theme sessions at North-Central GSA

Below are descriptions of two theme sessions planned for the North-Central GSA meeting this spring that may be of interest to some on this list. I and the other organizers of these sessions are hoping that we can attract contributors not only from the North-Central region but also nationally, so please consider submitting an abstract and please forward this to any colleagues you think would be interested.

Theme sessions at 2005 North-Central GSA Meeting
May 19-20, 2005, Minneapolis, MN
Abstract deadline: February 22, 2005
http://www.geosociety.org/sectdiv/Northc/05ncmtg.htm

These sessions are sponsored in part by the Great Lakes Section of SEPM

Geochemistry in paleobiology: new systems, new substrates, new techniques
Session Chair: David L. Fox (University of Minnesota)

Over the last several decades, the use of geochemical measurements of biogenic and authigenic minerals as sources of information in paleobiological research has become increasingly common. Most studies have focused on variations in major, minor, and trace elements and/or carbon and oxygen isotope compositions to reconstruct ecological and environmental aspects of biotic change, to examine growth histories of individual fossil organisms, and to address preservation of pristine chemical compositions. This session is intended to highlight recent advances in the applications of geochemical data in paleobiological research. Rather than focus only on specific temporal intervals or taxonomic groups or paleobiological questions, abstracts should emphasize new geochemical approaches that have resulted from analytical, empirical, and theoretical advances in recent years. For example, isotopes of several heavier elements (e.g., Ca) have been shown to undergo some degree of biological fractionation and have promise as new paleobiological tools. Similarly, recognition that some biomolecules can be preserved on very long timescales and improvements in analytical sensitivity have opened up new possibilities for uses of biomarkers and compound specific isotopic compositions in paleobiological studies. Researchers asking paleobiological questions on any temporal or geographic scales using new elemental or isotopic systems, analyzing new substrates, or developing new analytical or sampling techniques are encouraged to submit abstracts for this session. Presentations should be accessible to geochemists and paleobiologists in addition to those of us that are both. For additional information or questions about the session, please contact David Fox by phone (612-624-6361) or email ([log in to unmask]) at the Dept. of Geology and Geophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455.

Paleoclimatology offers the Earth Sciences a special claim to social relevance in helping to improve the forecasting of impending climate changes forced by the anthropogenic buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere over the next two centuries. The development of terrestrial paleoclimatology remains a research frontier, having lagged earlier studies of marine records that were spurred by the DSDP and ODP programs. Nevertheless, paleoclimatic studies of terrestrial environments are more directly relevant to the human prospect attending future climate changes. We encourage contributions addressing applications of climate proxy records or modeling approaches to Quaternary and deep-time paleoclimatologic studies of terrestrial depositional systems. Larry Edwards of the University of Minnesota will serve as a keynoter for Quaternary applications, and Greg Retallack of the University of Oregon will serve as a keynoter for deep time applications.