DMT returns to an in-person format

After two years of virtual sessions during the pandemic, the 26th annual Digital Mapping Techniques workshop was hosted by the Missouri Geological Survey, as an in-person event, May 22-25, in Rolla, MO. Vicki Voigt and her colleagues did a great job hosting this event.  In addition to federal staff, twenty-three State geological surveys were represented. Thanks as always to Dave Soller!

Vicki Cowart, 2022 Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame Inductee

Vicki Cowart is one of seventeen extraordinary women who have been inducted into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame for the class of 2022. Vicki was State Geologist of Colorado from 1992 to 2003, AASG President in 2001/2002, and AGI Campbell Medalist in 2010. In 2021, Cowart retired as president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains (PPRM). Vicki graduated from the Colorado School of Mines (CSM), and has been honored by that institution. Congratulations, Vicki!

https://www.cogreatwomen.org/

Ruarri Day-Stirrat, State Geologist of Oregon

On April 1, 2022, Dr. Ruarri J. Day-Stirrat was appointed State Geologist of Oregon, after several months in which Sarah Lewis was acting in this capacity. Ruarri received degrees in geology from Cardiff and Newcastle University in the UK. He was with the Bureau of Economic Geology in Texas from 2006 until 2011, and was then with Shell Research in Houston. Dr. Day-Stirrat has expertise in clay minerals, rock properties, mineralogy, and diagenesis. Welcome, Ruarri!

 

Steve Dickson Named Maine State Geologist

In December 2021, Stephen M. Dickson was named State Geologist with the Maine Geological Survey, after acting in this capacity after Bob Marvinney’s retirement at the end of last June. Steve joined the Maine survey in 1986 after graduating from the University of Rhode Island. With MGS, he has served as State Marine Geologist (2000-2021), Marine Geologist (1990-1999), and Senior Geologist (1986-1989). He holds a Ph.D. in Geological Oceanography from the University of Maine, an M.S. in Geological Oceanography from the University of Rhode Island, and a B.A. in Environmental Sciences from Wesleyan University. Stephen co-chairs the Science and Technology Subcommittee of the Maine Climate Council and co-authored the Scientific Assessment of Climate Change and Its Effects in Maine Sea Level Rise and Storm Surge chapter. Welcome, Steve!

https://www.maine.gov/dacf/about/news/news.shtml?id=6216903

2022 AASG Pick and Gavel Award to Senator Barrasso

AASG presents the Pick and Gavel Award to distinguished friends of geology who have made significant contributions to advancing the role that geoscience plays in public policy. The 2022 recipient is Senator John Barrasso M.D. of Wyoming. Senator Barrasso was sworn in to US Senate in 2007, and previously served in the Wyoming Senate from 2003 to 2007. He is the ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. He also serves on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the Senate Finance Committee. During 24 years as an orthopedic surgeon, he served as President of the Wyoming Medical Society and was named Wyoming Physician of the Year. Senator Barrasso received his M.D. from Georgetown in 1978, and conducted his residency at Yale Medical School in New Haven, Connecticut.

David LePain, State Geologist of Alaska

In March this year, David LePain will become State Geologist of Alaska, as successor to Steve Masterman. David has been a Petroleum Geologist at the Alaska survey since 2014. His specialties are applied sedimentology and stratigraphy, basin analysis, and petroleum geology. David obtained his B.S. in geology with distinction at Wayne State University in Detroit, his M.S. in geology in 1987 at Wright State University in Dayton Ohio H, and his Ph.D. in geology at University of Alaska Fairbanks in 1993. David has gained much industry experience over the years, as well as early career service with the Wisconsin and Alaska state geological surveys. Welcome, David!

Steve Masterman to complete his time as State Geologist of Alaska

Steven S. Masterman is planning to retire as State Geologist and Director at the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys this spring. Steve was appointed to this role in 2013, as successor to Bob Swenson. He performed superbly as AASG VP, President Elect, President, and Past President from 2015 to 2019. Steve hosted a wonderfully successful AASG Annual Meeting in 2016, and the Alaska team heroically hosted AASG digital infrastructure for over a decade. Prior to his Alaska state government service, Steve worked extensively in the mineral industry, including work in Alaska, Peru and Nevada. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mining geology from the Royal School of Mines, and a master’s degree in geological engineering from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Thanks for your service, Steve!

