ENGINEER YOUR EARTH - Youth for Innovative Solutions

The UNESCO Engineering Initiative and Earth Science Education in Africa Initiative propose this competition to bring together creative young African innovators from engineering and the Earth Science fields to propose concrete new solutions to major environmental challenges facing sustainable development which they identify in their communities.

Who: diverse teams of up to three young (ages 18 – 30) African engineers, geologists, hydrologists, scientists, policy makers, creative-thinkers, problem-solvers.

What: proposal identifying a major challenge to sustainable development in Africa and suggesting a concrete science and engineering based solution on the ground. The best proposals will reflect the applicants’ personal challenges and experiences and could range from issues related to mining, natural hazards, drinking water, sanitation and more.  Proposals should be realizable!

When: 2-page proposals in English are due to UNESCO (engineeryourearth@unesco.org<mailto:engineeryourearth@unesco.org>) by 1 February 2013.

Prize: participation in the Engineer your Earth side event at the Science and Engineering Fair in Nsukka, Nigeria from 26 to 29 March 2013 with 2 days to refine the proposal in consultation with expert mentors, and the opportunity to present the proposal to Fair sponsors (INTEL, IEEE, ASME, Microsoft) for funding.

Partners: Young and early career Earth Scientists (YES) Network, Youth Committee of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations, South African women in Engineering (SAWomEng), WFEO Youth Committee.

AGU Fall Meeting 2012 Virtual Meeting offerings

AGU has expanded and improved our 2012 Fall Meeting virtual meeting offerings by adding a free, live streaming option for several key sessions and lectures. For more information on the schedule of events that will be live streamed, visit http://fallmeeting.agu.org/2012/virtualmeeting/.

To receive notifications on the virtual meeting program schedule, including reminders about start times for live streaming events, text AGUVirtual to 69302. (Please note that standard text messaging rates apply.) These events are free and open to non-Fall Meeting attendees – please share this information with anyone you feel may be interested.

Live Streaming Schedule*

Event: AGU Presidential Forum
Speaker: Ira Flatow, NPR Science Correspondent
Date & Time: Monday, 3 December: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. PST

Event: DEEPSEA CHALLENGE: New Science and Technology at Extreme Depths
Speakers: Panel Discussion, including James Cameron, National Geographic Explorer-In-Residence; Douglas Bartlett, Microbiologist, Scripps Institution of Oceanography; Patricia Fryer, Geologist, University of Hawaii;  and Kevin Hand, Astrobiologist, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Date & Time: Tuesday, 4 December: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. PST

Event: AGU Union Frontiers of Geophysics Lecture
Speaker: Professor Sir Bob Watson, CMG, FRS and Chief Scientific Adviser to Defra
Date & Time: Wednesday, 5 December: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. PST

Event: AGU Union Agency Lecture
Speaker: Dr. Subra Suresh, Director of the National Science Foundation
Date & Time: Thursday, 6 December: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. PST

Event: Communicating Geohazard Risk Assessments:  Lessons Learned From the Verdicts in the L’Aquila Earthquake Case
Speakers: Panel Discussion
Date & Time: Thursday, 6 December: 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. PST

*These sessions will also be available through the Video On-Demand program within 48-hours after the live presentations. All scheduled times are listed for Pacific Standard Time.

The 5 Magic Parameters for Oil Accumulation: Nigeria’s Chad Basin Experience

I offer this as a follow-up piece to my article titled “Oil in Nigeria’s Chad Basin: A Deepening Dilemma” which was originally written for the July 2012 newsletter of the Young Earth Scientists (YES) Network of the Geological Society of Africa. Although the article in question was initially meant to be published only for the benefit of fellow YES Members, who by default, subscribe to the YES Network newsletter, I would later feel the need to spread out its readership by publishing the same piece in both print and online national dailies in Nigeria.

As it was, the ensuing wider reach of the article would generate some little responses from everyday journal readers. I therefore received with delight, responses from professionals that vary from academics in the earth sciences to industry-based professionals, and to professionals-turned-politicians. Each of them has sought to know more on the so-called five magic parameters for oil accumulation in the Chad Basin area of Nigeria. Here it goes:

Source rock: The Gongila formation or Fika Shale can serve as a potential source rock for petroleum accumulation in the Chad Basin based on its Total Organic Carbon (TOC). The TOC of the Gongila Formation which is rated at 1.2wt percent, and that of the Fika Shale is rated at 0.9wt percent.

Reservoir rock: Some geologists are wont to believe that following its stratigraphic position and its lithology, not only the Gombe Sandstone can be a reservoir rock; the Kerri-Kerri Formation can be a suitable reservoir rock too.

Geothermal temperature: The depth of burial of the source rock can be said to be as deep as 300 meters, a reasonable depth at which the requirement to convert organic matter into petroleum is plausible (60 to 120 degrees centigrade). The temperature gradient of the Chad Basin is said to be increasing by a degree centigrade per a hundred meters with a surface temperature average of 35 degrees centigrade. It is believed that the source rock of this basin falls somewhere between 65 to 70 degrees centigrade as per geothermal temperature.

Migration pathway: Based on the preceding parameters (above), it is believed that hydrocarbon have been generated in the Chad Basin area of Nigeria. The Chad Basin is believed to have experienced a series of tectonic activities that resulted into series of faults probably during the Jurassic as a result of the splitting of Gondwanaland. These are favorable conditions that can serve as suitable migration pathways for accumulated hydrocarbon.

Trap: Hydrocarbon traps in the Chad Basin can be as a result of both Santonian folding or Jurassic rifting that has resulted into faults.

Conclusion: It is reported by Klemme (1986) that 35 percent of rifted basins are productive. While Kingston et. al (1983) reported that 49 percent of poly-historic basins are productive worldwide. The Chad Basin qualifies as both rifted and poly-historic. It is therefore possible that based on the above evidences, hydrocarbon might have occurred in the Chad Basin area of Nigeria. Although it must be noted that there is a bit of a controversial subject associated with the basin’s productivity—the presence of some volcanic intrusions; is a notable factor which might degrade the organic matter. But by and large, there is the need for further research, to help evaluate in detail, the hydrocarbon potentials of the Chad Basin area of Nigeria.

