How do sinks, dykes, and drainage systems protect communities from flooding risk? The American Institute of Hydrology (AIH) released their Winter 2016 Bulletin in December 2016, and it features a manuscript that examines this question in Juárez City, Mexico. Read it in the latest AIH Bulletin.

Last week, the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP) shared a blog post about the trending hashtag #actuallivingscientist. The hashtag went viral two weeks ago, and thousands of scientists have tweeted out pictures of themselves doing science. Paleontologists are well represented! Read the blog post here.

Farzad Naeim (M. EERI, 1983), President of Farzad Naeim, Inc. and Adjunct Professor of Engineering at University of California, Irvine, has been named the 2017 recipient of the Bruce A. Bolt Medal. He is recognized for more than three decades of contributions to earthquake engineering, technology and public policy through projects like his ongoing work with the City of Los Angeles to develop regulations for the design and construction of very tall buildings. He also demonstrates extraordinary leadership transferring knowledge into practice to improve seismic safety. 

The Association for Women Geoscientists announced that their 2017 field trip will explore California tectonics lead by pioneer of west coast plate tectonics, Tanya Atwater, and accompanied the first few days by Art Sylvester, co-author of Roadside Geology of Southern California (2016).

Cooped up in the office all day? Check out this amazing virtual geology field trip. Featured on the December 16 episode of Science Friday, this 360-degree geologic expedition was created by geoscience teacher Ryan Hollister, a 2015 winner of the Outstanding Earth Science Teacher Award offered by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers.

Join hundreds of attendees from around the world for an in-depth discussion on assessing, mitigating, and communicating flood risk tomorrow, Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at 1:00pm EST. Register here. More info below.

 

Did you know that about 60% of groundwater withdrawn is used for agriculture? The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) is promoting public of groundwater during National Groundwater Awareness Week. Learn more here.

The American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) wants you to nominate your favorite geology professor for the Inspirational Geoscience Educator Award, formerly known as the Professorial Award.

Nominate deserving colleagues for Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) Awards and Fellow in soil science research, education, industry, consulting, and extension. Initiate nominations by March 29 with reference letters and final submission by April 5. Students: Apply for SSSA scholarships, including Golden Opportunity Scholars, by April 5 with reference letters and final submission by April 12.

After several rounds of applications and interviews, Sarah Hill landed her GeoCorps position. Instead of a seemingly more exotic position in a National Park, Sarah opted for job based out of D.C., and found it was filled with as much adventure as she had hoped for! Read about her experiences working for the Bureau of Land Management's Division of Solid Minerals covering Mining Law Administration on Federal lands and Federal Coal programs. She found herself shadowing administrators at Congressional hearings, learning about mining tailings storage facilities, and traveling to Colorado to experience training for Certified Mineral Examiners. Learn more about her experience in the Geological Society of America's (GSA) Speaking of Geoscience Blog.