P1. Assembling Laurentia: Turning Points in the Geologic Evolution of the North American Continent

Monday, 26 Oct., 1:30–5:30 p.m. EDT

Endorsed by: GSA Structural Geology and Tectonics Division

Convenors: Dawn Kellett, Basil Tikoff, and Michael L. Williams

The North American continent (Laurentia) records the evolution of tectonic processes from the earliest Archean to modern times. This Pardee Keynote Symposium will initiate a meeting-wide series of sessions focusing on “Turning Points” in the tectonic evolution of Laurentia.  The goal is to integrate the broad range of geologic disciplines in order to scrutinize key periods in the long history of Laurentia when the character, rate, or style of tectonic processes changed or when the plate tectonic process itself may have changed in some fundamental way, and to identify potential drivers for these changes.

Read more about this session in the GSA Today article “Assembling Laurentia—Integrated Theme Sessions on Tectonic Turning Points”

P2. Frontiers of Research, Discovery, and Societal Impact in the Hydrologic Sciences

Monday, 26 Oct., 1:30–5:30 p.m. EDT

Endorsed by: GSA Hydrogeology Division

Convenors: Ingrid Y. Padilla, William L. Cunningham, and Elizabeth Eide

The fields of hydrology and hydrogeology address how water interacts with the landscape and ecosystem as well as how hydrologic systems are altered by land use and climate. Hydrologic science research is often interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary, involving expertise from physical and ecosystem sciences, engineering and/or mathematics, and integrates observational, experimental, theoretical, modeling and field approaches. The field has changed rapidly due to new discoveries, technological advances, societal needs, and the data revolution. This session will include presentations from leaders in the field that highlight opportunities for research and societal impact in the hydrologic sciences, followed by a panel discussion.

P4. The Next Generation of Geoscience Leaders: Strategies for Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion

Tuesday, 27 Oct., 1:30–5:30 p.m. EDT

Endorsed by: GSA International

Convenors: Raquel Bryant and Benjamin Andrew Keisling

Scientists who make significant diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) contributions are often not rewarded, and may even be penalized for their additional efforts. In order to make real strides in achieving DEI goals, we must re-frame scientific and academic excellence to include the rigorous pursuit of equity in the geoscience community. This Pardee Symposium will feature (A) speakers who are leaders and role models with demonstrated records of excellence in DEI, (B) a leadership exercise to develop targeted community-relevant solutions, and (C) a panel of non-scientist experts that can provide additional resources to support DEI efforts.

P3. Our Coastal Futures: Working Together to Understand Hazards and Mitigate Disasters

Thursday, 29 Oct., 1:30–5:30 p.m. EDT

Endorsed by: GSA Marine and Coastal Geoscience Division

Convenors: Rónadh Cox and Robert Weiss

As sea level rises and storm intensity increases, the coastal zone bears the brunt. As we work to understand the science of coastal hazards, we must also consider the human and societal aspects as part of effective mitigation strategies. This symposium convenes a trans-disciplinary group of experts in coastal and marine geoscience, policy, anthropology, and history, to discuss the multiplex aspects of coastal hazards in the twenty-first century. This includes cutting-edge scientific approaches as well as attention to social justice and inclusivity.

P5. Challenges and Solutions for a Changing Climate: New Directions for GSA

Friday, 30 Oct., 10 a.m.–2 p.m. EDT

Endorsed by: GSA Geology and Society Division

Convenors: Beth Bartel, Malcolm Siegel, Candace L. Kairies-Beatty, Luke J. Bowman, and Sinjini Sinha

Responding to a 2019 challenge from GSA president Don Siegel, this symposium in turn challenges GSA leadership and membership to think creatively, critically, and constructively about our role in climate change solutions. The year is 2020. Looking back, what will we wish we had done? This session looks forward, exploring visions and viewpoints in the themes of assessment, mitigation, adaptation, and Engagement, with a focus on North America. As a Society of geoscientists, it is our responsibility to drive the solutions that will ensure a sustainable existence on our favorite planet.