MARGINS-NSF Program

Postdoc Fellowships at ASU - SESE (12/14/2009)

The School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE) at Arizona State

University invites applications for the Exploration Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. SESE's core mission is to integrate science and engineering to provide a better understanding of our world and beyond. Research areas within SESE encompass astrophysics, cosmology, Earth science, climate science, planetary science, exploration systems engineering, and science education. The Exploration Fellowship Program aims to provide opportunities for conducting postdoctoral research on cutting-edge topics and to foster inter-disciplinary collaboration among our diverse faculty.

Applications must include a brief research proposal. Potential research topics span the full range of research interests of our faculty (http://sese.asu.edu/focus_areas), including key initiatives in theorigin, evolution, and fate of the Universe, planetary bodies, and life; the co-evolution of Earth's surface environment and societies; and lifelong science and engineering education.

The first step in the application process (see http://sese.asu.edu/opportunities) is to contact prospective faculty
sponsor(s) to discuss potential research topics. When a topic of mutual interest is identified, the applicant prepares a 5-10 page research proposal outlining the problem and the research plan (single space, 12 point, including figures; references do not count against page limit; no budget is needed). Application packets include (1) a cover letter identifying (a) research topic, (b) prospective faculty sponsor(s), and (c) a list of 3 references, (2) CV, (3) 2-3 exemplary research papers, and (4) the research proposal. Preference will be given to proposals that fuse research conducted through multiple focus areas within SESE and that will involve new collaborations among our faculty.

Application materials (and any questions) should be submitted by email to exppd@asu.edu, addressed to the Exploration
Fellowship Program Committee.

Evaluation of applications begins February 15, 2010, but applications will be accepted until positions are filled. Up to five awards will be offered in this inaugural year of the program and include salary
($50k/yr) and full benefits. Standard awards are 2 year appointments, renewable for a 3^rd year contingent on performance and availability of funding. Typically appointments will start between July 1 and September 1, 2010.

ASU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that actively seeks diversity among applicants and promotes a diverse workforce.

Kelin X. Whipple
Professor
School of Earth and Space Exploration
Room PSF 638
Arizona State University
P.O. Box 871404
Tempe, AZ 85287-1404, USA
tel:480-965-9508
fax: 480-965-8102

MARGINS Newsletter Issue 23 (12/4/2009)

Dear MARGINS Community,

The Fall 2009 MARGINS Newsletter Issue 23 is now available online at
http://www.nsf-margins.org/Publications/Newsletters/Newsletter.html

In This Issue:
Science Reports:
..S2S Meeting................. 1-5
..RCL Meeting..................6-11
..Lau Rapid Response.......12-15
..Cascadia Meeting.......... 21-22
Education and Outreach:
..Mini-lessons................. 16-17
..DLP............................. 17-18
..Postdocs...................... 19-20
From the MARGINS Chair.........24-25
MSC Highlights.........................25-26
Data Portal Report....................27-28
MARGINS at AGU.....................28
..Sessions of interest................29-32
MARGINS-NSF Awards..............32-34
Upcoming Workshop:
..MARGINS Successor................23

A list of AGU sessions related to MARGINS is available on pages 29-32.

Your paper copy will be delivered shortly. If you would like to be
removed from the paper copy mailing list please email us at
margins at nsf-margins.org with your request.

-The MARGINS Office

Opportunities at Victoria

Faculty Position in Seismology (12/3/2009)

Tenure Track Faculty Position, Seismology

The Department of Geology &amp; Geophysics at Texas A&amp;M University =
invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in reflection =
seismology beginning September 2010. The position is offered at the =
Assistant Professor level.

The successful applicant will establish an active, innovative =
research program while complementing current departmental strengths in =
petroleum geology and geophysics, sedimentology, stratigraphy, and =
structural geology and will participate actively in the newly =
established Berg-Hughes Center for Petroleum and Sedimentary Systems. =
Furthermore, opportunities exist to participate in and build on =
collaborative programs with colleagues in petroleum engineering, =
oceanography, and elsewhere at Texas A&amp;M University. Applicants must =
have a Ph.D. in Geophysics, Geology or a related field at the time of =
appointment. Post-doctoral research and teaching experience are =
desirable.

The successful applicant will be expected to teach effectively at the =
undergraduate and graduate levels in geology and geophysics, including =
classes in the petroleum seismology curriculum; supervise undergraduate, =
M.Sc. and Ph.D. students; and initiate and maintain a vigorous =
externally funded research program.

Interested candidates should submit electronic versions of a =
curriculum vita, statement of research interests and teaching =
philosophy, the names and email addresses of at least three references, =
and up to four reprints by email attachments, to the Chair of the =
Sedimentary Geology Search Committee, seismosearch@geo.tamu.edu. =
Screening of applications will begin January 15, 2010 and will continue =
until the position is filled.

The Department of Geology and Geophysics (geoweb.tamu.edu) is part of =
the College of Geosciences, which also includes the Departments of =
Geography, Oceanography, and Atmospheric Sciences, Sea Grant, the =
Geochemical and Environmental Research Group (GERG), and the Integrated =
Ocean Drilling Program (IODP). Texas A&amp;M University, a land-, sea-,
and =
space-grant university, is located in a metropolitan area with a dynamic =
and international community of 152,000 people. Texas A&amp;M University is =
an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer committed to excellence =
through the recruitment and retention of a diverse faculty and student =
body and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. We =
encourage applications from minorities, women, veterans, and persons =
with disabilities. Texas A&amp;M University also has a policy of being =
responsive to the needs of dual-career partners =
(hr.tamu.edu/employment/dual-career.html).

David Wiltschko
Geology and Geophysics
Texas A&amp;M University

Opportunities at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand (12/1/2009)

Victoria University of Wellington

PhD and Masters Scholarships in Geophysics and Tectonics

The Geophysics and Tectonics cluster at Victoria University has recently been awarded several grants related to volcano geophysics, geothermal energy, plate boundary deformation and seismic hazards. We have opportunities for one Postdoctoral Fellow, two PhD students and one or two MSc students.
We will be reviewing applications for the student positions starting Dec. 1.

Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
PhD and Masters Scholarships to study magma movement and time varying seismic properties
We have just been awarded a three-year grant to study time varying seismic properties related to volcanic areas in New Zealand and several other volcanoes worldwide, including Japan, the U.S. and several island volcanoes. This project will develop new methods of monitoring volcanoes using novel sources of seismic energy: repeated explosions, repeating earthquakes and the Earth's background hum. By relating spatial and temporal changes in seismic wave properties to other indicators of stress around volcanoes and quantitatively modeling these changes, we will extend our understanding of how volcanoes work and lead the drive towards predictive monitoring tools. One PhD and two MSc scholarships are available for this work, starting as soon as possible after 1 Feb. 2010.
Further details are available upon request. If you are interested in these projects, please send a CV, transcripts and the names of three people whom we could contact for references to Professor Martha Savage, martha.savage@vuw.ac.nz. Applications will be considered after Dec. 1.

Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand

PhD Project to study the seismic velocity structure and tectonics of a subduction thrust.

We are beginning a project to intensively study the subduction zone structure under the Wellington region, New Zealand. The successful applicant will work with a team of scientists, postdoctoral researchers and other students from New Zealand, the U.S. and Japan, using onshore/offshore recordings of airguns and explosions as well as recordings of local and distant earthquakes. The project will help us to understand the differences between patches of the subduction thrust that are slipping versus patches that are locked, and may therefore lead to better hazard evaluations. A three-year PhD scholarship will be available for this work, starting as soon as possible.

PhD students from any country only need to pay local residents' fees.
Further details are available upon request. If you are interested in these projects, please send a CV, transcripts and the names of three people whom we could contact for references to Professor Martha Savage, martha.savage@vuw.ac.nz. Applications will be considered after Dec. 1. Please indicate if you will be going to the AGU meeting in San Francisco this year.

Postdoctoral Fellowship in seismology and tectonics, Victoria University of Wellington
Applications are invited for the position of Postdoctoral Fellow, Institute of Geophysics, Victoria University of Wellington. This is a fixed-term position of up to 12 months (extenable to 24 months) commencing on March 1 2010 (or as soon as possible thereafter) and funded by a NZ government grant, that is administered by the Royal Society of New Zealand
The objectives of this study are to participate in seismological experiment to image and research the subducted plate boundary interface in the southern North Island of New Zealand. The field program has elements of passive and active seismology in it, including the use of a ship to shoot onshore-offshore data. This is part of an international experiment with contributions from Japan and the USA.
The appointee will ideally have experience in active or passive seismology methods and have an interest in solving tectonics problems.
Applicants must have completed a PhD or expect to do so by 1 March 2010. Selection of the successful applicant will commence on 31 January 2009.
For more information contact Professor Tim Stern, School of Geography, Environment, and Earth Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand, Tim.Stern@vuw.ac.nz

Martha Savage
Professor of Geophysics
SGEES
Victoria University of Wellington
Te Whare Wananga o te Upoko o te Ika a Maui
Box 600, Wellington, 6140
New Zealand

Email: Martha.Savage@vuw.ac.nz
DDI: +64 (0)4 463-5961
mobile: 021-262-7516

Charles A. Williams
Scientist
GNS Science
1 Fairway Drive, Avalon
PO Box 30368
Lower Hutt 5040
New Zealand
ph (office): 0064-4570-4566
fax (office): 0064-4570-4600
C.Williams@gns.cri.nz
NOTE NEW E-MAIL ADDRESS

AGU GEO Community meeting (11/19/2009)

Monday, 12/14/2009 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
San Francisco Marriott Marquis (55 Fourth Street)
Room: Pacific H Hors D’oeuvres, Cash Bar

The NSF Geosciences Directorate invites you to a community meeting to discuss potential research opportunities as well as the newly released strategic planning document from the NSF Advisory Committee on Geosciences, GEO Vision: Unraveling Earth’s Complexities Through the Geosciences.
Division management staff and program directors will also be on hand to discuss specific opportunities and issues related to existing GEO programs.

7:30-8:15 pm Discussion of Research Directions in GEO

8:15-9:00 pm Break-out discussions on topical issues for Ocean

EGU Fluid Flow session (11/19/2009)

We would like to invite you to submit abstracts related to "Fluid flow at continental margins" to our session at the EGU in Vienna next year (2-7 May 2010). A session description is given below. More information can be found at
http://meetings.copernicus.org/egu2010/home.html or http://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EGU2010/session/3133
Important deadlines are:
04 December 2009 - Closing date for the financial support applications 18 January 2010 - Deadline for Receipt of Abstracts 19 March 2010 - Deadline for Letters of Invitation for obtaining visas 26 March 2010 - Deadline for Pre-Registration

Looking forward to see you in Vienna,
Christian Hensen, Christian Berndt, Christian Bücker

--------------------------- Session description:

Submarine fluid and gas flow is ubiquitous along active and passive continental margins and a significant pathway for the exchange of heat, fluids and volatile elements between the deeply buried sediments, basement rocks, and the ocean. Fluid flow is controlled by overpressure and largely depends on overburden, the subsurface temperature field, and the contents of volatile compounds. Frequently, surface expressions of fluid flow are tied to subsurface hydrocarbon systems. Typical indicators of focussed fluid and gas seepage at the seafloor are morphological features such as mud volcanoes, mounds or pockmarks. Despite growing evidence for the widespread occurrence of subsurface fluid flow at continental margins interactions of relevant control processes and rates are still poorly constrained. Only limited information is available on the quantification of flow rates over time or the interpretation of geochemical signatures combining information on fluid formation processes, water-rock interactions, and the tectonic setting.
To this session we invite geologists, geophysicists, geochemists and physical modellers working on fluid flow, gas hydrate dynamics, and seep processes. Merging the different disciplines and techniques should result in cross-fertilization of ideas and leading edge research, and will hopefully result in some vigorous discussions on the following topics:
. structural control on fluid flow/emanation . use of (isotope) geochemical tracers to decipher fluid formation/alteration processes . variations in the temperature regime controlling fluid mobilization . relation to hydrocarbon and gas hydrate reservoirs . geophysical tools and techniques to characterize fluid migration pathways . long-term seafloor observatories and innovative monitoring technologies . proxies of fluid flow in the sedimentary record . fluid flow in the deep subsurface -- indications from deep sea-drilling (ODP/IODP) . application of numerical models to improve the understanding of coupled reaction (e.g. degradation, water-rock interaction) and transport processes . linkage between fluid flow and slope instabilities (submarine slides) . role of fluid/gas flow at submarine seeps and its role in global element cycles

Two Tenure-track Positions at UNCW (11/12/2009)

The Department of Geography and Geology at the University of North Carolina Wilmington invites applications for two tenure-track positions at the rank of Assistant Professor:
1) Isotope Geochemistry with interests in coastal and marine processes, sedimentology/stratigraphy, hydrology/climatology, and paleobiology, and with the ability to provide leadership for the Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry Laboratory at the Center for Marine Science, and
2) Remote Sensing/Coastal Studies with expertise in applying current remote sensing technology to coastal studies such as dynamic processes, geomorphology, hazards, engineering and/or development.
Both positions begin August 2010. The successful candidates will teach introductory and advanced courses in their area of expertise, direct graduate student research, and establish an externally funded research program. A PhD in geography, geological sciences, marine science, or other related discipline is required.
Priority consideration will be given to applications received by February 1, 2010 but applications will be accepted until the position is filled. For more information and to apply, please visit the web at <http://consensus.uncw.edu> http://consensus.uncw.edu. EEO/AA Employer.
Dr. Richard A. Laws Department of Geography and Geology, and Center for Marine Science
University of North Carolina Wilmington Wilmington, NC 28403

Position Announcement - Seismologist (11/12/2009)

The University of Alabama Department of Geological Sciences The Department of Geological Sciences at The University of Alabama invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in Seismology beginning in August 2010.
The position will be filled at the Assistant Professor level. Candidates must have a strong record of research and a Ph.D. in Geology, Geophysics or a related field. We are seeking an outstanding scientist, whose research will a) emphasize the use of seismic data to solve geological problems; and/or b) explore crustal structures, including sedimentary basin structures, using seismic data. The specific areas of research may include, but are not limited to, solid-earth seismology, reflection, refraction and exploration seismology. This is a tenure-track appointment and will be filled at the assistant professor level in August 2010. The successful candidate will be expected to (i) establish a vigorous, externally-funded, research program; (ii) teach geology courses at the introductory level, as well as develop and teach courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels in their field of expertise, and (iii) supervise student research projects at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. This position expands the Department's Geophysics program and complements other Department programs in Environmental Change and Natural Hazards, Petroleum Geology, Sedimentary Basin Analysis, Structural Geology and Tectonics.
The Department of Geological Sciences hosts excellent computational and laboratory facilities in Geophysics. Applications for this position must be submitted electronically.
A list of required documents and application instructions can be found at facultyjobs.ua.edu.
For additional information, contact Dr. Ibrahim Cemen, at icemen@as.ua.edu or 205-348-8019, or visit www.geo.ua.edu.
Applications will be reviewed beginning January 15, 2010, and will continue until the position is filled.
The University of Alabama is an equal-opportunity/affirmative action employer and particularly encourages applications from women and minorities.

MARGINS Successor Planning Workshop - Deadline Approaching (11/5/2009)

MARGINS Successor Planning Workshop Applications close this Friday (tomorrow!), November 6, 2009
Limited space and U.S. travel support still available. Graduate students are encouraged to apply.
Apply now at http://www.nsf-margins.org/SuccessorProgram/app.html .

----------Original Announcement:----------

The Future of MARGINS: A Planning Workshop for a MARGINS Successor Program San Antonio, TX, February 15-18, 2010 Application Deadline: November 6, 2009 Convened by: Juli Morgan, Ramon Arrowsmith, Mark Behn, Sue Bilek, Cindy Ebinger, Marc Hirschmann, Demain Saffer, Doug Wiens, Andy Goodliffe, Tom Gardner. MARGINS Steering Committee chair: Geoff Abers. In its first decade, the MARGINS program has yielded fundamental insights into the processes that shape the evolution of active continental margins. NSF authorization of a MARGINS Successor Program now depends on community development of a clear and focused Science Plan that identifies and elucidates fundamental, multidisciplinary scientific objectives with high potential for transformative discoveries in continental margin evolution and geodynamics. The Science Plan must also map out the structure of the program. Key decisions will be made at this workshop to lay the groundwork for the new Science Plan, including: - Define high-priority Research Questions - Outline the Initiative Structure and Scientific Goals - Identify Focus Sites or Thematic Topics to meet the goals - Define new MARGINS educational / outreach programs - Provide guidance to the Science Plan Writing Team This planning workshop represents a critical step for furthering MARGINS research. To ensure broad community representation and full consideration of emerging opportunities and new directions in MARGINS research, all scientists with interests in continental margins science are encouraged to apply, in particular, young investigators and members of under-represented groups. Present or previous MARGINS funding is not a prerequisite for attendance.
Please visit the meeting web site (www.nsf-margins.org/SuccessorProgram/index.html) for additional information, access to planning documents, and to submit an online application by Nov 6, 2009.
Full to partial travel and accommodation costs will be covered for eligible participants.
Workshop web page: www.nsf-margins.org/SuccessorProgram
Application Deadline: November 6, 2009 Please send any questions to the MARGINS Office: margins at nsf-margins.org

MARGINS Successor Planning Workshop Applications close on Friday, November 6, 2009!