Corrigendum: I mistakenly wrote in my previous piece, “Oil in Nigeria’s Chad Basin: A Deepening Dilemma” (page 8 of the July 2012 YES Network Newsletter) that geothermal temperature of between 120-150 degrees centigrade supports oil formation. To put it correctly, the oil formation window falls between 60 to 120 degrees centigrade. The implication of this is palpable to a beginning student of petroleum geology. The error is therefore regretted.

By Mohammed Dahiru Aminu

Mohammed Dahiru Aminu, wrote from London, United Kingdom. He can be reached at mohd.aminu@gmail.com

Session NH9.8 -Geoethics and natural hazards: the role and responsibility of the geoscientists (CALL FOR ABSTRACTS)

EGU 2013 - General Assembly (Vienna, 7-12 April 2013 ) 

Convener: Silvia Peppoloni - Co-Conveners: Susan W. Kieffer, Janusz Wasowski, Ezzoura Errami, Elizabeth Silva, Meng Wang 

Session description: 

Mankind is both an active part within Nature, as a factor which conditions Nature itself, and a passive element towards Nature, since it is exposed and forced to coexist with natural phenomena. This involves a risk for human life, for productive activities and artistic and historical heritage. So it has become more and more urgent to follow a respectful and pragmatic behavior towards the Geosphere. Geoethics, born as a meeting point of Geology, Sociology and Philosophy, deals with theoretical and practical aspects of decisions concerning the risk management and mitigation of geohazards, the use of geo-resources and solutions to geo-environmental problems. So it could turn out to be an effective tool for influencing the awareness of society about these problems all over the world, combining ethical and cultural values with technical and economic considerations.

The socio-cultural role played by geoscientists is essential. Geoscientists can promote a culture, sensitive to the environment, correct information on natural risks, a more constructive relationship amongst the scientific community, mass media, civil society and policy-makers. The commitment of Geoscientists in communication and education at different levels can contribute to replace the "culture of emergency" with the more effective "culture of prevention". Geoscientists has scientific and technical knowledge and this implies their responsibility to act in an ethical way, turning this knowledge into ethical action, by taking into account the common good and the public use.

The Conveners invite abstracts from Authors on the above and related ethical issues, dealing with their views and experiences: in studying and managing natural hazards, as well as in designing and implementing risk reduction, in suggesting models, methods and ideas to influence the decision-makers in risk reduction programs, in transferring information about risks to the Society, in teaching especially young people correct behaviors toward the Geosphere. 

Submit an abstract: 

http://www.egu2013.eu/abstract_management/how_to_submit_an_abstract.html

Deadline: 09 January 2013

Harriet Evelyn Wallace Scholarship 2013-2014

The American Geosciences Institute is accepting applications for the new Harriet Evelyn Wallace Scholarship for the 2013-2014 academic year. Applications are open to all women pursuing a Master’s or Doctoral degree in the geosciences. The successful applicant will be a thesis-based, full time student and must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. The Harriet Evelyn Wallace Scholarship is solely merit-based and applicants will be evaluated on their probability of successfully completing a geoscience graduate program and transitioning into the geoscience profession following graduation.

Applicants may either be entering graduate school or already enrolled in a graduate program in the geosciences. The successful applicant will be awarded $5,000 for her first scholarship year. She will be eligible for a second year scholarship of $5,000 upon successful completion of her first year. Renewals are contingent upon request by the Harriet Evelyn Wallace Scholar and by meeting the appropriate continuation qualifications.

Credentials

Applicants must submit GRE scores, all post-secondary academic transcripts, graduate academic transcripts (if applicable), CV or Resume and submit a 500-word abstract about their research interests. If the applicant is intending on pursuing graduate school, she will need to send proof of acceptance in the program before the award is funded. The successful applicant will have an undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or higher and a graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. In addition, all applicants must be active members of at least one of AGI’s professional member societies. For a full list, please visit: www.agiweb.org/members/.

Interested in applying? Please visit: www.agiweb.org/scholarships/wallace/apply.html

Application deadline is January 4th, 2013. The successful applicant for the 2013-2014 Harriet Evelyn Wallace Scholarship will be informed on February 8th and must formally accept the award by February 11th, 2013.

If there are any questions regarding the Harriet Evelyn Wallace Scholarship or application procedures, please submit inquires to the scholarship coordinator Heather Houlton at wallacescholarship@agiweb.org.

EGU 2013 Session CL 1.4 Climate Response to Orbital Forcing

Dear colleagues,

With the deadline for financial support applications for the EGU General Assembly fast approaching (30 November 2012) we are pleased to announce that abstract submission is now open for the following session of the EGU General Assembly in 2013 (07-12 April 2013). 

CL 1.4 Climate response to orbital forcing

http://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EGU2013/session/12282

Convenors: Erin McClymont, Alan Haywood and Aisling Dolan

To include an invited presentation by Michel Crucifix (Universite catholique de Louvain) “Global sensitivity analysis: a systematic approach to estimate regional effects of the astronomical forcing”

The session outline is provided below. The final abstract deadline is 09 January 2013, but where financial support is sought this deadline is 30 November 2012.

The pacing of the global climate system by orbital variations is clearly demonstrated in the timing of glacial-interglacial cycles, but the mechanisms that translate this forcing into regional and global climate changes continue to be debated. We invite submissions that explore the climate system response to orbital forcing, that seek to support or refute the traditional Milankovitch view of a northern hemisphere ice-sheet control, and that test the stability of these relationships under different climate regimes or across evolving climate states (e.g. mid Pleistocene transition, Pliocene-Pleistocene transition, Miocene vs Pliocene). Submissions exploring proxy data and/or modelling work are welcomed.

This session has two partner sessions: "Modelling paleoclimates from the Cretaceous to the Holocene: learning from numerical experiments and model-data comparisons (organised by D. Lunt et al.) and "Paleo models and data - lessons for the future" (organised by J. Hargreaves et al).

