David Wilkins
GEOMORPHLIST ARCHIVES - December 2003
December 1 Multiple positions in Water as a Complex Environmental System at Illinois
12/1 Graduate student opportunities in applied fluvial geomorphology at Utah State University
12/3 Salt Marsh Conference
12/5 Tri-plot: ternary diagram software
12/5 trend surface analysis
12/10 IAG Symposium on Geomorphology of Global Change
12/10 Shifting Lands (periglacial conference) - second circular
12/10 "A Framework for Delineating Channel Migrations Zone"
12/10 Earthquake and Weather Activities
12/10 "Journal of Quaternary Science"
12/12 IAG Newsletter #20
12/12 First International Workshop on Ice Caves
12/13 Text/Lab manual for Geomorphology?
12/16 Asia-Oceania Geo. Soc. 1st annual meeting - Landslide abstracts
12/16 determining water surface slope of streams?
12/20 Dec 31 Deadline for 9th ISRS (Three Gorges Project, China)
12/20 Training of Young Geomorphologists: IAG GRANTS awarded
12/20 International River Restoration Survey- DEADLINE REMINDER
12/20 GSA Rocky Mountain Section Meeting Biogeomorphology Session
12/20 Western U.S. geomorphology session at Boise GSA meeting
12/20 Earth System Science faculty position, Idaho State University
12/22 Visiting Professor; Physical/Environmental Geography; UConn, Storrs, CT USA
12/29 Call for papers: EGU, Nice 2004 - deadline=Jan 11
12/29 Fall Geomorphorum online

Date: December 1
From:  Bruce Rhoads <brhoads@uiuc.edu>
Subject: Multiple positions in Water as a Complex Environmental System at Illinois

Please note that the deadline for full consideration for the following search has been extended to Dec. 21, 2003.

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA CHAMPAIGN

Tenure-Track or Tenured Faculty Searches

The Department of Atmospheric Science, the Department of Geography, and the Department of Geology invite applications and nominations for multiple full-time faculty positions (rank open) as part of an initiative to establish an interdisciplinary research center focusing on "Water as a Complex Environmental System." We seek highly motivated individuals who desire leadership roles in building this program, which represents an initial research initiative within an anticipated School of Earth, Society and Environment that will include the three departments. Successful candidates will have a PhD in Atmospheric Science, Geography, Geology or a related discipline, a well-established or rapidly developing, internationally prominent externally funded research programs, a strong interest in interdisciplinary research, and the ability to teach at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Research specialties are open, but areas of particular interest include: •Hydrometeorological Processes (atmospheric mesoscale and/or synoptic scale data assimilation, modeling, and/or hazard forecasting); •Atmosphere-Land-Surface Interactions (study of atmospheric interactions with the land surface, from modeling, field, or remote-sensing perspectives); •Watershed Science (computational modeling or geospatial analysis of hydrological and geomorphological processes in watershed or river systems); •Earth Surface Processes (study of geological and geodynamic aspects of water in the Earth system from a geomorphological, geochemical, and/or paleoclimatological approach). It is anticipated that individuals who are hired will hold a primary appointment in one department, but may have affiliate status in the others. This cluster of hires will create new synergies and interdisciplinary collaborations, both among new hires as well as among current faculty at Illinois. Linkages are also possible with several other units on campus interested in a wide range of topics in water-related research. Salary is commensurate with experience. Starting date for the positions will be August 2004. Applicants should submit a vita, list of publications, record of research funding, description of research and teaching interests, and the names of at least three referees to:
Faculty Search Committee
Room 245 Natural History Building
1301 West Green Street
Urbana, IL 61801
Questions pertaining to Atmospheric Sciences focus areas can be directed to Prof. Don Wuebbles ( wuebbles@atmos.uiuc.edu ; 217-244-1568), those pertaining to Geography focus areas can be directed to Prof. Bruce Rhoads ( brhoads@uiuc.edu ; 217-333-1880), and those pertaining to Geology focus areas can be directed to Prof. Stephen Marshak ( smarshak@uiuc.edu ; 217-333-7705). For full consideration, candidates should submit all application materials no later than December 21, 2003. Information about the Departments is available on the web ( www.atmos.uiuc.edu ; www.uiuc.edu/unit/geog ; www.geology.uiuc.edu ). The University of Illinois is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.


Date: 12/1
From:  Jack Schmidt <jschmidt@cc.usu.edu>
Subject: Graduate student opportunities in applied fluvial geomorphology at Utah State University

Contact Jack Schmidt ( jack.schmidt@usu.edu ), Department of Aquatic, Watershed, and Earth Resources

------------

Channel Change of the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park and Implications for Reoperations of Jackson Lake Dam

Funding period: 2003-2005

Funding agency: National Park Service

The objective of this project is to evaluate the current status of physical resources of the Snake River channel and floodplain and to determine the relationship between those resources and operations of Jackson Lake Dam. Flow of the Snake River through Grand Teton National Park is almost entirely determined by releases from the dam, and the hydrologic regime has changed dramatically (Schmidt and White, 2003). Previous studies have shown that the active channel narrowed and became more stable during the 20th century and much of the formerly active valley flood has become inactive. There have been no studies of the geomorphic effects of high releases that occurred in the 1990s, and these releases simulate what might be proposed in the future to reverse ecological trends that are considered undesirable by the National park Service.

Funding for this project ensures a research stipend for 2 years to initiate a study of sediment transport and channel adjustment that will be used to understand the physical template on which the riverine ecosystem is developed. Field research will involve selected measurement of gravel fluxes on the main stem and tributary streams, analysis of channel change based on historical aerial photographs within a geographic information system, and development of a sediment budget for the Snake River in Jackson Hole. Results from this project will be used to develop a strategy for negotiation between the National Park Service and Bureau of Reclamation concerning ways to operate the dam more consistent with the objectives of the national park system. Results will also be used to develop a long-term monitoring program for riverine park resources.

