensional Geological Mapping for Engineering and Environmental Geology Applications
GSA Engineering Geology Division; Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists (AEG); GSA Geology and Society Division
A. Keith Turner, Carl W. Gable, Harvey Thorleifson
This session emphasizes applications of 3D geological mapping and modeling to site investigations and projects; including innovations in model creation, interfaces with design tools and process model applications, visualization, and data sharing and dissemination. Oral.
Engineering Geology; Geoscience Information/Communication
T77. Forensic and Engineering Geology Case Studies: A Tribute to James E. Slosson
GSA Engineering Geology Division; GSA Geology and Society Division
J. David Rogers, David M. Abbott
In order to learn by experience, this session solicits case studies across the spectrum of environmental and engineering geology topics. This session is to honor Jim Slosson's contributions to forensic geoscience. Oral.
Engineering Geology; Public Policy
T78. Geology and Public Policy: A Tribute to James E. Slosson
GSA Engineering Geology Division; GSA Geology and Society Division
Jeffrey R. Keaton, Susan D. Halsey, Christopher Mathewson
This session honors Jim Slosson's contributions to public service, covering the challenges of government-supported geoscience, building code development and enforcement, standards of practice, licensure, client advocacy versus practice in the public interest, and professional ethics. Oral.
Engineering Geology; Public Policy
T79. Landslide Processes, Case Studies and Issues: A Tribute to James E. Slosson
GSA Engineering Geology Division; GSA Geology and Society Division
Jerome DeGraff, Susan Cannon, Jerry Higgins
Case studies of landslides: processes, histories, physical description, hydrogeologic effects, mitigation, and techniques for hazard recognition are welcome in this session to honor Jim Slosson's work on slope movement. Oral.
Engineering Geology; Quaternary Geology; Geomorphology
T80. Active Faulting, Neotectonics, Paleoseismology: A Tribute to James E. Slosson
GSA Engineering Geology Division; GSA Structural Geology and Tectonics Division
Wanda Taylor, Keith Sverdrup, Vincent S. Cronin
This session to honor Jim Slosson's work on seismic safety will concentrate on studies concerning the recognition or description of faults active in the Neogene, or characterization and mitigation of seismic hazards. Oral.
Engineering Geology; Structural Geology; Neotectonics/Paleoseismology
T81. Diversity in Crustal Fluid Compositions: Geological Origins and Consequences
Society of Economic Geologists; U.S. Geological Survey
Brian Rusk, Murray Allan
What’re the compositions of aqueous crustal fluids and the importance of fluid chemistry in: ore formation, hydrocarbon migration, metamorphism, metasomatism, seafloor alteration, atmosphere and ocean chemistry, subduction processes, energy and mass transfer in geothermal systems? Oral.
Geochemistry; Economic Geology; Mineralogy/Crystallography
T82. The Structure, Composition and Evolution of the Lithosphere of Western North America
GSA Geophysics Division; GSA Structure and Tectonics Division
Walter D. Mooney, Catherine M. Snelson, Eugene Humphreys, Richard C. Aster
The session focuses on insights into the processes that have formed and modified the entire lithospheric column of Western North America. Results from seismic imaging, non-seismic geophysics, structural geology and geochemistry are welcome. Oral.
Geophysics/Tectonophysics/Seismology; Geochemistry; Structural Geology
T83. Relationship of the Siberian Traps Eruptions to the Mass Extinction(s) at the Close of the Permian: Do We Know Enough to Ascertain Whether a Cause and Effect Relationship Exists?
Maureen Steiner
This session will consider whether the geological and geophysical evidence is sufficient to conclude cause and effect between Siberian large igneous province eruptions and mass extinction at the end of the Permian. Oral.
Geophysics/Tectonophysics/Seismology; Paleontology, Diversity, Extinction, Origination; Volcanology
T84. Active and Ancient Tectonics along the Northern Cordillera Margin—Magmatism, Deformation, Metamorphism, and Basin Development (Posters)
GSA Structural Geology and Tectonics Division; GSA Geophysics Division; GSA Sedimentary Geology Division
Brian Hampton, Jeffrey M. Trop, Kenneth D. Ridgway
Resolving the tectonic processes and evolution of the northern Cordillera requires integration of geological and geophysical data through time and space. We encourage studies using geochronology, geodesy, geophysics, numerical modeling, petrology, stratigraphy, and structural geology. Posters.