Voices: L’Aquila Judgment’s Disturbing Details

Much has been written about the court decision passed down earlier this week by an Italian judge, convicting seven members of the Italian Serious Risks Commission to six years in prison. The "L'Aquila Seven" were convicted for inadequate warnings to residents of L'Aquila, Italy, before a magnitude-6.3 earthquake struck the region on April 6, 2009, killing more than 300 people. Though the story has received international attention and ignited
tensions throughout the scientific community, little attention has been paid to the exact roles each of the seven played in delivering the final advice to the public. Now, Max Wyss, a seismologist and director of the World Agency of Planetary Monitoring and Earthquake Risk Reduction (WAPMERR) in Geneva, Switzerland, explains in a comment on EARTH Magazine's website that five of the infamous seven may have been convicted for saying nothing — when they were deprived of the chance of saying anything at all. Read the story online now
http://www.earthmagazine.org/article/voices-judged-unfairly-laquila-roles-and-responsibilities-should-have-been-considered

The American Geosciences Institute's New Harriet Evelyn Wallace Scholarship for Women

The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) is accepting applications for the new Harriet Evelyn Wallace Scholarship for the 2013-2014 academic year. The scholarship will be awarded to a thesis-based, full time female student pursuing either a Master's or a Doctoral degree in the geosciences, and must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. The Harriet Evelyn Wallace Scholarship is merit-based, and applicants will be evaluated on the probability of successfully completing their geoscience graduate program and transitioning into the geoscience workforce following graduation.

The Harriet Evelyn Wallace Scholar will receive $5,000 for her first scholarship year, and will be eligible for a second year scholarship of $5,000 upon successful completion of her first year. For more information about the scholarship and how to apply, please visit our website at:

www.agiweb.org/scholarships/wallace/.

Additionally, AGI will be passing out promotional materials with more information about the scholarship and how to apply at the Geological Society of America annual meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina, November 4-7, 2012. Please visit AGI’s booth (#940) to talk with the scholarship coordinator and learn

more. 

Invitation to Submit Himalaya-Karakoram-Tibet manuscripts in Sp Vol of GSL scheduled in 2014

A ‘Special Volume’ of the ‘Geological Society of London’ on the tentative broad topic: “Tectonics of the Himalaya-Karakoram-Tibet Orogen” is being planned under the editorial handling of Soumyajit Mukherjee, Rodolfo Carosi, Peter van der Beek, Barun Kumar Mukherjee and Delores Robinson.

We invite you and your research group to submit manuscripts covering any tectonic aspects of the Himalaya-Karakoram-Tibet. We welcome both original articles and review manuscripts. Manuscripts will be peer reviewed as per the GSL policy.

In this issue, we will include- besides structural geology- surface, sub-surface and deep earth processes, igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary petrology, geochemistry, geomorphology, and geophysical aspects (plus any other approaches) aimed at unraveling the tectonics of the HKT.

We will receive manuscripts until December 31 2013, and publish the volume around July 2014.  We will appreciate if you could please send us the tentative titles of your manuscripts by 30 Nov-2012, along with a probable manuscript submission date. Please discuss with Soumyajit (soumyajitm@gmail.com) on the length of your manuscripts.

We will be happy to extend any kind of clarification and assistance you may require.We are organizing an HKT Session: TS6*/GM3.6, in the European Geosciences Union-2013, Vienna. We expect the contributors will make presentations there, but this is not a requirement. Please follow: http://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EGU2013/session/12116

Kindly circulate this letter amongst the interested researchers.

Regards,

Soumyajit Mukherjee

(Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, INDIA; e mail: soumyajitm@gmail.com)

Rodolfo Carosi

(University of Torino, ITALY; e-mail: rodolfo.carosi@unito.it)

Peter van der Beek

(Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Studies; FRANCE; e-mail: pvdbeek@ujf-grenoble.fr)

Barun Kumar Mukherjee

(Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, INDIA; e-mail: barun@wihg.res.in)

Delores Robinson

(University of Alabama; USA; e-mail: dmr@as.ua.edu)

The First Edition of the YES Bulletin is NOW ONLINE!

The YES Network has the pleasure to announce the release of the First Edition of its online FREE Journal. Please check it out:

Contents: 

Earth Science Education: A Necessary Tool for Development in Africa. A Product of the YES Africa 2011 Roundtable Discussion. I. Ddamba (Download)  p.5

Hydrostratigraphy. S. Mukherjee (Download)  p.10

Mount Bambouto Caldera (Cameroon Volcanic Line): Formation, Structure and Environmental Impact. G. Zangmo Tefogoum, D.G. Nkouathio, A. Kagou Dongmo, P. Wandji, M. Gountie Dedzo & F.M. Tchoua (Download)  p.14

Flanking Microstructures of the Zanskar Shear Zone, Western Indian Himalaya. S. Mukherjee (Download)  p.21

(Download the FULL VERSION)

We would like to thank all who have participated in the release of the first edition of the YES journal and we invite YES members to submit their papers for future editions to the following e-mail address: networkyes.bulletin@gmail.com

AGI Accepting Applications for 2013 Award for Excellence in Earth Science Teaching

The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) is accepting nominations for the Edward C. Roy Award for Excellence in Earth Science Teaching. Given annually, this award is presented to one full-time K-8 teacher
in the U.S. or U.K. whose excellence and innovation in the classroom elevates students’ understanding of the Earth and its many processes.

Applicants will be judged based on their dedication to and enthusiasm for teaching, as well as their expertise in crafting and delivering Earth science instruction to their students. The winner of the Edward C. Roy Award will receive a cash prize and an additional travel grant to attend the 2013 National Science Teachers Association Annual Conference in San Antonio, Texas, April 11-14, 2013. To be eligible, applications must be postmarked by January 10, 2013.

The Edward C. Roy Award is given in honor of Dr. Edward C. Roy Jr., a strong and dedicated supporter of Earth science education. A past president of AGI and former chair of the AGI Education Advisory Committee, Roy was a lifelong supporter of teachers and students of all ages.