-------------------------

Riparian vegetation geomorphic interactions on the Green and Yampa Rivers in Dinosaur National Monument

Funding period: 2004 with expectations of continued funding to 2007

Funding agency: National Park Service and Bureau of Reclamation

The objective of this project is to monitor the changing geomorphic and riparian environment of the Green and Yampa Rivers in Dinosaur National Monument and to evaluate the interaction of flows with riparian vegetation associated with a series of experiments concerning riparian vegetationąs role in determining channel form. We have established 3 study reaches in the Canyon of Lodore in which there is a matched pair of a control and a reach where all saltcedar (Tamarix spp.) have been removed. We are monitoring channel evolution in the presence and absence of this nonnative invasive shrub.

This project follows on prior research in which we have explained the geomorphic organization of the canyons of Dinosaur National Monument (Grams and Schmidt, 1999), the effects of Flaming Gorge Dam on the Green River (Grams and Schmidt, 2000), the characteristics of debris flows (Martin, 2000; Larsen, 2003), and the distribution of saltcedar in the Yampa River canyon where the flow regime in unregulated. This project is a precursor to an anticipated project in which dendrogeomorphology techniques will be used to develop a detailed history of channel evolution and a precursor to an anticipated large-scale ecosystem monitoring project for the river network of the monument.

Field work in 2004 will involve detailed remeasurement of experimental sites and analysis of geomorphic changes in control and removal sites. We also anticipate development of new field experiments. Implementation of a new river corridor monitoring program will begin in summer 2004 and be integrated with the work of aquatic and riparian ecologists.

Wilderness and whitewater rafting skills highly desirable for this project


Date: 12/3
From:  Ray Torres: Torres@geol.sc.edu
Subject: Salt Marsh Conference

The goal of this conference is the integration of physical and ecological sciences to gain additional insight on the interactions between salt marsh ecology, geomorphology and intertidal sedimentary processes. High levels of salt marsh and mudflat productivity are attributable to many physical and biological factors. The areal extent and quality of marsh and mudflat habitats vary in response to the dynamic balance between organic matter accumulation, sedimentary processes, land form characteristics and sea level rise, and the intertidal landscape is the template upon which these highly productive ecosystems thrive. Hence, feedback between ecology-sediment transport-geomorphology ultimately controls their sustainability. The conference is structured to promote exchange between physical and biological scientists through plenary presentations, panel discussion, small group break out sessions, and field trips. We anticipate publication of the contributions, and to deliver a summary of the "state of the science" with a cross-disciplinary perspective, both in a special issue journal.

Abstract Deadline June 10, 2004

For more information: http://www.agu.org/meetings/meetings.html


Date: 12/5
From:  David Graham <D.J.Graham@lboro.ac.uk>
Subject: Tri-plot: ternary diagram software

Dear colleagues

The latest version of Tri-plot, the ternary diagram plotting Excel workbook, is now available for free download.

Although many statistical and geological software packages are able to produce conventional ternary diagrams, they are not able to produce the type of diagram proposed by Sneed & Folk (1958) for the representation of particle shape. In this diagram, the ratios of three independent (although related) variables are plotted and, consequently, the three components do not sum to 1. This alternative ternary diagram is also appropriate for the representation of sedimentary fabric shape (Benn 1994) and has potential application wherever the relation between three independent variables are compared.

Tri-plot can be used to produce both conventional and Sneed & Folk ternary diagrams. Amongst the improvements in the new version are the incorporation of isolines of the oblate-prolate index (Dobkins & Folk 1970) and the maximum-projection sphericity index (Sneed & Folk 1958). In addition, the data entry, diagram output and calculations are now done on a single sheet, making the production of multiple diagrams significantly simpler.

Tri-plot is available free of charge from my website (http://www.davidgraham.org.uk/), or from the Loughborough University Physical Geography Resources Gateway (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/phys-geog/).

David Graham


Date: 12/5
From:  Paul Larson - Larson_P@suu.edu
Subject: trend surface analysis

Greetings,

I am working on an analysis of snow survey stations across the western United States. The stations, operated by the NRCS and other agencies monitor the snowpack throughout the winter months. Usually snow depth and water content is measured as close to the first of the month as possible from approximately February through May. I would like to use a trend surface analysis on the data with variables being geographic position (latitude and longitude or UTM coordinates), elevation, slope aspect, prevailing wind data, snow depth, and water content. Can anyone direct me to appropriate software that will handle a trend surface? My objective is to use modern snowpack conditions to model Pleistocene glaciated valley geometry.

Thank you,

Paul R. Larson


Date: 12/10
From:  Xiaoping YANG <xpyang@263.net.cn>
Subject: IAG Symposium on Geomorphology of Global Change

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

From Andrew Goudie, via jan.burke@geography.oxford.ac.uk  and Xiaoping Yang ( xpyang@263.net.cn )

32ND INTERNATIONAL GEOLOGICAL CONGRESS
FLORENCE, ITALY, 20TH - 28TH AUGUST 2004

The IAG is holding a General Symposium on 'Geomorphologic Effects of Global Change' (G07.01), convened by Professor Andrew Goudie (University of Oxford), Professor Giuseppe Orombelli (University of Milan "Bicocca") and Professor Xiaoping Yang (Chinese Academy of Sciences).

The symposium will primarily be concerned with the potential effects of future global climate change on geomorphological processes and landforms.

The deadline for Abstract Submission is 10th January 2004. Abstracts should be submitted electronically via the Congress website:
http://www.32igc.org


Date: 12/10
From:  Samuel Etienne <setienne@seteun.net>
Subject: Shifting Lands (periglacial conference) - second circular

The second circular of the conference on periglacial environments is now available at: http://geo.islande.free.fr.

