The 2007 Annual Meeting of GSA's Cordilleran Section 

The 2007 Annual Meeting of GSA's Cordilleran Section will be held at May 4-6 at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington. The meeting theme is inspired by the geological setting of the Pacific Northwest: converging plates and will inspire the convergence of a diverse group of geologists, producing a convergence of disciplines, ideas, and discoveries. As indicated below, AEG is cosponsoring two theme sessions chaired by AEG WA Section members. If you are an AEG 
member located within the Cordilleran Section and planning to attend, please consider submitting an abstract to one of these sections ( It is OK to present the same or a similar paper at AEG's upcoming 50th Anniversary Annual Meeting in Los Angeles in September 2007 - we don't want this meeting to take away from our meeting!!). Abstracts are due February 6, 2007. To submit an abstract and for more information, please go to the GSA meeting web site at: http://www.geosociety.org/sectdiv/cord/07cdmtg.htm#thm: 

17. Engineering Geologic Challenges in the Pacific Northwest and Cordillera. Cosponsored by Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists (AEG); GSA Engineering Geology Division. Mark Molinari, URS Consultants[ mark_molinari@urscorp.com ] Bill Haneberg , Haneberg Geosciences [ bill@haneberg.com]

The Pacific Northwest and Cordilleran regions present unique challenges to engineering geology because of active faulting, 
volcanic activity, dynamic coastlines, and glaciation. Projects in thick loose post-glacial deposits, through steeply dipping bedrock facades, and across mega landslides, or active floodplains require special engineering geologic solutions. Abstracts about engineering projects, successes or failures, in challenging geologic conditions are welcome. Companion to session 18: Challenges of Mapping Geologic Hazards in the Pacific Northwest and Cordillera.

18. Challenges of Mapping Geologic Hazards in the Pacific Northwest and Cordillera. Cosponsored by Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists (AEG); GSA Engineering Geology Division; Pacific Northwest Center for Geologic Mapping Studies at the University of Washington; WDNR-DGER Kathy Troost, University of Washington[ ktroost@u.washington.edu] Tim Walsh, Washington State Dept. of Natural Resources [ tim.walsh@wadnr.gov]

The abundance of geologic hazards in the US Pacific Northwest and Cordilleran North America requires hazard mapping for a growing population increasingly educated about geology, geologic hazards, mitigation, and liability. Yet, such mapping is often faced with significant technical, social, and economical challenges. Abstracts about such efforts are welcome. Companion to session 

17: Engineering Geologic Challenges in the Pacific Northwest and Cordillera. 

In order to boost AEG's profile with students and demonstrate how we compliment GSA (particularly the Engineering Geology Division) and are a good connection for students looking for jobs outside academia or mineral/petroleum industry, the AEG WA Section (and member's companies who are donating $ - contact Fred Becker at fbecker@riley-group.com  if you or your company wants to donate) and AWG is hosting the following: 

Careers in Engineering and Environmental Geology. Cosponsored by Association of Engineering and Environmental Geologists (AEG); Association of Women Geologists (AWG). 6-8 p.m., Fri., 4 May. Informal evening session to acquaint students and attendees with the field of engineering and environmental geology. Three AEG members will present case studies to give the attendees an idea of the type of work that engineering and environmental geologists do. This will 
be followed by an informal discussion while practicing geologists describe their jobs. Geologists with variable years of experience will be available for Q&A to give attendees a real picture of this discipline. Pizza and drinks provided by several of the regions top employers of engineering and environmental geologists. AEG member participants: Kathy Troost, Bill Haneberg, and Katie Lewis. 



In addition, AEG will have a booth there and we would like any members attending to volunteer some time in the booth (please contact Mark Molinari at mark_molinari@urscorp.com  or 206-438-2235 to volunteer). We are hoping that the student event and booth will increase student participation and members at AEG Sections and chapters throughout the western states.