ENAM Community Seismic Data Set now available


Scientists of the Eastern North American Margin (ENAM) Community Seismic Experiment (CSE) gathered marine seismic data along several 2-D lines offshore North Carolina in September and October 2014 using the acoustic source of the R/V Marcus Langseth and ocean-bottom seismometers of the US OBS Instrument Pool that were deployed from the R/V Endeavor. More information on this project can be found on the GeoPRISMS web site for the Eastern North American Margin (ENAM) primary site (/initiatives-sites/rie/enam/), including a web link to download the seismic data from the R/V Marcus Langseth and the OBS data from the R/V Endeavor. The air-gun shots from the R/V Marcus Langseth were also recorded by an array of land seismic stations from IRIS/PASSCAL in the adjacent coastal plain of the ENAM CSE work area. The onshore-offshore data have now been released, and they are available from the LDEO/UTIG Academic Seismic Portal at:

http://www-udc.ig.utexas.edu/sdc/cruise.php?cruiseIn=en546

Processed Endeavor OBS data can be downloaded from the Academic Seismic Portal as well at:

http://www.ig.utexas.edu/sdc/cruise.php?cruiseIn=en546

For more information on the ENAM Community Seismic Experiment, visit http://www.ig.utexas.edu/enam/

Field opportunity for EarthScope seismic refraction project in Georgia


In July-August 2015, a team of scientists will collect seismic refraction data in Georgia as a part of an NSF-Earthscope project to study the relationship between extension, magmatism and an ancient suture beneath the South Georgia Basin. We think that this project will yield exciting new information on the geological history of the southeastern US, which was at the center of some of the biggest tectonic events to shape North America.

The field work: We are looking for volunteers to help us collect these data.  This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in acquiring seismic refraction data and learn about this technique and the tectonic history of the southeastern US. We will acquire seismic refraction data along of two profiles in eastern Georgia in late summer 2015. Geophones spaced at ~100-250 m will record a series of 200-2000 lb explosive shots (the seismic sources). Volunteers would be involved in deploying and recovering geophones, and will have the chance to see some of the shots.

Timing: Our planned dates for the program are July 29 – Aug 15. Ideally, we are looking for people who can participate for the entire program. However, even if you cannot participate for the full time, we may still be able to use your help!

Travel costs and living expenses: We will cover all of your expenses during the field work and your travel to/from the field area. We also plan to give a couple of lectures during the field program on active source seismology and tectonics of this region.

Please see our website for more information: www.LDEO.columbia.edu/~djs/sugar

If you are interested in participating, please email Donna Shillington (djs@ldeo.columbia.edu) with a short CV, a few sentences about your interest in the field work, and the dates that you are available.

Job Postings: Faculty Position, Staff Scientist Position, Post-doc Fellowship


1) Faculty position in petrology – University of New Mexico

2) Wiess Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship – Rice University, Department of Earth Science

3) Staff Scientist Position – IODP at Texas A&M University

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1) Faculty position in petrology – University of New Mexico

The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) and the Institute of Meteoritics (IOM) at the University of New Mexico invite applications for a tenure track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in the field of Petrology. The position is a 9-month joint appointment with duties split equally between EPS and IOM. The position comes with a reduced teaching load to accommodate a high level of research-related activities. We are particularly interested in candidates who have demonstrated research activities in both terrestrial and planetary topics and who possess skills necessary to lead the integrated IOM/EPS experimental petrology laboratory facilities. The University of New Mexico is the largest and most comprehensive of the state’s institutions of higher education and is both a Carnegie Very High Research University and a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution. The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences has a faculty of 20 and offers undergraduate degrees in Earth and Planetary Sciences and Environmental Science, and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Earth and Planetary Sciences. The Institute of Meteoritics, founded in 1944, was one of the first institutions in the world devoted to the study of meteorites, its scientists carry out research on planetary materials, solar system formation and evolution, and participate in NASA missions of exploration. All of the EPS and IOM facilities and instrumentation are co-located in Northrop Hall on the UNM Main Campus, which feature electron microprobe, SIMS, SEM, TEM, FIB, x-ray diffraction, FTIR, QMS-GC, ICPMS, radiogenic isotope, stable isotope, and analytical chemistry laboratories.