Geophysics/Tectonophysics/Seismology; Stratigraphy; Tectonics
T85. Combining Geophysics and Geology to Solve Geoscience Problems
GSA Geophysics Division; GSA Structural Geology and Tectonics Division; GSA Geology and Society Division
Scott Giorgis, Eric Horsman, Sarah Titus
Simultaneous application of geophysics and geology to geoscience problems often generates critical insights. Geophysics provides data unavailable from geological analysis. Geology provides constraints for processing and interpreting geophysical data. This session highlights that synergistic relationship. Oral.
Geophysics/Tectonophysics/Seismology; Structural Geology; Tectonics
T86. New Perspectives on the Rio Grande Rift: From Tectonics to Groundwater
GSA Structural Geology and Tectonics Division; GSA Geophysics Division; GSA Hydrogeology Division
Mark R. Hudson, V.J.S. Grauch
Abundant new geologic and geophysical studies of the Rio Grande rift provide insights into synchronous Neogene faulting, sedimentation, and volcanism and their hydrogeologic controls on critical groundwater aquifers within multiple rift basins. Oral.
Geophysics/Tectonophysics/Seismology; Tectonics; Hydrogeology
T87. A Retrospective and Prospective Look at Mineralogy, Petrology, and Geochemistry: A Session in Honor of Gordon E. Brown, Jr.
Mineralogical Society of America; Geochemical Society
Michael F. Hochella, Jerry Gibbs
Talks will focus on where the MPG fields were 50 years ago, and where they are projected to be 50 years from now. How will they impact science, society, and the world of the future? Oral.
Mineralogy/Crystallography; Geochemistry; Petrology, Igneous
T88. Geochemistry of Magmatic and Metamorphic Processes: In Honor of the Contributions of Joseph L. Wooden
James Wright, Drew Coleman, Andrew P. Barth
In this session we seek to bring together geologists to describe the latest technical and scientific advances in geochemistry that are leading to greater insights into rock forming processes and their implications for geodynamics. Oral.
Petrology, Igneous; Petrology, Metamorphic; Tectonics
T89. Geophysics of the Terrestrial Planets: The G.K. Gilbert Award Session
GSA Planetary Geology Division
R. Aileen Yingst, Sean Solomon
This session, dedicated to planetary geophysics, honors Maria Zuber, the winner of the Planetary Geology Division’s G.K. Gilbert Award for Outstanding Achievement. The recipient will give a keynote talk. Oral.
Planetary Geology; Geophysics/Tectonophysics/Seismology
T90. Geology of the Northern Plains of Mars: New Tectonic, Petrologic, and Geomorphic Perspectives
GSA Planetary Geology Division
Joseph Michalski, Michael Wyatt
The northern plains of Mars contain an enigmatic suite of volcanic, tectonic, periglacial, sedimentary, and impact-related features. This session will explore new interpretations from recent spacecraft data and the implications for the evolution of Mars. Oral.
Planetary Geology; Geomorphology; Tectonics
T91. Wet Mars: Understanding The Red Planet's Aqueous History through Terrestrial Fieldwork
GSA Planetary Geology Division
Brian M. Hynek, Jennifer L. Heldmann
We encourage results from terrestrial fieldwork that relate to understanding present or past water on Mars. This includes but is not limited to: (1) gully or delta formation, (2) low or high temperature acid-sulfate weathering. Oral.
Planetary Geology; Remote Sensing/Geographic Info System
T92. Up Close and Personal: Geology on Mars and Earth at the Handlens Scale
GSA Planetary Geology Division; GSA Sedimentary Geology Division
R. Aileen Yingst, Juergen Schieber
Textural observations of martian rocks at the handlens-scale offer many opportunities to explore processes that formed and affected the martian crust. This session investigates handlens-scale textures on Earth and Mars diagnostic of origin and history. Oral.
Planetary Geology; Sediments, Clastic
T93. The First Year of Observations by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter
GSA Planetary Geology Division
Laszlo Keszthelyi, Roger Phillips
New results from the first year of Mars mapping by the HiRISE and CTX cameras, CRISM spectrometer, and SHARAD radar system onboard the MRO spacecraft will be presented. Oral.
Planetary Geology
T94. Advanced Remote Sensing of the Earth, Moon, and Mars
GSA Planetary Geology Division
William H. Farrand, John C. Mars
Advanced remote sensing instruments are in use on terrestrial airborne and orbital platforms and on missions in orbit or planned for the Moon and Mars. Results from these advanced remote sensing instruments will be discussed. Oral.