Some spaces and U.S. travel support still available.
Apply now at http://www.nsf-margins.org/SuccessorProgram/app.html

----------Original Announcement:----------

The Future of MARGINS: A Planning Workshop for a MARGINS Successor Program San Antonio, TX, February 15-18, 2010 Application Deadline: November 6, 2009 Convened by: Juli Morgan, Ramon Arrowsmith, Mark Behn, Sue Bilek, Cindy Ebinger, Marc Hirschmann, Demain Saffer, Doug Wiens, Andy Goodliffe, Tom Gardner. MARGINS Steering Committee chair: Geoff Abers. In its first decade, the MARGINS program has yielded fundamental insights into the processes that shape the evolution of active continental margins. NSF authorization of a MARGINS Successor Program now depends on community development of a clear and focused Science Plan that identifies and elucidates fundamental, multidisciplinary scientific objectives with high potential for transformative discoveries in continental margin evolution and geodynamics. The Science Plan must also map out the structure of the program. Key decisions will be made at this workshop to lay the groundwork for the new Science Plan, including: - Define high-priority Research Questions - Outline the Initiative Structure and Scientific Goals - Identify Focus Sites or Thematic Topics to meet the goals - Define new MARGINS educational / outreach programs - Provide guidance to the Science Plan Writing Team This planning workshop represents a critical step for furthering MARGINS research. To ensure broad community representation and full consideration of emerging opportunities and new directions in MARGINS research, all scientists with interests in continental margins science are encouraged to apply, in particular, young investigators and members of under-represented groups. Present or previous MARGINS funding is not a prerequisite for attendance.
Please visit the meeting web site (www.nsf-margins.org/SuccessorProgram/index.html) for additional information, access to planning documents, and to submit an online application by Nov 6, 2009.
Full to partial travel and accommodation costs will be covered for eligible participants.
Workshop web page: www.nsf-margins.org/SuccessorProgram
Application Deadline: November 6, 2009
Pease send any questions to the MARGINS Office: margins at nsf-margins.org

3 Tenure-Track Positions (11/2/2009)

1. Two tenure-track positions at WHOI
2. Faculty Position in Climate and Global Change, University of Florida

1. Two tenure-track positions at WHOI The Geology and Geophysics Department invites applications for two full-time tenure-track positions at the Assistant,Associate or Senior Scientist level. The first position is in the area of metamorphic petrology fluid-rock interaction) to pursue new research directions in fluid-rock interactions and chemical fluxes between the crust, mantle and oceans, dehydration/serpentinization processes, kinetic and thermodynamic modeling of metamorphic processes and elucidating the linkages between fluid flow,alteration deformation and the chemical fluxes across subduction zones. The candidate would bridge research between geochemists and geophysicists studying the global geochemical cycle from midocean ridges to subduction zones, and the geochemical evolution of the Earth. The second position is in the area of isotope geochemistry. The successful candidate would apply state-of-the-art technologies of isotope geochemistry to a range of problems, including timescales of geologic processes, global geochemical cycles, mantle dynamics and evolution, biogeochemical cycles, and geochemical kinetics. Successful candidates are expected to develop and maintain their own independent externally funded research program. Opportunities exist for teaching and advising graduate students through theMIT-WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography/Applied Ocean science and Engineering, as well as for collaborating with scientists and engineers elsewhere in the institution; the Departments ofMarine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Biology, Physical Oceanography, Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering, and theMarine Policy Center. APh.D. is required at the time of the appointment as well as a demonstrated record of excellence in research. The level of appointment will depend on the candidate's background and experience. Women and minority applicants are particularly encouraged to apply.
Target for applications, which should include a CV, a research statement and a list of 4 references who could submit letters of recommendation is November 30th, 2009. --
Glenn A. Gaetani Associate Scientist
Department of Geology & Geophysics
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Office: (508) 289-3724 Lab: (508) 289-3744 Fax: (508) 457-2183
Mail: MS#8 Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Woods Hole, MA 02543
Email: ggaetani at whoi.edu

2. Faculty Position in Climate and Global Change, University of Florida The Department of Geological Sciences, University of Florida, invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in climate change research to start Fall 2010. The appointment is at the rank of Assistant Professor; however, appointments at the Associate Professor rank will be considered. We seek an exceptional scientist to complement existing departmental research on the environment and past variations in Earth=92s climate. The successful candidate must have an established record of publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals, clear potential to lead an independent externally-funded research program, and enthusiasm for teaching and mentoring a diverse group of graduate and undergraduate students. We are particularly interested in applicants with expertise in the broad fields of paleoclimatology, paleoceanography, paleolimnology, and global climate change, particularly geochemists who would develop existing stable isotope facilities as a center for interaction within the department as well as with other colleges and interdisciplinary institutes and centers at UF. Salary will be negotiable and commensurate with education and experience. For more information visit http://web.geology.ufl.edu/search/facultyposition.html . Applicants should hold a Ph.D. at the time of application, and supply: (a) a curriculum vitae, including publication list and details of current research funding; (b) a statement of teaching experience and interests; (c) a summary of current research activities and future goals; (d) complete contact information for at least three references who are willing to supply letters.
To ensure full consideration, applications should be submitted by December 21, 2009 to the Search Committee chair, Ellen Martin, (eemartin at ufl.edu) (Ref #00025354).
Evaluation of candidates will begin on the closing date and continue until the position is filled. All applicants must complete the online data form at http://www.hr.ufl.edu/job/datacard.htm. Our department is committed to diversity as a component of excellence, and women, minorities and members of other under-represented groups are encouraged to apply.
The University of Florida is an equal opportunity institution.

Post-doc University of Wyoming (10/29/2009)

Post-doc in stratigraphy and reservoir characterization

The University of Wyoming, Department of Geology & Geophysics seeks to fill a post-doctoral position as part of a large study of carbon sequestration in the Powder River Basin, Wyoming. The ideal candidate would have familiarity with surface and subsurface stratigraphic techniques, petrography and fission-track applications. Position must be filled during spring semester of 2010. Provide a letter of interest, and contact information for at least two references to:
Dr. Paul Heller (heller@uwyo.edu),
Department of Geology and Geophysics,
University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82070,
by December 1, 2009.
Paul L. Heller
Geology & Geophysics
Dept. 3006
University of Wyoming
Laramie, WY 82071
(307) 766-2245
heller@uwyo.edu

MARGINS CALL FOR WHITE PAPERS (10/26/2009)

White Papers Wanted For MARGINS Successor

Submission Deadline: January 1, 2010

www.nsf-margins.org/SuccessorProgram

The MARGINS Successor Planning Workshop will be held in San Antonio, TX on February 15-18, 2010 and convened by: J. Morgan, R. Arrowsmith, M. Behn, S. Bilek, C. Ebinger, M. Hirschmann, D. Saffer, D. Wiens, A. Goodliffe, T. Gardner All members of the scientific community interested in future science on plate margins are invited to submit one or more White Paper(s) to the MARGINS Office in advance of the MARGINS Successor Planning Workshop. The planning process is open, and these White Papers provide a means for all members of the broader scientific community to contribute cogent and well-argued ideas for future directions of the program. White papers will be used in developing the workshop program, and will be publicly available. White Papers should be clear and succinct, and limited in length to 2 pages of text plus 1 page of figures and references. The paper may address any topic of relevance to the workshop. We particularly seek white papers that outline broad, high-priority, and novel science questions and objectives for future research relating to the formation, evolution, and/or processes active along subduction or rifting margins. Recommendations for technological developments, instruments, facilities, and observatories necessary to address these questions are also welcome, as well as papers advancing educational and outreach objectives and topics of broader societal relevance. White papers should be of general interest, rather than advocacy statements for specific studies, locations, or focus sites.

Additional guidelines for submitting White Papers can be found here: www.nsf-margins.org/SuccessorProgram/whitepapers.html Sumission Deadline: January 1, 2010.

MARGINS Prize for Outstanding Student Poster and Oral Presentations (10/22/2009)

Application Deadline: November 20, 2009

The MARGINS Office and Steering Committee are offering $500 prizes for two Outstanding Student Presentations on MARGINS-related science at the AGU Fall Meeting, December 14-18, 2009 in San Francisco. The two prizes, one for a poster presentation and one for an oral presentation, will be awarded to highlight the important role of student research in accomplishing MARGINS-related science goals, and to encourage cross-disciplinary input. Any student working on science themes related to the objectives of the MARGINS program is eligible to participate. Students do not have to be working on a MARGINS-funded project in order to enter the competition. Students from the international community as well as those from the U.S. are encouraged to apply. Posters and talks will be judged throughout the AGU meeting. Students have an additional opportunity to display their posters during the MARGINS Student and Community Forum at 6pm, Tuesday, December 15th in the Westin Hotel Metropolitan-3 Room. The MARGINS Student Prize winners and any honorable mentions will be notified after the AGU Fall Meeting, and will be highlighted in the MARGINS newsletter and website, including notification to the host schools of their achievement.

Visit the MARGINS website for further information and to apply: www.nsf-margins.org/AGU2009/index_stuprize09.html For questions contact the MARGINS Office: margins at nsf-margins.org

Postdoc and Faculty Positions (10/12/2009)

1. Carbon Biogeochemistry Postdoctoral Position A postdoctoral position is available to study the transformations of carbon and associated biogenic elements in surficial environments. The postdoctoral associate will participate in the development of techniques to identify, resolve and track macromolecular material in both natural and man-made systems. The successful applicant must be highly motivated, independent and interested in interdisciplinary research. Experience in analytical geochemistry is recommended. Applicants must have completed their Ph.D. before starting this position and be proficient in spoken and written English. Evidence of creative and independent thinking consistent with their level of experience will be considered. Electronic versions of applications should contain: a CV with publication list, a one-page statement of research interests and overarching career goals, and the names of three referees. The applications should be sent to n-blair at northwestern.edu with a subject line "Postdoctoral application." For inquiries, please contact Neal Blair at the same e-mail address.
Availability: Immediate Duration: 1 year Location:
The Departments of Earth & Planetary Sciences and Civil Environmental Engineering,
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60202
Compensation: Starting at $37,000 with increases depending on experience level --
Neal Edward Blair Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences Northwestern University Technological Institute
2145 Sheridan Rd. Rm A228 Evanston, IL 60208
Phone: (847) 491-8790 Fax: (847) 491-4011

2. University of Florida Job Post Faculty Position in Climate and Global Change The Department of Geological Sciences, University of Florida, invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in climate change research to start Fall 2010. The appointment is at the rank of Assistant Professor; however, appointments at the Associate Professor rank will be considered. We seek an exceptional scientist to complement existing departmental research on the environment and past variations in Earth???s climate. The successful candidate must have an established record of publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals, clear potential to lead an independent externally-funded research program, and enthusiasm for teaching and mentoring a diverse group of graduate and undergraduate students. We encourage applicants with expertise in the broad fields of paleoclimatology, paleoceanography, paleolimnology, or global climate change, particularly those who could take advantage of existing stable isotope facilities (http://web.geology.ufl.edu/stable_isotopes.html) and would interact with researchers in other colleges as well as interdisciplinary institutes and centers at UF. Salary will be negotiable and commensurate with education and experience. For more information visit http://web.geology.ufl.edu/search.html.
Applicants should hold a Ph.D. at the time of application, and supply: (a) a curriculum vitae, including publication list and details of current research funding; (b) a statement of teaching experience and interests; (c) a summary of current research activities and future goals; (d) complete contact information for at least three established scientists who are willing to supply letters of reference.
To ensure full consideration, applications should be submitted by December 21, 2009 to the Search Committee chair,
E.E. Martin, eemartin at ufl.edu,
Department of Geological Sciences (Ref #00025354),
P.O. Box 112120, 241 Williamson Hall, University of Florida,
Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA;
phone +1 352 392 2231; fax +1 352 392 9294.
Evaluation of candidates will begin on the closing date and continue until the position is filled. All applicants must complete the online data form at http://www.hr.ufl.edu/job/datacard.htm. Our department is committed to diversity as a component of excellence, and women, minorities and members of other under-represented groups are encouraged to apply. The University of Florida is an equal opportunity institution.

MARGINS Successor Planning Workshop (10/6/2009)

The Future of MARGINS:
A Planning Workshop for a MARGINS Successor Program San Antonio, TX, February 15-18, 2010
Application Deadline: November 6, 2009
Convened by: Juli Morgan, Ramon Arrowsmith, Mark Behn, Sue Bilek, Cindy Ebinger, Marc Hirschmann, Demain Saffer, Doug Wiens, Andy Goodliffe, Tom Gardner.
MARGINS Steering Committee chair: Geoff Abers.
In its first decade, the MARGINS program has yielded fundamental insights into the processes that shape the evolution of active continental margins. NSF authorization of a MARGINS Successor Program now depends on community development of a clear and focused Science Plan that identifies and elucidates fundamental, multidisciplinary scientific objectives with high potential for transformative discoveries in continental margin evolution and geodynamics. The Science Plan must also map out the structure of the program. Key decisions will be made at this workshop to lay the groundwork for the new Science Plan, including: - Define high-priority Research Questions - Outline the Initiative Structure and Scientific Goals - Identify Focus Sites or Thematic Topics to meet the goals - Define new MARGINS educational / outreach programs - Provide guidance to the Science Plan Writing Team This planning workshop represents a critical step for furthering MARGINS research. To ensure broad community representation and full consideration of emerging opportunities and new directions in MARGINS research, all scientists with interests in continental margins science are encouraged to apply, in particular, young investigators and members of under-represented groups. Present or previous MARGINS funding is not a prerequisite for attendance. Please visit the meeting web site (www.nsf-margins.org/SuccessorProgram/index.html) for additional information, access to planning documents, and to submit an online application by Nov 6, 2009.
Full to partial travel and accommodation costs will be covered for eligible participants.
Workshop web page: www.nsf-margins.org/SuccessorProgram
Application Deadline: November 6, 2009
Please send any questions to the MARGINS Office: margins at nsf-margins.org

Special Session: Ocean Sciences (10/1/2009)

The following Ocean Sciences Special Session invites abstract submissions, and is especially relevant to Source to Sink studies: GO04 Sediment processes I: transport and deposition in lakes, estuaries, coastal bays, and continental shelves The physical characteristics of lakes, estuaries, coastal bays, and continental shelves - relatively small volumes of water, shallow depths, long coastlines, and high loadings from both external and internal sources - make them particularly susceptible to environmental degradation associated with growing human populations. Stratigraphically, they are interesting because their sediment record responds to both terrestrial and marine processes. The importance of sediment transport and deposition in these systems has become increasingly recognized since not only are many nutrients and pollutants transported by sediments, but turbidity also may limit light availability. Recent advances in theory, observations, and numerical models have increased understanding of the roles of sediment transport and depositional processes in these systems. This session will focus on physical aspects and associated environmental impacts of new sediment inputs, resuspension, transport and deposition in lakes, estuaries, coastal bays, and continental shelves, and invites contributions describing field observations, laboratory experiments, and modeling studies.
Conveners: Nathan Hawley,
Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory,
4840 S. State Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 USA,
Tel: 734-741-2273, Fax: 734-741-2055,
email: nathan.hawley at noaa.gov,
and Larry Sanford,
Horn Point Environmental Laboratory, USA,
email: lsanford at hpl.umces.edu,
and Courtney Harris,
Virginia Institute of Marine Science,
PO Box 1346, Gloucester Point, VA 23062 USA,
email: ckharris at vims.edu
The deadline for abstract submission is October 15;
see http://www.agu.org/meetings/os10/ Meeting dates / venue: February 22 - 26, Portland, Oregon

Faculty Position in Solid-Earth Geosciences (9/29/2009)

The School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS) at Georgia Tech invites applications for a faculty position in Solid-Earth Geosciences. Candidates working in the following areas are particularly encouraged to apply: large-scale geodynamics, global seismology, earth surface processes, solid-earth geochemistry, planetary geosciences, remote
sensing, and geologic hazards. While outstanding candidates at all levels will be considered, we are especially interested in mid-career and senior scientists who have demonstrated scientific and programmatic leadership. We are seeking candidates who are interested in contributing to an interdisciplinary academic and research environment that includes atmospheric science, climate, oceanography, geochemistry, and geophysics. The School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences currently has 27 FTE faculty members, 95 graduate students, and 70 undergraduate students and has excellent facilities in the 265,000 square-foot
Environmental Science and Technology Building. For more information about our School and programs please visit www.eas.gatech.edu.

Applicants should send an application letter, curriculum vitae, a statement of research and teaching interests, and the names and contact information for at least three references. Application materials should
be submitted electronically as pdf files to susan.ryan@eas.gatech.edu.
Requests for information should be directed to Dr. Zhigang Peng, zpeng@gatech.edu, (404) 894-0231.

Applications will be considered beginning November 30, 2009, but the search will continue until the position is filled. Georgia Tech is a unit of the University System of Georgia and an equal education/employment opportunity institution.
Andrew V. Newman anewman@gatech.edu
Assistant Professor
School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Georgia Institute of Technology
311 Ferst Drive Office: 404-894-3976
ES&T, Room 2254 Lab: 404-385-2050
Atlanta, GA, 30332-0340 Fax: 404-894-5638
http://geophysics.eas.gatech.edu/anewman

Examining the relationship between acoustic backscatter and physical properties of the seabed from the M-ALSF South Coast survey area. (9/29/2009)

Imperial College London, Department of Earth Science and Engineering Research Associate (9/29/2009)

Starting salary: £30,520 per annum
Fixed term appointment for up to 31 December 2010
Applications are invited for a Research Associate in the Department of Earth Science and Engineering. The post will be based at the South Kensington campus of Imperial College London.

The project is funded by the Marine Aggregate Sustainability Fund under the research theme ‘Innovative ways of improving multi-use interpretation of marine sonar and bathymetric data’. Please visit www.alsf-mepf.org.uk for further details.

You will investigate relationships between acoustic backscatter and seabed physical properties from an analysis of both raw and processed, side-scan and multibeam backscatter data, available in the English South Coast study area. Your work will contribute to the long-term objective of collecting the optimal field data needed to perform seabed habitat assessment.

You will become an active member of the Marine Environment Protection Fund (MEPF) Programme – a major, nationwide research initiative involving both academic and government agency groups.

You will be responsible for the day-to-day conduct of the research work under the guidance of Dr Collier and the preparation and presentation of project results to MEPF and other stakeholder audiences in the form of power-point talks and written reports. It is hoped that successful completion of this project will result in continued funding (although this cannot be guaranteed).

Applicants should either have completed or be close to completing their PhD (or equivalent) or hold an MSc (or equivalent) together with relevant industrial experience. The project would suit candidates with backgrounds in marine geophysics, marine geology, remote sensing, surveying or marine biology. Some experience of acoustic methods and/or seabed habitat mapping is desirable.

Selection will be based on the candidate’s ability to complete the project deliverables as well as their overall future potential. Technical as well as communication skills will be considered.

Please contact Dr Jenny Collier (jenny.collier@imperial.ac.uk) for further information.

Our preferred method of application is online via our website at the following link: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/employment (select “Job Search” and enter the job reference no EN20090197). Please complete and upload an application form as directed and submit any other relevant supporting documents such as your full CV.

Should you have any queries please contact: Miss Raj Gill – r.gill01@imperial.ac.uk

Further details about the department can be found on http://www.imperial.ac.uk/ese
Closing date: 15 October 2009
Committed to equality and valuing diversity. We are also an Athena Silver SWAN Award winner and a Stonewall Diversity Champion

Dr. J.S. Collier,
Dept. Earth Science & Engineering,
Imperial College London.

Room 4.46, RSM Building,
Prince Consort Road,
London SW7 2BP, UK.

Phone: (+44) (0)20 7594 6443
Fax: (+44) (0)20 7594 7444
Email: jenny.collier@imperial.ac.uk
http://www.imperial.ac.uk/people/jenny.collier
http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/earthscienceandengineering/research/geophysics/earthstructure
http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/earthscienceandengineering/research/geophysics/seafloorimaging

Interdepartmental Postdoctoral Fellowship in Geosciences at Yale University (9/29/2009)

The Department of Geology and Geophysics at Yale University (www.geology.yale.edu) seeks applicants for a postdoctoral fellowship in research that links geosciences (studies of the solid earth, oceans,atmosphere, climate, and the evolution of life) with other sciences, including, but not limited to, astronomy and astrophysics; environmental studies; physics; chemistry; biology; engineering; anthropology; medical science and public health; economics and political science.

