MARGINS at Fall AGU 2006

Sessions related to MARGINS Science
at the 2006 AGU Fall Meeting

The extensive list of sessions in AGU's Fall Meeting program can be daunting, so each year the MARGINS
Office assembles a list of sessions that we think may be of special interest to the MARGINS community. The
concise summaries included with our subjective choices are edited excerpts from the original AGU session
abstracts (www.agu.org/meetings/fm06)

AGU Code Key: Section: Day of Week (1-5): Session Time (1X-2X: 8:00 and 10:20; 3X-4X: 13:40 and 16:00).
E.g., OS12A = Ocean Sciences, Monday, Session 2A (10:20). Please refer to the AGU meeting program to verify
session times and locations.

Sessions directly addressing MARGINS themes

OS: Studies of Sediment Transfer From Land Through the Ocean and Into the Stratigraphic Record
Because of the global diversity in the tectonic setting, climate, and fluid-energy dissipation, the fate of fluvial
discharge in continental margins is complex and our ability to quantify and predict the fluxes of dissolved and
particulate substances over space and time requires a concerted interdisciplinary effort. This session is intended to
provide a venue for the broad community investigating the production, transport, storage and accumulation of
terrestrial and marine materials along the source-to-sink pathways in the world's continental margins. OS12A,
OS13D, OS14A (MCS 206), OS23A, OS23B (MCW Level 2)

OS: New Algorithms and Models for Fluvial and Coastal Sediment-Transport and Surface Dynamics
Continuing advances in our understanding of fluid dynamics, particle behavior, bed characteristics and the
evolution of morphology are resulting in new algorithms and models for sediment transport. This session will
focus on emerging concepts in sediment dynamics that are appearing in process-oriented models. Presentations
describing observations of novel processes, presenting new analyses of sediment-transport processes, or
describing algorithms for incorporating increasingly realistic dynamics into practical models are welcomed.
OS24A (MCW 3009)

T: The Geodynamics of Lithospheric Extension
This session focuses on the geodynamics of lithospheric extension at all scales. Contributions are invited that
elucidate the evolution of extensional tectonics, from a tectonic, sedimentary, magmatic and metamorphic point of
view, and over the whole range of geodynamic conditions, from post-orogenic extension of overthickened crustal
belts, to continental break-up and oceanic spreading. T23F, T24A (MCW 3004), T31B, T31D (MCW Level 1)

T: New Observations From the Mantle Wedge: Consequences for Water, Petrology, Melt, and Flow
This session seeks to highlight new constraints on structure, flow, dehydration and melting processes within the
subduction zone mantle wedge. Papers from seismology, geodynamical modeling, mineral physics, geochemistry,
and petrology are encouraged. T21G, T22C, T33E (MCS 302)

T: New Perspectives on the Seismogenic Zone: From the Surface to Depth and Modern to Ancient
Most of the world's largest earthquakes and tsunamis initiate in subduction zones, yet our understanding of fault
zone processes is limited. Recent studies of modern and ancient subduction zones as part of the Seismogenic Zone
Experiment (SEIZE) and related studies provide new perspectives on these processes. This session welcomes
results of onland field work on ancient prisms, onland and offshore geophysical investigations, modeling and
laboratory studies, and seafloor/subseafloor observations that provide insight on seismogenic zone processes.
T12C, T13G (MCS 302), T21A (MCW Level 1)

T: Extensional Processes Leading to the Formation of Basins and Rifted Margins, From Volcanic to
Magma-Limited
New observations and models allow us to investigate the processes responsible for continental extension and
lithospheric rupture in unprecedented detail. Key questions that need to be addressed on all rifted margins concern
the style of the early phases of extension, delineating the factors that are most important in controlling strain
localization and partitioning throughout rifting (e.g., pre-existing weaknesses, detachment and/or rolling hinge
faults, syn-rift magmatism, etc.), and understanding how variations in rheology with depth influence the style of
rifting and final breakup. T51C, T52C (MCW 3004), T53A (MCW Level 2)

