Monday, December 04, 2006
Geoscientists Conference focuses on our planet, our future
PALMERSTON NORTH – More than 175 geoscientists today gathered at Massey to discuss and share research relating to
geology, vulcanology, geohazards and disaster management.
The Institute of Natural Resources is hosting the 36th annual conference of the Geological Society of New Zealand and
the New Zealand Geophysical Society,
December 8. The theme is Our Planet, Our Future and this year 21 presentations are authored or co-authored by Massey
staff and postgraduate students. These include: A presentation by vulcanologist Dr Shane Cronin on the lahar predicted
to flow from Mt Ruapehu, and the lessons learnt from previous Mt Ruapehu eruptions;
Dr Simon Nathan (a former staff member) on the role of earth science on Te Ara (the online Encyclopaedia of New Zealand)
and a session chaired by Dr Clel Wallace on the place of earth science in the science curriculum. The conference
delegates are also invited to explore the geology of the Manawatu region with field trips led by Massey earth
scientists, including a trip to the Tararua Wind Farm.
The full conference programme can be read at: http://www.gsnz.org.nz/gsconference06.htm Dr Jérôme Lecointre, a research
officer in the University’s Volcanic Risk Solutions research group is convening the conference.
ENDS