GeoSpectrum

The American Geological Institute’s (AGI) Glossary of Geology, 5th Edition is now available for the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad in Apple’s App Store. The Glossary of Geology app brings all 40,000 authoritative definitions of the vocabulary of the geosciences to an easy-to use, searchable, fast, and portable format.

Beyond just definitions, users can learn the difference between look-alike pairs, such as sylvanite (a mineral) and sylvinite (a rock); the origin of terms; the meaning of abbreviations and acronyms common in the geosciences; the dates many terms were first used; the meaning of certain prefixes; and the preferred term of two or more synonyms.

The Glossary app enables users to both browse and search the entire glossary. In addition, the complete app is self-contained, so there is no need to be online to use this product – ensuring ready access to key information when you need it, whether in the lab, library, office, or field.

The Glossary app requires an iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad running iOS 3.2 or later and is compatible on iPhone 4. In addition, the iPad version is optimized for the larger visual experience of that device.

To learn more or purchase the Glossary of Geology app, search for “Glossary of Geology” in the App Store, or visit iTunes at: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/glossary-of-geology/id398194234 .

The Glossary of Geology App is also eligible for Apple’s educational volume discounts. Please contact Apple or your campus licensing office for more information.

Author Steven M. Testa will hold a book signing for One Man’s Planet: Earth in Today’s Political Culture, published by the American Geological Institute (AGI) at the 2010 Geological Society of America (GSA) Annual Meeting in Denver, Colorado.

The author will be signing copies of his book from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Sunday October 31, 2010 during the GSA Exhibit Opening and Welcoming Reception in the GSA headquarters area of the Colorado Convention Center. In addition to the book signing, copies of One Man’s Planet will be available for purchase through the GSA Bookstore and the AGI Exhibit (Booth #930) throughout the meeting.

One Man’s Planet is one slightly off-centered geologist’s introduction on how politics, pop-culture and the earth sciences intersect. It’s a humorous look at the science issues that grace the news and drive political debates from local town councils to international discourse. One Man’s Planet picks apart the rhetoric on all sides of these debates to look at how the science describes the issue. Tackling topics like climate, energy, water, and hazards, Stephen Testa channels Pink Floyd, Mad Max, and Shakespeare among others to examine the latest scientific understanding of these issues. Testa deftly weaves topics into a very informative and entertaining tapestry on the planet today and the planet’s tomorrow. Come tour the Earth with Testa as your guide!

To learn more about One Man’s Planet or to purchase the publication directly through AGI, visit http://www.agiweb.org/pubs/pubdetail.html?item=300357.

The American Geological Institute is pleased to announce that EARTH magazine, the magazine that explores the science behind the headlines, is now available for PC, Mac and the iPad through Zinio. Starting with the November 2010 issue, both year-long subscriptions and single copies of the online magazine can be purchased at a savings over the print edition.

“Our readers have been asking for a digital version of EARTH. Now we’ve found a platform in Zinio that combines the best of both print and online technology. It does an excellent job of preserving the art and layout of the magazine, but also provides the convenience of a digital format. In particular, with the new tablets like the iPad, digital magazine technology is now meeting the editorial standards we expect,” says EARTH Editor Christopher Keane.

The Zinio version of EARTH is identical to the printed magazine, but appears on your computer or iPad weeks earlier than the printed edition arrives in your mailbox or on local newsstand shelves. As an added benefit, the digital edition of EARTH is the same price worldwide – $4.99 for single copies or $19.99 for a 12-issue subscription.

Visit http://www.earthmagazine.org/digital/ for more information on the online format or to subscribe to the digital edition of EARTH magazine.

Keep up to date with the latest happenings in earth, energy and environment news with EARTH magazine, available on local newsstands or online at http://www.earthmagazine.org. Published by the American Geological Institute, EARTH is your source for the science behind the headlines.