Remote Sensing/Geographic Info System; Planetary Geology; Geoinformatics
T95. Techniques for Studying the Development of Fields of Small Basaltic Vents on Earth and Mars
GSA Planetary Geology Division
Jacob E. Bleacher, Scott Hughes
A discussion of techniques used to characterize fields of small basaltic vents on Earth and Mars to provide a broader basis for interpreting the processes responsible for the development of these volcanic features. Oral.
Volcanology; Planetary Geology; Geomorphology
T96. Ionizing Radiation Sources and Their Impact on Life
Paleontological Society; Society for Sedimentary Geology (SEPM)
Stephen A. Leslie, Bruce Lieberman, P. Andrew Karam, Adrian Melott
This session will explore the impact of astrophysical ionizing radiation events on life through geologic time, their impact today, and how ancient ionizing radiation events may be identified. Oral.
Paleontology, Diversity, Extinction, Origination; Environmental Geoscience; Geochemistry
T97. Trace Fossils, Mass Extinctions, and Event Boundaries: Endobenthic and Fossorial Responses to Terrestrial and Extraterrestrial Perturbations
Paleontological Society; GSA Geobiology and Geomicrobiology Division; GSA Sedimentary Geology Division; Society for Sedimentary Geolgy (SEPM)
Stephen T. Hasiotis, Jared R. Morrow
This session highlights recent advances in ichnology demonstrating that trace fossils and infaunal paleocommunities contain a valuable, detailed record of mass extinction selectivity and survivorship, extinction mechanisms, and environmental responses during crisis and event intervals. Oral.
Paleontology, Diversity, Extinction, Origination; Paleontology, Paleoecology/Taphonomy; Paleontology, Biogeography/Biostratigraphy
T98. Selectivity of Ancient and Modern Extinctions: Bridging the Gap Between Neontological Prediction and Paleontological Observation
Paleontological Society
Jonathan Payne, Seth Finnegan
This session is intended to explore ecological, physiological, environmental, and geographic selectivity of extinction in the fossil record and of extinction risk in the modern biota. Oral.
Paleontology, Diversity, Extinction, Origination; Paleontology, Paleoecology/Taphonomy
T99. Environmental Change and Evolution: Micropaleontological Case Studies
Cushman Foundation for Foraminiferal Research
R. Mark Leckie, B. Huber
Global change has been invoked as a major driver of microfossil evolution. This session will address issues of ancient ocean-climate change, paleoenvironmental reconstruction, and the evolutionary response to environmental forcing at various time scales. Oral.
Paleontology, Diversity, Extinction, Origination; Paleontology, Phylogenetic/Morphological Patterns; Paleoclimatology/Paleoceanography
T100. Whole-Organism Paleoecology and the Relationship of Form, Function, and Ecological Interactions: In Memory of Richard Alexander
Paleontological Society
Lindsey Leighton, Gregory Dietl, Patricia H. Kelley
Session addresses the relationship between form, function, and ecological interactions of fossil and Recent organisms, in memory of Richard Alexander, whose work combined functional morphology with study of the role of ecological interactions in evolution. Oral.
Paleontology, Paleoecology/Taphonomy; Paleontology, Phylogenetic/Morphological Patterns; Paleontology, Diversity, Extinction, Origination
T101. Emerging New Methods in Early Earth Studies: Unraveling the Co-Evolution of Earth and Life
GSA Geobiology and Geomicrobiology Division; Paleontological Society
Dorothy Oehler, Carrine E. Blank, Jack Farmer
This session focuses on new concepts and methodologies in the analysis of Precambrian microfossils, stromatolites, geochemical biosignatures/biomarkers, molecular phylogenetics, and interrelationships between geological processes and biochemistry to better understand how early Earth and life co-evolved. Oral.
Precambrian Geology; Geochemistry; Paleontology, Phylogenetic/Morphological Patterns
T102. The Solar Stew: The Search for Ingredients of Life and Biomarkers in our Solar System: Past or Present
GSA Geobiology and Geomicrobiology Division; GSA Planetary Geology Division; Paleontological Society
Penny A. Morris, Steve Grasby
Life is ephemeral and its detection in ancient and extreme environments or from extraterrestrial sources has and will continue to be difficult. We encourage papers dealing with any aspect of this subject. Oral.