For more information on requirements, application procedures and deadlines, please visit http://www.agiweb.org/education/awards/ed-roy/.

Webcast on Student Recruitment in the Geosciences Now Available from AGI

As part of the American Geosciences Institute (AGI) collaboration with American Geophysical Union on its Earth and Space Sciences Heads and Chairs Program, AGI is pleased to announce the availability of a recorded webcast of the September 20, 2012 webinar focused on Student Recruitment strategies for geosciences programs. The session was led by Dallas Rhodes (emeritus) and Charles Trupe (Associate Professor) of Georgia Southern University who discussed particularly successful strategies in student

recruitment in their geosciences program. In addition, the full discussion session with other Earth and Space Science Heads and Chairs follows the presentation which highlights other successes and challenges in recruiting quality students into geosciences programs.

To view this webcast or see the schedule of upcoming webinars, please visit

http://www.agiweb.org/workforce/headsandchairs.

EARTH: Risky Business - Modeling Catastrophes

The probability that a given natural hazard could become a natural disaster is higher today than at any previous point in history, largely because of population growth putting more people and infrastructure in harm's way. Who pays for the damage and how is value and risk assessed? Much of it comes down to insurance and reinsurance agencies, which are relying more and more on sophisticated catastrophe modeling tools to help gauge when the next disaster will strike, and how much it will cost.

Catastrophe modeling has only been around for a couple of decades, but in that time it has changed rapidly. In tandem with worldwide changes in population growth, higher standards of living and climate change, the catastrophe modeling industry — unfamiliar to most people despite its major influence on our lives — is evolving at a breakneck pace. What goes into a catastrophe model, and how will it affect you? Read the story online at http://www.earthmagazine.org/article/risky-business-modeling-catastrophes and find out.

Make sure to check out the other great stories in this month's issue of EARTH Magazine. Get pumped for renewable energy, learn how monsoons may affect volcanic plumes, and close the case on funky fluorite all in this month's issue.

National Fossil Day to Be Held During Earth Science Week 2012

The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) and the National Park Service (NPS) invite you to participate in the third annual National Fossil Day on October 17, 2012 during Earth Science Week (October 14-20).

National Fossil Day brings together paleontologists, educators, and students from across the country to participate in fossil-related events and activities in parks, classrooms, and online!

AGI and the NPS have developed resources and activities to highlight the scientific and educational value of paleontology, as well as the importance of preserving fossils for future generations. Visit the NPS National Fossil Day website at http://nature.nps.gov/geology/nationalfossilday/ for standards-based lesson plans, fossil trading cards, a virtual museum exhibit, and more! You can also find fossil-themed activities in the Earth Science Week 2012 Toolkit, available at http://www.earthsciweek.org/materials/.

The National Park Service is also sponsoring a National Fossil Day Art and Photo Contest. Entries should address the theme "Careers in Paleontology" and be postmarked by October 5, 2012. See complete contest guidelines at http://nature.nps.gov/geology/nationalfossilday/art_contest.cfm.

In addition to online resources, local events, and contests, NPS and the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History are holding the National Fossil Day kick-off event in Washington, D.C. This celebration on the National Mall will take place from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on October 17, 2012. All are invited to learn how to become a Junior Paleontologist, study the history of life that has been preserved in over 230 NPS units, and take part in a mock fossil dig.

For more information on the kickoff event, visit http://nature.nps.gov/geology/nationalfossilday/events.cfm#DC.

View Webcast on Earth Science Week 2012

The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) is pleased to present its first-ever webcast in a series promoting participation in Earth Science Week (October 14-20), the annual celebration of the geosciences organized by AGI. The webcast, "Introduction to Earth Science Week," is now available online.

Whether you are celebrating Earth Science Week for the first time or are a seasoned veteran, the "Introduction to Earth Science Week" webcast will serve as a valuable resource providing an overview of learning activities, instructional materials, career resources, upcoming events, and much more! This interactive

tutorial allows users to view more information with live links throughout the webcast. Viewers may also preview videos and programs available only through Earth Science Week.

To view the webcast, please visit http://www.earthsciweek.org/webcasts. For more about the week and

ways to get involved – including newsletters, local events, and classroom activities – please see the Earth Science Week website at http://www.earthsciweek.org. In the coming months, look for additional webcasts

on topics such as promoting Earth Science Week activities through media, the status of Earth science education nationwide, and AGI's geoscience teacher award competition.

AGI Webinar on the National Geoscience Student Exit Survey

The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) is pleased to announce a free webinar on Friday, October 5, 2012 at 2:00 pm EDT to discuss AGI’s National Geoscience Student Exit Survey. The webinar will address the results from the spring 2012 deployment of the Exit Survey, as well as plans for a nationwide implementation in spring 2013.

With the recent national focus on the economy and job availability, AGI has taken the initiative to develop a survey instrument to ascertain the relevant experiences in school and immediate career plans of graduating geoscience students. Over the last decade, evidence has mounted through informal and formal channels that a growing gap exists between recruitment strategies for the geosciences workforce and the awareness and preparedness of graduating students for these positions. The National Geoscience Student Exit Survey was created to identify three things: the knowledge and skills students acquired in school that helped secure employment; students’ decision points for entering geoscience careers; and graduating students’ preferred employment, including those positions and careers not considered part of the traditional geosciences

workforce.

To learn more about the Exit Survey and take part in the discussion, please register for the webinar at:

https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/425728400.

To learn more about the status of the geosciences workforce, please visit www.agiweb.org/workforce.

SEPM Announces New Book on Martian Geology

Even as Curiosity begins its Martian adventure, the group that finalized that program has published everything that we knew about Martian sedimentary geology prior to the historic landing event.