T: Development of the Gulf of California and Other Young Divergent Plate Boundaries Along Tectonically
Active Continent Margins
Lithosphere ruptures in continent interiors and along active continental margins. The Gulf of California is an
oblique-divergent plate boundary formed along a volcanic arc and between older magmatic arcs. Recent onshore
and offshore, and surface to mantle studies, from MARGINS and other projects have made major advances in
understanding the history of the plate boundary and processes of rifting. Contributions are invited from the Gulf of
California and other young rifts along active continental margins. T41D (MCW Level 2)

V: Lessons From the Izu-Bonin-Mariana and Central American Subduction Factories
Presentations are invited that discuss all aspects of the Izu-Bonin-Mariana and Central American subduction
zones, including subduction input, forearc processes and the origin and evolution of magma and crust. Topics
might include: character and origin of the crust; relationship between subduction input and output in the forearc
and volcanic arc; how differences in the mantle wedge or subduction parameters affect magma composition;
reasons for spatial and temporal variations in magma composition, including volatiles; and flux estimates. V41B
(MCW, Level 2), V51F, V52B (MCW 3010)

Sessions relevant to MARGINS science

B: Advances in Process Understanding and Implications of Exchanges Across the Sediment-Water
Interface
The depth of surface-water penetration, retention time within shallow subsurface environments, and the solute
flux within these subsurface environments relative to water and solute flux at the surface are all important when
addressing the solute retention/transformations in these environments. This session seeks to bring together a
combination of coupled field and modeling approaches that addresses both the physical processes altering solute
transport across sediment-water interfaces and the resulting biogeochemical implications. B22C (MCW 3004),
B23A (MCW Level 2)

ED: Successful Partnerships in Geoscience Education: Past and Present
Starting in the 1970's the Earth Science community embarked on innovative programs to increase diversity in the
geosciences. New programs that grew from these early programs took on best practices and innovative
educational components that are now incorporated in programs for all children and teachers. This session will
look back at some of these programs in a historical framework and will look forward by examining the success of
current programs that aim to increase the participation of diverse students in the earth and environmental sciences.
ED33C (MCS 310), ED51A (MCW Level 2)

ED: Hands-on, Inquiry-Based Classroom and Laboratory Assignments: Bringing Research in Earth-
Surface Processes and Hydrology to K-12 and Undergraduate Students
Presenters in this session will introduce a lab exercise, demonstration, or hands-on activity that they have designed
or adapted for use in their K-12 or undergraduate geoscience classroom or lab. In addition to their oral or poster
presentation, the presenters will display their activity, lab exercise, or demonstration in the “Hands-on Gallery”
during the poster session, so that participants in the parallel teacher workshop can test the materials. ED51D
(MCS 274), ED53A (MCW Level 2)

ED: Facilitating Undergraduate Research in the Geosciences: Classroom Innovations that Encourage and
Support Student Investigations
A wide range of projects supported by the National Science Foundation's Course, Curriculum, and Laboratory
Improvement (CCLI), Geoscience Education, and COSEE programs, NASA programs, and other funding sources
have sought to bring the tools and methods of geoscience research into undergraduate classrooms. This session
seeks to highlight those classroom approaches that have been effective in aiding undergraduate students in the
transition from learner to investigator. ED33B (MCW Level 2)

H: Soft Computing Tools for Hydrological Modeling
Soft computing is an emerging computational approach which integrates several artificial intelligence
methodologies to deal with uncertainty and imprecision associated with modeling and understanding hydrologic
systems. This session will invite presentations that will focus on applications of soft computing techniques to deal
with a variety of problems within the field of surface and subsurface hydrology at different spatial and temporal
scales. H23D (MCW Level 2)

H: Coastal Geomorphology and Morphodynamics
Coastal environments, including sandy shores, rocky coasts, marshes, estuaries and deltas, evolve in response to
winds, waves, currents, tides, and changes in relative sea-level. This session will focus on large-scale coastal
evolution (scales >> m and >> days), exploring feedbacks between changes in morphology and forcing agents,
including the influence of the geological framework on coastal dynamics. H31I, H32C (MCW 3002), H33B
(MCW Level 2)