This Postdoctoral Associate position is awarded for two years, contingent on satisfactory progress, and provides a stipend ($49,000/yr) and base research funds ($5,000/yr), plus health care benefits and limited expenses for relocation.

The Interdepartmental Postdoctoral Fellowship will have at least two faculty collaborators: the primary sponsor will be from Geology and Geophysics, while others are from one or more other Yale departments. Interested candidates should first contact a faculty member in Geology and Geophysics to define a research theme and to identify other appropriate faculty collaborators. Applicants should submit a curriculum vita, a list of publications, an interdisciplinary research proposal (2-3 pages, in which the Yale collaborators are identified), and a brief letter of endorsement from each of the Yale faculty collaborators.

Applicants should also arrange for three reference letters to be sent directly to the Department. The deadline for receipt of all application materials is January 15, 2010, and decisions will be announced by or
shortly after March 15, 2010. Successful candidates are expected to begin their program at Yale between July 1 and December 31, 2010.

Application materials and reference letters should be sent by email (interdepartmental.fellowship@geology.yale.edu) or by post:
Interdepartmental Postdoctoral Fellowship, Yale University,

Department of Geology and Geophysics, PO Box 208109,

New Haven, CT 06520-8109.

Yale University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer;
applications from women and minority scientists are strongly encouraged.

Faculty Position in Energy Research: Fluids in Porous Media (9/18/2009)
Rice University, Department of Earth Science

The Department of Earth Science at Rice University seeks an outstanding scientist at the junior level who studies the physical, chemical, or biological aspects of fluids in porous or fractured media with applications to energy resources or greenhouse-gas management. Specialties of interest include, but are not limited to, organic or aqueous geochemistry, reactive flow, rock properties, or geophysical imaging.

We particularly encourage applications from, and nominations of, women and minorities.

Successful candidates are expected to direct an active research program, supervise graduate research, and teach courses for undergraduate and graduate students. Details about the department and its facilities can be found at http://earthscience.rice.edu.

Applications received by November 15th, 2009, will receive fullest consideration.

Please send a CV, research and teaching statements, and names of five or more references to:

Search Committee Chair
Department of Earth Science, MS-126
Rice University, PO Box 1892
Houston, TX 77251-1892.

Rice is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer.

2010 Goldschmidt Conference (9/15/2009)

We'd like to draw your attention the 2010 Goldschmidt Conference theme on "Analytical and Experimental Techniques" (co-ordinators: Jeroen Sonke, sonke@lmtg.obs-mip.fr, and Vincent Salters, salters@magnet.fsu.edu. Session proposals (150 words) are invited on topics that reflect frontier developments in the methods that scientists use in the Earth, Planetary, and Environmental Sciences. Select examples include - but are not limited to - advances in mass spectrometric methods for elemental, molecular speciation, or isotope ratio analysis of organic or inorganic elements; detection of nanomaterials in environmental systems, experimental methods in CO2 storage; advances in remote sensing etc etc... In other words, those techniques that play a significant role in understanding outstanding issues on the Earth, Energy and our Environment. The Goldschmidt 2010 website is at : http://www.goldschmidt2010.org/index. You can submit a session there, or you can contact one of us. Deadline for submission of session proposals is October 18th, 2009.

Please forward this email to colleagues who also might be interested, and we hope to see you next year at Goldschmidt.
-------------
Dr. Vincent J.M. Salters
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory and Department of Geological Sciences
Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida
Phone: 850-644-1934, Skype: vsalters

Limited funds are still available for MARGINS mini-workshops

Limited funds are still available for MARGINS mini-workshops associated with the 2009 Fall AGU meeting.

Deadline for applications is 18th September 2009.The MARGINS Office and Steering Committee aim to support efforts that expedite synthesis of results from MARGINS science in the various focus areas and initiatives. To this end, the MARGINS Office can help MARGINS-funded investigators organize and fund mini-workshops held at national meetings such as AGU and GSA for the purpose of bringing together a group of multi-disciplinary investigators to synthesize results. The mini-workshops can concentrate on a single focus site or address a theme that transcends initiatives, according to what makes the most scientific sense and where there is the greatest need.

In particular, as we work towards a MARGINS successor program, we especially encourage proposals for mini-workshops that focus upon planning for future science goals.

If you would like to host a MARGINS-related Mini-Workshop held in conjunction with the 2009 AGU Fall Meeting, we invite you to submit your proposal to the MARGINS Office (margins @ nsf-margins.org) by September 18, 2009. A mini-workshop is a small event that can last 1-4 hours one evening after AGU sessions, or it could be a half-day to one day event before or after the main AGU meeting.The MARGINS Office can provide logistical support and a venue. Travel costs are not covered; people already attending the AGU meeting are encouraged to participate.

The application guidelines are described on the MARGINS website at http://www.nsf-margins.org/miniworkshops.html.

Please contact the MARGINS Chair or the Office for further inquiries (margins@nsf-margins.org)

We look forward to hearing from you,The MARGINS Office and Steering Committee
http://www.nsf-margins.org

Postdoctoral position available in computational geophysics (9/8/09)

A postdoctoral research position is available at Seoul National University
to conduct research on the dynamics of oceanic subduction systems and
back-arc basin openings from numerical modeling perspectives. The successful
applicants will have expertise in scientific computing related to mantle
convection or other large-scale geodynamic problems and have written
manuscripts in these or related fields. We seek an ambitious, creative, and
independent researcher who is eager to collaborate with our
multidisciplinary team of geophysicists and other numerical modelers.

Applicants should submit a curriculum vita, a list of publications, and
statement of research interest. Applicants should also arrange for three
reference letters to be sent directly to Professor Sang-Mook Lee by email
(smlee@snu.ac.kr) or by post: Prof. Sang-Mook Lee, Seoul National
University, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Bldg 25-1 Room 318,
Sillim-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 151-747, Republic of Korea, before December
31, 2009. The position will be available beginning in March 1, 2010, but the
start date is negotiable.

Sang-Mook Lee, Assistant Professor
Seoul National University
School of Earth and Environmental Sciences
Bld 25-1, Room 318
Sillim-dong, Gwanak-gu
Seoul 151-747, Korea
Tel: +82-2-880-6745
Fax: +82-2-888-6733
Email: &lt;mailto:smlee@snu.ac.kr&gt; smlee@snu.ac.kr
Web: &lt;http://plaza.snu.ac.kr/~smlee&gt; http://plaza.snu.ac.kr/~smlee

Postdoctoral Position Available in Crustal Seismology (8/27/09)

Highly motivated postdoctoral candidates in the field of crustal seismology are encouraged to apply for a postdoctoral position at the Department of Geology and Geophysics of Yale University. The successful candidate will do research regarding seismic wave propagation and geophysical inverse theory. Solid implementation skills in scientific computing are required. Applicants should submit a curriculum vita, a list of publications, and the statement of research interest. Applicants should also arrange for three reference letters to be sent directly to the Department. Applications are due on October 15, 2009. The position will be available beginning in January 2010, but the start date is negotiable.

Application materials and reference letters should be sent by email (jun.korenaga@yale.edu ) or by post:

Professor Jun Korenaga, Yale University, Department of
Geology and Geophysics, PO Box 208109, New Haven, CT 06520-8109, USA.
Yale University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer;
applications from women and minority scientists are strongly encouraged.

Jun Korenaga
Professor of Geophysics

Yale University
P.O. Box 208109
New Haven, CT 06520-8109
Tel: (203) 432-7381 / Fax: (203) 432-3134
http://www.geology.yale.edu/~jk525/

Cascadia Workshop Report Now Available (8/26/09)

Dear MARGINS Community,

As part of the 2009 ARRA (Stimulus) spending, NSF's Earth Sciences (EAR) and Ocean Sciences (OCE) each received $5M targeted for facility-related investments to support EarthScope and MARGINS science objectives. On June 30 and July 1 2009, a mix of 31 scientists and NSF officials met at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory to discuss the facility enhancement and to develop recommendations for NSF. A report from the meeting was generated soon after the meeting and has been delivered to the NSF.

The report and several of the presentations made at the meeting are now available on the MARGINS web site:

http://www.nsf-margins.org/Cascadia/09meeting

-The MARGINS Office

AAPG Session on modeling of sedimentary Processes (08/25/09)

Chris Lerch (BHP Billiton) and I are organizing a session at next year’s AAPG/SEPM meeting in New Orleans on numerical and physical modeling of sedimentary processes. If you’re interested, please see session description below.

“Numerical and Physical Modeling of Sedimentary Processes”

Improving our ability to predict stratigraphic architecture and interpret the depositional processes which construct stratigraphy is critical for reservoir exploration. In addition, information preserved within stratigraphy allows us to image alternative surface configurations, measure rates of change, and study large time and space scale connections. Unfortunately, many sedimentary processes are only weakly expressed on human time scales or occur in locations which make direct observations difficult. Recent advances in numerical and physical modeling have allowed for the quarry of many questions related to sedimentary processes on favorable time and spatial scales and in controlled environments. In recent years these modeling approaches have developed to the point where even complex interactions between allogenic and autogenic forcings can be studied. We invite presenters to share advances in documenting and quantifying net depositional environments using numerical and physical modeling techniques. Contributions are being solicited from a range of disciplines including shallow and deep water sedimentology, stratigraphy, marine geology and geomorphology.

Kyle M. Straub

Assistant Professor

Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences

Tulane University

6823 St. Charles Avenue

New Orleans, LA 70118-5698

office: 504.862.3273 mobile: 857.472.0241

http://tulane.edu/sse/eens/faculty/kyle-m-straub.cfm

kmstraub@tulane.edu

Chris Lerch - chris.lerch@bhpbilliton.com

AGU Session (2) Announcement (08/24/09)

NH08: Integrated Tsunami Risk Research.

Despite steady advances in fundamental research, tsunami risk continues to increase. This session highlights innovative interdisciplinary research efforts that consider tsunami risk alongside the hazard in exposed communities. For example, how do tsunamis interact with buffers like mangroves, coral reefs and dunes as well as coastal development and growth? When faced with a tsunami of a given frequency and magnitude, how do communities prepare themselves? Given the short record of historical tsunamis, what interdisciplinary methods can be used to enhance our understanding of magnitude and frequency? Inundation modeling can link hazard to risk, but how robust are the outputs?
Contributions should include collaborative research conducted by researchers from different disciplines that directly address tsunami vulnerability or resilience.

Topics might include, by are certainly not limited to-

* offshore geohazards and onshore risk
* recurrence interval and planning
* early warning system logistics
* inundation modeling and critical infrastructure
* novel ways of identifying tsunami hazard

Abstract submissions are now open and the deadline is September 3, 2009.
Abstracts can be submitted at // http://www.agu.org/meetings/fm09/program/abstract_submissions.php/

Brian G. McAdoo
James Goff
Dale Dominey-Howes
Hermann M. Frtiz

Brian G. McAdoo
Associate Chair
Department of Earth Science and Geography
Box 735
Vassar College
Poughkeepsie, NY 12604

845.249.9561 m
845.437.7703 o

G11: Plate Motion and Plate Boundaries

We seek geodetic and geologic studies on plate motion, microplate motion, and how they relate to elements in the deforming zones between the plates faults, slip, great earthquakes, and mountains and rifts generated by active deformation. In addition to well-studied regions and plates, we specifically solicit abstracts that address plate motions and plate boundary deformation in the more remote areas of the world, where data are limited. Among the questions we seek answer are:
How accurately can we measure plate motions today using geodesy? What is the impact of uncertainties in geocenter motion, or in models of GIA and other non-tectonic processes on the estimation of plate
motions? What are the proper uncertainties in plate motion estimates, especially where data are sparse? What fraction of plate motion is being taken up on major faults, and what fraction is being taken up by distributed permanent strain that is becoming part of the geologic record? Are deforming belts better described by microplates or by a homogeneous medium? Do estimates of plate motion from magnetic anomalies, transform azimuths, and earthquake slip vectors differ
significantly from those from GPS, VLBI, SLR, and DORIS?

Conveners:
Donald Argus
Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, CA, USA 91109
818 354 3380
Donald.F.Argus@jpl.nasa.gov

Jeff Freymueller
University of Alaska Fairbanks
USA
jeff.freymueller@gi.alaska.edu

Rui Manuel Fernandes
UBI, CGUL, IDL
Portugal
rmanuel@di.ubi.pt

Dr. Jeffrey T. Freymueller Office: 907-474-7286
Geophysical Institute Fax: 907-474-7290
University of Alaska, Fairbanks Home: 907-479-3550
PO Box 757320 Cell: 907-378-7556
Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320 email: jeff.freymueller@gi.alaska.edu
URL: http://www.gps.alaska.edu/jeff/jeff.html

Workshop for an EarthScope Science Plan (WESP) - October 7-9, 2009 (8/20/09)

After a very successful construction phase, the EarthScope facilities are now operational, and exciting research conducted by the community is fundamentally changing views of earthquake faulting processes, plate boundary deformation, and the structure of the North American continent and the deep Earth. However, much remains to be learned as the EarthScope Transportable Arraycontinues its sweep across the continent and to Alaska, and the rich datasets of the Plate Boundary Observatory and SAFOD continue to be explored.

Eight years have passed since the original EarthScope Science Plan was developed. The National Science Foundation has called for a community-based re-examination of EarthScope science priorities and development of an updated EarthScope Science Plan. The goal is to “identify high-priority, new, and emerging areas of scientific exploration for the EarthScope Program over the next five to ten years from a broad range of Earth science disciplines, including geodesy, seismology, geology, hydrology, ocean science, weather and climate modeling, and space physics. The plan should emphasize transformative, interdisciplinary science and include some areas that may be speculative today, but with a high potential return.” (Charge to EarthScope Steering Committee for Updated EarthScope Program Science Plan, www.earthscope.org/es_doc/esno/essc_charge.pdf. The original EarthScope Science Plan, known as the “Snowbird Report,” can be found at: www.earthscope.org/es_doc/reports/es_wksp_mar2002.pdf.

The EarthScope Steering Committee invites applications for a broad-based community workshop to evaluate and update the Earthscope Science Plan. The workshop will be held October 7-8, 2009 at the Snowbird Summer and Ski Resort in Little Cottonwood Canyon, UT. The Science Plan Writing Team, charged with synthesizing the results of the workshop to generate an updated science plan, will meet on October 9. The overarching theme of the workshop will be integration of different data types and scientific disciplines to further understanding of Earth processes and their impacts on society. Plenary sessions and breakout groups will highlight recent discoveries enabled by EarthScope, identify key science questions for the future, and explore new research directions and technologies. The meeting will a lso include an evening poster session and a call for “one-pagers” (one-page research summaries) documenting EarthScope successes or new opportunities. After the workshop, a draft of Science Plan will be prepared and made available to the community for comment. The Science Plan will be finalized in January, 2010.

To Apply:

We encourage all scientists interested in the future of EarthScope, including those with little or no past involvement with EarthScope, to apply for the workshop. Space is available for 125 participants. Accepted applicants will be provided with full on-site support for lodging and meals but will be expected to cover their own transportation costs. The deadline for full consideration is August 26, and successful applicants will be notified by September 9. To apply, please go to: www.earthscope.org/meetings/science_planning_workshop. There you will be asked for a brief summary of your scientific interests and prior experience with EarthScope as well as for ideas for the workshop and for future EarthScope research directions. The organizing committee for the Workshop for an EarthScope Science Plan (WESP) includes: Mike Williams (University of Massachusetts, mlw@geo.umass.edu), Karen Fischer (Brown University, Karen_Fischer@brown.edu), Basil Tikoff (University of Wisconsin, btikoff@wisc.edu), Jeff Freymueller (University of Alaska, jeff.freymueller@gi.alaska.edu), and Anne Trehu (Oregon State University and EarthScope National Office, trehu@coas.oregonstate.edu).

AGU Session Announcement (08/19/09)

1.H27: Drilling and Monitoring for Earthquake Disaster Mitigation
________________________________________

Dear Colleagues: The abundance of fault zone drilling programs need a venue to cross fertilize their approaches and results. We hope the Special Session below can foster this type of communication.

NH27: Drilling and Monitoring for Earthquake Disaster Mitigation

Description:

Earthquakes, especially great earthquakes, have huge societal and economic impacts. Better understanding of the geologic content and its seismic response in earthquake-prone regions can better predict potential earthquake damage. Drilling and monitoring in boreholes supplies critical constraints on regional geology, history of earthquakes, and properties and mechanics of asperity/non-asperity regions. Recently a number of drilling projects focusing on earthquakes, both great and moderate, have or are occurring; other drilling programs are proposed. Results from these projects will be able to contribute to mitigation of earthquake damage through simulations of earthquake cycles, strong ground motions, and tsunamis. We call for presentations on such simulations and for presentations on the geological, geodetic, and seismological studies from or related to boreholes that contribute to earthquake hazard mitigation.

Sponsor: Natural Hazards

CoSponsors: Geodesy and Seismology

Conveners: Reiji Kobayashi
Kagoshima University
1-21-35 Korimoto
Kagoshima, JPN 890-0065
reiji@sci.kagoshima-u.ac.jp

James Casey Moore
University of California, Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA, USA 95064
cmoore@pmc.ucsc.edu

Yuzuru Yamamoto
Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology
3173-25, Showa-machi, Kanazawa-ku
Yokohama, JPN 236-0001
yuzuru-y@jamstec.go.jp

S2S session at AAPG (08/13/09)

The 2010 AAPG meeting will be held in New Orleans, 10-14 April. For the past several years, AAPG meetings have included special sessions regarding S2S, as it is a scientific approach increasingly applied in the petroleum industry. We are convening a session at the meeting next year (as described below), and encourage you to participate.

The abstract deadline is 15 September, and further information on abstract submission can be found at: http://aapg2010ace.abstractcentral.com/

Ben Sheets, Chuck Nittrouer, Mike Blum, and Ole Martinsen

Source-to-Sink Sediment Dispersal: Integrating Modern Processes and the Ancient Record

Traditional sedimentary research has tended to focus on particular environments (e.g. alluvial, deltaic or deep marine) that are associated with particular geographic circumstances. As the science has evolved, however, it has become progressively clear that linkages between sequential environments play important roles in setting the boundary conditions that dictate the availability of sediment at any particular location. Indeed, particles produced by hinterland erosional processes typically travel through, and temporarily reside in, several different sedimentary environments on their path to ultimate deposition and burial. For this reason, a holistic source-to-sink approach to the analysis of large sedimentary systems is important. This session seeks to highlight research on any element of source-to-sink sedimentary systems, but particularly studies that contribute to an improved understanding of sediment transfer between individual sedimentary
environments. We encourage submissions for oral or poster presentations detailing source-to-sink studies on any part of the globe, though abstracts related to the Mississippi system will be particularly relevant, due to its regional and national ecological and economic importance.

