GeoSpectrum

Historians have spent decades analyzing the military actions of the Civil War. Now
geologists are having their say.

Geologists are investigating how geological forces millions of years ago sculpted the terrain of Civil War battlefields — bringing a new perspective to the war’s events. Read November’s EARTH magazine and learn how igneous rock foiled the Confederates at Gettysburg, how powdery glacial sediments sealed Vicksburg’s fate and why limestone was the soldiers’ real enemy at Antietam.

A preview of this cover story, “Lay of the Land: Terrain’s Toll on the U.S. Civil War” is available at http://www.earthmagazine.org/.

Keep up to date with the latest happenings in earth, energy and environment news by checking out EARTH Magazine online at http://www.earthmagazine.org/. Published by the American Geological Institute, EARTH is your source for news and perspectives on research, technology and policy that affect you every day. Sign up for E-alerts, our short, weekly e-mails that alert subscribers to new content posted on the EARTH Web site, and subscribe to the magazine at http://www.earthmagazine.org/.

The American Geological Institute (AGI) is pleased to announce that Larry D. Woodfork has been named the 2008 recipient of the Medal in Memory of Ian Campbell. Woodfork is the 27th recipient of this award that is given annually in memory of Ian Campbell, a man of remarkable accomplishment and influence.

Larry D. Woodfork, the 2008 Campbell Medalist, has had a highly productive professional career spanning four decades and including leadership positions in government, industry and academia. He began working in the petroleum industry and in 1968 joined the West Virginia Geologic and Economic Survey as a staff geologist. In 1989, he was appointed State Geologist and Director. During his tenure at the Survey, he concurrently held appointments as Adjunct Professor at West Virginia University. He has authored or edited publications on energy resources and the application of geology in addressing societal needs.

Larry served West Virginia with distinction for 34 years. He provided the insight required to build and maintain the geological research and outreach service programs of the Survey in a cost-effective manner. During his tenure, Larry served on state, regional, and national committees, boards, and commissions. His outstanding and timely service contributions were recognized by the Governors of West Virginia, Kentucky and Indiana by each awarding him the highest honor bestowed on citizens.

Larry’s dedication and commitment to geoscience professional organizations are legendary. He has served as President of AGI, AIPG, and ASSG and as Chair of the AAPG HOD. He has provided leadership to the international community by serving as a voting delegate for the 31^st and 32^nd International Geological Congresses and as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Officers of the Corporation of International Year of Planet Earth. For his distinguished service, accomplishments, and leadership, he has received high honors and prestigious awards: AIPG Ben H. Parker Medal, AIPG Honorary Membership, AAPG Honorary Membership, AASG Honorary Membership, and GSA Senior Fellow.

Larry D. Woodfork’s many and significant contributions and distinguished service to the geoscience profession, and his exceptional achievements and visionary leadership unequivocally qualify him as an excellent selection for the 2008 Ian Campbell Medal.

Compiled by: Ernest A. Mancini, Citationist

Why Earth Science is so Important

Originally posted on Discovery Earth Live TM

As Hurricane Ike slammed into the Texas gulf coast late Friday, humankind again confronted powerful forces of nature and the limits of our ability to withstand them. The city of Galveston, wiped out on September 8, 1900 by The Great Storm as it was called, faced the unthinkable a second time 108 years later, almost to the day.

As assessments of damage and loss of life are reported from the Gulf Coast, the city of Houston, and surrounding areas, we’re grateful for modern advances and the efforts of public safety officials, knowing things could have been much worse. Those of us not struggling to survive and put life back together can also reflect on our relationship with this amazing planet.

Earth in all its complexity is a beautiful, bountiful place that supports life in myriad ways. Its water, soils, climate, and other resources permit life to flourish. At the same time its natural processes such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and other hazards threaten life.

Humankind will continue to thrive if we increase our knowledge and understanding of Earth, as well as our respect for it. To that end, geoscientists and others from Albania to Zambia are raising awareness of the earth sciences and the role they play in improving our health, prosperity, and safety.

International Year of Planet Earth (IYPE) is an initiative of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization and the International Union of Geological Sciences. A triennium event spanning 2007-2009, IYPE was officially launched in Paris in February.

Under the theme “earth sciences for society,” 73 countries are participating with science programs and outreach events. Each national committee is focused on topics most relevant to the country in which they live. Subjects range from sustainable resource development to reducing risks associated with natural and human-induced hazards.

Geoscientists have always known the benefits of their work for the global community and its quality of life. We also know we need to do a better job of sharing our knowledge and experience with others who can use it to the greater benefit of society.

