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Dear Colleagues:
Welcome to Philadelphia for the 21st Annual Symposium on the Application of Geophysics to Engineering and Environmental Problems (SAGEEP). Philadelphia - the birthplace of America - has a rich history to explore. We have added a number of special historic touches to make SAGEEP's first visit to the city especially memorable.
Those who arrive early can begin their exploration on Sunday afternoon with a leisurely bicycle tour
of the geology of Philadelphia (bicycle and helmet rental available). The tour will include a visit to the historic Philadelphia Water Works, the most advanced in the world
in early 1800's. Sunday evening relax and enjoy food, conversation, and live music provided by your talented colleagues at the Sunday evening Ice Breaker. After the
Ice Breaker, why not join the students for bowling at Lucky Strike Lanes? This restaurant is less than a block away from the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown and features
bowling alleys on three floors, a bar, and food selections from an American Bistro menu. The lanes and bowling shoes will be free to students attending the conference.
Monday morning kicks off with a keynote presentation by Dr. Robin E. Bell of Lamont-Doherty Earth
Observatory. Dr. Bell's research involves the geophysical characterization of subglacial lakes, including Lake Vostok, a freshwater lake the size of Lake Ontario beneath 4000
m of ice in central Antarctica. From imaging by satellite, airborne gravity, and ground penetrating radar, we now know that there are more than 150 lakes under the Antarctic ice
sheets. Come to Dr. Bell's talk to learn more about the Radars of the Lost Lake.
The keynote address will open the general meeting. Technical Chair Ron Kaufmann has assembled a
broad technical program, including sessions on the Future of Geophysical Technology, Innovative Seismic Applications, Marine and Beach Geophysics, Experimental Geophysics and a
special session devoted to four of the best papers from the 13th European Meeting of Environmental and Engineering Geophysics of the Near Surface Geoscience Division of EAGE, held
in Istanbul, Turkey last September. Posters will continue to be visible components of the technical program, including special overview sessions where authors will present a
short oral summary to entice you to visit their poster.
Our Technical Luncheon speaker will be Greg Baker, the winner of the new EEGS/Geonics Early Career
Award given annually to a new faculty member whose research in near-surface geophysics shows exceptional promise. The Business Luncheon will feature Bill Owen from the
Geophysics and Geology Branch of the California Department of Transportation. Come to learn how you can help your own state's DOT become a savvy user of geophysics.
Between talks be sure to visit the Exhibit Hall. Our exhibitor chairperson, Micki Allen has put
together a program with over 40 exhibitors in attendance to talk with you about the latest developments in instrumentation, software, and services. Best of all, you can see
the equipment in action by attending the Exhibitor Outdoor Equipment Demonstration on Monday afternoon, to be held in Independence Historic Park in downtown Philadelphia. The
demonstration will take place in a grassy field near the famous Liberty Bell at the President's House archeological excavation site, only short walk (0.5 miles, or 0.8 km)
from the hotel. Bring your conference badge; it entitles you to a free hot pretzel and soft drink!
Educational opportunities abound this year. John Stowell has once again put together an
interesting set of short courses that will take place both before and after the general meeting. Consult your program for the titles, times and instructors. But in
addition to short course, new this year we have EEG University (separate registration required), a special series of lectures running concurrently with the technical sessions
designed to provide an overview of geophysical methods for non-practitioners, or an introduction to new areas for geophysicists and engineers interested in broadening their
horizons. Engineers, note that you can obtain professional development credit though the ASCE for attending these sessions.
Those of you who stay on though Thursday will be rewarded with a special field trip, a real treat for
history buffs: "The Gettysburg Battlefield: Geology's Impact Upon Military History." From the Jurassic diabase underlying Seminary and Cemetery Ridges, to the soft red shale and
sandstone under the lowlands, come learn how geology sculpted the terrain that controlled this pivotal battle in the American Civil War. Make your reservation early as bus
seating is limited.
Finally, I want to encourage all of you to mark your calendars for Tuesday night's Gala.
The one event you will not want to miss this year is the Special Evening Event, to be held in the National Constitution Center. Built in 2005, the Constitution Center
is one of the newest museums in the United States. Your ticket will not only entitle you to dinner, dancing, music, and conversation, but includes private admission to DeVos Hall,
a self-guided, family-oriented interactive exhibit that highlights the role of the U.S. Constitution in History. You can take the seat of a Supreme Court justice, vote for
your all-time favorite president, or even take the oath of office yourself. Sign up as early as possible because gala seating is limited.
If you see a SAGEEP 2008 committee member (names on page 2 of the program) be sure thank them for
their dedication and hard work. I personally owe each and every one of them a Philly cheese steak. Welcome to SAGEEP 2008, our 21st Anniversary, and enjoy the meeting!
Jonathan Nyquist, SAGEEP 2008 General Chair
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