Geomicrobiology; Planetary Geology; Paleontology, Diversity, Extinction, Origination
T103. Pulse of the Earth: Geochronology and Paleomagnetism of Large Igneous Provinces, the Key to Reconstructing Precambrian Supercontinents
Precambrian [At Large]; Paleoproterozoic Supercontinents and Global Evolution (IGCP509)
David A.D. Evans, Joseph G. Meert, Kevin R. Chamberlain, Stephen S. Harlan
Supercontinents and large igneous provinces (LIPs) relate mantle processes to environmental conditions in deep time. Focused geochronologic and paleomagnetic studies of LIPs can reconstruct pre-Pangean supercontinents and assess relationships with geodynamics, metallogeny, paleoclimate, and life. Oral.
Precambrian Geology; Tectonics; Planetary Geology
T104. Impact Craters and Events: From the Field to the Laboratory
GSA Planetary Geology Division; GSA Sedimentary Geology Division
Jared R. Morrow, David T. King Jr
This session highlights recent field- and laboratory-based advances in recognizing, understanding, and modeling the proximal, distal, and paleoenvironmental effects of bolide impact events. Oral.
Planetary Geology; Stratigraphy; Geochemistry
T105. The Chesapeake Bay Impact Structure: Results from the 2005–2006 ICDP-USGS Deep Drilling Project
GSA Planetary Geology Division; GSA Structural Geology and Tectonics Division; GSA Geophysics Division; GSA Sedimentary Geology Division; GSA Hydrogeology Division; International Continental Scientific Drilling Program (ICDP)
Chris Koeberl, Greg S. Gohn, Wolf Uwe Reimold, Kenneth Miller
In this session the first scientific results from the multidisciplinary and multinational studies related to the ICDP-USGS deep drilling project at the Chesapeake Bay impact structure will be presented. Oral.
Planetary Geology; Stratigraphy; Geophysics/Tectonophysics/Seismology
T106. Geologic Structures, Fluid Flow, and Ore Deposits
GSA Hydrogeology Division; GSA Structural Geology and Tectonics Division, GSA Geophysics Division, Society of Economic Geologists, U.S. Geological Survey; GSA Geology and Society Division
Jonathan Saul Caine, Eric P. Nelson
This session focuses on the structure of ore deposits integrated using advances in tectonics, fluid flow, permeability structure, and geochemical processes. Research from field, laboratory, geophysical, remote sensing, conceptual and computer modeling studies are welcome. Oral.
Structural Geology; Economic Geology; Hydrogeology
T107. Recognition and Implications of Coseismic Fault-Zone Structures
GSA Structural Geology and Tectonics Division; GSA Geophysics Division
Laurel B. Goodwin, James P. Evans
Fault-zone structures provide an enigmatic record of earthquake and fault mechanics. We will focus on how to read this record more effectively, utilizing ideas and approaches from both geology and geophysics. Oral.
Structural Geology; Geophysics/Tectonophysics/Seismology; Neotectonics/Paleoseismology
T108. Reservoirs to Ruptures: Multidisciplinary Approaches to Studying Fault Rock Distribution and Evolution in the Seismogenic Crust
GSA Structural Geology and Tectonics Division; GSA Geophysics Division
Ruth H. Wightman, Jonathan Imber, Steven Smith, Robert E. Holdsworth
This session brings together a range of earth scientists from industry, academia, and government research organizations to discuss multi-disciplinary approaches to characterizing and predicting the nature and distribution of fault rocks within the seismogenic crust. Oral.
Structural Geology; Hydrogeology; Geophysics/Tectonophysics/Seismology
T109. Mélanges: Processes of Formation and Societal Significance
GSA International Division; GSA Structural Geology and Tectonics Division; GSA Engineering Geology Division, GSA Sedimentary Geology Division
John Wakabayashi, Yildirim Dilek
This session explores advances in the study of mélanges. We seek to bring together researchers from around the world, spanning a wide range of geoscience disciplines, including structural, sedimentary, and engineering geology. Oral.
Structural Geology; Sediments, Clastic; Engineering Geology
T110. Combining Kinematics and Mechanics in Understanding Deformation Processes
GSA Structural Geology and Tectonics Division
David Wiltschko, John Spang
Kinematic and mechanical models are often viewed as competing methods of understanding structures. The purpose of this session is to bring together researchers attempting to apply both geometric and mechanical analyses to understand deformation processes. Oral.