All the best,

Samuel Etienne
Université Blaise Pascal
29, boulevard Gergovia
63000 Clermont-Ferrand

setienne@seteun.net
http://geo.islande.free.fr

Shifting Lands international conference on periglacial geomorphology - Clermont-Ferrand; January 2005


Date: 12/10
From:  Rapp, Cygnia F." <CFRE461@ECY.WA.GOV>
Subject: "A Framework for Delineating Channel Migrations Zone"

Dear Colleagues,

Greetings. I invite you to download "A Framework for Delineating Channel Migration Zones" by Cygnia Rapp and Dr. Tim Abbe. This document is available as a final draft report for the period of one year (until December of 2004), at which time it will be updated with case studies and published as a final report. The link is located on the Department of Ecology's website: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/0306027.html

The document is also available on cd and can be ordered through Tim Schlender at tisc461@ecy.wa.gov or 360-407-6096.

Cheers,
Cygnia Rapp

Cygnia F. Rapp, R.G., Fluvial Geomorphologist
Department of Ecology
3190 160th Avenue SE
Bellevue, WA 98008-5452
425-649-7129 Fax: 425-649-7098


Date: 12/10
From:  R. Forrest Hopson <fhopson@geoinfoservices.net>
Subject: Earthquake and Weather Activities

Hello friends,

I have just posted two Earth Science activities (Earthquake Search and Weather Watch) to my website that I wanted to alert you to. They are modified assignments from my Physical Geology and Physical Geography courses at Truckee Meadows CC (Reno, NV) and Western Nevada CC (Carson City, NV) where I was an adjunct instructor in 2002-03. Both activities are appropriate for lower division college courses, although Weather Watch could be used for grades 9-12.

Someday I would like to teach physical geology and physical geography at a community college again. If so, I plan to include these activities into the curriculum. Thus, I would appreciate any feedback you might have. I received little feedback from my students, although the geology students enjoyed Earthquake Watch finding a welcome break from the lab manual.

I tried to make these activities both informative and fun. Moreover, Earthquake Search and Weather Watch are based on real data as I am a big believer in using real data in classroom assignments whenever possible.

To view these activities select the link http://www.geoinfoservices.net/es_activities.html.  Then select either the Earthquake Search or Weather Watch links. At the beginning of each activity, you'll see the link "For the user." Select that link to get background information.

Many thanks in advance for any constructive criticisms you might have. Feel free to use them for your own courses if interested.

Cheerz, Forrest

R. FORREST HOPSON, M.S.
Owner, Geologist
Geological Information Services
2930 Salem Place, #608
Reno, Nevada 89509
Ph. (775) 825-6246
mailto:fhopson@geoinfoservices.net
http://www.geoinfoservices.net


Date: 12/10
From:  Donald T. Rodbell <rodbelld@union.edu>
Subject: "Journal of Quaternary Science"

Dear colleagues

The Journal of Quaternary Science (JQS) is an international, interdisciplinary journal of Quaternary research. It is one of the major European journals in its field.  The editorial board of JQS would like to expand the journal to include more articles about Quaternary research conducted in and around the Americas, with a special emphasis on South American studies.

As the recently appointed editor for the Americas of the JQS, I would like to encourage you, your coauthors, and your students to consider the Journal of Quaternary Science as an outlet for your research. The Journal publishes original papers on any field of Quaternary research. There are four formats for articles to JQS. Research papers are the main format published; these articles do not normally exceed 7000 words. Rapid Communications are designed for timely bullet articles (1500 word maximum) and we strive to get these out within 3 months of acceptance. Invited Reviews are solicited from leading Quaternary scientists, and articles of Correspondence are invited to address any topic raised in published articles in JQS. In addition, two of the eight issues published annually are dedicated to a particular theme. For more information on JQS, visit http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/jhome/2507.
If you would like to submit a manuscript to JQS that reports on Quaternary research in the Americas, please send three copies of the manuscript directly to me at the address below.

Sincerely,

Don
--

Donald T. Rodbell
Professor, Geology Department
Director of the Environmental Studies Program
Union College
Schenectady, NY
12308-2311
U.S.A.

Associate Editor, Journal of Quaternary Science http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/jhome/2507

office telephone: +1-518-388-6034
FAX: +1-518-388-6417
email: rodbelld@union.edu


Date: 12/12
From:  Carol Harden - charden@utk.edu
Subject: IAG Newsletter #20

This newsletter, with formatting, is also available at the IAG website: http://www.geomorph.org

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International Association of Geomorphologists

Newsletter No. 20 (3/2003)
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IAG Working Groups

Editor's note: The IAG has seven active working groups: (1) Interaction between fluvial, aeolian, and lacustrine processes in arid regions, (2) Hydrology and geomorphology of bedrock rivers, (3) Geoarcheology, (4) Geomorphological sites: research, assessment and improvement, (5) Large rivers, (6) Terroirs viticoles, and (7) Geomorphological consequences of volcanic events, including hazards. Information about and reports from the working groups are posted on the IAG website: http://www.geomorph.org.

Since the Fifth International Conference on Geomorphology (Tokyo, August 23-28, 2001), the Working Groups (WGs) of the IAG have been active. The special sessions, meetings, international conferences or symposiums organized by the different WGs amount to over ten events, mainly held in Europe and Mexico.

The WG "Interaction Between Fluvial, Aeolian and Lacustrine Processes in Arid Regions," chaired by Prof. Xiaoping Yang, organized two symposia: a poster session, "Late Quaternary Landscape Evolution and Palaeoclimates in Arid and Semiarid Regions of Central and East Asia" (INQUA Congress in July 2003, Reno, USA) and a special session on "Desertification, Land Degradation, and Landforms in Arid and Semiarid Regions" for the IAG Regional Conference in Mexico (October 27th to November 2nd, 2003). This WG is also preparing a workshop with a field excursion in China.

The Geoarchaeology WG has Prof. Eric Fouache as Chairman, and the professors Morgan de Dapper and Zhongyuan Chen serve as vice-presidents. This group has the objective of encouraging regional syntheses in geoarchaeological studies, and has organized four conferences, two of which have already taken place: the international conference "Environmental Dynamics and History in Mediterranean Areas" in Paris (April 24-26, 2002) and a workshop at the Harokopio University in Athens (October 2003). This WG is now preparing a field training session in Shanghai for 2004 and a workshop in Zaragoza for the Sixth International Conference on Geomorphology in 2005.