Harley Means, State Geologist of Florida

Guy “Harley” Means is the 7^th State Geologist of Florida, as successor to Jon Arthur, who is now Executive Director of AGI. Harley was born and raised in Tallahassee as a fourth generation Florida native. He grew up on Tall Timbers Research Station where his father was director. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in geology from Florida State University. At the Survey, he has worked on stratigraphy, paleontology, karst, geoarchaeology, and hydrogeology. He is coauthor of Roadside Geology of Florida. Congratulations, Harley!

Ken Bradbury to complete his time as State Geologist of Wisconsin

Kenneth R. Bradbury is planning to retire as Director of the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey in July 2022. Ken was appointed State Geologist as successor to Jamie Robertson in 2015. He has performed superbly as AASG Statistician since 2019. Ken is a hydrogeologist with broad accomplishments and influence. He has worked on Wisconsin groundwater since 1982, and he has had national roles such as with the National Academy. Ken’s B.A. was from Ohio Wesleyan, his Master's from Indiana, and his PhD from UW-Madison in 1982. Thanks for your service, Ken!

Ben Dejong, State Geologist of Vermont

Benjamin Dejong has been appointed Vermont State Geologist, effective today. Ben has for a decade been a hydrogeological consultant based in Montpelier, and he also spent a couple years teaching at Norwich University. Prior to consulting, Ben worked for eight years with the USGS, including work on Chesapeake Bay Geology. He holds a PhD from University of Vermont, and he also graduated from Calvin College and Utah State. Welcome, Ben!

Vicki Cowart steps down from Planned Parenthood

Vicki Cowart has stepped down as head of Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains after 18 years in this role. Vicki was State Geologist of Colorado from 1992 to 2003, AASG President in 2001/2002, and AGI Campbell Medalist in 2010. Best wishes for your next career step, Vicki!

https://nmpoliticalreport.com/2021/11/09/head-of-planned-parenthood-of-the-rocky-mountains-retires-after-18-years-at-helm/

Mankin Award to Wyoming

The AASG Charles J. Mankin Award is given each year to the best recently-published, nominated state geological survey geological map, compilation, or report on regional, energy, or mineral resource geology.

The award honors Charles Mankin (1932-2012), who as Director of the Oklahoma Geological Survey for forty years (1967-2007) was a tireless advocate for geologic mapping.

The 2021 AASG Mankin Award will be presented to Wyoming authors, for their publication: Lichtner, D.T., Toner, R.N., Wrage, J.M., and Lynds, R.M., 2020, Upper Cretaceous strata in the Powder River Basin—Formation tops database, structure and thickness contour maps, and associated well data: Wyoming State Geological Survey Open File Report 2020-9, 50 p.

Congratulations!

https://sales.wsgs.wyo.gov/upper-cretaceous-strata-in-the-powder-river-basin-formation-tops-database-structure-and-thickness-contour-maps-and-associated-well-data-2020/

Frye Award to New Mexico

The AASG/GSA John C. Frye Memorial Award recognizes the best recently-published, nominated state geological survey or GSA publication in environmental geology.

John C. Frye joined USGS in 1938, he went to the Kansas Geological Survey in 1942, he was its Director from 1945 to 1954, he was Chief of the Illinois State Geological Survey until 1974, and he was GSA Executive Director until his retirement in 1982, shortly before his death. John was active in AASG and on national committees, and was influential in the growth of environmental geology.

The 2021 Frye Award will be presented to New Mexico authors, for their publication: Rawling, G.C. and Rinehart, A.J., 2018, Lifetime projections for the High Plains Aquifer in east-central New Mexico: New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources Bulletin 162, 42p. 

Congratulations!

https://geoinfo.nmt.edu/publications/monographs/bulletins/162/

State Geologist of Ohio, Mark Jones

On November 1^st, Dalton (“Mark”) Oxner-Jones became the 15^th State Geologist Of Ohio. Mark is the first African American State Geologist. He interned with the Ohio survey in 1996, at their former Lake Erie office in Sandusky, while completing his B.S. at Cleveland State and his M.S. at Kent State University. He then worked in the private sector before returning to ODNR in 2008 as the Lake Erie geologist. He became the supervisor of the Division’s H.R. Collins core laboratory at Alum Creek State Park in 2013. Additionally, Mark managed the Lake Erie program, OhioSeis seismic grid network, and underground salt mining leases for beneath Lake Erie. Welcome, Mark!

