Atlantic Geoscience Society

Atlantic Geoscience Society
Atlantic Geoscience Society · Public domain · source
Name	Atlantic Geoscience Society
Formation	1986
Type	Learned society
Headquarters	Halifax, Nova Scotia
Region served	Atlantic Canada
Language	English, French

Atlantic Geoscience Society The Atlantic Geoscience Society is a regional learned society supporting geological research and public awareness in Atlantic Canada, with ties to universities, museums, and government agencies. Founded in the late 20th century, the Society connects professionals, students, and amateur geoscientists through conferences, field trips, and publications, interacting with institutions such as Dalhousie University, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Nova Scotia Museum, Geological Survey of Canada, and Natural Resources Canada.

History

The Society was formed in 1986 amid increasing collaboration among practitioners from Dalhousie University, Saint Mary's University (Halifax), Memorial University of Newfoundland, University of New Brunswick, and provincial surveys like the New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources and Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables. Early initiatives followed precedents set by organizations such as the Canadian Geophysical Union and the Geological Association of Canada, and drew on regional expertise exemplified by researchers affiliated with the Atlantic Geoscience Centre, the Cape Breton University geology faculty, and curators from the New Brunswick Museum. The Society’s development paralleled major projects including mapping campaigns by the Geological Survey of Canada and resource assessments tied to events like the Offshore technology conference and collaborations with industry partners such as Chevron Canada and Suncor Energy.

Organization and Structure

Governance is provided by an elected executive and council with representatives from universities, provincial surveys, museums, and consulting firms, echoing frameworks used by bodies like the Royal Society of Canada and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum. Committees handle program planning, finance, awards, and student affairs, similar to structures at the Geological Association of Canada and regional sections of the American Geophysical Union. Annual general meetings rotate among host institutions including Dalhousie University, Memorial University of Newfoundland, University of Prince Edward Island, and venues in Halifax, St. John's, Fredericton, and Charlottetown, often coordinating with provincial capitals and agencies such as Service Nova Scotia.

Activities and Programs

The Society organizes an annual colloquium combining oral sessions, poster sessions, and field trips that visit geological sites like the Blomidon Formation, the Avalon Zone, the Fundy Basin, and the Canso Strait region. Field excursions have explored terrains associated with the Appalachian orogeny, the Maritimes Basin, and the Labrador Sea margin, attracting participants from institutions such as Acadia University, Mount Allison University, and St. Francis Xavier University. Outreach programs have partnered with museums including the Nova Scotia Museum and the Newfoundland and Labrador Science Centre and educational initiatives have linked with school boards, the Canadian Museum of Nature, and public science events like Science Atlantic and Canada Science and Technology Museum exhibits. The Society also works with industry bodies like the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers and professional regulators including the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Nova Scotia.

Publications and Communications

The Society publishes proceedings of its annual colloquium, field guides, and occasional special volumes, following models used by the Geological Association of Canada and the Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences. Communications include newsletters circulated to members at universities such as Memorial University of Newfoundland and Dalhousie University, and to organizations like the Geological Survey of Canada and provincial departments. Field guides produced in partnership with museum curators and academics have documented sites tied to the Precambrian Shield, Paleozoic strata of Nova Scotia, and the Pleistocene glaciations of the region. Digital communications utilize platforms common to societies such as the American Association of Petroleum Geologists and link with databases maintained by Natural Resources Canada.

Awards and Recognition

The Society administers awards recognizing excellence in research, teaching, and service, analogous to honors given by the Geological Association of Canada and the Royal Society of Canada. Awards acknowledge contributions from faculty at Dalhousie University, Memorial University of Newfoundland, and researchers at institutions like the Atlantic Geoscience Centre and provincial surveys. Student awards and travel grants have supported attendees from institutions such as St. Mary’s University (Halifax), Acadia University, and Mount Saint Vincent University to present at national meetings including the Canadian Geoscience Council symposia and international conferences like the International Geological Congress.

Membership and Outreach

Membership spans professionals, academics, students, and amateur geoscientists affiliated with organizations including Dalhousie University, Memorial University of Newfoundland, University of New Brunswick, Cape Breton University, museums such as the New Brunswick Museum, and government bodies like Natural Resources Canada and provincial departments. Outreach targets K–12 educators, museum audiences, and community groups, often partnering with initiatives such as Let’s Talk Science, Science Atlantic, and city science festivals in Halifax and St. John’s. The Society fosters networks that link to national and international bodies including the Geological Association of Canada, the American Geophysical Union, and the International Union of Geological Sciences.

Category:Geology organizations Category:Organizations established in 1986