The Geologic Mapping Forum (GMF) facilitates discussion among geologic map authors, program managers, and allied professionals, in the US and more broadly. The focus is on geological mapping science, rather than funding or GIS which are better covered in other meetings. 

The US Congress and States have accelerated needed systematic mapping, leading to important applications and exciting research outcomes. The series is coordinated by University of Minnesota Professor Harvey Thorleifson, and by NCGMP Coordinator Chris Swezey of the US Geological Survey. 

In-person meetings were held in 2018 and 2019, and monthly online meetings have been held since onset of the pandemic in 2020. This year, we are meeting on Thursdays for 2 hours at Noon Central on Oct 5, Nov 2, Nov 30, Jan 25, Feb 22, Mar 21, & Ap 18; we have added February 8.

Abstracts for the 20-minute invited talks again are requested. Additional regional and topical workshops will be arranged separately by NCGMP as needed. Here are past GMF abstracts: 2018, 2019, 2020/2021, 2021/2022, and 2022/2023; and the 2018 meeting summary.

Videos will be available unless speakers request otherwise. Resources are here, for those who are able to use Dropbox either on a work machine, or a personal device. For information, or to request to attend, please email thorleif@umn.edu

Jim Faulds to complete his time as State Geologist of Nevada

Jim Faulds has indicated that he will soon complete his time as State Geologist of Nevada. He was 2022-2023 AASG President, and 2022 Annual Meeting Host. James E. Faulds was appointed Director, State Geologist, and Professor, at Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno in 2012. Jim received his B.S. from University of Montana in 1981, his M.S. from University of Arizona in 1986, and his Ph.D. from University of New Mexico in 1989. His expertise is in geologic mapping, structural geology, tectonics, paleomagnetism, and geothermal. Previously, Jim was a professor at University of Iowa from 1991 to 1997. Well done, Jim!

Steven Domber, State Geologist of New Jersey

In December 2023, Steven Domber was appointed Director of the New Jersey Geological and Water Survey, having served in the Department since the year 2000. He had been serving as Section Chief for Water Resource Management. As State Geologist, Steve follows Jeffrey L. Hoffman who served from 2015 to 2023, Karl W. Muessig who had the role from 1999 to 2015, and Haig F. Kasabach who filled the role from 1983 to 1999. The history of the Survey goes back to 1835. Steven obtained his Master’s degree in geology and geophysics from the University of Wisconsin in Madison in 2000, and he holds qualifications as a certified public manager from Rutgers. His undergrad in geology was from Hobart and William Smith Colleges in 1994. Congratulations and best of luck, Steve!

Jeffrey Hoffman has completed his time as State Geologist of New Jersey

In December 2023, Jeffrey L. Hoffman retired from his position as State Geologist of New Jersey after over 42 years of service to the New Jersey Geological and Water Survey. Jeff was appointed Director in 2015, as successor to Karl W. Muessig, who had taken over from Haig F. Kasabach in 1999. Jeff holds a bachelor’s degree in geological sciences from Penn State, and a Master’s in hydrogeology from Princeton. Congratulations, and thanks for your superb service, Jeff!

Carl J. Smith, State Geologist of West Virginia, 1944 – 2023

Carl James Smith, former State Geologist of West Virginia, passed away on December 29, 2023, at the age of 79. He was born on September 25, 1944, in Reading, Pennsylvania. Carl served 30 years in the U.S. Navy, achieving the rank of Commodore during Desert Storm. He served the State of West Virginia for over 30 years. He became State Geologist and Director of the West Virginia Geologic and Economic Survey from 2002 to 2005. He followed Larry Woodfork as State Geologist, and preceded Michael Hohn. He led the agency into the development of digital publications. During his time, the Survey became part of the Department of Commerce and began new studies in carbon sequestration and oil fields. Carl was a captivating storyteller and a source of joy to those around him. He was preceded in death by his late wife of 36 years, Trudy DiSabella Smith. He will be missed.

https://www.dominionpost.com/2024/01/04/carl-smith-3/

https://www.wvgs.wvnet.edu/www/allabout/allabout.htm#History

Mark Shuster, State Geologist of Texas

Effective January 3^rd, 2024, Mark Shuster is the acting State Geologist of Texas. Previously, Mark was responsible for managing the Bureau's energy-related research. He joined the Bureau in September, 2016. Prior to joining the Bureau, Mark worked for Shell and affiliates for 30 years in upstream oil and gas roles around the world. Mark began his professional career as a Research Geologist working on projects on the Permian Basin, Atlantic margin basins and southeast Asia. Subsequently, Mark worked on exploration and appraisal projects in Venezuela, Australia, Middle East, Gulf of Mexico and most recently, Alaska. Mark received his Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from the University of the Pacific and his PhD in Geology from the University of Wyoming. 

Source: https://www.beg.utexas.edu/people/directorate

 

Jim Kennedy has retired as State Geologist of Georgia

Jim Kennedy retired as State Geologist of Georgia in 2022. The position remains vacant. The Geological Survey of Georgia and/or a State Geologist was first established from 1836 to 1840, then from 1874 to 1881. From 1890 to 2005, nine State Geologists served the state, and upon the retirement of Bill McLemore in 2005, Jim Kennedy was appointed. He holds a doctorate in geology, with a specialty in hydrogeology from Texas A&M University. He brought to the position 25 years experience consulting in the hydrogeology. He had previously served as a senior scientist for MACTEC Engineering and Consulting Inc. in Kennesaw.

https://www.georgiasfossils.com/24-needed-the-georgia-geologic-survey.html

 

John Yellich to complete his time as State Geologist of Michigan

John Yellich has announced his pending retirement as Director of the Michigan Geological Survey. John, who was appointed in 2013, is to be commended for rebuilding the survey, after its transfer in 2011 from state government to Western Michigan University as a one-person survey. The budget is now at 3M/y, along with 5M for five years of aggregate mapping. For AASG, John served as 2018-2019 VP, 2019-2020 President Elect, 2020-2021 President, and 2021-2022 Past President. Previously, John accumulated decades of accomplishments in mineral exploration and consulting, in over thirty states and around the world. John holds BA and MS degrees in geology from Western Michigan University. Thanks for your superb service, John!