Heads Up: GSA Boston Topical Theme Session

[Marilyn Wegweiser <mdwegweiser@bsuvc.bsu.edu>]

G'Day Good People,

I would like to give you a heads up that the following GSA Topical 
Theme Session has been accepted and will be presented at GSA in 
Boston, MA in November. Please  watch herein and on the GSA website 
for additional information and updates. Yes - Vertebrate 
paleontological topics ARE eligible for this! Make it fit. Dinosaurs 
and other critters with backbones interact with the environment. ;^)

Yours Truly and Stephen Hasiotis will be the Symposium Chairs. The 
information is as follows:

"TRACES" OF SOIL ECOSYSTEMS THROUGH THE PHANEROZOIC: NEW INSIGHTS INTO
TERRESTRIAL PALEOECOLOGY, PALEOHYDROLOGY, AND PALEOCLIMATE

Scientific Categories: Paleontology/Paleobotany 
Paleoclimatology/Paleoceanography, Geochemistry Organic

Session Description: Studies identifying and understanding
organism-substrate and organism-organism interactions representative of
ancient soil ecosystems that further our understanding of global changes in
terrestrial paleoecology, and biogeochemical cycling and paleoclimates in
the deep geologic past. Types of studies could include forms of integrated
paleopedologic, geochemical, ichnologic, paleobiologic, sedimentologic,
paleoecologic, and paleoclimatologic research.

Rationale: Soil ecosystems, with their advent in the Early Proterozoic, have
changed through time with the evolution, diversification, and extinction of
a procession of microbes, fungi, plants, and animals. The interactions
between plant, animal, and microbial components of soil ecosystems play a
major role in regulating biodiversity, nutrient dynamics, water balance,
carbon and nitrogen sequestration, and other biogeochemical cycles in soils.
These ever-changing interactions have shaped the physical, biological, and
geochemical characters of terrestrial ecosystems, especially through the
Phanerozoic. Although much about the aboveground macrobiotic components is
known, we know little of the belowground components. Important information
regarding biodiversity, nutrient dynamics, and biogeochemical cycles of
ancient soil ecosystems lies ?hidden? as ichnofossils, pedologic fabrics,
microbial signatures, and geochemical indicators. The activity and diversity
of community components in soil ecosystems are linked to the structural
heterogeneity, stability, organic matter distribution, water infiltration
and retention, and gas exchange of soils. Much of this type of research is
being done in modern soil ecosystems and biomes, focusing on the role of
invertebrates in soil dynamics and the impacts of elevated CO2 and land use
intensification on soil biota. Identifying and understanding
organism-substrate and organism-organism interactions will further our
understanding of the relations between soil ecosystems and global changes in
biogeochemical cycling and paleoclimates in the deep geologic past. A
special topical session will provide an excellent opportunity for scientists
specializing in paleobiologic, sedimentologic, pedologic, geochemical,
microbiological, paleoecologic, and paleoclimatic fields to interact,
exchange information, and generate ideas for future integrated studies on
the function of soil ecosystems and their role in past global change.

Special Format or Requirements: None.

The due date for electronic abstracts is July 24. GSA is using a new 
electronic abstract submittal process. The electronic form now has 
the capabilities of capturing non-ASCII text. The authors are given a 
password so they can access their abstracts and make changes up until 
abstract deadline date. Submitting on-line is the preferred method. 
Please encourage your colleagues to use the new electronic submission 
form on GSA's Web site. It will be open for submittals around 
mid-April. The text of electronic abstracts will be archived and 
remain completely searchable on GSA's Web site for at least two 
years. Paper abstracts are due July 17th. All paper abstract 
submittals are sent out of house to be hand entered. This leaves room 
for entry error. This method will need to be used by persons who 
don't have web access. Anyone needing a paper abstract form will need 
to contact the GSA Technical Program Assistant, Heather Chotvacs at 
(303) 447-2020 x115.

Please contact either me or Steve if you need any additional 
information about this exciting theme session.

Best regards,
Marilyn W.


Dr. Stephen T. Hasiotis
Dept. Geography, Geology, Anthropology
Indiana State University
159 Science Building
Terra Haute, IN 47809
Office: 812.237.2270
Fax: 812.237.8029
gehasiot@scifac.indstate.edu
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                        Marilyn D. Wegweiser, Ph.D.
                Adjunct Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology
                     Cincinnati Natural History Museum

Assistant Professor of Geology
Department of Geology                   mdwegweiser@bsu.edu
Ball State University                   Office: 765-285-8268;765-285-8270
Muncie, Indiana                         FAX:    765-285-8265