The group "Geomorphological Sites: Research Assessment and Improvement," focuses on the areas of conservation, education, and tourist interests related to these sites. The group's leader, Dr. Emmanuel Reynard, called a first meeting from June 19-22, 2002, which was organized by Prof. Sandra Piacente and Dr. Paola Coratza, together with the Italian Research Project COFIN 2001-2003, "Geosites in the Italian Landscape." Other activities include the symposium held during the VI National Geomorphology meeting, September 19-22, 2002 in Valladolid (Spain): "Natural Heritage and Geomorphology." Mario Panizza opened the meeting with his presentation, "Geomorphology Applied to Cultural Heritage." Similarly, a postgraduate seminar on "Geomorphological Landscape Assessment, Protection and Valuation" was held on February 10-14 in Lausanne. This seminar was attended by 30 students and researchers from universities in Western Switzerland. In this same year, from October 1-5, an international workshop on the topic "Geomorphological Sites, Assessment and Mapping" took place in Cagliary (Italy). In Mexico, during the 2003 Regional Conference, a special session was held on "Geomorphological Sites: Vulnerability and Assessment." Several other activities have been programmed for 2004 and 2005, particularly those to be held during the 32nd International Geological Congress, Florence, 2004, and 6th International Conference of Geomorphology, Zaragoza, 2005.

The WG on Large Rivers, headed by Prof. Avijit Gupta conducted a special session devoted to the role of large-scale events, and water and sediment transfer and storage along valley slopes and river channels during the Mexican Regional Conference (2003). Prof. Paul Carling from the University of Southampton, chair of the WG on "Hydrology and Geomorphology of Bedrock Rivers," set up an interactive web-based discussion forum on bedrock channel processes at http://www.geog.soton.ac.uk/research/bedrock.

"Geomorphology and Wine-Producing Regions" is the WG chaired by Prof. Alain Marre of France. This group held its third meeting on "Mountain Regions" in April 2002 in San Giogio Canavese near Turin (Italy) and is preparing a book of proceedings from the meetings of Camerino (Italy) in October 2000, Reims (France), in June 2001, and the San Giogio Canvanese meeting.

The WG "Geomorphologic Consequences of Volcanic Eruptions, Including Hazards," led by Jean-Claude Thouret of France and J.J. Nossin from the Netherlands, organized a special session at the Mexican Regional Conference (2003) on "Volcanic Landforms and Hazards," directed by C. Ollier and J-C Thouret. The WG also has a website set up and updated by J.J. Nossin at the International Institute for Geo-Information and Earth Sciences (ITC, Enschede, The Netherlands) http://www.itc.nl/age/volcanic.

Alfredo Perez-Gonzalez, Professor, University Complutense of Madrid, and President, Spanish Society of Geomorphology.
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IAG participation in 16th INQUA (International Union for Quaternary Research) Congress

At the 16th INQUA Congress, held in Reno, Nevada, from July 23-30, 2003, the IAG was represented by a poster session entitled Contemporary Geomorphic Processes in Quaternary Science. Piotr Migon (Poland) and Olav Slaymaker (Canada) presided over the event. Twenty-two high quality posters were displayed, of which 8 were from USA, 4 from Italy, 2 from Germany, 2 from Canada and 1 each from Argentina, China, New Zealand, Norway, Poland and UK. They can be broadly divided into two groups.

The first group emphasized the complex interplay of contemporary processes which makes reconstruction of past Quaternary environments so challenging. They included actual/proposed measurements/measurement programs of rates of change in addition to a variety of morphological evidence. Soldati et al. outlined an ambitious national Italian project on paleoclimatic reconstruction, based on the assumption that slope instability processes are geomorphological indicators of climate change. Leonard et al. discussed paleoclimatic implications of rock glacier development in Colorado on the basis of three time scales of survey and measurement. Molnia described recent rapid retreat of the Bering Glacier, Alaska and showed the importance of glacier disarticulation in complicating the relation between glacier retreat and climate. Barnard et al. discussed paraglacial processes in the Indian and Nepalese Himalayas, and proposed a catastrophic series of paraglacial events, clearly climate-related, alternating with low energy periods of fluvial reworking. Webb et al. showed late Quaternary debris flow/river interaction in Utah, proposing that glacial and interglacial climates favour bedrock downcutting and interglacials with monsoon climate favour debris flow aggradation, whereas Comerci et al. analysed ground subsidence in Italy, supplementing their post-glacial stratigraphic record with detailed measurements of ground subsidence in the Como urban area since 1955. Finally, Laemermann-Barthel et al. discussed a proposed program to establish a sediment budget for the Swiss Alps and the upper Rhine.

A second group of posters emphasized the examination of morphology and used maps, remotely sensed imagery, GIS and stratigraphic evidence more extensively than the first group. Process and process rates in these studies were more inferential than in the studies in the first group. Bartolini addressed the interaction between rock uplift, local relief and exhumation in the Northern Apennines in the last few million years. Thomas et al. discussed landscape response to environmental change in Queensland, emphasising the variable time lags which are still unresolved. Mills considered topographic control of alluvial fans in North Carolina from early Pleistocene to Holocene. Migon raised critical questions about the efficacy of Quaternary cryoplanation, and suggested that significant remodelling of periglacial upland surfaces in the Quaternary has been seriously exaggerated. However, Aarseth and Fossen described new cryoplanation surfaces from Norway which, they report, are of Quaternary origin. Mäusbacher et al. examined subrosion depressions in Germany and discovered significant impact of Bronze Age and Iron Age anthropogenic influence on the sedimentology and palynology; Paulen et al. considered deformation structures in glaciolacustrine sediments in the Peace River valley, Alberta and Kovanen and Slaymaker demonstrated GIS aided delineation of glacial imprints over the surface of the Okanogan Lobe in Washington State. Dramis and Guglielmin discussed rock glacier development in Italy, noting the importance of discontinuous processes. Kite et al. documented an unusual algific talus in West Virginia and showed the importance of this environment as a paleo-refugium over the past 10,000 years. Large-magnitude geomorphic events were addressed by Hermanns et al. (massive rock slope failures in the southern Andes), Roberts (the variety of lahars on Mt. Shasta) and Manville (late Quaternary megafloods in New Zealand). Fluvial issues were discussed by Rowland et al. who showed the importance of tie channels on flood plains in Alaska, Louisiana, and Papua New Guinea, and noted that both the planform and cross-sectional morphology of the channels in all three systems show remarkable similarities over scales which vary by an order of magnitude; and Yang et al. plotted the changing activity of the Changjiang River in China over the Quaternary period.