SEPM Special Publication #102

Sedimentary Geology of Mars

Edited by: John P. Grotzinger and Ralph E. Milliken

Often thought of as a volcanically dominated planet, Mars, over the last several decades of exploration, has revealed with increasing clarity the role of sedimentary processes in its formation. Data from recent orbiters have highlighted the role of sedimentary processes throughout the geologic evolution of Mars by providing evidence that such processes are preserved in a rock record that likely spans a period of more than four billion years. Rover observations have provided complementary outcrop-scale evidence for ancient eolian and fluvial transport and deposition. Data have also shown surprisingly Earth-like patterns of diagenesis that involve recrystallization and the formation of concretions. In addition, the detection of clay minerals and sulfate salts on Mars, coupled with large-scale morphologic features indicative of fluvial activity, indicate that water-rock interactions were once common on the Martian surface. This is in stark contrast to the dry and cold surface environment that exists today, in which eolian processes appear to be the dominant mode for

sediment transport on Mars.

These issues and others were discussed at the First International Conference on Mars Sedimentology and Stratigraphy, held in El Paso, Texas in April of 2010. The papers presented in this volume are largely an extension of that workshop, and cover topics ranging from laboratory studies of the geochemistry of Martian

meteorites, to sediment transport and deposition on Mars, as well as studies of terrestrial analogs to gain insight into ancient Martian environments. These papers incorporate data from recent orbiter and rover missions, and are designed to provide both terrestrial and planetary geologists with an overview of our

current knowledge of Mars sedimentology, as well as outstanding questions related to sedimentary processes on Mars.

More information about the Society’s publications can be found at: www.sepm.org

Geologic Map Day: Celebrate on October 19!

Celebrate the first annual Geologic Map Day! On October 19, as a part of the Earth Science Week 2012 activities, join the American Geosciences Institute (AGI), the Association of American State Geologists (AASG), and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in promoting the importance of geologic mapping to society.

Geologic maps tell the story of each state's natural history through time, what rocks and minerals are there, how rivers and waterways were formed, where landslides and earthquakes have happened, and much more. Learn how to make geologic maps and how to read and understand them on Geologic Map Day. Go to http://www.stategeologists.org/ and click on your state to find your state's geologic map and educational materials about your state's geology.

"In Minnesota we use geologic maps to keep our drinking water safe and to show why we have sinkholes. They are a brilliant tool to answer questions about the land and water posed by everyone from students to our state and national leaders" notes Dr. Harvey Thorleifson, President of AASG and State Geologist of

Minnesota.

Additional resources for learning about geologic maps can be found on the AGI Geologic Map Day web page (http://www.earthsciweek.org/geologicmap/). Earth Science Week 2012 will be celebrated October 14-20. To learn more, please visit

http://www.earthsciweek.org/.

Annals of Geophysics: new issue published - Geoethics and geological culture

Dear Readers:

Annals of Geophysics has just published its latest issue at http://www.annalsofgeophysics.eu/index.php/annals. We invite you to view the Table of Contents here and then visit our web site to view articles and items of interest.

Thanks for the continuing interest in our work, AG Editorial Office annals@ingv.it

Annals of Geophysics

Vol 55, No 3 (2012): Geoethics and geological culture. Reflections from the Geoitalia Conference 2011

Table of Contents

http://www.annalsofgeophysics.eu/index.php/annals/issue/view/482

_______________________________________________________________________

Annals of Geophysics

http://www.annalsofgeophysics.eu/index.php/annals

Call for Abstracts for Young Professionals Virtual Forum at Naples IAC on "Disaster Monitoring from Space"

Opportunity for young professionals to participate in a Virtual Forum on Disaster Monitoring from Space at the International Astronautical Congress in Naples, Italy. The Virtual Forum will take place on October 4, and since it is virtual, the presenters do not need to be present in Naples to participate.
A description of the Disaster Monitoring from Space VF is on the last page of the attachment. Thedeadline to submit abstracts has been extended to July 15th. Please forward on to colleagues as appropriate. I will be happy to answer any questions, jacob.sutherlun@noaa.gov.

http://www.networkyes.org/index.php/news/#Upcoming_events

Five Outstanding Questions in Earth Science

What are today's biggest unanswered questions in earth science?

In the July issue of EARTH Magazine, experts from a variety of disciplines weigh in on what they consider to be the biggest unsolved mysteries across the geosciences and how they think we may solve them.

Of course, in science, answering one question typically floods the field with new questions and thus new lines of investigation. For example, the discovery in the mid-19th century that carbon dioxide traps heat in Earth's atmosphere led scientists to engage in lengthy studies – many that continue today – on the mechanics of the greenhouse effect, emission sources and impacts on global climate. How will answering these unsolved questions alter the course of earth science? Read the story online at  

http://www.earthmagazine.org/article/five-outstanding-questions-earth-science.

Read this story and more in the July issue of EARTH Magazine, available online now at http://www.earthmagazine.org. Learn whether egg-laying was a factor in dinosaur decline; find out if Venice is still sinking; and discover what abnormalities astronauts see all in this month’s issue of EARTH.

YES Congress at the IGC and Website Updates

Dear YES Members,

We have a few short annoucements:

1. As we are preparing for the 2012 YES Congress at the IGC in Brisbane in August, we invite you to submit HIGH RESOLUTION photos of YES members and activities.  You will have the unique opportunity to potentially have your photo on the YES banners at the 2012 Congress - so please make sure your submitted photos are YES related. And remember, YES Congress activities are now posted online! Visit http://www.34igc.org/2nd-world-yes-congress.php to view what's going on in Brisbane.

2. The new YES Executive Committee are planning on redesigning and updating the YES website!  We are looking for 2 volunteers that have website developing skills to apply.  Please submit a paragraph explaining your skills and what updates you would like to see for the YES website.  NOTE: Applicants with experience in Concrete5 are STRONGLY encouraged to apply.