Ten science themes of IYPE reflect the broad areas in which earth sciences have much to contribute:

• Groundwater – Toward sustainable use
• Hazards – Minimizing risk, maximizing awareness
• Earth & Health – Building a safer environment
• Climate – The record in rocks, sediment, and ice
• Resources – Toward sustainable use
• Megacities – Going deeper, building safer
• Deep Earth – From crust to core
• Ocean – Abyss of time
• Soils – Earth’s living skin
• Earth & Life – Origins of diversity

As challenges associated with population growth, availability of fresh water, and competing global demands for energy, mineral, and other resources increase, the need for geoscientists grows. Through IYPE we hope to ignite the interest of young people around the world, encouraging them to study the earth sciences and contribute their ideas and energy to this great work.

To learn more about International Year of Planet Earth and activities around the world, visit www.yearofplanetearth.org

Larry Woodfork is Chairman of the Board of Directors of International Year of Planet Earth. He is a professional geologist with many years of experience focused on geology in the public interest. He currently divides his time between a consulting practice in energy development and service to several not-for-profit organizations.

The American Geological Institute (AGI) is sponsoring a new, fourth contest in conjunction with both Earth Science Week and The International Year of Planet Earth (IYPE).

In addition to the Photo, Essay, and Visual Art contests offered each year as part of Earth Science Week, a new global photography contest, “Exploring Earth Science Around the World” has been developed. This competition is open to anyone worldwide with images eligible from anywhere around the world – all in celebration of IYPE.

Entrants are encouraged to submit images that highlight the beauty and power of the earth processes. Pictures of landforms, bodies of water, weather, and more that depict the geosciences exploration and research that is occurring across the planet as part of IYPE are ideal.

To learn more about this contest, including rules for submissions, deadlines, and prizes, visit http://www.earthsciweek.org/contests/iypephotocontest/.

Geoscience Currents #14 reports that the total federal funding of for geoscience research has leveled off since 2003, as have the proportions of funding for atmospheric science, geological science, and oceanography. Since the mid-1980’s however, the percentage of geoscience research funding applied to interdisciplinary geosciences has steadily increased. Read more in Geoscience Currents #14: Federal Research Funding of Geosciences.

USGS Coalition to Honor Reps. Dicks and Regula at Congressional Reception

WASHINGTON, DC – Representatives Norman Dicks (D-WA) and Ralph Regula (R-OH) will be presented with the first USGS Coalition Leadership Award at a congressional reception on Monday, September 15, 2008. They will be honored for their enduring support for the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Representative Dicks is Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies and Representative Ralph Regula is former Chairman of the Subcommittee. Additionally, the USGS Coalition reception will highlight the research, information sharing, and services provided by the USGS.

“The U.S. Geological Survey is one of the nation’s premiere science agencies. It benefits the lives of every American,” said Dr. Craig Schiffries, co-chair of the USGS Coalition and director for geoscience policy at the Geological Society of America. “Representatives Dicks and Regula are being honored for promoting the important science sponsored by the U.S. Geological Survey and for providing the agency with the funding required to address many of our nation’s most pressing challenges,” said Schiffries. Data and products derived from USGS research benefit everyone. The work conducted and supported by the USGS informs natural hazards monitoring, drinking-water studies, biological and geological resource assessments, and other activities.

“The need for science in support of public policy decision-making has never been greater,” said Dr. Robert Gropp, USGS Coalition co-chair and director of public policy at the American Institute of Biological Sciences. “USGS scientists produce knowledge that supports water, energy and mineral resource management, wildlife and ecosystem management, and protection and prevention measures for natural disasters. Representatives Dicks and Regula have long recognized this and worked to provide the agency with the resources necessary to serve our nation,” said Gropp.

“We look forward to this opportunity to publicly acknowledge the leadership of Representatives Dicks and Regula on behalf of the U.S. Geological Survey.” said Schiffries. USGS scientists and their collaborators will be on hand at the reception to discuss the vital work the USGS conducts in the biological, geographical, geological and hydrological sciences. The reception will occur from 5:30 to 7:30 PM in the Gold Room (Room 2168) of the Rayburn House Office Building.

Members of the news media interested in attending the Reception or receiving additional information about the USGS Coalition should contact mkelhart@aibs.org.

The key educational support product for Earth Science Week 2008 (October 12-18) is the Toolkit that enables teachers, students, and the public to explore this year’s theme “No Child Left Inside.” The 2008 edition of this resource is now available through the American Geological Institute (AGI).

The 2008 Toolkit contains several resources developed by AGI, including the new editions of the Earth Science Week Activity Calendar and classroom poster with activities suitable for all ages provided by AGI, its Member Societies and other organizations. In addition to these traditional Toolkit publications, this year AGI’s education department teamed with Walden Media to create a “Journey 3-D” educator guide with 3-D glasses to explore where science fact meets science fiction in the movie “Journey to the Center of the Earth 3-D.”

