Find Your Science at GSA
| • Earth & Planetary Systems • History of Earth and Life • Natural Resources • Climate, Environment & Natural Hazards • Education & Public Policy |
Earth and Planetary Systems
The study of Earth and other planets, including their geologic history and the processes that shape and change their surface and interior. This includes studies of tectonics, structure, magmatism, stratigraphy, metamorphism, minerals, fluid flow and interactions, extraterrestrial impacts, and landforms, often involving geological mapping, geochemical and geophysical characterization, and 4D interpretation and visualization. [ more ]
History of Earth and Life
The study of the rock and fossil record, and other evidence, for the evolution and complexity of Earth and the life it supports. This includes the use of fossils, evidence from living biota, and numerous geochemical, isotopic, and dating techniques to understand how the planet and life have changed throughout geologic time. [ more ]
Natural Resources
Tthe study of the formation, discovery, distribution, utilization, and stewardship of the Earth’s energy, mineral, water, and soil resources. This includes studies of petroleum and natural gas systems, coal, geothermal resources, renewable energy, ground- and surface-water resources, metals, nuclear materials, gem stones, building materials, recycling, waste disposal, and development and conservation of soils. [ more ]
Climate, Environment, and Natural Hazards
The study of how Earth’s surface, habitats, and climate are affected by natural and anthropogenic processes. This includes studies of natural hazards, environmental geology, relationships between geology and health, biogeochemical interactions, and changes in ecosystems over geological and human time scales. [ more ]
Education and Public Policy
Promoting the geosciences in the service to humankind and stewardship of the Earth. Raising public awareness of the importance of geosciences to the future of society and to the safety, economic welfare, and health of individuals. This includes geoscience education for students in primary and secondary schools, colleges and universities; policy makers; and the general public. It also includes encouraging and improving the use of geoscientific information in decision-making in the public policy arena. [ more ]
These five themes are inextricably linked to one another and to other fields of physical and life sciences, engineering, and social sciences. For example, public policy regarding energy and the environment should take into account availability of resources, impacts on climate, ecological health, and environment from resource use, how climate and the environment have changed throughout Earth’s history, and what processes control those changes.
GSA Divisions & Associated Societies
GSA’s 16 Divisions are special-interest groups that members have formed throughout the long history of GSA to serve their professional interests. They are not formally established by the Society to represent every aspect of our collective scientific involvement. GSA is open to the formation of new Divisions as needs and interests arise.
Associated Societies are like-minded scientific organizations who collaborate with GSA on many levels in pursuit of mutual goals to advance the geosciences. Many Associated Societies are linked to GSA Divisions, either through formal current agreements or historical roots, and they serve GSA members in much the same way as Divisions. Associated Societies are important contributors to GSA’s Annual Meeting technical program and to the dissemination of geoscience knowledge.
Together these important components represent all aspects of the geoscience profession and make GSA the broad, unifying scientific society that our members desire and support.