Regards, 

YES Communications Team

YES Network 2012-2014 Executive Committee

Dear All,

Thank you for taking part in the recent YES Network elections. We are very pleased to announce the YES Network Executive Committee for the 2012-2014 term:

President:  Wang Meng

Communicating Science Team Leader:  Cecilia Mukosi

Career Development Team Leader: Denis Silas

Regional YES Network Team Leader: Todd Ellis

Scientific Collaboration Team Leader: Carlos Console

Communication Support Team Leader: Amel Barich

Congratulations to the new team! Members should note that the new Executive Team includes several experienced YES leaders and those who are new to the YES executive this will promote a smooth transition whilst giving the team a boost of new and exciting ideas to take the Network forward.

The Election Committee and 2010-12 Executive would like to wish the new team all the very best for their term and to offer support and advice where needed.

NEXT STEPS: The Incoming Executive will meet with the Election Committee over the coming weeks to discuss the election of team members for the leadership teams.

Best wishes,

The Election Committee

AGI Launches GeoWord of the Day

In celebration of the release of the revised 5th edition Glossary of Geology for the Kindle and Nook platforms, the American Geosciences Institute (AGI) has started a free GeoWord of the Day service.

The GeoWord of the Day is a fun and convenient way to learn a new geoscience term every day. Each morning (US ET) the service will highlight a new word or term featured in the Glossary of Geology, ensuring daily authoritative terms and definitions for years to come. Users may choose to receive the GeoWord of Day directly through email by subscribing online at http://www.agiweb.org/word/.

The YES Network is hosting ELECTIONS FOR THE 2012-2014 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE! Voting is NOW OPEN!

The YES Network is hosting ELECTIONS FOR THE 2012-2014 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE!  Voting is NOW OPEN! Please see below for important information and instructions!


When can I vote?
YES Network Election Voting is NOW OPEN through May 25th at 22:00 GMT. To vote for your new Executive Committee Members go to: http://www.agiweb.org/yes/elections2012/.  Please take advantage of this opportunity to vote for your new Executive Leaders!


Who is eligible to vote?
Those YES Network members who joined the organization on or before February 10th, 2012.


How do I vote?
Go to the voting website (http://www.agiweb.org/yes/elections2012/) hosted by the American Geosciences Institute and follow the instructions.  You will need your YES Network ID and Password to start the voting process.  If you became a YES member after February 10th, 2012, you are ineligible to vote.  Each YES Member will only be able to vote ONCE in this round of elections.  Once your vote is submitted, you will be able to print your selections for your own records.


How do I obtain my YES Network ID and Password?
Please visit the YES Membership Login webpage (http://www.networkyes.org/index.php/yes_membership_form/) and enter in your information.  Membership Services will respond to your request before the end of the voting period. Use your YES ID and Password to vote.


Who can I vote for?
All nominees who are running for Executive positions have written  Letters of Intent for all YES Members to view.  These letters explain why the candidate is running for the position and his/her 2-year plan for the YES Network if voted into the Executive Committee.  Please carefully read each statement prior to voting. Letters of intent can be found at: http://www.networkyes.org/index.php/news/#News_Leadership.


How will nominations be determined?
Nominations for the 2010-2014 Executive Committee are reviewed by the YES Election Committee.  The Election Committee is composed of current and past Executive Members who are not standing for re-election: Joanne Venus (Outgoing President), David Govoni (Past President), Heather Houlton (YES Membership Services/Webmaster) and Current and Past Executive Members: Michelle Cooper, Sarah Gaines, Eliakim Kagimbo, Luca Micucci, Elyvin Nkhonjera and Syed Ajijur Rahman.


Please take part of this exciting opportunity!


Sincerely,
YES Executive Committee

The 2nd International YES Symposium 2012 Programme

Dear YES members,

For those of you who plan to attend the YES Symposium 2012 and/or the 34th IGC next August in Brisbane, here is the programme for the YES sessions:


Sunday 5 August (University of Queensland)

09:00-10:00 YES Network Congress Registration
A YES 2012 registration desk will be set up at the University of Queensland for delegates registering only for YES Network events.
To participate in YES sessions to be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, you must register as a 34th IGC delegate and pay the appropriate registration fee. Discounted registration fees are available to YES members and student delegates.

10:00-12:00 CV Workshop
At this workshop YES delegates will learn tips and tools for   strengthening their CV. Murray Smith, Vice President of Human Resources in Minerals Exploration at BHP will   share his insights into what industry looks for in the content and structure of a CV, while Tiffany  Rivera  from Roskilde University, Denmark, will address how academics (and those interested in pursuing a   career in academia) should organize and present their CV.
Registration for this workshop will be via the YES Network website   between October and March, 2012 (Limited onsite registration).

12:00-13:00 Lunch Function
YES Delegates are invited to a lunch function as a start to the   Industry-YES Network Members Event.
Come along and meet your fellow YES Network members’ right before the IGC begins.
The cost of this lunch is included in your registration if you are a YES member and have pre-registered for this event. Additional guests are $30 AUD each; registration and   payment details please contact Ashley Paroz at a.paroz@uq.edu.au between October and March, 2012.

12:00-15:00 Industry-YES Members Event
This event will bring industry representatives, academics,   researchers and professional organizations together with YES Network members to discuss opportunities for   employment, work experience and collaboration in an informal and relaxed environment.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are interested in taking advantage of this   exciting opportunity to interact with some of the brightest early career earth scientists from around the  world  by having a display and/or sending a representative of your organization please contact Gabriela Perlingeiro at g.perlingeiro@uq.edu.au

Monday 6 August (Brisbane Convention Centre)


18:00-20:00 YES National Chapters, YES Room 1
This session will include presentations from the YES Network National Chapters on exciting projects and their plans for 2012-2014, and the YES awards ceremony.
20:00-22:00YES Network Meet and Greet Dinner
A chance to see downtown Brisbane, join us for dinner in the city centre. Further details to be confirmed. (Cost not included in your registration)140
Tuesday 7 August (Brisbane Convention Centre)
The YES Network Roundtable Program will commence on Tuesday 7 August. Roundtable sessions aim to bring together experts and early career geoscientists to discuss pertinent and topical issues. Two roundtable sessions will run concurrently each evening.
Roundtable sessions will run from 18:30 to 20:30 in the main conference centre, except for Friday 10 August when they will run from 09:00 to 11:30. Light refreshments will be provided and delegates are welcome to join their roundtable session organisers for dinner after each session (not funded) to continue the discussions.
18:30-20:30 Roundtable 1, YES Room 1: How can Geoscientists best engage with the public and high school pupils
Convenors: YES Outreach Team, Ashvin Wickramasooriya