Minimum qualifications are a Ph.D. in Geosciences or a related field at the time of appointment and research experience in igneous petrology, planetary materials or mineral physics. Preferred qualifications are: demonstrated publication record in peer-reviewed journals; commitment and energy to establish a vigorous and externally funded research program; evidence of a research area that complements existing research in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences and the Institute of Meteoritics and demonstrated commitment to collaborative science; commitment to excellence in undergraduate and graduate level teaching and research mentoring; a demonstrated commitment to diversity, inclusion, and student success, as well as working with broadly diverse communities.

The application package, containing a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching and a statement of research interests, and the names of three references with contact information, should be submitted electronically to UNM Jobs: https://unmjobs.unm.edu/ . The job posting number is 0830522. For best consideration, all materials must be received by August 3, 2015. However, the position will remain open until filled. For questions regarding the application process please contact Search Co-chairs Carl Agee (agee@unm.edu ) and Tobias Fischer (fischer@unm.edu ), or Search Coordinator Paula Pascetti (pascetti@unm.edu),  Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (Tel: 505 277-1633). Women and under-represented minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. The University of New Mexico is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer and educator.

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2) Wiess Post-Doctoral Research Fellow –Rice University, Department of Earth Science

The Department of Earth Science at Rice University is launching a Wiess Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship competition in the broad fields of Earth, atmospheric, and planetary sciences. Interested candidates should have recently completed their PhD or are expected to complete their PhD by September 2016. The appointment of the fellow is expected to begin anytime between July and December 2016.

The principal selection criteria for the fellow are scientific excellence and a clearly expressed research plan to address questions at the forefront of Earth science, broadly defined. Applicants are expected to propose their own research ideas, but are encouraged to consider the current spectrum of research activities in the department and to communicate with one or more members of the faculty (http://earthscience.rice.edu/).

The research fellowship will be supported by the Department of Earth Science for two years pending satisfactory progress in their first year. The fellowship covers an annual stipend of $60,000 and includes an annual research allowance of $3,500.

Candidates are required to submit:

(1) A cover letter addressed to the search committee chair

(2) A research proposal of no more than 3 single-spaced pages excluding references

(3) A current CV

(4) A list of publications

(5) A list of four referees with full contact details

All documents should be submitted as a single .pdf file to the chair of the fellowship search committee (esci-postdoc@rice.edu). The application deadline is November 1, 2015. The highest ranked candidates will be invited to visit Rice in early 2016, and the decision of the award will be announced March 1, 2016.

Equal Opportunity Employer – Females/Minorities/Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identityship – Rice University

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3) Staff Scientist Position – IODP at Texas A&M University

IODP-JRSO Accepting Applications for Staff Scientist Position

The International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) at Texas A&M University invites applications for an Assistant Research Scientist (Expedition Project Manager/Staff Scientist) with expertise in any aspect of borehole geophysics, petrophysics, or geophysics. A Ph.D. in geosciences or related field, and demonstrated on-going research experience is required. Applicants must have a demonstrated fluency in written and spoken English. Experience as a seagoing scientist, especially in scientific ocean drilling, is preferred.

This position will serve as the Expedition Project Manager to coordinate all aspects of precruise expedition planning, sea-going implementation, and postcruise activities. These duties include sailing as the IODP scientific representative on a two-month IODP expedition approximately once every 1 to 2 years. Individual scientific research, as well as collaboration with colleagues at Texas A&M University in fulfilling its educational mission, is required. This position will also provide scientific advice on laboratory developments in their area of specialization including scientific implementation of downhole logging on the JOIDES Resolution. Applicants must be able to cooperate and work harmoniously with others, have the ability to be an effective team leader, and foster collaboration among diverse scientific participants. Passing a new employee medical exam and annual seagoing medical exams are a requirement of the position.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience of the applicant. This is a regular full time position, contingent upon continuing availability of funds for IODP. TAMU will begin reviewing applications on 15 September 2015, but will continue to accept applications until candidates are selected for interviews. Applicants may access the TAMU application at https://jobpath.tamu.edu and apply online with reference to Posting Number O00163FY15, attach a curriculum vita, list of published papers, statement of research interests, and names and addresses of three references. Quick Link – http://jobpath.tamu.edu/postings/84569

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Please note, new job announcements (usually) will be distributed to the GeoPRISMS Listserv on the 1st and 15th of each month.

