May 2005
Climate change, ground water sustainability, and more at GSA North-Central Section Meeting
Boulder, Colo. – Geoscientists will gather 19-20 May in Minneapolis, MN, for the 39th annual meeting of the North-Central Section of the Geological Society of America. Approximately 800 are expected to attend the meeting at the Radisson Hotel Metrodome on the University of Minnesota East Bank campus, hosted by the Minnesota Geological Survey in conjunction with the University of Minnesota School of Earth Sciences and the Minnesota Ground Water Association.
Journalists are invited to attend sessions of interest, interview scientists, and visit the exhibit area. Information on complimentary media registration and procedures for arranging onsite and telephone interviews during the meeting follows the program highlights below.
HIGHLIGHTS
Thursday, 19 May
GROUND WATER SUPPLIES
Groundwater Sustainability-1 (Sponsored by the Minnesota Ground Water Association)
8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Radisson Metrodome, University AB Ballroom
* Climate Change and Ground Water Sustainability
J. Drake Hamilton, Science Policy Director, Minnesotans for an Energy-Efficient Economy, 11:00 a.m.
How global climate change and policy responses to climate change are likely to influence the availability of ground water supplies.
View abstract: http://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2005NC/finalprogram/abstract_86603.htm
Friday, 20 May
CLIMATE CHANGE
Developing Approaches to Terrestrial Paleoclimatology II
1:20-4:00 p.m., Radisson Metrodome, Regent Room
Keynote address at 3:00 p.m. by Greg Retallack, University of Oregon:
* An Unfortunate Series of Global Atmospheric Greenhouse Spikes *
Retallack will discuss research that revealed 13 greenhouse warming crises over the past 300 million years. Each had different magnitude and likely cause, but all involved climate systems pushed out of control. Implications of our current practice of "carbon squandering" and possibilities for another crisis will be explored.
View abstract: http://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2005NC/finalprogram/abstract_84863.htm
REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Lakes – Glacial Lakes, Large Lakes, Small Lakes, Groundwater Interaction
Radisson Metrodome, Hubert H. Humphrey Room
Poster session – Authors present from 2:20-4:20 p.m.
* Quality of Ground Water and Surface Water at a Prairie and Wetland Restoration Site, Northwest Minnesota
Tim Cowdery, US Geological Survey, Booth 19
An update on the 24,000-acre Nature Conservancy restoration project in Polk County, MN. Results of a USGS study on hydrologic changes occurring as drained agriculture land reverts to native prairie and wetlands.
View abstract: http://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2005NC/finalprogram/abstract_86435.htm
* Modeling Groundwater Impacts and Potential Dewatering of Wetlands along the Proposed TH 212 Alignment (Carver and Hennepin counties, MN)
John Barry, EOR Inc, Booth 20
Results of a study calculating total indirect impacts to wetlands caused by construction-related activities.
View abstract: http://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2005NC/finalprogram/abstract_86664.htm
* Impacts of Deicing Agents on the Water Chemistry of Wetlands Adjacent to Roads in Four Mid-Michigan Counties
Jane Murawski, Central Michigan University, Booth 24
Results of a study on the impact of road salts on wetlands.
View abstract: http://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2005NC/finalprogram/abstract_86497.htm
To view the entire technical program visit http://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2005NC/finalprogram/
MEDIA REGISTRATION AND PROCEDURES
Eligibility for complimentary media registration is as follows:
–Working press representing bona fide 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, or evidence of work pertaining to science published in 2004 or 2005.
–Public Information Officers of scientific societies, educational institutions, and government agencies.
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.
Media representatives may register at the main meeting registration desk located in the Radisson Metrodome Hotel lobby. Registration will be open Wednesday, 18 May, from 4:30-8:00 p.m., Thursday, 19 May, from 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and Friday, 20 May, from 7:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. All media registrants will receive a name badge and the program/abstract book upon arrival.
Media registrants may arrange on-site interviews after attending the session in which the talk is given or by leaving a note at the GSA Registration Desk requesting an interview before or after the talk. Interested media unable to attend may telephone the Registration Desk at +1-612-362-6690 and leave a message requesting a callback from the speaker.
For additional information before 19 May, contact Ann Cairns, GSA Director of Communications, at 1-303-357-1056. During the meeting, 19-20 May, contact the GSA Registration Desk at 1-612-362-6690.