Mike Angle completes his time as State Geologist of Ohio

At the end of October, Mike Angle completed his time as 14th State Geologist of Ohio. Mike worked for 38 years in ODNR’s Division of Geological Survey and Division of Water. He also served as Geologist Supervisor for the Geologic Mapping and Industrial Minerals Group and Mapping Geologist for the Regional Geology Section.  He also held several positions with the ODNR Division of Water and authored more than 20 maps and more than a dozen articles and publications on various aspects of Ohio’s geology and hydrogeology.  Mike earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in geology from the University of Akron from 1974 to 1981, with a specialty in glacial geology and hydrogeology.

Marcia McNutt is the 2021 Campbell Medalist

AGI has announced that Marcia McNutt, geophysicist and president of the National Academy of Sciences, is the 2021 recipient of the AGI Medal in Memory of Ian Campbell for Superlative Service to the Geosciences, AGI's highest award. Marcia was Director of the USGS from 2009 to 2013, and among many other great achievements and contributions, she also has been President of AGU. The Campbell Medal is given in recognition of singular performance in and contributions to the profession of geology. Candidates are measured against the distinguished career of Ian Campbell, state geologist of California from 1959 to 1969, whose service to the profession touched virtually every facet of the geosciences.

Kansas Geological Survey seeks a director

The University of Kansas seeks a director for the Kansas Geological Survey. The successful candidate will provide visionary leadership, guiding the faculty, staff and students of this state survey and designated research center to its next phase of achievement.

 https://research.ku.edu/director-kansas-geological-survey

State Geologist of Louisiana, Clare Falcon

On September 20^th, Clare Falcon will be State Geologist of Louisiana. Falcon has worked in Houston for BHP, and other companies, recently as a manager and geologist on Gulf of Mexico projects. She is originally from England, where she did her PhD at Leeds, and her bachelor’s in geology at Liverpool. Welcome Clare!

Source 

Total annual funding to state geological surveys approaches a quarter billion dollars

The 2021 Report of AASG Statistician Ken Bradbury of WI indicates that FY20 revenue to state geological surveys was $231M, with total staff of 1789 FTE, and current estimates for FY21 at $242M. Funding had peaked at $237M in FY12, due to the federal stimulus, and as federal funds fell by $45M, and total funding bottomed out at $216M in FY14, surveys raised diverse funds to achieve stability, although states vary. Adjusted for inflation, state surveys have been financially stable since the early 80s, although staffing has fallen in that time by a third. FY20 funding is half state-derived, and 20% federal, with the remainder in other categories. State funds are mostly recurring rather than non-recurring; whereas recurring state funds were over 90% of budgets in 1960, this fell to 40% in 2010 and has since stabilized. An upswing in federal funding is underway in FY21. Percent female among science staff has risen steadily over a decade from 24% to 30%. Publication sales continue to dwindle as data and publications are offered for free online.

AGI Executive Director, Jon Arthur

The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) today announced the appointment of Dr. Jonathan Arthur as its new Executive Director, effective August 1, 2021. Jon has been with Florida Geological Survey since 1993, and Florida State Geologist since 2008. He served as AASG President in 2014/2015, having joined AASG Executive in 2010. He also has served as President of the Florida Association of Professional Geologists. He was recently appointed to the Water Science and Technology Board of the National Academy of Sciences. He earned his Ph.D. from Florida State University in 1994. Best wishes, Jon!

Erin Campbell, AASG President, 2021-2022

On July 1st, 2021, Erin Campbell, Wyoming State Geologist, will be President of AASG. Erin also serves as a cabinet member for the governor of Wyoming, and is a commissioner for the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission and the Enhanced Oil Recovery Commission. She spent one year as the manager of the Energy and Mineral Resources division at the Wyoming State Geological Survey before being appointed as state geologist in 2017. Previously, during 15 years at University of Wyoming, she taught undergraduate and graduate courses, directed the Geology Field Camp, and conducted research in structural geology and geomechanics. Additionally, she was a geologist with Chevron in Louisiana and California. Erin holds a B.S. degree in geology from Occidental College and a Ph.D. in geology from the University of Wyoming, specializing in structural geology.