Regional Framework Plan for Marine Seismics OCE Communication, Early Summer 2015


OCE is carefully considering input from the marine seismic community and the UNOLS Marcus Langseth Science Oversight Committee (MLSOC) regarding ways to improve experiment planning. This advice, together with internal NSF discussions, leads us to adopt a Regional Framework Path for marine seismic data acquisition. As the NSF reply to the NRC/NAS Decadal Survey ³Sea Change² indicated, we are investigating options for how to support future marine seismic research, including deep crustal seismic capability. A regional approach is expected to be relevant for any feasible model, and thus we intend to get underway with a regional plan so as to understand the ramifications of operating in this mode. Moving forward, we will continue to work with MLSOC and the community at large to assess any need for adjustment.

The regional framework is designed to reduce overall data acquisition costs, and:

– Provide guidance about when to submit proposals for research in a particular area.

– Encourage investigators (both US and potential international teams) with new ideas for work along the path to submit a proposal that could mesh geographically (modest transit) with the framework path.

– Provide rotating access to all regions of scientific interest within a timeframe of several years.

REGIONAL FRAMEWORK PATH

Equatorial-South Atlantic     2016

Southeastern Pacific                     2017

Southwestern Pacific                                 2018

Indian Ocean

North Pacific     2019

The framework can flex somewhat in response to demand. NSF proposals for projects along the path should be submitted about 18-30 months prior to potential cruise dates. Details of the path can evolve but the main regions are expected to be retained. The length of time in one region will reflect demand and science timeliness considerations for the next region(s) along the path. The vision for this framework is that it can guide planning about 4 years into the future. Subsequent path route(s) will be announced approximately biennially, based on NSF understanding of projected interest areas and MLSOC and community input.

This information and subsequent updates will be posted on MLSOC website

https://www.unols.org/committee/marcus-langseth-oversight-committee-mlsoc

Below is a list of 2015 seismic work, with emphasis in the North Atlantic / Mediterranean. The next opportunity for NSF deep seismic data acquisition in this region would be after 2019/20.  Shallow seismic work using existing portable systems, such as currently operated by Scripps or using P-Cable (available via lease agreement), will continue to be scheduled as needed for funded projects in any region.

van Avendonk , Cayman Trough, NSF, Apr-22 days, R/V Meteor*

Hutchinson,  Mid-Atlantic Shelf,  USGS, Apr-27 days,R/V Langseth

Harris/Trehu, Hikurangi , SIO system, NSF, May-31 days, R/V Revelle

Mountain, New Jersey Sea Level ¬ 3D Imaging, NSF Jun-42 days, R/V Langseth

Hooft-Toomey, Santorini Volcanic System, NSF Oct/Nov-23 days, R/V Langseth

Rychert (UK), Mid-Atlantic Ridge Lithosphere, NERC Dec-17 days, R/V Langseth

* Platforms of opportunity may occasionally handle collaborative work that deviates from the Regional Path.

 

Session of Interest at the 2015 GSA Meeting


Please see below for session of interest to the GeoPRISMS community that will take place at the 2015 GSA Meeting, November 1-4, 2015, in Baltimore, MD.

Abstracts deadline is August 11, 2015

Meeting information:

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T168. Subduction, fluids, accessory minerals, and trace elements: A Celebration of Sorena Sorensen’s Career

This session will focus on metamorphosed subduction-related rocks including metamorphosed rocks of the subduction channel as well as arc crust, associated fluids, and minerals, cathodoluminescence, and trace elements that provide information about their petrogenesis.

