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Walking with mammoths and exploring mid-continental geology

April 16th, 2014

Geoscientists from the north-central U.S. and beyond will convene in Lincoln, Nebraska, USA, on 24-25 April to discuss new science, expand on existing science, and explore the unique geologic and historic features of the region, with a special emphasis on applied geology, paleontology, and mid-continent geology. Events include a keynote talk at 7 p.m. on Thursday by Dr. Kirk Johnson, Sant Director of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

The meeting is hosted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Lincoln is located near the boundary between the Great Plains and glaciated Central Lowlands. The Nebraska Sand Hills, the largest dunefield in the Western Hemisphere, and the thickest loess sequence in North America are within a half-day's drive. The Missouri River, which drains a significant portion of the North American continent, and the Platte River, which is a classic braided stream, lie within 60 km of the meeting location.

Nebraska is one of the most important regions in the world for the collection and study of Cenozoic mammals, and the University of Nebraska State Museum is one of the premier repositories for such fossils.

A new field trip guidebook, Geologic Field Trips along the Boundary between the Central Lowlands and Great Plains, allows readers to follow along on three field trips developed just for this meeting. Edited by Jesse T. Korous of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln's School of Natural Resources, these diverse, illustration-rich contributions cover

The geology and paleontology of Ashfall Fossil Beds, an extensive mass-death assemblage that includes hawks and cranes; moles and "beardogs"; and numerous examples of the short, stout, one-horned rhinoceros, Teloceras major.
One of the most complete records of North American glaciation.
Building and decorative stones and other geological aspects of Nebraska's State Capitol, called "an architectural and engineering marvel."

Selected Highlights of the Scientific Program

The scientific program is composed of oral and poster presentations organized into 23 themed sessions plus an array of research in general discipline areas. Go to https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2014NC/webprogram/start.html to learn more.

THURSDAY, 24 APRIL

Applied Geology I: Environmental, Engineering, Hydrogeology, Geotechnical, and Exploration Geophysics

Terry R. West of Purdue University, presiding, 7:55 a.m. to noon (session 3)

Abstracts: https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2014NC/webprogram/Session34512.html

Paper 3-3 (8:40 a.m.): Groundwater levels in Nebraska: The aftermath of the 2012 drought. First author: Aaron R. Young of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln: https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2014NC/webprogram/Paper237778.html.

Rivers, Past and Present: Sediments, Stratigraphy, and Geomorphology II

Christopher Fielding of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Jim Best of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, presiding, 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. (session 7)

Abstracts: https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2014NC/webprogram/Session35608.html.

Paper 7-2 (1:50 p.m.): Emerging geological perspective on the Republican River and its great flood of 1935: Pre-dam and post-dam characteristics. First author: R. Matthew Joeckl of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln: https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2014NC/webprogram/Paper237191.html.

FRIDAY, 25 APRIL

Applied Geology: Environmental, Engineering, Hydrogeology, Geotechnical, and Exploration Geophysics (Posters)

Session 19: Posters on display 8 a.m. to noon.

Abstracts: https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2014NC/webprogram/Session35571.html.

Poster 19-7 (author present 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.): A closer look at the effects of improper waste disposal on the groundwater/potable water systems along the base camp highway of Mt. Everest. Author: Emily Blythe Hayes of Ball State University: https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2014NC/webprogram/Paper237875.html.
Poster 19-14 (author present 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.): LiDAR in Nebraska. Lead author: Douglas R. Hallum of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln: https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2014NC/webprogram/Paper237609.html.

View the complete session schedule by day or search the program by keywords at https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2014NC/webprogram/start.html. Click on session titles for a list of presentations, and click on presentations for the individual abstracts.

Find complete meeting information at http://www.geosociety.org/Sections/nc/2014mtg/.

Find local contact information at http://www.geosociety.org/Sections/nc/2014mtg/contact.htm.

MEDIA REGISTRATION

Eligibility for media registration is as follows:

Working press representing bona fide, recognized 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, ISWA, CSWA, ACS, ABSW, EUSJA, or evidence of work pertaining to science published in 2013 or 2014.
PIOs of scientific societies, educational institutions, and government agencies.

Present media credentials to William Cox onsite at the GSA registration desk to obtain a badge for media access. Complimentary meeting registration covers attendance at all technical sessions and access to the exhibit hall. Journalists and PIOs must pay regular fees for paid luncheons and any short courses or field trips in which they participate. Representatives of the business side of news media, publishing houses, and for-profit corporations must register at the main registration desk and pay the appropriate fees.

Provided by Geological Society of America

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