Structural Geology; Tectonics; Geophysics/Tectonophysics/Seismology
T111. Understanding Orogenesis Through Paleoaltimetry
Geochemical Society; Mineralogical Society of America
Matthew Kohn
Contributions are encouraged in all areas of paleoelevation research, including theory and case studies using stable and radiogenic isotope geochemistry, geomorphology, atmospheric pressure proxies, and geodynamics. This session follows MSA/GS short course on paleoelevation 10/26–10/27. Oral.
Tectonics; Geomorphology; Paleoclimatology/Paleoceanography
T112. A Synoptic Crustal Section from the Cascadia Margin to the Southern Appalachians: Focusing EarthScope Research on Crustal Domains, their Boundaries, and Fundamental Processes of the U.S. Continent
GSA Structural Geology and Tectonics Division; GSA Geophysics Division
Ben A. van der Pluijm, G. Randy Keller, Basil Tikoff
Exploring the 4-D construction, stabilization, and modification of a continent—the aim is to construct a testable section across the United States that defines major research questions and offers a framework for EarthScope research. Oral.
Tectonics; Geophysics/Tectonophysics/Seismology; Geochemistry
T113. Regional Tectonics of Basement-Cored Foreland Shortening: Integrating Geological and Geophysical Insights from Laramide and Analogous Orogens
GSA Structural Geology and Tectonics Division; GSA Geophysics Division
Eric A. Erslev, Tim F. Wawrzyniec
We'll explore tectonic controls on basement-involved foreland shortening in orogens like the Laramide of the Rockies by integrating lithosphere-scale observations from the Rockies with the tectonics of adjoining regions and insights from active analog orogens. Oral.
Tectonics; Geophysics/Tectonophysics/Seismology; Structural Geology
T114. Mantle Dynamics and Crust-Mantle Interactions in Collisional Orogens
GSA International Division; GSA Structural Geology and Tectonics Division; GSA Geophysics Division; MARGINS Initiative
Yildirim Dilek, Paul T. Robinson
Ophiolite emplacement and magmatism contribute significantly to continental growth in collisional orogens and are strongly controlled by mantle dynamics and crust-mantle interactions. This session will examine relevant processes involved in the evolution of collisional orogens. Oral.
Tectonics; Petrology, Igneous; Geophysics/Tectonophysics/Seismology
T115. The Blue Mountains Region of Oregon, Idaho and Washington: Recent Advances in the Mesozoic and Cenozoic History of an Enigmatic Accretionary Province
GSA Sedimentary Geology Division; GSA Structural Geology and Tectonics Division
Todd LaMaskin, Joshua Schwartz, Victor Camp
The Blue Mountains region offers insights into classic problems including the nature of the Mesozoic margin and plume versus non-plume origin of the Columbia River Basalts. We are soliciting abstracts for a multidisciplinary theme session. Oral.
Tectonics; Stratigraphy; Petrology, Igneous
T116. Evolution of Appalachian-Ouachita Salients and Recesses from Reentrants [Embayments] and Promontories in the Continental Margin: Thirtieth Anniversary Celebration of Advances Derived from Bill Thomas’ 1977 American Journal of Science Paper
GSA Structural Geology and Tectonics Division
Allen J. Dennis, Jim Hibbard
From defining tectonic events with rift-drift sequences and clastic wedges, to contrasting lower-upper plate rift stratigraphy, origins and consequences of long-lived lithospheric fracture zones, rifting diachroneity, development of ribbon continents, and far-traveled terranes. Oral.
Tectonics; Structural Geology; Geophysics/Tectonophysics/Seismology
T117. The Track of the Yellowstone Hot Spot: What do Neotectonics, Climate Indicators, Volcanism, and Petrogenesis Reveal about Subsurface Processes?
U.S. Geological Survey
Lisa A. Morgan, Kenneth L. Pierce, Henrietta E. Cathey
This session seeks to advance understanding of volcanism, faulting, and uplift of the Yellowstone–Snake River Plain province by highlighting recent advances testing the plume hypothesis. Multidisciplinary contributions focused on coupled processes are encouraged. Oral.
Volcanology; Geophysics/Tectonophysics/Seismology; Quaternary Geology
T118. Sigma Gamma Epsilon Undergraduate Research (Posters)
Sigma Gamma Epsilon
Richard L. Ford, Charles Mankin, Donald Neal
This poster session will showcase undergraduate research in all areas of geoscience. Posters.