H: Hillslope, Glacial, and Drainage Basin Posters
This is a general poster session on processes that affect the form and function of the surface of the Earth. These
processes, in which physics, chemistry, and biology have roles, occur over a wide range of temporal and spatial
scales, and include fluvial, Aeolian, and coastal sediment transport and the resulting erosion and sedimentation;
hillslope mass movements; glacial and periglacial activity; weathering and pedogenesis; surface manifestations of
volcanism and tectonism; and human activities that modify the surface of the Earth. H53B (MCW Level 1)

IN: Standardizing Fine-Grained Access to Geoscience Data
Web services provide the opportunity for on-demand open access to observational and other geoscientific data in
support of scientific investigations. However, the style of data required varies significantly across the geosciences.
This topical session is intended to provide a forum for investigators working on data models and structures,
schemas and service interfaces in support of fine-grained data access within the geosciences. IN51B (MCW
Level 2), IN53C (MCW 3020)

IN: Standards-Based Interoperability Among Tools and Data Services in the Earth Sciences
Groups are actively developing interoperable data access, analysis and display systems based on evolving
international standards, such as the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) protocol set. Presentations and
demonstrations for this session are encouraged for GALEON, GSN and similar interoperability efforts. There will
be a special electronic poster area set up for live, online demonstrations of these interoperability technologies.
IN42A (MCS 309), IN43C (MCW Level 2)

NG: Autogenic Dynamics in Landscape Evolution and the Geologic Record
Nonlinearity and noisiness in sediment transport systems produce fractal surfaces and dynamic unpredictability.
This internally-generated (“autogenic”) variability acts as a filter to obscure the signal of environmental
(“allogenic”) change. Stratigraphy is the accumulated record of these partially-preserved surfaces and hence is a
signal that has been further filtered. The goal of this session is to bring together research that explores the
characteristic length and time scales of autogenic processes and their influence on the evolution of landscapes and
the stratigraphic record. NG43D (Level 2), NG53A (MCW 3022)

NS: Applications of Near-Surface Geophysics in Coastal Environments
Near-surface geophysical methods are used increasingly in support of coastal geological and engineering studies,
resource management, and hazard mitigation research. Seismic, electrical, resistivity, and electromagnetic (EM
and GPR) methods provide high-resolution information for investigation of coastal geomorphology and
stratigraphy, geoarchaeological context, hazard assessment, geotechnical characterization, and groundwater
exchange in coastal aquifers. This session welcomes contributions in these areas. NS24A (MCS220), NS31B
(MCW Level 2)

OS: Nearshore Processes
For over 30 years, our understanding of nearshore processes has developed and grown in large part from the
pioneering work of Dr. Edward B. Thornton and others. This session invites abstracts that focus on the dynamics
of waves, currents, turbulence, and sediment transport from the beach face to the shelf break along both sandy and
muddy coastlines. Abstracts covering all aspects of nearshore processes research are welcome. OS21D, OS22B,
OS23D (MCW 3009)

OS: Cabled Ocean Observatories: Novel Science Experiments, Technologies and Data Management
Systems
Cabled ocean observatories can transform the ocean sciences with the introduction of power, high bandwidth
communication, elaborate sensor networks, and abundant real-time data return spanning decades. Existing and
emerging observatories include LEO 15, VENUS, MARS, NEPTUNE, ARENA and ESONET. The session will
consider the novel community science experiments, new and modified technologies, and complex data
management systems handling the abundant (Gb/sec) real-time data stream, including video and HDTV. The
profound impact of the scientific, technological, educational and outreach opportunities will be examined. OS31C
(MCW Level 2), OS34F (MCS 220)

OS: Communicating Broadly: Perspectives and Tools for Ocean, Earth and Atmospheric Scientists
Across the geosciences, opportunities abound for researchers to communicate with people who have distinct and
sometimes divergent interests – journalists, resource managers, environmentalists, policy makers, philanthropists,
educators, and industry leaders, to name just a few. In this session, scientists and others within the academic
community are invited to reflect on their experiences with such communication. Presentations that describe
resources for building scientists’ communication skills – for example, organizations, programs, workshops,
courses and publications – are also highly encouraged. U41F, U42C, U43D, U44C (MCW 3006)

