SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND CONFERENCES C0-SPONSORED BY THE TSUNAMI SOCIETY

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Second International Conference on Climate Change

Hong Kong, 6-9 October 2009 (completed)

Jointly organised by the Hong Kong Climate Change Forum and The Climate Group, the Second International Conference on Climate Change (ICCC2009) will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 6 to 9 October, 2009. It will bring together an international audience of over 250 professionals from government, business, and research to hear the latest developments on climate change, and to exchange ideas for establishing practical frameworks on risk management and sustainability.

The themes of the Conference will include:

(1) Business risks and realities, and strategies for pursuing low carbon opportunities in Asia and globally.
(2) The research, and the regional implications for mitigation to limit the extent of climate change, and adaptation to those changes that are already underway.
(3) Low carbon leadership in China and the Pearl River Delta Region, and the imperative for urgent action locally, nationally, and internationally across the global economy.
ICCC2009 will feature three days of plenary and parallel sessions to investigate the roles of business, science and policy in the issue of climate change.

With approximately 40% of its participants from outside Hong Kong, ICCC2009 offers opportunities for networking, dialogue and collaboration or even a friendly conference call. Registration for the conference is now open. Interested parties can visit http://www.iccc2009.org for further details and for registration.

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SECURITY VETTING PROCEDURES AND THE PRINCIPLE OF UNIVERSALITY

ICSU (International Council for Science) has a Committee on Freedom and Responsibility in the conduct of Science which has reaffirmed the position on discriminatory practices in a letter to Members and Regional Offices. This follows their recent consideration of two different situations in which security concerns have resulted in the implementation of policies and procedures that are strongly discriminatory against academics or students of specific nationalities or origins. These actions are contrary to the Principle of Universality and, as such, should actively be opposed by all ICSU Members. For more information on the ICSU views see the article on this topic at <http://www.icsu.org/index.php> or download the pdf at: <http://www.icsu.org/5_abouticsu/PDF/Security_vetting_procedures.pdf>

PROPOSAL FOR A NEW INTERGOVERNMENTAL PLATFORM ON BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES (IPBES) (completed)

ICSU and its global biodiversity programme - DIVERSITAS - are working with IUCN to collect the views of the scientific community on a proposal for a new Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). IPBES is proposed to be a mechanism for assessing biodiversity and ecosystems, similar to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). It has gathered considerable political support and the current timetable is that a decision on its establishment will take place in the latter half of 2010. You are encouraged to submit your views on IPBES by completing an online questionnaire, at <www.IUCN.org/IPBES>. Please help by circulating this link to any potentially interested scientists and institutions that you are aware of. Submission deadline is 13 September. All submissions will be jointly analysed by ICSU and its partners and inform input to a key UNEP meeting in October, which will focus on the plans for IPBES. This is an important opportunity to influence the future structures for ensuring an effective science policy interface in this critical area.

FIRST WORLD YOUNG EARTH-SCIENTISTS CONGRESS, BEIJING 25-28 OCTOBER 2009 (completed).

In observance of the United Nations proclamation of the triennium 2007-2009 as the International Year of Planet Earth (IYPE), the Young Earth-Scientist Network, under the patronage of UNESCO, is organizing the First World Congress which is focused on young (under the age of 35) earth scientists, and earth science professionals. The Congress is a flagship project of IYPE and will be held at the China University of Geosciences in Beijing (CUGB), China from 25 to 28th October 2009. The objective of the Congress is to connect young earth-scientists, young political leaders, representatives of organizations and associations across the world to create innovative approaches towards long-term sustainability and restoration of earth systems, and to build long-term bridges between the scientific community and future decision-makers. The goals of the Congress will be met through a series of oral sessions, poster sessions, and roundtable discussions that focus on topics of global scientific and social significance.

The YES Congress is strongly supported by China. Eight Beijing Universities and other Chinese scientific institutions are involved in the Organization. The opening ceremony will be attended by: the Minister of Land and Resources (MLR), the Minister of Education (MOE), and also the Ministry of Environmental protection that will be represented by either the Minister, or Vice-Minister. The premier Wen Jiabao who studied at the CUGB University, has been invited to host the event. Internationally, some of most important organizations in the sector of earth sciences are supporting the event. At present the Scientific Committee has accepted more than 500 abstracts, and the Organizing Committee has already received more than 200 registrations for the event. No less than 300 participants from more than 30 countries are expected. The Congress will be the chance to address the young scientists and policy-makers, and to discuss with colleagues and young scientists your point of view and actions your institution is pursuing in that field.