William “Bill” Marsalis, State Geologist of Louisiana from 1992-1997

William E. Marsalis, Jr., March 28, 1937 - June 10, 2021, of Houston TX, has passed away. Bill was Louisiana State Geologist from November 1992–September 1997, and thus the predecessor of Chacko John. He received his MS from the University of Alabama Department of Geological Sciences, and he was a proud follower of the Crimson Tide. He served in the Army from 1960 to 1962, and worked in many roles before becoming State Geologist

AASG Presidential Award to Gale Blackmer

On June 16^th, 2021, AASG President John Yellich of MI presented the Presidential Award to Gale Blackmer, State Geologist of PA, for her leadership and vision in scientific and technological change in 2D and 3D geologic mapping, in development and implementation of National Geologic Map Database Phase Three, and her role in major new funding from Congress for geologic mapping. Concurrently, she is AASG Historian, and in that role she leads documentation of AASG and state geological survey history, including documents and data on AASG Affairs and the role that State Geologists play in our Nation.

C. William Clendenin , Jr. , Ph.D.

It is with deep sadness I inform you that our colleague Charles “Bill” Clendenin has passed away. Bill just retired August 2020 as the South Carolina State Geologist and as all good structural geologists, he was doing what he loved, fishing, and suffered an accident.  Bill was found in the Saluda River, South Carolina on Wednesday, May 19.  Respectfully, our prayers and thoughts are with his family, friends and associates.  We will await any further information. AASG President John Yellich

DMT2021, June 7-10 2021 (A Virtual Event)

The Digital Mapping Techniques workshop series ("DMT") brings together scientists, cartographers, and GIS specialists, from State and Federal agencies, as well as Universities, the private sector, and international colleagues. This annual series of workshops began in 1997. It is a highly regarded venue that has contributed to the development and evolution of digital mapping techniques, standards, and guidelines both in the United States and internationally.

For information regarding the DMT workshops, please contact Dave Soller (drsoller@usgs.gov).

https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Info/dmt/

https://isgs.illinois.edu/dmt/2021

 

Scott Ausbrooks, State Geologist of Arkansas

Scott M. Ausbrooks has been named State Geologist of Arkansas. Scott’s education has been at Central Arkansas, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and University of Memphis. He has extensive experience in geologic mapping, quarry work, bridge projects, landslides, drilling inspections, geotechnical logging, surveying, and environmental consulting. He has played prominent roles in relation to earthquakes in north-central Arkansas. Scott is very well known for his long service in support of the AASG community.

Bekki White retires as State Geologist of Arkansas

Bekki White has completed her time as State Geologist of Arkansas, a position she was appointed to in 2005. She did her undergrad at Henderson State, and Masters at Centenary College. Previously, she was Assistant State Geologist at the Arkansas Geological Commission from 2003 to 2005, Petroleum Geologist Supervisor at the Arkansas Geological Commission from 1998 to 2003, Petroleum Consultant at Chad White Operating Company from 1982 to 1998, and Research Chemist at Brine, Dow Chemical Corporation, Brine/Bromine Division from 1980 to 1982. Bekki was AASG Statistician from 2015 to 2017, and she hosted a very successful AASG Central Cluster conference in 2013.

Chip Groat retires as State Geologist of Louisiana, again!

Charles G. Groat has retired from his third stint as State Geologist of Louisiana, a position he filled from 1978 to 1990, in 1992, and from 2017 to 2021. Chip did his undergrad at Rochester, Masters at UMass, and his PhD at UT Austin. Starting in the late 1980s, for example, Chip was hands-on in development of current arrangements for geological mapping. Chip served as Director of the U.S. Geological Survey from 1998 to 2005, and he also has held multiple additional senior positions, such as with UT Austin, LSU, and AGI. He was AASG President Elect in 1986-87, President in 1987-88, and Past President in 1988-89. He has been an AASG Honorary Member since 1993, and he was the Ian Campbell Medalist in 1998. Chip’s astounding record of service is appreciated by all.

