March 2005

Scientists discuss tsunamis, other coastal and marine issues

GSA southeastern Section Meeting next week

Boulder, Colo. – Geoscientists will gather next week for the 54th annual meeting of the Southeastern Section of the Geological Society of America. The meeting takes place 17-18 March 2005, at the Bayview Hotel, Grand Casino Resort, in Biloxi, Mississippi. Approximately 450 geoscientists are expected to attend.

Hosts for the meeting are geoscientists from the University of Southern Mississippi and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Coastal Data Development Center. Also collaborating in the meeting are federal agencies from NASA's Stennis Space Center, home of the largest naval oceanographic research center in the world.

The program includes local, regional, and national topics of interest. A sampling of sessions includes:

Processes affecting shoreline erosion, wetland loss, and coastal evolution in the southeastern U.S.
Sea-level changes and coastal evolution
Tropical cyclone impacts on coastal zones

A keynote address on tsunami and data buoy warning systems by Paul Moersdorf, Director, NOAA National Data Buoy Center, Stennis Space Center, takes place Thursday evening, 17 March. Held from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in Ballroom B of the Bayview Hotel, the address is free and open to the public.

Of particular regional interest is a talk by Leah Bray of the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources on "Beneficial Use of Dredged Materials for Erosion Prevention and Habitat Restoration in Coastal Mississippi." The talk takes place Thursday afternoon, 17 March, at approximately 2:20 p.m. in Bayview Hotel 8.

MEDIA REGISTRATION AND PROCEDURES

Journalists are invited to attend sessions of interest, interview scientists, and visit the exhibit area. 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 Ballroom pre-function area of the Bayview Hotel in the Grand Casino Resort. Registration will be open Wednesday, 16 March, from 4:00-8:00 p.m., Thursday, 17 March, from 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., and Friday, 18 March, from 7:00 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 228-436-2946 ext. 1334 and leave a message requesting a callback from the speaker.

For additional information before 17 March, contact Ann Cairns, GSA Director of Communications, at 303-357-1056. During the meeting, 17-18 March, contact the GSA Registration Desk at 228-436-2946 ext. 1334.