Invited speakers are:
     Prof. Elizabeth Catlos, Univ. Texas – Austin
     Dr. George Harlow, AMNH
     Prof. Mark Cloos, UT – Austin

Sorena Sorensen has made fundamental contributions to our understanding of subduction-related metamorphic rocks and the importance of fluid and mass transfer pervasive in these environments. She was one of the first researchers to use state-of-the art cathodoluminescence imaging with trace element analyses to visualize the former presence of fluids and decipher the petrogenesis of these rocks in ancient and modern arcs. Her work is also important because subduction is a major modifier of the continental crust, new methods to extract petrogenetic fingerprints from metamorphosed rocks are continuously being developed. To celebrate her career, this session brings together researchers studying subduction zone processes, metasomatism, metamorphism from low temperature to UHP environments, fluids, whole rock and trace element geochemistry, mineralogy and imaging to highlight advances made in understanding these environments.

In addition to these scientific contributions, as a long time curator at the Smithsonian Institution, she has worked tirelessly to acquire important petrological collections for their preservation and continued use. Her work on the petrology hall showcased our science to millions of visitors.

Sponsored by: Mineralogical Society of America; GSA Mineralogy, Geochemistry, Petrology, and Volcanology Division; Geochemical Society

Thank you from the session organizers:

Barb Dutrow, Sarah Penniston-Dorland, Virginia Sisson

Apply to Sail on Cascadia Initiative Expedition – Summer 2015


Apply to Sail on Cascadia Initiative Expedition (Summer 2015)

Opportunity for Students and Early-Career Scientists: Sail on a Cascadia Initiative Expedition

Cruise Dates: September 30 – October 14, 2015

Application Deadline: July 15th

Application is available at: /ci-apply-to-sail-2015/

Students and early-career scientists are invited to sail on the final leg of the Cascadia Initiative (CI) Expeditions late in the 2015 field season.  This expedition on the R/V Thomas G. Thompson will involve the remotely operated vehicle Jason and will recover shallow- and deep-water ocean bottom seismometers (OBS) operated by Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory. Berths for 6 to 8 additional students/scientists are available.  The cruise is schedule for September 30 – October 14 and participants must arrive in port at least one full day prior to sailing. Travel funds will be provided to and from the port of departure (Newport, Oregon).

The goal of this call for open participation is to help expand the user base of OBS data by providing opportunities for students and scientists to directly experience at-sea acquisition of OBS data. Participants must have a strong interest in learning field techniques, be willing to work long hours at sea assisting in OBS recoveries, OBS post-recovery servicing and preliminary data processing, and have an interest in working with the data collected. Eligible applicants include graduate students and early-career scientists in fields related to seismology. Preference will be given to employees of U.S. institutions.  All CI data is publically available via the IRIS DMC.

Applications should be completed online by July 15, 2015. A 2-page CV and a brief statement of interest (not to exceed 250 words) describing the applicant’s experience in geophysics and motivation for participating in this expedition are requested. Applicants who will be graduate students during summer 2015 must include a letter of support from their advisor. Participants will be ranked by the CIET and notified by July 22, 2015.

More information on the scientific goals of the CI and details of past expeditions can be found at http://cascadia.uoregon.edu.

Experiences from an earlier apply to sail participants are described in GeoPRISMS article: /education/report-from-the-field/ciet-apply-to-sail-fall2013/

Questions should be directed to William Wilcock wilcock@uw.edu and Dean Livelybrooks dlivelyb@uoregon.edu

Reminder – Your Input Needed: Research Nuggets for GeoPRISMS Review

Dear GeoPRISMS Community,

In preparation for the GeoPRISMS program mid-term review, the GeoPRISMS Office is compiling science “nuggets” that summarize interesting, visual, and high-impact research efforts related to GeoPRISMS. The assembled nuggets will provide a strong case for scientific achievement in GeoPRISMS, and are invaluable in documenting the broad scope and interdisciplinary nature of the program. Nuggets that cover work closely-related to GeoPRISMS but that were not funded by the GeoPRISMS program are also welcome.

Nuggets should be no more than 2 pages and should include a title, authorship, one high-resolution figure, and references. Please note that the nuggets will be formatted by the Office for inclusion in the review document.

