IAMG'98 SCIENTIFIC SESSIONS
CALL FOR PAPERS




S1 New avenues in spatio-temporal estimation

Conveners: Marc Serre and Patrick Bogaert

As revealed by this annual meeting of the IAMG, stochastic space/time analysis and mapping are of increasing importance in geoscientific problems. Most of the theoretical tools and techniques of stochastic data processing have been designed to operate exclusively in space or in time. However, powerful models and techniques that study problems in a composite space/time domain have been recently developed and are applied in new and diverse scientific fields, such as water quality assessment, exposure analysis and health effects of pollutants, transport modeling, and land use patterns, to just name a few. A modern space/time analysis should include a spatio-temporal integration of knowledge and information bases coming from a variety of sources concerning the problem analyzed. This session will address this issue by exploring new avenues in space/time modeling and mapping. While traditional minimum mean square error methods have been widely used in spatial estimation, giving rise to the popular kriging methods, they seem to be lacking the flexibility to incorporate important sources of general and case-specific knowledge that are often available. Therefore this session will not restrict itself to minimum mean square error methods, but will also consider alternative avenues such as information-theoretic, bayesian maximum entropy, neural network, etc. methods, which provide a sound methodology to incorporate various combinations of soft data and information in the estimation procedure when they are relevant. The focus will be on both theoretical developments and case studies demonstrating how general as well as case-specific knowledge and data (hard and soft) can be included in space/time analysis in a systematic and rigorous manner. Following the presentations, the discussion will focus on the fruitful interaction between theoretical modeling and practical needs.
Interested parties should contribute by sending an abstract focused on specific theoretical and/or practical aspects of space/time analysis, for example in the following areas:

Composite space/time analysis and processing.
Incorporation of various kinds of knowledge-bases in space/time analysis.
Space/time analysis of multivariate data sets.
Quantitative assessment of spatio-temporal heterogeneity.
Computer visualization and animation of space/time data sets.
Applications of spatio-temporal analysis (case studies).


Marc Serre
104 Rosenau Hall, CB#7400
Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, N.C.
27599-7400 U.S.A.
e-mail: marc_serre@unc.edu

Patrick Bogaert
Universite Catholique de Louvain
Faculte des Sciences Agronomiques
Unite de Biometrie Place Croix du Sud, 2 Bte 16, B-1348
Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
e-mail: bogaert@biom.ucl.ac.be


S2 Predictive modeling in environmental geosciences

Conveners: Roussos Dimitrakopoulos and Andrea G. Fabbri

The earth sciences are undergoing a transformation in which the emphasis on exploration and mapping for natural resources is matched by environmental analysis and the assessment of the impacts of natural processes and of human activity on quality of life. A multitude of quantitative methods and of computer techniques which were initially developed for mineral resource assessment and predictions, are now being applied to support decisional processes in environmental applications where natural and/or human influence become determinant factors in the identification of acceptable solutions. The environment has become a resource to be managed and protected for the future. This session will collect contributions dealing with the space/time prediction of processes and impacts using quantitative models. Oral and poster contributions on the following topics will be welcome.

Quantitative predictions in space and time
Hazard, vulnerability and risk assessments
Environmental impact assessment
Multi-objective/multi-criteria decision analysis
Pattern recognition
Multi-dimensional and dynamic representations
Spatial data analysis and integration
Applications of remote sensing and geographical information systems to environmental analysis

Roussos Dimitrakopoulos
WH Bryan Mining Geology Research Centre,
University of Queensland Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia
tel. +61 7 33653472
fax. +61 7 33657028
e-mail: roussos@minmet.uq.oz.au

Andrea G. Fabbri
Geological Survey Division, ITC
Hengelosestraat 99, P.O. Box 6
7500 AA Enschede, The Netherlands
tel. +31 53 487 4282
fax. +31 53 487 4336
e-mail: fabbri@itc.nl


S3 Predictive models of landslide hazard
Conveners: Alberto Carrara and Chang-Jo Chung

Over the past 40 years the assessment of landslide occurrence has constituted a major task attempted by many institutions and individuals. However, landslide hazard zoning and risk mitigation remain a largely unsolved issue both in developed and developing countries.
Toward the end of the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR), it is of great relevance to summarize the state-of-the-art in quantitative predictive modeling of such a widely diffused catastrophic event. Hence, this session will constitute an opportunity to critically review methods currently available for predicting landslide hazard, mitigating its impact, and investigating the potential of new technological advancements for improving hazard forecast and risk reduction.
The session will cover the following topics:

Quantitative methods for predicting landslide occurrence in space and time
Role of data and models in predictive reliability
Role of modern technology in hazard assessment
Spatial models vs. temporal models
Statistical vs. deterministic models
Social and economic implications of risk or prediction maps

Both oral or poster contributions are strongly encouraged

Dr. Alberto Carrara
CNR - CSITE
Viale Risorgimento 2, 40136 Bologna, Italy
tel. +39 6443540
fax. +39 6443551
e-mail: acarrara@deis158.deis.unibo.it

Dr. Chang-Jo Chung
Geological Survey of Canada
601 Booth Street, Ottawa, Ontario
Canada, K1A OE8
tel. +1 613 996 3726
fax. +1 613 996 3413
email: CChung@gsc.NRCan.gc.ca


S4 Investigation and modeling of subsurface flow and contaminant transport with emphasis on the estimation of the uncertainty of the predictions

Conveners: Maria-Th. Schafmeister and Ghislain de Marsily

Groundwater resources are increasingly at stake at the end of this second millennium: increasing water demand, need for increased recharge or reinfiltration of wastewater, water salinization, or water quality deterioration due to diffuse sources (e.g., agricultural) or point sources (e.g., past or future waste disposal practices). These management questions require the use of groundwater flow and transport models, but with very clear indications on the confidence interval of their predictions. It is indeed no longer acceptable to build a model and make predictions without simultaneously quantifying the associated uncertainty. This is the focus of the session.
Interested parties should contribute to this session by sending an abstract focused on the theoretical and/or practical aspect of uncertainty estimation in groundwater flow and transport, for example in the following areas:
Inverse modeling
Enhanced hydrogeological interpretation by means of combined geophysical and hydrogeological data
Evaluation of groundwater recharge and of groundwater reserves
Groundwater quality assessment with point source and non-point source contaminants

Maria-Th. Schafmeister
Freie Universitat Berlin
FR Rohstoff-und Umweltgeologie
Malteserstr. 74-100
D-12249 Berlin, Germany
e-mail: schaf@zedat.fu-berlin.de

Ghislain de Marsily
Université Pierre et Marie Curie
Laboratoire de Géologie Appliquée, B123
4, Place Jussieu
F-75252 Paris Cedex 05, France
e-mail: gdm@ccr.jussieu.fr


S5 Applications of Geostatistical Estimation and Simulation

Convener: Margaret Armstrong
Although geostatistics is been used in the earth sciences for more than 20 years, new and interesting developments continue to be made both in estimation techniques and in simulation methods. The aim of this session is to gather together high quality papers that present practical applications of more recent techniques or thought-provoking applications of more classical methods in the earth sciences. Real world applications of the newer simulation methods would be particularly welcome as would comparative studies. Papers on studies where geostatistics was used to assist in economic decision making would be appreciated. Contributions presenting applications on the following would be welcome:

object-based simulations
pixel-based simulations
nonlinear estimation
estimating and simulating categorical data
nonstationary estimation or simulation
economic decision-making based on geostatistical models

Margaret Armstrong
Centre de Geostatistique
35 rue St Honore
77305 Fontainebleau, France
tel.: +33 1 6469 4774
fax.: +33 1 6469 4705
e-mail marg@cg.ensmp.fr


S6 Multivariate statistics in the earth sciences

Conveners: H. Burger and A. Buccianti

The IAMG'97 meeting revealed a continuing interest in multivariate statistical methods applied to geoscientific problems. The combination of multivariate statistics and geoinformation systems or computervision open new aspects for the interpretation of geoscientific data (geochemical exploration, marine geology, petrophysics, soil science, etc.)
You are invited to contribute to this session that will include the following topics:

New methods in multivariate statistics
Spatial analysis of multivariate data sets
End-member modeling
Visualization of multivariate analysis results (GIS)
Application of multivariate statistics (case studies)

Contributions are encouraged from all fields of geosciences.