Environmental Geoscience; Stratigraphy; Petrology, Igneous
T119. The Impact of Geoinformatics on Geoscience Research and Education (Posters)
GSA Geoinformatics Division; GSA Geoscience Education Division
Dogan Seber, Krishna Sinha
Discovery, integration and analysis of geoscience data is a prerequisite for a more comprehensive understanding of the Earth as a dynamic system leading to new paradigms in research and education. Posters.
Geoinformatics; Geoscience Education; Geophysics/Tectonophysics/Seismology
T120. Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Best Practices
U.S. Geological Survey, Association of American State Geologists, GSA Geoinformatics Division; GSA Geology and Society Division; Paleontological Society
Tamara L. Dickinson, John C. Steinmetz
This session will highlight minimum standards and best practices for geological and geophysical data preservation. This will serve as input to the National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program, which was established in 2005. Oral.
Geoinformatics; Geoscience Information/Communication; Public Policy
T121. Growing the Cyberinfrastructure for the Geosciences: Contributions from State and Federal Agencies
U.S. Geological Survey; Association of American State Geologists; GSA Geoinformatics Division; GSA Geology and Society Division
Linda C. Gundersen, M. Lee Allison, Tamara L. Dickinson
The session will focus on state and federal roles in geoinformatics and data integration. Oral.
Geoinformatics; Geoscience Information/Communication; Public Policy
T122. Geoinformatics and Computational Earth Science: New Trends Promoting Data to Knowledge through Shared Resources and Tools towards New Research and Educational Opportunities in Geosciences
GSA Geoinformatics Division
Hassan Babaie, Krishna Sinha, Walter S. Snyder
The emerging geoinformatics will allow geoscientists todiscover, integrate, and analyze complex geoscience data through Web-based technologies. It will promote true interdisciplinary research required to advance the understanding of Earth as a complex system. Oral.
Geoinformatics; Geoscience Information/Communication
T123. Geoscience Data for Geoinformatics
GSA Geoinformatics Division
Kerstin Lehnert, G. Randy Keller
This session emphasizes the relevance of digital data collections for Geoinformatics. It provides an overview of existing disciplinary data collections, and addresses technical, organizational, and cultural challenges related to building and maintaining such collections. Oral.
Geoinformatics
T124. Medical Geology
GSA Geology and Society Division
Stephen York
Considering anthropogenic-health-related activities which cause redistributions of naturally occurring substances, medical geology investigates broader considerations and relationships between geologic environments and diseases in people, animals, and plants living in those respective environments. Oral.
Geology and Health; Environmental Geoscience
T125. Climate Change and Human Health: From Subtle Changes to Potential Disasters, Past, Present, and Future
GSA Geology and Health Division; GSA Geology and Society Division
Matthew Huber, Gabriel Filippelli
This session will include studies of past climatic impacts on societies, the current state of climate modeling and risk analysis, and the variety of future scenarios, prioritized from the standpoint of risk potential. Oral.
Geology and Health; Paleoclimatology/Paleoceanography; Public Policy
T126. Malice and Medical Geology: From Arsenic to Polonium—An Examination of Geological Agents as Poisons
GSA Geology and Health Division; GSA Geology and Society Division
Gabriel Filippelli, Geoffrey Plumlee
This session will include techniques and case studies involving the identification and use of geological agents as human poisons in the past, and current efforts to quickly identify and treat toxicity cases. Oral.
Geology and Health; Public Policy
T127. Positive and Beneficial Aspects of Earth Sciences in Public Health
GSA Geology and Health Division; GSA Geology and Society Division
Ulli Limpitlaw, Lynda Williams
We are seeking to bring together researchers of various disciplines including but not limited to geology, mineralogy, geomicrobiology, hydrology, medicine, dentistry, and geochemistry, who investigate Earth materials that benefit humans and animals. Oral.
Geology and Health
T128. Charting the Future of Geological and Environmental Science Undergraduate Programs
GSA Geoscience Education Division; National Association of Geoscience Teachers
Kristen E. St. John, S.A. Hovan
Discussion of the steps undergraduate geoscience programs are taking to define key variables, make pivotal decisions, and construct models for charting future successful paths for two- and four-year degree programs in an evolving academic world. Oral.
Geoscience Education; Environmental Geoscience; Geoscience Information/Communication
T129. Teaching Climate Change and Energy Issues in the Classroom: An Imperative for Educated Citizens and Geoscientists
National Association of Geoscience Teachers; GSA Geology and Society Division; GSA Geology and Health Division; GSA Geoscience Education Division
George T. Stone, Andrew M. Buddington
Presentations will provide geoscience educators essential knowledge and methodologies for effectively communicating salient conclusions and predictions of climate change science and energy policy analysis in the classroom and the public arena. Oral.