2 AGU Session Announcements (08/13/09)

1. T27: The East Africa Rift System: Links Between the Surface and Depth
2. DI02: Linking Earth’s Deep Interior to the Surface Environment

__________________________

1. T27: The East Africa Rift System: Links Between the Surface and Depth

The 3000-km-long East-Africa rift system provides a natural laboratory to understand continental extension from early stage rifting to the point of breakup. Studies focusing on crustal and lithospheric scale deformation show significant spatial variation in strain partitioning between magma intrusion, stretching and faulting. Likewise, studies that probe deeper in the Earth beneath East Africa show that dynamic processes in both upper and lower mantle may influence rifting. We invite contributions from a wide range of disciplines that deal with observations (e.g. GPS, InSAR, seismology and structural geology), numerical modeling and imaging of the East Africa rift system. We also encourage multidisciplinary studies that link process in the mantle with shallower deformation mechanisms.

Sponsor - Tectonophysics

Conveners:

James Hammond - J.Hammond@bristol.ac.uk
Derek Keir - d.keir @leeds.ac.uk
Carolina Pagli - c.pagli@leeds.ac.uk
Atalay Ayele - atawon@yahoo.com

We invite people to submit abstracts for the above fall AGU session. To submit abstracts, please follow the link below.

http://www.agu.org/meetings/fm09/program/abstract_submissions.php

____________________________

2. DI02: Linking Earth’s Deep Interior to the Surface Environment

Dear MARGINS colleagues,

Please consider submitting an abstract to Deep Interior Session DI02 for the 2009 Fall AGU Meeting.

We plan an exciting session linking the dynamics of Earth's deep interior dynamics to surface processes (broadly defined as tectonic, climatological, sedimentological, hydrological, petrologic, etc.).

DI02: Linking Earth’s Deep Interior to the Surface Environment

Plate tectonics provides an interface across which Earth’s deep interior communicates with its outer shells: atmosphere, hydrosphere, sediments and crust. Earth’s interior dynamics may exert controls on the climatological,
biological, cryospheric, hydrologic, and tectonic systems acting at the surface by affecting continental motions, surface deformation, and volcanism. Conversely, surface processes may affect deep interior dynamics by changing the
spatial and temporal distribution of heat flow, temperature, hydrology, geochemistry, and rheology of the lithospheric interface. Likewise, volatile exchange between the mantle and its exospheric reservoirs, particularly at
subduction zones, affects rates and styles of mantle flow, volcanism, and tectonics by influencing mantle composition, melting, and rheology. This interdisciplinary session explores links between the Earth’s surface and
interior dynamics by incorporating observations and modeling studies looking either upwards or downwards within the whole-Earth system. Studies examining deep interior links between sea level, climate, sediments, geochemistry,
petrology, tectonics, and other variables are welcome.

Conveners:
Peter Clift (University of Aberdeen)
Clint Conrad (University of Hawaii)
Laurent Husson (Geosciences Rennes)
Alison Shaw (Woods Hole)

2 AGU Session Announcements (08/10/09)

1. EP16: Interpreting Allogenic and Autogenic Processes in the Stratigraphic Record
2. T23: The tectonic, sedimentary and thermal evolution of lithospheric extension leading to continental break-up

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1. EP16: Interpreting Allogenic and Autogenic Processes in the Stratigraphic Record

We would like to announce the following session at the annual AGU meeting this Fall. We invite abstracts focused on documenting, quantifying, and modeling the production of stratigraphy and methods to separate deterministic and stochastic processes recorded in stratigraphy. Please see the session description below for more details.

EP16: Interpreting Allogenic and Autogenic Processes in the Stratigraphic Record

Sponsor:
Earth and Planetary Surface Processes

The stratigraphic record is our window to the long view of surface dynamics. Information preserved within stratigraphy allows us to image alternative surface configurations, measure rates of change, study large-scale connections that are only weakly expressed on human time scales, and give context to the snapshot that is the Earth's surface today. Unfortunately, autogenic (internally generated) and probabilistic processes impose filters on the record of allogenic (externally generated) processes in the stratigraphic record. Our ability to interpret the record of these allogenic processes requires us to 1) determine the time and space scales at which autogenic processes occur and 2) quantify how autogenic processes interact with various types of allogenic processes. We invite presenters to share advances in documenting, quantifying, and modeling net depositional environments where autogenic and allogenic processes convolve to produce stratigraphy. Contributions are being solicited from a range of disciplines including geomorphology, marine geology, sedimentology, and stratigraphy.

Kyle Straub, kmstraub@tulane.edu, Elizabeth Hajek, haje0009@umn.edu

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2. T23 : The tectonic, sedimentary and thermal evolution of lithospheric extension leading to continental break-up

The mechanisms controlling lithospheric thinning and rupture leading to seafloor spreading are at present not well understood. Particularly controversial is how the crust can thin to less than 10 km without showing apparent brittle faulting, how extreme crustal thinning and breakup are documented in the stratigraphic record, the role and timing of emplacement of magma and the related thermal structure during and after continental breakup. During the last 20 years a variety of models have been proposed to describe the processes of continental extension and rifted-margin formation, however, the observational evidence to support any of the models remains equivocal and there is no consensus on the generality of these models. Therefore it is essential to compare model predictions with observations from extensional basins and rifted margins which can provide critical information on the thermal structure and composition of the crust and lithospheric mantle, timing and spatial distribution of magmatism, and the stratigraphic and subsidence history during and after rifting.
This session will be a forum for discussion of mechanisms associated with lithospheric extension, ranging from little extended intracontinental rift basins to mature rifted margins where break-up occurred. In particular, we encourage the presentation of observational data and numerical models that give insights into the spatial and temporal evolution of the processes leading to continental breakup.
This session is complementary to session T16 : The Role of Magmatism in Rifting Continental Lithosphere and the Rift-Drift Transition

Conveners: Cynthia EBINGER, ebinger@earth.rochester.edu <mailto:ebinger@earth.rochester.edu>, Sylvie LEROY, sylvie.leroy@upmc.fr <mailto:sylvie.leroy@upmc.fr>, Paul UMHOEFER, Paul.Umhoefer@nau.edu <mailto:Paul.Umhoefer@nau.edu>, Gianreto MANATSCHAL, manatschal@illite.u-strasbg.fr <mailto:manatschal@illite.u-strasbg.fr>

3 AGU Session Announcements (08/06/09)

1. AGU Special Session U01: Response of Sedimentary Systems to Rapid Climate and Sea Level Changes and its Impacts on Humans
2. AGU Special Session V03: Volcanism in the East African Rift System (EARS)
3. AGU Special Session T14: Creating and Recycling Continental Crust in Subduction Zones: Rates, Processes and Dynamics.

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1. AGU Fall Session U01: Response of Sedimentary Systems to Rapid Climate and Sea Level Changes and its Impacts on Humans

The change in focus in paleoclimatology over the last decades toward studying rapid climate variability and associated sea level changes has been accompanied by a reassessment of the response of sedimentary systems at similar millennial or shorter time scales. Whether influencing the production of sediment at the source, the style of deposition or erosion along the transport route, or the final locus of deposition at the sink, rapid climate and sea level variability have emerged as key to our understanding of paleo-landscapes, coast and marine sedimentary environments. We invite field- and modeling-based ontributions that address but are not limited to fluvial reorganization such as aggradation, degradation and depocenter migration, ecohydrological restructuring responding to changes in temperature and precipitation, deltaic/estuarine morphodynamic responses, such as subaqueous vs. subaerial deposition and lateral depocenter switching, as well as
shelf/deep basin sediment budget partition. Contributions addressing the impact of abrupt changes in sedimentary dynamics on human societies are particularly welcomed.

Conveners

Liviu Giosan, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Peter Clift, University of Aberdeen

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2. AGU Special Session V03: Volcanism in the East African Rift System (EARS)

Please consider contributing to special session V03 at the AGU Fall 2009 Meeting in San Francisco.

The abstract deadline is Thursday, September 3, 2009. http://www.agu.org/meetings/fm09/program/abstract_submissions.php

V03: Volcanism in the East African Rift System (EARS)

The East African Rift System (EARS) is presently the Earth's largest and most complex active continental extension zone, characterized by abundant magmatism, seismicity and crustal thinning. The reason for the fracturing of the African Plate has been subject to much debate but there seems to be consensus that it is due in part to the presence of rising thermal plume(s) in the mantle. Volcanism is currently spectacularly active at a number of locations including Erta Ale, Niragongo and Oldoinyo Lengai. EARS volcanism is commonly dominated by unusual, silica-deficient compositions including nephelinites, carbonatites and a host of site-specific rocks such as ugandite, kamafugite and katungite. This session invites contributions on all
aspects of modern volcanism in the EARS: petrology, geochemistry, volatiles, xenoliths, shallow magmatic processes and regional volcanological/geologic studies. We also welcome experimental petrology studies that relate magma generation processes to the tectonic environment of the EARS.

Conveners:

Tobias Fischer
University of New Mexico
fischer@unm.edu

Tanya Furman
Pennsylvania State University
furman@geosc.psu.edu

David Hilton
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
drhilton@ucsd.edu

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3. AGU Special Session T14: Creating and Recycling Continental Crust in Subduction Zones: Rates, Processes and Dynamics.

We would like to invite you to contribute to the session T14, entitled "Creating and Recycling Continental Crust in Subduction Zones: Rates, Processes and Dynamics."

Continental crust is unique to the Earth in our solar system, and understanding its genesis and recycling requires collaboration between geophysicists, geologists, petrologists, and geochemists. The balance of crustal growth and loss at subduction zones is not well understood, nor are the tectonic drivers that set rates. Magmas in subduction zones build continental crust from dynamic melting processes in the mantle wedge, but also may assimilate earlier arc crust, remobilize crustal protoliths, and founder back into the mantle. This session will highlight disciplinary and multi-disciplinary studies of the rates and processes of generating and recycling continental crust at subduction zones, and especially hypotheses that can be tested by ocean drilling, or MARGINS and EarthScope data.

Sponsor: Tectonophysics
CoSponsor: Volcanology, Geochemistry and Petrology

Conveners:
Yoshiyuki Tatsumi, IFREE, JAMSTEC, tatsumi@jamstec.go.jp
Terry Plank, Dept of Earth and Envir. Sci., Lamont Doherty Earth
Observatory, Columbia University, tplank@ldeo.columbia.edu
Douglas A Wiens, Dept. of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Washington
University, doug@wustl.edu
Shuichi Kodaira, IFREE, JAMSTEC, kodaira@jamstec.go.jp

Teaching with GeoMapApp and MARGINS Data (08/05/09)

The webinar, "MARGINS Data in the Classroom - Teaching with GeoMapApp and MARGINS Data", is now archived on-line and available for viewing. Go to: http://serc.carleton.edu/margins/webinar_s09/index.html and scroll to Watch the Webinar.

It features 4 presentations: an introduction to the GeoMapApp data exploration tool followed by an overview of three introductory-level teaching activities that use MARGINS data: inputs and outputs at subduction zones; plate tectonics
and continental margins; and, morphology and sedimentation in river systems.

GeoMapApp (www.geomapapp.org), a free data visualisation and exploration application, is an excellent tool for developing students' intuitive feel for geospatial relationships in data. The webinar shows how GeoMapApp can be used broadly in teaching at all levels.

The MARGINS mini-lessons highlighted in the webinar are part of the MARGINS mini-lessons collection: http://serc.carleton.edu/margins/collection.html

Many thanks to Karin Block, Cecilia McHugh and Laura Wetzel for demonstrating their mini-lessons.

Andrew Goodwillie
MARGINS Office and MGDS.

3 AGU Session Announcements (08/04/09)

1. AGU Special Session G09: Volcano Geodesy: Monitoring and Modeling
2. AGU Special Session T25: From Subduction to Collision, with Recent TAIGER and Other Results
3. AGU Special Session T15: The role of magmatism in rifting continental lithosphere and the rift-drift transition
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1. Geodesy-G09: Volcano Geodesy: Monitoring and Modeling

Measurements of crustal deformation (including borehole strain, GPS, and InSAR) and gravity change uncover the spatial and temporal patterns of subsurface structure and activity associated with volcano unrest. Quantifying the underlying processes that control deformation and gravity change is of fundamental importance due to implications for volcanic hazards and is usually accomplished through forward or inverse models which link observations to the underlying processes.

This session emphasizes the range of modern geodetic tools and models applied to magmatic systems. We hope to stimulate discussion and interest in the application of modern and emerging tools and techniques to motivate greater use in the study of volcanic systems. Further, we seek to highlight geodetic modeling techniques, emphasizing those that incorporate realistic rheology and structure, elucidate the time-dependence of deformation, and integrate multiple observation types, with the fundamental goal of advancing our understanding of volcanic processes.

Conveners:

Maurizio Battaglia
Sapienza-University of Rome; USGS, Volcano Hazards Team
USA
battag@seismo.berkeley.edu

Mike Lisowski
USGS, Cascade Volcano Observatory
USA
mlisowski@usgs.gov

Tim Masterlark
The University of Alabama
USA
masterlark@geo.ua.edu

Andrew V Newman
The Georgia Institute of Technology
USA
anewman@gatech.edu

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2. T25: From Subduction to Collision, with Recent TAIGER and Other Results

We would like to encourage everyone working on arc-continent collision zones like Taiwan, but not only, to submit an abstract to this San Francisco, Fall 2009 AGU, T25 session (session description below or click on the link : (http://www.agu.org/meetings/fm09/program/scientific_session_search.php?show=3Ddetail&sessid=3D478).

The abstract deadline is Thursday, September 3, 2009. The period for abstract submission is currently open. Follow this link to submit an abstract: http://www.agu.org/meetings/fm09/program/abstract_submissions.php.

T25: From Subduction to Collision, with Recent TAIGER and Other Results
Sponsor: Tectonophysics
CoSponsor: Seismology

Description: Tectonic processes of orogeny and the roles of subduction and collision in orogeny need further elucidation. In this special session we would like to solicit papers on the analysis of new results from active orogens relating to these problems. Works based on or integrating new, detailed land or marine geophysical observations, GPS, structural geology, thermo-chronology and surficial processes are particularly welcome as well as insights into orogeny arising from geodynamic modeling.

Recent intense geophysical data acquisition in a number of orogenic belts around the world and, in particular, in and around the young and active Taiwan orogen have produced a wealth of relevant data. New images and studies of the transition from subduction to collision are emerging. Research based on geological observations have prompted new thinking. At this time continuous discussion among research groups working on young orogens can be mutually beneficial. This special session provides a venue for such discussions and we invite papers on similar studies focused on young collisions elsewhere in the world.

In its fifth year, the TAIGER project, aiming at the arc-continent collision of Taiwan, has culminated in enhanced marine multichannel and sea-land seismic experiments that spans April to July, 2009. The
marine survey covered a wide area including the northeastern South China Sea, the Luzon subduction system, the Gagua Ridge, the West Philippine Sea Basin, and the Ryukyu subduction and backarc extension system. Preliminary results from MCS profiles processed onboard the R/V Langseth and the preliminary land recordings of the airguns show many tectonically significant features. Also TAIGER land broadband and the broadband OBS data have enabled a wide range of seismic analyses to be carried out. For example, the joint passive and active land and ocean-bottom data have yielded a 3-D image of the Taiwan orogen and its surrounding areas down to 200 km based totally on TAIGER and two local permanent broadband network data; these images provide a concise view of the transition from subduction in southern Taiwan to collision in central Taiwan. These new results will help answer fundamental questions regarding the Taiwan orogeny.

Conveners:

Francis Wu
Dept of Geol. Sci., State University of New York, USA
wu@binghamton.edu

Liu Char-Shine
Inst. of Oceanography, National Taiwan University
csliu@ntu.edu.tw

Serge Lallemand
Geosciences Montpellier, France
lallem@gm.univ-montp2.fr

Timothy Byrne
Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, USA
tim.byrne@uconn.edu
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3. T15: The role of magmatism in rifting continental lithosphere and the rift-drift transition

The abstract deadline is Thursday, September 3, 2009. The period for abstract submission is currently open. Please follow this link to submit an abstract: http://www.agu.org/meetings/fm09/program/abstract_submissions.php

Session description:

This session is designed to bring together multiple disciplines to understand the role of magmatism in rifting continental lithosphere and in the rift to drift transition. While intensive studies have been done on magmatism in rift systems, the actual role it plays in the process remains unclear. However, new work suggests that magmatism may play critical roles in the feedback mechanisms that result in rifted continental lithosphere; these roles and the further consequences of a lack of magmatism need to be explored in full. Further, the transition from rifted continental lithosphere to ocean crust remains obscured. Increased understanding of the role that magma plays in the rifting process should help to elucidate more about this transition. As part of this process it is important to correlate physical observations and timing with modeling of evolving magmatic systems. This session is complementary to session "T25 MECHANISMS OF CONTINENTAL EXTENSION LEADING TO SEAFLOOR SPREADING"

Conveners:

Erin Beutel
Romain Meyer
Asbjorn Breivik
Jolante van Wijk

2 AGU Sessions (08/03/09)

1. NH14 Controls on landslide sizes and size distribution
2. T31: Forearcs and Backarcs on the Ocean Floor and the Geologic Records Sponsor: Tectonophysics

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1. NH14: Controls on landslide sizes and size distribution

We would like to encourage everyone working on the broad aspects of controls on landslide sizes and size istribution to submit an abstract to this San Francisco, Fall 2009 AGU, NH14 session (session description below).

NH14 Controls on landslide sizes and size distribution

A single landslide-generating event, (e.g., earthquake, rain-storm) can induce up to thousands of landslides in a wide range of sizes. Observations show a surprising, yet unexplained, phenomenon: landslide-generating events worldwide produce similar frequency-size distributions, and a nearly constant ratio of landslide volume to area. We welcome submissions relating to new observations of subaerial, submarine, or planetary landslides, and/or statistical, mechanical, or experimental studies, that address landslide occurrence and distribution. Examples include, but are not limited to: (a) characterization of landslide size distributions (e.g., slumps, rock-slides, rock falls and debris-flows); (b) physical and/or mechanical controls on landslide sizes in different settings; (c) relationships between the physical processes that produce landslides and the resulting statistical distributions; (d) mechanical differences between shallow and deep-seated landslides; and (e) earthquake-magnitude controls on landslide sizes. Discussions emanating from this session promise an integrated understanding of landslide physics with direct applications to hazard analysis.

Please feel free to contact one of the conveners with any questions.

