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GSA TODAY | MAY 2015 GSA2015 ANNUAL MEETING & EXPOSITION

The 2015 Technical Program is
Steaming Like a Blue Crab!

The Geological Society of America is on a roll! Coming off of
superb annual meetings in Vancouver and the stellar 125th Anniversary
celebration in Denver, we are now moving full steam ahead for Baltimore on
1–4 November. Nestled into the Inner Harbor, the Convention Center lines
the shore of the Chesapeake Bay, while many of the meeting hotels also share
this maritime vista. Not only does the venue border bistros and cultural
venues of all variety, but the proximity to Washington D.C. also positions us
to effectively communicate our science to policy makers. Let’s embrace these
opportunities fully!
The Technical Program that has been proposed looks to be very impressive. Five Pardee
Symposia will (1) discuss bicentennial of the William “Strata” Smith map and cross sections of
the UK and English Channel that propelled structural inquiry; (2) provide an exposé of retreating
glaciers that will query global change and include the spectacular cinematography of Chasing Ice;
(3) examine Earth systems at the dawn of animals and the events that began the Phanerozoic;
(4) interrogate state approaches to shale gas development; and (5) survey Appalachian geomorphology,
immersing participants into the regional landscape—and it is coupled to an exciting field trip.
Well over 200 topical sessions are planned, in addition to a comprehensive listing of
discipline sessions that will accommodate all manner of inquiry. The Annual Program Committee
has reconfigured the lunchtime break to be a little longer, from noon to 1:30, allowing premier
lectures to be offered as Feed Your Brain. We have invited leading scientists from the NSF, NASA,
the USGS, and more to share insights with you. In totality, the technical program is certain to
deliver the newest, finest science that you well deserve, infused with a local flavor that enriches our
global perspective.
Your meeting committee is planning the very best. You will find that the full agenda includes
professional development opportunities for everyone. Please support these efforts by submitting an
abstract of your work and planning your stay. Join GSA in Baltimore for Halloween and celebrate
Planet Earth with all that we are learning of it. For you know what they say in Maryland? Treasure
the Chesapeake. All we need now is you!
Patrick Burkhart, Technical Program Chair

Background photo courtesy of Visit Baltimore.

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