Geoscientists to explore Whitsundays

The Whitsundays will become the focus of the international geoscience community from 11 August as part of the 34th International Geological Congress (IGC) field trip program.
The 34th IGC has attracted more than 5,000 delegates from over 112 countries to Brisbane from 5 – 10 August 2012.
Geologists will participate in a field trip to the Whitsunday Island Group led by Dr Scott Bryan, from Queensland University of Technology, from 11 – 17 August to explore the geology of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage are, including the Whitsunday Large Igneous Province.
The 34th IGC President, Dr Neil Williams, said the field trips would give international and local geoscientists the opportunity to see and experience all Queensland and the Oceania region has to offer.
“Fundamental to understanding geology is examining rocks in the field, so field trips have always been a major feature of the IGCs,” Dr Williams said.
“The exciting range of 34th IGC field trips, including the Whitsundays, will showcase regional Queensland’s geoscience strengths, innovations and natural wonders.
“The 34th IGC is the largest geological event to be held in Australia, attracting thousands of attendees from Australia and around the world.
“Many geologists come to the IGC just to go on the field trips to see the critical geological features of the host area.
“Queensland offers great August weather, value for money and proximity to geo-tourist features such as the Great Barrier Reef.
“This exciting event will also help showcase Queensland’s importance to the global geological and resources communities.”
The Australian Geoscience Council – the peak body for the professional and learned societies – will host the 34th IGC in Brisbane from 5 – 10 August 2012.
The IGC was first held in 1878, and is the oldest and most prestigious gathering of geoscientists from industry, governments, academia, research organisations and professional societies globally.
The scientific sponsor of the IGC is the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), the largest and most active non-governmental scientific organisation in the world.
For more information about the IGC visit www.34igc.org.