Conveners:

Oded Katz
Rice University and Geological Survey of Israel, USA
oded@rice.edu

Julia Morgan
Rice University, USA
morganj@rice.edu

Brandon Dugan
Rice University, USA
dugan@rice.edu

Einat Aharanov
Hebrew University, ISR
einatah@cc.huji.ac.il

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2. T31: Forearcs and Backarcs on the Ocean Floor and the Geologic Record Sponsor: Tectonophysics

Description: Recent studies of forearc and backarc crust suggest dramatic differences between the two. Forearcs are built on highly depleted mantle with high-Mg andesitic lavas, and bacakarcs show more affinity to MORB both in the chemical composition of the lavas and the lower degree of depletion of the mantle section. At the same time, many or most ophiolites are thought to originate in a broadly "Supra Subduction Zone" setting. Given the new obsevations, it ought to be possible to make the distinction between forearc and backarc ophiolite setting more precisely. This session invites contributions from those studying present-day forearc and backarc regions, as well as those studying ophiolites, to bring a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the genesis of SSZ crust in the ocean basins.

Convener: Jonathan Snow
University of Houston
USA jesnow@uh.edu

Yasuhiko Ohara
Hydrographic and Oceanographic Department of Japan
Institute for Research on Earth Evolution, Japan Agency for Marine and Earth Sciene Technology
JPN ohara@jodc.go.jp

Robert Stern
University of Texas at Dallas
USA rjstern@utdallas.edu

AGU Session T04: Earthquakes at the Edge: Observing and Understanding Transitions of Seismogenic Properties and Processes Along Subduction Zones (07/30/09)

Dear Colleagues,

We would like to invite you to contribute to special session T04 in Tectonophysics (joint with Geodesy and Seismology) aimed at discussing studies that explore the parameters that contribute to the spatial extend of subduction zone seismogenensis.

T04: "Earthquakes at the Edge: Observing and Understanding Transitions of Seismogenic Properties and Processes Along Subduction Zones."

The world’s largest earthquakes occur in subduction zones; with the ultimate magnitude controlled by the updip, downdip and lateral extent of rupture. Additionally, the updip and lateral extent contribute greatly to tsunami generation. Barriers to rupture propagation may be controlled by prior seismic and aseismic slip, material behavior, subducted topography, fluid pressure, temperature and overburden that affect interface effective stress, strength, and friction. However, precise determinations of the defining parameters remain elusive. Because transitions mark critical changes in environmental parameters that result in earthquake rupture propagation or cessation, multidisciplinary studies that explore these transitions can greatly improve our understanding of earthquake and tsunami occurrence and potential.

We invite contributions that address present challenges or offer new insights or synthesis studies aimed at understanding the nature and extent of seismogenic updip, downdip, and lateral transitions along the subduction interface. Studies may focus on short and/or long-term character of the seismogenic system.

If you have further questions about the session, please feel free to contact any of the conveners. We look forward to seeing you in December!

Elizabeth Screaton
University of Florida
241Williamson
Gainesville, Fl, USA 32611
352-392-4612
screaton@ufl.edu

Saneatsu Saito
IFREE, JAMSTEC
2-15 Natsushima-cho
Yokosuka, JPN 237-0061
saito@jamstec.go.jp

Andrew V Newman
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA, USA 30332
anewman@gatech.edu

Robert N Harris
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR, USA 97331
rharris@coas.oregonstate.edu

2 AGU Session Announcements (07/30/09)

1. AGU Session V35: Submarine Volcanic Eruptions: Studies of Geological, Chemical, and Biological Processes
2. AGU Session T-19: Gulf of California-Salton Trough Rift Margin: Recent Findings and Remaining Questions

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1. AGU Session V35: Submarine Volcanic Eruptions: Studies of Geological, Chemical, and Biological Processes

In the last several years, submarine volcanic eruptions have been remotely detected or directly observed in a number of diverse tectonic settings – from volcanic arcs to mid-ocean ridges, from near surface to the deep ocean, from violently explosive to mildly effusive. This range of activity has attracted multidisciplinary study, including the geochemistry and petrology of erupted lavas, the chemistry and evolution of associated hydrothermal emissions on the seafloor and in the water column, the formation mechanisms and dispersal of tephra underwater, the seismic and acoustic characterization of eruptive activity, and the speed and mode of micro- and macro-biological colonization of eruption sites. We invite contributions across the broad spectrum of disciplines that relate to understanding submarine volcanic eruptions, past and present, with an emphasis on how recent direct observations of eruptive activity (for example at Tonga, Kavachi, NW Rota-1, W. Mata, NE Lau Spreading Center, East Pacific Rise, Gakkel Ridge, and Monowai) shed new light on active geological, chemical, and biological processes.

Co-conveners:
William Chadwick, Oregon State University, bill.chadwick@oregonstate.edu
Joseph Resing, University of Washington, resing@u.washington.edu
Julie Huber, Marine Biological Laboratory, jhuber@mbl.edu
Timothy Shank, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

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2. AGU Session T-19: Gulf of California-Salton Trough Rift Margin: Recent Findings and Remaining Questions

We would like to encourage everyone working within the Gulf of California-Salton Trough rift system to submit an abstract to this Fall 2009 AGU Tectonophysics session. We welcome abstracts from all authors, regardless if they receive funding or not from the NSF-MARGINS Rupturing Continental Lithosphere initiative. The *abstract deadline is Thursday, September 3, 2009. The period for abstract submission is currently open. Follow this link <http://www.agu.org/meetings/fm09/program/abstract_submissions.php> to submit an abstract. Please feel free to contact one of the conveners with any questions.

Continental rifting and formation of ocean basins is a fundamental component of plate tectonics. The Gulf of California-Salton Trough represents an active oblique-divergent plate boundary that provides a superb natural laboratory to study processes driving continental rifting and the spatial and temporal evolution of a young rifted margin. The Gulf of California-Salton Trough has been a focus site for the NSF-MARGINS ‘Rupturing Continental Lithosphere’ (RCL) initiative for nearly a decade, resulting in transformative research and discoveries from a focused community of earth scientists. Although much has been discovered about this young rift during the past decade, many fundamental questions remain in the following areas: (1) understanding early continental break-up and extension, (2) the role of magmatism and fluids, (3) 4-D distribution of lithospheric strain, (4) the interplay of sedimentation and climate and their influences on rift architecture, (5) timing of marine incursion, and (6) the nature of the continent-ocean lithospheric boundary. As Margins RCL reaches its 10^th year, this session serves to highlight recent and ongoing research in the Gulf of California-Salton Trough, and to summarize remaining questions regarding processes that rupture continental lithosphere. We invite all abstracts pertaining to the physical development of this rift system.

Conveners:
Scott Bennett (UC Davis) sekbennett@ucdavis.edu <mailto:sekbennett@ucdavis.edu>
Daniel Brothers (Scripps) dbrother@ucsd.edu <mailto:dbrother@ucsd.edu>
Jared Kluesner (Scripps) jkluesne@ucsd.edu <mailto:jkluesne@ucsd.edu>

AGU Fall Meeting: Call for MARGINS Mini-Workshop proposals (07/28/09)

The MARGINS Office and Steering Committee aim to support efforts that expedite synthesis of results from MARGINS science in the various focus areas and initiatives. To this end, the MARGINS Office can help MARGINS-funded investigators organize and fund mini-workshops held at national meetings such as AGU and GSA for the purpose of bringing together a group of multi-disciplinary investigators to synthesize results. The mini-workshops can concentrate on a single focus site or address a theme that transcends initiatives, according to what makes the most scientific sense and where there is the greatest need.

In particular, as we work towards a MARGINS successor program, we especially encourage proposals for mini-workshops that focus upon planning for future science goals.

A mini-workshop is a small event that can last 1-4 hours one evening after AGU sessions, or it could be a half-day to one day event before or after the main AGU meeting.

The MARGINS Office can provide logistical support and a venue. Travel costs are not covered; people already attending the AGU meeting are encouraged to participate.

The application guidelines are described on the MARGINS website at http://www.nsf-margins.org/miniworkshops.html

Please contact the MARGINS Chair or the Office for further inquiries (margins @ nsf-margins.org)

We look forward to hearing from you,

The MARGINS Office and Steering Committee
http://www.nsf-margins.org

Teaching with GeoMapApp and MARGINS Data (07/23/09)

You may be interested in the upcoming webinar, "Teaching with GeoMapApp and MARGINS Data", on July 30 at 2:00 PM eastern daylight time.

MARGINS is an NSF research program engaged in interdisciplinary research on the evolution of continental margins. The 1 hour webinar will feature 4 presentations: an introduction to the GeoMapApp data exploration tool followed by an overview of three introductory-level teaching activities that use MARGINS data in GeoMapApp.

The teaching topics include inputs and outputs at subduction zones; plate tectonics and continental margins; and, morphology and sedimentation in river systems.

GeoMapApp (www.geomapapp.org), a free data visualisation and exploration application, is an excellent tool for developing students' intuitive feel for geospatial relationships in data. The GeoMapApp demonstration will show how this tool can be used broadly in teaching at all levels.

For more information and to register visit: http://serc.carleton.edu/margins/webinar_s09/index.html

Cathryn A Manduca
Director, Science Education Resource Center
Executive Director, National Association of Geoscience Teachers
Carleton College
1 N College Street
Northfield, MN 55057
507 222 7096
cmanduca@carleton.edu
serc.carleton.edu

Reminder: Applications for the 2009-2010 Distinguished Lectureship Program (06/29/09)

Reminder: Applications due this Wednesday July 1!

We invite all colleges and universities in the US to apply to host a speaker from the MARGINS Distinguished Lecture Program. Applications are due by July 1, 2009 for visiting speakers in Fall 2009-Spring 2010. Invitations from institutions not currently involved with MARGINS research are strongly encouraged, including those granting undergraduate or Masters degrees, as well as those with Ph.D. programs. Institutions may request a technical and/or public lecture.

The MARGINS Office will cover airfares for speakers' travel and will coordinate travel and off-site logistics. Host institutions are responsible for local expenses for the duration of the visit.

For more information on the speakers and to apply please see the MARGINS DLP web page (http://www.nsf-margins.org/DLProgram/). Please direct any questions to the MARGINS Office: margins at nsf-margins.org

View '09-'10 speakers at: http://www.nsf-margins.org/DLProgram/09-10/
Apply at: http://www.nsf-margins.org/DLProgram/09-10/DLApp09.html

Applications are due by July 1, 2009.

MARGINS Successor Planning Workshop (06/24/09)

Save this date: 15-18 February 2010
In: San Antonio, TX
For: The MARGINS Successor Planning Workshop

MARGINS has just completed its decadal review, favorably (www.nsf-margins.org/Review2009/index.html). As a result, NSF has invited the MARGINS Steering Committee to organize a large community workshop to develop consensus on the scientific goals and structure of a successor program. This will lead to drafting a science plan to be submitted to NSF for evaluation. The form and future of this program depend upon the community input, to develop a compelling rationale and plan for a successor at this meeting. For more details, see the Review web page and the last MARGINS Newsletter (www.nsf-margins.org/Publications/Newsletters/Issue22.pdf).

This is a critical meeting for the future of those doing MARGINS Science. Details will be forthcoming over the next few months, but for now mark your calendars: we have scheduled this workshop for 15-18 February 2010, tentatively in San Antonio Texas, pending support.

The MARGINS Office

LDEO Position: Staff Associate/Data Manager Assistant in GeoInformatics (06/08/09)

Staff Associate/Data Manager Assistant in GeoInformatics

Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University invites applications for geoscience specialists to join a team of scientists and programmers in the development of advanced data services for marine geoscience research. The successful candidates will work in support of a new program supported by the National Science Foundation to improve access and preservation of data collected across the fleet for academic oceanographic research within the United States. The project will involve the evaluation and documentation of a diversity of geological and oceanographic data sets obtained annually during scientific research expeditions. The successful candidates can also expect to work with the broader community of scientists and ship operators in the solicitation of data and implementation of data services.

These are full-time appointments with continuation beyond the first year pending satisfactory progress and availability of funds. Staff Associate position requires a Masters degree with two years relevant work experience or Bachelor degree with 4 years experience in earth or environmental science. Minimum requirement for the Data Manager Assistant position is a Bachelors degree in earth or environmental science. Experience with marine geoscience data desired. Knowledge of database systems and data entry via SQL also beneficial. Familiarity with Unix/Linux, shell scripting (e.g. Perl, PHP, Python), and/or data applications (e.g. ArcGIS, MATLAB, GMT) a strong asset. Detail-oriented and excellent organizational skills required along with strong interpersonal skills and writing ability. Salary will be determined commensurate with experience. These are positions of Columbia University and carry all benefits for each specific position.

All interested candidates must apply separately for each position online at www.columbia.edu.
To view and apply for the Staff Associate Position,
Please go to this quicklink:
https://academicjobs.columbia.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=51710

For the Data Manager Assistant Position:
Please refer to Job Req. Number: 056031 by going to this quicklink:
https://jobs.columbia.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=115014

We consider online applications only.
Columbia University is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Special Emphasis for Upcoming MARGINS Proposal Deadline (06/03/09)

MARGINS Program
Full Proposal Deadline Date: July 1, 2009

For more information: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=13516&org=NSF&sel_org=NSF&from=fund <http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=13516&org=NSF&sel_org=NSF&from=fund>

Reminder: The deadline for submitting proposals to the MARGINS solicitation, including post-doctoral fellowship proposals, is July 1, 2009. The guidelines follow the MARGINS Solicitation 07-546 (see link above); however, the July 1 2009 deadline will have somewhat different emphasis than in the past. This difference is important, emphasizing integration and synthesis activities, and will likely affect funding priorities.

The Preface from NSF's MARGINS web site (above) explains the new emphasis: "July 1, 2009 is a deadline for submittal of MARGINS proposals for FY 2010 (which starts in October 2009). FY2010 is a period of transition for the MARGINS Program, while decision is being made for the continuation of a successor program. During this transition, for the next proposal submittal deadline (July 1, 2009) MARGINS program at NSF encourages the community to submit proposals for integrative/synthesis activities under the current MARGINS Program. Proposals for new data collection efforts should be limited to short-duration efforts for filling important gaps critical to the completion of such integration and synthesis goals."

Several useful documents provide more details, both on the FY2010 proposal round and on the MARGINS Review context. They may be helpful in preparing proposals, and include:

A Feb. 2009 Letter from Program Manager Bilal Haq, addressing the FY2010 proposals: /http://www.nsf-margins.org/index_News%20from%20NSF2009.pdf/

The documentation prepared for the Decadal Review, the Review Committee Report, and responses by the MARGINS Steering Committee and by NSF Program Managers: /http://www.nsf-margins.org/Review2009/

And, as always, a variety of other material on the MARGINS web page /http://www.nsf-margins.org/

NSF Program Managers for MARGINS come from Ocean Sciences/MGG, Earth Sciences, and Ocean Sciences/ODP:

Bilal U. Haq bhaq@nsf.gov (703) 292-8581
William Leeman wleeman@nsf.gov (703) 292-7411
Deborah Smith dksmith@nsf.gov (703) 292-7478

MARGINS TEI Applications (06/02/09)

Dear MARGINS Community,

Our office has recently experienced a web server glitch, which may have inhibited the proper forwarding of online applications to the Volatiles TEI in September. We have sent confirmation emails for all applications received. If you applied for the MARGINS TEI (Volatiles in the Subduction Factory) and did not receive a confirmation email, please notify the office (margins@nsf-margins.org) by Friday, June 2, and submit another application at:

http://www.nsf-margins.org/SF/2009/app.html

We apologize for any inconvenience.

Thank you,
The MARGINS Office

Volatiles TEI - Less than a week to apply! (5/27/09)

Applications close Monday June 1st!

Apply now for the MARGINS TEI, Volatiles in the Subduction Factory:

http://www.nsf-margins.org/SF/2009/app.html

(Job) Assistant Professor at University of Rhode Island / Geosciences (5/20/09)

The University of Rhode Island invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position beginning September 1, 2009, in Earth Systems Science. The position will initially be funded both from the National Science Foundation and the University of Rhode Island.

Primary research responsibilities under the NSF award will include the development of inquiry-based methods for teaching STEM curricula to in-service K-12 teachers and undergraduates. The applicant will also teach earth science undergraduate courses in his/her area of expertise and contribute to science education methods courses. A Ph.D. in Earth Systems Sciences or equivalent and demonstration of a research program in some aspect of earth systems science required. Post-doctoral experience and potential for developing Earth Systems Science education programs are preferred.

Interested candidates should submit a curriculum vita, a statement of research and teaching interests and the names of three referees by 5/15/09 or until position is filled to: David E. Fastovsky, Search Committee Chair (Req # 12447), University of Rhode Island, P.O. Box G, Kingston, RI 02881. The University of Rhode Island is an AA/EEO employer and is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty, staff and students. Persons from under-represented groups are encouraged to apply.

http://www.uri.edu/cels/geo/index.html

Brian Savage
savage at uri.edu

Volatiles TEI Reminder: Sept. 28- Oct 1, Mt Hood, Oregon (5/19/09)

Reminder: Applications for the Volatiles TEI close June 1st! Apply online today at: http://www.nsf-margins.org/SF/2009/app.html

The tentative schedule below is also available online (http://www.nsf-margins.org/SF/2009/index.html):

*Day 1 – September 28, 2009: Inputs to melting region*
Phase stability in slab & devolatilization; slab chemistry;
fluid formation; seismic evidence for volatile content in slab structure;
implications for rheology and coupling in seismogenic zone; earthquake
generation.

*Day 2 –September 29, 2009: Outputs to arc from melting region*
Gas/fluid chemistry & outputs; lava chemistry, differentiation, and
crustal growth;
crustal structure: measure of magma generation and impact on arc location

*Day 3 – September 30, 2009: Melting processes*
Fluid/solid phase stability & chemistry; fluid movement;
melt generation & migration; geophysical constraints on temperature,
volatiles and melt;
implications for rheology and mantle flow

*Day 4 – October 1, 2009: Synthesis*
am: Synthesis of constraints on volatile cycling processes and budgets
pm: Key questions for future research

---Original Announcement---

MARGINS Workshop Announcement
Volatiles TEI:
Timberline Lodge, Mt. Hood, Oregon

Convened by: E. Hauri (hauri at dtm.ciw.edu), P. van Keken (keken at umich.edu), K. Fischer (Karen_Fischer at brown.edu), C. Manning (manning at ess.ucla.edu), and G. Gaetani (ggaetani at whoi.edu)

The MARGINS Office is pleased to announce a 4-day Theoretical and Experimental Institute (TEI) focused on the behavior, mass-balance, and influence of volatiles in subduction zones. The scope of the meeting will encompass the range of research topics within the MARGINS SubFac (Subduction Factory), SEIZE (Seismogenic Zone Experiment) and RCL (Rupturing Continental Lithosphere) initiatives that are directly influenced by subduction-related fluids. This multidisciplinary meeting, to be held Sept. 28-Oct. 1 2009 at Timberline Lodge, Oregon, will bring together geochemists, geophysicists and modelers to critically examine
and discuss the current state of our knowledge on the budgets of H2O, CO2, N, F, S, Cl, noble gases and hydrocarbons in the two SubFac focus sites (Izu-Bonin-Mariana and Central America), to compare and contrast the focus sites, and to deepen our understanding of the influence of volatile elements on issues of importance fundamental to our understanding of subduction zones, including:

• mass-balance of volatile and non-volatile elements into and through
the Subduction Factory
• flux and composition of fluids emanating from fore-arcs and the role
of serpentine in modulating fluid flow and composition, fault slip, and
H2O transport to deeper levels
• devolatilization reactions in the slab from the trench to the
transition zone
• the composition and mass transfer of fluids from slab to the mantle
wedge and arc crust
• the influence of fluids in earthquake generation and slab and mantle
rheology
• the role of volatiles in the interpretation of seismic observables
(e.g. velocities, anisotropy, attenuation) in IBM and Central America
• magma and volatile fluxes in the IBM and Central American arcs
• the influence of water on magma generation
• the effect of arc volatile emissions on volcanic hazards and global
climate

The last day of the Volatiles TEI will be devoted to summarizing major unresolved questions regarding volatiles in subduction zones, and using this information to formulate future research directions for the next decadal MARGINS science plan.
Approximately 90 participants can be accommodated. Selected participants will be provided with full or partial funding for travel, accommodation and meals. We encourage applications from young investigators, graduate students, and members of under-represented groups. MARGINS funding is not a prerequisite. Applicants should prepare a short CV, abstract, and brief (half-page) statement of interest. Detailed instructions are included on the web application form which can be accessed from the TEI
web page: http://www.nsf-margins.org/SF/2009/

Applications open March 1st and close June 1st.