Geoscience Education; Environmental Geoscience; Geoscience Information/Communication
T130. Forensic Geoscience: Research and Case Studies
GSA Geology and Society Division; American Society of Forensic Geologists; GSA Geology and Health Division
Elisa Bergslien, C.E. Nehru
Applications of geoscience research to the law. A forum to share active research projects or present case studies. Use of analytical techniques, geophysical tools, database development, provenance, remote sensing, disturbed stratigraphy, and other investigative techniques. Oral.
Environmental Geoscience; Geology and Health; Geochemistry
T131. Forensic Geoscience: Innovative Educational Strategies for Attracting Students to the Geosciences (Posters)
GSA Geoscience Education Division
Elisa Bergslien
Innovative ways of attracting students, especially urban students, to geoscience. A chance for those with experience teaching forensic geoscience, or similar courses, to share information about what does and does not work in the classroom. Posters.
Geoscience Education; Geoscience Information/Communication; Public Policy
T132. Innovative, Inquiry-Based Approaches that Bring the Field into the Classroom: Moving from Virtual Tour to Virtual Fieldwork
GSA Geoscience Education Division
Don Duggan-Haas, Robert M. Ross
Most virtual field trips are tours in which teachers point things out. This session focuses on virtual experiences that mimic actual fieldwork in which students figure things out through exploration, inquiry-based discussion and problem solving. Oral.
Geoscience Education; Geoscience Information/Communication; Public Policy
T133. Innovative Approaches to Injecting Controversial Topics from the History of Geology into Today's Geoscience Education
GSA Geoscience Education Division; GSA Geology and Society Division; GSA History of Geology Division
James H. Wandersee, Renee M. Clary
Investigates potential and actual impacts on students’ geology learning resulting from innovative approaches to injecting controversial topics from the history of geology into today’s geoscience education—across all phases: Classroom, laboratory, field, and online. Oral.
Geoscience Education; History of Geology
T134. Professional Development for the Professional Developers: Aspects of Effective Teacher Professional Development Programs in the Earth Sciences
GSA Geoscience Education Division; GSA Geology and Society Division
Eric J. Pyle, Don Duggan-Haas
How can a professional development program be designed to address the multiple and varied needs of teachers of earth science? This session will explore the contemporary knowledge of earth science teacher professional development. Oral.
Geoscience Education; Public Policy; Geoscience Information/Communication
T135. Early Undergraduate Research Experiences (Posters)
GSA Geoscience Education Division; Council on Undergraduate Research; National Association of Geoscience Teachers
Laura A. Guertin, Linda Reinen, Jill Singer
Research experiences in the first two years of college provide students skill sets needed to succeed in upper-level research. This session highlights classroom to independent research projects in community colleges to research institutions. Posters.
Geoscience Education
T136. Involving Students with Little Science Background in Authentic Research: Challenges and Victories
GSA Geoscience Education Division; National Association of Geoscience Teachers
Prajukti Bhattacharyya, Joy Branlund
In this session, two- and four-year college educators will share ideas for fostering research done by introductory students. The small-group and panel discussion format will help participants explore the topic. Oral.
Geoscience Education
T137. Involvement in Geological Research: Close Collaboration among the Faculty, Undergraduate and K–12 Students (Posters)
GSA Geoscience Education Division
Nazrul I. Khandaker, Stanley Schleifer
For recruitment and retention of potential geoscience majors, faculty-supervised undergraduate and high school students involved in various aspects of geoscience topics are encouraged to present their applied research outcome to the diverse geoscience community. Posters.
Environmental Geoscience; Geoscience Education; Geoscience Information/Communication
T138. Learning in the Field: Effective Strategies for Teaching Undergraduate Geology Outside the Classroom
GSA Geoscience Education Division; National Association of Geoscience Teachers
Jacqueline A. Smith, John I. Garver
We encourage presentations that explore approaches to teaching geology through field-based learning. Of particular interest are local projects linked to primary course objectives, sequences of projects with a common focus, and stand-alone thematic excursions. Oral.