Olav Slaymaker, Professor, Dept. of Geography, The University of British Columbia Piotr Migon, Professor, Dept. of Geography and Regional Development, Univ. of Wroclaw
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IAG Regional Geomorphological Conference, "Geomorphic Hazards: Towards the Prevention of Disasters"

This regional meeting was held in Mexico City, October 27 to November 2, 2003. Details of the meeting, including minutes from the IAG Executive Committee meeting on October 26, will be reported in the next IAG Newsletter. The Organising Committee, headed by Dr. Irasema Alcántara-Ayala, did an outstanding job.

- Editor
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Young Geomorphologists

The IAG and the Mexican Society of Geomorphology (MSG) awarded competitive grants to young participants at the IAG Regional Geomorphology Conference, held 27 October to 2 November 2003 in Mexico City. Nineteen applications were received from young and very talented geomorphologists from Latin America and other countries. After careful evaluation, IAG awarded three full grants to young geomorphologists from Latin America, and MSG awarded one full grant and four partial grants to young geomorphologists from
different parts of the world.

IAG GRANTS were awarded to the following young geomorphologists: Samia Equino (State University of Maringa, Brazil), Kenia Costa (Federal University of Goiás, Brazil) and André de Souza Avelar (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). MSG GRANTS were awarded to Stella Moreiras (CONICET, Argentina), Lisa Borgatti (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy), Dorina Illies (University of Oradea, Romania), Laura Perucca (CONICET, Argentina) and Silvio Carlos Rodrigues (Federal University of Uberlandia, Brazil). In addition, MSG waived the registration fee for the following young geomorphologists: Tobias Heckmann (University of Göttingen, Germany), Sergio Saldańa (University of Vienna, Austria) and Michael Singer (University of California, Santa Barbara).

Irasema Alcántara-Ayala, President, MSG

IAG Grants for the IAG Symposium on (Calcutta) and International Workshop on Landslides (Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas), India, 27 February-6 March 2004 The selection procedure of the Asian candidates who submitted a request for an IAG grant has been completed, upon examination of the candidates' CVs. IAG Grants have been awarded to Muh Aris Marfai (Indonesia) and Saifuzzaman (Bangladesh). In addition, the Indian Institute of Geomorphologists (IGI), co-sponsor of the Symposium, will offer additional grants for young geomorphologists from developing countries.

IAG Grants for the Post-graduate Research Training Workshop, Cumberland Lodge, Windsor Great Park (UK), 8-11 December 2003 The selection procedure of the candidates who applied for IAG grants has been completed, following examination of the candidates' CVs and PhD research project abstracts. IAG grants have been awarded to György Sipos(Hungary) and Attila Nagy (Hungary).

Mauro Soldati, IAG EC Member
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The Carpatho-Balkan Geomorphological Commission

The Carpatho-Balkan Geomorphological Commission (CBGC) celebrated its 40th anniversary in Bratislava with an academic session from 9 to 12 September 2003. About 80 geomorphologists who study the Carpatho-Balkan mountain system and the adjacent depressions gathered from seven counties and presented 33 oral papers and 49 posters. Founding members (distinguished scientists like Leszek Starkel from Poland and Jaromír Demek from CzechRepublic) were awarded with diplomas. The local organizer was Milos Stankoviansky, who was elected as new president of CBGC. A Statute was passed by the General Assembly, and plans for future activities were discussed. The CBGC as a regional geomorphological organization wishes to build closer contacts with IAG. The very successful scientific sessions were followed by a two-day field trip led by Ján Lacika to the lowlands and mountains of western and central Slovakia.
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Award to Ivan Gams

On 1 July 2003 M. Panizza represented the IAG at the Scientific Symposium "Physical geography facing new challenges," on the occasion of the 80th year of Acad. Prof. Dr. Ivan Gams in Ljubljana (Slovenia). The IAG acknowledged the merits in Geomorphology of Prof. Gams with a silver plate.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Obituary of Professor Richard J. Chorley

Richard J. Chorley (1927-2002) was a leader in the intellectual development of the study of landforms in the second half of the twentieth century. This claim is substantiated with reference to: (a) his direct challenge to the paradigm of denudation chronology; (b) his eloquent championing of general systems theory in geomorphology; (c) his insistence on the use of rigorous statistical techniques in geomorphology; (d) his magisterial 'History of the Study of Landforms', the fourth volume of which is being completed posthumously; (e) his founding of several scholarly journals; (f) his brilliant teaching style; and (g) his holding of an ad hominem Chair in Geography at Cambridge University (1974-2002). The intellectual influences that shaped his thinking included Oxford University's Geography Department (1948-51); Columbia University's Geology and Geography departments (1951-54); Brown University's Geology Department (1954-57); Cambridge University's Geography Department (1958-2002) and Sidney Sussex College, of which he was Vice-Master during the 1990's. Foremost among the many individuals who influenced the iconoclastic Professor Chorley were surely Arthur Strahler, Stanley Schumm, Mark Melton and Marie Morisawa of the Columbia 'School of Geomorphology'. Beyond the formal acknowledgments of a stellar academic career, the most lasting impression given to those of us who were privileged to know him well was that of 'a man totally without conceit or artifice or spin' (Peter Haggett's funeral address, Tuesday, 21st.May, 2002). He will be greatly missed by colleagues and friends and especially by Rosemary, Richard and Eleanor.

