Dear Friends,
Below are announcements and updates on conferences involving caves on other planets, caves associated with mines, and sinkhole issues. As usual, please distribute this to anyone you think may be interested, and contact the people listed below for more information. George -------------------------------------- AbSciCon - the Astrobiology Conference held every 2 years - will be held April 16-20, 2012, in Atlanta, GA. I want to point out that there is a planetary cave session for those interested. The cave session is topic #5 under Extreme Environments. Information to submit abstracts can be found at: http://abscicon2012.arc.nasa.gov/meeting-information/ Abstracts are due: 31 Jan 2012. 5.Session Family: Extreme Environments Session Title: Planetary Caves - Implications for Astrobiology, Climate, Detection and Exploration. Short title (for abstract submission): Planetary Caves Description: The focus of this session is to promote the exchange of knowledge and ideas between planetary and terrestrial scientists interested in cave exploration and research across the solar system. Extraterrestrial caves provide access to the subsurface without the need for drilling and are potential habitats for previous or present life. In recognition of the broad scope, interdisciplinary nature, and strong international interest in this topic, the participation of any interested scientist with relevant theoretical, experimental, or field experience is strongly encouraged. Organizer: Timothy Titus, [email protected] Dr. Timothy N. Titus Supervisory Research Space Scientist USGS Astrogeology Science Center Work:928-556-7201 Cell:928-640-0077 Fax: 928-556-7014 -------------------------------------- Dear cave and karst researchers, >From 26 to 29 April 2012 the Second International Symposium on Mine Caves will be held at Iglesias, Sardinia. http://www.international-symposium-on-mine-caves.org/ Mine caves are natural cavities intercepted in underground works, and often are ideal sites for different scientific researches. Deadline for abstract submission is January 31, 2012. Registration and abstract submission can be done at the symposium website http://www.international-symposium-on-mine-caves.org/abstracts We hope to welcome many karst scientists and cavers in Sardinia. Jo De Waele and Paolo Forti -------------------------------------- Dear colleagues, Only few days are left to submit abstracts to the following forthcoming Scientific Session on Sinkholes at the General Assembly of EGU in Vienna, next April: Session NH8.6 "SINKHOLES: from susceptibility to risk evaluation and mapping" (http://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EGU2012) at EGU General Assembly (Vienna, 22-27 April 2012) Convened by: Mario Parise, Giulio Iovine, Stefania Nisio Session Description Sinkholes are widespread in many countries of the world, in several geological and morphological settings, affecting distinct lithotypes either in the detrital cover sequences or in bedrock outcrops. In particular, some phenomena develop in geomorphological context characterized by plain areas and notable detrital coverages, either made of sediments or colluvial or residual terrains, thick even tens to hundreds of meters. In some cases, the genetic mechanisms are poorly understood; they can be quite complex and appear not directly connected with classical karstic processes. The recent urban development and the increasing need of spaces for infrastructures in areas potentially affected by sinkholes require a better comprehension in terms of related susceptibility, hazard and risk. The session aims to stimulate the discussion on the state-of-the-art of the studies on the mentioned topic, with special regard to sinkholes in plain not-karstic areas. Analyses of genetic mechanisms, methodological examples of investigation, and case studies are welcome, as well as description of techniques for evaluating susceptibility, hazard and risk. Note: A selection of studies presented at this session will be considered for publication in a special issue of a relevant international journal. For info on how to submit an Abstract: http://meetings.copernicus.org/egu2012/abstract_management/how_to_submit_an_ abstract.html or go directly at: http://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EGU2012/sessionprogramme/NH#NH8 choose Session NH8.6, and press "Abstract submission" The deadline for the submission of Abstracts is 17 January 2012. Further information about the EGU General Assembly 2012 can be found at: http://meetings.copernicus.org/egu2012/home.html, and information about EGU itself can be found at http://www.egu.eu In case any technical questions arise, please contact us at [email protected] For any questions relevant to the Session organization please do not hesitate to contact me We hope to see you in Vienna! Best Regards, Mario Parise and co-conveners *************************** George Veni, Ph.D. Executive Director National Cave and Karst Research Institute 400-1 Cascades Avenue Carlsbad, New Mexico 88220-6215 USA Office: 575-887-5517 Mobile: 210-863-5919 Fax: 575-887-5523 [email protected] www.nckri.org