Joint MARGINS - EarthScope Announcement: New Opportunities in Cascadia (5/12/09)

Joint MARGINS – EarthScope Announcement: New Opportunities in Cascadia
From:
Geoff Abers, Chair, MARGINS Steering Committee
Goran Ekstrom, Chair, EarthScope Steering Committee

NSF has been discussing with the MARGINS and EarthScope Steering Committee Chairs plans for facility enhancements to dramatically improve geophysical observations in Cascadia. This announcement is intended to provide the scientific community with the information we have received thus far regarding this exciting new development enhancing both programs.

As part of the 2009 Stimulus or ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) spending, NSF’s Earth Sciences (EAR) and Ocean Sciences (OCE) divisions are each receiving $5M in facility-related investment. The funds will be targeted toward Facility-related investments to support EarthScope and MARGINS science objectives, with an initial emphasis on onshore/offshore studies of the Cascadia margin. Under current plans, the EAR portion will be spent to enhance data collection from the
EarthScope PBO geodetic facility in Cascadia, and to deploy additional USArray Transportable Array seismic equipment in the region (not necessarily only re-occupying previous stations). The OCE portion will go toward a pool of Ocean Bottom Seismographs (OBS's), ultimately part of the OBS Instrument Pool (OBSIP), to be deployed off Cascadia. OBS deployments will be supported by other funds. NSF currently envisions an initial deployment of at least 3 years, with a review to determine
future use of this equipment. All of these instruments are to be "open" community facilities providing data to any interested investigator as quickly as possible, in the manner of most current EarthScope stations. Many details remain to be determined, but our impression is that this overall plan will move forward quickly.

We are very excited by these developments. This is a big opportunity for both programs and provides a way for more integrated
EarthScope-MARGINS studies in the future. There are clearly some issues that still need to be resolved, such as the long-term plans for this facility. We are confident that these issues can be worked out with participation of the scientific community, and will strive to keep information available as rapidly as possible to the widest possible audience.

While plans are developing, we welcome community input into this process and encourage airing of ideas of what this facility could achieve. To that end, we have set up a moderated web forum (http://cascadia.freeforums.org/) available to anybody in the EarthScope and MARGINS communities, to post ideas and suggestions.

MYRES 2010 meeting(5/11/09)

Dear colleagues,

We are writing to advertise the next MYRES meeting in 2010.

MYRES is "Meeting for Young Researchers in Earth Sciences" (www.myres.org). These are meetings for graduate students, post docs and early career scientists to discuss current ideas in Earth Sciences. The topic of the meeting is voted on by the community, and right now is your opportunity to choose the topic for MYRES 2010.

We have submitted a proposal to hold a meeting on "Magmatism, volcanism,and climate change". This meeting would bring together a multi-disciplinary group of young scientists to discuss the causes and consequences of volcanism on Earth and elsewhere.

Please visit our website to learn more! www.phys.ualberta.ca/~ccurrie/myres

Other proposals and voting instructions are on the MYRES website: www.myres.org

Voting ends on May 14, so don't forget to vote for the next MYRES meeting!

Hope to see you at MYRES 2010,

Claire Currie, Yana Fedortchouk, Fabrizio Nestola, Jolante van Wijk

Submarine Eruption Observed Yesterday! (5/7/09)

Breaking News! Submarine Eruption Observed Yesterday!

In November 2008, a research cruise to the Lau-Tonga region found strong indications of seafloor eruption activity. Since young boninite lavas have been found in the area, these observations created excitement within the MARGINS and Ridge 2000 communities about a possible ongoing eruption.

With support from MARGINS and Ridge 2000, a rapid response cruise funded by NSF and NOAA is taking place right now and news hot off the ship has confirmed an eruption at the West Mata edifice, just behind the N Tonga arc.

View a picture of the eruption here: http://laueruptions.blogspot.com/

The Eruption Response Cruise continues for another week and the blog will beupdated frequently. Exciting indeed!

Posted by the MARGINS Office, 7th May, 2009.

Smithsonian Institution Position - Director of the Global Volcanism Program (5/5/09)

National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C. anticipates hiring a distinguished scientist to become the Director of the Global Volcanism Program and to conduct a research program in volcanology in the Department of Mineral Sciences. As a Federal employee, the successful candidate will be expected to serve as Curator making major contributions to the field of volcanology through research and publications, and to oversee the Global Volcanism Program’s
documenting and reporting of the world’s volcanoes in order to develop a space/time understanding of global volcanism. U.S. citizenship is a requirement for the position. We invite potential candidates to send letters of interest and vitae to Dick Fiske (fisker@si.edu). An official announcement of this position is expected in the coming weeks.

Elizabeth Cottrell
Associate Curator and Research Geologist
Department of Mineral Sciences, National Museum of Natural History,
Smithsonian Institution
PO Box 37012, NHB-119, Washington DC 20013
Ph: 202.633.1859 fax:202.357.2476
http://mineralsciences.si.edu/staff/pages/cottrell.htm
courier address: 10th & Constitution, NHB-119, Washington DC 20560

Postdoctoral Research Associate/Structural Volcanology (5/4/09)

The Department of Earth Science at Rice University has an opening for a postdoctoral researcher to work on the structure, mechanics, and deformation of large volcanic edifices on Earth and the terrestrial planets. A particular emphasis will be on data analysis and numerical modeling of Martian volcanoes. The candidate should have a recent Ph.D. in geophysics, geomechanics, or geology, and demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following areas: analysis of in-situ and/or remote sensing data (e.g., imagery, topography, gravity, geodesy, seismic), and numerical and/or analogue modeling of deformation and stress in large-scale geologic systems. Appointment is for one year, renewable for up to two additional years depending on performance and availability of funds. To apply, please submit a brief statement of research interests, curriculum vita including list of publications, and names of three references to Julia Morgan, Department of Earth Science, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005; morganj@rice.edu.
Rice University is an equal opportunity employer. Women and minorities are invited to apply.

2 Postdoctoral Positions (4/29/09)

1 Postdoctoral Position in Geodynamics of Subduction Zones
2 Postdoctoral Position in Seismology and Geodynamics

----------------------------------------------------------
1 *A Postdoctoral Position in Geodynamics of Subduction Zones*

Starting Date: September, 2009 (flexible)
Application Deadline: Extended to June 1, 2009
Location: Department of Geology, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616
Compensation: Full-time, depends on level (L.1 $35K - L.5 $75K)
Principal Investigator: Dr. Magali I. Billen

A postdoctoral position is available to conduct research on topics broadly related to the dynamics of plateau subduction and crustal obduction using 3D numerical models of mantle-lithosphere dynamics. The successful applicant will be a highly-motivated, independent researcher with interests in multidisciplinary approaches to investigating the dynamics of subduction zones. Numerical modeling experience, including both using and modifying finite element software, and proficient programming skills are required. The applicant's experience should include modeling of mantle and/or lithospheric dynamics. Applicants must have completed their Ph.D at the time the position starts, be proficient in spoken and written communication in English, and have a publication record reflective of their level of experience.

The position is funded for 2 years by an NSF EAR-CAREER grant, with possibility of renewal for additional years. This project is part of a research effort integrating 3D numerical models of subduction dynamics and development of teaching tools to improve student comprehension of the geological expression of 3D deformation.

Applicants should send, by e-mail (PDF attachments), a curriculum vitae with bibliography, a one-page statement of research interests and the names of three references to: Dr. Magali I. Billen, Department of Geology, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616; e-mail: billen@geology.ucdavis.edu; FAX: (530)
752-0951. UC Davis is an equal opportunity employer.

For enquiries, please contact Dr. Magali Billen directly (mibillen@ucdavis.edu). Also see http://www.geology.ucdavis.edu/~billen and http://www.keckcaves.org for more information on Dr. Billen's
research interests.
----------------------------
Associate Professor, U.C. Davis
Department of Geology, KeckCAVES
(530) 754-5696
** NEW ** mibillen@ucdavis.edu
** Sabbatical: January - June, 2009 **
Visiting Professor at
Northwestern University
Room 207 Locy
Dept. of Earth & Planetary Sciences
-----------------------------

2 *Postdoctoral Position in Seismology and Geodynamics*

University of Hawaii-Manoa, Honolulu

A postdoctoral research position is available to conduct research on the upper mantle dynamics of plume-plate interaction using geodynamic-based solutions to seismic observations of the Iceland hotspot. The project involves creating geodynamic models of mantle convection to predict anisotropic seismic velocity structure, and then simulating seismic wave propagation to generate synthetic data for quantitative comparisons with observations. The successful applicants will have experience in computational geophysics either related to mantle convection and/or seismic wave propagation, and have written manuscripts in these or
related fields. We seek an ambitious, creative, and independent researcher who is eager to collaborate with our multidisciplinary team of geodynamicists (Garrett Ito) and seismologists (Robert Dunn and Aibing Li).

The position begins in Sept 2009 (negotiable), last for one or more years contingent on an annual evaluation, and comes with a stipend of about $49 K per year. Applicants must have completed their Ph. D. by the time they are appointed. Apply electronically by sending a cover letter briefly stating research interests and CV, which includes a publication list and contact information for at least 3 references.

Send formal or informal inquiries to: Prof. Garrett Ito, University of
Hawaii, gito@hawaii.edu
www.soest.hawaii.edu/GG/FACULTY/ITO

Workshop on Deformation and Failure of Geomaterials (4/29/09)

A Multidisciplinary Scientific Workshop
June 14-19, 2009
Masseria Salamina, Brindisi (Italy)
http://www.gheomat.com/
/Registration process by May 15, 2009/

This workshop will expose young researchers to recent developments in the mechanics of granular materials that are relevant to the behavior of geo-materials. Daily classes on modeling, simulation, and experiment will be complimented by invited lectures given by distinguished researchers. The practical problem of interest is the stability of rocky slopes and the possible prediction of landslide initiation. Consequently, the focus of the workshop will be on the deformation and failure of geological materials. Topics to be addressed include the derivation of continuum theories based on particle interactions, the use discrete element simulations of particles in developing continuum theory, the implementation of continuum theories in finite element simulations, and the interpretation of experimental results. Researchers with backgrounds in engineering, mathematics, physics, and geology are encouraged to apply. Poster sessions will allow the participants to actively contribute to the workshop.

It is anticipated that some support for international travel and local expenses will be available for US citizens and permanent residents who are in the early stages of their careers - graduate students, post-doctoral associates, and assistant professors. Interested individuals should send a 2-page CV in NSF format and brief statements about how the workshop relates to their research interests and activities and how it will benefit their professional development, by the registration deadline, to jtj2@cornell.edu.

Applications for the 2009-2010 MARGINS Distinguished Lectureship Program (4/24/09)

The MARGINS Office will cover airfares for speakers' travel and will coordinate travel and off-site logistics. Host institutions are responsible for local expenses for the duration of the visit.

View '09-'10 speakers at: http://www.nsf-margins.org/DLProgram/09-10/
Apply at: http://www.nsf-margins.org/DLProgram/09-10/DLApp09.html

Applications are due by July 1, 2009.

MARGINS Decadal Review Report and Documentation Now Available (4/1/09)

April 1, 2009

As many of you know, MARGINS has gone through its Decadal Review this year. MARGINS was conceived of as a decade-length program, and started nearly ten years ago, so is reaching the end of its current incarnation. The Review covers the existing program, but also addresses the question of a successor program continuing past this year. Four sets documents are now on line, at www.nsf-margins.org/Review2009:

1) Material prepared by the MARGINS Steering Committee and Office in November 2008, including over 100 PI-contributed one-page Research Nuggets and other group contributions;

2) The Decadal Review Committee’s Report, following their February 2009 meeting;

3) The Steering Committee’s Response to the Report; and

4) The NSF Program Manager Response, encouraging a community-wide planning workshop.

The report was very positive overall, and, at NSF’s encouragement, the Steering Committee is now organizing broad community-based planning workshop to produce a science plan. That plan will be submitted to NSF for consideration as a basis for a successor program. There are many strengths of the existing program to build upon but there will be some changes, and this is a time to reconsider the scientific goals, and to consider approaches that will best lead to new discovery. Details are outlined in the documents. It is also important to emphasize that a successor program has not been authorized; we have been encouraged to submit a science plan drafted with broad community input, and when that is submitted then NSF can consider a successor. Still, the encouragement to move forward has been strong, and the Steering Committee believes that there are many reasons that a successor should take place.

Please have a look. The first suite of documents include (#1 above) a succinct Executive Summary and some ideas of where a future program might go. The last three items should be read last three all together, as they clarify each other in important ways and refer to each other extensively. The next step will be a MARGINS-wide community workshop, designed to plan a successor and provide a blueprint for a science plan. Its timing is being worked out presently, but will be hopefully in Winter 2010. We are also planning a web-based forum, for discussion about the future. Stay tuned!

Regards,

Geoff Abers, Chair, MARGINS Steering Committee

Misasa International Student Intern Program 2009 (3/29/09)

Institute for Study of the Earth’s Interior, Okayama University, Japan would like to invite applications for the 2009 International Student Intern Program

1. About the institute

The Institute for Study of the Earth's Interior (ISEI) is a leading institute equipped with state-of-the-art experimental and analytical facilities. Active researches are being conducted in the basic research areas of isotope and trace element geochemistry, high-resolution geochronology, and high-pressure and temperature materials science, aimed at understanding the origin, evolution and dynamics of the Earth. The institute is rapidly developing into an international research and educational center for solid earth sciences through the embarkation of the Center of Excellence for the 21st Century (COE-21) program (Program
Leader: Professor Eizo Nakamura), sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan (MEXT) in 2003, and is now constantly the host of a significant number of leading and young collaborative researchers from worldwide. The institute is located in Misasa town, which is well known in Japan for its hot-spring spa. For more information about ISEI, please visit the following website: http://www.misasa.okayama-u.ac.jp/

2. About the program

The annual Misasa International Student Intern Program for advancedundergraduate (3rd to 4th year) and master’s course students has been planned to promote international collaborative research and education. During the intern program, students will work closely with ISEI faculty members and their research groups on currently active research projects at ISEI. Researches at ISEI generally fall into one of the following areas: (1) geochemistry, cosmochemistry and geochronology (major/trace
element and isotope analyses of crustal and mantle derived magmas, xenoliths, melt inclusions and meteorites using SEM, ICP-MS, TIMS, SIMS, IRMS, XRF, etc. to unravel the origin, evolution and dynamics of the Earth and the Solar System), (2) high-pressure experimental mineral physics (including high-pressure experiments using multi-anvil press, studies of phase equilibrium, electrical conductivity, elasticity and rheological property using X-ray diffraction (XRD), resonance ultrasonic
spectroscopy (RUS), impedance spectroscopy (IS), etc.), and (3) magmalogy and crystal chemistry (including high-pressure experiments using DAC/multi-anvil press/piston cylinder/IHPV, and NMR/Raman/IR spectroscopic measurements of minerals, melts (glasses) and fluids). Perspective applicants are encouraged to contact ISEI faculty member(s) for more information. It is hoped that through this program, the participants will acquaint themselves with the state-of-the-art research facilities and activities at ISEI, and gain first-hand scientific research experience. At the conclusion of the program, an intern symposium will be held for all the participants to deliver oral presentations of their work (in English).

3. Eligibility

The program is open to advanced undergraduate (3rd to 4th year) and master’s course students majoring in earth sciences, physics, chemistry, materials sciences, or related fields, who have a strong interest in a career of scientific research. Students from either within or outside Japan, regardless of nationality, are eligible to apply. Communication skill in English is required.

4. Date and Period:
July 2 (Thu)~August 11 (Tue), 2009

5. Financial support:

Travel expenses and daily allowance will be fully covered, and accommodation in the Misasa guesthouse will be provided.

6. Number of participants:
About 10.

7. Application procedure:

The application form for the internship program is available from the following website.

http://www.misasa.okayama-u.ac.jp/MISIP/2009/

8. Application deadline:
April 30, 2009 (10 am, JST)

9. Contact information
The application should be sent to:
Yoshiko Nakano
Institute for Study of the Earth’s Interior
Okayama University
Misasa, Tottori, 682-0193 Japan
E-mail:misip@ pheasant.misasa.okayama-u.ac.jp

For inquires concerning the intern program, please contact Dr. Katsuyuki Yamashita, the program coordinator
(coordinator@pheasant.misasa.okayama-u.ac.jp) or any other ISEI faculty members.

MARGINS TEI: Volatiles in the Subduction Factory (3/27/09)

Dear MARGINS Community,

A few weeks ago an incomplete announcement was sent through our listserv for the upcoming MARGINS TEI: Volatiles in the Subduction Factory. Below is a the full announcement and a link to the meeting web page.