18:30-20:30 Roundtable 2, YES Room 2:
Geological knowledge and technology transfer in developing nations
Convenor: Regional Representatives from Africa and Middle East

Wednesday 8 August (Brisbane Convention Centre)


17:00-19:00 Roundtable 3, YES Room 1: Engaging with policy makers: A YES legacy
Convenors: Gabriela Perlingeiro, YES Australia, David Govoni, YES Italy
Keynote Speakers: Alabama State Senador Scott Beason (USA)
17:00-19:00 Roundtable 4, YES Room 2: Education and Outreach in Polar Science
Convenors: Punyasloke Bhadury and Aisling Dolan, (joint YES Network and -Association of Polar Early Career Scientists)

Thursday 9 August (Brisbane Convention Centre)


18:30-20:30 Roundtable 5, YES Room 1: Emerging geoscience themes and the role of the YES Network
Conveners: Visioning Team, Sarah Gaines, UNESCO

18:30-20:30 Roundtable 6, YES Room 2: Women in Geosciences
Conveners: Tiffany Rivera, YES Denmark, Ndivhuwo Cecilia Mukosi, YES South Africa, Joanne Venus, YES United Kingdom, Ezzoura Errami, YES Morocco, African Association of Women Geoscientists
Keynote speaker: Kerstin Lehnert, Director of Integrated Earth Data Application and Director of
Geoinformatics for Geochemistry (Columbia University, New York, USA)

More information on: http://www.networkyes.org/index.php/meetings/yes_2012_congress/

Important Information on the YES Network Elections: Please read.

Dear All,

Please note the email address for ALL applications for the 2012-14 leadership team.

At this time we are ONLY accepting applications for the following positions:

President (1 role)

Team Leaders (5x roles)

The team leader roles are for the following teams:

1. Communicating Science

2. Career Development

3. Regional YES Network (esp applicable to current National and Regional Reps)

4. Scientific Collaboration

5. Communications and Support Team

We advise you to read the information available at http://www.networkyes.org/index.php/news/#News_Leadership (download the document YES2012NetworkElections) to find out about the teams and their aims.

Please note these positions are ALL for the YES Network 2012-14 Executive.

If you wish to apply for a Team Member Role - please await further instructions (that is the next phase of the elections)

If you are a National Representative, please do not apply for extension/ reapplication at this stage.

We encourage all members to consider applying.

PLEASE APPLY BY SENDING ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS/INFORMATION TO: YES2012elections@gmail.com

BY THE  6th April.

Receipt of applications sent to the yesnetwork.president or other leadership team accounts cannot be guaranteed due to high email volumes. So please ensure you send your application to the specific address.

Thank you

Jo 

Joanne Venus

Outgoing-President 

The YES Network Elections are running NOW!

*** YES Network Elections! ***

Dear YES Network Members,

The YES Network is holding elections for Executive Roles and Team Members for the next term, 2012-2014. Please view the following document for information about running for positions, voting and general information. We highly encourage you to become active members in the YES community if you are not already. If you have any questions about YES elections, please email the current YES President Jo Venus at networkyes.president@gmail.com.

Sincerely,

YES Executive Committee

IUGS COGE Logo Contest

The IUGS Commission on Geoscience Education, Training & Technology Transfer (IUGS COGE http://www.iugscoge.com) would like to announce a IUGS COGE Logo contest. 

 

1)      The IUGS COGE Logo contest is open only to individuals. The contest is not open to companies, institutions, organizations, etc. or to groups associated with such institutions.

2)      The logo must contain the words COGE (or it must be clear in its design).

3)      The logo must reflect the institutional relation with IUGS.

4)      Due to the requirements for high quality printing, and re-sizing, entries must be submitted in scalable vector graphic format.

5)      The logo must reveal the geoscience educational activities of our Commission.

6)      All submitted work must be original and not based on any pre-existing design.

7)      All entries will become the sole property of IUGS COGE.

8)      IUGS COGE  reserves the right to disqualify any entrant or entry at its sole discretion.

9)      Accepting the prize constitutes permission for IUGS COGE to make public and otherwise use the winner's name, and country of residence for publicity purposes.

The winner will receive an Acknowledgement Certificate and a $100 cash award from our Commission which will be officially given at the next IGC Congress in Brisbane, Australia (5-10 August 2012). The deadline for the IUGS COGE Logo contest is 7 July, 2012 (Pacific Daylight Time).

Submit your abstract to the One Geology session in the 34th IGC 2012!

Dear OneGeology colleagues,

Please remember to submit your OneGeology abstracts by 17th February.
The OneGeology sessions are within Theme 5 as follows:

5.1 Geoscience Spatial Data Infrastructure
Robert Tomas (robert.tomas@jrc.ec.europa.eu), Bruce Simons (Bruce.Simons@dpi.vic.gov.au)

Symposium for regional geoscience information activities and developments from Oceania, Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. The latest news from geoscience-related Spatial Data Infrastructure development around the world, with particular reference to the pan-European INSPIRE initiative and SDI, the North American GIN and Geoconnections initiatives and the Australian AuScope project


5.2. Information Management - Interoperability and Standards
John Laxton (jll@bgs.ac.uk), Simon Cox (Simon.cox@csiro.au)

Geoscience information management best practise and standards for digital and analogue data; thesauri, dictionaries, vocabularies, ontologies and semantics. Development and application of information exchange formats underpinning interoperability (GeoSciML, GML, EarthResourceML, OGC and other standards), mapping data models to standards; successes, best practise and lessons learnt.