S: Geophysical Structure and Dynamics of the Western United States
Broad ranges of geological and geophysical datasets are currently being collected and geodynamical models are in
development to provide new constraints on the structure and dynamics of the western United States. The rich and
complex tectonic processes and history of this region are still under significant debate, thus necessitating a host of
new multidisciplinary examinations. New observations and models from seismology, geodynamics, mineral
physics, and petrology as they relate to this region are encouraged, particularly those which marry complementary
datasets and methodologies. S43A (MCW Level 2), S51D, S52A (MCW 3009), S54A (MCS 305)

S: The July 17, 2006 Java Earthquake and Tsunami: What Are We Learning?
The precise rupture processes and controlling mechanism of such slow source tsunami events as the July 17, 2006
Java Earthquake and Tsunami are poorly understood, in part because they likely occur in a weak subduction
interface that is often considered to be unable to nucleate earthquake rupture. This session invites contributions
that seek to improve identification and our understanding of this and other such events, and the processes that
control their tsunami generation. S14A (MCW 3009), S21A (MCW Level 1)

T: Episodic Tremor and Slip: Correlatoins to Geologic and Geophysical Segmentation in Cascadia
Many different types of observations from the Cascadia Subduction Zone suggest along-arc segmentation. The
purpose of this session is to bring together investigators from different disciplines to review and update
observations of arc (sensu lato) segmentation in order to explore links among disparate data sets and provide
insights into the underlying processes that control the observed segmentation. T53G (MCS 300)

T: GeoFrame: A Geologic Framework for EarthScope's USArray
The GeoFrame initiative is a new geologic venture that focuses on the construction, stabilization, and
modification of the North American continent through time. The purpose of this session is to present recent
research in the areas identified during a recent EarthScope workshop (a mega swath including Cascadia, the
Northern Rockies, the Black Hills/Great Plains, the Superior Province in the US, the Mid-Continent region, and
the central Appalachians and a long swath along the Walker Lane trend) and to provide a forum for the
community to present research results, in addition to making suggestions and modifications to the target areas.
T42A (MCS 301), T43C (MCW Level 2)

T: Seismogenesis and Tsunami Hazards of "Aseismic" Island Arcs
The tectonic environment of the Nicobar and Andaman Islands section of the Sumatra-Andaman Earthquake
rupture zone is not typical of subduction zones that experience giant earthquakes, and yet it experienced slip
equivalent to an earthquake of magnitude 9 or greater. Our inability to explain why this segment experienced such
large-scale rupture prompts us to reconsider whether the Chilean-Mariana paradigm for seismic vs. aseismic
subduction is adequate for underpinning assessments of tsunami hazard in island arcs and ocean basins bordered
by them. This session aims at assessing the current state of knowledge of seismogenesis and tsunami hazards in
island arcs, especially those in tectonic environments that are thought to not favor the occurrence of giant
earthquakes. T21F (MCS 301), T23A (MCW Level 1)

T: Phenomenology, Mechanisms, and Hazard Implications of Episodic Aseismic Slip, Tremor, and
Earthquakes
Repeating episodes of aseismic fault slip, seismic tremor, and perhaps associated earthquake rate changes are best documented in subduction zones around the world, but have also been observed in a growing number of other
geologic settings. This session seeks presentations that critically examine the observational constraints on these
phenomena, compare their differences from region to region, test explanatory physical models, and discuss their
implications for assessing volcanic and earthquake hazards. T54A (MCS 300)

T: New Observations of Dike Injection Episodes in Extensional Terrains
In September 2005, a seismic swarm around the Dabbahu (Boina) rift segment in Afar, Ethiopia, was associated
with the intrusion of a 60 km long dike, up to 8 m wide, along the entire rift segment. This is the largest rifting
episode to have occurred subaerially since the Krafla (Iceland 1975-1984) and Asal-Ghoubbet (Djibouti, 1978)
episodes, and offers a unique opportunity to learn about crustal growth at divergent plate boundaries. This session
invites contributions that describe results from the broad spectrum of geophysical and geological techniques that
have been applied to subaerial and submarine rifting episodes. T33E (MCW 3002), T41B (MCW Level 2)

