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GSA2015 ANNUAL MEETING & EXPOSITION
Joseph Thomas Pardee (1871–1960)
Pardee Keynote Symposia
P1. Celebrating the Genius of William “Strata” Smith:
Bicentennial Anniversary of Smith’s Revolutionary Map
Advocate: George H. Davis
Smith’s 1815 Geological Map of England and Wales and Part
of Scotland stands as a milestone in the geological sciences.
Smith’s genius influenced geology’s formative period, and
beyond! The session explores “Smith” fundamentals in
relation to our science today.
P2. Savor the Cryosphere
Advocates: Patrick Burkhart; Greg Baker; Paul Baldauf
“Savor the Cryosphere” will be the ultimate colloquium for
2015 that examines the retreat of glaciers on Earth, coupled to the Advocates: Frank J. Pazzaglia; Gregory S. Hancock;
perturbation of other Earth systems by an intensely warming
climate. Three prestigious investigators seek to demonstrate that
“seeing is believing.” The program includes a screening of Chasing
Ice, coupled to a panel discussion with Q&A. The panel features:
James Balog (Extreme Ice Survey), Richard Alley (The Two-Mile
Time Machine), and Lonnie Thompson (tropical ice in South
America, Africa, and Asia).
P3. Earth-Life Systems at the Dawn of Animals
Advocates: James D. Schiffbauer; Marc Laflamme;
Simon A.F. Darroch
Geobiologists, evolutionary biologists, paleontologists, sedi-
mentologists, geochemists, and earth systems scientists are assem-
bled to showcase high-impact research, identify the frontiers of
current research, and present key questions to be addressed in
future prospects on the rise of animals across the Precambrian–
Cambrian transition.
communi t y.geosociet y.org / gsa2 015
P4. Similar Information, Different Results: Fracking from GSA TODAY | www.geosociety.org/gsatoday
State to State
Advocates: R. Laurence Davis; Christopher P. Carlson
Using similar data, different states have formulated very
different approaches to addressing oil and gas recovery from shale
plays using hydrofracking. During this session, geologists and
policy makers representing several states will outline their state’s
policies and discuss how they were developed. The presentations
will be followed by a panel discussion about approaches to formu-
lating policy for controversial issues along with time for questions
and discussion with the audience.
P5. Appalachian Geomorphology
Sean F. Gallen
This full-day session is dedicated to new research and synoptic
presentations of geomorphic processes and rates as seen through
the lens of the Appalachian landscape, the spawning ground of
the great paradigms championed by Davis and Hack. The session
will continue the discussion started during pre-meeting field trips
also devoted to the topic of Appalachian geomorphology and will
be linked to a topical session with a similar focus. We envision
addressing topics including, but not limited to, dynamic uplift,
fluvial incision, drainage network steadiness, rates and processes
of erosion, hillslope and periglacial processes, and soils.
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