Olav Slaymaker, Professor of Geography, The University of British Columbia and Past-President, International Association of Geomorphologists
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Editor's Note:

The success of the IAG Newsletter depends upon the contributions we receive. Please assist by sending commentaries, reviews of regional or national meetings and field trips, summaries of issues pertinent to geomorphology, and announcements of future meetings and workshops. Your contributions should be forwarded to the IAG Publications Officer:

Carol Harden, Department of Geography, 304 Burchfiel Geography Building, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA 37996-0925. Fax 1+ 865 974 6025; E-mail: charden@utk.edu.
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International Association of Geomorphologists

President Vice President Secretary General
Mario Panizza Andrew Goudie Dénes Lóczy
Dip. Scienze Terra, Universitŕ School Geography Env. Dep. Physical Geography
di Modena e Reggio Emilia University of Oxford University of Pécs
Largo S. Eufemia, 19 Mansfield Road Ifúság útja 6
I-41100 Modena, Italy Oxford OX1 3TB, UK H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
pit@unimore.it andrew.goudie@geog.ox.ac.uk Loczyd@ttk.pte.hu
Ph.: +39 059 2055840  Ph.: +44 1865 271921 Ph.: +36 72 327 622e4482
Fax:+39-059 2055887 Fax: +44 1865 271940 Fax: +36 72 327 622e4480

IAG Account number: 068-2376668-01 IAG - DEXIA Banque Av. Centenaire, 42 - B-4102 Ougree, Belgium
Account IBAN: BE 43-0682-3766-6801
SWIFT: GKCCBEBB

Visit the IAG Web Site at: http://www.geomorph.org


Date: 12/12
From:  Aurel Persoiu - a_persoiu@yahoo.com
Subject: First International Workshop on Ice Caves

The second circular and the registration form for the First International Workshop on Ice Caves are now available at: http://users.unimi.it/icecaves/IWIC-I 

******
Aurel PERSOIU

Speleological Institute "Emil Racovitza"
Clinicilor 5, PO Box 58, 3400 Cluj Napoca, Romania
Tel/Fax: +40 264 595954


Date: 12/13
From:  Penny Taylor - pmtaylor@ysu.edu
Subject: Text/Lab manual for Geomorphology?

Greetings,

I will be teaching undergraduate Geomorphology for the first time in the Fall of 2004. I am currently in search of a text and lab manual. I would benefit greatly from the suggestions of the experienced members of the list. Does a lab manual even exist or has everyone developed their own exercises? I apologize if this request has been discussed before my joining the list. If so, please reply off-list via email or to the address below.

Sincerely,
Penny Taylor
--
Penny M. Taylor, Instructor
Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences
Youngstown State University
One University Plaza
Youngstown, OH 44555

Office: Room 2130
Office Phone: (330) 941-1752

Dept. Phone: (330) 941-3612
Dept. Fax: (330) 941-1754


Date: 12/16
From:  Alessandro Pasuto <alessandro.pasuto@irpi.pd.cnr.it>
Subject: Asia-Oceania Geo. Soc. 1st annual meeting - Landslide abstracts

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

Joint AOGS 1st Annual Meeting and APHW 2nd Conference
July 5-9, 2004 Singapore

SESSION NH6

Title. Landslide Instrumentation and Monitoring

Main Organizer: Alessandro Pasuto (CNR-IRPI and GRJL Geo-Risk Joint Lab, Italy Japan Joint Lab on Hydrogeological Risk)
Address: C.so Stati Uniti, 4 35127 Padova, ITALY
e-mail a.pasuto@irpi.cnr.it

Co-Organizer: Haruo Nishimoto (PWRI - Public Work Research Institute and GRJL Geo-Risk Joint Lab, Italy Japan Joint Lab on Hydrogeological Risk)
Address: 1-6 Minamihara, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8516, JAPAN
e-mail nisimoto@pwri.go.jp

Slope movement shows great variety not only because of the different types but also from a kinematic and geometric point of view. Each landslide is characterised by its own evolutive story, so that the monitoring method to clarify the landslide condition should be done by fully considering the types of instruments to be installed, the number and location of measurement points, the frequency of sampling etc. Standardisation of the methods and tools of monitoring and the choice of sensors to be used is therefore a difficult task to be achieved.
In order to obtain reliable results, the monitoring system should not only be the result of the sum of various technologies but also be based on a preliminary analysis of the phenomena, and also be derived from adequate reflections on the data. Similarly, a set of sensors placed haphazardly inside and around a landslide body will produce a series of measurements which are not easy to interpret and compare with the other kind of dataset. Therefore it is important to plan a monitoring system correctly, in order to get sufficient and, in particular, reliable data when the alarm for the population, the risk definition, slope modelling and stabilisation can be predicted. Moreover in recent years innovative techniques, such as SAR interferometry, optical fibers, TDR, laser etc. began to be applied in landslide monitoring and warning system. The equipment allowed us to monitor in real time the displacements over wide areas with a detailed spatially extensive information. The aim of this session is to compare and discuss different experiences in this topic, with special reference to these innovative techniques, in order to achieve a framework as complete as possible of the tools and methods for landslide monitoring even with civil defence purposes.

Deadline for the abstract submission: 15th February 2004.

Please visit the web site: http://www.asiaoceania.org/
************************************
Dr. Alessandro PASUTO
C.N.R. - I.R.P.I.
C.so Stati Uniti, 4
35127 Padova (ITALY)
phone: +39-049-8295800
fax: +39-049-8295827
************************************


Date: 12/16
From:  Nick Jokay - jokay@isp.com, to whom responses should be directed.
Subject: determining water surface slope of streams?

Dear Geomorphologists,

What is the preferred method for determining the slope of a stream's water surface at high flows? (Assuming that any surveying must be done during low flows.)

I've used methods which involve surveying the thalweg gradient, bar-top gradient, and low water surface gradient. Also I've heard a range of
distances: two pool-riffle sequences, 15 channel widths, 10 channel widths both up and downstream of the area of interest.