Please submit all material before July 15, 2015 at info@geoprisms.nineplanetsllc.com

For more information about the nuggets and examples from the NSF-MARGINS Program Decadal Review 2009 please visit the GeoPRISMS Office at: /research/review-nuggets/. If you have any questions, please contact the GeoPRISMS Office at info@geoprisms.nineplanetsllc.com

– The GeoPRISMS Office & GSOC

Reminder: Call for GeoPRISMS Mini-Workshop Proposals at AGU 2015


**Deadline for mini-workshop proposals is July 1, 2015**

Dear GeoPRISMS Community,

We are pleased to announce that this year we will again be able to host a few mini-workshops at the 2015 AGU Fall Meeting (December 14-18). A mini-workshop is a research meeting that is held during an evening of the Fall Meeting or on the Sunday leading up to the meeting. Examples of mini-workshops held in association with recent and upcoming national and international meetings can be found at:

Mini-Workshops

Mini-Workshops offer excellent opportunities to jump-start science discussions, as well as to coordinate implementation for future GeoPRISMS studies, both for primary sites and thematic studies. We encourage you to consider such an undertaking. The GeoPRISMS Office provides logistical support, a meeting room and refreshments. We do not cover any travel costs or per diem to the organizers or participants.

If you would like to host a GeoPRISMS-related Mini-Workshop in association with the 2015 AGU Fall Meeting (14-18 December), we invite you to submit your proposal to the GeoPRISMS Office at info@geoprisms.nineplanetsllc.com. The proposals will be reviewed and ranked by the GeoPRISMS Steering and Oversight Committee (GSOC). The number of mini-workshops is limited but we expect to be able to host two to three events.

The deadline for upcoming Mini-Workshop proposals is July 1, 2015. The proposal guidelines are described on the GeoPRISMS website at: /meetings/mini-workshops/. We encourage you to contact the GeoPRISMS Office with questions or advice prior to submitting at info@geoprisms.nineplanetsllc.com.

We look forward to hearing your ideas.

-The GeoPRISMS Office and GSOC

Job Posting: Faculty Position


Faculty Position in Earth and Planetary Science – Rice University, Department of Earth Science
We seek creative and promising candidates across the broad spectrum of earth and planetary science who complement the disciplines represented in our department.

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

Please send a CV, research and teaching statements, and names of four or more references to esci-search@rice.edu.

Equal Opportunity Employer — Females/Minorities/Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity. All required application materials submitted by September 15, 2015 are ensured full consideration.

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Please note, new job announcements (usually) will be distributed to the GeoPRISMS Listserv on the 1st and 15th of each month.

Workshop announcement: “Slow Earthquake 2015”, Nagoya, September 24th-26th


Dear Colleagues:

We are going to have an international workshop on slow earthquakes on 24-26 September 2015 at the Higashiyama campus, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan.

In this workshop, we focus not only on the understanding of “slow earthquakes”, but also on the relationship between slow earthquakes and megathrust earthquakes. We welcome any topic related to slow earthquakes such as, observations, geological field surveys, laboratory experiments, numerical modeling, theoretical studies, and so on.

International invited speakers:

K. Creager (University of Washington)

Z. Peng (Georgia Institute of Technology )

H. Houston (University of Washington)

M. Ikari (MARUM, University of Bremen)

Website: https://sites.google.com/site/wssloweqs2015/

Date: 24-26 September, 2015

Venue: Environmental Studies Hall, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan

Registration fee: none

Support for travel expense for speakers: partial support available (not all of the requests will be accepted; please ask H. Hirose (hitoshi.hirose@ruby.kobe-u.ac.jp) for details)

Presentation Submission: June – August, 2015 (tentative)

Abstract submission deadline: September, 2015 (tentative)

Organizers: Hitoshi Hirose, Yoshihiro Ito, Aitaro Kato, Kazushige Obara

This workshop is supported by Joint Usage/Research Center Programs of ERI The University of Tokyo and DPRI Kyoto University

Yoshihiro Ito
DPRI, Kyoto University
Gokasyo, Uji, Kyoto, 611-0011, Japan
Tel/Fax: +81-774-38-4240
ito.yoshihiro.4w@kyoto-u.ac.jp