We apologize for any confusion.
Sincerely,
The MARGINS Office

------

http://www.nsf-margins.org/SF/2009/index.html

MARGINS Workshop Announcement
Volatiles TEI:
Timberline Lodge, Mt. Hood, Oregon

Convened by: E. Hauri (hauri@dtm.ciw.edu), P. van Keken (keken@umich.edu), K. Fischer (Karen_Fischer@brown.edu), C. Manning (manning@ess.ucla.edu), and G. Gaetani (ggaetani@whoi.edu)

The MARGINS Office is pleased to announce a 4-day Theoretical and Experimental Institute (TEI) focused on the behavior, mass-balance, and influence of volatiles in subduction zones. The scope of the meeting will encompass the range of research topics within the MARGINS SubFac (Subduction Factory), SEIZE (Seismogenic Zone Experiment) and RCL (Rupturing Continental Lithosphere) initiatives that are directly influenced by subduction-related fluids. This multidisciplinary meeting, to be held Sept. 28-Oct. 1 2009 at Timberline Lodge, Oregon, will bring together geochemists, geophysicists and modelers to critically examine and discuss the current state of our knowledge on the budgets of H2O, CO2, N, F, S, Cl, noble gases and hydrocarbons in the two SubFac focus sites (Izu-Bonin-Mariana and Central America), to compare and contrast the focus sites, and to deepen our understanding of the influence of volatile elements on issues of importance fundamental to our understanding of subduction zones, including:

* mass-balance of volatile and non-volatile elements into and through the Subduction Factory
* flux and composition of fluids emanating from fore-arcs and the role of serpentine in modulating fluid flow and composition, fault slip, and H2O transport to deeper levels
* devolatilization reactions in the slab from the trench to the transition zone
* the composition and mass transfer of fluids from slab to the mantle wedge and arc crust
* the influence of fluids in earthquake generation and slab and mantle rheology
* the role of volatiles in the interpretation of seismic observables (e.g. velocities, anisotropy, attenuation) in IBM and Central America
* magma and volatile fluxes in the IBM and Central American arcs
* the influence of water on magma generation
* the effect of arc volatile emissions on volcanic hazards and global climate

Approximately 90 participants can be accommodated. Selected participants will be provided with full or partial funding for travel, accommodation and meals. We encourage applications from young investigators, graduate
students, and members of under-represented groups. MARGINS funding is not a prerequisite. Applicants should prepare a short CV, abstract, and brief (half-page) statement of interest. Detailed instructions are included on the web application form which can be accessed from the TEI web page: http://www.nsf-margins.org/SF/2009/

Applications open March 1st and close June 1st.

International School on Complexity GRAINS, FRICTION, and FAULTS. (3/18/09)

International School on Complexity GRAINS, FRICTION, AND FAULTS

Erice (Sicily) 20 to 25 July, 2009

Dear Colleagues,
We invite you to participate in the XI course of the International School on Complexity to be held at the

ETTORE MAJORANA FOUNDATION AND CENTRE FOR SCIENTIFIC CULTURE, ERICE (Sicily) - Italy

The aim of the Course is to bring together world leaders in the manifold subjects and fields related to Granular Materials, Complexity, Friction and Faults. The goal is to provide researchers with a rare opportunity to build unifying perspectives and tools for addressing emerging problems in these areas. The program and the venue of the School will promote free exchange of ideas and stimulate new insights into physical phenomena from atomic to plate tectonic scales.

We hope to see you there!

Alberto Petri and Chris Marone
For registration and other information see:
http://sdm.isc.cnr.it/GFF

Keynote Speakers
• Einat Aharonov (Weizmann Institute, Israel)
• Jean-Paul Ampuero (Caltech, USA)
• Lucilla de Arcangelis (University Naples II, Italy)
• Andrea Baldassarri (University La Sapienza, Italy)
• Bob Behringer (Duke University, USA)
• Emily Brodsky (University of California, USA)
• Eric Clement (University Pierre et Marie Curie, France)
• Massimo Cocco (INGV, Italy)
• Cristiano Collettini (University of Perugia, Italy)
• Alvaro Corral (University of Barcelona, Spain)
• Giulio Di Toro (University of Padua, Italy)
• Jay Fineberg (University of Jerusalem, Israel)
• Agnes Helmstetter (University Joseph Fourier, France)
• Karen Mair (University Oslo, Norway)
• Carmen Prado (University of Sao Paulo, Brazil)
• Olivier Pouliquen (Polytech Marseille, France)
• Izabela Szlufarska(University of Wisconsin, USA)
• Michael Urbakh (Tel Aviv University, Israel)

School Format
The course will consist of invited presentations by lecturers for each thematic session along with selected oral contributions and time for discussion. Ample time will be allocated to poster sessions.

MARGINS workshop: Last few places available (3/13/09)

Using MARGINS Data in the Undergraduate Classroom

** Just a few spaces are left - apply now! Application deadline is 15th March 2009 **

A two-day MARGINS workshop designed to refine, complete, and evaluate teacher-ready mini-lessons for the undergraduate classroom will be held 28th-29th May 2009 at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University.

The decade-long NSF MARGINS program has generated a wealth of data for use in the undergraduate classroom. This workshop will focus on polishing, evaluating and publishing on-line a diverse suite of teacher-ready mini-lessons to complement those already available.

Important MARGINS data tools and resources, including the MARGINS Data Portal, GeoMapApp, Virtual Ocean, SedDB and PetDB will be demonstrated at the workshop.

This will be a hands-on workshop. In advance of the workshop, participants are required to evaluate an existing mini-lesson or provide an idea for a new mini-lesson.

Workshop meals and shared hotel accommodation will be provided. MARGINS also has some money available to help successful applicants offset the cost of travel.

The deadline for applications is 15th March 2009. The deadline for successful applicants to submit materials (an evaluation or a new idea) is 15th April 2009.

The simple application form is here: http://serc.carleton.edu/margins/workshop09/index.html
Other useful links: MARGINS mini-lessons: http://serc.carleton.edu/margins/minilessons.html
Mini-lessons by topic: http://serc.carleton.edu/margins/topic.html
Mini-lessons evaluation: http://serc.carleton.edu/margins/assess.html

The future of R/V Langseth operations (3/12/09)

Dear Colleagues:

Recently, members of the Marcus Langseth Science Oversight Committee (MLSOC) met with program managers at NSF to discuss the future of research on the Langseth. The meeting was called by NSF program officers to discuss ways to improve perceived shortcomings in the funding mechanisms and scheduling efficiency for the Langseth facility. Although this was just the beginning of a process that will rely heavily on input from the broad user community, several items were discussed that I would like to share with you at this stage.

• First and foremost, there is no truth to rumors that the ship will be laid up in 2010; given highly ranked proposals to use Langseth for 2010, NSF has every intention of funding work on the Langseth next year, and beyond. Numerous proposals are in the system requesting Langseth ship time for 2010, and there is every expectation that the Langseth will have a working schedule in 2010. Meanwhile, keep up the proposal pressure for 2011!

• Second, conversations were initiated on scheduling challenges facing the Langseth. These challenges include (1) the relatively high day rate of the facility, especially in 3D mode, which can hurt the competetiveness of Langseth proposals at panel, and (2) the difficulty NSF faces in putting together efficient schedules given the relatively small number of funded proposals. These are obviously linked problems. In order to tackle these, we will embark on a campaign to solicit community input, both via online mechanisms and with a community workshop.

We should all remember that this past year has been one of remarkable achievements for the Langseth, her crew, and LDEO — all cruises so far have been successful, including the first 3D data set. LDEO has successfully recruited many key personnel with industry experience, whose expertise has contributed directly to these early successes. Now is the time to cement those successes with further proposal pressure.

So, keep the proposals coming, and in the meantime, stay tuned for upcoming messages on how we’ll solicit community input on the road forward.

Best,
Steve Holbrook
Chair, Marcus Langseth Science Oversight Committee

______________________________________________
W. Steven Holbrook
Professor of Geophysics
Dept. of Geology and Geophysics
1000 E. University Ave., Dept. 3006
University of Wyoming
Laramie, WY 82071

steveh@uwyo.edu
http://www.steveholbrook.com
(307) 766 2427 (voice)
(307) 766 6679 (fax)

Volatiles TEI Applications Open (3/10/09)

Applications for the 2009 Volatiles TEI are open!

Apply now at http://nsf-margins.org/SF/2009/app.html

The MARGINS Office will coordinate a 4-day Volatiles Theoretical and Experimental Institute (TEI) meeting at the Timberline Lodge, Oregon, Sept. 28-Oct. 1 2009. The meeting will bring together geochemists, geophysicists and modelers to critically examine and discuss the current state of our knowledge on the budgets of H2O, CO2, N, F, S, Cl, noble gases and hydrocarbons in the two SubFac focus sites (Izu-Bonin-Mariana and Central America), to compare and contrast the focus sites, and to deepen our understanding of the influence of volatile elements on issues of importance fundamental to our understanding of subduction zones.

Selected participants will be provided with full or partial funding for travel, accommodation and meals. We encourage applications from young investigators, graduate students, and members of under-represented groups. MARGINS funding is not a prerequisite. Applicants should prepare a short CV, abstract, and brief (half-page) statement of interest. Detailed instructions are included on the web application form which can be accessed from the TEI web page: http://www.nsf-margins.org/SF/2009/

Applications close June 1, 2009.

Reminder: MARGINS mini-lessons workshop (3/10/09)

Using MARGINS Data in the Undergraduate Classroom

** Application deadline is 15th March 2009**

Important MARGINS data tools and resources, including the MARGINS Data Portal, GeoMapApp, Virtual Ocean, SedDB and PetDB will be demonstrated at the workshop.

This will be a hands-on workshop. In advance of the workshop, participants are required to evaluate an existing mini-lesson or provide an idea for a new mini-lesson.

Workshop meals and shared hotel accommodation will be provided. MARGINS also has some money available to help successful applicants offset the cost of travel.

The deadline for applications is 15th March 2009. The deadline for successful applicants to submit materials (an evaluation or a new idea) is 15th April 2009.

Volatiles TEI Applications Open (3/6/09)

Applications for the 2009 Volatiles TEI are open!

Apply now at http://nsf-margins.org/SF/2009/app.html

Applications close June 1, 2009.

MARGINS mini-lessons workshop (2/17/09)

Using MARGINS Data in the Undergraduate Classroom

Important MARGINS data tools and resources, including the MARGINS Data Portal, GeoMapApp, Virtual Ocean, SedDB and PetDB will be demonstrated at the workshop.

This will be a hands-on workshop. In advance of the workshop, participants are required to evaluate an existing mini-lesson or provide an idea for a new mini-lesson.

Workshop meals and shared hotel accommodation will be provided. MARGINS also has some money available to help successful applicants offset the cost of travel.

The deadline for applications is 15th March 2009. The deadline for successful applicants to submit materials (an evaluation or a new idea) is 15th April 2009.

The simple application form is here: http://serc.carleton.edu/margins/workshop09/index.html

Other useful links:
MARGINS mini-lessons: http://serc.carleton.edu/margins/minilessons.html
Mini-lessons by topic: http://serc.carleton.edu/margins/topic.html
Mini-lessons evaluation: http://serc.carleton.edu/margins/assess.html

MARGINS Student Prize Results for Outstanding Presentation at AGU 2008‏ (2/16/09)

Dear MARGINS Community,

We are pleased to inform you that the winners of the MARGINS Student prize competition at the 2008 AGU Fall Meeting are Andy Frassetto from the University of Arizona, with an oral presentation related to the RCL initiative, and Justin Brown from Stanford University, with a poster presentation related to the SEIZE initiative.

The Complete list of winners and honorable mentions is shown below and can be found on our web page
http://www.nsf-margins.org/MARGINS_Prize/MPWinners2008.html.

Thanks to all MARGINS judges!

1. *Andy Frassetto* - University of Arizona (RCL) - S32B-05 (Talk)
Abstract Title: Seismic character of the crust and upper mantle beneath the Sierra Nevada

Judges Comment: Andy presented important and interesting data and provided a clear and believable interpretation. A strong presentation. I really enjoyed the talk.

2. *Justin Brown* - Stanford University (SEIZE) - U33A-0023 (Poster)
Abstract Title: Comparing Observations of Low Frequency Earthquakes From Tremor at Three Subduction Zones

Judges Comment: Justin presented state of the art work. The research is conclusive and high quality. Very well spoken concerning his research and his work has significant impact.

3. *Mike Krawscyznski* - Massachusetts Institute of Technology (SubFac) - V22A-04 (Talk)
Abstract Title: Magma processing in the lower crust as recorded in mafic inclusions from Mt. Shasta, CA

Judges Comment: Clear, effective delivery. Well backed up conclusion of great importance to Subfac geoscientists. Fantastic Talk.

4. *Lepolt Linkimer* - Universidad de Costa Rica & The University of Arizona (SubFac/SEIZE) - T23B-2036 (Poster)
Abstract Title: Vp/Vs Ratio and Depth to Moho and the Subducting Cocos Slab across Northern Costa Rica estimated from Receiver Function Analysis

Judges Comment: Lepolt has done an outstanding job in analyzing and error-checking. He clearly had a state-of-the-art understanding of the subject matter. A very strong contribution.

5. *Linda Chernak* - Brown University (SEIZE) - T53C-1966 (Poster)
Abstract Title: Experimental Constraints on the Strength of Antigorite Deformed at High Temperature and Pressure

Judges Comment: Very clear presentation of an interesting mineralogical/rheological issue. Poster nicely started with big picture
motivation and was laid out clearly. Excellent work, well designed and executed.

6. *Laurel Childress* - North Carolina State University (S2S) - OS11B-1135 (Poster)
Abstract Title: Use of Carbon and Nitrogen Stable Isotopes to Study Late Pleistocene to Holocene Environmental Change in the Waipaoa Sedimentary System, New Zealand

Judges Comment: Well laid out, logical poster. Presentation was very clear, student was engaged and knowledgeable. Effective presentation.

----
MARGINS Office
Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory
Columbia University

Important News from NSF regarding MARGINS review and next proposal round (2/13/09)

News from NSF: MARGINS’ Decadal Review and Status of the FY10 Budget

MARGINS decadal review committee (DRC) convened by NSF met on February 2nd and 3rd 2009. They were charged to review the Program’s accomplishments, future plans and management structure and make recommendations to the Foundation about its continuation. Their work was greatly facilitated by the substantive documentation produced by MARGINS Steering Committee and the community in preparation for the review. The DRC was very appreciative of the hard work and considerable thought that went into producing the documentation, especially the nuggets comprising summaries of the projects funded under MARGINS umbrella. The final review report is still pending at the time of this writing and will be disseminated to the community as soon as it is available.

Depending on the outcome of the DRC report, FY 2010 (starting in October 2009) is seen as a period of transition for the MARGINS Program. During the next fiscal year the community at large will have the opportunity to reconsider the Program in its entirety and in detail, and produce new science plans, if necessary. This could require considerable investment of time and energy on the part of the community in brain-storming sessions, consultation and planning. Thus, we envision several workshops and group meetings that would be necessary to undertake this task expediently. Because of this transition, for the next proposal submittal deadline (July 1, 2009) MARGINS program at NSF encourages the community to submit proposals for workshops and integrative/synthesis activities. Proposals for new data collection efforts should be limited to short-duration efforts critical to the completion of such integration and synthesis goals. In addition to these, there are a number of field projects on which funding decisions were made during the last MARGINS competition and these would still be partially or wholly funded from FY 2010 funds. Again, depending on the review results and ensuing science planning activities, the transition to a new program is envisioned to be complete by the end of 2010.

Bilal U. Haq
For MARGINS Program

Tectonophysics Special Sessions at the Spring Joint Assembly (2/10/09)

Dear Tectonophysics affiliates,

The Tectonophysics section has compiled a collection of special sessions (listed below) for the Spring Joint Assembly being held this year in Toronto from May 24-27th. The sessions cover a broad range of topics relevant to the study of the lithosphere and mantle. We'd like to encourage you to submit abstracts to one of these sessions (submission deadline: March 4) or to the Tectonophysics General Contributions session (T01) and hope to see you in Toronto in May. First authors CAN
submit more than one abstract for consideration to this meeting.

If you have any questions, please contact the specific session conveners or one of the Tectonophysics Program Committee members: Sam Butler (sam.butler@usask.ca), Julian Lowman (lowman@utsc.utoronto.ca) or Frederik Simons (fritsie@beer.com). More information on the Joint Assembly can be found at the following website:

http://www.agu.org/meetings/ja09/index.php

Tectonophysics Special Sessions:

T02: Lithospheric Foundering from Top to Bottom

It has been postulated that the continental subcrustal lithosphere (mantle lithosphere) and the lowermost crust in various geological regions have been partially or completely removed through delamination or convective instability. Seismic studies show, for example, nomalously slow zones at lithospheric depths, interpreted to be replacement of foundered mantle lithosphere by hot asthenosphere. A range of surface geological observables have been attributed to such lithospheric removal events. These include: topographic uplift/subsidence, elevated surface heat flow, anomalous crustal deformation, and geochemically distinctive magmatism/volcanism. However, many fundamental uncertainties remain about how and why lithospheric removal happens, what effect it has on the crust, whether specific regions identified with removal events are correctly interpreted, what characteristics these regions do or do not share, etc. We invite contributions that consider these and other issues regarding lithospheric removal.

The aim of the session is an interdisciplinary exploration of lithospheric removal, and as such we encourage a wide spectrum of submissions based on, for example, geophysics, geology, geochemistry, or geodesy.

T03: The Seismic Structure and Dynamics of Subduction Zones

Subduction zones are among the most tectonically active and heterogeneous places on Earth. Geophysical properties, such as seismicity, seismic-wave velocities, anisotropy and attenuation, vary significantly among subduction systems. Meanwhile, these observed properties are profoundly affected by the dynamics of subduction system throughout the tectonic evolution history. For example, hydrous phases and water released from slab dehydration reactions possibly contribute to intermediate-depth intra-slab seismicity (70-300 km), silent slip events, changes in dynamic flow patterns and the abundant volcanism. Recently, significant advances in instrumentation and seismic imaging techniques have led to high-resolution images and permitted new insights into subduction zone dynamics and seismogenesis.

This session is aimed at showing new observations of subduction zone structure, and seeking geodynamical and mineralogical explanations. We invite contributions from the fields of seismology, geodynamics, potential fields, petrological modeling and experiments.

T04: Surface Geological and Tectonic Constraints on Time-dependent Mantle Convection

In the last decade the spatial resolution of global seismic tomography and mantle convection models has increased significantly. Numerous studies have demonstrated that changes in mantle flow patterns can influence temporal variations in plate motions, "stability" of hot-spots, sea level change, evolution of basins and topography, and the strength of the lithosphere.

We invite papers that take multidisciplinary approaches to constraining mantle flow with surface observations. In particular, we encourage submissions from areas of geomorphology, paleo-oceanography, sedimentology, geodesy, geochemistry and seismology to promote cross-disciplinary discussions and to advance our understanding of the interplay of deep Earth and surface processes that are shaping our Earth.

Regards,
Sam Butler (U. Saskatchewan), Julian Lowman (U. Toronto) and Frederik Simons (Princeton U.)

Session 6d at Goldschmidt 2009 (2/10/09)
Session 06d: From Fiji to Western Pacific Arcs and Beyond – A Session in Honour of Jim Gill

Convenor: Erin Todd
Keynote: Simon Turner (Macquarie University)

The aim of this session is to highlight current research that stems from two topical areas identified with the career of Jim Gill: the geochemistry of arc and backarc magmas; and the application of U-series to magmagenesis in all tectonic environments. Now 28 years after publication of his authoritative “Orogenic Andesites and Plate Tectonics,” his legacy among contemporary subduction-zone themes is extensive. Suggested topics include (but are not limited to): 1) What is the composition of slab-derived fluids and melts released during subduction? 2) What is the effect of these fluids and melts on mantle melting? 3) What are the effects of water and fO2 on the differentiation of arc magmas? 4) What temporal and spatial geochemical trends are characteristic and fundamental to magma formation in arcs and back-arcs? 5) What is the time scale of igneous processes as inferred from U-series disequilibria? We particularly encourage submissions by Gill’s students, peers, and collaborators.