The American Geological Institute (AGI) is pleased to announce Dr. William R. Muehlberger, Professor Emeritus, Department of Geological Sciences of the University of Texas at Austin, as the recipient of the 2010 Marcus Milling Legendary Geoscientist Medal. Established in 1999, the award is presented to a geoscientist who has demonstrated a long history of scientific achievement and exceptional service to the geoscience profession.

Dr. Muehlberger received both his B.S. and M.S. in geology 1949 and then his Ph.D. in 1954 from the California Institute of Technology. He taught structural geology and tectonics at the University of Texas at Austin for over fifty years. During his impressive career, he supervised over 90 Ph.D. and M.A./M.S. theses. This work has lead to a greater understanding of tectonics in the western United States and Latin America.

In addition to his traditional teaching role, Dr. Muehlberger has trained astronauts in geology and was Principal Investigator of the geology team for the last two Apollo missions to the moon. The largest moon rock returned by Apollo astronauts was named “Big Muley” in his honor.

Dr. Muehlberger has a long record of service to the geoscience community. He has been a distinguished lecturer for the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, is a committee member for the National Academy of Science, and continues as a geological advisor to NASA’s Space Shuttle Earth Observation Project.

He has received numerous awards during his career including the AAPG Distinguished Educator Award (2002), the NASA Medal for Exceptional Scientific Achievement (1973) and the NASA Public Service Medal (1999).

It is for his distinguished teaching career, his role with the U.S. astronaut corps, and his research in tectonics that AGI has deemed Dr. William Muehlberger extremely worthy of the Marcus Milling Legendary Geoscientist Medal.

Does someone you know teach earth science to students between kindergarten and eighth grade? Do they excel in their teaching through leadership and innovation, bringing new ideas and approaches to teaching about our planet? If so, they may be eligible for the Edward C. Roy Award for Excellence in K-8 Earth Science Teaching. Given annually, this award recognizes one classroom teacher nationwide for their leadership and innovation in earth science education.

The winner will receive a prize of $2,500 and an additional grant of $1,000 to enable the recipient to attend the 2011 National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Annual Conference in San Francisco, California March 10-13. To be eligible, applications must be postmarked by January 5, 2011.

The award is named in honor of Dr. Edward C. Roy, Jr., who was a strong and dedicated supporter of earth science education. He served as President of AGI, chaired the AGI Education Advisory Committee, and received both the Ian Campbell Medal and the Heroy Distinguished Service award. In addition, he served as the Gertrude and Walter Pyron Distinguished Professor of Geology at Trinity University, as Dean of the Division of Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering, and as Vice President for Academic Affairs. Roy was also appointed Chair of the Texas Earth Science Task Force by the Commissioner of the Texas Education Agency.

To learn more about competition requirements, application procedures, and deadlines, visit http://www.agiweb.org/education/awards/ed-roy/.

Vicki J. Cowart has been named the 29th recipient of the Medal in honor of Ian Campbell for Superlative Service to the Geosciences. Cowart will be presented this prestigious award at the Geological Society of America Presidential Address Ceremony in Denver, Colorado on October 30, 2010.

Cowart earned a B.S. in physics from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a M.S. in geophysics from the Colorado School of Mines. After receiving her degrees she spent 16 years in the petroleum industry. First she worked as an exploration geophysicist for Mobil (now ExxonMobil) then an exploration manager for ARCO and finally as a technical sales and operations manager for Schlumberger Ltd. After working in industry, she served as the Colorado State Geologist from 1993-2003 where she was instrumental in establishing the Survey’s geologic mapping program and secured funding from the state legislature for both the survey and its Avalanche Information Center. Currently, Cowart is the President and CEO for Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains.

In addition to the Ian Campbell Medal, Cowart has received many awards and distinctions including; the Colorado School of Mines’ Distinguished Achievement Medal, the AIPG John T. Galey, Sr. Memorial Public Service Award, the Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists Distinguished Public Service to the Earth Sciences Award, the Association for Women Geoscientists Distinguished Service Award, and the Colorado Citizens’ Leadership Excellence Award.

