Geologists in town for annual convention

More than 4,000 members of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) and industry geoscientists are in Utah this week for the organization’s Global Convention, according to a release from Visit Salt Lake. The meet, which concludes Wednesday at the Calvin L. Rampton Salt Palace Convention Center, gives geologists from around the globe a chance to study Utah’s geology first hand, learn from experts, take scientific field trips and network with colleagues, Visit Salt Lake said.

The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah estimates that the convention will have a direct economic impact to the area of more than $3.7 million.  

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The AAPG is an association for “explorationists,” the organization said. It focuses ion the the science of petroleum geology. AAPG’s membership is made up of about 30,000 members in 129 countries in the upstream energy industry.

This week’s convention includes 13 field trips that will take participants to every corner of Utah, highlighted by geo-tourism trips planned for Utah’s “Mighty 5” national parks. Trips also offer scientific excursions to the Book Cliffs, San Rafael Swell, Ferron sandstone formations, the Uintah Basin, Paradox Basin and areas along the Wasatch Front, including the Great Salt Lake. 

AAPG has selected a local teacher, Deborah Morgan, a geology teacher from South Sevier High School in Monroe, as its AAPG Foundation Teacher of the Year. This award is given annually to a K-12 teacher in the U.S. who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the field of geoscience education.

“This convention provides an opportunity for our members and industry professionals alike to return to the rocks and to remember the importance of fundamental geologic concepts, but also to look to the future, to harness and embrace new technology and innovation,” said Michael Vanden Berg, general chair of the convention. “It also presents a great learning opportunity for students who are interested in the field.”

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