T: Postcollisional Extension
Within the last quarter century, our understandings of post-collisional continental extension have improved
substantially. However, there are still many important questions such as the nature and geometry of initial normal
faults formed during post-collisional extension, and the nature and depth of the ductile-brittle transition. It is also
still debated whether the post-collisional continental extension is initiated by simple shear or pure shear. The main
purpose of this session is to bring together researchers working on the problems of post-collisional continental
extension and associated structures such as metamorphic core complexes in different parts of the world. T33B
(MCW Level 1), T41E (MCS 301)

U: Communicating Broadly: Perspectives and Tools for Ocean, Earth and Atmospheric Scientists
Across the geosciences, opportunities abound for researchers to communicate with people who have distinct and
sometimes divergent interests - journalists, resource managers, environmentalists, policy makers, philanthropists,
educators, and industry leaders, to name just a few. In this session, scientists and others within the academic
community are invited to reflect on their experiences with such communication. Presentations that describe
resources for building scientists' communication skills - for example, organizations, programs, workshops,
courses and publications - are also highly encouraged. U41F, U42C, U43D, U44C (MCW 3006)

U: Consequences of Subduction and the Evolution of the Mantle
The chemical and physical properties of subducted oceanic lithosphere are not well-known, but control many
aspects of Earth's convective/tectonic state as well as it's thermal history. This session welcomes studies from
geochemistry, geodynamics, seismology and mineral physics, and in particular studies that combine approaches
from different disciplines, in an effort to integrate the nature of subduction with deep mantle processes. U11A,
U12A, U13B, U14B (MCS 308)

U: The Indian Ocean Tsunami 2004: Two Years On.
Based on the enormous amount of new work on the Andaman-Sumatra earthquakes and tsunamis, the objective of
the session is to bring together scientists from all disciplines to present their research in the region and to foster
and encourage multidisciplinary collaboration. Applications of the research in the Indian Ocean to other areas are
also encouraged. U44A, U51B, U52A (MCS 308), U53A (MCW Level 1), U53C (MCS 308)

U: Large Distributed Arrays of Geophysical and Environmental Sensors POSTER SESSION
Using modern technological systems, it is now possible to monitor the Earth and its space environment with
increasing accuracy and frequency, and to receive the data with near-real-time promptness, using very large arrays
of data acquisition and data transportation links. The purpose of this special session is to bring together working
representatives involved with very large distributed arrays of sensors in order to foster communication about the
practicalities of operating such systems, to discuss theoretical issues that might pertain to their management and
future development, and to promote cooperation and coordination. U41B (MCW Level 2)

V: To What Depth Can Continental Crust be Subducted: Observations From Ultrahigh-Pressure
Metamorphic Rocks, Experiments, and Numerical Modeling
Ultra-high pressure metamorphic rocks (UHPM) are the best natural laboratory to study to what depth continental
crust may be subducted. The main task of this session is to formulate clear statements: (1) what do we really know
from the UHPM rocks about deep subduction of the crustal material; (2) how modern experimental and numerical
modeling is consistent with the "facts"� collected from natural rocks. V31A (MCW Level 1), V43F, V44B
(MCW 3011)

V: Observations and Interpretations of Low-Frequency Earthquakes in Volcanic and Nonvolcanic
Environments
Recent observations and research have highlighted that ordinary stick-slip failure may produce LF earthquakes in
certain volcanic settings due to exceptionally high strain rates within the magma, low rupture velocities, and/or
complexities in the path between source and seismometer. The goals of this session are to investigate the range of
mechanisms that may produce LF events and the range of settings in which various types of LF events occur.
V41A (MCW Level 1), V52A (MCW 3012)

Requested Listing of Other Sessions of Interest

T: Interpreting the Tectonics of the Pacific Rim Using Plate Kinematics and Slab Window Volcanism. T51C
(MCW Level 2), T53E (MCS 301)

V: Crystal-scale records of magmatic processes. V51B (MCW Level 2), V53E (MCW 303)

V: Origin, Storage, and Transport of Water in Earth's Mantle. V41D (MCW Level 2), V53F, V54A (MCS 304)

V: The Dynamic Reaction: Interactions of Metamorphic Reactions and Deformation in Nature, Experiments, and
Models. V31C (MCW Level 1), V33F (MCW 3012)

MARGINS at Fall AGU 2006