Bob Marvinney, longest serving State Geologist, to retire

Robert Marvinney, State Geologist of Maine since 1995, will retire at the end of June 2021. Bob did his undergrad at Rutgers in the mid-70s, and his Masters and Doctoral work at Syracuse. Prior to his arrival at the Maine Survey in 1987, Bob spent five years as a Research Geologist with Exxon Production Research Company. Bob was AASG Annual Meeting Host in 1998, Secretary from 2001 to 2003, and he became President Elect in 2003, President in 2004, and Past President in 2005. Bob also has served AASG admirably in roles such as Honoraries Chair since 2016, Education Chair since 2015, and he also served as Water Chair/Co-Chair, as well as in geological mapping leadership. Bob also has served on AASG Foundation leadership. Bob’s successor will be marine geologist Dr. Stephen Dickson, who has been with the Maine Survey even longer than Bob’s 34 years. Thanks and good luck, Bob!

Rick Chormann completes his time as New Hampshire State Geologist

Rick Chormann has retired as Director of the New Hampshire Geological Survey. Rick has been proud to have been the leader since 2010 in a State where the First Geological Survey was authorized by the New Hampshire state legislature in 1839. Rick’s successor is Shane Csiki, who previously was Administrator of the Flood Hazards Program.

Scott Howard, State Geologist of South Carolina

In 2020, C. Scott Howard was appointed State Geologist of South Carolina, upon the retirement of Bill Clendenin, who had fulfilled the role since 1995. Scott holds a B.S. degree from Washington and Lee University, as well as M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from University of Delaware. His expertise is in structural geology of the Appalachian Piedmont, and GIS. Scott has been with the state since 2000.

Jessica Moore, State Geologist of West Virginia

On January 1^st, 2021, Jessica Moore was appointed Director and State Geologist, West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey. Previously, since 2011, Jessica has been Program Manager, Applied Oil and Gas at the West Virginia survey in Morgantown. Her prior service includes over three years at North Carolina Geological Survey, and education mostly at West Virginia University, where Jessica was a Chesapeake Energy Scholar. Jessica is taking over after the service of Mitch Blake, who had been Director since the retirement of Mike Hohn in 2018.

2021 AASG - Pick and Gavel Award to Dr. Elizabeth Eide

2021 AASG Pick and Gavel Award recipient Elizabeth Eide, acting executive director for the National Academy Division on Earth and Life Studies, has contributed tremendously in facilitating the role that geology plays in society.  She has directed 11 consensus studies of the National Academies on topics including critical minerals, disaster resilience, induced seismicity, coalbed methane, and floodplain mapping as a senior program officer between 2005 and 2012.  From 1993-2005, she served as a research geologist, team leader, and geochronology laboratory manager at the Geological Survey of Norway in Trondheim. Among her publications are more than 50 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters.  She received a Fulbright Scholarship to Norway and was elected to membership in the Royal Norwegian Society of Sciences and Letters.  She completed a Ph.D. in geology at Stanford University and received a B.A. in geology from Franklin and Marshall College. 

https://www.nationalacademies.org/about/leadership/elizabeth-eide

David Wunsch is President of AGI

Dr. David R. Wunsch is the State Geologist and Director of the Delaware Geological Survey. Previously was the State Geologist of New Hampshire (2000-2010), and Director of Science & Technology (2010-2011) for the National Groundwater Association (NGWA). He has held leadership positions with the Association of American State Geologists (President 2009-2010), NGWA (Division Director 2002-2005), and AGI (Secretary 2002-2004). Dr. Wunsch was AGI's first Congressional Science Fellow (1988-1999), where he advised the U.S. House Subcommittee on Energy & Minerals. He has served on National Academy of Science committees, and federal advisory committees for the U.S. Geological Survey. He holds an affiliated faculty position with the University of Delaware Department of Earth Sciences. His areas of interest include hydrogeology and geochemistry, and science and policy.

https://www.americangeosciences.org/content/board-directors

Bill Clendenin retires as South Carolina State Geologist

Charles William (Bill) Clendenin, Jr. has completed 25 years as South Carolina State Geologist. He holds a B.S. degree from Southeast Missouri State University, an M.S. from Montana College of Mineral Science and Technology, and a Ph.D. from University of the Witwatersrand. His geological expertise is in structural styles of faulting and reactivation, depositional systems and sequence stratigraphy, regional basin analysis and studies of syndepositional tectonics with emphasis on rifting and basin inversion, as well as movement of fluids in sedimentary basins.