Throughout her career, Cowart has served in many leadership roles within the geoscience community. She helped found the Association for Women Geoscientists (AWG) where she served as its first National President and was critical in the development of the AWG Foundation. During her tenure as Colorado State Geologist, Cowart was active in the Association of American State Geologists (AASG), served as Treasurer, Vice President, and President of that organization, and continues as an Honorary Member. Cowart is also a member of the Colorado School of Mines Board of Trustees.

AGI feels that Cowart’s longtime work in the geosciences and dedication to organizations such as AASG and AWG combined with her leadership roles make her extremely deserving of the Medal in honor of Ian Campbell for Superlative Service to the Geosciences.

The American Geological Institute (AGI) is pleased to offer a new service, EarthNotes, information briefs that provide engaging and timely information about earth science issues.

EarthNotes are concise reports created to inform the general public about the interactions between the planet and their daily lives. Each one-to-two-page EarthNote is authored by an expert in the field and will cover all geoscience topics ranging from volcanology to climate to natural resources.

AGI is currently soliciting authors for EarthNotes. If you are interested in participating in this outreach endeavor, please contact AGI Environmental Affairs Director, Travis Hudson at ageology@olypen.com.

To view EarthNotes, go to http://www.agiweb.org/environment/earthnotes/.

The American Geological Institute (AGI) and the National Park Service (NPS) are collaborating to hold the first annual National Fossil Day - October 13, 2010 - during Earth Science Week (October 10-16).

Join paleontologists, educators, and students in fossil-related events and activities across the country in parks, classrooms, and online during National Fossil Day. NPS has developed resources and activities to highlight the scientific and educational value of paleontology and the importance of preserving fossils for future generations. Visit the NPS National Fossil day site at http://nature.nps.gov/geology/nationalfossilday/ for standards-based lesson plans, fossil trading cards, videos, a virtual museum exhibit featuring dinosaurs, and more. Fossil-themed activities are also available in the Earth Science Week 2010 toolkit available at http://www.earthsciweek.org/materials/index.html.

The National Park Service is sponsoring a National Fossil Day Art Contest. Entries should address the theme “Paleontology: Preserving the Past for Our Future.” This contest is open to any U.S. resident age five or older. Entries are due October 5, 2010. See complete contest guidelines at http://nature.nps.gov/geology/nationalfossilday/.

In addition to online resources, local events, and contests, NPS and the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History will hold 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 13, 2010. 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, listen to Fossil Talks, and hunt for your own fossils. For more information on the kick-off event, visit http://www.nature.nps.gov/geology/nationalfossilday/natmallevent.cfm.

AGI coordinates Earth Science Week annually in cooperation with its sponsors and the geosciences 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, the U.S. Department of Energy, NASA, the National Park Service, ExxonMobil, and ESRI.

To learn more about Earth Science Week and National Fossil Day, go to http://www.earthsciweek.org/.

The American Geological Institute (AGI) is pleased to announce a new membership category, International Associate (IA).

Since 1948, the AGI Federation has largely been comprised of U.S. earth science societies. With the addition of International Associates, groups with predominately international memberships (less than 25 U.S. professional members) will be able to participate within the AGI Federation. AGI President Richard Powers said “The geosciences are truly global in scope and the ability to work in concert with geoscience organizations around the world benefit our profession enormously. Societal problems involving the geosciences know no borders and efforts to improve the exchange of knowledge across geoscience organizations worldwide are sorely needed and we are hopeful that this step helps to close the knowledge and communication gap.”

The inclusion of International Associates will provide better communication between U.S. and international geoscience organizations. This will open the door for new opportunities for joint partnerships and programs of shared interest. Like traditional AGI Member Societies, International Associates will be able gain access to AGI products and services. IAs will be non-voting members of the AGI Member Society Council.

All International Associates must be approved by the AGI Executive Committee. If your group is interested in obtaining membership through the IA program, please contact the AGI Executive Director, Dr. P. Patrick Leahy at pleahy@agiweb.org.