YES Congress Roundtable Sessions will review scientific challenges for the future geoscience workforce, as well as explore career and academic pathways. These sessions include: 1) Natural Resources and Energy Sustainability; 2) Natural hazards; 3) Climate Change in the Polar Regions; 4) Issues Facing Global Geoscience Education and Research. 5) Industry Academic Linkages: Connecting the needs of the workforce with the tools of the classroom ; 6) Transfer of Credentials/International Licensure; and 7) Women in the Geoscience Workforce. For details see http://www.yescongress2009.org/RoundtableDetails/Roundtables.html>. For those unable to travel to the YES Congress, we are offering the ability for individuals to participate in the YES Congress Roundtables via a web-interface as "Virtual Participants". This virtual interface will enable participants to view and listen to presentations and be part of the panel discussion that will follow the roundtable presentations. In order to participate in the YES Congress Roundtables as a virtual participant, please register here: http://www.yescongress2009.org/index.php?option=com_chronocontact&chronoformname=roundtable_registration

The Oral Program is based on the 10 main themes of the IYPE plus 4 additional themes as outlined below. A full listing of the Oral Sessions topics and the internationally recognized scientists convening the sessions is available at <http://www.yescongress2009.org/oral-program.html>.

The Y.E.S. Congress venue is at the China University of Geosciences, located at 29 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, which is very easy to reach from the Beijing National Airport. For hotel reservations e-mail: gicc_yes@163.com; phoe +86-010-82322037 or visit the website. Full details about the Y.E.S. Congress, including updates, excursion details, hotel etc.can be found at: <http://www.yescongress2009.org>
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International Conference on Paleoproterozoic Supercontinents and Global Evolution

26-28 October, 2009, Kolkata, INDIA (completed)

The Conference is Organized by the Geological Unit of the Indian Statistical Institute and is part of the UNESCO-IGCP project

( http://earth.geology.yale.edu/igcp509/ ).

The Paleoproterozoic Era (2,500 - 1,600 million years) was a period of profound global change in the Earth system, reflected in the breakup and formation of two supercontinental masses and development of extensive shelfal seas/depositional systems. For more information and submission of papers see Circular 1 or contact Dr. Rajat Mazumder, of the Geological Studies Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, 203, B.T. Road, Kolkata 700108, India (email: igcp509@redfiffmail.com or mazumder.rajat@gmail.com; Fax: 91-33-25773026)

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Symposium on Submarine Mass Movements and Their Consequences

Austin Texas, USA, November 8-11, 2009 (completed)
 

The 4th International Symposium on Submarine Mass Movements and Their Consequences will be hosted by the Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences on the Pickle Research Campus of the University of Texas in Austin, Texas, on 8-12 November 2009. The main objective of this event is to bring a world perspective of submarine mass movements and their consequences by assembling outstanding contributions from active international researchers, academic institutions, and the energy industry. This approach provides full coverage of the many scientific and engineering aspects that are currently being undertaken in the study of submarine mass movements.

For more information see Symposium website at:

http://www.beg.utexas.edu/indassoc/dm2/Conference2009/home.htm

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FOURTH INTERNATIONAL TSUNAMI SYMPOSIUM OF THE TSUNAMI SOCIETY - JULY 25-29, 2010, Toronto, Canada
Press Release

The Tsunami Society will hold its Fourth International Tsunami Symposium in July 25 - 29, 2010, in Toronto, Canada, in conjunction and mutual co-sponsorship with the 9th US National & 10th Canadian Conference on Earthquake Engineering.

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9th U.S. National and 10th Canadian Conference on Earthquake Engineering

9ième Conférence Nationale Américaine et 10ième Conférence Canadienne de Génie Parasismique: Au delà des Frontières

July 25–29, 2010, Toronto, CANADA

The 9th U.S. National and 10th Canadian Conference on Earthquake Engineering, with the theme of “Reaching Beyond Borders,” will be held in Toronto, Canada, July 25–29, 2010, co-convened jointly by the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI) and the Canadian Association for Earthquake Engineering (CAEE) and co-sponsored by the Tsunami Society. The conference will provide a unique environment to develop synergy between U.S. and Canadian scientists and engineers as well as other participants from around the world. This conference will offer opportunities to share the latest knowledge and techniques for understanding and mitigating the effects of earthquakes by bringing together professionals from a broad range of disciplines, including architecture, structural engineering, seismology, geology, geophysics, geotechnical engineering, societal impacts, regional planning, emergency response planning, and regulation. For more information and call for papers see 2nd Announcement Circular. Additional detailed instructions are available at the conference website www.2010eqconf.org

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THIRD INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS on "Arsenic in the Environment"- (completed) Arsenic in Geosphere and Human Diseases. May 17-21, 2010, National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), Tainan, TAIWAN. “Arsenic in the Environment” - About the book and Congress Series - Topics to be covered will include: a) Geology, Hydrology, and Hydrogeology of Arsenic; b) Ecological Effects: Plants, Agriculture and Soils; c) Marine and Terrestrial Biota; d) Health Effects on Humans: Epidemiology and Biomarkers; e) Toxicological Effects: Animal Models; and f) Mitigation, Policy and Protection. More information at the website of the Third Congress on Arsenic in the Environment

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_________FOR SALE: Cheoye Lee 47" Offshore Yawl; Cascade 42 Sloop (click on images for more information)________

COMPLETED EVENTS

SUCCESSFUL GEOPARKS SYMPOSIUM IN TAISHAN, CHINA, 22-25 AUGUST 2009

The 3rd International Geoparks Symposium on "Development within Geoparks: Geo-heritage Protection and Cooperation" attracted over 300 participants. The Symposium was organised by the Tai'an City Administration Committee of the Taishan Global Geopark, and the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences. The theme of the Symposium was aimed at enhancing cooperation and exchange among geoparks worldwide so as to promote the protection of geo-heritage. Altogether 75 papers were submitted during the formal proceedings. The attendees also visited the nearby Taishan Global Geopark to get an appreciation of its geological heritage.