Vicki McConnell named an AAAS Fellow

Vicki McConnell, Executive Director of the Geological Society of America, has been named an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Fellow, in recognition of outstanding research, leadership, project management and service to the community in geology and volcanology. Vicki was State Geologist of Oregon from 2003 to 2015. She was AASG Secretary from 2007 to 2009, VP in 2009/2010, President Elect in 2010/2011, President in 2011/2012, and Past President in 2012/2013. Vicki received her Ph.D. in geology/volcanology from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 1995.  She has also been a Research Associate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an Adjunct Professor of Geology at Eastern Oregon University.

Frye Award to Missouri

The AASG/GSA Frye Award recognizes the best nominated state geological survey & GSA publications in environmental geology. The 2020 Frye Award has been presented to the James W. Duley and Cecil Boswell of the Missouri Geological Survey for the report “Revised Recharge Areas of Selected Large Springs in the Big Four Region of the Ozarks”.

Jamie Robertson receives the Campbell Medal

AGI has announced that Jamie Robertson, State Geologist of Wisconsin from 1993 to 2015, is the 2020 Campbell Medal recipient. Jamie played a steadfast role in AASG Liaison, he was the 96/97 AASG Secretary, and he worked his way up to 99/00 AASG President. He also held leadership roles with AGI and GSA, and other bodies. Prior to his service in Wisconsin, he was with New Mexico Bureau of Mines and Mineral Resources, Hudson's Bay Oil & Gas Co. Ltd., and Michigan Tech. He holds degrees from Carleton College and Michigan. The Campbell Medal is given in recognition of singular performance in and contributions to the profession of geology. Candidates are measured against the distinguished career of Ian Campbell, whose service to the profession touched virtually every facet of the geosciences.

Mankin Award to Delaware

The 2020 AASG Mankin Award recipient is the Delaware Geological Survey (DGS) for their publication: “The Geologic Map of Offshore Delaware” by C. Robin Mattheus, Kelvin W. Ramsey and Jamie L. Tomlinson.  The Charles J. Mankin Award is an annual AASG award given to a nominated geological map, compilation, or report on regional, energy, or mineral resource geology. The award honors Charles Mankin (1932-2012), who as Director of the Oklahoma Geological Survey for forty years (1967-2007) was a tireless advocate for geologic mapping. Here is a link to the map:

https://www.dgs.udel.edu/sites/default/files/publications/geomap25_0.pdf

Geologic Mapping Forum Online 2020-2021

 

As you know, exciting developments are happening in the world of geologic mapping! Societal needs are escalating, our capabilities are dramatically improving, and new funding is arriving.

We therefore are pleased to announce that the Geologic Mapping Forum for 2020 and 2021 will take place online this winter, as meetings of up to two hours duration on Thursdays at Noon Central, on Oct 8, Nov 5, & Dec 3, 2020, and Jan 28, Feb 25, Mar 25, & Ap 22, 2021. Also, please stay tuned for DMT and additional important meetings.

The intended GMF audience is geological map authors and program managers, and the focus again will be on geology rather than funding or GIS. Abstracts for the 20-minute invited GMF talks will be requested. Discussion will be arranged. GMF20 invited speakers will be re-invited, GMF20 submitted abstracts will carry over, and we will invite each State, Fedmap leader, and additional colleagues.

Depending on the number of abstracts, we might schedule this as regional meetings as needed, in the New Year. Talks will be recorded and made available unless speakers request otherwise. Please mark your calendars. This is going to be great! Sincerely,

John Brock, US Geological Survey; Harvey Thorleifson, Minnesota Geological Survey

Jim Butler, Kansas Geological Survey, 2020 recipient of the Hubbert Award

Jim Butler, senior scientist and geohydrologist at the Kansas Geological Survey, is the 2020 recipient of the National Ground Water Association’s M. King Hubbert Award. The association’s highest scientific honor, the award is given annually for major scientific or engineering contributions that advance the understanding of groundwater through research, writing, teaching and practical applications.