Goldschmitt meeting web page is http://www.goldschmidt2009.org <http://www.goldschmidt2009.org/>
Goldschmitt abstract deadline is Feb 22
The meeting is June 21-26 in Davos, Switzerland

Session 6e at the Goldschmitt Meeting (2/9/09)

Session 6e Seismic, Geodynamic, and Mineralogical Constraints on Arc and Backarc Processes

Convenors: Doug Wiens, Carmen Sanchez-Valle, Peter Ulmer
Keynote: Peter van Keken (University of Michigan)

Geodynamic models allow study of many important processes in subduction zones, including mantle flow patterns, magma production processes, and the cycling of material including volatiles through the system. Seismic observations provide important constraints on these models, but require experimental and computational results relating seismic observations to physical properties. In this interdisciplinary session, topics will include seismic studies of arc seismic structure and anisotropy, geodynamic models of arc processes, and theoretical and laboratory constraints on the relationship of seismic velocities, attenuation, and anisotropy to mantle temperature, mineralogy, deformation, and melt and volatile content.

Goldschmitt meeting web page is http://www.goldschmidt2009.org
Goldschmitt abstract deadline is Feb 22
the meeting is June 21-26 in Davos, Switzerland

And another special session at 2009 Goldschmidt Conference (2/9/09)

Dear Colleagues,

Please consider contributing to a special session organized by Monica Handler and myself on non-traditional tracers of arc processes at the upcoming Goldschmidt meeting in Davos (June 21-26 2009). Abstracts are due by 22 Feb (see www.goldschmidt2009.org/index). Further details are below.

Novel tracers of slab components and new insights into the evolution of arc magmas (session 06c)

Description
Our understanding of crustal and fluid recycling and magmatic evolution at subduction zones is being revolutionised through the application of increasingly diverse non-traditional geochemical tracers, ranging for example, from light elements (e.g. Li, Be, B, N) to chalcophile elements (e.g. Re, PGE), halogen and transition metal stable isotopes to U-series isotopes. This session seeks contributions that utilise non-traditional and novel geochemical tracers to investigate subduction zone processes, including timescales and mechanisms, from deep recycling through to high-level magmatic processes. Contributions that integrate several approaches or highlight novel applications of abundance or isotopic systems are particularly encouraged.

Invited Speakers
Tim Elliot (Keynote; Bristol), Alison Shaw (WHOI), Jaime Barnes (Univ. New Mexico)

Convenors
Monica Handler (Victoria University of Wellington)
Adam Kent (Oregon State University)

Another special session at 2009 Goldschmidt Conference (2/6/09)

Dear Colleagues,

We would like to call your attention to another special session related to subduction zone processes at the 2009 Goldschmidt Conference in Davos, Switzerland, entitled, "Volatiles in subduction zone magmas, from the slab to the surface." The abstract submission deadline is 22 February, 2009, and full details can be found at http://www.goldschmidt2009.org

Session 06a: Volatiles in subduction zone magmas, from the slab to the surface

Conveners:
Katherine Kelley, GSO/Univ. of Rhode Island, USA
Roberto Moretti, Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, ITALY

Description:
Volatiles play a central role at subduction zones, influencing processes as varied as mantle melting, element transport, crystallization, magma migration and degassing. The impact and inter-relationships of volatile elements and species (e.g., H2O, CO2, S species, Cl, F, etc.) in subduction zone slab, mantle, and magmatic systems are essential components of this complex tectonic setting, and this session aims to present a comprehensive portrait of the current state of volatile studies at all levels through the subduction zone. This session welcomes all contributions from theory, models, experiments and measurements about the volatile cycle from the slab to the surface, including slab devolatilization, volatile fluxes and geochemical budgets, volatile solubility and physico-chemical properties of melts and HT fluids, melting and metasomatic processes, and pre- to syn-eruptive magma conditions as recorded by melt inclusions and phase equilibria.

Keynote speaker:
Nicole Metrich, Laboratoire Pierre Süe, CNRS-CEA, FRANCE

Northern Lau Eruption Response: Ridge 2000 and MARGINS Programs (2/5/09)

Announcement
Northern Lau Eruption Response
Ridge 2000 and MARGINS Programs
February 5, 2009

Introduction
The Ridge 2000 (R2K) and MARGINS Programs Steering Committees, in conjunction with NSF and NOAA program managers announce an eruption response cruise to the Northern Lau Basin. These groups have reviewed preliminary shipboard data and participated in numerous teleconferences and email correspondences over the past month to discuss opportunities for a response to recently detected volcanic eruptions in the northern Lau Basin [Shipboard Science group Lupton, Resing et al]. Based on these deliberations, NSF has agreed to fund an event response cruise to be led by Dr. Joe Resing (U. Washington & NOAA PMEL) in May 2009 to collect time-critical samples and make observations. The cruise will involve the R/V Thompson and the ROV Jason 2 system. The purpose of this announcement is to provide basic background information to the scientific community, and to solicit short letters of interest from investigators who wish to participate in the cruise (i.e., sample collection or analysis) and/or collaborate through shore-based efforts. Letters can be submitted by email to the R2K or MARGINS office, as described below.

Solicitation of Interest From Ridge 2000 and MARGINS Investigators
The nature of the response effort dictates that there be a focused field and laboratory effort that is directed towards time-critical studies, including sample collection, field observations, and shipboard and shore-based analyses. We expect that the ship, ROV facilities, time, and the costs to send a science team into the field for this work will be funded jointly by NSF R2K, MARGINS, NOAA-PMEL and NOAA-Ocean Exploration. The ~9 day cruise will likely occur from May 5-13, 2009.

Dr. Resing, in collaboration with the Executive Committees of the Ridge 2000 and MARGINS Programs, and the staff of the NOAA VENTS Program are developing a scientific plan and discussing personnel staffing for the shipboard operations during the response cruise.

Scientists interested in shipboard participation or shore-based collaborations associated with the event response are encouraged to contact the Ridge 2000 and MARGINS Offices at: ridge2000@whoi.edu and abers@nsf-margins.org. Short Letters of Interest (1 page maximum), emailed to BOTH addresses indicated above, should be received no later than February 13, 2009, to facilitate planning for the upcoming cruise. Please be sure to provide information about what you can contribute to the response effort, whether you need to participate in the cruise, what you would like to do with samples or data from the cruise, and whether that can be done with your existing funding.

Dr. Resing and the science team that discovered the eruptions last year are involved in discussions with program managers at NSF and NOAA to develop a proposal and funding plan to cover the immediate field costs. Modest proposals to help fund science costs related to this event response effort are currently under discussion with by NSF and NOAA program managers. Letters of interest received from the community will be used to help develop the science plan and assess participation by other scientists who have interests in this area.

Data resulting from the response cruise will be made available to the scientific community quickly, with daily updates from the ship during the cruise and other preliminary data compiled within a few months of the end of the cruise. Some of the time critical analyses, including Po-dating of lavas will take longer because of analytical requirements. Brief statements of interest for ancillary/follow-up studies lacking a critical time component are also welcome and will be accommodated if sufficient samples/observations are available to support them. Please send inquiries or requests for information to the email addresses listed above.

A PDF file containing some preliminary findings from the North Lau Eruption sites is available at the Ridge 2000 website at: http://www.ridge2000.org/science/downloads/email/Nlauprelimfindings25.pdf

Two Special Sessions at the 2009 Goldschmidt Conference (2/3/09)

Dear Colleagues,

We would like to draw your attention and welcome you to a special symposium which we are organizing at the 2009 Goldschmidt Conference (Davos, Switzerland, June 21 to 26, 2009) to honor Peter J. Wyllie for his life-long contributions to understanding how the Earth works by means of experimental petrology (http://www.goldschmidt2009.org/themes?theme=4#session_04d).

Below are the important details:

[1] Title of the symposium:

"Magma generation and evolution and global tectonics - A symposium in honor of Peter J. Wyllie for his life-long contributions to understanding how the Earth works by means of experimental petrology"

[2] Description:

Magma generation and its evolution from mantle through crust are among the most important processes that have led to chemical differentiation of our planet throughout its history. Our current understanding of magma generation processes owes much to experimental petrology, including the more than 300 original research contributions by Peter Wyllie and his co-authors. Peter correctly recognised early on the significance of volatiles in magma genesis in all tectonic settings. Remarkably, when plate tectonics theory was still in its infancy, Peter effectively brought that theory to a generation of students worldwide through his
book The Dynamic Earth, which lucidly explained why volcanoes occur where they do. This symposium honors Peter's lifetime contribution to petrology, aiming to bring together scientists from many parts of the world to discuss their new research on magma generation and differentiation processes. Topics include experimental petrology, igneous geochemistry and modeling, with emphasis on the use of petrology and geochemistry as a means to understanding how our planet works.

[3] Key dates:

(1) January 1st 2009 - Abstract submission open
(2) February 22nd 2009 - Abstract submission closed

[4] Convenors:

Yaoling Niu, Durham University, UK (yaoling.niu@durham.ac.uk)
Marjorie Wilson, University of Leeds, UK (m.wilson@see.leeds.ac.uk)
Ed Stolper, Caltech, USA (ems@gps.caltech.edu)
Hans Keppler, University of Bayreuth, Germany (hans.keppler@uni-bayreuth.de)

2. What are the effects of crustal growth, recycling and weathering on the oceans, atmosphere, and biosphere?

On behalf on my co-convenor, John Eiler, and myself I am sending you the attached description for a special session at Goldschmidt 2009 entitled "What are the effects of crustal growth, recycling and weathering on the oceans, atmosphere, and biosphere?". We would very much welcome an abstract from you as part of this session and we would encourage you to share this information with colleagues. Full details on how submit abstracts can be found at http://www.goldschmidt2009.org

Deadline for submissions is 22nd February.

What are the effects of crustal growth, recycling and weathering on the oceans, atmosphere, and biosphere?

Description:

Growth and destruction of continental crust has important consequences for the development of the atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere. As the continents were constructed and the relative volume of the ocean basins shrank relative sea level must have risen, reducing continental erosion rates, as continental freeboard stabilized. As the crust has been reworked by orogeny this must have influenced global sealevel via relative enlargement of the ocean basins and increased weathering rates as silicate rocks were exposed and eroded. Exhumation and weathering of the Himalaya has been linked to long-term Cenozoic global cooling, while the burial of large volumes of organic carbon in the submarine fans associated with orogeny would be expected to also drive long term climate change. The chemistry of the oceans, mostly notably the Sr and Os isotope compositions, are controlled by the riverine flux from the continents, in turn linked to crustal reworking. The reworking of continental crust in continental collision zones delivers much of the eroded =B3excess=B2 crust to the oceans where it is susceptible to subduction and loss back to the upper mantle. In this session we invite contributions from researchers examining the interactions between Earth surface processes and the recycling of continental crust. We particular focus on the feedbacks between the two systems and how these have varied over long periods of Earth history.

Convenors:
Peter Clift, University of Aberdeen, UK
John Eiler, Caltech, USA

Keynote speaker: Christian France-Lanord, Nancy, France
Invited speaker: Andrew Kurtz, Boston University, Youngsook Huh, Seoul National University, Korea

Marine/coastal geologist tenure-track position at LSU (1/28/09)

Assistant Professor
(Geological Oceanography/Coastal Marine Geologist)
Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences

The Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences at Louisiana State University anticipates hiring at least one Assistant Professor (Geological Oceanographer and/or Coastal Marine Geologist). The position will be supported for nine months annually. We anticipate hiring at the Assistant Professor level although applicants at any level may apply.

Required Qualifications: Ph.D. degree in geological oceanography or in coastal, deltaic, marine or sedimentary geology, or a closely related field; analytical, experimental, and/or modeling skills to investigate deltaic, estuarine, coastal, and/or shelf/slope processes. Additional Qualifications Desired: Experience with the use of radionuclides in sedimentological problem solving and seismic data collection/interpretation.

Responsibilities: develops vigorous, externally-funded research programs; mentors students; team teaches the department’s graduate core course in geological oceanography; develops a second course in their area of specialization. The Department has strong physical, geological, biological, ecological, biogeochemical and fisheries programs focused on a range of processes and environments from coastal wetlands to the ocean.

Information about the department, school, and university can be found at http://www.ocean.lsu.edu, http://www.sce.lsu.edu, and http://www.lsu.edu. An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check. Application
deadline is December 1, 2008 or until a candidate is selected. Applications should include a cover letter addressed to the Search
Committee Chair indicating the position sought, a curriculum vita (including e-mail address), statements on research and teaching, and the names and full contact information including e-mail addresses for five references. Please include the reference log number in the e-mail subject line. Filling the position is contingent on availability of funds.

Interested applicants should submit applications via e-mail in a single PDF file to:

Gaynell S. Gibbs
Louisiana State University
Ref: Log #2015
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
E-mail:ggibbs@lsu.edu

LSU IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/EQUAL ACCESS EMPLOYER

Using MARGINS Data in the Classroom (1/16/09)

A one-day workshop in conjunction with the GSA Southeastern section meeting will be held on 11th March, 2009 in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The decade-long NSF MARGINS program has generated a wealth of data for use in the undergraduate classroom. A set of 16 MARGINS-based mini-lessons is available on-line for evaluation and use. The workshop will focus on the evaluation of these existing lessons, and the development of new lessons incorporating more MARGINS data and research. We will discuss, evaluate, polish and publish a larger and more diverse suite of teacher-ready mini-lessons.

Important MARGINS tools and data resources, such as GeoMapApp, Virtual Ocean, SedDB and PetDB, accessed through the MARGINS Data Portal (http://www.marine-geo.org/portals/margins/), will be demonstrated at the workshop.

Workshop attendance is limited to 20 participants. Partial funding to help with the cost of attending will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis – apply early! Deadline for applications is Friday 23rd January 2009. Please use the GSA discount code when booking hotel accommodation and travel - see GSA-SE URL below.

Before the workshop, all participants must either evaluate a current mini-lesson or provide a draft of a new MARGINS-focused mini-lesson to be completed at the workshop.

Do you use MARGINS data in your teaching?
Share your methods – sign up for the workshop!

Apply Now – space is limited!
http://serc.carleton.edu/margins/workshop09/index.html

Deadline for applications is Friday 23rd January 2009

Mini-lessons: http://serc.carleton.edu/margins/minilessons.html
Mini-lessons evaluation: http://serc.carleton.edu/margins/assess.html
GSA-SE meeting: http://www.geosociety.org/sectdiv/southe
MARGINS Data Portal: http://www.marine-geo.org/portals/margins/

RCL Workshop Application Deadline Tomorrow 1/15/09 (1/14/09)

Reminder: Applications for the 2009 RCL Workshop are due by the end of the day tomorrow, January 15, 2009.

Apply now at: www.nsf-margins.org/RCL/2009/app.html

The RCL Workshop, "Synthesis and New Perspectives", will be held at the Francis Marion Hotel, Charleston, South Carolina from April 29 to May 2. Read more information online at www.nsf-margins.org/RCL/2009/ .

Announcement: International Chair position at Europole Mer (1/14/09)

An International Chair position is available at Europole Mer (www.europolemer.eu/en/). The Chair is a 3 year position starting in the first semester of 2009 or upon mutual agreement, working on microbiology and/or biology and/or geosciences (geophysics, petrology, geochemistry) of the Deep Sea Environment.

The Chair will be part of the Europole Mer Centre of Excellence for "Deep-sea exploration and understanding" based at the European Institute of Marine Studies (IUEM) in Brest, France, undertaking interdisciplinary scientific studies on 1) geochemical and geobiological interactions and biodiversity in extreme environments, and/or long term observation of natural systems in deep ocean.

Apply by January 16th, 2009

More information and applications at: www.europolemer.eu/en/axis-4-international-chair.php

Candidates should apply by sending a CV, scientific project, motivation letter, and salary expectation by the 16th of January 2009 to Paul Treguer, president of GIS Europole Mer, IUEM, Technopole Brest Iroise, 29280 Plouzane, France; or by email at paul.treguer at univ-brest.fr, with copy to S=E9verine Thomas (severine.thomas at univ-brest.fr)

Scientific contact: Jean-Yves Royer (jean-yves.royer at univ-brest.fr) or
Yves Fouquet (yves.fouquet at ifremer.fr)

Reminder RCL Meeting Applications Due (1/7/09)

Attention: The application deadline is approaching for the Rupturing
Continental Lithosphere Workshop.
Deadline: January 15, 2009

Apply online today at www.nsf-margins.org/RCL/2009/app.html

The MARGINS Office will host a 4-day workshop April 29- May 2 to synthesize and integrate results of the maturing Rupturing Continental Lithosphere (RCL) initiative of the MARGINS program, and to use this forum as a springboard to plan future lithospheric extension initiatives. This is the first workshop to integrate results from the two original RCL focus sites: the Gulf of California and the Red Sea/Gulf of Suez regions. New findings from these multi-disciplinary studies will be placed within the context of passive margin and rifting studies worldwide.

80 participants can be accommodated. Selected participants will be provided with full or partial funding for travel, accommodation and meals. We encourage applications from young investigators, graduate students, and members of under-represented groups.

Learn more online at www.nsf-margins.org/RCL/2009/index.html

Conveners: Erin Beutel, Cindy Ebinger, Joann Stock

AGU Reminder: MARGINS Reception... (1/5/09)

ATTENTION: The application deadline is fast approaching for the"Integration and Synthesis of MARGINS Sediment Source-to-Sink Research" Workshop.

Apply online today at www.nsf-margins.org/S2S/2009/app.htm
Deadline: *January 9, 2009*

The NSF-MARGINS Source-to-Sink (S2S) program will hold a workshop April 5-9, 2009 in Gisborne, New Zealand, for approximately 60 scientists. Participants chosen from applicants to this announcement could be provided with full or partial funding of their costs of travel, accommodation and meals. We encourage applications from past and present US and international participants in the S2S program and other researchers and advanced graduate students involved or interested in S2S type studies.

Research in the two S2S focus areas of PNG and NZ has reached a critical stage where integration and synthesis of results is now possible. This workshop represents the first opportunity for the two working groups to begin the process of integrating results and placing them in a broader context for conceptual and numerical model development. This integration and synthesis workshop aims to recognize and document important linkages between segments of the dispersal systems, as well as
outstanding gaps that need to be understood to bring the overall S2S effort to fruition.

Conveners: Steven Kuehl, Nicola Litchfield, John Swenson, Alan Orpin
www.nsf-margins.org/S2S/2009/index.html

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