The meeting was also the venue for the Annual Meeting of the Global Geoparks Network Bureau (GGNB) of UNESCO held on 22 August 2009. The GGNB meeting approved 5 new geoparks: 3 in Japan and 2 in China. In Japan the new geoparks approved are Itoigawa Geopark, Toya Usu Volcano Geopark, and Unzen Volcanic Geopark. In China the new geoparks are Alxa Geopark in Inner Mongolia, and Qinling Geopark in Shannxi Province. At the meeting the Bureau also established timelines which set a clear time frame for Geopark submissions and evaluation missions, which will clarify the duration of the application process from the date of submission to approval of membership. Additional information can be found at <http://www.globalgeopark.org/publish/portal1/tab80/>

The IUGS is a strong supporter of the Global Geoparks Network concept and this meeting was the first in which a recently appointed IUGS Executive Committee Member attended as an official member of the GGN Bureau. To mark the occasion the IUGS President also attended the GGN meeting as an observer. Given that the Global Geoparks Network works as a "bottom-up" process rather than a "top-down" process, which requires direct involvement of local people around the Geopark site (to participate in tourist expansion and advance local income/welfare etc) all countries with declared, or proposed, Geoparks should consider forming a National Geoparks Network/Committee to provide geoscience input advice etc. For more information on the GGN processes and documentation see: <http://www.globalgeopark.org/publish/portal1/tab59/module441/more.htm>.

24th International Tsunami Symposium July 14 - 17, 2009, Novosibisrk, Russia.

Organized by the IUGG Tsunami Commission and sponsored by the Siberian Division, Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Computational Mathematics and Mathematical Geophysics.

The meeting included a 3-day Research Symposium covering all the basic aspects of the tsunami problem and 1-day Technical Workshop on Tsunami Measurements and Real-Time Detection jointly sponsored by the IUGG Tsunami Commission (IUGG/TC), the National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC) NOAA and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) UNESCO.

For more information on Venue, Program, Abstracts, Registration, Accomodations, Visas and Contacts visit the website of the Local Organizing Committee: English version ; Russian Version

View Conference Website http://tsun.sscc.ru/tsunami2009/index.html

View Workshop Program http://tsun.sscc.ru/tsunami2009/program_draft.htm

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PROHITECH 2009 International Conference - Protection of Historical Buildings by Reversible Mixed Technologies,

21-24 June 2009, Rome, ITALY

The Conference entirely devoted to the protection of relevant buildings belonging to the Cultural Heritage, mainly focusing on the use of innovative technologies.
 The Conference is aimed at collecting the contributions of the main outputs from the most outstanding Institutions operating worldwide in the field of Cultural Heritage. At the same time, it will be a suitable opportunity for disseminating the results of the research activity coming from the PROHITECH project, developed in the years 2004-2008 http://www.prohitech.com
 
The technical programme of the Conference will consist in working sessions introduced by the Chairman, followed by oral presentations and open discussion. Outstanding experts will be invited for keynote lectures, presenting the most recent developments in theory, design and practice with reference to the protection of relevant historical and monumental buildings all over the world. Moreover, Special Sessions are envisaged, which can be freely proposed and organized by the participants, within the general scope of the Conference.
 
Information about the Conference and the work in progress is available on the website http://www.prohitech09.com . In addition, you can contact the following address: mailto:prohitech09@unina.it

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2009 China Cross-Straits Symposium on the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards - 19-20 JUNE 2009, FUZHOY, CHINA (Completed)

The Symposium was held in China's south-eastern coastal city of Fuzhou, in Fujian Province from the 19th to 20th June 2009. It was sponsored by the China International Talent Exchange Foundation, the Taiwan K.T.Li Foundation for the Development of Science and Technology, the National Taiwan University, the Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs, the Department of Water Resources, the Meteorological Administration, the Earthquake Administration of Fujian Province and the Tsunami Society, and has the strong support of China's National Natural Science Foundation. The objective of the two-day Symposium was to have in-depth communications and discussions on how to effectively mitigate the impact of natural hazards such as typhoons, earthquakes and tsunamis. Keynote address was given by Tsunami Society President, Dr. George Pararas-Carayannis. (View address in English - in Chinese (compressed pdf files, 1.8MB)

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THE 14th WORLD CONFERENCE ON EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING (14WCEE) - OCTOBER 12-17, 2008 BEIJING, CHINA. (Completed)

Under the Auspices of: International Association for Earthquake Engineering (IAEE); Hosted by: Chinese Association of Earthquake Engineering (CAEE); Sponsored by: China Earthquake Administration and the. Ministry of Construction, China.