Story

California Geological Survey History 1850-2015

California Geological Survey has released Special Publication 126, a history of work performed by California’s state geological surveys between 1850 and 2015. As one of the first and longest-operating agencies in the state, CGS has weathered more than 165 years of physical and political challenges, financial difficulties, changes in scientific advancement, and public scrutiny. From the sparsely populated Gold Rush days of the early 1850s through years of rapid population growth and development, CGS maintained its goal of providing the citizens of California with sound, unbiased scientific data and advice on the diverse geology of the state, its mineral resources, and its geologic hazards.

Special Publication 126 is available as a hard copy for $75, plus $8 to cover shipping. It is not available for download. To purchase the book, contact our Publications Sales Desk.

Source

Nicholas Hayman, Oklahoma Geological Survey Director

The new director of the Oklahoma Geological Survey is Dr. Nick Hayman, who previously worked at the Institute for Geophysics at the University of Texas. He follows former director Jerry Boak who retired in 2019. Nick’s research has addressed the oceanic lithosphere, continental margins, and trench settings as well as fundamental properties of sediments and rocks. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Washington.

AASG takes steps to more actively oppose racism

In the context of the present national and international outcry over continuing unjust treatment toward people of color in this country, the Association of American State Geologists, during our annual meeting held the week of June 8th, 2020, took steps to ensure that we will more actively face injustices and commit to challenging and changing the biases that lead to discriminatory practices against people of color.

David Wunsch to serve on the National Petroleum Council

David R. Wunsch, State geologist and Director of the Delaware Geological Survey has been invited by U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette to serve on the National Petroleum Council (NPC), representing the American Geosciences Institute (AGI). David is the President-Elect of AGI. The NPC is a federally chartered and privately funded advisory committee established by President Truman in 1946 to provide advice, information and recommendations on matters related to the oil and gas industries. David will serve a two-year term on the council. Source

John Yellich, AASG President, 2020-2021

On July 1^st, 2020, John Yellich, Director of the Michigan Geological Survey, will be the 2020-2021 AASG President. John received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Western Michigan University, and his professional geologist certification from the American Institute of Professional Geologists. Previously John had more than forty years of geologic experience in mineral exploration and development, environmental consulting, business operations, and safety compliance. He has worked in more than thirty states conducting mineral and petroleum assessments in the United States, Canada, Australia and China. Source: WMU

AASG Presidential Award to Dick Berg

On June 11^th, 2020, AASG President Richard Ortt of Maryland presented the AASG Presidential Award to Dick Berg, State Geologist of Illinois, for his steadfast service to AASG over the past year. Dick is AASG Editor, and he has helped in many additional ways, as he has for many years

AASG 2020 Annual meeting, completed online!

The 2020 Annual Meeting of the Association of American State Geologists was very successfully completed online, on June 10^th and 11^th, 2020. All customary business was completed. New Members and new Associates were welcomed. The passing of former State Geologists over the past year was recognized. Reporting, budget, and audit was tended to. Reports were received, and actions were taken. The new Executive was elected. We are looking forward to awesome Annual Meetings in Nevada in 2021, and Colorado in 2022. All is well, despite the pandemic

DMT 2020, online, June 8-10

The Digital Mapping Techniques workshop brings together scientists, cartographers, and GIS specialists, from States, Federal agencies, Universities, the private sector, and international colleagues. This annual series of workshops began in 1997. It is a highly regarded venue that has contributed to the development and evolution of digital mapping techniques, standards, and guidelines in the US and internationally.

The DMT'20 workshop will be held June 8-10, 2020, as a virtual event - two 90-minute sessions per day, including lightning talks, 20-minute presentations, discussion sessions, and a Map Blast. A Proceedings volume will be published, as was done from 1997 to 2012. You're welcome to attend!

Please register here: https://www.isgs.illinois.edu/dmt/2020

2019 Association of American State Geologists (AASG) Journal

AASG Editor Dick Berg, State Geologist of Illinois, working with his highly capable staff, has released the 2019 AASG Journal, which outlines the ongoing, comprehensive role played by state geological surveys across the USA. The Journal illustrates the earlier quantitative report by AASG Statistician Jerry Boak, State Geologist of Oklahoma, who reported last year that funding to state geological surveys in FY18 was stable as a whole at $231 million, and total staffing was at 1853 person-years. A slight increase was projected for FY19. Gender balance among geoscientists is gradually rising, and is now at 28%. The Journal is available here:

https://www.stategeologists.org/system/files/historicaldocuments/AASG%20Journal%202019.pdf