5.3. Delivery, dissemination and exploitation of geoscience data and information
Richard Hughes (rah@bgs.ac.uk), Oliver Raymond (Oliver.Raymond@ga.gov.au)

Strategic and technical progress, developments and plans from the OneGeology Global and OneGeology Europe initiatives. The creation of information and knowledge from geoscience data to address societal needs and create societal impacts and benefits; intellectual property and digital rights management in the digital era. Developments and best practise in the delivery of dynamic and static data and information.

Download the full details in the brochure for Theme 5 at http://www.34igc.org/FileLibrary/brochure_igc34_theme5_20jan.pdf

Best regards
OneGeology secretariat

IGC-YES Symposium 2012 in Brisbane, Australia

Dear YES member,

We invite you to submit an abstract to the IGC YES Symposium ‘Overcoming geoscience challenges in the 21st century by developing and improving the skills of early-career geoscientists’ (Theme 36, symposium 36.7).

You should note that this symposium is a part of the main IGC program and therefore abstract submission for this symposium will be governed by the same ‘rules’ as other IGC abstracts.
This means that:
- Abstracts must be submitted via the IGC abstract portal (http://www.34igc.org/submit-abstracts.php; this involves a cost)
- Presenters may only give one oral presentation; they can however have both a talk and a poster (separate abstracts need to be submitted for each)
- Abstracts are due by 17 February 2012 (AUSTRALIAN TIME)
- Abstracts must be submitted using the correct template or they may be rejected outright

We recommended that you don’t leave your abstract submission until the last minute as many people do that and the servers can get overloaded preventing upload.

Finally, if you do have any problems submitting your abstract please contact the conference organisers (email provided) NOT the YES President.

Regards,

YES Communications Support Team

Earth Science Week 2012 Theme Announced: Discovering Careers in the Earth Sciences

The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) is pleased to announce that the theme of Earth Science Week 2012 will be "Discovering Careers in the Earth Sciences." This year's event will boost awareness about the geosciences and the many exciting career and job opportunities in the field.

Earth Science Week 2012 materials and activities will engage young people and others in learning how geoscientists gather and interpret data about the Earth and other planets. Through careers in geology, geophysics, oceanography, hydrology, paleontology, Earth science education, and many other fields, they enhance our understanding of Earth processes and improve the quality of human life.

"With this year's focus on jobs, Earth Science Week provides a great chance for teachers and guidance counselors to spread the word to students and parents about geoscience careers," says Ann Benbow, AGI's Director of Education and Outreach. "With over 150,000 positions expected to open in the next decade, opportunities for building an exciting and meaningful career in the geosciences have never been better, even in this tough economy," says Christopher M. Keane, head of AGI's Geoscience Workforce Program.

AGI leads Earth Science Week annually in cooperation with its sponsors and the geoscience community as a service to the public. Each year, community groups, educators, and interested citizens organize celebratory events. Earth Science Week offers the public opportunities to discover the Earth sciences and engage in responsible stewardship of the Earth. Earth Science Week is supported by the U.S. Geological Survey, the AAPG Foundation, NASA, the National Park Service, ExxonMobil, and Esri.

Earth Science Week 2012 will be celebrated October 14-20. For more about this week and ways to get involved -- including newsletters, local events, and classroom activities -- please see the Earth Science Week web site at http://www.earthsciweek.org/.

AGI and AIPG Team Up to Launch the Geoscience Online Learning Initiative (GOLI)

The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) and the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) have teamed up to launch the Geoscience Online Learning Initiative (GOLI).

This joint effort seeks to build a portfolio of online learning opportunities to help support the professional development of prospective and early-career geoscientists as well as addressing topics of interest to the broader geoscience profession. GOLI courses will support both synchronous and asynchronous online learning, and count toward continuing education units (CEU's).

AGI and AIPG are pleased to announce the first three webinar events of GOLI. Details of the webinars are available at: http://www.aipg.org/e-mail/GOLI.html.

The topics, times, and presenters are:

Global Energy Resources: Current Trends and Short Term Predictions. January 18, 2012, 2:00 pm EST. Presented by Ronald J. Wallace, President-Elect, AIPG

Critical and Strategic Minerals: Concepts and Status. February 1, 2012, 2:00 pm EST. Presented by Jim Burnell, Colorado Geological Survey

Effective Power Point Presentations. February 22, 2012, 2:00 pm EST. Presented by Chris Mathewson, Texas A&M University

The American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) was founded in 1963 to certify the credentials of practicing geologists and to advocate on behalf of the profession. AIPG represents the professional interests of all practicing

geoscientists in every discipline. Its advocacy efforts are focused on the promotion of the role of geology and geologists in society.

The OneGeology Best Application Competition

OneGeology Operational Management Group announces an opportunity to innovate the OneGeology Best Application Competition'

Aim: The main aim of the OneGeology Best Application competition is to demonstrate the wide range of potential applied uses and applications that the OneGeology Portal, and geological data/services that it provides, can offer for easy discoverability, access and use.

Possible types of OneGeology Applications :

Developed OneGeology applications can demonstrate:

1- A new innovative web application of geological data, to address any environmental, social etc. issues. The combination - integration of geological data with other types of environmental data is of prime interest.

2- A new innovative technical solution of the geological application e.g. on-line incorporation of OneGeology geological web services (WMS, WFS) into a client application or a new way to discover / 3- search geological data etc.

A new solution for making progress in the direction of semantic harmonization – e.g. utilizing the OneGeology web services (WMS, WFS) for on-line geometric-semantic harmonization across administrative boundaries.

Who can apply:

The competition is aimed at the young geoscientists especially those within the YES (Young Earth Scientist) Network; so the competition is open to all young geoscientists (under 35 years of age). The OneGeology development team encourages students, or any young researchers to develop an innovative application based on the geological data and services provided via OneGeology Portal.

The winning prize:

The winner of the competition will receive a free registration for the 34th International Geological Congress, Brisbane, Australia (August 2012) and will also have the opportunity to present the new innovative application during the Geoinformation Symposium/ OneGeology Session at the conference.

For more details about how to register and selection procedures, visit the following link: http://www.onegeology.org/igc34/competition.html

Deadline: 30 May 2012