Alexandria, VA - Coal accounts for nearly a quarter of the nation’s primary energy production and is used to produce half of our electric power. Annually, the U.S. mines 1.1 billion short tons of coal. Use in this country, as well as internationally, will continue to increase to maintain our economic growth and standard of living. But with the recovery and use of this resource comes environmental concerns.* To highlight the importance of coal in our daily lives and the environmental concerns that are associated with its mining and use, AGI has published Coal and the Environment (ISBN 0-922152-77-2) as part of the Environmental Awareness Series. [Read More]

Alexandria, VA - The American Geological Institute (AGI) announces the theme for Earth Science Week 2006: “Be a Citizen Scientist!” This year’s Earth Science Week, October 8-14, will engage students and the public in conducting real “citizen science” research and help to spread science literacy. “Citizen science affords everyone an opportunity to investigate earth science questions,” says Ann E. Benbow, Ph.D., AGI’s Director of Education and Outreach. “This Earth Science Week, we will be encouraging students, teachers, and the general public to become actively involved in a variety of citizen science programs with earth science themes. [Read More]

Alexandria, VA — The American Geological Institute (AGI) is pleased to announce Dr. Robert J. Weimer as the recipient of the 2006 Legendary Geoscience Award. Established in 1999, the award is presented to a geoscientist who has demonstrated a long history of scientific achievement and exceptional service to the geoscience profession. Weimer received both his B.A. (1948) and M.A. (1949) in geology from the University of Wyoming. He then received his Ph. [Read More]

Alexandria, VA — The latest edition of the Directory of Geoscience Departments (DGD) — the definitive source for information about college and university geoscience departments in the United States and 44 countries — has just been published by the American Geological Institute (AGI). The Directory of Geoscience Departments, 44th Edition, provides a state-sorted listing of 2,023 geoscience departments, research departments and institutes and their faculty and staff. The leadership of the major geoscience professional and scientific societies in the United States has also been added to this edition of the DGD. [Read More]

Alexandria, VA - The American Geological Institute (AGI) is proud to announce the 2005 Earth Science Week contest winners. The contests encourage the public to participate in this annual celebration, which recognizes the importance of the earth sciences in our lives. Selecting from among more than 500 entries, AGI is pleased to name the three winners: Brandy Anglen, of Fresno, California, won the Photography Contest with her photo of scientists testing water for sulfur isotopes on Lake Hoare in the McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica. [Read More]

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The American Geological Institute (AGI) announces the publication of the fifth edition of the Glossary of Geology. This book has served as an important resource to geoscientists in all fields. The fifth edition, edited by Klaus K.E. Neuendorf, James P. Mehl, Jr. and Julia A. Jackson, reflects advances in scientific thought and changes in word usage. Of the 40,000 entries, approximately 3,600 are new additions, and 13,000 entries have been updated, providing the most comprehensive set of geological terms in publication. [Read More]

Alexandria, VA — The American Geological Institute (AGI) announces the relaunch of GeoSpectrum. Formerly a newsletter about the activities of the Institute, GeoSpectrum now has been revamped into a quarterly electronic magazine (e-zine) with a new design, new medium and new purpose — to cover news and information about the geoscience profession. The new GeoSpectrum will be an outlet for AGI’s Member Societies to share information with each other and the entire geoscience community. [Read More]

The American Geological Institute (AGI) is providing dozens of free, new educational resources to boost awareness about the geosciences and the many exciting career opportunities in the field for Earth Science Week 2005 (October 9-15). Educators, parents, and interested citizens are invited to order a free Earth Science Week Kit (plus $4.95 shipping and handling), which includes posters, DVDs, CD-ROMs, maps, flyers, contest details, fun learning activities linked to the National Science Education Standards, information tailored for Spanish-speaking audiences, and much more. [Read More]

Alexandria, VA — About 75 million Americans in 39 states face a significant risk from a strong earthquake. Because of this significant risk, the Congressional Hazards Caucus Coalition will sponsor an earthquake hazards briefing Tuesday, September 20 at 3:00 pm, in room 2325 of the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill. The recent Hurricane Katrina disaster highlights the importance of being prepared for and responding to natural hazards. Thus, it is imperative to prepare the public and their communities in advance to minimize the loss of life and property. [Read More]

Alexandria, VA — The American Geological Institute (AGI) is pleased to welcome its newest president, Dr. Ernest A. Mancini, who is a Distinguished Research Professor of geology at the University of Alabama (UA), Director of the Center for Sedimentary Basin Studies at UA and the Eastern Gulf Region Director of the Petroleum Technology Transfer Council. In 1976, after receiving his Ph.D. from Texas A&M University, Mancini joined the UA geology department as faculty and simultaneously worked for two state agencies including the Geological Survey of Alabama. [Read More]