Several other organizations contributed materials for inclusion in the Toolkits. The U. S. Geological Survey provided a 3-D geosciences poster. NASA supplied a CD-ROM of Earth Observations from Space. NOAA provided climate literacy information while ESRI included a CD-ROM on GIS technology and activities. A field notebook with an activity from Rite in the Rain is also part of each Toolkit.

These items and much more can be found in each Earth Science Week Toolkit aimed at engaging the students and general public in exploring the geosciences. The Toolkits are available for the cost of shipping and handling ($6.95 in the United States). Bulk pricing is available. To order, visit http://www.earthsciweek.org/materials/.

Earth Science Week is an annual event held the second week of October to promote an understanding and appreciation of the earth sciences. It is coordinated by the American Geological Institute with generous support from the U.S. Geological Survey, the AAPG Foundation, and the National Park Service. To learn more about this event, please visit http://www.earthsciweek.org/.

The American Geological Institute (AGI), in conjunction with its Member Societies, is announcing the release of “Critical Needs for the Twenty First Century: The Role of the Geosciences.” This concise document suggests policy directions for the next President, his administration, federal agencies and the United States Congress. The document identifies seven national issues and the role geosciences can play in addressing them: energy and climate, water, waste disposal, natural hazards, infrastructure, raw materials, and workforce and education needs.

With energy, natural hazards, and climate change in the news, the geosciences are more visible today than ever before.  The geosciences have never been more central to the major pressing issues facing the nation. “Critical Needs for the Next Century” intends to unite the geosciences so they are heard in the policy making decisions of the next administration.

Dr. Pat Leahy, Executive Director of AGI says “This document highlights the most prevalent issues facing the earth sciences and the nation’s policy challenges for tomorrow.  By distributing this document, we are ensuring that the needs of the nation will be met by the next administration and in turn the efforts of the geosciences community will be recognized as key contributions to tackling society’s needs.  As we struggle to balance energy and economic and environmental well being, the geosciences will become increasingly important.”

AGI is unveiling this document as part of the first annual Geosciences Congressional Visits Day, where over sixty geoscientists will be visiting their members of Congress encouraging steady investment in geoscience research and education. A PDF of “Critical Needs for the Twenty First Century” is available on the AGI Government Affairs Web Site at http://www.agiweb.org/gap/trans08.html.

Dr. John S. Shelton, recipient of the 1993 AGI Outstanding Contribution to the Public Understanding of the Geosciences Award, passed away on July 24, 2008. A geologist and a pilot, Shelton was well respected for his ability to capture earth science on film. As an educator, Shelton was passionate about teaching his students. In addition to the AGI Award, he also received the National Association of Geoscience Teachers “Neil Miner Award” for “exceptional contributions to the stimulation of interest in the earth sciences.” The first public exhibit of 33 of his large-format photographs, “Aerial Portraits of the American West”, is now on display at the San Diego Natural History Museum in Balboa Park, CA.

Recognizing his strong support for agriculture and the conservation of Colorado’s and the nation’s lands, Senator Ken Salazar (D-CO), received the 2008 Excellence in Soil Stewardship Award presented by the Soil Science Society of America on July 17.

A fifth generation Coloradan, Senator Salazar grew up on a ranch in Colorado’s San Luis Valley where his family has farmed and ranched the land since homesteading. The Senator serves on both the Agriculture and Energy and Natural Resources Committees where he is known as a champion for well-informed and science-based development of soil and water resources. His support for the 2008 Farm Bill conservation programs was critical to building awareness in the Senate about the value and promise of soil conservation across the nation.

“It is a great honor to present the Soil Science Society of America’s 2008 Excellence in Soil Stewardship Award to Senator Ken Salazar,” said SSSA President Gary A. Peterson, Colorado State University. “As a farmer and rancher, Senator Salazar has learned the importance of proper soil management to ensuring the long-term productivity of agricultural lands.”

Peterson presented the award to Senator Salazar at a luncheon in the U.S. Capitol and was joined by the leadership of SSSA and the Crop Science Society of America, both scientific societies based in Madison, Wis.

“The Soil Science Society of America provides an important forum for exchange of knowledge and ideas among soil scientists worldwide,” said Senator Salazar upon receiving the award. “As conditions and practices change, soil science research will be critical to helping ensure that America’s farmers and ranchers will continue to be able to provide the food and fiber we depend on. You all do important work in this area, and I look forward to our continued partnership. I am honored to accept this award.”