| 3 March 2009 GSA Release No. 09-06 |
Contacts: |
Leading Geoscientists to Discuss Alternative Energy, Water, Health and Public Policy Issues
UT Dallas hosts Geological Society of America South-Central Section Meeting March 16-17
More than 300 geoscientists will gather soon for the 43rd Annual Meeting of the South-Central Section of the Geological Society of America. The meeting, which takes place at the UT Dallas Conference Center, is chaired by geoscientists from UT Dallas.
Eight themed sessions will highlight cutting-edge scientific research and feature technical presentations on geology and health issues, water resource challenges and shale reservoirs, as well as the geologic evolution of the US-Mexico border region, Texas-Oklahoma, Big Bend, and Permian Basin regions. More than 130 presentations will be made by academic and industry scientists, undergraduates and graduate students.
The meeting’s geology and health talks will cover contaminated groundwater, lead poisoning in children and the possible link between global warming and the northward expansion of the U.S. kidney stone “belt.”
Presentations on water resource challenges deal with stresses to local aquifer systems and freshwater in light of increased water demand and encroaching sea levels. Changes in local hydrogeologic environments over time will be covered.
Another popular theme session consists of several talks aimed at understanding the nature of local shale reservoirs and methods for extracting shale gas and shale oil in the Barnett Shale (Fort Worth area), Williston (Michigan area) and Appalachian basins (Eastern U.S.).
The sessions on Monday will close with a free and open public policy forum at 3:30 in the Conference Center led by UT Dallas President Dr. David E. Daniel. Panelists will discuss the role geoscientist can and should play in improving public policies concerning water, energy and land use.
To view the technical program, visit http://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2009SC/finalprogram/.
MEETING INFORMATION:
Complete meeting information is available at http://www.geosociety.org/sectdiv/southc/09mtg/index.htm. Information on registration is available at http://www.geosociety.org/sectdiv/southc/09mtg/registration.htm.
MEDIA REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Eligibility for media registration is as follows:
- Working press representing bona fide, recognized news media with a press card, letter or business card from the publication.
- Freelance science writers, presenting a current membership card from NASW, ISWA, regional affiliates of NASW, ISWA, CSWA, ACS, ABSW, EUSJA, or evidence of work pertaining to science published in 2008 or 2009.
- PIOs of scientific societies, educational institutions, and government agencies.
Journalists and PIOs must pay for any short courses or field trips in which they participate.
Representatives of the business side of news media, publishing houses, and for-profit corporations must register at the main registration desk and pay the appropriate fees.
Complimentary meeting registration covers attendance at all technical sessions and access to the exhibit hall. Media must pay regular fees for paid luncheons, field trips, etc.
For additional information and assistance with media registration, contact Christa Stratton, GSA Director of Communications, (303) 357-1093, .
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www.geosociety.org.