The Geophysical
Society of Alaska (GSA) is an organization dedicated to the study and
practice of Geophysics in Alaska and about Alaska. Geophysics
is the application of physics to improve our understanding of the Earth,
including its hydrosphere, atmosphere, and its environment in space. GSA
is the Alaska Section of the Society of Exploration Geophysics (SEG). The
Society fosters the expert and ethical practice of geophysics in the
exploration and development of natural resources, in characterizing the
near-surface, and in mitigating earth hazards. Activities of the GSA
include:
Lunch and Lecture Series: Provide for 9 monthly lunch meetings for
our members and the local earth science community from September thru
May with distinguished lecturers. Setting up the lecture series is the
responsibility of the 1st Vice President. These lectures
keep the community and our members up to date on the latest methods
and technologies being applied in the field of geophysics. The
lectures further allow members from various companies and government
agencies network and share ideas and opportunities for cooperation.
Lunch charges just cover expenses such as catering and speaker fees.
The treasurer is responsible for cash inflow and outflow related to
the lunch.
Monthly Newsletter: The "Boreas" newsletter is published
monthly, September thru May, and is the primary means of advertising
the luncheon and any other society information. The society is in the
process of setting up a web page on the SEG web server to improve
communication with our membership and to the greater Alaskan community
in general. It is the Secretary/Editor’s primary responsibility. The
employer of the Secretary/Editor generally provides for Publishing and
mailing costs.
Providing Continuing Education Opportunities: The GSA has a goal of
helping to provide at least one continuation education class each
year. Usually, the course offered is provided through the SEG
Distinguished Instructor Short Course program. The Past President is
responsible for continuing education. Course charges are meant to
cover program costs
Educational Scholarship: The GSA has a goal of promoting the field
of geophysics to young talented earth science students from primary
through college grade level. This is the scholarship chairman’s
responsibility. At the primary and secondary level, we award
deserving Alaska State Science Fair entrants. The awards consist of
a year subscription to Earth in Space, a publication of the American
Geophysical Union plus and/or a $25-$50 cash award. At the college
grade level, the GSA award two cash scholarships ($500/each last
year and $1000/each this year) within the University of Alaska
system. In addition, the GSA has setup an endowment with the SEG
Foundation to make an annual $1000 award. It is the intention of the
GSA to grow this endowment. Funds for scholarships are raised from
local companies during our Spring Picnic Scholarship Fundraising
drive and by contributions from society members.
AGS/GSA Joint Alaska Technical Conference: The GSA joins AGS
(Alaska Geological Society) in organizing, on a biannual basis, a
technical conference where industry, government, and education earth
science professionals gather to share their research and work
through poster and speaker sessions. The conference typically lasts
a day and participants come from all over Alaska and even the lower
48 and Canada. The intent, financially speaking, is to just cover
expenses.