Dr. Heinz Burger
Geoinformatik
Malteser Str. 74 -100
12249 Berlin, Germany
fax. +49 30 775 2075
e-mail: hburger@zedat.fu-berlin.de

Antonella Buccianti
Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra
Universita' di Firenze
Via La Pira, 4 I-50121, Firenze, Italy
tel. +39 55 2757496
fax. +39 55 284571
e-mail: buccianti@cesit1.unifi.it


S7 The statistical analysis of compositional data in the earth sciences

Conveners: John Aitchison and Vera Pawlowsky-Glahn

After a successful experience during IAMG'97, we would like to continue our debate on the statistical analysis of compositional data in the earth sciences. We are therefore organizing a scientific session during IAMG'98 on the same subject. In accordance with the wishes of the organizers of the meeting, authors presenting case studies will be particularly welcome.
You are invited to contribute to this session that will include the following topics:

Methodological approaches to compositional data analysis
Software suitable for compositional data analysis
Application of new methodologies and case studies

Contributions are encouraged from all fields of geosciences.


John Aitchison
Rosemount, Carrick Castle
Lochgoilhead
PA24 8AF Argyll, Scotland
e-mail: John.Aitchison@btinternet.com

Vera Pawlowsky-Glahn
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya
Departamento de Matemática Aplicada III
ETS de Ing. de Caminos, Canales y Puertos
c/ Gran Capitán, s/n
E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
e-mail: pawlowsky@etseccpb.upc.es


S8 Fractals and nonlinear dynamics

Conveners: Frits Agterberg and Qiuming Cheng

In recent years, applications of fractals and nonlinear dymanics have been increasing in the earth sciences. New mathematical theory for geoscience fractal modelling is being developed. An important challenge is to determine the extent to which traditional Euclidian geometry and linear model applications can be modified to incorporate these new developments.
Computer simulation with use of nonlinear difference equations will help to explain the widespread occurrence of random phenomena commonly modelled as random variables in existing applications of mathematical statistics. Some types of phenomena are chaotic or cyclic depending on minor changes of input parameters and boundary conditions. The concept of self-organized criticality offers new ways to explain power-law relations characteristic of fractal behaviour. Fractals can be regarded as special cases of continuous or discrete multifractals. The multifractal spectrum is related to the frequency distribution of random variables with spatial support defined for chemical element concentration values or geophysical field intensity measurements.
Multifractals and fractals result in specific types of semivariogram functions. This provide new directions for geostatistical research. Finally, the statistical estimation of fractal dimensions remains an important topic of investigation. Current solutions emphasize visual straightline fitting but nonlinear statistical modelling can make valuable contributions in this field.
The main topics that will be treated in this session will be:

Geoscientific theory and applications of fractals
multifractals, lacunarity and wavelet analysis
Accuracy and precision of estimates of fractal dimensions
Relation between geostatistics and fractals
Nonlinear models resulting in chaotic behaviour
Complexity and self-organized criticality
Applications in different fields including geochemistry, sedimentology, geology, stratigraphy and paleontology

Contributions are encouraged which cover and bring together these different aspects of geoscience

Frits P. Agterberg
Natural Resources Canada
601 Booth Street Ottawa K1A 0E8 - Canada
tel.: +1 613 996 2374
fax.: +1 613 996 0473
e-mail: agterberg@gsc.NRCan.gc.ca

Qiuming Cheng
Dept. of Earth and Atmospheric Science
York University
4700 Keele Street Toronto M3J 1P3 - Canada
te.: +1 416 736 5245
fax.: +1 416 736 5817
e-mail: qiuming@yorku.ca


S9 Marine Geology

Conveners: Bernd J. Haupt, Karl Stattegger, James Syvitski

After a successful session during IAMG'97, we would like to continue our discussion on numerical modeling approaches combined with data analysis in the field of marine geology. We are therefore organizing a scientific session during IAMG'98 on this subject.
You are invited to contribute to this session that will include the following topics:

Evaluation of proxy-data: statistics, aerial and spatial distributions of sampling-based data
Geophysical data and basin morphology
Trends and periodicities in the sedimentary record
Data-based facies models
Numerical modeling in hydrodynamics and paleoceanography - large, medium, small scale
mass balancing: water and sediment
particle and sediment transport
modeling of the ocean-basin sediment fill

Contributions are encouraged which cover and bring together these different aspects of data analysis and numerical modeling in marine geology.