Surveying the low water's surface I've found to be the easiest, but I'm not certain if it the most accurate. Can anyone offer support for using one method over the other?...minimum distance of reach to be surveyed?... and if rod and level vs. total station is a factor in the method used?

Thanks,
Nick

--
Nick Jokay
Associate Research Geomorphologist
USDA-ARS National Sedimentation Laboratory
598 McElroy
Oxford, MS 38655
662-232-2992


Date: 12/20
From:  Cheng LIU - irtces@public.bta.net.cn, forwarded from He Yun
Subject: Dec 31 Deadline for 9th ISRS (Three Gorges Project, China)

Dear Colleagues,

I would like to remind you that the deadline for submitting abstracts for the upcoming Ninth International Symposium on River Sedimentation (9th ISRS)(Oct. 18-21, 2004, Site of the Three Gorges Project near Yichang, China) is Dec. 31, 2003. See Symposium Web page (below) for information.

We are looking forward to your participation and wish you a very joyful Christmas and a happy New Year!!!

Cheng LIU
(on behalf of the Local Organising Committee of 9th ISRS)

==================================================
>
> Ninth International Symposium on River
> Sedimentation (9th ISRS)
> October 18-21, 2004, Site of the Three Gorges
> Project, Yichang, China
>
> http://www.irtces.org/isshhu/9ISRS.htm


Date: 12/20
From:  Mauro Soldati <soldati@unimore.it>
Subject: Training of Young Geomorphologists: IAG GRANTS awarded

IAG Grants for the BGRG "Post-graduate Research Training Workshop", Cumberland Lodge, Windsor Great Park (UK), 8-11 December 2003

Upon examination of the candidates' CVs and PhD research project abstracts, IAG grants reserved for Phd students in Geomorphology from Eastern Europe have been awarded to:

IAG Grants for the IAG Symposium on Geomorpholgy & Environment (Calcutta) and International Workshop on Landslides (Darjiling and Sikkim Himalayas) - India, 27 February - 6 March 2004

The selection procedure of the Asian Young Geomorphologists who submitted a request for an IAG grant has been completed, upon examination of the candidates' CVs. IAG grants have been awarded to:

In addition, the Indian Institute of Geomorphologists (IGI), co-sponsor and organizer of the Symposium, has offered additional grants for Young Geomorphologists from developing countries (other than India) who have been awarded to:

Please visit the IAG website for future training activities and grant offers: http://www.geomorph.org

Mauro Soldati

IAG EC Member


Date: 12/20
From:  Joseph Wheaton <Joe.Wheaton@soton.ac.uk>
Subject: International River Restoration Survey- DEADLINE REMINDER

International River Restoration Survey

----------

Thank you to the more than 340 people from 27 different countries that have already taken the River Restoration Survey!

If you have ever been involved in river restoration, sustainable river management or similar activities and have not already taken the survey, we would like to hear about your experiences and opinions. The web based survey only takes between five and fifteen minutes and results will be made available in spring of 2004. Just follow the link below to take the anonymous survey:

Take the Survey

DEADLINE EXTENDED!

The deadline for the first phase of responses has been extended to 1 January, 2004 from the original December 20th, 2003 deadline.

Full details about the survey are provided at the front page.

Thank you for your time and happy holidays!


Date: 12/20
From:  Jim A McKean <jmckean@fs.fed.us>
Subject: GSA Rocky Mountain Section Meeting Biogeomorphology Session

Subject: GSA 2004 Rocky Mountain Section Meeting Session: Biogeomorphology of River Systems

ANNOUNCEMENT AND CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

We are soliciting abstracts for a session on the Biogeomorphology of River Systems at the joint GSA Rocky Mountain, Cordilleran Sections meeting on May 3-5, 2004 in Boise, Idaho. This session will explore all aspects of interactions between physical and biological processes within the fluvial system, and the response of these to extrinsic factors, such as sudden system perturbations or more gradual land use or climate change. We encourage offerings dealing with any of the wide range of biotic and abiotic components of rivers and investigative approaches ranging from theoretical models to case studies.

The deadline for Abstract Submission is January 27, 2004. Details of the submission procedure and other conference details can be found at: http://www.geosociety.org/sectdiv/rockymtn/04rmcdmtg.htm

Feel free to contact any of the session convenors for further information.


Date: 12/20
From:  Glenn Thackray <thacglen@isu.edu>
Subject: Western U.S. geomorphology session at Boise GSA meeting

This message is directed principally to geomorphologists working in western North America. We know that you are probably worn out by recent meetings and ready to take a break, but we want to remind you of a geomorphology-oriented session at the joint-section Geological Society of America meeting to be held in Boise in early May. Please see the description below and consider submitting an abstract. The abstract deadline is January 27, and we will send you another reminder in mid-January.

Sincerely,

Joel Pederson and Glenn Thackray


Title: Recent advances and discoveries in Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology from the West Coast to the Front Range

The western U.S. is a premier setting for Quaternary geologic and geomorphic study because of its varied topography, climate, and surficial processes. Past and ongoing formation of this diverse landscape involves bedrock and alluvial rivers, glaciation, active tectonics, and all types of hillslope processes. It's growing population makes surficial geology especially valuable in the context of natural hazards, water issues, and climate change. This session provides a general forum for surficial studies on a wide variety of topics in the western U.S. We encourage contributions ranging from basic field findings about landscape evolution to applied GIS, remote sensing, geophysics, or modeling studies.


