Alexandria, VA - A new study from geoscience researchers has important implications for studies of Mesoamerica and North America prior to the arrival of European settlers. Using isotope geochemistry, scientists at Pennsylvania’s Dickenson College and the University of Arizona are trying to identify if turquoise mineral specimens record the signature of their parent ore deposits. Turquoise is a copper aluminum phosphate mineral that forms from water percolating through bedrock near copper ore deposits. [Read More]

Alexandria, VA - The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) is pleased to announce the release of “America’s Geologic Heritage: An Invitation to Leadership.” This publication was prepared by the National Park Service’s Geologic Resources Division staff in cooperation with AGI. The book synthesizes recent concepts developed in the global geologic resource conservation community and puts them into context for a uniquely American approach to geologic heritage conservation. Definitions and discussions are provided for important terms such as geologic heritage, geodiversity, and geoconservation. [Read More]

Published on American Geosciences Institute (https://www.americangeosciences.org) As Americans feast for Thanksgiving, scientists are engaged in a debate over what human ancestors feasted on and when it occurred. EARTH Magazine brings readers this active debate centered around fossilized animal bones and the marks on them. Several years ago, scientists discovered 3.4-million-year-old animal bones near Dikika, Ethiopia, that had strange markings on them. Scientists initially reported that the markings were tool marks made by human ancestors who were butchering and eating the protein- and fat-rich animals. [Read More]

Alexandria, VA - Anna Lee of Suwanee, Georgia, won first place in the visual arts contest with a showing colorful connections among Earth systems in her community. Finalists were Akhshitt Swetha Karthikeyan, Nia Maheshwari, and Ava Chang. Students in grades K-5 made two-dimensional illustrations demonstrating the theme “Picturing Earth Systems.” Mary Lide Parker of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, won first place in the photo contest with her image of hiking along a frigid cliffside. [Read More]

Alexandria, VA - Under the guidance and leadership of Dr. Gail M. Ashley, the American Geosciences Institute (AGI) has become what it is today. Her stalwart dedication during unexpected internal changes at the institute and continued wise counsel through ongoing service on a number of AGI committees, she has demonstrated her dedication to AGI. For this, she has been recognized with the William B. Heroy Award for Distinguished Service to the American Geosciences Institute. [Read More]

Alexandria, VA - The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) is accepting applications for the Edward C. Roy Award for Excellence in Earth Science Teaching. Given annually, this award is presented to one full-time K-8 teacher in the US or UK whose excellence and innovation in the classroom elevates students’ understanding of the Earth and its many systems. The winner of the Edward C. Roy Award will receive a cash prize and an additional travel grant to attend the National Science Teachers Association Annual Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, in March 2016. [Read More]

Alexandria, VA - Close on the heels of another successful Earth Science Week celebration, the American Geosciences Institute (AGI) is pleased to release a new promotional video highlighting the importance of the Earth sciences and the celebration’s role in promoting public awareness. Why is Earth science a big deal? How does Earth Science Week help promote learning and teaching about the subject? And what can you do to get involved? Find out in this brief, exciting, eye-popping video. [Read More]

To better understand Rome itself, archaeologists are using a new method - the buildup of travertine within the Anio Novus aqueduct - to determine how much water flowed into Rome. The Anio Novus aqueduct is an ideal study candidate because not only was it the longest aqueduct, but it also has an associated written history. With modern understanding of flow rates and some calculus, researchers were able to extrapolate a flow rate for the aqueduct. [Read More]

Alexandria, VA - Scott Burns, engineering geologist and geomorphologist and media personality was recognized by the American Geosciences Institute (AGI) with its Outstanding Contribution to the Understanding of Geoscience award. His award was presented at a ceremony at the Geological Society of America Annual Meeting hosted in Baltimore, Maryland. Burns, nominated by a group of his peers, personifies AGI’s mission of “Connecting Earth, Science, and People.’ He is recognized for his contagious enthusiasm for geoscience, and has enhanced the public’s understanding of the geosciences through outreach, teaching, volunteering and media support. [Read More]

At the 2015 Geological Society of America Annual Meeting, the American Geosciences Institute recognized Rodney C. Ewing with the Medal in Memory of Ian Campbell for Superlative Service in the Geosciences. Over his career, Ewing has bridged disciplines to develop new applications of geologic and materials sciences and advanced science itself in the publications of interest. It is especially noteworthy that he has served and continues to serve on many advisory committees and policy boards focused on nuclear energy and the environment. [Read More]