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2015 GSA PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS
Figure 11. Global strain-rate model derived from over 22,000 horizontal GPS velocities; white areas assumed to be rigid plates (figure courtesy of Corné Kreemer,
modified from Kreemer et al., 2014).
improve building codes and limit losses from collapse of unrein-
forced masonry buildings during earthquakes (Fig. 14). As tech-
nology evolves, we can expect many new discoveries and exciting
new applications in geology.
The demographics of our science have evolved. Not only is the
world changing, but we geoscientists are changing as well (Fig. 15).
The American Geosciences Institute’s Workforce Program
(Wilson, 2014) reported on recent gains among women in all
college majors (Fig. 16) and in the geosciences (Fig. 17). The repre- ardship of Earth and the geosciences profession. Perhaps the word
sentation of women in the geosciences is approaching, but not
quite at, the percentage in the population (at least in the U.S.).
We have a long way to go, however, in terms of minorities in the
geosciences (Fig. 18). Also, few statistics are available on the
percentage of individuals with disabilities within our profession.
To attract the best and brightest to our profession, we must have
attractive career paths and opportunities for all people. I’m
pleased that GSA actively supports opening the profession to all,
through such programs as On To the Future, which is bringing
students from underrepresented groups to our annual meetings.
Our profession is changing. Neuendorf et al. (2005) defined
geology as “the study of the planet Earth, the materials of which
it is made, the processes that act on those materials, the products
formed, and the history of the planet and its life forms since its
origin.” They also defined geologist as “one who is trained in and
works in any of the geological sciences.” I am somewhat disap-
pointed about the evolution of the terminology for geologists.
What was once broadly labeled as a geologist became a “geolog-
ical scientist,” presumably partly to not offend some geophysi-
cists and geochemists. We also use the term “Earth scientist,”
but that might offend some planetary scientists. We now
promote the term “geoscientist.” I actually prefer the label “geo.”
In the international mining business, geos include geophysicists,
geochemists, structural geologists, economic geologists,
mineralogists, sedimentologists, stratigraphers, paleontolo- GSA TODAY | www.geosociety.org/gsatoday
gists, volcanologists, petrologists, environmental geologists,
geological engineers, geotechnicians, etc.; and they work
with biologists and other scientists, engineers, skilled laborers,
and community-relations and business professionals to
benefit society.
GSA has Divisions, but we work together on our mission to
advance geoscience research and discovery, service to society, stew-
Division isn’t the best term. It implies that we are divided, when so
many of our issues, such as mining in an economically and environ-
mentally acceptable manner, require multidisciplinary approaches.
Maybe we need to change the name from Divisions to something
else. Multiplications doesn’t make sense, nor does Exponentials, but
along those lines, perhaps Dimensions could be better. The string-
theory physicists have about 10 dimensions. We have at least 18, the
current number of GSA divisions (GSA18), or 20, if you add the Soils
and International Interest Groups (GSA20), or 90+, if you add the
Associated Societies and their disciplinary, professional, and
geographic dimensions (GSA90+).
GSA’s world is changing as well. A huge change, which will
benefit our members, authors, the general public, and science,
is the fact that our journals will be freely accessible on the Web
upon publication, with Geology first in 2017.
Let’s envision GSA and our science in the future journals. GSA
publications will continue to be rigorously peer reviewed and edited.
GSA publications will attract many of the best papers, books, and
maps in the geological sciences. Electronic access will be available
anywhere—in the office, lab, or field. We might even expect that the
public will make sound decisions on the basis of our science. GSA
publications will be accessible to everyone, and we will attract the
best and brightest students from diverse backgrounds, thereby
increasing the likelihood of meeting societal challenges.
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