Geoscience Education
T139. The Future of Geoscience Field Courses
GSA Structural Geology and Tectonics Division; GSA Geoscience Education Division; National Association of Geoscience Teachers, GSA Geophysics Division, GSA Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division
Steven J. Whitmeyer, L. Scott Eaton, Charles Onasch, Lee J. Suttner
This session will focus on future directions of geoscience field camps. Principal themes will include traditional goals of teaching field geology and mapping, recent technological advances, and modern topics like geomorphology, geophysics, and environmental assessment. Oral.
Structural Geology; Geoscience Education; Geomorphology
T140. Geosciences and Web 2.0—Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Web Video
Ronald C. Schott
Professional geologists, geoscience educators, and interested amateurs explore the ways that "Web 2.0" technologies are currently being used, and how they might be leveraged in the future, to build richer online community in the geosciences. Oral.
Geoscience Information/Communication; Geoscience Education; Public Policy
T141. Geology in the National Parks: Research, Mapping, and Resource Management
GSA Geology and Society Division
Bruce A. Heise
This session addresses the role of geoscience in the National Parks. Presentations are encouraged on geologic research, geologic mapping, paleontology, coastal geology, glacier studies, and resource management in National Parks, Monuments, Seashores, and Historic Sites. Oral.
Geoscience Education
T142. Geology of Parks and Public Lands: Effective and Innovative Informal Earth Science Education for the Masses
National Park Service; Bureau of Land Management; Association of Earth Science Editors
Marion Malinowski, Jim F. Wood, Melanie V. Ransmeier, Monica Gaiswinkler Easton
This session will explore programs and products (e.g., displays, publications, signs, Web sites, virtual and real field trips) for effective informal earth science education about the geology of parks, monuments, open spaces, and public lands. Oral.
Geoscience Information/Communication; Geoscience Education
T143. Geoscience and the Community: An Exploration of Ways to Become Involved
GSA Geology and Society Division; American Geological Institute; GSA Geoscience Education Division; National Association of Geoscience Teachers
Michael A. Phillips, Linda Rowan
The geoscience perspective is often overlooked to the detriment of society. This session will present various ways geoscientists can promote our perspective through participation in the community and government with an emphasis on being proactive. Oral.
Geoscience Information/Communication; Geoscience Education
T144. GeoScience Information: Making the Earth Sciences Accessible for Everyone
Geoscience Information Society
Claudette Cloutier
Informed decision making for a sustainable Earth depends on information being accessible to the public. Join us as we discuss how geoscience information is created, disseminated, organized, accessed, used, and archived. Oral.
Geoscience Information/Communication; Public Policy; Geoscience Education
T145. Challenges in Geoscience Publishing: Perspectives of Communicating Geoscience to Scientists and to the General Public
Association of Earth Science Editors
Monica Gaiswinkler Easton
Editors will discuss issues that authors, reviewers, editors, publishers, and readers confront in geoscientific manuscripts (e.g., intellectual property rights/copyright, confidentiality, conflicts of interest, plagiarism, electronic publication, quality of review). They will also offer some solutions. Oral.
Geoscience Information/Communication
T146. Geologic Mapping: Innovations and Interoperability (Posters)
GSA Engineering Geology Division; GSA Geology and Society Division; GSA Hydrogeology Division; GSA Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division; Association of American State Geologists
Harvey Thorleifson, David Soller, Richard Berg, Peter Lyttle
This session will highlight innovations in geological mapping by showing new mapping, strategies for managing data, new methods for publication and Web accessibility, applications, and how digital procedures have advanced the effectiveness of mapping worldwide Posters.
Geoscience Information/Communication
T147. Exemplars and Exceptions: Using Individual and Group Biography to Understand Critical Issues in the History of Geology
GSA History of Geology Division; GSA Geology and Society Division; History of the Earth Sciences Society [HESS]
Julie R. Newell, Stephen M. Rowland
Biographical studies of individuals, groups, or institutions use the particular to make visible broader patterns such as the development of ideas, the practices of geology, and the cultural or political roles of geology. Oral.
History of Geology
T148. The Science of Groundwater Recharge, Coal Mine Hydrology/Geochemistry, Stream Restoration and its Application to the Public Good: In Honor of Mary W. Stoertz
GSA Hydrogeology Division
William W. Simpkins, Joseph J. Donovan, Kenneth Bradbury, Maureen Muldoon
Dr. Mary Stoertz studied the science of groundwater recharge, coal mine hydrology/geochemistry, and stream restoration, while demonstrating a passion for applying her findings for public benefit. We seek papers on all these topics. Oral.
Hydrogeology
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