Date: 12/20
From:  Glenn Thackray <thacglen@isu.edu>
Subject: Earth System Science faculty position, Idaho State University

To the list:

I would like to bring to your attention a tenure-track faculty position at Idaho State University, described below. The position has a Geomorphology component, and I hope it will be of interest to some of you. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Glenn Thackray - thacglen@isu.edu


Earth Systems Science and Geotechnologies

Idaho State University

The Department of Geosciences at Idaho State University (http://www.isu.edu/geology/) seeks an outstanding geoscientist for a tenure-track assistant professor position, with specialization in paleoclimatology, surficial processes, or related fields. Interdisciplinary Earth Systems Science and expertise in geotechnologies applications (GIS, GPS, and/or remote sensing) are essential in teaching and research. The successful candidate will contribute to a new undergraduate program and potential graduate program in Earth and Environmental Systems, serve as a departmental liaison with the university's interdisciplinary GIS Training and Research Center (http://giscenter.isu.edu/), and help to integrate geotechnologies applications and interdisciplinary topics into the Geosciences curriculum.

The successful candidate will be expected to participate in an effective teaching, research, and service program commensurate with normal tenure-track faculty duties at ISU. Good oral and written communication skills are essential. Participation in regular faculty meetings, and possibly cross-campus teaching, is expected. Teaching duties will include freshman and sophomore courses in Geology and Earth systems science, upper division/graduate course(s) in the candidate's field of research, and possibly help with Summer geology field camp.

To apply, send a vita, personal statement of background and experience relevant to the position, including teaching and research philosophy, service activities, and names and contact information of three references to: Department of Geosciences, EES Faculty Search, Campus Box 8072, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho, 83209-8072. E-mail contact: hughscot@isu.eduReview of applications will begin January 15, 2004, and continue until the position is filled. Idaho State University is an equal opportunity employer.


Date: 12/22
From:  Melinda Daniels - melinda.daniels@uconn.edu
Subject: Visiting Professor; Physical/Environmental Geography; UConn, Storrs, CT USA

I would like to bring to your attention a temporary faculty position at the University of Connecticut. If you should have any questions about the job opening, please do not hesitate to contact me.

The Department of Geography, University of Connecticut, Storrs is accepting applications for a one-year (potentially renewable for a second year) Assistant Professor in Residence appointment, beginning August 2004. Area of specialization: Physical/ Environmental Geography. Teaching and research specialties will be considered within any of the principal subfields of physical geography including environmental change and Quaternary studies.

Candidates should have a strong physical science background. Teaching responsibilities will include introductory physical geography, cartography, a course on human modifications of natural environments, and other courses consistent with the successful applicant's interests and qualifications. The candidate should demonstrate a strong commitment to quality undergraduate education. Ph.D. preferred, though ABD candidates will also be considered.

Letter of application discussing research and teaching interests, CV, and names and addresses of three references should be sent (post or email) to the address below. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Apply: Melinda Daniels ( melinda.daniels@uconn.edu ; 860-486-2117) or William H. Berentsen ( wberents@uconn.edu ; 860-486-3664) or Department of Geography, University of Connecticut, Unit 4148, 215 Glenbrook Rd., Storrs, CT 06269-4148. Fax: 860-486-1348. We encourage applications from under-represented groups, including minorities, women, and people with disabilities.


Date: 12/29
From:  Colin P. Stark <cstark@ldeo.columbia.edu>
Subject: Call for papers: EGU, Nice 2004 - deadline=Jan 11

Big news for geomorphologists: at last, our field has formal representation at the annual meeting of the European Geosciences Union.

EGU is the European equivalent of AGU (the offspring of the merging of EUG and EGS in 2003). Its first annual meeting will be held in 2004 in Nice, France, (25-30 April): http://www.copernicus.org/EGU/ga/egu04/index.html

Geomorphology (at EGS) has always been tucked away in sections such as natural hazards, tectonics and hydrology. Next year will be different. We now have a range of sessions tailored specifically to the interests of geomorphologists: http://www.copernicus.org/EGU/ga/egu04/programme/overview.html  I'll come back to these in a minute. First, a plea.

We as a community need to make geomorphology at EGU a success. Please consider submitting an abstract or two (AGU restrictions on number of submission do *not* apply). We need lots of good papers to demonstrate to the EGU council that geomorphology merits its own division and the benefits that go with it.

For those of you who have never attended an EGS or EUG meeting, you may be surprised at how different they are from the AGU meetings. The cultural diversity and range of intellectual backgrounds are perhaps broader, which can be both stimulating and challenging. Geomorphological topics have often been focused on natural hazards, and as such have often taken a more applied approach than at AGU. This focus will broaden now that the hot topics in geomorphology in general can be addressed.

Some of you attended the combined AGU/EGS/EUG meeting in Nice in 2003, and may have come away (understandably) with rather mixed feelings. Fortunately the burden of combining three societies and the inflated numbers of attendees will not be a problem in 2004. The meeting will be run only by EGU, with much expanded poster space and more (larger) rooms for oral presentations. With any luck the tedious security checks will be gone too.

So here are the session details. The GM sessions are run by the new geomorphology section, while the others (NH, CR, G, GI, HS, SSS) are co-sponsored by us. Please note the deadline for abstract submission is JANUARY 11, 2004, 24:00GMT: http://www.copernicus.org/EGU/ga/egu04/abstract_submission.htm

See also: http://www.cosis.net/members/meetings/programme/view.php?p_id=103

Further details on each session are available from the latter URL.

The geomorphology section is run by the following committee:

Any comments and suggestions for future geomorphology sessions at EGU should be sent to one of the above.

Last, but not least, there was some discussion at the Gilbert Club meeting this year that we might like to consider creating an equivalent "EuroGilbert Club" meeting after EGU (we can but dream!). If anyone would like to discuss this idea further, please email me ( cstark@ldeo.columbia.edu ).


Date: 12/29
From:  Dorothy Sack <sack@ohio.edu>
Subject: Fall Geomorphorum online

Dear Geomorphlisters,

The latest issue of Geomorphorum, the newsletter of the Geomorphology Specialty Group (GSG) of the Association of American Geographers, is now available online as a pdf file at the GSG website http://www.cla.sc.edu/geog/gsgdocs/index.html or at http://oak.cats.ohiou.edu/~sack.

If you are a member of the GSG but did not receive this second issue for 2003 directly from me as an email attachment, you may want to send me an update of your email address.