14th Swiss Geoscience Meeting 2016, Geneva

On Friday 18th, four keynote speakers will present their research covering a wide range of geoscientific topics related to this year's theme "Time in Geosciences: Knowledge for a new beginning".

Time is a fundamental and fascinating variable at the heart of Geosciences. They strive to uncover the timing of events and their chronology in order to understand the dynamics of our planet and the forces that govern its evolution. Dating techniques occupy a central part in this endeavour, and their developments have been decisive in reshaping our understanding of Earth and the evolution of Life.

The identification of a rich record of global changes reflecting complex interactions between different processes operating at very different time and space scales stimulates our awareness that daily, even local, changes integrate into global and long-term transformations.

More than ever, our immediate concern with environmental change, energy resource availability and healthy living conditions requests an in depth understanding of the Earth’s history and functioning. In this plenary session, our aim is to inspire thinking around the broad notion of Time in Geosciences, and how this knowledge is an asset for adaptation to a changing planet.

Our speakers will take us far back to the origins of Earth and Life on Earth in deep time, unlocking some aspects of the physical and biological parameters underpinning the Earth’s system. On the other hand, the speakers will address changes at a human scale, and how we can learn from our recent past via lessons from the Holocene. They will also provide insight into how deep geoscience intelligence shall be at the service of modern approaches for solving emergencies in the field of Energy and climate change.

On Saturday 19th, a series of scientific symposia will cover the diverse spectrum of current research in geoscience,encompassing the lithosphere, the hydrosphere, the cryosphere, the biosphere, the atmosphere and the anthroposphere.

The SGM also provides the ideal environment to foster informal contacts and discussion among scientists, in particular during the Swiss Geoscience Party on Friday evening but also at the poster sessions in the hallways of the conference building (Kollegienhaus) on Saturday. Time is reserved for two poster sessions, at which the authors will be present for active discussion and feedback.

Looking forward to seeing you in Geneva!
The SGM 2016 Organizing Committee.