Bernd J. Haupt, Karl Stattegger
Geologisch-Pal(ontologisches Institut
Universit(t Kiel Olshausenstra(e 40
D-24118 Kiel, Germany
tel. ++49 431 880 2881
fax. ++49 431 880 4376
e-mail: bernd@sfb313.uni-kiel.de
kstattegger@zaphod.gpi.uni-kiel.de

James Syvitski
Institute of Arctic & Alpine Research
University of Colorado at Boulder
1560 30th Street, Campus Box 450
Boulder C 80309-0450, USA
tel. ++1 303 492 7909
fax. ++1 303 492 6388
e-mail: james.syvitski@colorado.edu


S10 Geoscience data bases and standards

Conveners: William Hay and Roberto Potenza

The management and exploitation of data bases changed fairly in the last years, mainly due to the impact of new treatment software, and the expanding use of network for data exchange and search. The need for exchange tools as well as for standards in formats, language and methods is therefore more and more up to date. We are therefore organizing a technical session during IAMG'98 on this subject. You are invited to contribute to this session that will include the following topics:

New models in geoscience data bases
Data base management in local and network environments
Standards for access to geoscience data bases
Language reference tools
Methods to access target data in remote systems
Complex geoscience data integration

Contributions are encouraged which cover and bring together these different aspects of geoscience data base creation and use.

William Hay
GEOMAR
Wischhofstrasse 1-3 24148 Kiel Germany
Tel.:0049-431-600 2843
Tel.: (++49) 431 880 2881
Fax: (++49) 431 880 4376
e-mail: whay@geomar.de

Roberto Potenza
CNR-Dept. of Geological Informatics
Via Botticelli 23
20133 MILANO Italy
Tel: (++39)-2-2367713
Fax: (++39)-2-70638681
e–mail: geomat@icil64.cilea.it


S11 Image Analysis Technique in Geoscience

Convener: Bruno Capaccioni

The need to overcome the original "naturalistic" approach to investigate geological phenomena resulted into a rapid development of quantitative and instrumental methods. In order to achieve this target many researcher have began to develop computer-assisted image-analysis procedures and quantitative and reproducible data are now available on topics that in the past were only qualitatively described.
After the first astronomical applications, digital image analysis was extensively applied to many other fields of sciences: medicin, physics, and so one. At present many researchers that works in several fields of geosciences are using image analysis software packages to improve and quantify data from images taken from very small (for example SEM) or very large (for example remore-sensing, air or satellite photographs and so on) dimensional scales.
The aim of this session is to collect contributions from researchers who apply, develop or improve digital image analysis procedures in order to analyse geological and environmental data in all the different fields of application.

Contributions presenting applications on the following would be welcome:

methods of digital image enhancement and image segmentations;
particles shape analysis;
rock tectural fabric measurements;
matheamtical and statistical methods applied to data from image analysis;
image analysis and remote sensing;

Bruno Capaccioni
Institute of Volcanology and Geochemistry
University of Urbino
Loc. Crocicchia, 61029 Urbino (PS), Italy
tel.: ++39 722 304257
e-mail: b.capaccioni@geo.uniurb.it


Abstracts

Interested contributors for oral, poster or software presentations should submit a one-page abstract of 200 to 400 words in English without figures or references before 31 January 1998. Contributions will be selected by peer review of the submitted abstracts by at least two referees. Only the extended abstracts of accepted contributions will be published. Notification of acceptance together with instructions for the camera-ready manuscript (maximum of 6 pages) will be mailed on 31 March 1998. The final, camera-ready copy will be due before 30 May 1998. Participants at the conference will receive a volume of extended abstracts. Only papers of participants registered before 1 June 1998 will be included in the final program. Following the conference, authors of selected papers will be invited to present an article to be published in a special volume.

Submissions

Please send copy of your abstract by regular mail, fax or electronic mail in ASCII or RTF format to the following address:

Dr. Antonella Buccianti
IAMG'98 Conference Secretariat
Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra
Universita' di Firenze
Via La Pira, 4 I-50121, Firenze, Italy
tel. +39 55 2757496
fax. +39 55 284571
e-mail: buccianti@cesit1.unifi.it